bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Profit Accountability in Least Developed Nations: Lessons Learned from West Africa
Authors: Porumbescu Gregory A.
Published: May 2024

In least developed countries, nonprofit organizations play a critical role in ensuring the wellbeing of the populations they serve. However, despite their importance, the body of literature examining the performance of nonprofit organizations in such contexts is underdeveloped. This research seeks to address this dearth in the nonprofit literature, focusing in particular upon the role of accountability in such organizations. We do so by discussing the bases for accountability arrangements in these organizations and how they relate to performance management practices. As such, the objective of this study is to discuss how accountability is incorporated into the performance management practices in nonprofit organizations in least developed contexts. We address this research objective based upon insights drawn over the course of a weeklong intensive training session that was delivered by the author to senior level managers of nonprofits dealing with water and sanitation services located in Ghana, Niger and Burkina Faso. Findings suggest that the chief barrier to implementing effective accountability based management regimes relates to a lack of organizational capacity.
Passing the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program Bill: A Case Study Applying Theories of Policy Change
Authors: Knox Claire Connolly
Published: May 2024

The Advocacy Coalition Framework, while aptly explains change in the public policy process, fails to answer the Lasswellian question about the benefits and losses of policy change. The Social Construction Framework answers this question, but neglects to comprehensively conceptualize subsystems and institutions in the policy process. This micro-level case study applies these frameworks to analyze the passage of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program Bill. Results of this study suggest an incremental shift from previous legislation, but a radical shift comes with the inclusion of “Northern Everglades.” Together, the frameworks capture this radical, non-incremental policy change with major implications for the (1) geographic boundary and political scope of future Everglades and water policies in Florida, and (2) implementation and policy outcomes of this new legislation. The article concludes with limitations and recommendations for future research.
The Role of Stakeholders in Municipal Contracting Out
Authors: Schafer Josephine , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: May 2024

The environment for contracting out local government public services can be intractable. It is in these environments that engaging external stakeholders can provide pivotal resources. To date, stakeholder literature has suggested that strategically engaging stakeholders can provide information to reduce risk and mobilize support that makes difficult to adopt policy initiatives such as contracting out public services possible. However, few have empirically explored the strategic use of stakeholders as well as their impact on contracting out. Using a large data set of municipal governments compiled from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Alternative Delivery Survey (ASD) in 2007 and Census Bureau local government finance data, we demonstrate that engaging external stakeholders is positively related to municipalities with a larger percentage of public services outsourced. We demonstrate that the professional and strategic practice of engaging stakeholders helps to make difficult choices such as contracting out more plausible options in municipal government.
Summary Execution: The Impact of Alternative Summarization Strategies on Local Governments
Authors: Drew Joseph , Dollery Brian
Published: May 2024

Performance management in the public sector, including local government, has become far more pervasive in recent decades. Often performance indicators are summarized into a single score to enhance understanding and ease dissemination. However, the summation of performance indicators caries a risk that the rating assigned may largely be an artefact of the summarization strategy rather than an accurate representation of municipal performance. We employ the recent evaluation of New South Wales’ municipal performance to demonstrate that the performance indicator compilation strategy is indeed a major determinant of the ratings assigned to local councils. Moreover, we illustrate how ratings may exert a constitutive effect on municipalities by altering organizational behavior. A number of policy lessons are drawn from our empirical analysis, including significant methodological considerations and the need for higher levels of transparency.
Cost Accounting at the Service Level: An Analyis of Transaction Cost Influnces on Indirect Cost Measurment in the Cost Accounting Plans of Large US Cities
Authors: Mohr Zachary
Published: May 2024

Cost accounting has been used in public organizations for over 100 years. In spite of cost accounting's history, there remains little empirical research of multiple organizations use of cost accounting at the department or service level. This paper uses the data from large U.S. cities’ central cost accounting plans, budgets, Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, and common measures of transaction costs to examine the influence of economic transaction costs on the measurement of indirect cost measurement for services. The results indicate that indirect cost measurement is limited by the transaction costs that arise from asset specificity at the service level but measurement uncertainty is related with a higher likelihood of observing an indirect cost driver. Transaction cost theory may help explain the notable underutilization of cost accounting in public organizations, but it also highlights the need for understanding the different dimensions of transaction costs for cost accounting and performance measurement.
Local Government Adoption of Age Friendly Policies: An Integrated Model of Responsiveness, Multi-Level Governance and Public Entrepreneurship Theories
Authors: Keyes Laura , Benavides Abraham
Published: May 2024

