Sample records for contracting out

  1. The impact of contracting-out on health system performance: a conceptual framework.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xingzhu; Hotchkiss, David R; Bose, Sujata

    2007-07-01

    Despite the increased popularity of contracting-out of health services in developing countries, its effectiveness on overall health system performance is not yet conclusive. Except for substantial evidence of contracting-out's positive effect on access to health services and some evidence on improved equity in access, there is little evidence of contracting-out's impact on quality and efficiency. Most studies on the subject evaluate specific contracting-out projects against narrowly specified project objectives, not against more broadly defined health system goals. For this reason, conclusions of positive effects pertaining to project level may not hold at system level. This paper presents a conceptual framework that is expected to facilitate comprehensive, rigorous, and standardized evaluation of contracting-out at health system level. Specifically, this framework supports: full and standardized description of contracting-out interventions, study of the determinants of effectiveness, examination of provider and purchaser responses, assessment of the impact of contracting-out on all dimensions of health system performance, and cross-project analyses.

  2. Can contracted out health facilities improve access, equity, and quality of maternal and newborn health services? Evidence from Pakistan.

    PubMed

    Zaidi, Shehla; Riaz, Atif; Rabbani, Fauziah; Azam, Syed Iqbal; Imran, Syeda Nida; Pradhan, Nouhseen Akber; Khan, Gul Nawaz

    2015-11-25

    The case of contracting out government health services to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has been weak for maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services, with documented gains being mainly in curative services. We present an in-depth assessment of the comparative advantages of contracting out on MNCH access, quality, and equity, using a case study from Pakistan. An end-line, cross-sectional assessment was conducted of government facilities contracted out to a large national NGO and government-managed centres serving as controls, in two remote rural districts of Pakistan. Contracting out was specific for augmenting MNCH services but without contractual performance incentives. A household survey, a health facility survey, and focus group discussions with client and spouses were used for assessment. Contracted out facilities had a significantly higher utilization as compared to control facilities for antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, emergency obstetric care, and neonatal illness. Contracted facilities had comparatively better quality of MNCH services but not in all aspects. Better household practices were also seen in the district where contracting involved administrative control over outreach programs. Contracting was also faced with certain drawbacks. Facility utilization was inequitably higher amongst more educated and affluent clients. Contracted out catchments had higher out-of-pocket expenses on MNCH services, driven by steeper transport costs and user charges for additional diagnostics. Contracting out did not influence higher MNCH service coverage rates across the catchment. Physical distances, inadequate transport, and low demand for facility-based care in non-emergency settings were key client-reported barriers. Contracting out MNCH services at government health facilities can improve facility utilization and bring some improvement in  quality of services. However, contracting out of health facilities is insufficient to increase service access across the catchment in remote rural contexts and requires accompanying measures for demand enhancement, transportation access, and targeting of the more disadvantaged clientele.

  3. 48 CFR 3004.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 3004.804-5 Section 3004.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Contract Files 3004.804-5 Procedures for closing out contract files. ...

  4. 48 CFR 3004.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 3004.804-5 Section 3004.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Contract Files 3004.804-5 Procedures for closing out contract files. ...

  5. 48 CFR 3004.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2013-10-01 2012-10-01 true Procedures for closing out contract files. 3004.804-5 Section 3004.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Contract Files 3004.804-5 Procedures for closing out contract files. ...

  6. 48 CFR 3004.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 3004.804-5 Section 3004.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Contract Files 3004.804-5 Procedures for closing out contract files. ...

  7. 48 CFR 3004.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 3004.804-5 Section 3004.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Contract Files 3004.804-5 Procedures for closing out contract files. ...

  8. Contracting for health and curative care use in Afghanistan between 2004 and 2005

    PubMed Central

    Arur, Aneesa; Peters, David; Hansen, Peter; Mashkoor, Mohammad Ashraf; Steinhardt, Laura C.; Burnham, Gilbert

    2010-01-01

    Afghanistan has used several approaches to contracting as part of its national strategy to increase access to basic health services. This study compares changes in the utilization of outpatient curative services from 2004 to 2005 between the different approaches for contracting-out services to non-governmental service providers, contracting-in technical assistance at public sector facilities, and public sector facilities that did not use contracting. We find that both contracting-in and contracting-out approaches are associated with substantial double difference increases in service use from 2004 to 2005 compared with non-contracted facilities. The double difference increase in contracting-out facilities for outpatient visits is 29% (P < 0.01), while outpatient visits from female patients increased 41% (P < 0.01), use by the poorest quintile increased 68% (P < 0.01) and use by children aged under 5 years increased 27% (P < 0.05). Comparing the individual contracting-out approaches, we find similar increases in outpatient visits when contracts are managed directly by the Ministry of Public Health compared with when contracts are managed by an experienced international non-profit organization. Finally, contracting-in facilities show even larger increases in all the measures of utilization other than visits from children under 5. Although there are minor differences in the results between contracting-out approaches, these differences cannot be attributed to a specific contracting-out approach because of factors limiting the comparability of the groups. It is nonetheless clear that the government was able to manage contracts effectively despite early concerns about their lack of experience, and that contracting has helped to improve utilization of basic health services. PMID:19850664

  9. One Approach to Contracting Out Services.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cryder, Ralph S.

    1985-01-01

    Public agencies can benefit from cost savings in forestry services, park security, and maintenance when park and recreation departments contract out for services. Pros and cons of contracting out and guidelines for this process are offered. (DF)

  10. The effectiveness of contracting-out primary health care services in developing countries: a review of the evidence.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xingzhu; Hotchkiss, David R; Bose, Sujata

    2008-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to review the research literature on the effectiveness of contracting-out of primary health care services and its impact on both programme and health systems performance in low- and middle-income countries. Due to the heightened interest in improving accountability relationships in the health sector and in rapidly scaling up priority interventions, there is an increasing amount of interest in and experimentation with contracting-out. Overall, while the review of the selected studies suggests that contracting-out has in many cases improved access to services, the effects on other performance dimensions such as equity, quality and efficiency are often unknown. Moreover, little is known about the system-wide effects of contracting-out, which could be either positive or negative. Although the study results leave open the question of how contracting-out can be used as a policy tool to improve overall health system performance, the results indicate that the context in which contracting-out is implemented and the design features of the interventions are likely to greatly influence the chances for success.

  11. Contracting-out in the United Kingdom: a partnership between social security and private pension plans.

    PubMed

    Daykin, Chris

    2002-01-01

    Contracting-out was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1978 as part of the arrangements for the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) in order to avoid duplication with the existing well-developed defined benefit occupational pension plan sector. Members and sponsors of contracted-out schemes were able to save on their social security contributions in recognition of the fact that they were accruing equivalent benefits through an occupational pension plan. Later on this concept was extended to those with individual money purchase pension plans. This article considers a brief history of contracting-out, the principles of contracting-out, some problems associated with contracting-out, the implications of the introduction of stakeholder pensions and State Second Pension, and the latest rebate review and rebate orders. It examines how U.K. pensions policy since 1978 has been based on a partnership between social security and private pension plans.

  12. 48 CFR 1204.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 1204.804-5 Section 1204.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Government Contract Files 1204.804-5 Procedures for closing out...

  13. 48 CFR 4.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 4.804-5 Section 4.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Government Contract Files 4.804-5 Procedures for closing out...

  14. 48 CFR 4.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 4.804-5 Section 4.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Government Contract Files 4.804-5 Procedures for closing out...

  15. 48 CFR 1204.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 1204.804-5 Section 1204.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Government Contract Files 1204.804-5 Procedures for closing out...

  16. 48 CFR 4.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 4.804-5 Section 4.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Government Contract Files 4.804-5 Procedures for closing out...

  17. 48 CFR 1204.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 1204.804-5 Section 1204.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Government Contract Files 1204.804-5 Procedures for closing out...

  18. 48 CFR 4.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 4.804-5 Section 4.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Government Contract Files 4.804-5 Procedures for closing out...

  19. 48 CFR 4.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 4.804-5 Section 4.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Government Contract Files 4.804-5 Procedures for closing out...

  20. 48 CFR 1204.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 1204.804-5 Section 1204.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Government Contract Files 1204.804-5 Procedures for closing out...

  1. 48 CFR 1204.804-5 - Procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Procedures for closing out contract files. 1204.804-5 Section 1204.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Government Contract Files 1204.804-5 Procedures for closing out...

  2. Contracting out of health services in developing countries.

    PubMed

    McPake, B; Banda, E E

    1994-03-01

    Contracting out is emerging as a common policy issue in a number of developing countries. The theoretical case for contracting out suggests many advantages in combining public finance with private provision. However, practical difficulties such as those of ensuring that competition takes place between potential contractors, that competition leads to efficiency and that contracts and the process of contracting are effectively managed, suggest that such advantages may not always be realized. Most countries are likely only to contemplate restricted contracting of small-scale non-clinical services in the short term. Prerequisites of more extensive models appear to be the development of information systems and human resources to that end. Some urban areas of larger countries may have the existing preconditions for more successful large-scale contracting.

  3. Measuring Contract Agency Performance with Administrative Data.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wulczyn, Fred; Orlebeke, Britany; Melamid, Elan

    2000-01-01

    Analyzed the relative performance of contract agencies providing out-of-home care by examining administrative data on the length of time it took children placed in out-of-home care to return to their families. Found that contract agency performance differs and that "agency effects" leave an independent imprint on a child's out-of-home…

  4. Perceived barriers to utilizing maternal and neonatal health services in contracted-out versus government-managed health facilities in the rural districts of Pakistan.

    PubMed

    Riaz, Atif; Zaidi, Shehla; Khowaja, Asif Raza

    2015-03-06

    A number of developing countries have contracted out public health facilities to the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in order to improve service utilization. However, there is a paucity of in-depth qualitative information on barriers to access services as a result of contracting from service users' perspective. The objective of this study was to explore perceived barriers to utilizing Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) services, in health facilities contracted out by government to NGO for service provision versus in those which are managed by government (non-contracted). A community-based qualitative exploratory study was conducted between April to September 2012 at two contracted-out and four matched non-contracted primary healthcare facilities in Thatta and Chitral, rural districts of Pakistan. Using semi-structured guide, the data were collected through thirty-six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted with mothers and their spouses in the catchment areas of selected facilities. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo version 10.0 in which themes and sub-themes emerged. Key barriers reported in contracted sites included physical distance, user charges and familial influences. Whereas, poor functionality of health centres was the main barrier for non-contracted sites with other issues being comparatively less salient. Decision-making patterns for participants of both catchments were largely similar. Spouses and mother-in-laws particularly influenced the decision to utilize health facilities. Contracting out of health facility reduces supply side barriers to MNH services for the community served but distance, user charges and low awareness remain significant barriers. Contracting needs to be accompanied by measures for transportation in remote settings, oversight on user fee charges by contractor, and strong community-based behavior change strategies. © 2015 by Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

  5. Perceived barriers to utilizing maternal and neonatal health services in contracted-out versus government-managed health facilities in the rural districts of Pakistan

    PubMed Central

    Riaz, Atif; Zaidi, Shehla; Khowaja, Asif Raza

    2015-01-01

    Background: A number of developing countries have contracted out public health facilities to the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in order to improve service utilization. However, there is a paucity of in-depth qualitative information on barriers to access services as a result of contracting from service users’ perspective. The objective of this study was to explore perceived barriers to utilizing Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) services, in health facilities contracted out by government to NGO for service provision versus in those which are managed by government (non-contracted). Methods: A community-based qualitative exploratory study was conducted between April to September 2012 at two contracted-out and four matched non-contracted primary healthcare facilities in Thatta and Chitral, rural districts of Pakistan. Using semi-structured guide, the data were collected through thirty-six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted with mothers and their spouses in the catchment areas of selected facilities. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo version 10.0 in which themes and sub-themes emerged. Results: Key barriers reported in contracted sites included physical distance, user charges and familial influences. Whereas, poor functionality of health centres was the main barrier for non-contracted sites with other issues being comparatively less salient. Decision-making patterns for participants of both catchments were largely similar. Spouses and mother-in-laws particularly influenced the decision to utilize health facilities. Conclusion: Contracting out of health facility reduces supply side barriers to MNH services for the community served but distance, user charges and low awareness remain significant barriers. Contracting needs to be accompanied by measures for transportation in remote settings, oversight on user fee charges by contractor, and strong community-based behavior change strategies. PMID:25905478

  6. 25 CFR 900.44 - What minimum general standards apply to all Indian tribe or tribal organization financial...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... or tribal organization financial management systems when carrying out a self-determination contract... organization financial management systems when carrying out a self-determination contract? The fiscal control... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND...

  7. 25 CFR 900.44 - What minimum general standards apply to all Indian tribe or tribal organization financial...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... or tribal organization financial management systems when carrying out a self-determination contract... organization financial management systems when carrying out a self-determination contract? The fiscal control... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND...

  8. 25 CFR 900.44 - What minimum general standards apply to all Indian tribe or tribal organization financial...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... or tribal organization financial management systems when carrying out a self-determination contract... organization financial management systems when carrying out a self-determination contract? The fiscal control... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND...

  9. 25 CFR 900.44 - What minimum general standards apply to all Indian tribe or tribal organization financial...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... or tribal organization financial management systems when carrying out a self-determination contract... organization financial management systems when carrying out a self-determination contract? The fiscal control... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND...

  10. 25 CFR 900.44 - What minimum general standards apply to all Indian tribe or tribal organization financial...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... or tribal organization financial management systems when carrying out a self-determination contract... organization financial management systems when carrying out a self-determination contract? The fiscal control... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND...

  11. 48 CFR 1504.804-5 - Detailed procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Detailed procedures for closing out contract files. 1504.804-5 Section 1504.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Contract Files 1504.804-5 Detailed procedures for...

  12. 48 CFR 1504.804-5 - Detailed procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 true Detailed procedures for closing out contract files. 1504.804-5 Section 1504.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Contract Files 1504.804-5 Detailed procedures for...

  13. 48 CFR 1504.804-5 - Detailed procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Detailed procedures for closing out contract files. 1504.804-5 Section 1504.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Contract Files 1504.804-5 Detailed procedures for...

  14. 48 CFR 1504.804-5 - Detailed procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Detailed procedures for closing out contract files. 1504.804-5 Section 1504.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Contract Files 1504.804-5 Detailed procedures for...

  15. 48 CFR 1504.804-5 - Detailed procedures for closing out contract files.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Detailed procedures for closing out contract files. 1504.804-5 Section 1504.804-5 Federal Acquisition Regulations System ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Contract Files 1504.804-5 Detailed procedures for...

  16. 48 CFR 19.309 - Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... performed in the United States or its outlying areas. (d) Insert the clause at 52.219-28, Post-Award Small... Business Programs 19.309 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses. (a)(1) Insert the provision at 52... when the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas. (2) Use the provision...

  17. 48 CFR 19.309 - Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... performed in the United States or its outlying areas. (d) Insert the clause at 52.219-28, Post-Award Small... Business Programs 19.309 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses. (a)(1) Insert the provision at 52... when the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas. (2) Use the provision...

  18. Contracting out to improve the use of clinical health services and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

    PubMed

    Odendaal, Willem A; Ward, Kim; Uneke, Jesse; Uro-Chukwu, Henry; Chitama, Dereck; Balakrishna, Yusentha; Kredo, Tamara

    2018-04-03

    Contracting out of governmental health services is a financing strategy that governs the way in which public sector funds are used to have services delivered by non-governmental health service providers (NGPs). It represents a contract between the government and an NGP, detailing the mechanisms and conditions by which the latter should provide health care on behalf of the government. Contracting out is intended to improve the delivery and use of healthcare services. This Review updates a Cochrane Review first published in 2009. To assess effects of contracting out governmental clinical health services to non-governmental service provider/s, on (i) utilisation of clinical health services; (ii) improvement in population health outcomes; (iii) improvement in equity of utilisation of these services; (iv) costs and cost-effectiveness of delivering the services; and (v) improvement in health systems performance. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, EconLit, ProQuest, and Global Health on 07 April 2017, along with two trials registers - ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform - on 17 November 2017. Individually randomised and cluster-randomised trials, controlled before-after studies, interrupted time series, and repeated measures studies, comparing government-delivered clinical health services versus those contracted out to NGPs, or comparing different models of non-governmental-delivered clinical health services. Two authors independently screened all records, extracted data from the included studies and assessed the risk of bias. We calculated the net effect for all outcomes. A positive value favours the intervention whilst a negative value favours the control. Effect estimates are presented with 95% confidence intervals. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of the evidence and we prepared a Summary of Findings table. We included two studies, a cluster-randomised trial conducted in Cambodia, and a controlled before-after study conducted in Guatemala. Both studies reported that contracting out over 12 months probably makes little or no difference in (i) immunisation uptake of children 12 to 24 months old (moderate-certainty evidence), (ii) the number of women who had more than two antenatal care visits (moderate-certainty evidence), and (iii) female use of contraceptives (moderate-certainty evidence).The Cambodia trial reported that contracting out may make little or no difference in the mortality over 12 months of children younger than one year of age (net effect = -4.3%, intervention effect P = 0.36, clustered standard error (SE) = 3.0%; low-certainty evidence), nor to the incidence of childhood diarrhoea (net effect = -16.2%, intervention effect P = 0.07, clustered SE = 19.0%; low-certainty evidence). The Cambodia study found that contracting out probably reduces individual out-of-pocket spending over 12 months on curative care (net effect = $ -19.25 (2003 USD), intervention effect P = 0.01, clustered SE = $ 5.12; moderate-certainty evidence). The included studies did not report equity in the use of clinical health services and in adverse effects. This update confirms the findings of the original review. Contracting out probably reduces individual out-of-pocket spending on curative care (moderate-certainty evidence), but probably makes little or no difference in other health utilisation or service delivery outcomes (moderate- to low-certainty evidence). Therefore, contracting out programmes may be no better or worse than government-provided services, although additional rigorously designed studies may change this result. The literature provides many examples of contracting out programmes, which implies that this is a feasible response when governments fail to provide good clinical health care. Future contracting out programmes should be framed within a rigorous study design to allow valid and reliable measures of their effects. Such studies should include qualitative research that assesses the views of programme implementers and beneficiaries, and records implementation mechanisms. This approach may reveal enablers for, and barriers to, successful implementation of such programmes.

  19. 40 CFR Appendix A to Part 33 - Term and Condition

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach of this contract which may result in the.... 33, App. A Appendix A to Part 33—Term and Condition Each procurement contract signed by an EPA... this contract. The contractor shall carry out applicable requirements of 40 CFR part 33 in the award...

  20. 25 CFR 900.43 - What are the general financial management system standards that apply to a tribal organization...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... standards that apply to a tribal organization carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.43 Section 900... organization carrying out a self-determination contract? A tribal organization shall expend and account for..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION...

  1. 25 CFR 900.43 - What are the general financial management system standards that apply to a tribal organization...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... standards that apply to a tribal organization carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.43 Section 900... organization carrying out a self-determination contract? A tribal organization shall expend and account for..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION...

  2. 25 CFR 900.43 - What are the general financial management system standards that apply to a tribal organization...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... standards that apply to a tribal organization carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.43 Section 900... organization carrying out a self-determination contract? A tribal organization shall expend and account for..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION...

  3. 25 CFR 900.43 - What are the general financial management system standards that apply to a tribal organization...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... standards that apply to a tribal organization carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.43 Section 900... organization carrying out a self-determination contract? A tribal organization shall expend and account for..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION...

  4. 25 CFR 900.43 - What are the general financial management system standards that apply to a tribal organization...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... standards that apply to a tribal organization carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.43 Section 900... organization carrying out a self-determination contract? A tribal organization shall expend and account for..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION...

  5. 41 CFR 102-33.35 - How can we get help in carrying out our responsibilities?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false How can we get help in carrying out our responsibilities? 102-33.35 Section 102-33.35 Public Contracts and Property Management... get help in carrying out our responsibilities? To get help in carrying out your responsibilities under...

