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Articles 1 - 10 of 10

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The American Space Industry: A History Of Innovation And An Analysis Of Future Policy, Miles J. Pollard Dec 2022

The American Space Industry: A History Of Innovation And An Analysis Of Future Policy, Miles J. Pollard

Pepperdine Policy Review

This paper articulates the evolution of US space policy by collating the history of space program developments alongside the international treaties responsible for safe space exploration. As the US shifts from NASA-led ventures to private ventures, the treaties developed both during and after the space race are coming under scrutiny. Private US companies such as Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and Space X are investing in the future realms of space tourism, settlements, and mining that will hopefully provide untold profits for all of mankind. However, there exists the danger of a Kessler Syndrome event blocking access to Earth’s orbits if …


Decomposing The Wage Gap: Analysis Of The Wage Gap Between Racial And Ethnic Minorities And Whites, Jennifer Kamara Jan 2015

Decomposing The Wage Gap: Analysis Of The Wage Gap Between Racial And Ethnic Minorities And Whites, Jennifer Kamara

Pepperdine Policy Review

Across the country in big cities, suburbs and rural areas, Blacks and Hispanics earn less in comparison to Whites. The prevalence of the wage gap for racial and ethnic minorities is widely known though the composition of that gap has been up for debate. Using empirical analysis, this paper first investigates the relationship between race and wages then, using Oaxaca Decomposition, decomposes the wage gap for these groups. Weighted regression analysis confirms previous research that indicates Blacks and Hispanics earn significantly less than Whites however decomposition results indicate alternate theories as to the basis of the wage differential. In metro …


Agricultural Patenting: A Case Study Of Monsanto, Shannon Moran Jan 2014

Agricultural Patenting: A Case Study Of Monsanto, Shannon Moran

Pepperdine Policy Review

In 2012, genetically-modified crops reached 170 million hectares around the globe. The ability to patent basic forms of life such as plant properties and the legal history of those intellectual property rights gives biotechnological companies such as Monsanto immense power in the vital agricultural sector. This article outlines the concerns over genetically-modified products and the implications for follow-on advancements within biotechnology by using Monsanto as a case study. The article finds that patent policies similar to those within the United States severely restrict competition and stifle innovation in not only the agricultural sector but also within research and humanitarian projects. …


The Minimum Wage And Teen Unemployment: A Study Of The Effect Of The Fair Minimum Wage Act Of 2007, Alexander Pino Jan 2014

The Minimum Wage And Teen Unemployment: A Study Of The Effect Of The Fair Minimum Wage Act Of 2007, Alexander Pino

Pepperdine Policy Review

The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 increased the national minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.25 per hour. We attempt to evaluate the impact of this statute on low-skill labor. We do so by analyzing the effect of the law on the teen unemployment rate in the five states with no state minimum wages (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Using the adult unemployment rate as a control in a difference-in-differences analysis we find that the 2007 minimum wage increase had a negative effect on teen employment in these states.


Rust-Belt Recovery: The Cleveland Model As Economic Development In An Age Of Economic Stagnation And Climate Change, Ross Lenihan Jan 2014

Rust-Belt Recovery: The Cleveland Model As Economic Development In An Age Of Economic Stagnation And Climate Change, Ross Lenihan

Pepperdine Policy Review

The economic outlook of the United States is dire. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, poverty has not lessened even as U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has rebounded following the Great Recession. This paper explores the development potential of joint worker-community cooperative structures during the current economic downturn by analyzing the “Cleveland model,” a network of worker-owned cooperatives supported by local education/healthcare "anchor" institutions and financed and organized by a non-profit community development corporation. I find that while worker and community-owned enterprises hold significant promise for both workers and communities in times of economic stagnation and ecological danger, existing market …


Nets Or Vaccines: Malaria Vaccine Research, David Ernenwein Jan 2014

Nets Or Vaccines: Malaria Vaccine Research, David Ernenwein

Pepperdine Policy Review

The global battle against malaria has seen many victories in the developed world but the undeveloped world and particularly Africa continue to suffer from this disease. The development of the RTS,S vaccine and ongoing research into additional vaccines have been touted as the solution to the crisis. However, the news of the successful RTS,S trial should be viewed with caution. Concerns over the effectiveness of the existing vaccine and the cost of further development may not be justified, especially given the known effectiveness of current treatment methods. This research must be watched carefully lest the allure of the vaccine blind …


Are All R&D Dollars Created Equal?: A Look At The Effect Of Federal Investment On Patent Success, Casey J. O'Neil Jan 2012

Are All R&D Dollars Created Equal?: A Look At The Effect Of Federal Investment On Patent Success, Casey J. O'Neil

Pepperdine Policy Review

No abstract provided.


Providing Aid To Fragile Or Failed States: A Short Argument For Moderation, Anthony H. Miller Jan 2012

Providing Aid To Fragile Or Failed States: A Short Argument For Moderation, Anthony H. Miller

Pepperdine Policy Review

No abstract provided.


A Memo On Social Security, Michele Ogawa Jan 2012

A Memo On Social Security, Michele Ogawa

Pepperdine Policy Review

No abstract provided.


Estimating The Impact Of Cell Phone Laws On Car Accident Fatalities, Odinakachi Anyanwu Jan 2012

Estimating The Impact Of Cell Phone Laws On Car Accident Fatalities, Odinakachi Anyanwu

Pepperdine Policy Review

No abstract provided.