Existing research on local government adoption of age friendly policies has been limited in its theoretical approach and empirical analysis. While these findings suggest an important role for local government in this issue, this paper asserts that a single model does not offer a full explanation. Therefore, the following paper assess different conceptual models for local government adoption of policies deemed important for older adults to remain independent in their community. This paper argues that responsiveness, multi-level governance, and public entrepreneurship theories offer a fuller explanation for local government policy decision-making. Some local governments throughout the nation are already showing an increase in support for the adoption of age-friendly policies and are designing initiatives that address fundamental policies like housing, transportation, and other services. This research examines evidence from a 20-question survey designed to probe general features of local governments and specific community characteristics to determine the extent to which local governments adopt relative policies and implement programs. The authors find support for a multi-model explanation.
Public Land Agencies, Oira, and Rulemaking24
Authors: Rinfret Sara
Published: May 2024

This research examines the role of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs’ (OIRA) involvement in federal rulemaking. More specifically, this paper presents interview data from agency rule-writers across three public land agencies, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), along with OIRA staff to better understand OIRA's role in rulemaking processes. Through semi-structured interviews, this paper provides evidence to support that negative perceptions and relationships between OIRA and public land agencies only lengthens and strains rule development. The results suggest important lessons from agency personnel and OIRA staff about how future rulemakings can be strengthened by working on regulatory relationships through new forms of uniformity and consistency.
Privatization of County Nursing Homes: What is the Debate Really About?
Authors: Zahradnik Anne G. , Levine Helisse
Published: May 2024

Severely constrained resources have pushed many New York State counties into a consideration of whether or not to sell their county-owned nursing home. The situation became more common during the recent recession, but some counties have been wrangling over the question for 10 years or more. Like so many struggles over limited public resources, the debates have been lengthy, convoluted, and vitriolic at times. The accusations, the aspersions, the dramatic grand standing, the flag-waving statements of appropriate rights and responsibilities, the highly skewed presentation of governance principles, and pointed referrals to intergenerational equity all showed, in sharp, local, detail the same tendencies as the ongoing national debate. Questions about our individual roles and responsibilities v. what role can, could, or should the government play are ever-present parts of the discussion. This natural experiment in discourse lent itself to a mixed methods content analysis of how the issues were being worked through in public platforms.
Win-Win Agreements and Public Private Infrastructure Partnerships: Managerial and Governance Concerns
Authors: Schachter Hindy Lauer , Daniel Janice , Liu Rachel (Rongfang)
Published: May 2024

Using qualitative data from free form interviews this article examines the role of win-win agreements in negotiating state and local public-private infrastructure partnerships. Based on case study evidence the authors argue that the skills required to assemble coalitions for such partnerships may, in some cases, lead administrators to pay insufficient attention to the public values aspects of partnership negotiation. The concluding section offers suggestions to alleviate this problem. One recommendation focuses on giving legislatures a larger role in overseeing the public value aspect of PPPs. Another recommendation proposes that administrators develop and use value checklists.
Collaboration Challenges and the Construction of Complex Data Systems: Lessons from the Development of the Illinois Longitudinal Data System
Authors: Bland J. Travis , Blankenberger Bob
Published: May 2024

Over the last several years, government has invested heavily to create state longitudinal data systems. Policymakers stand poised to make use of these new systems to inform decision making in ways that were not possible in the past. Building such data systems requires the formation of complex networks involving the coordination and cooperation of large numbers of actors. Building these networks is no easy task and must be undertaken with careful planning. Employing Thomson and Perry's collaboration framework as a tool for analysis, this article examines the construction of one such data system, the Illinois Longitudinal Data System (ILDS), and offers lessons learned based on the successes and failures of its development. Findings focused on the role that negative histories and mandated formation play in network development.
Less is More? Publicness, Management Strategy, and Organizational Performance in Mental Health Treatment Facilities
Authors: Merritt Cullen C. , Cordell Kathleen , Farnworth Morgan D.
Published: May 2024

In this study, the authors seek to identify mechanisms of publicness present within mental health treatment facilities and, subsequently, explore the constraints these mechanisms impose on facilities’ capacities to achieve public outcomes. Through grounded insights from senior managers in this field, political authority, namely through governmental funding and regulation, is identified by 43 of 46 respondents as being an influence on publicness. Authors then uncover the conditions during which publicness, in the form of political authority, constrains organizational achievement of public outcomes. In leveraging managerial perspectives, two distinct constraints emerged: publicness often inhibits organizational efficiency and produces mission drift within these facilities. Findings suggest that managers, under certain conditions (and where legally feasible), may provide greater effectiveness in fulfilling organizational goals and objectives and in achieving public outcomes by maintaining or decreasing an organization's publicness. Fundamental to effectively managing publicness is understanding the mechanisms germane to both public outcome attainment and failure—the latter of which is explored here.
Implementing Downsizing Reforms in County Governments
Authors: Liou Kuotsai Tom , Feldheim Mary Ann
Published: May 2024

