bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Blackening Reaction of Zn–Mg–Al Alloy Coated Steel Prepared by Anodizing Process
Authors: Kim Sang-Hee , Choi Jong-Beom , Lee Kyung-Hwang , Kim Seo-Hee , Kang Jun , Lee Myeong-Hoon , Yun Yong-Sup
Published: May 2024

The rising demand for black-treated steel faces challenges with conventional black painting due to issues like scratching and peeling, impacting corrosion resistance and aesthetics. This study explores an alternative method, anodic oxidation, to blacken the surfaces of galvanized or
coated steel plates. Parameters like temperature, duration, current density, and gas type were varied during the blackening process. The investigation aimed to identify key factors influencing the blackening. Scanning electron microscopy observed the morphology, while energy-dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy and glow discharge mass spectrometry analyzed the chemical composition distribution. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy conducted compound crystal structure analysis. Results indicate higher temperatures, longer durations, and higher current densities improve
blackening through anodic oxidation. Increased magnesium proportion on the surface leads to roughness and porous magnesium oxide formation, enhancing light absorption and explaining the observed blackening effect.
Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS): The European Research Infrastructure Supporting Atmospheric Science
Authors: Laj Paolo , Lund Myhre Cathrine , Riffault Véronique , Amiridis Vassilis , Fuchs Hendrik , Eleftheriadis Konstantinos , Petäjä Tuukka , Salameh Thérèse , Kivekäs Niku , Juurola Eija , Saponaro Giulia , Philippin Sabine , Cornacchia Carmela , Alados Arboledas Lucas , Baars Holger , Claude Anja , De Mazière Martine , Dils Bart , Dufresne Marvin , Evangeliou Nikolaos , Favez Olivier , Fiebig Markus , Haeffelin Martial , Herrmann Hartmut , Höhler Kristina , Illmann Niklas , Kreuter Axel , Ludewig Elke , Marinou Eleni , Möhler Ottmar , Mona Lucia , Eder Murberg Lise , Nicolae Doina , Novelli Anna , O’Connor Ewan , Ohneiser Kevin , Petracca Altieri Rosa Maria , Picquet-Varrault Bénédicte , van Pinxteren Dominik , Pospichal Bernhard , Putaud Jean-Philippe , Reimann Stefan , Siomos Nikolaos , Stachlewska Iwona , Tillmann Ralf , Voudouri Kalliopi Artemis , Wandinger Ulla , Wiedensohler Alfred , Apituley Arnoud , Comerón Adolfo , Gysel-Beer Martin , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos , Nikolova Nina , Pietruczuk Aleksander , Sauvage Stéphane , Sciare Jean , Skov Henrik , Svendby Tove , Swietlicki Erik , Tonev Dimitar , Vaughan Geraint , Zdimal Vladimir , Baltensperger Urs , Doussin Jean-François , Kulmala Markku , Pappalardo Gelsomina , Sorvari Sundet Sanna , Vana Milan
Published: May 2024

The Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS) officially became the 33rd European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) on 25 April 2023 with the support of 17 founding member and observer countries. As a pan-European legal organization, ACTRIS ERIC will coordinate the provision of data and data products on short-lived atmospheric constituents and clouds relevant to climate and air pollution over the next 15–20 years. ACTRIS was designed more than a decade ago, and its development was funded at national and European levels. It was included in the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) roadmap in 2016 and, subsequently, in the national infrastructure roadmaps of European countries. It became a landmark of the ESFRI roadmap in 2021. The purpose of this paper is to describe the mission of ACTRIS, its added value to the community of atmospheric scientists, providing services to academia as well as the public and private sectors, and to summarize its main achievements. The present publication serves as a reference document for ACTRIS, its users, and the scientific community as a whole. It provides the reader with relevant information and an overview on ACTRIS governance and services, as well as a summary of the main scientific achievements of the last 20 years. The paper concludes with an outlook on the upcoming challenges for ACTRIS and the strategy for its future evolution.
Innovative Debriefing Approach: Applying a Project Management Framework to Develop a Debriefing Communications Plan for Educational Computer-Based Simulation Games
Authors: Morin Jennifer , Willox Sara
Published: May 2024

