bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Competency Framework for Nurse Managers in Ireland
Authors: McCarthy Geraldine , Fitzpatrick Joyce J.
Published: August 2009

This article describes the results of an Irish national study on the Competency Model for Nursing Management commissioned by the Office of Health Management. More than 300 nurse managers and 80 service stakeholders (other professionals, managers, and service colleagues) participated in the development of generic competencies for nurse managers and specific competencies for three levels of managers—director level, middle manager level, and front-line managers. Examples of behavioral indicators (both positive and negative) for each competency level also have been delineated. Future efforts are being directed toward evaluating the usefulness of the competency model for assessing readiness to manage among job applicants, implementation of continuing education programs for nurse managers, and overall career development and planning.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(8):346–350.
Applied Epidemiology for Public Health and Community-Based Nurses
Authors: Fayram Elizabeth S. , Anderko Laura
Published: August 2009

As concerns mount surrounding exposure to environmental hazards and other public health threats, skills in surveillance and outbreak investigation are becoming critical competencies for public health and community-based nurses. This article describes a continuing education course designed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders to address the need for epidemiological skills for rural nurses working in community-based settings. This project was funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration's Public Health Nursing Continuing Education program and was offered in both in-person and online formats. Topics, including applying epidemiological techniques to plan, implement, and evaluate public health programs, were taught using case studies and an array of online resources. Evaluation measures reflected improved understanding of epidemiological methods, a high level of satisfaction with the course and faculty, and strategies for applying these skills in professional nursing practice.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(8):361–366.
The “Connection” Between Continuing Education and Quality
Authors: Cheesman Sarah D.
Published: August 2009

What is the connection between quality and continuing education? Are staff nurses able to identify that there is a connection? What are the implications for continuing education providers? This column describes one hospital's experience in connecting quality and continuing education.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(8):340–341.
Consumer-Operated Self-Help Centers: Environment, Empowerment, and Satisfaction
Authors: Swarbrick Margaret , Schmidt Lisa T. , Pratt Carlos W.
Published: August 2009

Consumer-operated self-help centers were designed to provide social environments that promote participant empowerment and satisfaction. This exploratory, descriptive study examined how variance in empowerment and satisfaction scores could be explained by participants' perceptions of the social environment factors (relationship, personal growth, and systems maintenance and change) and quantity of participation. Participants (
N
= 144) involved in consumer-operated self-help centers completed a four-part, 161-item survey designed to capture perceptions of satisfaction, empowerment, social environment factors, quantity of center participation, and demographic data. Significant relationships were found between participant satisfaction and the three social environment factors. Findings also indicated that participant empowerment was related to quantity of self-help center involvement. From these exploratory analyses, recommendations are made on how to improve consumer-run self-help center operations.
Distinguishing Between Personality Disorders, Stereotypes, and Eccentricities in Older Adults
Authors: Magoteaux April L. , Bonnivier Joy F.
Published: August 2009

Personality disorders, especially in older adults, are among the most difficult psychiatric disorders for nurses to assess. When aging further complicates these disorders, nurses' therapeutic skills are challenged. It has long been thought that personality disorders “age out,” but new research indicates that personality disorders may in fact continue throughout the life span. In addition, the primary and secondary changes of aging further complicate assessment. Assessment of personality disorders in older adults may also be distorted by ageist stereotypes and a lack of understanding of cultural context. Likewise, nurses must be careful about misinterpreting “eccentric” older adult behavior as a personality disorder. In this article, we focus on assessment challenges in older adults to help nurses distinguish between characteristics of personality disorders, stereotypes, and eccentricities in this population.
Quantitative interpretation of self‐potential anomalies in hydrogeological exploration of volcanic areas: a new approach
Authors: Zhang Gui‐Bin , Aubert Maurice
Published: August 2009