This study examined the implementation of downsizing reforms in U.S. county governments to understand popular strategies considered and to test related influence factors. Based on the analysis of data from a national survey, this study examines the implementation of different downsizing reform strategies and tests the influence of individual and organizational factors on the use of downsizing strategies. The descriptive statistics revealed that county governments are conservative in the implementation of downsizing strategies: the top three strategies are redesigning jobs and positions, combining agency units, and simplifying rules and procedures. Factor analysis results indicated three downsizing groups that support the interest in applying different strategies in structural and cultural changes. The findings of multivariate regression analyses showed that the size of the county budget and the population are related to the downsizing group, which preferred introducing buy-out packages and introducing bottom-up changes. Implications of the research findings are presented for future studies of public management reforms.
Social Justice and Qualitative Praxis
Authors: Austin Eric K. , Callen Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2024

In too many instances of excessive force involving police, law enforcement agencies turn to their own policies to justify behavior that resulted in civilian injuries and deaths. In this article, we explore how the structure of contemporary administrative ethical theory and practice hopes to mitigate instances of harm and injustice done by public administrators and institutions. Critiques of administrative ethics reveal a particular logic that posits “good knowledge” as the basis of right or ethical action, and correspondingly that ethical administrators are such because they are able to act on good information. We extend the critique of instrumental rationality in administrative ethics, and the institutional structures that result from that logic, and then introduce an alternative normative orientation towards governance, which we call qualitative praxis, which we argue better responds to the paradoxical and wicked conditions of late-modern governance.
Public Perceptions, Elections Administration, and the Role of Street Level Bureaucrats
Authors: Rinfret Sara , Barsky Christina , Scott Samuel
Published: May 2024

A great deal of research has examined how and why individuals vote in the United States. Yet, due to increased accusations of fraudulent electoral practices, more research is needed to explore the role of street-level bureaucrats or front-line actors in the administration of elections. The purpose of this research is to examine a different perspective of electoral processes – public perceptions of county level election administration. We conducted a telephone survey of 605 randomly selected registered voters from Missoula County, Montana to develop an index documenting public confidence in elections administration. The results provide strong support for the important role county level election administrators’ play in shaping and strengthening the future of electoral processes for their communities and states more broadly.
Cultural Competency: Administrative Accountability and Responsibility
Authors: Carrizales Tony
Published: May 2024

The organizational practice of cultural competency is not new. Public sector organizations hold a responsibility in promoting cultural competency and incorporating practices that serve diverse communities. The following research lays out various aspects of cultural competence accountability. Using the framework of Romzek and Dubnick (1987) cultural competency is explored through four systems of accountability. These systems: bureaucratic, legal, professional and political, allow for different perspectives to view organizations and areas for which they can systematically review their cultural competence practices.
The Impact of Performance Measurement and Performance Information Use on Municipal and County Performance
Authors: Dimitrijevska-Markoski Tamara
Published: May 2024

While the deployment of performance measurement systems is a well-researched topic, the relationship among performance measurement, performance information use, and performance results receive limited attention in public administration literature. As the primary purpose of performance measurement is to foster organizational improvement, this study examines the impact of performance measurement and performance information use on perceived municipal and county performance in Florida. Through analysis of 29 local governments, the study finds that adequate performance measurement has a positive influence on performance information use which, in turn, influences organizational performance. The study did not find a direct influence of adequate performance measurement on municipal and county performance. Findings have significant implications on use of performance information and suggest a need in developing adequate performance measures in counties and municipalities.
“Making-Up during Data Analysis” the Performance Measurement System in Karnataka
Authors: Maurya Dayashankar , Joshi Kedar , Khandker Varsha , Pratap Vidya , Iyer Vishwanathan
Published: May 2024