Debriefing is a critical part of successfully implementing educational computer-based simulation games to maximize learning outcomes. Simulation game effectiveness, regarding exploring gaming characteristics and cognitive and affective impacts, has been thoroughly researched. However, debriefing is overlooked by some as time-consuming and unnecessary. Debriefing can be implemented as a process-based approach to increase experiential learning while facilitating educational simulation games. Minimal research has been conducted to identify approaches and components of successful debriefing communications and to gauge which aspects of the process are most impactful for learners. This article approaches planning debriefing interactions through a theoretical project management lens by applying a proactive, process-oriented, adaptive framework to develop a debriefing communications plan. Simulation games exhibit project characteristics, this framework is an appropriate and valuable approach to efficiently and effectively implement simulation games. Applying this theoretical framework with intentionality, integrating debriefing into educational simulation game facilitation, can contribute to favorable learning outcomes.
Age and sex are excellent predictors of bone complications in patients with type 2 diabetes with no history of osteoporotic fracture or treatment for osteoporosis
Authors: Yamamoto Yutaro , Matsuba Ren , Nagasaka Tomoyuki , Shimizu Sachi , Sakai Kensuke , Sone Masakatsu , Katabami Takuyuki
Published: May 2024

Objective

To identify patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with no history of fracture or osteoporosis treatment who are at risk of bone complications through the assessment of bone quality and quantity.

Methods

Of the outpatients attending our clinic during 2021 to 2022, we retrospectively enrolled 137 (men/women: 85/52, median age: 65 years) consecutive patients aged ≥40 years who had T2DM but no history of fracture or osteoporosis treatment. The lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density and the trabecular bone score were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Independent factors associated with bone disease were identified using logistic regression analysis, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.

Results

Age and female sex were significantly associated with high ORs for development of bone disease. The integrated risk of bone complications was nearly 40-fold higher in older (≥65 years) women than in younger (<65 years) men. This difference remained after adjustment for the duration of T2DM, body mass index, and HbA1c level.

Conclusions

Older women have the highest risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis among patients with T2DM who have no history of fracture or osteoporosis treatment. These patients should undergo intensive monitoring for bone fragility from an early stage of their disease.
Librarianship and bibliography in the international arena: The Subcommittee for Bibliography of the International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation, 1922–1930
Authors: Lor Peter Johan
Published: May 2024

In 1922, the International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation was established to serve as an advisory organ of the League of Nations in respect of science, arts and education. It took an interest in promoting international bibliographic projects and library cooperation. This article focuses on the International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation’s Subcommittee for Science and Bibliography, established in 1923, and situates it in the context of the League’s evolving and complex administrative and communication infrastructure for intellectual cooperation, to which the International Institute of Intellectual Cooperation was added in 1926. A general overview is given of the Subcommittee’s membership, its relationship with the International Institute of Bibliography of Paul Otlet and Henri Lafontaine, and its activities as reflected in its agendas, minutes and reports. Its membership comprised eminent scientists and scholars, with directors of some major libraries serving as associate members, some of whom later played leading roles in IFLA.
Workload Risk Factors for Pitching-Related Injuries in High School Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Zaremski Jason L. , Pazik Marissa , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Horodyski MaryBeth
Published: May 2024

Background:

Pitch counts are only one measure of the true workload of baseball pitchers. Newer research indicates that workload measurement and prevention of injury must include additional factors. Thus, current monitoring systems gauging pitcher workload may be considered inadequate.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to develop a novel method to determine workload in baseball pitchers and improve processes for prevention of throwing-related injuries. It was hypothesized that our pitching workload model would better predict throwing-related injuries occurring throughout the baseball season than a standard pitch count model.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

This prospective observational study was conducted at an academic medical center and community baseball fields during the 2019 to 2023 seasons. Pitchers aged 13 to 18 years were monitored for pitching-related injuries and workload (which included pitching velocity; intensity, using preseason and in-season velocity as a marker of effort; and pitch counts).

Results:

A total of 71 pitchers had 313 recorded pitcher outings, 11 pitching-related injuries, and 24,228 pitches thrown. Gameday pitch counts for all pitchers ranged from 19 to 219 (mean, 77.5 ± 41.0). Velocity ranged from 46.8 to 85.7 mph (mean, 71.3 ± 5.8 mph). Intensity ranged from 0.7 to 1.3 (mean, 1.0 ± 0.08). The mean workload was 74.7 ± 40.1 for all pitchers. Risk factors significant for injury included throwing at a higher velocity in game ( P = .001), increased intensity (eg, an increase in mean velocity thrown from preseason to in-season; P < .001), and being an older pitcher ( P = .014). No differences were found for workload between injured and noninjured pitchers because the analysis was underpowered.