Hydrogeological exploration of volcanic areas has shown that there is a correlation between the range of a negative self‐potential (SP) anomaly and the thickness of the unsaturated zone measured in boreholes. Based on this correlation, it is assumed that the SP anomaly is created in an unsaturated medium through which meteoric water moves downwards, and thus an SP anomaly in a polarized medium has been derived analytically. This SP formula can be used in an inverse technique in the wavenumber domain, in which inversion of the SP anomaly is used to calculate the location and depth of ground water. Theoretical models and field examples demonstrate that this method can be used to explore ground water in volcanic areas.
Study on complex inversion of magnetic resonance sounding signals
Authors: Braun Martina , Hertrich Marian , Yaramanci Ugur
Published: August 2009

Magnetic resonance sounding (MRS), also known as surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR), is used for non‐invasive direct groundwater determination and aquifer characterization. Among other parameters, the electrical conductivity of the subsurface causes a complex‐valued MRS signal. We show in our study that the real and imaginary parts of the signal evolve from different depth volumes, and so they contain complementary information. Generally, the imaginary part is more sensitive to deep structures than the real part of the signal, i.e. in conductive media, signals arising from deep layers have a significantly greater imaginary part than an equivalent signal from shallow depths. Statistical analyses of the inversion result of synthetic data show the advantages of a complex inversion scheme for determining the water content in the subsurface: model ambiguities are significantly reduced and the depth resolution is increased. Also the investigations on artificially noise‐perturbed data show a clear improvement in the stability and resolution of model boundaries. For field data, amplitude and complex inversion schemes yield significantly different results. However, the various influences on the phase are still undergoing investigation, and at present the complex inversion is limited to selected (explainable) field data sets.
Editorial for the Inaugural Issue
Authors: Rajapakse Senaka
Published: August 2009

It is with pleasure that we launch the inaugural issue of the Sri Lanka Journal of Critical Care. This is an official publication of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.  The journal is peer-reviewed, and is Sri Lanka's first online-only open access journal. We do not charge a subscription fee, nor do we charge authors.  The open-access model is now a favoured model for publication of scientific research, and enables wider dissemination of scientific publications. Making the journal an online only publication greatly reduces the cost of publication, while making it possible to provide it through an open-access model.  The journal aims to foster research and education in critical care medicine in Sri Lanka.  We are indexed on Google Scholar.  Critical Care Medicine is gradually being established as a subspecialty in Sri Lanka. The Specialty Board in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine was established by the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine to function under the Board of Study for Multidisciplinary Study Courses recently.  As its first activity, a Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care was commenced this year, and the first batch of trainees have commenced training.  The aim of this diploma programme is to enhance the training of junior doctors working in intensive care units throughout the country.   Critical care medicine is essentially a multidisciplinary specialty.  In keeping with many models of critical care medicine in Europe, the United States, and other developed countries, we support the view that training in critical care medicine must allow entry from many different disciplines, such as clinical medicine, anaesthesiology, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and many others.  We sincerely hope this journal would provide a platform for the dissemination of research, scientific thought and debate in the field of critical care medicine in Sri Lanka.  We particular encourage local researchers to submit their work to our journal. We are grateful for the support given towards us towards the establishment of this journal by the Director, PGIM, the staff at the Medical Education Resource Centre of the PGIM, and members of the Specialty Board in Critical Care, and the Editorial Board.  We also thank the INASP (International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications) which supports us to make our journal available online through their Sri Lanka Journals Online project  (www.sljol.info).   In particular, we thank Mrs Sioux Cumming, Programme Officer, Publishing Support, INASP, for her continuing support and assistance in maintaining the journal.  DOI: 10.4038/sljcc.v1i1.936
Blood Culture Techniques: Increasing Yields and Reducing Contamination
Authors: Chinniah Terrence Rohan
Published: August 2009