  6. The Post-Award Costs of Contracting Out: The U.S. Navy’s Implementation of OMB Circular A-76

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-06-01

    Commercial Activities (CA) Program Update, 6 April 1987. 4. Horngren , C.T. and Foster, G., Cost Accounting : A Managerial Emphasis, 6th Ed., Prentice-Hall... COSTS OF CONTRACTING OUT: THE U.S. NAVY’S IMPLEMENTATION OF OMB CIRCULAR A-76 12 PERSONAL AUTHOR( S ) Cole. Nancy S . and Cnlp Charla P 13a TYPE OF...of contracting out and identifies those costs that are either underestimated or not accounted for in the cost comparison process. Research was

  7. 48 CFR 19.707 - The Small Business Administration's role in carrying out the program.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Administration's role in carrying out the program. 19.707 Section 19.707 Federal Acquisition Regulations System... Subcontracting Program 19.707 The Small Business Administration's role in carrying out the program. (a) Under the... nature; and (4) Evaluate compliance with subcontracting plans, either on a contract-by-contract basis, or...

  8. Contract Learning.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gilbert, Jay

    Academic work carried out through learning contracts at Empire State College is described. Learning contracts are defined and examples are given. Faculty roles, educational advantages, and implementation methods are discussed. (MLH)

  9. 41 CFR Appendix D to Part 60 - 741-Guidelines Regarding Positions Engaged in Carrying Out a Contract

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true 741-Guidelines Regarding... Management Other Provisions Relating to Public Contracts OFFICE OF FEDERAL CONTRACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS... performed and their relationship to contract performance. A position is included if its duties included work...

  10. 41 CFR Appendix D to Part 60 - 741-Guidelines Regarding Positions Engaged in Carrying Out a Contract

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2012-07-01 2009-07-01 true 741-Guidelines Regarding... Management Other Provisions Relating to Public Contracts OFFICE OF FEDERAL CONTRACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS... performed and their relationship to contract performance. A position is included if its duties included work...

  11. 41 CFR Appendix D to Part 60 - 741-Guidelines Regarding Positions Engaged in Carrying Out a Contract

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true 741-Guidelines Regarding... Management Other Provisions Relating to Public Contracts OFFICE OF FEDERAL CONTRACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS... performed and their relationship to contract performance. A position is included if its duties included work...

  12. 41 CFR Appendix D to Part 60 - 741-Guidelines Regarding Positions Engaged in Carrying Out a Contract

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false 741-Guidelines Regarding... Management Other Provisions Relating to Public Contracts OFFICE OF FEDERAL CONTRACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS... performed and their relationship to contract performance. A position is included if its duties included work...

  13. Service quality in contracted facilities.

    PubMed

    Rabbani, Fauziah; Pradhan, Nousheen Akber; Zaidi, Shehla; Azam, Syed Iqbal; Yousuf, Farheen

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to explore the readiness of contracted and non-contracted first-level healthcare facilities in Pakistan to deliver quality maternal and neonatal health (MNH) care. A balanced scorecard (BSC) was used as the assessment framework. Using a cross-sectional study design, two rural health centers (RHCs) contracted out to Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan were compared with four government managed RHCs. A BSC was designed to assess RHC readiness to deliver good quality MNH care. In total 20 indicators were developed, representing five BSC domains: health facility functionality, service provision, staff capacity, staff and patient satisfaction. Validated data collection tools were used to collect information. Pearson χ2, Fisher's Exact and the Mann-Whitney tests were applied as appropriate to detect significant service quality differences among the two facilities. Contracted facilities were generally found to be better than non-contracted facilities in all five BSC domains. Patients' inclination for facility-based delivery at contracted facilities was, however, significantly higher than non-contracted facilities (80 percent contracted vs 43 percent non-contracted, p=0.006). The study shows that contracting out initiatives have the potential to improve MNH care. This is the first study to compare MNH service delivery quality across contracted and non-contracted facilities using BSC as the assessment framework.

  14. Test Case Study: Estimating the Cost of Ada Software Development

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-04-01

    2-9 2.1.5 SPQR /20 ....... .................... ... 2-12 2.1.6 SYST’E-3 ....... ................... .. 2-12 2.2 ADA...SoftCost-Ada 3 out of 3 0% to 6% Commercial Contracts SPQR /20 1 out of 4 -22% Model Consistency on SoftCost-Ada 3 out of 3 -13% to - 8% Commercial Contracts...PRICE-S 2 out of 4 - 1% to 22% Model Accuracy on SASET 3 out of 4 - 7% to 29% Command & Control SPQR /20 3 out of 4 -22% to 19% Applications Model

  15. Framing the decision to contract out elderly care and primary health care services – perspectives of local level politicians and civil servants in Finland

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background In the literature there are only few empirical studies that analyse the decision makers’ reasoning to contract out health care and social services to private sector. However, the decisions on the delivery patterns of health care and social services are considered to be of great importance as they have a potential to influence citizens’ access to services and even affect their health. This study contributes to filling this cap by exploring the frames used by Finnish local authorities as they talk about contracting out of primary health care and elderly care services. Contracting with the private sector has gained increasing popularity, in Finland, during the past decade, as a practise of organising health care and social services. Methods Interview data drawn from six municipalities through thematic group interviews were used. The data were analysed applying frame analysis in order to reveal the underlying reasoning for the decisions. Results Five argumentation frames were found: Rational reasoning; Pragmatic realism; Promoting diversity among providers; Good for the municipality; Good for the local people. The interviewees saw contracting with the private sector mostly as a means to improve the performance of public providers, to improve service quality and efficiency and to boost the local economy. The decisions to contract out were mainly argued through the good for the municipal administration, political and ideological commitments, available resources and existing institutions. Conclusions This study suggests that the policy makers use a number of grounds to justify their decisions on contracting out. Most of the arguments were related to the benefits of the municipality rather than on what is best for the local people. The citizens were offered the role of active consumers who are willing to purchase services also out-of-pocket. This development has a potential to endanger the affordability of the services and lead to undermining some of the traditional principles of the Nordic welfare state. PMID:22805167

  16. Framing the decision to contract out elderly care and primary health care services - perspectives of local level politicians and civil servants in Finland.

    PubMed

    Tynkkynen, Liina-Kaisa; Lehto, Juhani; Miettinen, Sari

    2012-07-17

    In the literature there are only few empirical studies that analyse the decision makers' reasoning to contract out health care and social services to private sector. However, the decisions on the delivery patterns of health care and social services are considered to be of great importance as they have a potential to influence citizens' access to services and even affect their health. This study contributes to filling this cap by exploring the frames used by Finnish local authorities as they talk about contracting out of primary health care and elderly care services. Contracting with the private sector has gained increasing popularity, in Finland, during the past decade, as a practise of organising health care and social services. Interview data drawn from six municipalities through thematic group interviews were used. The data were analysed applying frame analysis in order to reveal the underlying reasoning for the decisions. Five argumentation frames were found: Rational reasoning; Pragmatic realism; Promoting diversity among providers; Good for the municipality; Good for the local people. The interviewees saw contracting with the private sector mostly as a means to improve the performance of public providers, to improve service quality and efficiency and to boost the local economy. The decisions to contract out were mainly argued through the good for the municipal administration, political and ideological commitments, available resources and existing institutions. This study suggests that the policy makers use a number of grounds to justify their decisions on contracting out. Most of the arguments were related to the benefits of the municipality rather than on what is best for the local people. The citizens were offered the role of active consumers who are willing to purchase services also out-of-pocket. This development has a potential to endanger the affordability of the services and lead to undermining some of the traditional principles of the Nordic welfare state.

  17. 29 CFR 4.163 - Section 4(c) of the Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... their support contracts. Thus, specific contract requirements from one contract may be broken out and... substantially the same job classifications, the predecessor contract which covers the greater portion of the... bargaining agreement. However, failure to include in the wage determination any job classification, wage rate...

  18. 29 CFR 4.163 - Section 4(c) of the Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... their support contracts. Thus, specific contract requirements from one contract may be broken out and... substantially the same job classifications, the predecessor contract which covers the greater portion of the... bargaining agreement. However, failure to include in the wage determination any job classification, wage rate...

  19. 29 CFR 4.163 - Section 4(c) of the Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... their support contracts. Thus, specific contract requirements from one contract may be broken out and... substantially the same job classifications, the predecessor contract which covers the greater portion of the... bargaining agreement. However, failure to include in the wage determination any job classification, wage rate...

  20. 29 CFR 4.163 - Section 4(c) of the Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... their support contracts. Thus, specific contract requirements from one contract may be broken out and... substantially the same job classifications, the predecessor contract which covers the greater portion of the... bargaining agreement. However, failure to include in the wage determination any job classification, wage rate...

  1. Evaluating the impact of contracting out basic health care services in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

    PubMed Central

    Greve, Jane; Schattan Ruas Pereira Coelho, Vera

    2017-01-01

    Abstract As a means of dealing with shortcomings in the coverage, quality and efficiency of the public health care sector, several municipalities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, have started to contract pre-certified non-profit or non-governmental organizations to take part in the delivery of health care services. This paper explores the impact of introducing these contracts in the primary health care sector. Using data on the 645 municipalities in the state of São Paulo and difference-in-differences methods, we estimate the effect of contracting out in the primary health care sector on various dimensions of mortality and health care use. The results show that implementation of the contracting out strategy significantly increases the number of primary health care appointments by approximately one appointment per user of the national health care system per year. Point estimates indicate a reducing effect on hospitalization for preventable diseases. PMID:28419264

  2. 42 CFR 137.239 - If the withdrawing Indian Tribe elects to operate PSFAs carried out under a compact or funding...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., is the resulting contract considered a mature contract under section 4(h) of the Act [25 U.S.C. 450b... agreement under Title V through a contract under Title I, is the resulting contract considered a mature... Title I, the resulting contract is considered a mature contract under section 4(h) of the Act [25 U.S.C...

  3. 42 CFR 137.239 - If the withdrawing Indian Tribe elects to operate PSFAs carried out under a compact or funding...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., is the resulting contract considered a mature contract under section 4(h) of the Act [25 U.S.C. 450b... agreement under Title V through a contract under Title I, is the resulting contract considered a mature... Title I, the resulting contract is considered a mature contract under section 4(h) of the Act [25 U.S.C...

  4. 42 CFR 137.239 - If the withdrawing Indian Tribe elects to operate PSFAs carried out under a compact or funding...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., is the resulting contract considered a mature contract under section 4(h) of the Act [25 U.S.C. 450b... agreement under Title V through a contract under Title I, is the resulting contract considered a mature... Title I, the resulting contract is considered a mature contract under section 4(h) of the Act [25 U.S.C...

  5. 48 CFR 731.770 - OMB Circular A-122, cost principles for nonprofit organizations; USAID implementation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Regulations System AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GENERAL CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT COST PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES Contracts With Nonprofit Organizations 731.770 OMB Circular A-122, cost principles... and Assistance, has been so designated. The Overhead and Special Cost and Contract Close-Out Branch...

  6. 48 CFR 731.770 - OMB Circular A-122, cost principles for nonprofit organizations; USAID implementation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Regulations System AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GENERAL CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT COST PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES Contracts With Nonprofit Organizations 731.770 OMB Circular A-122, cost principles... and Assistance, has been so designated. The Overhead and Special Cost and Contract Close-Out Branch...

  7. 7 CFR 1410.52 - Violations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ...) If a participant fails to carry out the terms and conditions of a CRP contract, CCC may terminate the CRP contract. (2) If the CRP contract is terminated by CCC in accordance with this paragraph: (i) The...

  8. 25 CFR 273.18 - Additional requirements for education plan.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT PROGRAM EDUCATION CONTRACTS UNDER JOHNSON-O'MALLEY ACT Application Process § 273.18... needed to carry out the contract. (o) State the period of contract term requested. (p) Include the...

  9. 25 CFR 273.18 - Additional requirements for education plan.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT PROGRAM EDUCATION CONTRACTS UNDER JOHNSON-O'MALLEY ACT Application Process § 273.18... needed to carry out the contract. (o) State the period of contract term requested. (p) Include the...

  10. 25 CFR 273.18 - Additional requirements for education plan.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT PROGRAM EDUCATION CONTRACTS UNDER JOHNSON-O'MALLEY ACT Application Process § 273.18... needed to carry out the contract. (o) State the period of contract term requested. (p) Include the...

  11. 41 CFR 101-26.303 - Out-of-stock items.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Out-of-stock items. 101-26.303 Section 101-26.303 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System FEDERAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS SUPPLY AND PROCUREMENT 26-PROCUREMENT SOURCES AND...

  12. 48 CFR 731.109 - Advance agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ....109 Section 731.109 Federal Acquisition Regulations System AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GENERAL CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT COST PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES Applicability 731.109 Advance... Special Cost and Contract Close-Out Branch, Office of Acquisition and Assistance. Such advance...

  13. Review of "A School Privatization Primer for Michigan School Officials, Media and Residents"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Belfield, Clive

    2008-01-01

    Issued by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, "A School Privatization Primer for Michigan School Officials, Media and Residents" examines the "contracting out" of public school support services--specifically food, transportation, and custodial services. The report describes the prevalence of contracting out and sets forth…

  14. 5 CFR 330.404 - Displacement of preference eligibles occupying restricted positions in contracting out situations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Displacement of preference eligibles occupying restricted positions in contracting out situations. 330.404 Section 330.404 Administrative... (GENERAL) Positions Restricted to Preference Eligibles § 330.404 Displacement of preference eligibles...

  15. 5 CFR 330.404 - Displacement of preference eligibles occupying restricted positions in contracting out situations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Displacement of preference eligibles occupying restricted positions in contracting out situations. 330.404 Section 330.404 Administrative... (GENERAL) Positions Restricted to Preference Eligibles § 330.404 Displacement of preference eligibles...

  16. 5 CFR 330.404 - Displacement of preference eligibles occupying restricted positions in contracting out situations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Displacement of preference eligibles occupying restricted positions in contracting out situations. 330.404 Section 330.404 Administrative... (GENERAL) Positions Restricted to Preference Eligibles § 330.404 Displacement of preference eligibles...

  17. 5 CFR 330.404 - Displacement of preference eligibles occupying restricted positions in contracting out situations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Displacement of preference eligibles occupying restricted positions in contracting out situations. 330.404 Section 330.404 Administrative... (GENERAL) Positions Restricted to Preference Eligibles § 330.404 Displacement of preference eligibles...

  18. 5 CFR 330.404 - Displacement of preference eligibles occupying restricted positions in contracting out situations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Displacement of preference eligibles occupying restricted positions in contracting out situations. 330.404 Section 330.404 Administrative... (GENERAL) Positions Restricted to Preference Eligibles § 330.404 Displacement of preference eligibles...

  19. Contracting out Public Schools and Academic Performance: Evidence from Colombia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bonilla-Angel, Juan D.

    2011-01-01

    Contracting out public schools to private institutions is an instrument for reforming public education as it may facilitate academic innovation and improve student academic performance through higher school accountability and autonomy. The degree of autonomy that different providers have may vary substantially depending on the contractual and…

  20. Collective Bargaining in Higher Education: Contract Content - 1972.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goodwin, Harold I.; Andes, John O.

    This document presents a statement indicating to those who are or may become engaged in drafting collective bargaining contracts in higher education institutions the major substance of current contracts. Accordingly, a series of tables are laid out showing by major topics the type and range of items found in the pool of 101 contracts, the…

  1. What to Ask when Contracting for Maintenance and Custodial Services.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crothall, Graeme A.

    1989-01-01

    Some school districts have found that maintenance and custodial services can be contracted out with cost-saving results. Contains specific questions to ask potential contractors in order to evaluate contracting for maintenance and custodial services. (MLF)

  2. 48 CFR 217.7102 - General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 217.7102 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTING METHODS AND CONTRACT TYPES SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Master Agreement for Repair and... contractors located outside the United States and its outlying areas. (c) Activities may issue job orders...

  3. 48 CFR 217.7102 - General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 217.7102 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTING METHODS AND CONTRACT TYPES SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Master Agreement for Repair and... contractors located outside the United States and its outlying areas. (c) Activities may issue job orders...

  4. 48 CFR 217.7102 - General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 217.7102 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTING METHODS AND CONTRACT TYPES SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Master Agreement for Repair and... contractors located outside the United States and its outlying areas. (c) Activities may issue job orders...

  5. 48 CFR 217.7102 - General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 217.7102 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTING METHODS AND CONTRACT TYPES SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Master Agreement for Repair and... contractors located outside the United States and its outlying areas. (c) Activities may issue job orders...

  6. 48 CFR 217.7102 - General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 217.7102 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTING METHODS AND CONTRACT TYPES SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Master Agreement for Repair and... contractors located outside the United States and its outlying areas. (c) Activities may issue job orders...

  7. Evaluating the impact of contracting out basic health care services in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

    PubMed

    Greve, Jane; Schattan Ruas Pereira Coelho, Vera

    2017-09-01

    As a means of dealing with shortcomings in the coverage, quality and efficiency of the public health care sector, several municipalities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, have started to contract pre-certified non-profit or non-governmental organizations to take part in the delivery of health care services.This paper explores the impact of introducing these contracts in the primary health care sector. Using data on the 645 municipalities in the state of São Paulo and difference-in-differences methods, we estimate the effect of contracting out in the primary health care sector on various dimensions of mortality and health care use. The results show that implementation of the contracting out strategy significantly increases the number of primary health care appointments by approximately one appointment per user of the national health care system per year. Point estimates indicate a reducing effect on hospitalization for preventable diseases. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

  8. Provider cost analysis supports results-based contracting out of maternal and newborn health services: an evidence-based policy perspective.

    PubMed

    Hatcher, Peter; Shaikh, Shiraz; Fazli, Hassan; Zaidi, Shehla; Riaz, Atif

    2014-11-13

    There is dearth of evidence on provider cost of contracted out services particularly for Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH). The evidence base is weak for policy makers to estimate resources required for scaling up contracting. This paper ascertains provider unit costs and expenditure distribution at contracted out government primary health centers to inform the development of optimal resource envelopes for contracting out MNH services. This is a case study of provider costs of MNH services at two government Rural Health Centers (RHCs) contracted out to a non-governmental organization in Pakistan. It reports on four selected Basic Emergency Obstetrical and Newborn Care (BEmONC) services provided in one RHC and six Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrical and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services in the other. Data were collected using staff interviews and record review to compile resource inputs and service volumes, and analyzed using the CORE Plus tool. Unit costs are based on actual costs of MNH services and are calculated for actual volumes in 2011 and for volumes projected to meet need with optimal resource inputs. The unit costs per service for actual 2011 volumes at the BEmONC RHC were antenatal care (ANC) visit USD$ 18.78, normal delivery US$ 84.61, newborn care US$ 16.86 and a postnatal care (PNC) visit US$ 13.86; and at the CEmONC RHC were ANC visit US$ 45.50, Normal Delivery US$ 148.43, assisted delivery US$ 167.43, C-section US$ 183.34, Newborn Care US$ 41.07, and PNC visit US$ 27.34. The unit costs for the projected volumes needed were lower due to optimal utilization of resources. The percentage distribution of expenditures at both RHCs was largest for salaries of technical staff, followed by salaries of administrative staff, and then operating costs, medicines, medical and diagnostic supplies. The unit costs of MNH services at the two contracted out government rural facilities remain higher than is optimal, primarily due to underutilization. Provider cost analysis using standard treatment guideline (STG) based service costing frameworks should be applied across a number of health facilities to calculate the cost of services and guide development of evidence based resource envelopes and performance based contracting.

  9. 25 CFR 900.38 - Do these standards apply to the subcontractors of an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.38 Section 900.38... the subcontractors of an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out a self-determination... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT...

  10. 25 CFR 900.38 - Do these standards apply to the subcontractors of an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.38 Section 900.38... the subcontractors of an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out a self-determination... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT...

  11. 25 CFR 900.38 - Do these standards apply to the subcontractors of an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.38 Section 900.38... the subcontractors of an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out a self-determination... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT...

  12. 25 CFR 900.38 - Do these standards apply to the subcontractors of an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.38 Section 900.38... the subcontractors of an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out a self-determination... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT...

  13. 25 CFR 900.38 - Do these standards apply to the subcontractors of an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.38 Section 900.38... the subcontractors of an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out a self-determination... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT...

  14. Michigan School Privatization Survey 2009

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hohman, James M.; Imhoff, Eric R.

    2009-01-01

    With Michigan's public school districts facing a decline in per-pupil funding, more districts are contracting out for at least one of the three major school support services--food, custodial and transportation--than ever before. This year's survey of school districts found that 44.6 percent of all Michigan school districts contract out for at…

  15. Comparison of In-House and Contracted-Out Employee Assistance Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Straussner, Shulamith Lala Ashenberg

    1988-01-01

    Compared 15 selected management-sponsored in-house and eight contracted-out employee assistance programs in the New York area. Examined advantages and disadvantages of in-house and contractual programs from the viewpoints of top management, employees, and the employee assistance program itself. Concluded that which program model was best depended…

  16. 24 CFR 880.503 - Maximum annual commitment and project account.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... may be contracted for in the ACC is the total of the contract rents and utility allowances for all... commitment exceeds the amount actually paid out under the Contract or ACC each year. Payments will be made... the Contract or ACC for a fiscal year exceeds the maximum annual commitment and would cause the amount...