In developing countries, performance measurement systems are widely adopted but understudied. Using a case study approach, we assess performance measurement systems for the timely delivery of public services in Karnataka, India. We identify the gaps and propose a five-stage framework to measure performance as per an ‘authentic’ performance measurement approach. We demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed framework by comparing performance measured under the existing framework vis-à-vis proposed, using two-year administrative data. The comparative analysis reveals that the present system lacks accuracy, does not pinpoint low-performing services and departments, and misrepresents performance by wrongly aggregating it to create a favorable impression. The study highlights the lack of policy and analytical capacity in analyzing and interpreting performance data, which limits its appropriate use in diagnosing and perforcing performance. The proposed framework can be adapted for use across context and for different dimensions of performance in services delivery.
Valuing the Transfer of Citizens’ Nonadministrative Knowledge to Government: Insights from Political Philosophy
Authors: Pyrozhenko Vadym V.
Published: May 2024

This theory-building essay aims to conceptually articulate the valuing of the transfer of citizens’ nonadministrative knowledge to government. Two ways of valuing, instrumental and normative, are identified and examined in public administration literature. I argue that public administration lacks an understanding of the distinctive normative or democratic significance of citizens’ nonadministrative knowledge. To fill this gap, selected critical theory, postmodern, and pragmatist philosophical approaches to the valuing of citizens’ knowledge are examined in relation to two kinds of knowledge transfer in citizen-government exchanges: administrator knowledge transfer and citizen knowledge transfer. The review suggests that the normative valuing of citizen knowledge transfer requires the empirical and proactive examination of contemporary forms of citizens’ knowledge; that administrator and citizen knowledge transfers should be investigated as interconnected phenomena in an integrative approach, which implies a greater attention to conflict over knowledge; and that the greater normative valuing of citizen knowledge transfer could stimulate its instrumental valuing.
Science V. Significance: Examining the Role and Application of Statistical Significance Testing in Public Administration Research
Authors: Neely Stephen R.
Published: May 2024

In the past fifty years, a notable body of literature has called into question the utility of statistical significance testing, as well as the deference granted it by quantitative researchers in the social sciences. While much of this literature has emerged from fields on the periphery of public administration (i.e. economics and psychology), recent evidence has suggested that PA scholars may also be over-reliant on significance testing in the conduct of quantitative research. Although significance testing is perceived by many as lending scientific credence to empirical analyses, critics have argued that it is not a sufficient means of generating actionable knowledge or informing public sector decision-making. This article reviews common misconceptions about significance testing and assesses current practices in the public administration literature. The use and application of significance testing in two of the field's leading academic journals is reviewed, and recommendations for enhancing the quality and impact of PA's quantitative research are offered.
Public Sector Reforms in the United Arab Emirates: Antecedents and Outcomes
Authors: Sarker Abu Elias , Athmay Alaa- Aldin Abdul Rahim A. Al
Published: May 2024

Drawing upon an extensive review of litertaure, this article has proposed a conceptual model in order to provide an exploratory analysis of the antecedants of public sector reforms and their subsequent outcomes. It challenges the conventional wisdom of the difficulties in implementing market-oriented reforms in countries with the overlapping of formal and informal institutions. In doing so, this article has elaborated four antecedents- global forces, state leadership under developmental neo-patrimonialism, strategic partnerships and organizational factors. Based on the secondary sources of data and information, the findings reveal that state leadership of the United Arab Emirates has played a critical role in orchestrating the whole reform process, garnering other antecedents and selecting the implementable items of refoms and that, the outcomes of reforms have been impressive. The outcomes include, among others, economic diversification, deregulation, increased local and foreign private investment, and increased managerial efficiency and effectiveness of public service service delivery. The current study makes two unique contributions. First, it shows that even under a neo-patrimonial state, quality outcomes are possible. Second, it is a unique compresensive research on public sector refroms in the United Arab Emirates.
How to Improve Performance of Public Universities? A Strategic Management Approach
Authors: Angiola Nunzio , Bianchi Piervito , Damato Letizia
Published: May 2024

Strategic management literature supposes that strategic planning and implementation processes can improve public administrations performance. However, there is little empirical evidence about this linkage and it could prevail a bureaucratic approach in strategic planning. Therefore, using one of the strategic management levers (the quality of performance measurement systems), the paper examined whether strategic planning and implementation processes of public universities actually improve organizational performance levels.

At first, the performance measurement systems of n. 29 Italian public universities were analyzed from 2011 to 2014.

By way of statistical methodologies (multiple regression analysis) it was examined the impact (through outcome indicators) of performance measurement systems on public universities performance.