Bloodstream infections are associated with significant patient mortality and health care costs. Isolation of the causative organism will direct the clinician to institute specific treatment. But isolation of the implicating organism is hampered by lack of yield and increased level of contamination. The rates of contamination and reduced yield are more relevant in Sri Lanka as most of our public sector laboratories use manual blood culture system and do not adhere to correct aseptic techniques of blood collection. This has led to delay in identifying the causative organism. Increase rates of contamination not only have hindered specific treatment but also have prompted clinicians to use antibiotics of increased cost and toxicity. Though differentiation between true pathogen and contamination is not clearly set, certain parameters, namely identification of the organism, proportion of the positive blood culture sets, Number of positive blood culture bottles within a blood culture set, time to growth, source of cultures (catheter drawn versus percutaneous) along with clinical and laboratory clues might help the clinicians and microbiologist to make a reasonable conclusion.  Proper skin preparation with correct disinfectants, adherence to recommended techniques and contact time along with the collection of optimal volume of blood through a peripheral vein by a trained phlebotomy team has been found to increase the yield and reduce the rates of contamination.  These recommendations could be practiced with ease in resource poor settings similar to Sri Lankan public sector hospitals.Keywords: Blood culture; infectionsCitation: Chinniah TR. Blood Culture Techniques: Increasing Yields and Reducing Contamination. Sri Lanka Journal of Critical Care 2009;1:15-24DOI: 10.4038/sljcc.v1i1.938
Glycaemic Status On Admission In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Indrakumar J. , Marasinghe M.G.C.P.
Published: August 2009

Introduction: In patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), hyperglycemia is a predictor of immediate and long-term cardiovascular mortality. Abnormal glucose regulation is present in the majority of these patients and is unrecognized in up to half of the cases. The objective of this study was to assess the glycaemic status of patients on admission with ACS.Methodology: Patients presenting with chest pain and falling into one of the acute coronary syndromes (STEMI, NSTEMI, and UA) were allocated in to two groups based on past history of Diabetes. Diagnosed Diabetic patients who were not on treatment were excluded from the study. Admission RBS and next day FBS were recorded in all patients. Results: 102 patients were enrolled for the study. Mean admission random blood sugar(RBS) and fasting blood sugar(FBS) of diabetic patients who were on treatment were significantly higher (308, 203 mg/dl) than that of patients without a past history of Diabetes (135, 111 mg/dl) P < 0.001. Out of the patients with diabetes, 88% had a RBS more than 140mg/dl and 59% had more than 200 mg/dl on admission. Patients without past history of Diabetes, these values were 32% and 5% respectively. 45% of patients without past history of Diabetes had impaired FBS values (100 - 126 mg/dl) and 17% had a FBS value more than 126 mg/dl. The blood glucose values (RBS and FBS) of each of the three types of ACSs (STEMI, NSTEMI, UA) did not show a significant difference among them. Conclusions: Hyperglycaemia is a major problem in our patients with and without a past history of diabetes when they present with ACS. Therefore prompt attention is necessary on blood glucose control in all patients, irrespective of the past status of diabetes. It is important to follow up the  patients with abnormal blood glucose values and without a past history of diabetes , to detect the development of Diabetes.Keywords: acute coronary syndrome; glycaemic control; hyperglycaemiaCitation: Indrakumar J, Marasinghe MCGP. Glycaemic Status On Admission In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome. Sri Lanka Journal of Critical Care 2009;1:25-28DOI: 10.4038/sljcc.v1i1.939
The Toxic Laundry Detergent Powder ‘Prinso’ Is Gaining Notoriety Amongst Villagers For Deliberate Self- Poisoning In And Around The Matara District
Authors: Munasinghe M.A.A.K. , Fernando W.K.B.K.M.
Published: August 2009

Introduction:  The washing powder ‘Prinso' consists of 2 sachets, one containing pink crystals and the other white granules which has become a popular agent amongst the youth for self poisoning. Objectives: To document clinical and biochemical features of ‘prinso' poisoning.  To analyze the chemical constituents of prinso.  Patients and methods: We present a series of 7 patients who were admitted to General hospital Matara following ‘Prinso' poisoning, from 01.06 2006 to 01.10.2007. We chemically analyzed the two sachets in faculty of science university of Ruhuna. Results: The male: female ratio was 3:4.Out of the 7 patients, 1 patient developed acute renal failure. Conclusion: The readily available household product ‘Prinso' has come to recognition in the array of poisons responsible for deliberate self poisoning among young with a preponderance among females ingesting it in the southern province of Sri Lanka.Keywords: poisoning; detergentCitation: Munasinghe MAAK, Fernando WKBKM. The Toxic Laundry Detergent Powder ‘Prinso’ Is Gaining Notoriety Amongst Villagers For Deliberate Self- Poisoning In And Around The Matara District. Sri Lanka Journal of Critical Care 2009;1:29-32DOI: 10.4038/sljcc.v1i1.940
Applying New Research Criteria for Diagnosis of Early Alzheimer's Disease: Sex and Intelligence Matter
Authors: Beinhoff U. , Tumani H. , Riepe M. W.
Published: August 2009

Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be diagnosed according to new research criteria proposed recently (Dubois et al., 2007). Diagnosis is made on grounds of episodic memory deficits and one pathological biomarker: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or structural/functional imaging. Goal was to investigate the dependence of episodic memory function on material (verbal, visuospatial), gender and premorbid intellectual ability (IQ). The new research criteria of AD were applied retrospectively using data of 68 patients (Mini-Mental-Status Examination, MMSE 22) from a university memory clinic. Women with lower IQ performed worse on visuospatial episodic memory than women with higher IQ and men with the same IQ. Thus, women with lower IQ appear to be particularly vulnerable tovisuospatialepisodic memory deficits despite similar CSF tau values indicating a similar activity of the neurodegenerative process. Gender, premorbid IQ, and visuospatial material need to be considered in the assessment of episodic memory breakdown applying the newly proposed research criteria for the diagnosis of AD.
The Fine Line Between Subsistence and Famine: Mali's Agrarian Desert Economy, the Threat of Drought, and Alternatives to Build Modern Private Sector Skills
Authors: Van Wye Brian
Published: August 2009

The West African Republic of Mali faces the specter of mass starvation on a scale not seen since the horrors of Ethiopia in the 1980s were beamed into living rooms around the world. Two-thirds of Mali's land is in the Sahara desert. The remaining land is also relatively fragile. Yet 70-80% of Malians, many of them subsistence farmers, work in the agricultural sector. A drought that undercuts the nation's already tenuous soil productivity could cause economic collapse and famine. Malians with advanced education and job skills geared toward creating and engaging in opportunities in Mali's modern private sector could enable the country to avert such calamity. Yet there are too few Malians with such skills as managers, entrepreneurs, scientists, technicians, and technology specialists. This analysis evaluates three potential plans of action that could help develop the advanced skills and education that Mali desperately needs. Potential policies evaluated include continuation of the status quo, increased privatization of state-owned enterprises and reimbursements for companies' training expenses. The analysis concludes that the policy of privatization seems best suited to fostering the development of the advanced modern skills and modern economy that Mali needs.
Election Reform: Alternatives to Ensure Integrity and Increase Access
Authors: Semmel Cheryl L.
Published: August 2009

The 2000 presidential election revealed flaws in the integrity of the election process in the United States and elevated the issue of voting reform to the forefront of the national agenda. Additionally, a gradual decline in citizen participation in the democratic process has highlighted the need to increase access to voting to correspond to our modern era and lifestyles. Successful voting reform must not only modernize electoral systems to ensure integrity but also increase access to the system for all citizens. This is essential to the integrity of our democracy, as lawmakers are responsible to their constituents and, by extension, to those people who participate in the electoral process. Several alternative voting methods have been introduced in the U.S. and abroad. This article will examine two alternatives-online voting and voting-by-mail-in the context of their implementation and challenges to date, their overall feasibility and the extent to which they ensure integrity and increase access to the election process.
An Examination of the Gendered Effects of Trade Liberalization
Authors: Melanson Karen C.
Published: August 2009