Conclusion:

Our workload model indicated that throwing at a higher velocity, throwing at a higher intensity, and older age were risk factors for injury. Thus, this novel workload model should be considered as a means to identify pitchers who may be at greater risk for injury.
An Analysis of the Effect of Lobbying Efforts and Demand-Side Economic Development Policies on State Economic Health
Authors: Hunter Kenneth G.
Published: May 2024

This study examines the differences in the number of lobbying efforts in selected categories, a sample of demand-side policies, economic and political variables, and changes in a measure of state economic health. Using OLS regression, the results indicate that two categories of lobbying efforts explain more of the variance in changes in per capita GSP than do various demand-side policies and the other variables. These results suggest that theories may indeed portray the influence of lobbying in the policy process. However, the percentage of explained variables is not as great as theories indicate and this may account for why scholars have difficulty “proving” various theories about interest groups when using empirical data.
Zones of Indifference and the American Workforce: The Case of Persons with Hiv/Aids
Authors: Slack James D.
Published: May 2024

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects the rights of employees with HIV/AIDS but much can happen within the work setting to thwart or facilitate the intent of this piece of legislation. Informal behavior and unofficial practice are often influenced by the organization's zone of indifference. This article examines the nature of the zone of indifference when it comes to the issue of employees having HIV/AIDS. Using qualitative analysis, four lessons are drawn.
Public Apathy towards Bureaucracy as A Constraint on Thte Development of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Mizjaji Almad Dawood
Published: May 2024

It is important to realize that bureaucracy in the Middle East countries is static. corrupt, and inflective but not in all countries because it varies relatively from one to another. Therefore, bureaucracy is completely different in oil producing states such as Saudi Arabia due to culture, natural resources, and political stability. This research focuses upon the relationship between the bureaucracy and the citizens in Saudi Arabia. specifically tackling the issue of public apathy as a constraint on the development programs. The study was conducted in Jeddah. one of the major cities in the Kingdom with a sample of 800 randomly chosen and ended up with 446 respondents. The collected data were tested descriptively and analytically since the public apathy among the Saudi citizens has been confirmed. Finally, a number of recommendations have been listed as a suggested remedy for the research case.
Civil Service Reform in Post-Independence Nigeria: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Sekwat Alex
Published: May 2024

This article examines Nigeria's experience with civil service reforms after it attained independence from Britain in 1960. It first highlights civil service reform programs attempted by various post-independence Nigerian governments. Within this context the study addresses key issues, challenges, and factors that impeded implementation of previous civil service reform programs. Next. The study explores future policy directions for enhancing the design and implementation of a sustainable civil service reform program. The study concludes by recapitulating the key policy reform measures essential for bringing about a sustainable civil service process and improving the future effectiveness and performance of the civil service.
Empirical Analysis of Productivity in Australian Local Government, 1993/94 to 1995/96
Authors: Worthiington Andrew C. , Dollery Brian E.
Published: May 2024

In this study, the nature and extent of efficiency and productivity growth in Australian local government is investigated using nonpara-metric frontier technique. Employing Malmquist indices, productivity growth is decomposed into technical efficiency change and technological change for two important local government functions: domestic waste management and recycling services and planning and regulatory services. The results indicate that there was little or no productivity growth at the frontier during the period in question although there was substantial improvement in the relative efficiency of nearly all councils in both functions. That productivity growth which did occur appears largely due to and increase in efficiency over the period with improvements in scale efficiency dominating for larger, urban developed councils and improvements in technical efficiency being notable for smaller, rural agricultural councils.
Antecedents of Corporate Lobbying Participation and Intensity: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Sadrich Farid , Annavarjulia Madan
Published: May 2024

Lobbying constitutes a major element in the political strategy of firms for securing favorable outcomes, and is perceived as a source of firm's competitive advantage. Recognizing firm's ability to influence their external environment through reactive and proactive political behavior, this, article reviews the literature in economic and political science and analyzes the supply and demand dimensions for political intervention.
The Development of Leaders in Ancient China, Rome, and Persia
Authors: Dicicco Joel M.
Published: May 2024

Each society holds a unique perspective of leadership and the goal of education in producing leaders. Education has played a critical role in developing leaders in both ancient China (Feudal Age, 1500 BCE - 221 BCE and the First Empire 221 BCE - 221 CE) and ancient Rome (Republican Rome, 509 BCE - 27 BCE and the early Roman Empire, 27 BCE - 285 CE) as the production of leaders was the primary purpose of education under each regime. Ancient Chinese educational philosophy was single-mindedly geared toward enlightening students to the wisdom of the ages because they believed that, through this enlightenment, great leaders were created. The ancient Roman system, in contrast, moved from an initial disdain for formal teaching to valuing schools of rhetoric and law in support of the Roman conception of the orator as the ideal leader. The author concludes that a uniformity of mission, culture, and leadership education contributed to the longevity of the Chinese system of government just as dissonance between these elements contributed to the eventual collapse of the Roman Empire. Comparing the above with the Persian system of education for leadership, the author uses the history of ancient Persia (6000 BCE - 651 CE).
Defining and Implementing the Learning Organization: Some Strategic Limitations
Authors: Fry Brian R. , Griswold J.Samuel
Published: May 2024