  17. 24 CFR 880.503 - Maximum annual commitment and project account.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... may be contracted for in the ACC is the total of the contract rents and utility allowances for all... commitment exceeds the amount actually paid out under the Contract or ACC each year. Payments will be made... the Contract or ACC for a fiscal year exceeds the maximum annual commitment and would cause the amount...

  18. 48 CFR 1336.602-5 - Short selection process for contracts not to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... for contracts not to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. 1336.602-5 Section 1336.602-5... for contracts not to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. (a) In contracts not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, either or both of the short selection processes set out at...

  19. The vastus lateralis neuromuscular activity during all-out cycling exercise.

    PubMed

    Bercier, Stephane; Halin, Renaud; Ravier, Philippe; Kahn, Jean-Francois; Jouanin, Jean-Claude; Lecoq, Anne-Marie; Buttelli, Olivier

    2009-10-01

    The objective of this work was to study modifications in motor control through surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity during a very short all-out cycling exercise. Twelve male cyclists (age 23+/-4 years) participated in this study. After a warm-up period, each subject performed three all-out cycling exercises of 6s separated by 2 min of complete rest. This protocol was repeated three times with a minimum of 2 days between each session. The braking torque imposed on cycling motion was 19 Nm. The sEMG of the vastus lateralis was recorded during the first seven contractions of the sprint. Time-frequency analysis of sEMG was performed using continuous wavelet transform. The mean power frequency (MPF, qualitative modifications in the recruitment of motor units) and signal energy (a quantitative indicator of modifications in the motor units recruitment) were computed for the frequency range 10-500 Hz. sEMG energy increased (P0.05) between contraction number 1 and 2, decreased (P < or =0.05) between contraction number 2 and 3 then stabilized between contraction number 3 and 7 during the all-out test. MPF increased (P < or =0.05) during the all-out test. This increase was more marked during the first two contractions. The decrease in energy and the increase in the sEMG MPF suggest a large spatial recruitment of motor units (MUs) at the beginning of the sprint followed by a preferential recruitment of faster MUs at the end of the sprint, respectively.

  20. Contracting but not without caution: experience with outsourcing of health services in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

    PubMed Central

    Siddiqi, Sameen; Masud, Tayyeb Imran; Sabri, Belgacem

    2006-01-01

    The public sector in developing countries is increasingly contracting with the non-state sector to improve access, efficiency and quality of health services. We conducted a multicountry study to assess the range of health services contracted out, the process of contracting and its influencing factors in ten countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, the Syrian Arab Republic and Tunisia. Our results showed that Afghanistan, Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan had experience with outsourcing of primary care services; Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia extensively contracted out hospital and ambulatory care services; while Bahrain, Morocco and the Syrian Arab Republic outsourced mainly non-clinical services. The interest of the non-state sector in contracting was to secure a regular source of revenue and gain enhanced recognition and credibility. While most countries promoted contracting with the private sector, the legal and bureaucratic support in countries varied with the duration of experience with contracting. The inherent risks evident in the contracting process were reliance on donor funds, limited number of providers in rural areas, parties with vested interests gaining control over the contracting process, as well as poor monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Contracting provides the opportunity to have greater control over private providers in countries with poor regulatory capacity, and if used judiciously can improve health system performance. PMID:17143460

  1. Contracting but not without caution: experience with outsourcing of health services in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

    PubMed

    Siddiqi, Sameen; Masud, Tayyeb Imran; Sabri, Belgacem

    2006-11-01

    The public sector in developing countries is increasingly contracting with the non-state sector to improve access, efficiency and quality of health services. We conducted a multicountry study to assess the range of health services contracted out, the process of contracting and its influencing factors in ten countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, the Syrian Arab Republic and Tunisia. Our results showed that Afghanistan, Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan had experience with outsourcing of primary care services; Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia extensively contracted out hospital and ambulatory care services; while Bahrain, Morocco and the Syrian Arab Republic outsourced mainly non-clinical services. The interest of the non-state sector in contracting was to secure a regular source of revenue and gain enhanced recognition and credibility. While most countries promoted contracting with the private sector, the legal and bureaucratic support in countries varied with the duration of experience with contracting. The inherent risks evident in the contracting process were reliance on donor funds, limited number of providers in rural areas, parties with vested interests gaining control over the contracting process, as well as poor monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Contracting provides the opportunity to have greater control over private providers in countries with poor regulatory capacity, and if used judiciously can improve health system performance.

  2. Weighing the Contract Option.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dervarics, Charles

    1993-01-01

    Contracting for noneducational services is standard operating procedure in many school districts. Private contractors are involved in transportation, food service, maintenance, and even, in rare cases, instruction. Before deciding to contract out, school boards should examine improvement to school-run operations before making a final decision.…

  3. Lovelace simplifies, saves big with single-source imaging equipment service contract.

    PubMed

    1997-11-01

    Lovelace Health System traded in its disorganized mess of service contracts for imaging and cardiology equipment for one umbrella contract--and is now saving more than $200,000 a year as a result. Find out how to achieve similar savings.

  4. 7 CFR 1470.27 - Contract violations and termination.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... the participant's control prevented compliance with the contract. If a participant claims hardship... prevented compliance with the contract. If a participant claims hardship, that claim must be well documented... out its role in this section, NRCS may consult with the local conservation district. ...

  5. The commercialisation of GP services: a survey of APMS contracts and new GP ownership

    PubMed Central

    Heins, Elke; Pollock, Allyson M; Price, David

    2009-01-01

    Background Alternative provider of medical services (APMS) legislation enables private commercial firms to provide NHS primary care. There is no central monitoring of APMS adoption by primary care trusts (PCTs), the new providers, or market competition. Aim The aims were to: examine APMS contract data on bidders and providers, patient numbers, contract value, duration, and services; present a typology of primary care providers; establish the extent of competition; and identify which commercial providers have entered the English primary care market. Design of study Cross-sectional study. Setting All PCTs in England. Method A survey was carried out in March 2008 gathering information on the number of APMS contracts, their value and duration, patient numbers, the successful tender, and other bidders. Results A total of 141 out of 152 PCTs provided information on 71 APMS contracts that had been awarded and 66 contracts that were out to tender. Of those contracts awarded, 36 went to 14 different commercial companies, 28 to independent GP contractors, seven to social enterprises, and two to a PCT-managed service; one contract is shared by three different provider types. In more than half of the responses information on competition was not disclosed. In a fifth of those contracts awarded to the commercial sector, for which there is information on other bidders, there was no competition. Contracts varied widely, covering from one to several hundred thousand patients, with a value of £6000–12 million, and lasting from 1 year to being open-ended. Most contracts offered standard, essential, additional, and enhanced services; only a few were for specialist services. Conclusion The lack of data on cost, patient services, and staff makes it impossible to evaluate value for money or quality, and the absence of competition is a further concern. There needs to be a proper evaluation of the APMS policy from the perspective of value for money and quality of care, as well as patient access and coverage. PMID:19843414

  6. Ethical and Legal Observations on Contract Cheating Services as an Agreement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tauginiene, Loreta; Jurkevicius, Vaidas

    2017-01-01

    In this paper we cast light on one form of dishonest behaviour in academia--contract cheating services. We examine how an agreement between a student and a contract cheating services provider is viewed from ethical and legal perspectives. For this purpose we carried out an analysis of contract cheating services as an agreement which, in Lithuania,…

  7. 41 CFR 105-64.502 - How do I find out if my record has been disclosed?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false How do I find out if my record has been disclosed? 105-64.502 Section 105-64.502 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Regional Offices-General...

  8. 41 CFR 105-64.502 - How do I find out if my record has been disclosed?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false How do I find out if my record has been disclosed? 105-64.502 Section 105-64.502 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Regional Offices-General...

  9. 41 CFR 105-64.502 - How do I find out if my record has been disclosed?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false How do I find out if my record has been disclosed? 105-64.502 Section 105-64.502 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Regional Offices-General...

  10. 41 CFR 105-64.502 - How do I find out if my record has been disclosed?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false How do I find out if my record has been disclosed? 105-64.502 Section 105-64.502 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Regional Offices-General...

  11. On the role of environmental corruption in healthcare infrastructures: An empirical assessment for Italy using DEA with truncated regression approach.

    PubMed

    Cavalieri, Marina; Guccio, Calogero; Rizzo, Ilde

    2017-05-01

    This paper investigates empirically whether the institutional features of the contracting authority as well as the level of 'environmental' corruption in the area where the work is localised affect the efficient execution of public contracts for healthcare infrastructures. A two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is carried out based on a sample of Italian public contracts for healthcare infrastructures during the period 2000-2005. First, a smoothed bootstrapped DEA estimator is used to assess the relative efficiency in the implementation of each single infrastructure contract. Second, the determinants of the efficiency scores variability are considered, paying special attention to the effect exerted by 'environmental' corruption on different types of contracting authorities. Our results show that the performance of the contracts for healthcare infrastructures is significantly affected by 'environmental' corruption. Furthermore, healthcare contracting authorities are, on average, less efficient and the negative effect of corruption on efficiency is greater for this type of public procurers. The policy recommendation coming out of the study is to rely on 'qualified' contracting authorities since not all the public bodies have the necessary expertise to carry on public contracts for healthcare infrastructures efficiently. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  12. High School Dropouts and Sexually Transmitted Infections

    PubMed Central

    Anderson, D. Mark; Pörtner, Claus C.

    2015-01-01

    People who drop out of high school fare worse in many aspects of life. We analyze the relationship between dropping out of high school and the probability of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Previous studies on the relationship between dropout status and sexual outcomes have not empirically addressed unobserved heterogeneity at the individual level. Using fixed effects estimators, we find evidence supporting a positive relationship between dropping out of high school and the risk of contracting an STI for females. Furthermore, we present evidence that illustrates differences between the romantic partners of dropouts versus enrolled students. These differences suggest that female dropouts may be more susceptible to contracting STIs because they partner with significantly different types of people than non-dropouts. Our results point to a previously undocumented benefit of encouraging those at risk of dropping out to stay in school longer. PMID:25705058

  13. 48 CFR 432.770 - USDA specific funding limitations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false USDA specific funding... CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT FINANCING Contract Funding 432.770 USDA specific funding limitations. (a) The USDA is authorized to subscribe for newspapers as may be necessary to carry out its authorized...

  14. 48 CFR 432.770 - USDA specific funding limitations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false USDA specific funding... CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT FINANCING Contract Funding 432.770 USDA specific funding limitations. (a) The USDA is authorized to subscribe for newspapers as may be necessary to carry out its authorized...

  15. 48 CFR 432.770 - USDA specific funding limitations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false USDA specific funding... CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT FINANCING Contract Funding 432.770 USDA specific funding limitations. (a) The USDA is authorized to subscribe for newspapers as may be necessary to carry out its authorized...

  16. 48 CFR 432.770 - USDA specific funding limitations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false USDA specific funding... CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT FINANCING Contract Funding 432.770 USDA specific funding limitations. (a) The USDA is authorized to subscribe for newspapers as may be necessary to carry out its authorized...

  17. 48 CFR 432.770 - USDA specific funding limitations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false USDA specific funding... CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT FINANCING Contract Funding 432.770 USDA specific funding limitations. (a) The USDA is authorized to subscribe for newspapers as may be necessary to carry out its authorized...

  18. 24 CFR 884.120 - Responsibility for contract administration and defaults (private-owner/PHA projects).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... the Contract, subject to review and audit by HUD. (b) Defaults by PHA and/or owner. (1) The ACC and... assure that the obligations of the PHA to the Owner are carried out. (2) The ACC shall contain a... accordance with the terms of the ACC and the Contract. (3) The Contract shall contain a provision to the...

  19. 24 CFR 884.120 - Responsibility for contract administration and defaults (private-owner/PHA projects).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... the Contract, subject to review and audit by HUD. (b) Defaults by PHA and/or owner. (1) The ACC and... assure that the obligations of the PHA to the Owner are carried out. (2) The ACC shall contain a... accordance with the terms of the ACC and the Contract. (3) The Contract shall contain a provision to the...

  20. The Use of a Contract to Facilitate Sensitivity Training.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Drennen, Will; Pugh, Marta

    1979-01-01

    This study assessed Egan's hypothesis that a contract, spelling out in advance sensitivity group goals and member behaviors, facilitates positive interaction and interpersonal growth. Although results were not definitive, the contract group did seem to receive some additional benefits from sensitivity training, when compared to the non-contract…

  1. [Vertical integration and contracting-out in generic hospital services in Spain].

    PubMed

    Puig-Junoy, J; Pérez-Sust, P

    2002-01-01

    This study examines the factors that influence make or buy decisions corresponding to four generic services (housekeeping, laundry, food services, and maintenance and security) in Spanish hospitals (3,160 transactions in 790 hospitals). The empirical estimation of a logistic model based on hospital utility maximization is presented. Factors included in the model are not only those related to transaction costs, but also those related to public intervention and the political dimension. A total of 55.7% of hospitals contracted-out at least one of the generic services. The services most frequently contracted-out were housekeeping and maintenance and security(45.1 and 32.5%, respectively). In contrast, the services (94.3% and 80.1%, respectively). Hospital size (economies of scale), measured by the number of beds, was one of the most important factors influencing make or buy decisions. We find evidence that economies of scale are related to a higher level of vertical integration, while specialization and for-profit objectives favor the decision to contract-out. The choice of organizational model for laundry services presents a different pattern from that of the other three services. Empirical results show that some asset specificity could be present in laundry services.

  2. Phase Zero Operations for Contingency and Expeditionary Contracting-Keys to Fully Integrating Contracting into Operational Planning and Execution

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-08-02

    Cost and Price Analysis & Negotiations (5-2)—DAU CON 217 & CON 218 Certified; MN3318 Contingency Contracting (3-0)—DAU CON 234 Certified; and...MN3315 Advanced Contract Management (4-0)—DAU CON 214 & CON 215 Certified. CDR (Ret) Yoder has recently been published or cited in the following works...certified as the primary guide for all DAU CON 234 course deliveries. Contracting Out Government Procurement Functions: An Analysis (NPS-CM-07-105), E

  3. Work closely with the business office.

    PubMed

    2011-05-01

    At the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, members of the case management department work closely with the contracting and business department by pointing out payer issues and keeping the chief financial officer informed about payer requirements that could affect reimbursement. Case managers track payer issues on a dayto-day basis and report trends to the contracting department. Contracting staff obtain input from members of the case management department when negotiating or renegotiating contracts. Changes in payer contracts are communicated to the case management staff.

  4. Diastolic Dysfunction

    MedlinePlus

    ... the sinoatrial or SA node) sends out an electrical signal that causes the atria to contract. This ... when the ventricles are full of blood. The electrical signals cause the ventricles to contract and push ...

  5. 48 CFR 433.203-70 - Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. 433.203-70 Section 433.203-70 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Contract Appeals, together with its Rules of Procedure, are set out in 48 CFR part 6101. [72 FR 31438, June...

  6. 48 CFR 433.203-70 - Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. 433.203-70 Section 433.203-70 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Contract Appeals, together with its Rules of Procedure, are set out in 48 CFR part 6101. [72 FR 31438, June...

  7. 48 CFR 433.203-70 - Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. 433.203-70 Section 433.203-70 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Contract Appeals, together with its Rules of Procedure, are set out in 48 CFR part 6101. [72 FR 31438, June...

  8. 48 CFR 433.203-70 - Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. 433.203-70 Section 433.203-70 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Contract Appeals, together with its Rules of Procedure, are set out in 48 CFR part 6101. [72 FR 31438, June...

  9. 48 CFR 52.212-4 - Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315. (h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall... foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the... payment of any contract for the accuracy and completeness of the data within the SAM database, and for any...

  10. 26 CFR 1.72-2 - Applicability of section.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... from an insurance company of one or more group contracts or one or more individual contracts, or may be... purchased a group annuity contract. The remaining part of the benefits are to be paid out of a separate... purchase of a group term insurance policy and funded the retirement benefits through the purchase of a...

  11. Many College Presidents Lack Written Employment Contracts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fain, Paul

    2007-01-01

    All college presidents technically hold employment contracts. But whether the terms of those contracts are spelled out clearly is a different story. This article reports that in a survey of 165 public universities where such documents are considered public information, one-third of public university chiefs do not have formal written agreements.…

  12. HE's "Get-out-of-Jail-Free Card": The Future of Judicial Deference to the Exercise of Expert Academic Judgement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Palfreyman, David

    2010-01-01

    The prime feature of the student's legal relationship with his or her university is that it is governed by contract law, and in all other aspects of life such a contract can be reviewed/investigated by the courts in the event of a dispute between the two parties to the contract. In the world of academe, however, the key aspect of the contract (the…

  13. Outsourcing: considerations for healthcare protection managers.

    PubMed

    Billings, M

    The author discusses the use of contract services--myths, advantages, and disadvantages. He provides tips on what to look out for and what questions to ask before making a change to contract security.

  14. Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Cold-Pressed Silicon Carbide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Olivieri, E.; Pasca, E.; Ventura, G.; Barucci, M.; Risegari, L.

    2004-07-01

    The measurement of the thermal linear expansion coefficient of a cold sintered SiC has been carried out in the 4.2 - 293 K temperature range. The properties of silicon carbide are specially suitable to realise high quality mirrors and complete optomechanical structures for space astronomy. The thermal contraction of the material used for the realization of the mirror is, of course, of primary interest. We present here both a plot and smoothed data of SiC thermal contraction coefficient. Details of the dilatometric interferometer used to carry out the measurements are also reported together with a control test of the measuring bench on a material (brass) of known thermal contraction.

  15. Comparison of two text message (mHealth) campaigns for the Deaf: Contracted out v. conducted in-house.

    PubMed

    Hacking, Damian; Lau, Yan Kwan; Haricharan, Hanne Jensen; Heap, Marion

    2015-11-20

    Cell phone-based health information (mobile health or mHealth) campaigns are an emerging technology. This evaluation focused on the aspect of cost of two health information campaigns, one on hypertension and one on pregnancy. Researchers could either contract out the technical components of the campaigns or attempt to run the campaigns themselves, in-house. The in-house campaigns cost an estimated ZAR13 548.72 v. the private provider quotes which ranged from ZAR27 542.97 to ZAR34 227.59. Running the campaigns in-house was more labour intensive and required more technical expertise, but had a reduced delivery failure rate (9.2% in-house v. 30.0% private provider). Running small to medium SMS (text message) campaigns for evaluative purposes proved advantageous over contracting out to private providers. Larger-scale evaluations and full-scale roll-out will require the services of private providers, but it is still essential that researchers actively engage with and monitor the technical aspects of these campaigns.

  16. 7 CFR 1465.25 - Contract violations and termination.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... prevented compliance with the contract. If the participant claims hardship, that claim must be well... is in the public interest. (iii) In carrying out NRCS' role in this section, NRCS may consult with...

  17. After the Fall: Educational Contracting in the USA and the Global Financial Crisis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burch, Patricia

    2010-01-01

    Key legislative objectives for the US Federal educational policy over the past several decades relied heavily on quasi-market strategies (such as school rating, school closure, the contracting out of schools) as central levers in "reforming" public schools. Using financial data on 11 national for-profit firms contracting with schools and…

  18. Product Characteristics, Market Conditions and Contract Type: U.S. Department of Defense Use of Fixed-Price and Cost Reimbursement Contracts

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-07-27

    R. (2013). Municipalities’ contracting out decisions: An empirical study on motives. Local Government Studies , 39(3), 414-434. Williamson, O...please contact any of the staff listed on the Acquisition Research Program website (www.acquisitionresearch.net). i Acquisition Research Program...market conditions on the use of fixed-price and cost reimbursement contracts by the Department of Defense. When the product is easy to specify

  19. More DoD Oversight Needed for Purchases Made Through the Department of Energy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-12-03

    the selected servicing agency?  Will significant elements of the work be contracted out or be done in-house?  Is there a service fee /charge...the estimated cost and any fee of a cost- reimbursement contract. If the contract is incrementally funded, funds are obligated to cover the amount...allotted and any corresponding increment of fee . However, the FAR does not provide enough guidance on when contracts should be incrementally or fully

  20. 76 FR 27117 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-10

    ... exchange-traded fund (``ETF'') option classes traded on C2. Currently, transactions fees as set out in the... maker rebate and pay a liquidity removing taker rate of $.25 per contract; C2 Market-Makers receive a liquidity making rebate of $.25 per contract and pay a liquidity removing taker rate of $.34 per contract...