This article explores an emerging argument that traditional definitions of trade liberalization actually hinder or even reverse women's gains in the worldwide marketplace. The article begins by exposing some of the flaws in traditional economic theories that lead to an overemphasis on statistical indicators of growth rather than more holistic measures of progress that consider socioeconomic status of poorer countries' citizens most notably women. The author purports that in reality women who have taken jobs in the factories and fields created as a result of outsourcing by developed countries' trade liberalization policies face a declining ability to provide valuable, although largely ignored informal work, including raising children and providing domestic care for their households. The value of this informal work to the global economy is estimated to be in the trillions of dollars. The author concludes by offering recommendations for future research into the effects of trade liberalization on women and the effects of lost informal or domestic, work on the global economy.
The Challenge of Defining Equity and Adequacy in State School Finance Systems: A Look at New York's Experience
Authors: Ananthakrishnan Vidhya
Published: August 2009

The substantial reliance on local property tax revenues to finance school systems has led to significant funding disparities between property-rich and property-poor school districts. The recognition of these disparities has spawned decades of litigation in states whose constitutions guarantee a high-quality education. Legislators and judges are often asked to reconcile very different definitions of equity and adequacy, which are the concepts that underpin a high-quality, state-provided education, and are often confounded by attempts to achieve equity and adequacy on a state-wide basis, given the differences in property tax revenues. This article describes the complexities inherent in the concepts of equity and adequacy and examines a long-running attempt to reform New York's school financing methods to ensure that all school districts in the state have an equitable and adequate level of resources.
The Politics of Same-Sex Marriage: Tracing the Issue through Congress and the Courts
Authors: Temple Caleb Andrew
Published: August 2009

The issue of same-sex marriage is currently a topic of fierce debate in this country. To help policymakers, practitioners, and members of the American public better understand both the topic and the direction of the debate, this article gives a brief history of the issue, describes some significant legislative and legal developments, and offers some comments on the ways in which the outcome of this debate could potentially affect federal policy.
The Private Finance Initiative: An Innovative Procurement Tool for Today's Public Administrators
Authors: Gabriel Seth , Head Jordan
Published: August 2009

The Private Finance Initiative is an innovative public-private partnership first pioneered in the United Kingdom. The initiative's goal is to obtain higher quality public services at a lower cost to the public by engaging the private sector. The program relies on private financing and expertise, output-based contract specifications, performance-based payment mechanisms, and negotiated risk transfers to achieve this goal. This article discusses the initiative's successes and failures using Her Majesty's Prison Service as a case study. The article finds that, while the program has limitations, the evidence of its successes suggests that American administrators should consider it as a procurement tool for public services in the United States.
Policy Challenges with the Retirement of the Baby Boom Generation: An Interview with Mr. Bill Novelli, CEO of AARP
Authors: Defenderfer Jessica A. , Olson Scott A.
Published: August 2009

On March 23, 2007, Jessica A. Defenderfer and Scott A. Olson had the opportunity to sit down with AARP's CEO, Bill Novelli, to discuss the upcoming policy challenges associated with the retirement of the baby boom generation, the role of the U.S. government in addressing these policy needs, and the responsibility of AARP in crafting effective public policy. Bill Novelli joined AARP in January 2000 and currently serves as CEO. Prior to joining AARP, Mr. Novelli was President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and, before that, was the Executive Vice President of CARE, the world's largest private relief and development organization. Earlier, Mr. Novelli co-founded and was President of Porter Novelli, now one of the world's largest public relations agencies and part of the Omnicom Group. He holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.A. from Penn's Annenberg School for Communication. Mr. Novelli also pursued doctoral studies at New York University.
Collaborative Versus Prescriptive Legislating and Rulemaking: A Case Study of the Driver's License Provisions in the REAL ID Act of 2005
Authors: Randolph Susan E.
Published: August 2009

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and America's engagement in the Global War on Terror have added urgency to long-standing Congressional efforts to strengthen the country's system for establishing personal identification. Randolph examines the REAL ID Act of 2005, which legislates uniform requirements for state drivers' licenses. She describes the way the REAL ID Act became law and is being implemented by the executive branch and outlines the objections of state and local government officials to its driver's license provisions.
A Profession Turned Upside Down – And Couldn't Be Happier!
Authors: Trachtenberg Stephen Joel
Published: August 2009