The results show a little improvement in the quality of performance measurement systems of public universities in the period considered and a positive impact of strategic management on public universities results.
Developing A Corruption-Vulnerability Index for Organizations: A Study of Indian State-Owned Enterprises
Authors: Janardhanan Vinayan , Nambudiri Ranjeet
Published: May 2024

This is a scholar-practitioner effort to develop a tool for assessing the anti-corruption preparedness of organizations. This study aims to develop an index to measure corruption vulnerability of organizations, drawn from an extensive review of the literature, field data from state-owned enterprises, and qualitative data through interviews with practitioners and domain experts. Extant literature and practitioner studies indicate the absence of a framework which works in an ex-ante, preventive mode to analyze organizations in terms of the preparedness of their systems and routines against organizational corruption. We examined paradigms that are considered moderators and precursors to organizational corruption. Drawing on existing theory we identified certain core Ethics Resources (ERs) of organizations and argue that these are the fountainheads of ethical behavior in an organization. These variables were linked with data on real-life corruption cases in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) drawn from a national-level oversight body, to develop the conceptual framework. Thereafter, using semi-structured interviews with practitioners and through the assistance of domain experts we constructed from this framework, a Corruption Vulnerability Index. Finally, using a structured instrument administered to a sample of vigilance officers from SOEs, we tested the index in 46 organizations. The result is a predictive and preventive tool that can be used by top managements, oversight bodies, and industry associations to predict vulnerability of organization systems and routines to misuse and abuse; and to compare and grade various organizations on this count. Streams for continued research and practice are identified.
An Intersectional Approach to Public School Leadership: Employment Patterns among Principals in Multiethnic U. S. School Districts
Authors: Zajicek Anna , Hunt Valerie H. , Miller Will , Kerr Brinck
Published: May 2024

U.S. educational institutions have been exploring ways to diversify leadership. Using an intersectional approach and a dataset compiled by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), we examine factors associated with racial/ethnic diversity among women and men employed as principals in 613 multiethnic public school districts. Specifically, using the school district as unit of analysis, we evaluate the patterns of significance for coefficients across six multivariate regression models. Findings indicate that the most commonly used contextual variables associated with educational workforce composition are not consistent determinants of principal positions across the six intersectional groups. The internal factors, especially gender composition of teachers and racial/ethnic composition of teachers, assistant principals, and administrators appear to be more accurate predictors of principalships, suggesting that findings for workforce and leadership factors support the intersectional perspective. We observe that the significance of explanatory variables differs across models for women and men representing different racial/ethnic groups.
Comparing School Board Governing Dynamics in Small Rural and Suburban Districts
Authors: Ford Michael R. , Ihrke Douglas M.
Published: May 2024

In this paper we use the case of U.S. school boards to compare small group governing dynamics across suburban and rural school boards serving fewer than 1,000 students. Using a national dataset, we find that rural school board members are less diverse, perceive higher levels of interpersonal conflict, and higher levels of interest group influence compared to their suburban colleagues. The results reveal the need to consider contextual factors such as urbanity when researching small group governing dynamics on public boards, and the importance of place-based policy making. The results are relevant to scholars of small group dynamics, municipal governance, and school boards.
Taking Care of Business and Doing Overtime: Teaching Research Methods in Public Affairs Curricula
Authors: Kinzer Kirsten L. , Brennan John F. , Prentice Christopher R. , Brudney Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2024

In this research, we sought to better understand important trends and developments in the teaching of quantitative and research methods courses in graduate public affairs programs. We were specifically interested in the following areas related to the teaching of quantitative and research methods: the impact of new technologies on curriculum delivery; the content of courses related to statistical analysis and research design; and the importance of numeracy, ethics, and data visualization. We surveyed quantitative and research methods instructors in graduate public affairs programs using the same survey instrument at two intervals 8 years apart and analyzed results from each period side-by-side. Findings indicate some stark differences in the content and delivery of these courses. Given the timing of the second survey—Spring 2021—findings are considered within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Impact of Population Growth on Local Community Satisfaction in the Victorian Local Government System
Authors: Dollery Brian , Reddy Yarram Subba , Tran Carolyn-Thi Thanh Dung
Published: May 2024

The scholarly literature has shown that population growth affects not only local and national economies, but also the quality of community life. Using the most recent 2014/2015 to 2017/2018 local government satisfaction data, we empirically examine the impact of population growth on overall community satisfaction, as well as some other sub-dimensions of resident satisfaction, in the Victorian state local government system in Australia and then investigate the differential effects of population growth on community satisfaction in urban and regional councils. Our findings show that population growth negatively influenced overall community satisfaction and some other sub-dimensions of local resident satisfaction. Moreover, population growth generated greater dissatisfaction in regional councils compared to urban councils. We conclude by considering the public policy implications of these findings.
Where Do Participants Move and How Do Their New Neighborhoods Compare to Where They Rented? Evidence from a North Carolina First-Time Homeownership Program
Authors: Blizard Zachary D. , Richardson Craig J. , Sloop Joseph B.
Published: May 2024