  1. Analysis of Army Contracting Command Contract Specialist Vacancy Announcements

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-09-01

    program CPCM Certified Professional Contracts Manager CPM Certified Purchasing Manager CPOL Civilian Personnel Online CPSM Certified...experience, a Bachelor’s degree and the applicant is 28 required to pass three CPSM examinations. (2) The Certified Purchasing Manager Program ( CPM ...is currently being phased out and is available only for recertification. The CPM required five years of full time professional supply management

  2. Cost and Schedule Analytical Techniques Development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1998-01-01

    This Final Report summarizes the activities performed by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) under contract NAS 8-40431 "Cost and Schedule Analytical Techniques Development Contract" (CSATD) during Option Year 3 (December 1, 1997 through November 30, 1998). This Final Report is in compliance with Paragraph 5 of Section F of the contract. This CSATD contract provides technical products and deliverables in the form of parametric models, databases, methodologies, studies, and analyses to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) Engineering Cost Office (PP03) and the Program Plans and Requirements Office (PP02) and other user organizations. Detailed Monthly Reports were submitted to MSFC in accordance with the contract's Statement of Work, Section IV "Reporting and Documentation". These reports spelled out each month's specific work performed, deliverables submitted, major meetings conducted, and other pertinent information. Therefore, this Final Report will summarize these activities at a higher level. During this contract Option Year, SAIC expended 25,745 hours in the performance of tasks called out in the Statement of Work. This represents approximately 14 full-time EPs. Included are the Huntsville-based team, plus SAIC specialists in San Diego, Ames Research Center, Tampa, and Colorado Springs performing specific tasks for which they are uniquely qualified.

  3. 7 CFR 1788.48 - Contract insurance requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) RUS FIDELITY AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS Insurance for Contractors, Engineers, and Architects, Telecommunications Borrowers..., engineers, and architects shall provide that they take out and maintain throughout the contract period...

  4. 7 CFR 1788.48 - Contract insurance requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) RUS FIDELITY AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS Insurance for Contractors, Engineers, and Architects, Telecommunications Borrowers..., engineers, and architects shall provide that they take out and maintain throughout the contract period...

  5. 7 CFR 1788.48 - Contract insurance requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) RUS FIDELITY AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS Insurance for Contractors, Engineers, and Architects, Telecommunications Borrowers..., engineers, and architects shall provide that they take out and maintain throughout the contract period...

  6. 7 CFR 1788.48 - Contract insurance requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) RUS FIDELITY AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS Insurance for Contractors, Engineers, and Architects, Telecommunications Borrowers..., engineers, and architects shall provide that they take out and maintain throughout the contract period...

  7. 7 CFR 1788.48 - Contract insurance requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) RUS FIDELITY AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS Insurance for Contractors, Engineers, and Architects, Telecommunications Borrowers..., engineers, and architects shall provide that they take out and maintain throughout the contract period...

  8. 76 FR 74058 - Notice of Suspension and Initiation of Debarment Proceedings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-30

    ... proceedings are commencing against him. Dr. Bruno, or any person who has an existing contract with or intends to contract with him to provide or receive services in matters arising out of activities associated...

  9. Betting on the future: the virtues of contingent contracts.

    PubMed

    Bazerman, M H; Gillespie, J J

    1999-01-01

    It happens all the time. Two parties with common interests fail to reach an agreement--about a sale, a merger, a technology transfer--because they have different expectations about the future. They are both so confident in their prediction, or so suspicious of the other side's motives, that they refuse to compromise. Such impasses are hard to break through. Fortunately, they can often be avoided altogether by using a straightforward but frequently overlooked type of agreement called a contingent contract. The terms of a contingent contract are not finalized until the uncertain event in question--the contingency--takes place. In some areas of business, such as compensation, contingent contracts are common: a CEO's pay is tied to the company's stock price, for instance. But in many business negotiations, contingent contracts are either ignored or rejected out of hand. That's mistake, according to the authors. In an increasingly uncertain world, flexible contingent contracts can actually be more rational and less risky than rigid, traditional ones. In particular, contingent contracts offer six benefits: they enable a difference of opinion to become the basis of an agreement, not an obstacle to it; they cancel out the biases of negotiators; they level the playing field by reducing the impact of asymmetric information; they provide a means of uncovering deceitful dealings; they reduce risk by sharing it among parties; and they motivate parties to fulfill their promises. While contingent contracts are not appropriate in all instances, they are much more broadly applicable than managers may think.

  10. 48 CFR 46.105 - Contractor responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE General 46.105 Contractor responsibilities. (a) The contractor is responsible for carrying out its obligations under the contract by— (1) Controlling the quality of supplies or..., subassemblies, etc., have an acceptable quality control system; and (4) Maintaining substantiating evidence...

  11. 48 CFR 46.105 - Contractor responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE General 46.105 Contractor responsibilities. (a) The contractor is responsible for carrying out its obligations under the contract by— (1) Controlling the quality of supplies or..., subassemblies, etc., have an acceptable quality control system; and (4) Maintaining substantiating evidence...

  12. 48 CFR 46.105 - Contractor responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE General 46.105 Contractor responsibilities. (a) The contractor is responsible for carrying out its obligations under the contract by— (1) Controlling the quality of supplies or..., subassemblies, etc., have an acceptable quality control system; and (4) Maintaining substantiating evidence...

  13. 48 CFR 46.105 - Contractor responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE General 46.105 Contractor responsibilities. (a) The contractor is responsible for carrying out its obligations under the contract by— (1) Controlling the quality of supplies or..., subassemblies, etc., have an acceptable quality control system; and (4) Maintaining substantiating evidence...

  14. 48 CFR 2027.305-3 - Follow-up by Government.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... provide the following written determination before final payment and closeout of the contract: (1) No inventions or discoveries were made, (2) No copyrights were secured, produced, or composed, (3) No notices or... any final payment and closing out the contract. ...

  15. Acting Out Muscle Contraction.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hudson, Margaret

    2003-01-01

    Describes a science activity that can be implemented into anatomy and physiology courses that demonstrates the interactions between action and myosin, the roles of sodium and calcium ions in the regulation of contraction, and the functions of the plasma membrane and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. (YDS)

  16. 10 CFR 600.141 - Recipient responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... referred to such Federal, State or local authority as may have proper jurisdiction. ... contract(s). The recipient is the responsible authority, without recourse to DOE regarding the settlement and satisfaction of all contractual and administrative issues arising out of procurements entered into...

  17. Contracting

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA buys many supplies and services to support the agency's mission. Here you'll find out about contracting with the EPA, including: our policies; what we're looking to buy right now; what we've bought recently, and what we're looking to buy in the future.

  18. Contracts: Making the Transition from Residency to Work, Work for You

    PubMed Central

    Snelson, Elizabeth A.; Moore, Christopher E.

    2011-01-01

    Residents completing colon and rectal surgery training should take seriously the terms of contracts offered to them. Contracts should specify how and how much salary will be paid, what benefits the surgeon will receive, and what services are to be provided. However, contracts frequently fail to disclose what costs the surgeon will have to cover that will lower that salary, what hours the surgeon must keep, and what time off the surgeon may expect. Signing a contract is easily done, but getting out of a contract to take a better job or move to another community may be difficult because of the wording in the contact. Surgeons need to have professional help to determine whether to sign a contract and what that contract should provide. An attorney experienced in representing physicians can be recommended by the physician's medical association. PMID:22654571

  19. 47 CFR 27.56 - Antenna structures; air navigation safety.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., WTB, 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325. (b) Maintenance contracts. Antenna structure owners... contracts with other entities to monitor and carry out necessary maintenance of antenna structures. Antenna... make such contractual arrangements continue to be responsible for the maintenance of antenna structures...

  20. 2 CFR 215.41 - Recipient responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS (OMB CIRCULAR A-110) Post Award Requirements Procurement Standards § 215.41... contractual responsibilities arising under its contract(s). The recipient is the responsible authority... contractual and administrative issues arising out of procurements entered into in support of an award or other...

  1. 37 CFR 4.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... promotion services for, or on behalf of, a customer, and who holds itself out through advertising in any... invention promoter for invention promotion services. (c) Contract for Invention Promotion Services means a contract by which an invention promoter undertakes invention promotion services for a customer. (d...

  2. Service contract with periodic preventive maintenance for a dump truck sold with a two-dimensional warranty

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nasrum, A.; Pasaribu, U. S.; Husniah, H.

    2016-02-01

    This paper deals with maintenance service contract for a dump truck sold with a two-dimensional warranties. We consider a situation where an agent offers two maintenance contract options and the owner of the equipment has to select the optimal option either the OEM carried out all repairs and preventive maintenance activities (option one) or the OEM only carries out failure while the costumer undertakes preventive maintenance action in-house (option two). As the number of preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance that occurs in the area of servicing contracts is very influential in determining the value of the contract, we have to determine the optimal time between preventive maintenance that can minimize the cost of repair in the contract area. Moreover, we also study the maintenance service contract considering reduction of the intensity function after preventive maintenance from both the owner and OEM point of views. In this paper, we use a Weibull intensity function to consider a product with increasing failure intensity. We use a non-cooperative game formulation to determine the optimal price structure (i.e., the contract price and repair cost) for the OEM and the owner. A numerical example derived from the model has shown that if the owner choose option one then the owner obtain a higher profit compared with the profit resulted from option two. The result agree with earlier work which uses the accelerated failure time (AFT) for the failure modeling, while here we model the failure of the dump truck without the use of the AFT.

  3. Myosin Light Chain Kinase Is Necessary for Tonic Airway Smooth Muscle Contraction*

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Wen-Cheng; Peng, Ya-Jing; Zhang, Gen-Sheng; He, Wei-Qi; Qiao, Yan-Ning; Dong, Ying-Ying; Gao, Yun-Qian; Chen, Chen; Zhang, Cheng-Hai; Li, Wen; Shen, Hua-Hao; Ning, Wen; Kamm, Kristine E.; Stull, James T.; Gao, Xiang; Zhu, Min-Sheng

    2010-01-01

    Different interacting signaling modules involving Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase, Ca2+-independent regulatory light chain phosphorylation, myosin phosphatase inhibition, and actin filament-based proteins are proposed as specific cellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction. However, the relative importance of specific modules is not well defined. By using tamoxifen-activated and smooth muscle-specific knock-out of myosin light chain kinase in mice, we analyzed its role in tonic airway smooth muscle contraction. Knock-out of the kinase in both tracheal and bronchial smooth muscle significantly reduced contraction and myosin phosphorylation responses to K+-depolarization and acetylcholine. Kinase-deficient mice lacked bronchial constrictions in normal and asthmatic airways, whereas the asthmatic inflammation response was not affected. These results indicate that myosin light chain kinase acts as a central participant in the contractile signaling module of tonic smooth muscle. Importantly, contractile airway smooth muscles are necessary for physiological and asthmatic airway resistance. PMID:20018858

  4. Annual Growth of Contract Costs for Major Programs in Development and Early Production

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-03-21

    changes, we can identify some underlying drivers and rule out others. Development and Early Production Differences BBP-era drops are driven by dropping...Annual Growth of Contract Costs for Major Programs in Development and Early Production Dan Davis and Philip S...Growth of Contract Costs for Major Programs in Development and Early Production Dan Davis and Philip S. Antón March 21, 2016 SUMMARY Cost is

  5. Constraints and Benefits of Child Welfare Contracts with Behavioral Health Providers: Conditions that Shape Service Access.

    PubMed

    Bunger, Alicia C; Cao, Yiwen; Girth, Amanda M; Hoffman, Jill; Robertson, Hillary A

    2016-09-01

    This qualitative study examines worker perceptions of how public child welfare agencies' purchase of service contracts with private behavioral health organizations can both facilitate and constrain referral making and children's access to services. Five, 90-min focus groups were conducted with workers (n = 50) from an urban public child welfare agency in the Midwest. Using a modified grounded theory approach, findings suggest that contracts may expedite service linkages, but contract benefits are conditioned upon design and implementation. Results also suggest the critical role of front line workers in carrying out contractual relationships. Implications for research and interventions for enhancing contracting are discussed.

  6. Economic Observation in 3Q E-business Fight - According to Analysis of Resource Allocation and Contract

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuang, Ruihu; Chen, Zeming; Kuang, Juchi

    Based on relation of resource allocation and marginal benefit of e-commence provider, both of origin and essence of the 3Q e-business fight were analyzed; and then contents of the contract between e-business company and users were elaborated. Moreover, liability for Qihoo's breach of the contract in 3Q e-business fight was discussed. Analysis of the contract indicated that blame of infringing on privacy of users from public, media or even a law professor for Tengxun Company is not exactly justicial. Some controversial rules which are not fit for usual practices in the QQ contract such as narrow definition of privacy were found out, whose reason lies in no relevant e-business standards or rules in our country. In the end, this passage points out that actions of government who intervened in market operations of Tengxun Company and QQ Company are inappropriate and unnecessary. Thus, responsibility for facing up to incomplete market rules of e-commence lies with government and government should strengthen market supervision by legislation so as to guide healthy development of e-business market, which is a key lesson we learn from the 3Q e-business fight.

  7. 25 CFR 900.35 - What is the purpose of this subpart?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... Indian tribes or tribal organizations when carrying out self-determination contracts. It provides..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems General § 900.35 What is the...

  8. 25 CFR 900.35 - What is the purpose of this subpart?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... Indian tribes or tribal organizations when carrying out self-determination contracts. It provides..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems General § 900.35 What is the...

  9. 25 CFR 900.35 - What is the purpose of this subpart?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... Indian tribes or tribal organizations when carrying out self-determination contracts. It provides..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems General § 900.35 What is the...

  10. 25 CFR 900.35 - What is the purpose of this subpart?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... Indian tribes or tribal organizations when carrying out self-determination contracts. It provides..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems General § 900.35 What is the...

  11. 25 CFR 900.35 - What is the purpose of this subpart?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... Indian tribes or tribal organizations when carrying out self-determination contracts. It provides..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems General § 900.35 What is the...

  12. Civilian Agency Industry Working Group EVM World Update

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kerby, Jerald

    2013-01-01

    Objectives include: Promote the use of standards ]based, objective, and quantitative systems for managing projects and programs in the federal government. Understand how civilian agencies in general, manage their projects and programs. Project management survey expected to go out soon to civilian agencies. Describe how EVM and other best practices can be applied by the government to better manage its project and programs irrespective of whether work is contracted out or the types of contracts employed. Develop model policies aimed at project and program managers that are transportable across the government.

  13. 26 CFR 1.936-5 - Intangible property income when an election out is made: Product, business presence, and contract...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... property are substantial in nature and are generally considered to constitute the manufacture or production... minor assembly operations constitute manufacture or production of property... is made: Product, business presence, and contract manufacturing. 1.936-5 Section 1.936-5 Internal...

  14. Contract Teamwork: A Way Out of the Ivory Tower.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McMillan, Sally J.

    How can teamwork be implemented effectively in university-level advertising classrooms? This paper reviews literature on the nature, structure, and function of teams and processes for managing teamwork. Based on this literature, an innovative approach to contract teamwork is introduced for use in an entry-level graduate course on integrated…

  15. 75 FR 166 - Postal Product Price Changes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-04

    ... Notice includes three attachments: (1) A redacted version of the letter to the customer with the amended... of contracts are based on objective, external factors and out of the Postal Service's discretion.\\2\\ Such objective, external factors are, in the case of the Global Direct contract filed in Docket No...

  16. 75 FR 166 - Postal Product Price Changes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-04

    ... Notice includes three attachments: (1) A redacted version of the letter to the customer with the amended... contracts are based on objective, external factors and out of the Postal Service's discretion.\\2\\ Such objective, external factors are, in the case of the Global Direct contract filed in Docket No. CP2009-29...

  17. 41 CFR 60-741.4 - Coverage and waivers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...) Positions engaged in carrying out a contract. (i) With respect to the contractor's employment decisions and... decisions and practices occurring on or after October 29, 1992, this part applies to all of the contractor's...” contracts, and purchase notice agreements), the equal opportunity clause shall be included unless the...

  18. 48 CFR 19.102 - Size standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... of the end product being acquired is the concern that, with its own forces, transforms inorganic or... a waiver, contact an SBA Office of Government Contracting. A listing is also available on SBA's... outlying areas. (8) For non-manufacturer rules pertaining to HUBZone contracts, see 19.1303(e). (g) The...

  19. 45 CFR 2543.41 - Recipient responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... violation of statute are to be referred to such Federal, State or local authority as may have proper... under its contract(s). The recipient is the responsible authority, without recourse to the Federal... arising out of procurements entered into in support of an award or other agreement. This includes disputes...

  20. Contracts to devolve health services in fragile states and developing countries: do ethics matter?

    PubMed

    Jayasinghe, S

    2009-09-01

    Fragile states and developing countries increasingly contract out health services to non-state providers (NSPs) (such as non-governmental organisations, voluntary sector and private sector). The paper identifies ethical issues when contracts involve devolution of health services to NSPs and proposes procedures to prevent or resolve these ethical dilemmas. Ethical issues were identified by examining processes of contracting out. Health needs could be used to select areas to be contracted out and to identify service needs. Health needs comprise "disease-burden-related needs", "health-service needs", and "urgency of health-service needs". The mix of services should include an analysis of cost-effectiveness. NSPs should be selected fairly, without bias, and conflicts of interest during their work must be avoided. The population's views must be respected and accountability structures established. Devolved health services should ensure equity of access to healthcare. The services ought to be sustainable and evaluated objectively. Of these issues, conflicts of interest among NSPs and sustainability of health services have not attracted attention in the literature on ethics of health policy. Fair procedures could address these ethical issues-for example, public consultation on issues; decisions based on the public consultation and made on evidence; principles of decisions stated and reasonable; decisions given adequate publicity; a mechanism established to challenge decisions; assurance that mechanisms meet the above conditions; and regular review of the policies. These procedures are complemented by improving self-governance of NSPs, countries' development of guidelines for devolving health services, and measures to educate the public of the client countries on these issues.

  1. Successful contracting of prevention services: fighting malnutrition in Senegal and Madagascar.

    PubMed

    Marek, T; Diallo, I; Ndiaye, B; Rakotosalama, J

    1999-12-01

    There are very few documented large-scale successes in nutrition in Africa, and virtually no consideration of contracting for preventive services. This paper describes two successful large-scale community nutrition projects in Africa as examples of what can be done in prevention using the contracting approach in rural as well as urban areas. The two case-studies are the Secaline project in Madagascar, and the Community Nutrition Project in Senegal. The article explains what is meant by 'success' in the context of these two projects, how these results were achieved, and how certain bottlenecks were avoided. Both projects are very similar in the type of service they provide, and in combining private administration with public finance. The article illustrates that contracting out is a feasible option to be seriously considered for organizing certain prevention programmes on a large scale. There are strong indications from these projects of success in terms of reducing malnutrition, replicability and scale, and community involvement. When choosing that option, a government can tap available private local human resources through contracting out, rather than delivering those services by the public sector. However, as was done in both projects studied, consideration needs to be given to using a contract management unit for execution and monitoring, which costs 13-17% of the total project's budget. Rigorous assessments of the cost-effectiveness of contracted services are not available, but improved health outcomes, targeting of the poor, and basic cost data suggest that the programmes may well be relatively cost-effective. Although the contracting approach is not presented as the panacea to solve the malnutrition problem faced by Africa, it can certainly provide an alternative in many countries to increase coverage and quality of services.

  2. Theories of the origin and evolution of the giant planets

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pollack, J. B.; Bodenheimer, P.

    1989-01-01

    Following the accretion of solids and gases in the solar nebula, the giant planets contracted to their present sizes over the age of the solar system. It is presently hypothesized that this contraction was rapid, but not hydrodynamic; at a later stage, a nebular disk out of which the regular satellites formed may have been spun out of the outer envelope of the contracting giant planets due to a combination of total angular momentum conservation and the outward transfer of specific angular momentum in the envelope. If these hypotheses are true, the composition of the irregular satellites directly reflects the composition of planetesimals from which the giant planets formed, while the composition of the regular satellites is indicative of the composition of the less volatile components of the outer envelopes of the giant planets.