The concept of the learning organization has gained increasing currency in the management literature. However, the concept has not received much attention in the public sector. This analysis discusses the idea of the learning organization and its applicability in one public organization, the Office of Information Resources in South Carolina. Both the substance of the concept of the learning organization and its methodological implications are considered. The focus of this particular effort was on using technology as a catalyst for change and capitalizing on "deeper learning cycles" as strategic devices in a process of organizational transformation. The successes and the problems of efforts to implement the learning organization are recounted with the intent of suggesting initiatives that might be undertaken by other public agencies interested in incorporating more systematic learning processed into their operations.
The Gasb'S Initiative to Require Sea Reporting
Authors: Rivenbark William C.
Published: May 2024

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is exploring an initiative that would require state and local governments to engae in performance measurement. The GASB maintains that governmental entities must embrace "service efforts and accomplishments" (SEA) \reporting for accountability to be fully realized. This article examines the feasibility of mandating SEA reporting for state and local governments concluding that a reporting cannot be approved based on the six characteristics that support general purpose external financial reporting. A reporting requirement is only possible if it were based and supported on the broader definition of accountability embraced by the GASB which includes the operational performance of governmental entities.
Reinventing Paradise: Santa Monica'S Sustainable City Program
Authors: Riposa Gerry
Published: May 2024

Faced with the growing cross-pressures of citizen consumer demands, economic vitality, finite environmental resources, and resident concern over quality of life issues, a number of cities have looked toward a sustainable community strategy as a potential policy solution. While such an alternative has shown promise, it has only begun to move from an intellectual vision to an applied program. To build on our knowledge concerning the scope and practice of sustainable communities, this article examines Santa Monica, California, which, over six years ago, initiated a multifaceted sustainable city program. From this research, scholars and practitioners will gain a stronger understanding of the pattern of policy adoption, types of programs, implementation tools, and the facilitative and constraining agents in this city's sustainable community program experience. Along with making a contribution to mapping the current sustainable community terrain, this research also suggests a series of variables for hypothesis construction and testing in future research.
Professional Education and Applied Projects: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Authors: Paddock Susan
Published: May 2024

Applied projects are required of all students in accredited Certified Public Manager (CPM) Programs. This paper tracks the implementation of applied projects in Wisconsin. It identifies barriers to successful implementation, as well as implemented projects' value to the students, their organizations and the educational programs that require the project.
“The Lottery, Southern States, and the Federal Government: A Formula for Perpetual Success Or Inevitable Destruction in Education Policy?”
Authors: Stanley Rodney E. , French P. Edward
Published: May 2024

State operated lotteries have recently been asserted by public administrators and academicians as panaceas for eradicating revenue disparities existing across public school districts in the American states. The purpose of this research project is to empirically confirm the accusations against attributing credibility to this social intervention program because educational disparity portrays a grave injustice in the U.S. Pooled time series cross sectional analysis is the methodology mechanism employed to test the data in this research project. This study found that lotteries, since their inception, despite expressed high regards, display insufficient significance in generating revenue for educational programs in the southern states. One highly probable reason for the lottery's insignificant effect in generating educational revenue is the idea of fungibility. One of the major limitations of this study is the small sample size of only using southern states to test the theory that lotteries contribute significantly to educational expenditures in the southern states of America. Using pooled time series cross sectional analysis of all fifty states is a highly recommended approach for future studies concerned with assessing the impact of lotteries on public education expenditures.
A National Assessment Project of Public Administration: Theoretical Framework and Preliminary Findings from Israel
Authors: Vigoda Eran , Yuval Fany
Published: May 2024