In North Carolina, the Forsyth County Homeownership Program (FCHP) seeks to promote improved socioeconomic outcomes and wealth accumulation through home ownership by subsidizing down payments and offering a targeted financial literacy program. An important aspect of the FCHP is that it allows participants to decide what house to buy and where they ultimately live. We offer a first-ever analysis of the neighborhood differences between where participating families rented and where they moved. Analyzing a sample of 452 participants, we find evidence that the average family moved to neighborhoods with improved socioeconomic characteristics, compared to the neighborhoods where they rented. However, their new neighborhoods had worse socioeconomic measurements when compared to the overall county. We offer a discussion of these results and their policy implications.
Unveiling the Link Between E-Participation and Corruption Control: Insights From a Co-Creation Framework
Authors: Waheduzzaman Wahed
Published: May 2024

Controlling corruption necessitates collaboration between service providers and recipients, as emphasized by the co-creation theory. In this context, e-participation has emerged as a promising avenue for fostering collaboration through online platforms in the ongoing battle against corruption. This research relies on national-level data obtained from the World Bank, Transparency International, and the United Nations to investigate the relationship between e-participation and the control of corruption. Through a comprehensive data analysis involving 136 countries over a five biennial period from 2012 to 2020, the results reveal no statistically significant correlation between e-participation and corruption control. This finding raises pertinent questions about the effectiveness of current e-participation approaches, or the measurements employed to evaluate their impact on combating corruption. The implications of this finding are significant for policymakers and governance monitoring bodies, underscoring the need for a re-evaluation and enhancement of existing e-participation mechanisms and anti-corruption strategies within the co-creation framework.
Has the Incidence of Febrile Convulsions in Childhood Changed During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic?
Authors: Kovacs Monika , Makszin Lilla , Nyul Zoltan , Hollody Katalin
Published: May 2024

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is usually asymptomatic or only mild symptoms are typical. The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of febrile convulsions in our own patients with COVID-19. Patients and Methods: In our retrospective study, we reviewed the data of children who presented at our University Hospital from March 2020 to March 2022 with febrile convulsion. The control group were children admitted to the hospital because of febrile convulsions from January 2018 to January 2020. Results: During the coronavirus pandemic, 51 patients were examined with febrile convulsions. The majority (86.3%) of children had their first febrile convulsion during this period. We diagnosed simple febrile convulsions in 40 cases and complicated ones in 11 cases. The family history of febrile convulsion or epilepsy was present in 12 (23.5%) patients. In addition to febrile convulsion, SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by laboratory testing in 4 cases (7.8%). Three of them had febrile convulsion during the Omicron variant period. Conclusions: During the coronavirus pandemic, the number of children examined because of having febrile convulsions was not higher than in the control period. The coronavirus is unlikely to increase the risk of febrile convulsions.
Understanding academia-industry collaboration in a developing economic environment: Determinants and implications from Bariloche, Argentina
Authors: Hülskamp Ian , Canals Agustí , Ortoll Espinet Eva
Published: May 2024

This study examines the determinants of academia-industry collaboration (AIC) in the context of Bariloche, Argentina, and provides valuable insights into collaboration dynamics in a developing economy. Using a quantitative research approach, data was collected through a survey administered to academic researchers in Bariloche. The survey included questions on researcher characteristics, organizational attributes, and disciplinary norms, which were then tested through eight hypotheses related to factors influencing AIC. Data analysis, including descriptive and inferential statistics, revealed significant relationships between independent variables (e.g., prior career experience, organizational affiliation, disciplinary norms) and researchers’ involvement in AIC. The study’s limitations, such as reliance on self-reported data and non-probabilistic sampling, are acknowledged. Nevertheless, the findings contribute to the understanding of AIC in Bariloche and have implications for promoting effective academia-industry partnerships. Future research should consider longitudinal studies and explore additional factors to inform evidence-based policies in developing economies.
Knowledge Regarding Contraception and Previous Practices of Contraception Among Antenatal Women
Authors: Yadav Mamta , Venkadalakshmi V. , Das Karobi , Singla Rimpi
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Contraceptive methods or devices are used to prevent pregnancy. Contraception enables women to realize their human rights and to choose whether or not to have children, as well as helps people achieve their desired family size. Currently, short-term family planning methods are available at levels of the health sector, but long-term methods are available at all levels.