  3. 41 CFR 102-33.95 - What is the process for budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)? 102-33.95 Section 102-33.95 Public Contracts and... budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)? Except for leases and lease-purchases, for which... fund your commercial aviation services (CAS) hires out of your agency's operating budget. Contracting...

  4. 41 CFR 102-33.95 - What is the process for budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)? 102-33.95 Section 102-33.95 Public Contracts and... budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)? Except for leases and lease-purchases, for which... fund your commercial aviation services (CAS) hires out of your agency's operating budget. Contracting...

  5. 41 CFR 102-33.95 - What is the process for budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)? 102-33.95 Section 102-33.95 Public Contracts and... budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)? Except for leases and lease-purchases, for which... fund your commercial aviation services (CAS) hires out of your agency's operating budget. Contracting...

  6. 41 CFR 102-33.95 - What is the process for budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)? 102-33.95 Section 102-33.95 Public Contracts and... budgeting to acquire commercial aviation services (CAS)? Except for leases and lease-purchases, for which... fund your commercial aviation services (CAS) hires out of your agency's operating budget. Contracting...

  7. Outsourcing Instruction: Issues for Public Colleges and Universities. Policy Matters: A Higher Education Policy Brief

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Russell, Alene

    2010-01-01

    Outsourcing--defined as an "institution's decision to contract with an external organization to provide a traditional function or service" (IHEP, 2005)--is nothing new to higher education. For decades, institutions have been "contracting out" or "privatizing" a variety of operational functions, hoping to reduce costs,…

  8. Risky Business: Private Management of Public Schools.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Richards, Craig E.; And Others

    Contracting in public education is not a new development. This book examines projects that transfer the management of entire schools or school systems to private firms. Chapter 1, by Rima Shore, is a comprehensive survey of the practice of contracting out in public education. It provides a broad historical background for the U.S. education system…

  9. 49 CFR Appendix A to Part 26 - Guidance Concerning Good Faith Efforts

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... all certified DBEs who have the capability to perform the work of the contract. The bidder must... initial solicitations. B. Selecting portions of the work to be performed by DBEs in order to increase the likelihood that the DBE goals will be achieved. This includes, where appropriate, breaking out contract work...

  10. Liquid Modernity: Exploring the Research Contract Nexus within Contemporary Scottish Political Culture

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Holligan, Chris

    2013-01-01

    This paper contributes to our understanding of a supposed free-market in research, where knowledge-transfer is to government, which then brokers the evidence into professional fields. Education research contracts are put out to tender by Scottish Government and a constellation of factors constructing this phenomenon has epistemological and…

  11. Military Personnel Policy Regarding Advancement Requirements

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-01-01

    8217 Contracts." Journal of Labor Economics , vol. 6, no. 4 (October 1988), pp. 423- I 444. [2] Waldman, Michael. "Up-or-Out Contracts: A Signaling Perspective...34 Journal of Labor Economics , vol. 8, no. 2 (April 1990), pp. 230-250. [3] Lazear, Edward. "Why Is There Mandatory Retirement?" Journal of Political

  12. Contracting for Facilities Services. Critical Issues in Facilities Management. No. 9.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    APPA: Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers, Alexandria, VA.

    This book has been designed to provide practical information to managers on how to work with outside contractors in the higher education facilities area, and provides "real world" advice on the opportunities and pitfalls of privatization. Overviews and detailed case studies of contracting-out for services such as custodial services and…

  13. Do School Boards Still Have Options? The Erosion of Management Authority.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lieberman, Myron

    1997-01-01

    School boards are woefully unprepared to deal with "make or buy" issues, due to massive union efforts to eliminate or restrict board freedom to contract for services. Teachers neither understand nor support a market economy. School boards' contracting out ability will not be secure until favorable legislative options are considered and…

  14. A Contracign out Success Story

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Davis, Esker K.

    1993-01-01

    This paper is based on the highly successfull Mission and Computing Support (MACS) Contract, between the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and OAO Corporation, which encompasses a comprehensive set of work for information systems and services. JPL awarded the MACS contract in 1988 and saw very succeful operation during the first five years which were recently completed.

  15. Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai: Together Building a "Yangzi Delta" Education Highland

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chinese Education and Society, 2005

    2005-01-01

    This article describes the contract signing of a cooperation proposal between Shanghai and Suzhou, and between Shanghai and Zhejiang to build a "Yangzi delta" cooperative system that would mutually benefit the three cities. The contract signing was carried out to push ahead the sharing of education resources in the Yangzi delta, to…

  16. Level of C - reactive protein as an indicator for prognosis of premature uterine contractions.

    PubMed

    Najat Nakishbandy, Bayar M; Barawi, Sabat A M

    2014-01-01

    high concentrations of maternal C-reactive protein have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcome, and premature uterine contraction may be predicted by elevated levels of C-reactive protein. This may ultimately be simple and cost-effective enough to introduce as a low-risk screening program. an observational case control study was performed from May 1st, 2010 to December 1st, 2010 at Maternity Teaching Hospital-Erbil/ Kurdistan Region/ Iraq. The sample size was (200) cases. Hundred of them were presented with premature uterine contractions at 24(+0)-36(+6) weeks. The other hundred were control group at same gestational ages. The level of C-reactive protein was determined in both groups and both groups were followed till delivery. (93) out of (100) women with premature uterine contractions had elevated level of C-Reactive protein and 91% delivered prematurely while in the control group only (9) out of (100) women had elevated level of C-reactive protein and only 8% of them delivered preterm. Differences were statistically highly significant. C-reactive protein can be used as a biomarker in prediction of premature delivery when it is associated with premature uterine contractions. As well it can be used as a screening test to detect cases that are at risk of premature delivery.

  17. The impact of contracting out on health outcomes and use of health services in low and middle-income countries.

    PubMed

    Lagarde, Mylene; Palmer, Natasha

    2009-10-07

    Recent literature on the lack of efficiency and acceptability of publicly provided health services has led to an interest in the use of partnerships with the private sector to deliver public services. To assess the effectiveness of contracting out healthcare services in improving access to care in low and middle-income countries and, where possible, health outcomes. We searched a wide range of international databases, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE, in addition to development studies and economic databases. We also searched the websites and online resources of numerous international agencies, organisations and universities to find relevant grey literature. The original searches were conducted between November 2005 and April 2006. An updated search in MEDLINE was carried out in May 2009. Contracting out health services is defined as the provision of healthcare services on behalf of the government by non-state providers. Studies had to include an objective measure of at least one of the following outcomes: health care utilisation, health expenditure, health outcomes or equity outcomes. Studies also needed to use one of the following study designs: randomised controlled trial, non-randomised controlled trial, interrupted time series analysis or controlled before and after study. We made an attempt to present results from the different studies in a systematic way, however due to the diversity of sources, contexts and methods used, we undertook a narrative synthesis. Three studies met our inclusion criteria (one after re-analysis of data). These studies suggest that contracting out services to non-state providers can increase access and utilisation of health services. One study found a reduction in out-of-pocket expenditures and improvement in some health outcomes. However, methodological weaknesses and particularities of the reported programme settings limit the strength and generalisability of their conclusions. Three studies suggest that contracting out may be an appropriate response to scale up service delivery in particular settings, such as post-conflict or fragile states. Evidence was not presented on whether this approach was more effective than making a similar investment in the public sector, as there was not an exact control available in any of the settings. In addition, the introduction of non-state providers into some settings and not others also brings many potentially confounding variables, such as the presence of additional management expertise or expatriate doctors, which may improve drug supply or increase utilisation.

  18. Connecting macroscopic dynamics with microscopic properties in active microtubule network contraction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Foster, Peter J.; Yan, Wen; Fürthauer, Sebastian; Shelley, Michael J.; Needleman, Daniel J.

    2017-12-01

    The cellular cytoskeleton is an active material, driven out of equilibrium by molecular motor proteins. It is not understood how the collective behaviors of cytoskeletal networks emerge from the properties of the network’s constituent motor proteins and filaments. Here we present experimental results on networks of stabilized microtubules in Xenopus oocyte extracts, which undergo spontaneous bulk contraction driven by the motor protein dynein, and investigate the effects of varying the initial microtubule density and length distribution. We find that networks contract to a similar final density, irrespective of the length of microtubules or their initial density, but that the contraction timescale varies with the average microtubule length. To gain insight into why this microscopic property influences the macroscopic network contraction time, we developed simulations where microtubules and motors are explicitly represented. The simulations qualitatively recapitulate the variation of contraction timescale with microtubule length, and allowed stress contributions from different sources to be estimated and decoupled.

  19. An efficient matrix-matrix multiplication based antisymmetric tensor contraction engine for general order coupled cluster.

    PubMed

    Hanrath, Michael; Engels-Putzka, Anna

    2010-08-14

    In this paper, we present an efficient implementation of general tensor contractions, which is part of a new coupled-cluster program. The tensor contractions, used to evaluate the residuals in each coupled-cluster iteration are particularly important for the performance of the program. We developed a generic procedure, which carries out contractions of two tensors irrespective of their explicit structure. It can handle coupled-cluster-type expressions of arbitrary excitation level. To make the contraction efficient without loosing flexibility, we use a three-step procedure. First, the data contained in the tensors are rearranged into matrices, then a matrix-matrix multiplication is performed, and finally the result is backtransformed to a tensor. The current implementation is significantly more efficient than previous ones capable of treating arbitrary high excitations.

  20. When your contract manufacturer becomes your competitor.

    PubMed

    Arruñda, Benito; Vázquez, Xosé H

    2006-09-01

    PC maker Lenovo started out as a distributor of equipment made by IBM and other companies; now it has formed a joint venture with IBM and will eventually affix its own logo to its computers. Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) started out manufacturing vehicles for Volkswagen and GM; now it's preparing to sell its own cars in China, Europe, and North America. Lenovo and SAIC represent a host of formerly anonymous makers of brand-name products that are breaking out of their defined roles and pushing the brands themselves aside. In this article, the authors explore the double-edged relationships original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) forge with their contract manufacturers (CMs). On the one hand, an OEM can reduce its labor costs, free up capital, and improve worker productivity by outsourcing all the manufacturing of a product. The company can then concentrate on value-adding activities--research and development, product design, and marketing, for instance. On the other hand, an OEM that retains a contract manufacturer may find itself immersed in a melodrama replete with promiscuity (the ambitious CM pursues liaisons with other OEMs), infidelity (the OEM's retailers and distributors shift their business to the upstart CM), and betrayal (the brazen CM transmits the OEM's intellectual property to the OEM's rivals or keeps it for itself when the contract is up). OEMs cannot simply terminate their outsourcing arrangements--they need contract manufacturers in order to keep specializing, adding value, and staying competitive. But OEMs can manage these relationships so that they don't become weak or the CMs too strong. Doing so requires modesty about revealing trade secrets; caution about whom one consorts with; and a judicious degree of intimacy, loyalty, and generosity toward partners and customers.

  1. What factors influence the use of contracts in the context of NHS dental practice? A systematic review of theory and logic model

    PubMed Central

    Harris, Rebecca; Mosedale, Sarah; Garner, Jayne; Perkins, Elizabeth

    2014-01-01

    UK NHS contracts mediate the relationship between dental and medical practitioners as independent contractors, and the state which reimburses them for their services to patients. There have been successive revisions of dental and medical contracts since the 1990s alongside a change in the levels of professional dominance and accountability. Unintended consequences of the 2006 dental contract have led to plans for further reform. We set out to identify the factors which facilitate and hinder the use of contracts in this area. Previous reviews of theory have been narrative, and based on macro-theory arising from various disciplines such as economics, sociology and political science. This paper presents a systematic review and aggregative synthesis of the theories of contracting for publicly funded health care. A logic map conveys internal pathways linking competition for contracts to opportunism. We identify that whilst practitioners' responses to contract rules is a result of micro-level bargaining clarifying patients' and providers' interests, responses are also influenced by relationships with commissioners and wider personal, professional and political networks. PMID:24608120

  2. JPRS Report, Science & Technology, Europe, Economic Competitiveness.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-08-09

    in the form of proportional subsidies for research contracts concluded with large companies. For contracts concluded with small - and medium ...special programs to help small - and medium -sized enterprises (SME’s) that carry out research work , and to foster the growth of an innovative SME base...process of being developed. MEDIA DUEMILA: In the past, the EEC relied on

  3. 25 CFR 900.42 - What are the general financial management system standards that apply to an Indian tribe carrying...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... standards that apply to an Indian tribe carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.42 Section 900.42... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems Standards for Financial Management Systems...

  4. 25 CFR 900.42 - What are the general financial management system standards that apply to an Indian tribe carrying...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... standards that apply to an Indian tribe carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.42 Section 900.42... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems Standards for Financial Management Systems...

  5. 25 CFR 900.42 - What are the general financial management system standards that apply to an Indian tribe carrying...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... standards that apply to an Indian tribe carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.42 Section 900.42... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems Standards for Financial Management Systems...

  6. 25 CFR 900.42 - What are the general financial management system standards that apply to an Indian tribe carrying...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... standards that apply to an Indian tribe carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.42 Section 900.42... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems Standards for Financial Management Systems...

  7. 25 CFR 900.42 - What are the general financial management system standards that apply to an Indian tribe carrying...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... standards that apply to an Indian tribe carrying out a self-determination contract? 900.42 Section 900.42... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems Standards for Financial Management Systems...

  8. 7 CFR 632.31 - Cost-share payment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... out the contract, the land user is indebted to the United States for the cost of the misused material... contract. The cost-share payment is to be determined by one of the following methods: (1) Average cost. (2) Actual cost but not more than the average cost. (3) Specified maximum cost. If the average cost or the...

  9. 7 CFR 632.31 - Cost-share payment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... out the contract, the land user is indebted to the United States for the cost of the misused material... contract. The cost-share payment is to be determined by one of the following methods: (1) Average cost. (2) Actual cost but not more than the average cost. (3) Specified maximum cost. If the average cost or the...

  10. 7 CFR 632.31 - Cost-share payment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... out the contract, the land user is indebted to the United States for the cost of the misused material... contract. The cost-share payment is to be determined by one of the following methods: (1) Average cost. (2) Actual cost but not more than the average cost. (3) Specified maximum cost. If the average cost or the...

  11. 7 CFR 632.31 - Cost-share payment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... out the contract, the land user is indebted to the United States for the cost of the misused material... contract. The cost-share payment is to be determined by one of the following methods: (1) Average cost. (2) Actual cost but not more than the average cost. (3) Specified maximum cost. If the average cost or the...

  12. 7 CFR 632.31 - Cost-share payment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... out the contract, the land user is indebted to the United States for the cost of the misused material... contract. The cost-share payment is to be determined by one of the following methods: (1) Average cost. (2) Actual cost but not more than the average cost. (3) Specified maximum cost. If the average cost or the...

  13. Army AL&T, January-March 2008

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-03-01

    Responsible for Contracting-Afghanistan (PARC-A), I actively solicit Afghan business participation in this valuable economic development program... business growth, entrepreneurship and economic expansion in Afghanistan. Contracting officers (KOs) use a best-value ap- proach to evaluate and use...development command policy, KOs seek out capable Afghan businesses and build education programs and business solutions enhancing economic growth. Each KO

  14. 48 CFR 52.204-18 - Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... assigned to entities located in the United States or its outlying areas by the Defense Logistics Agency... NATO Support Agency (NSPA) to entities located outside the United States and its outlying areas that... code on the contract. (c) Contractors located in the United States or its outlying areas that are not...

  15. Cost and Schedule Analytical Techniques Development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1996-01-01

    This Final Report summarizes the activities performed by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) for the base contract year from December 1, 1994 through November 30, 1995. The Final Report is in compliance with Paragraph 5 of Section F of the contract. This CSATD contract provides technical services and products to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) Engineering Cost Office (PP03) and the Program Plans and Requirements Office (PP02). Detailed Monthly Progress Reports were submitted to MSFC in accordance with the contract's Statement of Work Section IV "Reporting and Documentation". These reports spelled out each month's specific work accomplishments, deliverables submitted, major meetings held, and other pertinent information. This Final Report will summarize these activities at a higher level.

  16. Medicare program; peer review organization contracts: solicitation of statements of interest from in-state organizations--Alaska, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, South Carolina, Vermont, and Wyoming--HCFA. Notice.

    PubMed

    1998-07-29

    This notice, in accordance with section 1153(i) of the Social Security Act, gives at least 6 months' advance notice of the expiration dates of contracts with out-of-State Utilization and Quality Control Peer Review Organizations. It also specifies the period of time in which in-State organizations may submit a statement of interest so that they may be eligible to compete for these contracts.

  17. Mechanisms of boron fiber strengthening by thermal treatment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dicarlo, J. A.

    1979-01-01

    The fracture strain for boron on tungsten fibers can be improved by heat treatment under vacuum or argon environments. The mechanical basis for this improvement is thermally-induced axial contraction of the entire fiber, whereby strength-controlling core flaws are compressed and fiber fracture strain increased by the value of the contraction strain. By highly sensitive measurements of fiber density and volume, the physical mechanisms responsible for contraction under both environments was identified as boron atom diffusion out of the fiber sheath. The fiber contracts because the average volume of the resulting microvoid was determined to be only 0.26 + or - 0.09 the average atomic volume of the removed atom. The basic and practical implications of these results are discussed with particular emphasis on the theory, use, and limitations of heat-induced contraction as a simple cost-effective secondary processing method.

  18. Retro reproduction: an old imaging technology rewrites the rules of modern embryology.

    PubMed

    Fischer, Shannon

    2015-01-01

    On a video screen, against a black backdrop, 15 spherical blue-green cells vibrate with a quiet energy. Slowly at first, then faster, they begin to roil and roll. Within the confines of their round membrane cases, they divide, becoming two, three, four cells, then those, in turn, divide to become eight. One splits into two, then pauses, struggling to catch up and spinning off pieces of cellular detritus as it does. Near the top, another, by now many cells rich, hollows out and expands, contracts, expands, contracts. It falls in upon itself and then hatches, pouring out from its shell and ballooning to the side.

  19. 41 CFR 102-3.90 - What does this subpart cover and how does it apply?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What does this subpart cover and how does it apply? 102-3.90 Section 102-3.90 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal... does it apply? This subpart outlines specific responsibilities and functions to be carried out by the...

  20. Dealing direct. If you want to play in the big leagues of direct contracting, pay attention to these risks.

    PubMed

    Gee, E P; Fine, A

    1997-08-20

    There's danger in direct contracting with employers, but big advantages if you know how to steer clear. In this excerpt from Dealing Direct, a recent book from American Hospital Publishing, the authors point out common obstacles--from retaliation by insurers to managing high-risk enrollees to shifts in the market.

  1. 41 CFR 102-192.75 - Why must we have written security policies and plans?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Why must we have written security policies and plans? 102-192.75 Section 102-192.75 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal... terrorist attacks, and this is spelled out in the Postal and Shipping Sector Plan, which is part of the...

  2. Using Behaviour Contracts to Decrease Antisocial Behaviour in Four Boys with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder at Home and at School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hawkins, Emma; Kingsdorf, Sheri; Charnock, Jackie; Szabo, Mariann; Middleton, Edi; Phillips, Jo; Gautreaux, Grant

    2011-01-01

    This article describes how a behaviour contract has been implemented to achieve positive and enduring results for four boys with a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Four case studies are described which address reductions in behaviours such as assaultive and destructive behaviour, out-of-seat behaviour, inappropriate contact with…

  3. The Effects of Temporary Services and Contracting Out on Low-Skilled Workers: Evidence from Auto Suppliers, Hospitals, and Public Schools. Staff Working Paper.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Erickcek, George; Houseman, Susan; Kalleberg, Arne

    A study examined why employers use temporary agency and contract company workers and implications of these practices for wages, benefits, and working conditions of workers in low-skilled labor markets. Case studies in manufacturing (automotive supply), services (hospitals), and public sector (primary and secondary schools) industries defined the…

  4. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Learning Contract Course: Experience and Performance of the First Cohort

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ani, Adi Irfan Che; Tawil, Norngainy Mohd; Johar, Suhana; Ismail, Khaidzir; Razak, Mohd Zulhanif Abd

    2014-01-01

    Research from different parts of the world recognizes the effectiveness of a learning contract course in improving the personal skills of students. Therefore, UKM has chosen this approach to improve the personal soft skills of its students. The university has carried out this approach by making HHHC9118-Soft Skills as a compulsory course for all…

  5. 42 CFR 137.239 - If the withdrawing Indian Tribe elects to operate PSFAs carried out under a compact or funding...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., is the resulting contract considered a mature contract under section 4(h) of the Act [25 U.S.C. 450b(h)]? 137.239 Section 137.239 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE Withdrawal...