This paper reports on a new venture for the study of public sector performance and on its implementation in Israel. The Israeli study is part of the “European Assessment Project of Public Administration” (EAPPA) that is aimed at a cross-cultural and cross-sectional examination of public administration agencies in various European countries using attitudinal-behavioral methods and tools. A sample of 345 citizens was used to assess the performance of the Israeli public administration and to draw conclusions about the levels of satisfaction with, trust in, and general attitudes towards public policies and personnel. The main findings of the study indicate that Israeli citizens are deeply critical of public institutions and governmental agencies. A correlation analysis further shows a strong and stable relationship between satisfaction and three separate constructs of citizens' trust: (1) trust in administrative and governmental institutions, (2) trust in civil servants, and (3) faith in citizenship involvement. Significant relationships were also found between citizens' satisfaction and most of the other indicators of performance. Finally, the paper presents a socio-economic and demographic analysis of the data. The paper ends with a discussion about the centrality of public opinion studies in the field of public sector performance. It is our expectation that this initiative will lead to more extensive studies throughout other European states that are struggling for improvement in their public service systems.
Leadership in An Age of Devolution: County Commissioners' Role in the Implementation of Appalachian Ohio'S Welfare Reform
Authors: Tadlock Barry L. , Tickamyer Ann R. , White Julie A. , Henderson Debra A. , Pearson-Nelson Benjamin J.
Published: May 2024

What constitutes effective leadership by county commissioners in the implementation of welfare reform? How do contextual factors influence leadership? Findings are based on interviews and surveys of county commissioners in Appalachian Ohio, conducted in 2000. We focus on county commissioners' relationships with Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services and with county welfare agency directors, and on the commissioners' perspectives on devolution. Commissioners provide mixed assessments of the state, but uniformly positive reviews of county welfare agency directors and the concept of devolution. Evidence exists of effective leadership, but it is limited in nature. We discuss lessons learned about the implementation of welfare reform by county government.

When asked for an example of a county commissioner exercising leadership for the betterment of welfare policy in an Appalachian Ohio county, a former state official did not have to think very hard. He cited the case of a commissioner who used her status in the community to pull together representatives from a local college, the Community Action Committee, the county's economic development office, and the local welfare agency. These four organizations that often operated in a disjointed manner, combined forces on several goals. These included bringing new jobs to the county, conducting a needs analysis related to broadband communication, and working with the private sector in order to implement welfare reform goals. The official concluded that actions such as this were relatively rare; he estimated that no more than 15% of commissioners exercised such leadership skills (Kalis 2001). What constitutes effective leadership by county commissioners? To what extent is leadership constrained by contextual factors, such as the rural nature of Appalachian Ohio counties and the skills of welfare agency directors? These questions are at the heart of this paper
Administrative Discretion in A Turbulent Time: An Introduction
Authors: Holzer Marc , Yang Kaifeng
Published: May 2024

Administrative discretion is a fundamental, but unresolved, issue in American public administration. It is especially important in terms of changes in our administrative state and in society. Information technology and E-Government will shape the understanding and practice of discretion, but discretion is determined ultimately by the dominant political culture and discourse that is subject to social trends. The five articles in this symposium are reviewed in this introductory essay.
Administrative Discretion in the Transparent Bureaucracy
Authors: Kang Hwang-Sun
Published: May 2024

The argument between Friedrich and Finer in the early nineteen-forties is a historic debate concerning the locus of control over administrative discretion. While Friedrich insisted the inner check over discretionary power was more effective, Finer argued extensive external control over public bureaucracy was necessary. This article analyzes the debate and suggests a negotiation between them. Two factors help bridge the debate: Information Technology (IT) and strong leadership. The case of “Transparent Government” in Seoul, Korea is used as an illustration of both factors.
Involving Citizens in the Decisions of Government and Community: Neighborhood-Based Vs. Government-Based Citizen Engagement
Authors: Glaser Mark A. , Yeager Samuel J. , Parker Lee E.
Published: May 2024

The era of the global economy brings societal challenges that demand systems solutions to the concerns of community, including citizen engagement and coproduction. Survey research involving more than 1,800 citizens from a Midwestern urban community is used to help local government understand citizens' views of the merits of two very different approaches to citizen engagement. One approach uses organizations that are extensions of the arms of government to promote efficient communication between citizens and government. The second approach employs grassroots neighborhood-based organizations that are assumed to be advantaged at encouraging coproduction. Neighborhood-based organizations were found to be the people's choice for purposes of communication and bringing citizens together for collective solutions to the concerns of the community.
Decentralized Corruption in Germany1
Authors: Von Maravic Patrick
Published: May 2024

This article focuses on the link between administrative reform and decentralized corruption in German municipalities. It argues on the basis of survey findings, that the decentralization process of public service delivery from core administration to public enterprises during the last years has not only resulted in a shift of administrative authority, personnel and financial resources to newly established public enterprises but also in a shift towards decentralized corruption. Findings show that the perceived quantity of decentralized corruption is as high as bureaucratic corruption. In the course of decentralizing public service delivery to new administrative bodies, municipalities have missed the opportunity to adapt their audit systems. Old corruption risks have been shifted to public enterprises and new opportunities for corruption have been created. The data presented are based on a survey conducted with local audit experts and analyze the motivation, opportunity, and possibility for decentralized corruption.
Service Contracting and Labor-Management Partnerships: Transforming the Public Sector
Authors: Rubin Barry , Rubin Richard
Published: May 2024