Public administration has come of age. The ability to function well in government is no longer regarded as a form of on-the-job training that can be added to some other credential. Even the general public is aware of the sheer amount of grueling staff work that lies behind the public announcements of a Bill Clinton, a Ted Kennedy, a Bob Dole, or any federal agency. Government has become too complex and pervasive and multi-layered to be other than a full-time profession.
The Deposit Insurance System Under Regulatory Consolidation: Lessons From the Savings And Loan Disaster
Authors: Bransford Philip L.
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
A Re-examination of U.S. High-Level Nuclear Waste Policy
Authors: Zehe Andrew
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
American Federalism in the 1990s
Authors: Datelle David C.
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
The Case for Real Welfare Reform
Authors: Shalala Hon. Donna E.
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
The Small Business Administration's 8(a) Program: An Historical Perspective on Affirmative Action
Authors: Winkler Jennifer
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Pollution Prevention: A New and Improved Approach to Environmental Protection
Authors: Kareff Linda Feinstein
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
An Analysis of Recent Decisions Affecting Public Servants
Authors: Lischinsky Robert
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Solving the Problem of Threats to Care for Medicaid Beneficiaries with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Noll Danielle R.
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Federal Trust Funds: An Idea Whose Time Is Over
Authors: Rosado Tim
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
The Federal Government: 21st Century Standard Bearer for Education
Authors: Viana Mercedes M.
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
An Analysis of Recent Decisions Affecting Public Servants
Authors: Kaye Anson
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Securing Information Technology Through Cryptography: An Analysis of United States Policy
Authors: Southard Loren S.
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Social Security: A Call for Reform
Authors: Garretson R. Robert
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
An Analysis of Recent Decisions Affecting Public Administrators
Authors: Weitzer David A.
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
The Politics of Trade: Fast Track's Failure Derails the New Economy
Authors: Kero Ken
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
A Capital Plan: Government Inertia and Urban Revitalization on U Street
Authors: Eaman J. Blythe , Higginbottom Heather , Sack Suzanne
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
National Child Care Standards: Protecting America's Children
Authors: Svab Alena
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Supreme Court Review
Authors: Lawrence Van R.
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Medicaid Managed Care Reform: Making It Work for Children
Authors: Helm Julie A.
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Reforming the Independent Counsel Act: A Call for Accountability
Authors: Hoffman Andrew B.
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
The Lake Tahoe Collaborative Partnership: Expanding the Role of Community in Environmental Protection
Authors: McDavit W. Michael
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Breaking Free from the Chains of the Organizational Chart: A Proposal for the Effective Integration of Government Lawyers and Policymakers
Authors: Silverman Cary
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Cities & States: Challenges for the Next Century – Conversations with Donald J. Borut and Raymond Scheppach
Authors: Catlaw Thomas J. , Grover Lauren , Samuels Nicholas
Published: August 2009

The social, economic, and technological changes of the coming century present significant challenges with which states and cities will have to contend. Policy Perspectives engaged Donald Borut, Executive Director of the National League of Cities (NLC), and Raymond Scheppach, Executive Director of the National Governors Association (NGA), in separate conversations to learn how they see these issues playing out for their member states and cities. Their answers expand on the nature of these issues, what strengths these levels of government bring to the task of addressing them, and in what areas collaboration can be enhanced. Both Borut and Scheppach agree that the changing economy is a central consideration for states and localities as they look to the future. Addressing federal preemption, in particular, seems an area ripe for further collaboration between the two levels of government.
When Lawyers Start Thinking Like Economists: The SEC in Response to Technological Change
Authors: Haber Ilan
Published: August 2009

Since its founding, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has employed a disclosure-enforcement framework, combined with a cooperative relationship with the securities industry, as the key means of ensuring market legitimacy and investor confidence. This article argues that not only is this framework deeply rooted within the SEC, but is equally ingrained in the public psyche. It is the deep belief of the public in this "prosecutorial orientation” that has sustained the SEC's disclosure-enforcement framework in the face of charges of obsolescence, inefficiency and agency capture. But as the SEC is increasingly called upon to concern itself with questions of efficiency and capital formation in the global economy, the stage may be set for a shift away from the disclosure-enforcement orientation and towards a more active, "promotional role" in the economy. In addition to external market forces, however, any qualitative shift in the SEC's regulatory mission will be affected only if there is a comparable shift in the public philosophy regarding the SEC's regulatory intent and a change in the internal orientation of the SEC. The author contends that seeds of these changes have long since been sowed.
Not in My Landfill: Virginia and the Politics of Waste Importation
Authors: Krevitz Ellyn
Published: August 2009