  6. 42 CFR 137.239 - If the withdrawing Indian Tribe elects to operate PSFAs carried out under a compact or funding...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., is the resulting contract considered a mature contract under section 4(h) of the Act [25 U.S.C. 450b(h)]? 137.239 Section 137.239 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE Withdrawal...

  7. Cost and Schedule Analytical Techniques Development: Option 2 Year

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1997-01-01

    This Final Report summarizes the activities performed by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) for the Option 2 Year from December 1, 1996 through November 30, 1997. The Final Report is in compliance with Paragraph 5 of Section F of the contract. This CSATD contract provides products and deliverable in the form of models, data bases, methodologies, studies and analyses for the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) Engineering Cost Office (PPO3) the Program Plans and Requirements Officer (PP02), and other user organizations. Detailed Monthly Progress reports were submitted to MSFC in accordance with the contract's Statement of Work, Section TV "Reporting and Documentation". These reports spelled out each month's specific work accomplishments, deliverables submitted, major meetings held, and other pertinent information. This Final Report will summarize these activities at higher level. During this contract Option Year, SAIC expended 29,830 man-hours in tile performance of tasks called out in the Statement of Work and reported oil in this yearly Final Report. This represents approximately 16 full-time EPs. Included are the basis Huntsville-based team, plus SAIC specialists in San Diego, Ames Research Center, Chicago, and Colorado Springs performing specific tasks for which they are uniquely qualified.

  8. Cost and Schedule Analytical Techniques Development: Option 1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1996-01-01

    This Final Report summarizes the activities performed by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) for the base contract year from December 1, 1995 through November 30, 1996. The Final Report is in compliance with Paragraph 5 of Section F of the contract. This CSATD contract provides technical services and products to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) Engineering Cost Office (PPO3) and the Program Plans and Requirements Officer (PPO2). Detailed Monthly Progress Reports were submitted to MSFC in accordance with the contract's Statement of Work Section IV "Reporting and Documentation". These reports spelled out each month's specific work accomplishments, deliverables submitted, major meetings held, and other pertinent information. This Final Report will summarize these activities at a higher level.

  9. Laboratory animal-based collaborations and contracts beyond the border.

    PubMed

    Stark, Dennis

    2006-06-01

    There is a 'dollars crunch' at your institution. At a management meeting a discussion develops around the idea of outsourcing some of the future animal-based work to a facility located in another country. As a leader of the laboratory animal program, you need to answer the question: "What do we need to consider before agreeing to an overseas contract to complement our internal efforts?" The author sets out to answer this question as it relates to issues of animal care and use, regulatory and ethical concerns, legal obligations, and oversight of the work. The article focuses on international contracts and collaborations, but many of the principles discussed are also applicable to interinstitutional collaborations and contracts within the country where the laboratory animal program is based.

  10. What factors influence the use of contracts in the context of NHS dental practice? A systematic review of theory and logic model.

    PubMed

    Harris, Rebecca; Mosedale, Sarah; Garner, Jayne; Perkins, Elizabeth

    2014-05-01

    UK NHS contracts mediate the relationship between dental and medical practitioners as independent contractors, and the state which reimburses them for their services to patients. There have been successive revisions of dental and medical contracts since the 1990s alongside a change in the levels of professional dominance and accountability. Unintended consequences of the 2006 dental contract have led to plans for further reform. We set out to identify the factors which facilitate and hinder the use of contracts in this area. Previous reviews of theory have been narrative, and based on macro-theory arising from various disciplines such as economics, sociology and political science. This paper presents a systematic review and aggregative synthesis of the theories of contracting for publicly funded health care. A logic map conveys internal pathways linking competition for contracts to opportunism. We identify that whilst practitioners' responses to contract rules is a result of micro-level bargaining clarifying patients' and providers' interests, responses are also influenced by relationships with commissioners and wider personal, professional and political networks. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  11. Skeletal muscle bioenergetics during all-out exercise: mechanistic insight into the oxygen uptake slow component and neuromuscular fatigue.

    PubMed

    Broxterman, Ryan M; Layec, Gwenael; Hureau, Thomas J; Amann, Markus; Richardson, Russell S

    2017-05-01

    Although all-out exercise protocols are commonly used, the physiological mechanisms underlying all-out exercise performance are still unclear, and an in-depth assessment of skeletal muscle bioenergetics is lacking. Therefore, phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 31 P-MRS) was utilized to assess skeletal muscle bioenergetics during a 5-min all-out intermittent isometric knee-extensor protocol in eight healthy men. Metabolic perturbation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis rates, ATP cost of contraction, and mitochondrial capacity were determined from intramuscular concentrations of phosphocreatine (PCr), inorganic phosphate (P i ), diprotonated phosphate ([Formula: see text]), and pH. Peripheral fatigue was determined by exercise-induced alterations in potentiated quadriceps twitch force (Q tw ) evoked by supramaximal electrical femoral nerve stimulation. The oxidative ATP synthesis rate (ATP OX ) attained and then maintained peak values throughout the protocol, despite an ~63% decrease in quadriceps maximal force production. ThusATP OX normalized to force production (ATP OX gain) significantly increased throughout the exercise (1st min: 0.02 ± 0.01, 5th min: 0.04 ± 0.01 mM·min -1 ·N -1 ), as did the ATP cost of contraction (1st min: 0.048 ± 0.019, 5th min: 0.052 ± 0.015 mM·min -1 ·N -1 ). Additionally, the pre- to postexercise change in Q tw (-52 ± 26%) was significantly correlated with the exercise-induced change in intramuscular pH ( r = 0.75) and [Formula: see text] concentration ( r = 0.77). In conclusion, the all-out exercise protocol utilized in the present study elicited a "slow component-like" increase in intramuscular ATP OX gain as well as a progressive increase in the phosphate cost of contraction. Furthermore, the development of peripheral fatigue was closely related to the perturbation of specific fatigue-inducing intramuscular factors (i.e., pH and [Formula: see text] concentration). NEW & NOTEWORTHY The physiological mechanisms and skeletal muscle bioenergetics underlying all-out exercise performance are unclear. This study revealed an increase in oxidative ATP synthesis rate gain and the ATP cost of contraction during all-out exercise. Furthermore, peripheral fatigue was related to the perturbation in pH and deprotonated phosphate ion. These findings support the concept that the oxygen uptake slow component arises from within active skeletal muscle and that skeletal muscle force generating capacity is linked to the intramuscular metabolic milieu.

  12. Independent sector treatment centres: the first independent evaluation, a Scottish case study.

    PubMed

    Pollock, Allyson M; Kirkwood, Graham

    2009-07-01

    The pound5 billion English Independent Sector Treatment Centre (ISTC) programme remains unevaluated because of a lack of published contract data and poor quality data returns. Scotland has a three-year pilot ISTC, the Scottish Regional Treatment Centre (SRTC), the contract for which is now in the public domain. This study aims to conduct an independent evaluation of the performance of the SRTC during the first year of operation. A retrospective analysis of the SRTC comparing activity as reported by hospital episode statistics returned to ISD Scotland with: volume and cost data in the SRTC contract; a 10-month audit carried out by management consultants Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC); and an internal NHS Tayside performance report. All day-case and inpatient activity at the SRTC from 1 December 2006 to 31 January 2008. Activity and cost. The annual contract was based on patient referrals to the SRTC and not actual treatments. The contract was awarded on the basis of 2624 referrals a year, total value of pound5,667,464. According to ISD data, the SRTC performed 831 procedures (32% of annual contract) in the first 13 months worth pound1,035,603 (18%). PWC's figures report 2200 referrals (84%) to the SRTC at a cost of 2,642,000 (47%) in the first 10 months. Basing the SRTC contract on payments for referrals rather than actual treatment represents a major departure from normal standards of reporting and commissioning and may have resulted in over-payment for referrals for patients who did not receive treatment of up to pound3 million in the first 10 months. The PWC report falls well below the standards one would expect of an independent evaluation and we were unable to validate PWC's analysis and the claim of value for money. If wave-one ISTCs in England perform similarly to the SRTC then as much as pound927 million may have been paid for patients who did not receive treatment. We recommend a moratorium on all ISTC contracts until the contracts have been published and properly evaluated with respect to work paid for and actual work carried out and quality of care.

  13. Mechanisms of boron fiber strengthening by thermal treatment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dicarlo, J. A.

    1979-01-01

    The fracture strain for boron on tungsten fibers was studied for improvement by heat treatment under vacuum or argon environments. The mechanical basis for this improvement is thermally-induced axial contraction of the entire fiber, whereby strength-controlling core flaws are compressed and fiber fracture strain increased by the value of the contraction strain. By highly sensitive measurements of fiber density and volume, the physical mechanism responsible for contraction under both environments was identified as boron atom diffusion out of the fiber sheath. The fiber contracts because the average volume of the resulting microvoid was determined to be only 0.26 plus or minus 0.09 the average atomic volume of the removed atom. The basic and practical implications of these results are discussed with particular emphasis on the theory, use, and limitations of heat-induced contraction as a simple cost-effective secondary processing method.

  14. 48 CFR 2137.102 - Policy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 2137.102 Federal Acquisition Regulations System OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT, FEDERAL EMPLOYEES GROUP... Contractor will be reimbursed for all reasonable phase-in and phase-out costs (i.e., costs incurred within the agreed-upon period after contract termination that result from phase-in and phase-out operations...

  15. Determining and Forecasting Savings from Competing Previously Sole Source/Noncompetitive Contracts

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1978-10-01

    SUMMARY A. BACKGROUND. Within the defense market , It is difficult to isolate, identify and quantify the impact of competition on acquisition costs...63 C. F04iCASTING METhODOLOGY .................. . 7 0. COMPETITION INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 77 E . USE AS A FORECASTING TOOL...program is still active. e . From this projection, calculate the actual total contract price coiencing with the buy-out competition by multiplying the

  16. Antioxidant Phytochemicals of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Cladodes with Potential Anti-spasmodic Activity.

    PubMed

    Lanuzza, Francesco; Occhiuto, Francesco; Monforte, Maria Teresa; Tripodo, Maria Marcella; D'Angelo, Valeria; Galati, Enza Maria

    2017-10-01

    Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae), a plant widespread in dry regions of the world, shows interesting biological activities (cicatrizant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic) and is widely used in traditional medicine. Phytochemical analysis and antispasmodic effect of wild OFI cladodes were carried out. Polyphenols and Vitamin E occurrence, in antioxidant pool of OFI cladodes, were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antispasmodic effect of OFI cladodes was assessed in isolated rabbit smooth muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out with preparations of rabbit jejunum and uterus with the spontaneous contractile activity, to evaluate the effect of cumulative concentrations of the extract on basal tone, amplitude, and frequency of contractions. Catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and chlorogenic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acid were identified. α-, β-, and γ-tocopherols have been highlighted and α-tocopherol is the major component. OFI cladodes contain significant amount of polyphenols and tocopherols that are effective radical scavengers and inhibited ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl formation by 50%. OFI cladodes caused a light inhibition of amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions and a marked decrease in muscle basal tone of rabbit jejunum preparations. On spontaneously contracting uterus preparations, the addition of increasing concentrations of cladode extract caused uterine muscle relaxation. The contraction of smooth muscle preparations depends on an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium ion concentration, which activates the contractile elements. The flavonoids may suppress the contractility of smooth myocytes, by an inhibition of availability of Ca 2+ for muscle contraction. Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cladodes contain significant amount of polyphenols and tocopherols that are effective radical scavengers and inhibited ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl formation by 50%Polyphenols and Vitamin E complex occurrence in OFI cladodes were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatographyOFI cladodes exhibited significative antispasmodic activity. The antispasmodic effect was assessed in isolated rabbit smooth muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out with preparations of rabbit jejunum and uterus with the spontaneous contractile activity, to evaluate the effect of cumulative concentrations of the extract on basal tone, amplitude, and frequency of contractions. Abbreviations used: OFI: Opuntia ficus-indica , DPPH: Ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl.

  17. Farmers' Preferences for PES Contracts to Adopt Silvopastoral Systems in Southern Ecuador, Revealed Through a Choice Experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Raes, Leander; Speelman, Stijn; Aguirre, Nikolay

    2017-08-01

    This study investigates farmers' preferences to participate in payment contracts to adopt silvopastoral systems in Ecuador. A choice experiment was used to elicit preferences between different contract attributes, including differing payment amounts and land management requirements. The research was carried out in the buffer zone of Podocarpus National Park in Southern Ecuador, an area where most land is dedicated to cattle husbandry. A choice experiment was conducted to measure farmers' interest in different types of contracts. Based on existing incentive programs, contract choices varied with respect to the type of silvopastoral system, extra land-use requirements, payment levels and contract duration. In addition, contracts differed with regards to access by cattle to streams. Although the farmers did not show strong preferences for every contract attribute, the majority of farmers in the area showed interest in the proposed contracts. A latent class model identified three classes of respondents, based on their preferences for different contracts attributes or the "business as usual" option. The results suggest that farmland area, agricultural income, and landowners' perceptions of environmental problems provide a partial explanation for the heterogeneity observed in the choices for specific contracts. Participation might increase if contracts were targeted at specific groups of farmers, such as those identified through our latent class model. Offering flexible contracts with varying additional requirements within the same scheme, involving farmers from the start in payments for environmental services design, and combining payments for environmental services with integrated conservation and development projects may be a better way to convince more farmers to adopt silvopastoral systems.

  18. Farmers' Preferences for PES Contracts to Adopt Silvopastoral Systems in Southern Ecuador, Revealed Through a Choice Experiment.

    PubMed

    Raes, Leander; Speelman, Stijn; Aguirre, Nikolay

    2017-08-01

    This study investigates farmers' preferences to participate in payment contracts to adopt silvopastoral systems in Ecuador. A choice experiment was used to elicit preferences between different contract attributes, including differing payment amounts and land management requirements. The research was carried out in the buffer zone of Podocarpus National Park in Southern Ecuador, an area where most land is dedicated to cattle husbandry. A choice experiment was conducted to measure farmers' interest in different types of contracts. Based on existing incentive programs, contract choices varied with respect to the type of silvopastoral system, extra land-use requirements, payment levels and contract duration. In addition, contracts differed with regards to access by cattle to streams. Although the farmers did not show strong preferences for every contract attribute, the majority of farmers in the area showed interest in the proposed contracts. A latent class model identified three classes of respondents, based on their preferences for different contracts attributes or the "business as usual" option. The results suggest that farmland area, agricultural income, and landowners' perceptions of environmental problems provide a partial explanation for the heterogeneity observed in the choices for specific contracts. Participation might increase if contracts were targeted at specific groups of farmers, such as those identified through our latent class model. Offering flexible contracts with varying additional requirements within the same scheme, involving farmers from the start in payments for environmental services design, and combining payments for environmental services with integrated conservation and development projects may be a better way to convince more farmers to adopt silvopastoral systems.

  19. H. R. 3255: A Bill to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to require certain Department of Energy contractors to provide protection to their employees against reprisal for disclosure to an appropriate Government official of information which the employee reasonably believes evidences misconduct in carrying out contracts relating to atomic energy defense activities. Introduced in the House of Representatives, One Hundredth First Congress, First Session, September 12, 1989

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Not Available

    H.R. 3255 is a bill to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to require certain Department of Energy contractors to provide protection to their employees against reprisal for disclosure to an appropriate Government official of information which the employee reasonably believes evidences misconduct in carrying out contracts relating to atomic energy defense activities.

  20. The managed care contract: the blueprint for monitoring agreements.

    PubMed

    Hummel, J R; Cooper, S J

    2001-06-01

    Healthcare providers generally undertake monitoring programs of managed care arrangements as a way of analyzing financial performance, uncovering lapses in contractually mandated performance that might expose the organization to financial loss, and gathering information that can be helpful in renegotiating the contract or negotiating new arrangements. To secure access to the information needed to achieve these goals, the provider should ensure that the contract spells out the information required, the health plan's obligations to supply this information, and the consequences of the plan's failure to meet those obligations. Such consequences may include financial penalties for the plan and special termination rights for the provider. Without a contractually explicit assurance that the needed information will be available, a provider may find itself with no way to achieve its contract-monitoring goals.

  1. A snap shot of patients' recall, attitudes, and perceptions of their pain contracts from a family medicine resident outpatient clinic.

    PubMed

    Bahniwal, Robinder; Sell, Jarrett; Waheed, Abdul

    Determine patient recall, attitudes, and perceptions of their pain contract in a family medicine resident out-patient clinic. A cross-sectional study design using a telephone survey to all eligible subjects who signed a hardcopy pain contract from August 29, 2014 to May 19, 2016 at a resident outpatient clinic. Penn State Hershey Family and Community Medicine Residency clinic. All patients who signed a hardcopy pain contract at the practice site who met specific inclusion criteria. What proportions of items are remembered from the standardized Penn State Hershey pain contract and does recall vary with time of contract signing. Patient attitudes and perceptions of their pain contract. Ninety-five percent of patients recalled agreeing to random urine drug screens (UDS) and 60 percent recalled they were not to receive prescriptions from another provider unless approved by their practice site. The recall rate for the remaining 33 items in the contract ranged from 0 percent to 20 percent. The highest recall rate was for contracts signed between 0-3 months. Patient feedback regarding the pain contract was recorded and while five were positive or neutral, 15 patients recorded negative attitudes toward the process, the physician, and/or the UDS. This study highlights limited recall and negative patient attitudes toward the pain contract. Considering the public health concerns with regard to the current opioid epidemic in the United States, additional training of providers, redesign of pain contracts and new models for informing patients about safe chronic pain management may be warranted.

  2. Take Me Out to the Ballgame, but Keep Me away from the Concession Stand Workers: A Hypothetical Case Involving Negligent Volunteers at Ballparks

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thor, Jennifer Cordon; York, Kenneth M.

    2016-01-01

    The hypothetical case presented in this article challenges students in a legal environment of business course to answer that question by examining key legal concepts in agency and contract law, and to conduct an ethical analysis in a case involving volunteers. Although the events in the following case are hypothetical, the contract that the…

  3. A Beginning Teacher's First Steps to "Fitting in Where You Are Getting In": Identifying Top Rated Collegial and Non-Collegial Dispositional Behaviors

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Scaglione, Jacquelyn; Johnston, Pattie C.; Bentz, Lauren; Draper, Elsa; Feldman, Hailey; Kehl, Jessica; Tucker, Meagan; Wilcox, Rotunda; Joenson, Trevor; Wilson, Adrienne

    2016-01-01

    Beginning teachers have to figure out how to "fit in" once they "get in" their new work environments. New teachers do know they need to perform all aspects of their formal contracts. New teachers may not know there are also extra-role expectations that exist beyond those in the formal contract. The extra-role behaviors teachers…

  4. 34 CFR 427.3 - What activities may the Secretary fund?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... contracts for— (1) Bilingual vocational training projects for limited English proficient out-of-school youth... training projects for limited English proficient out-of-school youth and adults who have already entered the labor market but who desire or need English language skills and job skills training or retraining...

  5. 42 CFR 405.410 - Conditions for properly opting-out of Medicare.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Conditions for properly opting-out of Medicare. 405.410 Section 405.410 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MEDICARE PROGRAM FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE AGED AND DISABLED Private Contracts...

  6. 7 CFR 17.10 - Refunds and insurance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... under long-term credit agreements the participant's account shall be credited with the dollar amount.... All claims by importers for adjustment refunds arising out of terms of the contract or out of the... against CCC for recovery of the amount refunded or set off. (e) Refund of local currency or reduction of...

  7. 7 CFR 17.10 - Refunds and insurance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... under long-term credit agreements the participant's account shall be credited with the dollar amount.... All claims by importers for adjustment refunds arising out of terms of the contract or out of the... against CCC for recovery of the amount refunded or set off. (e) Refund of local currency or reduction of...