In response to the prospect of service contracting and the privatization initiatives in the City of Indianapolis, a unique partnership has evolved between labor and management that encourages both cooperation and competition between city departments and their represented employees with outside private contractors. A conceptual model was utilized to analyze the Indianapolis partnership with respect to five developmental stages of collaboration. Empirical data were collected from a questionnaire given to all employees within the Department of Public Works. These data were assessed using multivariate regression and logit analyses, and combined with insights drawn from interviews with labor and management. The results from the multivariate regression indicated that 88% of the variation in the perceived success of the Indianapolis partnership could be explained by the five stages of the conceptual model. Moreover, the regression results, when coupled with the results of the logit analyses, identified a number of critical antecedents for successful service contracting in the form of labor-management partnerships.
Assessing the Performance of Supervisors: Lessons for Practice and Insight into Middle Management Resistance to Change
Authors: Daley Dennis M. , Lovrich Nicholas P.
Published: May 2024

Data from the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board's First-Line Supervisors survey conducted in 1991 is investigated to assess the relative power of ratings on twelve management functions ( what managers do) and nine effectiveness characteristics ( how the work is performed) in the prediction of performance appraisal outcomes. Findings from this secondary analysis of the MSPB survey data indicate that a subset of the Office of Personnel Management's Management Excellence Inventory (MEI) provides a broadly useful foundation for public sector supervisor performance appraisal. As importantly, however, the analysis reported here also reveals some troublesome findings regarding impediments to employee empowerment and the devolution of problem solving incentives to lower levels of bureaucratic authority. There is evidence that middle managers tended to view supervisors less favorably when they took a greater strategic view and exercised more leadership initiative in problem solving. The more intrepid supervisors were indeed taking career risks (receiving lower performance ratings) by engaging in more reinvention of government than their bosses were comfortable with at the dawn of the federal reinventing government effort.
What's a Small City Mayor to do when Things Fall Apart? Normative Limits in Modern urban Theory
Authors: Rosenthal Cindy Simon , Tao Jill L.
Published: May 2024

Urban theories are built upon an understanding garnered from studying larger cities and major metropolitan areas. In this article, we examine use a case study that focuses on the political and managerial challenges faced by a smaller metropolitan area under conditions of rapid growth and demographic change. The case provides a foil for the normative components of urban theory and we offer a contrast between prescription and the insights provided by the case.
Challenges to democratic legitimacy, Scrutiny, Accountability in the Uk National and Local State
Authors: Liddle Joyce
Published: May 2024

This article suggests that at national and local levels, the British state is seemingly incapable of solving multi-faceted and intractable social, economic and environmental problems alone. It is argued that new national and local governance arrangements, based on new ideas, different ways of working, and approaches to problem solving have brought into a sharper focus on the issues of democratic legitimacy, scrutiny and accountability. All three complex and ambiguous concepts have long been a concern in public administration. This article draws from existing conceptual frameworks to show that traditional forms of legitimacy, scrutiny and accountability are now under threat. It examines the merits of the new forms, with some recommendations for the future.
Decentering the State for Local Accountability through Representation: Social Divides as a Barrier in South Asia
Authors: Haque M. Shamsul
Published: May 2024

In recent decades, in line with the ethos of democratization and market-driven reforms, there has emerged a growing trend towards decentering the state and transferring its power to various non-state actors, including local government institutions. In the developing world, although the principles and processes of decentralization have been introduced in order to enhance local-level accountability, the realization of such accountability has been greatly constrained or compromised due to various forms of social divides based on class, caste, and gender. This article explores these issues and concerns with special reference to selected South Asian countries.
E-Procurement Implementation in the United States: Understanding Progress in Local Government
Authors: Bromberg Daniel , Manoharan Aroon
Published: May 2024

E-procurement is a rapidly growing area of e-government implementation. Nevertheless, scholarly research on e-procurement implementation is limited, especially at the municipal level. This study presents empirical evidence on city level e-procurement in the United States, based on a data set of the 191 largest cities. This study focuses on two research questions – 1) Does e-procurement progress in a staged manner as suggested about e-government by the stages theory? 2) What factors contribute to the progression of e-procurement systems through the stages? We find not only that e-procurement is more prevalent in the information or cataloging stage than in the transaction stage but that cities with both IT capacity and a council-manager form of government are more likely to be in an advanced stage of e-procurement development. By providing both descriptive statistics along with statistical analysis, this study helps to explain the current status of e-procurement implementation along with the factors that might lead to further implementation.
Public Administration, Market Values, & the Public Interest: A Kohlbergian Perspective
Authors: Molina Anthony D.
Published: May 2024