Since the 1970s, federal and state regulations have dramatically changed the management of municipal solid waste in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Regulations required open dumps to be replaced by sanitary landfills with control technology to prevent environmental contamination. In contrast to local governments, private waste management companies had the financial resources to construct landfills with the necessary technology. Recently, companies have found that these expansive landfills could not survive financially on Virginia trash alone and began to import waste from other municipalities on the East Coast. This practice has led Virginia to become the second largest importer of municipal solid waste in the country. Waste importation has developed into a political and legal battle that has pitted the Commonwealth and grassroots organizations against the waste industry and its clients. Each stakeholder group makes a compelling argument as to why their position best protects local economies, Virginia's citizens, and the Commonwealth's natural resources. However, the Commerce Clause prevents states from enacting statutes that would interfere with interstate trade of waste. This article discusses the growth of the waste industry in Virginia and the perspectives of stakeholders involved with the importation debate. Without federal legislative action, the author concludes, there is no straightforward answer to the "problem" of waste importation in Virginia.
Who's in Charge, and Who Should Be: E-Government and the Changing Role of the Public Administrator
Authors: Uggen John Eric
Published: August 2009

The spread of web-based software applications and the growth of the Internet have enabled a new form of interaction between citizens and government. As new technology implementation is no longer the sole responsibility of IT departments and as public sector information systems become more complex, public administrators must adapt to the new demands imposed by these systems. In particular, public administrators will have a central role in shaping the development of electronic government, or e-government. As the variety of e-government products and services grows, industry analysts predict the number of people using e-government will grow by 1,000 percent during the next twenty years. This will require public administrators to examine current IT outsourcing practices and to nurture skill development in preparation for future trends in information systems management.
Salmon Recovery and Fisheries Management: The Case for Dam Breaching on the Snake River
Authors: Gore Meredith , Doerr Patricia
Published: August 2009

For centuries, Pacific salmonids have been migrating up and down the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Unfortunately and for various reasons, most notably the erection of numerous dams along these rivers, the size of several populations of Pacific salmonids has dramatically decreased in the past several decades. Currently all five species of Snake River salmon are listed under the Endangered Species Act, and no holistic extinction prevention or recovery plan exists. This paper examines four policy alternatives to determine which would constitute the most comprehensive, holistic, and timely recovery plan for these endangered Snake River salmon. This recovery plan should not only prevent extinction of the listed salmon populations, but should eventually result in the delisting of these species. After a review of the four alternatives and an examination of the political climate surrounding this contentious issue, it is concluded that the four dams on the Lower Snake River must be breached. Further, certain elements from the aggressive nonbreach alternative should be implemented in conjunction with dam removal to ensure that each of the 4-H's (habitat, hatchery, harvest and hydropower) are addressed such that salmon are given a better chance at recovery.
The Creation of Conrail and its Impact on Railroad Regulation
Authors: Guetschow Gregg
Published: August 2009

This article examines the process through which public policy was developed following the bankruptcy of the Penn Central railroad in 1970 to provide for the continuation of rail services in the Northeast and to remedy conditions resulting from federal regulation of the rail industry. The history of rail regulation is described from the perspective of its impact on the operation of the railroads and their financial performance. Four acts—the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, the Railroad Revitalization Act of 1976, the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, and the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981—are described in terms of the policy and political pressures that led to their enactment.
The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act: Lessons in the Development and Implementation of Federal Policy
Authors: DiRosa Andy
Published: August 2009