  8. Monitoring elbow isometric contraction by novel wearable fabric sensing device

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xi; Tao, Xiaoming; So, Raymond C. H.; Shu, Lin; Yang, Bao; Li, Ying

    2016-12-01

    Fabric-based wearable technology is highly desirable in sports, as it is light, flexible, soft, and comfortable with little interference to normal sport activities. It can provide accurate information on the in situ deformation of muscles in a continuous and wireless manner. During elbow flexion in isometric contraction, upper arm circumference increases with the contraction of elbow flexors, and it is possible to monitor the muscles’ contraction by limb circumferential strains. This paper presents a new wireless wearable anthropometric monitoring device made from fabric strain sensors for the human upper arm. The materials, structural design and calibration of the device are presented. Using an isokinetic testing system (Biodex3®) and the fabric monitoring device simultaneously, in situ measurements were carried out on elbow flexors in isometric contraction mode with ten subjects for a set of positions. Correlations between the measured values of limb circumferential strain and normalized torque were examined, and a linear relationship was found during isometric contraction. The average correlation coefficient between them is 0.938 ± 0.050. This wearable anthropometric device thus provides a useful index, the limb circumferential strain, for upper arm muscle contraction in isometric mode.

  9. Absence of MutSbeta leads to the formation of slipped-DNA for CTG/CAG contractions at primate replication forks

    PubMed Central

    Slean, Meghan M.; Panigrahi, Gagan B.; Castel, Arturo López; Pearson, August B.; Tomkinson, Alan E.; Pearson, Christopher E.

    2016-01-01

    Typically disease-causing CAG/CTG repeats expand, but rare affected families can display high levels of contraction of the expanded repeat amongst offspring. Understanding instability is important since arresting expansions or enhancing contractions could be clinically beneficial. The MutSβ mismatch repair complex is required for CAG/CTG expansions in mice and patients. Oddly, by unknown mechanisms MutSβ-deficient mice incur contractions instead of expansions. Replication using CTG or CAG as the lagging strand template is known to cause contractions or expansions respectively; however, the interplay between replication and repair leading to this instability remains unclear. Towards understanding how repeat contractions may arise, we performed in vitro SV40-mediated replication of repeat-containing plasmids in the presence or absence of mismatch repair. Specifically, we separated repair from replication: Replication mediated by MutSβ- and MutSα-deficient human cells or cell extracts produced slipped-DNA heteroduplexes in the contraction- but not expansion-biased replication direction. Replication in the presence of MutSβ disfavoured the retention of replication products harbouring slipped-DNA heteroduplexes. Post-replication repair of slipped-DNAs by MutSβ-proficient extracts eliminated slipped-DNAs. Thus, a MutSβ-deficiency likely enhances repeat contractions because MutSβ protects against contractions by repairing template strand slip-outs. Replication deficient in LigaseI or PCNA-interaction mutant LigaseI revealed slipped-DNA formation at lagging strands. Our results reveal that distinct mechanisms lead to expansions or contractions and support inhibition of MutSβ as a therapeutic strategy to enhance the contraction of expanded repeats. PMID:27155933

  10. Effects of Dai-kenchu-to on spontaneous activity in the mouse small intestine.

    PubMed

    Kito, Yoshihiko; Suzuki, Hikaru

    2006-12-01

    The effects of Dai-kenchu-to (DKT), a Chinese medicine, on spontaneous activity of mouse small intestine were investigated. Experiments were carried out with tension recording and intracellular recording. DKT contracted mouse longitudinal smooth muscles in a dose dependent manner (0.1-10 mg/ml). Low concentration of DKT (0.1 mg/ml) did not contract the longitudinal muscles of mouse small intestine. DKT (0.1 mg/ml) inhibited contraction elicited by transmural nerve stimulation (TNS). DKT (1 mg/ml) evoked relaxation before contraction. The initial relaxation was abolished by Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). DKT (10 mg/ml)-induced contraction had two components: a transient rapid contraction and a following slow contraction. Atropine inhibited DKT (1 mg/ml)-induced contraction to about 50% of control. In the presence of atropine, tetrodotoxin (TTX) inhibited the contraction elicited by DKT (1 mg/ml) to about 80%. DKT depolarized the membrane and decreased the amplitude of pacemaker potentials recorded from in situ myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-MY) with no alteration to the frequency, duration and maximum rates of rise in the presence of nifedipine and TTX. The same results were obtained in slow waves recorded from circular smooth muscle cells. These results indicate that DKT evoked both contraction and relaxation by releasing acetylcholine, nitric oxide and other excitatory neurotransmitters in mouse small intestine. DKT had no effects on pacemaker mechanisms and electrical coupling between ICC-MY and smooth muscle cells in mouse small intestine. The results also suggest that DKT may contract smooth muscles by depolarizing the membrane directly.

  11. Development of Advanced Czochralski Growth Process to produce low cost 150 KG silicon ingots from a single crucible for technology readiness

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1981-01-01

    The modified CG2000 crystal grower construction, installation, and machine check-out was completed. The process development check-out proceeded with several dry runs and one growth run. Several machine calibrations and functional problems were discovered and corrected. Several exhaust gas analysis system alternatives were evaluated and an integrated system approved and ordered. A contract presentation was made at the Project Integration Meeting at JPL, including cost-projections using contract projected throughput and machine parameters. Several growth runs on a development CG200 RC grower show that complete neck, crown, and body automated growth can be achieved with only one operator input. Work continued for melt level, melt temperature, and diameter sensor development.

  12. Understanding and Mitigating Protests of Department of Defense Acquisition Contracts

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-08-01

    of delivery time that can lock out a rejected offeror from a market . Sixth, more complex contracts, like services versus products , generate more...The engineers, attorneys, or head of a business unit need to explain to the team that spent time working on a bid why the company lost. Executives...agency executives have to explain to their team, who also spent time working on the source solicitation, evaluation, and selection, why the company

  13. Tenure, Civil Rights Laws, Inclusive Contracts, and Fear: Legal Protection and the Lives of Self-Identified Lesbian, Gay Male, and Bisexual Public School Teachers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Juul, Thomas Patrick

    This paper presents findings of a study that examined the results of tenure and legal protection on lesbian, gay male, and bisexual public school teachers. Specifically, it describes the effect of tenure, state laws, inclusive contracts, and local ordinances on the openness and public identities of gay teachers. A total of 904 out of 1,400…

  14. Contracting Out. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Central Library. Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary, Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    General Accounting Office, Washington, DC.

    In response to a request by the Senate Committee on Appropriations for an examination of the A-76 program of the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in particular NOAA's decision to contract for the operation of its Central Library, this report describes a General Accounting Office (GAO) review which:…

  15. An Analysis of the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Spin Out 1 Low-Rate of Initial Production (LRIP) Contract

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-08-24

    interests are strategic resource management, strategic control, and corporate financial reporting. Joseph G. San Miguel Professor Graduate School of...Officer PM – Program Manager SAIC – Science Applications International Corporation SAP – Systems Applications and Products SDD – System Development and...the award of the multi-billion dollar FCS program management contract to the Boeing Company and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC

  16. Independent sector treatment centres: the first independent evaluation, a Scottish case study

    PubMed Central

    Pollock, Allyson M; Kirkwood, Graham

    2009-01-01

    Summary Objectives The £5 billion English Independent Sector Treatment Centre (ISTC) programme remains unevaluated because of a lack of published contract data and poor quality data returns. Scotland has a three-year pilot ISTC, the Scottish Regional Treatment Centre (SRTC), the contract for which is now in the public domain. This study aims to conduct an independent evaluation of the performance of the SRTC during the first year of operation. Design A retrospective analysis of the SRTC comparing activity as reported by hospital episode statistics returned to ISD Scotland with: volume and cost data in the SRTC contract; a 10-month audit carried out by management consultants Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC); and an internal NHS Tayside performance report. Setting All day-case and inpatient activity at the SRTC from 1 December 2006 to 31 January 2008. Main outcome measures Activity and cost. Results The annual contract was based on patient referrals to the SRTC and not actual treatments. The contract was awarded on the basis of 2624 referrals a year, total value of £5,667,464. According to ISD data, the SRTC performed 831 procedures (32% of annual contract) in the first 13 months worth £1,035,603 (18%). PWC's figures report 2200 referrals (84%) to the SRTC at a cost of 2,642,000 (47%) in the first 10 months. Conclusions Basing the SRTC contract on payments for referrals rather than actual treatment represents a major departure from normal standards of reporting and commissioning and may have resulted in over-payment for referrals for patients who did not receive treatment of up to £3 million in the first 10 months. The PWC report falls well below the standards one would expect of an independent evaluation and we were unable to validate PWC's analysis and the claim of value for money. If wave-one ISTCs in England perform similarly to the SRTC then as much as £927 million may have been paid for patients who did not receive treatment. We recommend a moratorium on all ISTC contracts until the contracts have been published and properly evaluated with respect to work paid for and actual work carried out and quality of care. PMID:19605859

  17. Skeletal muscle bioenergetics during all-out exercise: mechanistic insight into the oxygen uptake slow component and neuromuscular fatigue

    PubMed Central

    Layec, Gwenael; Hureau, Thomas J.; Amann, Markus; Richardson, Russell S.

    2017-01-01

    Although all-out exercise protocols are commonly used, the physiological mechanisms underlying all-out exercise performance are still unclear, and an in-depth assessment of skeletal muscle bioenergetics is lacking. Therefore, phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) was utilized to assess skeletal muscle bioenergetics during a 5-min all-out intermittent isometric knee-extensor protocol in eight healthy men. Metabolic perturbation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis rates, ATP cost of contraction, and mitochondrial capacity were determined from intramuscular concentrations of phosphocreatine (PCr), inorganic phosphate (Pi), diprotonated phosphate (H2PO4−), and pH. Peripheral fatigue was determined by exercise-induced alterations in potentiated quadriceps twitch force (Qtw) evoked by supramaximal electrical femoral nerve stimulation. The oxidative ATP synthesis rate (ATPOX) attained and then maintained peak values throughout the protocol, despite an ~63% decrease in quadriceps maximal force production. ThusATPOX normalized to force production (ATPOX gain) significantly increased throughout the exercise (1st min: 0.02 ± 0.01, 5th min: 0.04 ± 0.01 mM·min−1·N−1), as did the ATP cost of contraction (1st min: 0.048 ± 0.019, 5th min: 0.052 ± 0.015 mM·min−1·N−1). Additionally, the pre- to postexercise change in Qtw (−52 ± 26%) was significantly correlated with the exercise-induced change in intramuscular pH (r = 0.75) and H2PO4− concentration (r = 0.77). In conclusion, the all-out exercise protocol utilized in the present study elicited a “slow component-like” increase in intramuscular ATPOX gain as well as a progressive increase in the phosphate cost of contraction. Furthermore, the development of peripheral fatigue was closely related to the perturbation of specific fatigue-inducing intramuscular factors (i.e., pH and H2PO4− concentration). NEW & NOTEWORTHY The physiological mechanisms and skeletal muscle bioenergetics underlying all-out exercise performance are unclear. This study revealed an increase in oxidative ATP synthesis rate gain and the ATP cost of contraction during all-out exercise. Furthermore, peripheral fatigue was related to the perturbation in pH and deprotonated phosphate ion. These findings support the concept that the oxygen uptake slow component arises from within active skeletal muscle and that skeletal muscle force generating capacity is linked to the intramuscular metabolic milieu. PMID:28209743

  18. Stress-strain analysis of jejunal contractility in response to flow and ramp distension in type 2 diabetic GK rats: effect of carbachol stimulation.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jingbo; Chen, Pengmin; Gregersen, Hans

    2013-09-27

    Investigation of intestinal motility in a genetic model of GK rats abandons the possible neurotoxic effect of streptozotocin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic model. Seven GK male rats (GK group) and nine normal Wistar rats (Normal group) were used in the study. The motility experiments were carried out in an organ bath containing physiological Krebs solution. Before and after 10(-5)M carbachol application, the pressure and diameter changes of jejunum were obtained in relation to (1) basic contraction, (2) flow-induced contraction with different outlet resistance pressures and (3) contractions induced by ramp distension. The frequency and amplitude of contractions were analyzed from pressure-diameter curves. Distension-induced contraction thresholds and maximum contraction amplitude of basic and flow-induced contractions were calculated in terms of stress and strain. (1) The contraction amplitude increased to the peak value in less than 10s after adding carbachol. More than two peaks were observed in the GK group. (2) Carbachol decreased the pressure and stress threshold and Young's modulus in the GK group (P<0.01). (3) Carbachol increased the maximum pressure and stress of flow-induced contractions at most outlet pressure levels in both two groups (P<0.001). Furthermore, the flow-induced contractions were significantly bigger at low outlet pressure levels in GK group (P<0.05 and P<0.01). (4) The contraction frequency, the strain threshold and the maximum contraction strain did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05) and between before and after carbachol application (P>0.05). In GK diabetic rats, the jejunal contractility was hypersensitive to flow and distension stimulation after carbachol application. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. 48 CFR 52.237-3 - Continuity of Services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... the Government or another contractor, may continue them. The Contractor agrees to (1) furnish phase-in... phase-in, phase-out services for up to 90 days after this contract expires and (2) negotiate in good faith a plan with a successor to determine the nature and extent of phase-in, phase-out services...

  20. 48 CFR 52.237-3 - Continuity of Services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... the Government or another contractor, may continue them. The Contractor agrees to (1) furnish phase-in... phase-in, phase-out services for up to 90 days after this contract expires and (2) negotiate in good faith a plan with a successor to determine the nature and extent of phase-in, phase-out services...

  1. 42 CFR 405.435 - Failure to maintain opt-out.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Failure to maintain opt-out. 405.435 Section 405.435 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MEDICARE PROGRAM FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE AGED AND DISABLED Private Contracts § 405.435 Failure to...

  2. 42 CFR 405.420 - Requirements of the opt-out affidavit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Requirements of the opt-out affidavit. 405.420 Section 405.420 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MEDICARE PROGRAM FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE AGED AND DISABLED Private Contracts § 405.420...

  3. 42 CFR 405.445 - Renewal and early termination of opt-out.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Renewal and early termination of opt-out. 405.445 Section 405.445 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MEDICARE PROGRAM FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE AGED AND DISABLED Private Contracts § 405.445...

  4. 42 CFR 405.430 - Failure to properly opt-out.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Failure to properly opt-out. 405.430 Section 405.430 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MEDICARE PROGRAM FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE AGED AND DISABLED Private Contracts § 405.430 Failure to...

  5. 42 CFR 405.425 - Effects of opting-out of Medicare.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Effects of opting-out of Medicare. 405.425 Section 405.425 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MEDICARE PROGRAM FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE AGED AND DISABLED Private Contracts § 405.425...

  6. 42 CFR 52h.11 - What are the review criteria for contract projects and proposals?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS SCIENTIFIC PEER REVIEW OF RESEARCH GRANT APPLICATIONS AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT... standpoint of the goals of the proposed research or development activity; (2) The availability of the... approach, the adequacy of the methodology to be utilized in carrying out the activity. (b) In carrying out...

  7. Antioxidant Phytochemicals of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Cladodes with Potential Anti-spasmodic Activity

    PubMed Central

    Lanuzza, Francesco; Occhiuto, Francesco; Monforte, Maria Teresa; Tripodo, Maria Marcella; D’Angelo, Valeria; Galati, Enza Maria

    2017-01-01

    Background: Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae), a plant widespread in dry regions of the world, shows interesting biological activities (cicatrizant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic) and is widely used in traditional medicine. Objectives: Phytochemical analysis and antispasmodic effect of wild OFI cladodes were carried out. Material and Methods: Polyphenols and Vitamin E occurrence, in antioxidant pool of OFI cladodes, were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antispasmodic effect of OFI cladodes was assessed in isolated rabbit smooth muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out with preparations of rabbit jejunum and uterus with the spontaneous contractile activity, to evaluate the effect of cumulative concentrations of the extract on basal tone, amplitude, and frequency of contractions. Results: Catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and chlorogenic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acid were identified. α-, β-, and γ-tocopherols have been highlighted and α-tocopherol is the major component. OFI cladodes contain significant amount of polyphenols and tocopherols that are effective radical scavengers and inhibited ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl formation by 50%. OFI cladodes caused a light inhibition of amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions and a marked decrease in muscle basal tone of rabbit jejunum preparations. On spontaneously contracting uterus preparations, the addition of increasing concentrations of cladode extract caused uterine muscle relaxation. Conclusion: The contraction of smooth muscle preparations depends on an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium ion concentration, which activates the contractile elements. The flavonoids may suppress the contractility of smooth myocytes, by an inhibition of availability of Ca2+ for muscle contraction. SUMMARY Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cladodes contain significant amount of polyphenols and tocopherols that are effective radical scavengers and inhibited ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl formation by 50%Polyphenols and Vitamin E complex occurrence in OFI cladodes were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatographyOFI cladodes exhibited significative antispasmodic activity. The antispasmodic effect was assessed in isolated rabbit smooth muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out with preparations of rabbit jejunum and uterus with the spontaneous contractile activity, to evaluate the effect of cumulative concentrations of the extract on basal tone, amplitude, and frequency of contractions. Abbreviations used: OFI: Opuntia ficus-indica, DPPH: Ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. PMID:29142394

  8. Effect of intermittent eccentric contractions on symptoms of muscle microinjury.

    PubMed

    Teague, B N; Schwane, J A

    1995-10-01

    The purpose was to determine whether varying the duration of rest between contractions affects selected symptoms of eccentric contraction-induced skeletal muscle microinjury. Thirty-three women were assigned to three groups (N = 11). Each performed one bout of exercise with each arm involving 10 eccentric contractions of the elbow flexor muscles, lowering a load equaling 60% of maximal static force. One arm exercised continuously; the other exercised with rest periods of 15 s, 5 min, or 10 min between contractions, depending on the group. Preexercise and 0, 24, and 48 h postexercise, symptoms of microinjury in the elbow flexor muscles were assessed: soreness and changes in strength, resting elbow angle ("musculotendinous stiffness"), and arm girth ("swelling"). For all groups combined, 10 continuous contractions caused changes (P < 0.05) in all variables at every measurement time. For example, soreness ratings (0-10 scale) were 4.3 +/- 2.0 (24 h) and 4.3 +/- 2.1 (48 h) and strength was reduced 18% 0 h postexercise. Responses were similar with 15 s of rest between contractions. Although they were moderated, symptoms occurred even with 5 and 10 min of rest. With 10 min between contractions, soreness occurred (e.g., 2.4 +/- 1.5 [24 h]) and strength was 17% reduced 0 h postexercise. Results are most consistent with a mechanical cause of eccentric contraction-induced muscle microinjury, rather than a metabolic or other factor with a short recovery time, although involvement of the latter cannot be ruled out.

  9. Salaried contracts in UK general practice: a study of job satisfaction and stress.

    PubMed

    Gosden, Toby; Williams, Jacky; Petchey, Roland; Leese, Brenda; Sibbald, Bonnie

    2002-01-01

    To compare job satisfaction and stress levels of general practitioners (GPs) employed on salaried contracts with GPs on a 'standard' performance-related contract paid by fee-for-service and capitation. Job satisfaction and stress levels were assessed using data from two postal surveys of GPs: a national survey of 'standard' contract GPs carried out in 1998; and a survey of salaried GPs and their non-salaried GP employers in 1999. Differences in satisfaction and stress scores were assessed by t-tests; regression analysis was used to control for confounding factors and possible selection bias. We achieved a response rate of 77% in the 1999 survey of salaried and non-salaried GPs; 48% of 'standard' contract GPs responded in the 1998 survey. We found that salaried GPs were as satisfied overall as both non-salaried GP employers and GPs on the 'standard' contract, even after controlling for confounding factors and selection bias. Salaried GPs were more satisfied with their remuneration, working hours and the recognition they got for their work. They experienced more stress with two factors but less stress with 19 factors compared with the 'standard' contract GPs. Overall job satisfaction levels among salaried doctors were similar to those of doctors on contracts paid by mixed fee-for-service and capitation. Future studies of job satisfaction levels under different doctor payment systems need to take account of the extent to which doctors have preferences for different types of contract if they are to derive unbiased results.