This article argues that, from the perspective of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, the imposition of market values onto public organizations creates situational factors in which it becomes difficult for public administrators to discern and advance the public interest. This is particularly true in those instances where administrators must subordinate their personal and organizational interests to the public interest, as the American Society for Public Administration's Code of Ethics calls for them to do. From a Kohlbergian perspective, the ability to reflect on the public interest – and especially to subordinate personal and organizational interests to the public interest – requires ‘Post-conventional moral reasoning,’ i.e., consideration of the conditions that make for a good society, respect for individual rights, and concern for universal principles of justice. However, the imposition of market values onto a public organization creates situational factors in which the administrator is likely to focus on the accumulation of rewards and the avoidance of sanctions; hallmarks of what Kohlberg terms ‘Pre-conventional’ moral reasoning. Therefore, this article concludes that if we expect public administrators to consistently pursue the public interest, we should not create situational factors that will compromise their ability to do so by imposing the values of the market onto our public organizations.
Non-Public Shareholders’ Ownership and Economic Performance in the Urban Public-Transport Companies. Empirical Evidence from European Union
Authors: Corvino Antonio , Rigolini Alessandra
Published: May 2024

Urban mobility (UM) represents an increasingly important field in European Union policy agenda. The growing complexity of citizens’ needs and the criticalities related to the global economic downturn have reduced the amount of the public expenditure that can be invested to cover the UM systems’ requirements. From this perspective, private funding is unavoidable. Public-private partnerships are more and more widespread. In particular, we look to a more relevant non-public shareholders’ presence in the ownership structure of urban public-transport companies. Many scholars have investigated the relationship between the presence of non-public shareholders and the economic performance generated by these companies. Nevertheless, less attention is paid to the “intensity” of non-public shareholders’ presence on firm performance. Moreover, cross-country comparisons are infrequently explored.

In light of these considerations, this paper aims to test whether a lesser or higher presence (i.e. the intensity) of non-public shareholders in the ownership structure of the urban public-transport companies can affect economic performance. This research issue is investigated by statistical methodologies focusing on a sample made up by 333 companies operating in 12 European Union countries.

Findings, managerial implications and suggestions for future research are outlined and discussed.
An Examination of Emergency Services Research in Public Administration
Authors: Henderson Alexander C. , Charbonneau Étienne
Published: May 2024

The scholarly field of public administration has long embraced emergency management as a distinct area of inquiry, producing a substantial body of both conceptual and empirical research. However, not all emergency incidents are alike. Larger-scale crises and disasters differ in substantial ways from more “routine” or “everyday” services. We examine and report on the latter, focusing on the conceptual and empirical treatment of routine emergency services in 19 US-based public administration journals from 1999 to 2013. This stock-taking article describes the service focus; the focal topic and purpose of the research; the conceptual or empirical orientation, the unit of analysis, sampling logic and sample size, and data collection sources and methods. Findings indicate that most articles focus on the policing and law enforcement as opposed to fire and emergency medical services. Research foci generally include mainstay topics like human resources, organizational behavior, management, and professionalism, though some focus on topics more specific to these services like community-citizen interactions. This body of existing research is largely exploratory in nature, and primarily uses quantitative data. Directions for future research and concluding comments are provided.
Benchmarking Property Taxes in A Metropolitan Area
Authors: Brien Spencer T. , Swindell David , Stockwell Brent
Published: May 2024

Public officials in local communities are regularly concerned with the level of their property tax burden compared to that of neighboring jurisdictions. Making meaningful comparisons of property taxes across communities is challenging, however, because differences in the economic characteristics of towns and cities play a key role in how the property tax is locally administered. This paper presents the results of a collaborative property tax benchmarking initiative undertaken by a group of municipalities in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. Property tax practices were compared across jurisdictions to develop a detailed depiction of tax differentials across the region.
Assessing the Level of Cultural Competencies in Public Organizations
Authors: Weimer Nicholas , Zemrani Aziza
Published: May 2024