Objectives

To assess the knowledge regarding contraception and previous practices of contraception among antenatal women at term pregnancy attending gynaecology OPD.

Methodology

An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted. The total enumeration sampling technique was used, and 120 study participants were enrolled for the study. Data was collected by interviewing participants as per an interview schedule.

Results

The study findings showed that a majority (76.6%) of the antenatal women had poor knowledge regarding contraception and 23.3% antenatal women had average knowledge. A majority (81.07%) of participants had previously practiced contraception. The most commonly used contraceptives were condoms and the calendar method.

Conclusion

In the present study, more than half of the participants (antenatal women) had poor knowledge regarding contraception. It indicates the need for awareness regarding contraception and the appropriate use of contraceptive methods when required.
A Review on Pharmacological Advancement of Ellagic Acid
Authors: Golmei Pougang , Kasna Sweta , Roy Kumar Probin , Kumar Sachin
Published: May 2024

Background

In recent years, ellagic acid has emerged as a focal point in pharmacological research, showcasing promising developments and potential therapeutic applications as a competitive inhibitor of Src homology phosphotyrosyl phosphatase 2 for the treatment of cancer, as a shielding impact that stimulates sirtuin 6 (SIRT 6), against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin, as adjuvant treatment in sickle cell anemia, as antiaging and to avoid mild cognitive impairment.

Purpose

This review provides a concise overview of the latest advancements in ellagic acid research, highlighting novel pharmacological findings and emerging trends.

Methodology

A comprehensive search of relevant literature was conducted to gather information on the pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications of ellagic acid. Studies investigating its antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, molecular interactions, and therapeutic implications were included in the analysis.

Results

The review summarizes the multifaceted pharmacological landscape of ellagic acid, encompassing its antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential therapeutic applications. It sheds light on its evolving role in modern medicine and underscores its significance as a promising avenue for future pharmaceutical exploration.

Conclusion

The recent strides in ellagic acid development highlight its potential as a valuable therapeutic agent in various health conditions. Further research into its molecular interactions and clinical applications is warranted to fully harness its therapeutic potential and improve patient outcomes.
Strain energy density and entire fracture surface parameters relationship for LCF life prediction of additively manufactured 18Ni300 steel
Authors: Macek Wojciech , Branco Ricardo , de Jesus Joel , Costa José Domingos , Zhu Shun-Peng , Masoudi Nejad Reza , Gryguć Andrew
Published: May 2024

In this study, the connection between total strain energy density and fracture surface topography is investigated in additively manufactured maraging steel exposed to low-cycle fatigue loading. The specimens were fabricated using laser beam powder bed fusion (LB-PBF) and examined under fully-reversed strain-controlled setup at strain amplitudes scale from 0.3% to 1.0%. The post-mortem fracture surfaces were explored using a non-contact 3D surface topography measuring system and the entire fracture surface method. The focus is on the relationship between fatigue characteristics, expressed by the total strain energy density, and the fracture surface topography features, represented by areal, volume, and fractal dimension factors. A fatigue life prediction model based on total strain energy density and fracture surface topography parameters is proposed. The presented model shows good accordance with fatigue test results and outperforms other existing models based on the strain energy density. This model can be useful for post-failure analysis of engineering elements under low-cycle fatigue, especially for materials produced by additive manufacturing (AM).
A Commentary on Recent Announcements by The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children and Child Maltreatment
Authors: Drake Brett
Published: May 2024

In a recent issue of Child Maltreatment (2023 vol. 28 (4)), an editorial by Palusci et al. and a commentary by Briggs et al. were published. These two publications express the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) Board’s and the Child Maltreatment editorial team’s stance relative to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ). The current commentary expresses a range of concerns regarding how APSAC and Child Maltreatment plan to advance DEIJ through their editorial policies.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Training on Ergonomic Risks of Measuring Blood Pressure
Authors: Dіrgar Ezgi , Olgun Nermin
Published: May 2024