The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (P.L. 103-159) was implemented in a two-stage process beginning in March 1994. During the act's 57-month interim phase, from March 1, 1994, to November 30, 1998, chief law enforcement officers in the United States conducted nearly 13 million handgun background checks, providing documentation that would prevent 312,000 sales to convicted felons and others who were ineligible to purchase firearms. Since November 30; 1998, when the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System became operational, thousands more firearm sales to ineligible buyers have been prevented. This article explores some of the issues surrounding the passage, implementation, and ramifications of this landmark legislation.
Free Trade and the Widening Gap Between Rich and Poor Countries
Authors: Ketover Kelli
Published: August 2009

The gap between the world's poorest nations and the world's wealthiest nations continues to grow despite the promises made by the proponents of globalization. Increasingly, however, “new internationalists" argue that free trade policy should be reconstituted as fair trade policy. Current policies have only served to strengthen the influence multinational corporations have over the policy debate. The tradeoff has often been at the expense of qualities not easily measured in economic terms such as human rights, depletion of natural resources, and inequitable distribution of wealth. Future trade policy will have to contend with competing forces issuing from those fearing loss of national sovereignty on the right and others concerned with social and environmental well being on the left.
Emergency Appropriations and the Fiscal Response to September 11
Authors: Ward George L.
Published: August 2009

One of the prominent features of the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990 (BEA) is the provision for emergency spending. Since the implementation of the BEA, emergency supplemental appropriations have been granted in a variety of situations, from droughts to wars and earthquakes to riots. Most recently, appropriations were made available in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. This article describes the emergency appropriations process following the attacks. Additionally, proposed alternatives to the current appropriations process are presented and assessed in light of the events of September 11.
Editorial
Authors: Prado Gilmar Fernandes do
Published: August 2009

.
At-Home Diagnostics Solutions for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Authors: Kersh Ellen N. , Mena Leandro A.
Published: April 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the US Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of marketing an at-home testing system for chlamydia and gonorrhea as a good first step in boosting access to screening and treatment and in reducing infection rates.
Magnetic Seizure Therapy vs Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients With Bipolar Mania
Authors: Chen Shan , Sheng Jianhua , Yang Fuzhong , Qiao Yi , Wang Wenzheng , Wen Hui , Yang Qiao , Chen Xiaochen , Tang Yingying
Published: April 2024

Importance

Bipolar mania is a common disabling illness. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for patients with severe mania, though it is limited by the risk of cognitive adverse effects. Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) as an alternative treatment to ECT for bipolar mania has not yet been reported.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness and cognitive adverse effects of MST and ECT in bipolar mania.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Shanghai Mental Health Center from July 1, 2017, through April 26, 2021. Forty-eight patients with bipolar mania were recruited and randomly allocated to receive MST or ECT. The data analysis was performed from June 5, 2021, through August 30, 2023.

Interventions

Patients completed 2 or 3 sessions of MST or ECT per week for a total of 8 to 10 sessions. The MST was delivered at 100% device output with a frequency of 75 Hz over the vertex.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were reduction of total Young Manic Rating Scale (YMRS) score and response rate (more than 50% reduction of the total YMRS score compared with baseline). An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and repeated-measures analyses of variance were conducted for the primary outcomes.

Results

Twenty patients in the ECT group (mean [SD] age, 31.6 [8.6] years; 12 male [60.0%]) and 22 patients in the MST group (mean [SD] age, 34.8 [9.8] years; 15 male [68.2%]) were included in the ITT analysis. The response rates were 95.0% (95% CI, 85.4%-100%) in the ECT group and 86.4% (95% CI, 72.1%-100%) in the MST group. The YMRS reduction rate (z = −0.82; 95% CI, −0.05 to 0.10; P = .41) and response rate (χ2 = 0.18; 95% CI, −0.13 to 0.31; P = .67) were not significantly different between the groups. The time-by-group interaction was significant for the language domain (F1,24 = 7.17; P = .01), which was well preserved in patients receiving MST but worsened in patients receiving ECT. No serious adverse effects were reported in either group.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that MST is associated with a high response rate and fewer cognitive impairments in bipolar mania and that it might be an alternative therapy for the treatment of bipolar mania.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03160664
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