The development of cultural competencies in public offices is essential for effectively serving a culturally diverse population in the modern era. Providing culturally appropriate and accessible services increases the significance and positive perception of a government office. This paper describes how the program evaluation model can be used to evaluate the needs of a specific population, assess the significance and suitability of a program's mission, and determine if services being delivered in a culturally sensitive manner. Ongoing evaluation of outcomes and efficiency also can determine if overall program goals are being met and how the benefits of the programs compare to the costs. Application of this model can inform instruction and reorganization implementations to enhance the cultural competency of public offices, which will in turn amplify the effective and efficient delivery of services to the target population.
What's in A Website? E-Government Scores and Municipal Characteristics
Authors: Chapman Stephen J.
Published: May 2024

In 2012, Monmouth University's Polling Institute and Monmouth University's Public Policy graduate program conducted an analysis of municipal websites throughout the state of New Jersey. The intention of the report was to provide municipal governments with a general idea of best practices as well as their position relative to other municipalities. While the initial report by Monmouth's Polling Institute conducted some summary analyses, this analysis unlocks some additional information about explaining the variation of website scores. Taking into account various demographic, budgetary, and political measures, this paper shows that various factors affect the quality of communication between government and citizens. Of particular interest is the effect of municipal partisanship, municipal government professionalism, and the use of referenda on website quality. Such an analysis fills a gap in the e-government literature. While previous studies have focused on various topics within e-government, less attention has been given to explaining the variation in the quality of these websites. By showing the impact of education, poverty, partisanship, government characteristics, budgetary constraints, and population, this analysis should be of import to scholars and policymakers alike.
Special District Formation: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Leon-Moreta Agustin
Published: May 2024

This paper empirically examines the formation of special districts in the United States. It investigates, in particular, the adoption of tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) on local governments to determine how they have motivated special district formation. The paper extends the research agenda by reporting an analysis for TELs and special district formation through the post-Proposition 13 tax revolt in the states. Theory on special-purpose governments and, on TELs, guides the research – literatures interested in the impact of fiscal institutions on local government reorganization. Main findings are that adoption of one type of TEL – general limitations – is encouraging the formation of special districts with taxing powers. Substantively, adoption of general limitations raises the number of taxing districts by approximately 13 percent. A flexible model for panel data, inclusive of fixed effects and time trends, turns out to be crucial for identifying estimates for the role of TELs in special district formation.
Emergency Financial Management in Small Michigan Cities: Short-Term Fix Or Long-Term Sustainability?
Authors: Clark Anna Fountain , Gorina Evgenia
Published: May 2024

Emergency financial management is a relatively recent and unique form of municipal governance that is designed to address local fiscal crises by concentrating the decision making power in the hands of a temporarily appointed chief executive. In this paper, we examine practices of emergency financial management in three Michigan cities in the Detroit metropolitan area to understand the role of emergency financial managers in helping the cities to address chronic fiscal distress. Through the analysis of data from comprehensive annual financial reports, we show that emergency financial management tends to produce budgetary-level improvements in fiscal condition. We also discuss policies that can assist emergency financial managers in bringing longer-term fiscal health to struggling cities.
The Influence of Disparate Emotional Labor Performances by Diverse Group Members on Government Legitimacy
Authors: Silard Anthony , Anderson Jonathan F.
Published: May 2024

Emotional labor research has focused primarily on one particular context—the work of employees to display positive emotions in customer service relationships. Emotional labor, however, is an important mechanism of many different relationships. One of them is the emotional labor of non-dominant group members to conform to dominant-culture standards in public organizations. It is incumbent upon scholars and practitioners alike to recognize that organizational norms are constructed by groups who hold power and that conforming to dominant-culture norms is not automatically a positive, normative goal for all organizational members. We theorize that the performance of emotional labor is disparately enacted by dominant and non-dominant social groups within public organizations. We contend that, as per the expectation of public agencies to exemplify representative bureaucracy, this disparity acts as a threat to government legitimacy.
Performing What? Exploring and Expanding the Notion of Synecdoche in Performance Management Practice
Authors: Drew Joseph , O'flynn Janine , Grant Bligh
Published: May 2024

The corpus of scholarly literature on performance management largely neglects its role as a rhetorical device. Yet the performance narrative is truly an art of persuasion: it employs master tropes in order to discover warrantable beliefs. However, aside from a unidimensional account of synecdoche, where it is referred to simply as taking a part-for-the-whole, the rhetorical nature of performance management largely seems to have escaped notice in the public administration literature. Our focus is to provide a more fulsome account of synecdoche that can lead to a different perspective on what scholars and performance management architects have generally considered as perverse behavior and deceitful gaming. To provide our discussion with context we examine the persuasive intent and effect of the ‘Fit for the Future’ program, which sought to promote municipal amalgamations in New South Wales, Australia.