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) occur as a result of long-term exposure to inappropriate working postures and repetitive use of body postures, leading to harmful consequences for patients, employees, and employers. Evaluating distinct working postures can contribute to effective interventions. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine ergonomic risks of MSDs during repeated blood pressure measurement processes and to evaluate the effectiveness of a training on this topic. Methods: A pretest/posttest quasi-experimental design studied 64 nurses in a training and research hospital in Turkey. Participants were evaluated for the prevalence and risk of MSDs using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Extended Version and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Checklist, and by photographing them performing the procedure. Nurses with high risk for MSDs received an ergonomics training program and were followed up twice in 3 months. Results: Reduction in prevalence of MSDs in neck, shoulder, and hip/thigh areas, and in mean REBA scores after the training were statistically significant. Conclusion: Nurses should be trained about correct posture for specific high-risk activities that may cause MSDs, and offered exercise programs that support the musculoskeletal system.
Engaging Community Members in Health Policy Processes: A Mississipp1 Example
Authors: Tharp Brian , Hollar Danielle
Published: May 2024

Legislation, such as the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (1996), the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, and the authorization of federally -funded health insurance coverage for children (State Children's Health Insurance or SCHIP) continues the shift of assigning increased power and responsibility for health and human services “safety net” programs from the federal level to the state level. Known as “devolution,” this complex shifting of responsibility and accountability continues to evolve with increasing transference of authority, control, and administration of social programs to local governments. Such changes require an informed citizenry and, hence, demand grassroots capacity building activities around public policy issues. This article describes a project designed to build the capacity of community-based organizations in several cities in Mississippi to become involved in health care policy activities. The primary purpose of this project was to inform and organize community members around improving health policies for low-income children and families.
An Evaluation of a Medicaid Managed Maternity Program: The Impact of Comprehensive Care Coordination on Utilization and Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Nason Carroll S. , Alexander Greg R. , Pass Mary Ann , Bolland John M.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of a Medicaid managed maternity care program in a public health department service population, analyzing race-specific models of WIC participation and risk of small-for-gestational age of term. There were 13,095 singleton deliveries during the period 1987-1990 to women with prenatal care in this managed maternity care program. The research design entailed comparison of the intervention group (those receiving regular prenatal care plus comprehensive care coordination in 1989 -90) with an historical comparison group of women who received only regular prenatal care in the two years (1987-88).

For the intervention groups, black women were 1.7 times and white women 2.1 times more likely to participate in WIC than their compar-ison groups. The impact of care coordination on term-SGA births indicates a protective odds ratio of 0.851 for black women. Results for white women were not significant. These findings suggest that care coordination is associated with an increase in WIC participation and with lower risk of term-SGA births for black women but not for white women. The overall results add to growing evidence regarding the efficacy of comprehensive care coordination in improving specific pregnancy outcomes and inform our understanding of the evaluation of a comprehensive approach in preventive, community-based inter-vention
The Phase Model of Burnout and Employee Turnover
Authors: Goodman Eric A. , Boss R. Wayne
Published: May 2024

This study explores the phase model of burnout and investigates its relationship to actual turnover in a hospital. The results indicate that employees who turnover have significantly higher burnout phase scores that those who stay in the organization. A further comparison of voluntary and involuntary turnover demonstrates that there is no significant differences on burnout phase scores. The findings lend support to the usefulness of the phase model of burnout.
Hospital Restructuring and Burnout
Authors: Greenglass Esther R. , Burke Ronald J.
Published: May 2024

Increasingly, organizations are experiencing changes as a result of extensive downsizing, restructuring, and merging. In Canada, government-sponsored medicine has been affected as hospitals have merged or closed, reducing essential medical services and resulting in extensive job loss for hospital workers, particularly nurses. Hospital restructuring has also resulted in greater stress and job insecurity in nurses. The escalation of stressors has created burnout in nurses. This study examines predictors of burnout in nurses experiencing hospital restructuring using the MBI-General Survey which yields scores on three scales: Emotional exhaustion, Cynicism, and Professional efficacy. Multiple regressions were conducted where each burnout scale was the criterion and stressors ( e.g., amount of work, use of generic workers to do nurses’ work), restructuring effects, social support, and individual resources ( e.g., control coping, self-efficacy, prior organizational commitment) were predictors. There were differences in the amount of variance accounted for in the burnout components by stressors and resources. Stressors contributed most to emotional exhaustion and least to professional efficacy. Individual resources were more likely to contribute to professional efficacy and least to emotional exhaustion. Stressors and resources accounted for approximately equal amounts of variance in cynicism. Three conclusions were drawn. First, present findings parallel others by showing that individual coping patterns contribute to professional efficacy. Second, emotional exhaustion was found to be the prototype of stress. Third, prior organizational commitment, self-efficacy, and control coping resulted in lower burnout.