  10. Stress-strain analysis of contractility in the ileum in response to flow and ramp distension in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats--association with advanced glycation end product formation.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jingbo; Chen, Pengmin; Gregersen, Hans

    2015-04-13

    This study compared the ileal contractility and analyzed the association between contractility with advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Nine STZ-induced diabetic rats (Diabetes group) and 9 normal rats (Normal group) were used. The motility experiments were carried out on ileums in organ baths containing physiological Krebs solution. Ileal pressure and diameter changes were obtained from basic, flow-induced and ramp distension-induced contractions. The frequency and amplitude of contractions were analyzed from pressure-diameter curves. Distension-induced contraction thresholds and maximum contraction amplitude of basic and flow-induced contractions were calculated in terms of stress and strain. AGE and its receptor (RAGE) in the layers were detected by immunohistochemistry staining. The maximum stress of flow-induced contractions was lowest in the Diabetes Group (P<0.05). During ramp distension, the pressure and stress thresholds and Young's modulus to induce phasic contraction were lowest in the Diabetes Group (P<0.05 and P<0.01). AGE and RAGE expressions in the different ileum layers were highest in the Diabetes group. The contraction pressure and stress thresholds were significantly associated with AGE expression in the muscle layer and RAGE expression in mucosa epithelium and neurons. The diabetic intestine was hypersensitive to distension for contraction induction. However, the contraction force produced by smooth muscle was lowest in diabetic rats. Increased AGE/RAGE expression was associated with the contractility changes in diabetic rats. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Applicability of Spares Acquisition Integrated with Production (SAIP) to Naval Aviation Weapon Systems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-06-01

    are listed on ASO BOAs or contracts. Although contractors can be expected to incur some additional costs in making such determinations, this option...Reduction in Administration costs . "* Auditing "* Contracts "* Purchasing (Administration of one P.O. instead of administration of two P.O.s) 3) Cost ... audits revealed several of the procurement "horror stories," moved out ahead of the legislation to improve its spare parts procurement practices. The

  12. The LOGCAP III to LOGCAP IV Transition in Northern Afghanistan. Contract Services Phase-in and Phase-out on a Grand Scale

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-02-01

    Contracting • Engineering and Technology • Logistics • Acquisition Management • Program Management For more information , visit http://clc.dau.mil ...for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data...sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information . Send comments regarding this burden

  13. Silicon solar cells with a total power capacity of 30 kilowatts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1977-01-01

    The bulk of the contract effort was carried out in the following two phases: Phase 1 -- module design, Pre-production module fabrication, inspection and test. Phase 2 -- Production, test and delivery. Effort during the first two months of the contract concentrated on design of a solar module to meet specification. Basic module design resulting from this effort is as follows: (1) frame design; (2) cell pan design; (3) cell interconnection; (4) encapsulation; (5) electrical performance.

  14. Timbal muscle physiology in the endothermic cicada Tibicen winnemanna (Homoptera: Cicadidae).

    PubMed

    Sanborn, A F

    2001-08-01

    The operative muscle temperature and contraction kinetics are described for the endothermic cicada Tibicen winnemanna (Davis). Measurements of timbal muscle temperature in the field demonstrate that timbal muscle temperature is elevated above ambient temperature during activity. Timbal muscle temperature increases as the acoustic output progresses from a 'warm-up' buzz (27.9-29.7 degrees C) to full song production (36.3-39.5 degrees C). Mean muscle-ambient temperature difference increases from 5.8 degrees C in buzzing animals to 13.1 degrees C in animals producing a full calling song. Twitch rise time and onset to 50% relaxation time decrease while tension production increases with increasing temperature to 40 degrees C. Mean force production at 20 degrees C was determined to be 0.22+/-0.06 N/cm(2). The characteristics of T. winnemanna muscle are similar to those reported in other cicada species. Analysis of the songs produced by animals with one timbal destroyed and the sounds produced by mechanical manipulation suggest that the timbals alternately contract and relax in the sequence IN(1)-IN(2)-OUT(1)-OUT(2). Measurements of the inferred period of muscle contraction from song recordings and the contraction kinetics of isolated timbal muscles measured in the laboratory show that the temperature of the timbal muscle must be elevated in order for the cicada to be able to produce the calling song.

  15. 42 CFR 67.102 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., cost of project and methods, personnel, and facilities to be utilized in carrying out the requirements... Act, established to conduct technical and scientific review of contract proposals and to make...

  16. 42 CFR 67.102 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., cost of project and methods, personnel, and facilities to be utilized in carrying out the requirements... Act, established to conduct technical and scientific review of contract proposals and to make...

  17. 42 CFR 67.102 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., cost of project and methods, personnel, and facilities to be utilized in carrying out the requirements... Act, established to conduct technical and scientific review of contract proposals and to make...

  18. 42 CFR 67.102 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., cost of project and methods, personnel, and facilities to be utilized in carrying out the requirements... Act, established to conduct technical and scientific review of contract proposals and to make...

  19. Strengthening district health service management and delivery through internal contracting: lessons from pilot projects in Cambodia.

    PubMed

    Khim, Keovathanak; Annear, Peter Leslie

    2013-11-01

    Following a decade of piloting different models of contracting, in mid-2009 the Cambodian Ministry of Health began to test a form of 'internal contracting' for health care delivery in selected health districts (including hospitals and health centers) contracted by the provincial health department as Special Operating Agencies (SOAs) and provided with greater management autonomy. This study assesses the internal contracting approach as a means for improving the management of district health services and strengthening service delivery. While the study may contribute to the emerging field now known as performance-based financing, the lessons deal more broadly with the impact of management reform and increased autonomy in contrast to traditional public sector line-management and budgeting. Carried out during 2011, the study was based on: (i) a review of the literature and of operational documents; (ii) primary data from semi-structured key informant interviews with 20 health officials in two provinces involved in four SOA pilot districts; and (iii) routine data from the 2011 SOA performance monitoring report. Five prerequisites were identified for effective contract management and improved service delivery: a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities by the contracting parties; implementation of clear rules and procedures; effective management of performance; effective monitoring of the contract; and adequate and timely provision of resources. Both the level and allocation of incentives and management bottlenecks at various levels continue to impede implementation. We conclude that, in contracted arrangements like these, the clear separation of contracting functions (purchasing, commissioning, monitoring and regulating), management autonomy where responsibilities are genuinely devolved and accepted, and the provision of resources adequate to meet contract demands are necessary conditions for success. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Relativistic Length Agony Continued

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Redzic, D. V.

    2014-06-01

    We made an attempt to remedy recent confusing treatments of some basic relativistic concepts and results. Following the argument presented in an earlier paper (Redzic 2008b), we discussed the misconceptions that are recurrent points in the literature devoted to teaching relativity such as: there is no change in the object in Special Relativity, illusory character of relativistic length contraction, stresses and strains induced by Lorentz contraction, and related issues. We gave several examples of the traps of everyday language that lurk in Special Relativity. To remove a possible conceptual and terminological muddle, we made a distinction between the relativistic length reduction and relativistic FitzGerald-Lorentz contraction, corresponding to a passive and an active aspect of length contraction, respectively; we pointed out that both aspects have fundamental dynamical contents. As an illustration of our considerations, we discussed briefly the Dewan-Beran-Bell spaceship paradox and the 'pole in a barn' paradox.

  1. Production roll out plan for HANDI 2000 business management system

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Adams, D.E.

    The Hanford Data Integration 2000 (HANDI 2000) Project will result in an integrated and comprehensive set of functional applications containing core information necessary to support the Project Hanford Management Contract (PHMC). It is based on the Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product solution with commercially proven business processes. The COTS product solution set, of Passport (PP) and PeopleSoft (PS) software, supports finance, supply, human resources, and payroll activities under the current PHMC direction. The PP software is an integrated application for Accounts Payable, Contract Management, Inventory Management, Purchasing and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The PS software is an integrated application for Projects,more » General Ledger, Human Resources Training, Payroll, and Base Benefits. This set of software constitutes the Business Management System (BMS) and MSDS, a subset of the HANDI 2000 suite of systems. The primary objective of the Production Roll Out Plan is to communicate the methods and schedules for implementation and roll out to end users of BMS.« less

  2. Study on the expectation differences between the both sides of farmland transfer at the level of farmer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Liyong; Liu, Dejiang; Qiu, Cheng; Wu, Xianhua

    2017-12-01

    The expected consistency between the both sides of farmland transfer is the key to the success or failure of transfer. We use the participatory rural appraisal method, carry out a questionnaire survey of farmers in Yunnan Province, and analysis empirically the expectation differences on the will, price, duration, objects and contract between the both sides of farmland transfer. The research shows that: farmers in the suburban village tend to be willing to transfer out rather than transfer in, while farmers in the outer suburbs village tend to prefer to transfer in rather than transfer out. They are relatively small in the expectation of will, duration, objects and contract between the both sides of farmland transfer, and the transfer price "gap" is the most important factor that impedes the farmland transfer. Measures should be taken to promote the farmland transfer from three aspects, such as the promotion of farmland protection regulations, the establishment and improvement of transfer institutions and the opening of transfer price.

  3. Consultancy Report: Assessment of the Zambia College of Distance Education (ZACODE)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ellis, Justin

    2009-01-01

    This study was carried out at the request of the Ministry of Education, Zambia. The Commonwealth of Learning contracted Turning Points Consultancy CC, a Namibian company, who provided the services of the author, to "carry out an evaluation of the Zambia College of Distance Education (ZACODE) and submit recommendations to the Ministry of…

  4. Perceived outcomes of public health privatization: a national survey of local health department directors.

    PubMed

    Keane, C; Marx, J; Ricci, E

    2001-01-01

    Almost three quarters of the nation's local health departments (LHDs) have privatized some services. About half of LHD directors who privatized services reported cost savings and half reported that privatization had facilitated their performance of the core public health functions. Expanded access to services was the most commonly reported positive outcome. Of those privatizing, over two-fifths of LHDs reported a resulting increase in time devoted to management. Yet, one-third of directors reported difficulty monitoring and controlling services that have been contracted out. Communicable disease services was cited most often as a service that should not be privatized. There is a pervasive concern that by contracting out services, health departments can lose the capacity to respond to disease outbreaks and other crises.

  5. Perceived Outcomes of Public Health Privatization: A National Survey of Local Health Department Directors

    PubMed Central

    Keane, Christopher; Marx, John; Ricci, Edmund

    2001-01-01

    Almost three quarters of the nation's local health departments (LHDs) have privatized some services. About half of LHD directors who privatized services reported cost savings and half reported that privatization had facilitated their performance of the core public health functions. Expanded access to services was the most commonly reported positive outcome. Of those privatizing, over two-fifths of LHDs reported a resulting increase in time devoted to management. Yet, one-third of directors reported difficulty monitoring and controlling services that have been contracted out. Communicable disease services was cited most often as a service that should not be privatized. There is a pervasive concern that by contracting out services, health departments can lose the capacity to respond to disease outbreaks and other crises. PMID:11286093

  6. Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)

    MedlinePlus

    ... expands (gets bigger) as urine enters and then contracts (gets smaller) to push the urine out. In ... a role in enuresis, although this is rare. Psychological problems. Some experts believe that stress can be ...

  7. 42 CFR 455.200 - Basis and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... scope. (a) Statutory basis. This subpart implements section 1936 of the Social Security Act that... contract under the Medicaid Integrity Program and to carry out the Medicaid integrity audit program...

  8. 42 CFR 455.200 - Basis and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... scope. (a) Statutory basis. This subpart implements section 1936 of the Social Security Act that... contract under the Medicaid Integrity Program and to carry out the Medicaid integrity audit program...

  9. An Analysis of the Commercial and Industrial Type Activities Program within the United States Army.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-06-01

    potential Federal Income Tax revenues which would be paid by the contractor are deducted from contracting-out costs. A tax table is provided in the CCH ...head of each federal agency. Past policy had been built on only one precept: reliance on the private sector. Revised A-76 provided a new guiding ...Comparisons To support the increased emphasis on economy of Govern- ment and contract performance, a comprehensive Cost Comparison Handbook ( CCH ) was prepared

  10. Polo-like Kinase 1 Regulates Vimentin Phosphorylation at Ser-56 and Contraction in Smooth Muscle*

    PubMed Central

    Li, Jia; Wang, Ruping; Gannon, Olivia J.; Rezey, Alyssa C.; Jiang, Sixin; Gerlach, Brennan D.; Liao, Guoning

    2016-01-01

    Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that has been implicated in mitosis, cytokinesis, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. The role of Plk1 in smooth muscle contraction has not been investigated. Here, stimulation with acetylcholine induced Plk1 phosphorylation at Thr-210 (an indication of Plk1 activation) in smooth muscle. Contractile stimulation also activated Plk1 in live smooth muscle cells as evidenced by changes in fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal of a Plk1 sensor. Moreover, knockdown of Plk1 in smooth muscle attenuated force development. Smooth muscle conditional knock-out of Plk1 also diminished contraction of mouse tracheal rings. Plk1 knockdown inhibited acetylcholine-induced vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56 without affecting myosin light chain phosphorylation. Expression of T210A Plk1 inhibited the agonist-induced vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56 and contraction in smooth muscle. However, myosin light chain phosphorylation was not affected by T210A Plk1. Ste20-like kinase (SLK) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that has been implicated in spindle orientation and microtubule organization during mitosis. In this study knockdown of SLK inhibited Plk1 phosphorylation at Thr-210 and activation. Finally, asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, which largely stems from airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity. Here, smooth muscle conditional knock-out of Plk1 attenuated airway resistance and airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity in a murine model of asthma. Taken together, these findings suggest that Plk1 regulates smooth muscle contraction by modulating vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56. Plk1 activation is regulated by SLK during contractile activation. Plk1 contributes to the pathogenesis of asthma. PMID:27662907

  11. What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

    MedlinePlus

    ... regular beat. Certain cells in your heart make electric signals that cause the heart to contract and ... read your ECG to find out if the electric signals are normal. In atrial fibrillation (AFib), the ...

  12. Studies of the mechanism of passive anaphylaxis in human airway smooth muscle.

    PubMed

    Davis, C; Jones, T R; Daniel, E E

    1983-07-01

    This investigation was carried out to study allergic contraction of passively sensitized human airway smooth muscle in response to specific antigen challenge. We attempted to determine the role played by histamine, slow reaction substances (SRSs), and cyclooxygenase products in the mediation of this response in tracheal smooth muscle. Tissues were passively sensitized with serum from ragweed-sensitive patients (15 h, 4 degrees C). Subsequent challenge with ragweed antigen produced a slowly developing contraction. The peak contraction to a dose producing a maximal response was 37 +/- 6% of the carbachol maximum. Mepyramine (5 X 10(-6) M) did not alter the contraction. Methylprednisolone (2 X 10(-5) M) attenuated the response to antigen but had no significant effect on the contractile response to arachidonic acid. Indomethacin (5.6-28 X 10(-6) M) enhanced the peak antigen-induced contractions by 25 +/- 11% whereas 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (6.4 X 10(-5) M) selectively attenuated the antigen-induced contraction by 86 +/- 12%. Nordihydroguarietic acid (6-12 X 10(-6) M) attenuated both the antigen plus arachidonate induced responses. FPL-55712 (1-2 X 10(-6) M) antagonized the contractions to antigen. Compound 48/80 and goat antihuman immunoglobulin E produced similar slowly developing contractions in sensitized and in some nonsensitized tissues. These responses, except for an early component of the response to 48/80, were independent of histamine and were reversed by FPL-55712. These findings suggest that arachidonic acid metabolites mediate (slow reacting substances) and modulate (prostaglandins) allergic contraction of human airway smooth muscle while any histamine released contributes little or nothing to the contraction in the larger airways.

  13. Acceptance of selective contracting: the role of trust in the health insurer

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background In a demand oriented health care system based on managed competition, health insurers have incentives to become prudent buyers of care on behalf of their enrolees. They are allowed to selectively contract care providers. This is supposed to stimulate competition between care providers and both increase the quality of care and contain costs in the health care system. However, health insurers are reluctant to implement selective contracting; they believe their enrolees will not accept this. One reason, insurers believe, is that enrolees do not trust their health insurer. However, this has never been studied. This paper aims to study the role played by enrolees’ trust in the health insurer on their acceptance of selective contracting. Methods An online survey was conducted among 4,422 people insured through a large Dutch health insurance company. Trust in the health insurer, trust in the purchasing strategy of the health insurer and acceptance of selective contracting were measured using multiple item scales. A regression model was constructed to analyse the results. Results Trust in the health insurer turned out to be an important prerequisite for the acceptance of selective contracting among their enrolees. The association of trust in the purchasing strategy of the health insurer with acceptance of selective contracting is stronger for older people than younger people. Furthermore, it was found that men and healthier people accepted selective contracting by their health insurer more readily. This was also true for younger people with a low level of trust in their health insurer. Conclusion This study provides insight into factors that influence people’s acceptance of selective contracting by their health insurer. This may help health insurers to implement selective contracting in a way their enrolees will accept and, thus, help systems of managed competition to develop. PMID:24083663

  14. Acceptance of selective contracting: the role of trust in the health insurer.

    PubMed

    Bes, Romy E; Wendel, Sonja; Curfs, Emile C; Groenewegen, Peter P; de Jong, Judith D

    2013-10-02

    In a demand oriented health care system based on managed competition, health insurers have incentives to become prudent buyers of care on behalf of their enrolees. They are allowed to selectively contract care providers. This is supposed to stimulate competition between care providers and both increase the quality of care and contain costs in the health care system. However, health insurers are reluctant to implement selective contracting; they believe their enrolees will not accept this. One reason, insurers believe, is that enrolees do not trust their health insurer. However, this has never been studied. This paper aims to study the role played by enrolees' trust in the health insurer on their acceptance of selective contracting. An online survey was conducted among 4,422 people insured through a large Dutch health insurance company. Trust in the health insurer, trust in the purchasing strategy of the health insurer and acceptance of selective contracting were measured using multiple item scales. A regression model was constructed to analyse the results. Trust in the health insurer turned out to be an important prerequisite for the acceptance of selective contracting among their enrolees. The association of trust in the purchasing strategy of the health insurer with acceptance of selective contracting is stronger for older people than younger people. Furthermore, it was found that men and healthier people accepted selective contracting by their health insurer more readily. This was also true for younger people with a low level of trust in their health insurer. This study provides insight into factors that influence people's acceptance of selective contracting by their health insurer. This may help health insurers to implement selective contracting in a way their enrolees will accept and, thus, help systems of managed competition to develop.

  15. Effects of soil aggregates on debris-flow mobilization: Results from ring-shear experiments

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Iverson, Neal R.; Mann, Janet E.; Iverson, Richard M.

    2010-01-01

    Rates and styles of landslide motion are sensitive to pore-water pressure changes caused by changes in soil porosity accompanying shear deformation. Soil may either contract or dilate upon shearing, depending upon whether its initial porosity is greater or less, respectively, than a critical-state porosity attained after sufficiently high strain. We observed complications in this behavior, however, during rate-controlled (0.02 m s−1) ring-shear experiments conducted on naturally aggregated dense loamy sand at low confining stresses (10.6 and 40 kPa). The aggregated soil first dilated and then contracted to porosities less than initial values, whereas the same soil with its aggregates destroyed monotonically dilated. We infer that aggregates persisted initially during shear and caused dilation before their eventual breakdown enabled net contraction. An implication of this contraction, demonstrated in experiments in which initial soil porosity was varied, is that the value of porosity distinguishing initially contractive from dilative behavior can be significantly larger than the critical-state porosity, which develops only after disaggregation ceases at high strains. In addition, post-dilative contraction may produce excess pore pressures, thereby reducing frictional strength and facilitating debris-flow mobilization. We infer that results of triaxial tests, which generally produce strains at least a factor of ∼ 4 smaller than those we observed at the inception of post-dilative contraction, do not allow soil contraction to be ruled out as a mechanism for debris-flow mobilization in dense soils containing aggregates.

  16. Image of a moving sphere and the FitzGerald Lorentz contraction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Redzic, Dragan V.

    2004-01-01

    An asymmetry in Maxwell's electrodynamics concerning the electromagnetic image of a moving spherical conductor is pointed out. The asymmetry, if properly understood, opens the door to special relativity.

  17. Core Muscle Activation in Suspension Training Exercises.

    PubMed

    Cugliari, Giovanni; Boccia, Gennaro

    2017-02-01

    A quantitative observational laboratory study was conducted to characterize and classify core training exercises executed in a suspension modality on the base of muscle activation. In a prospective single-group repeated measures design, seventeen active male participants performed four suspension exercises typically associated with core training (roll-out, bodysaw, pike and knee-tuck). Surface electromyographic signals were recorded from lower and upper parts of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, lower and upper parts of erector spinae muscles using concentric bipolar electrodes. The average rectified values of electromyographic signals were normalized with respect to individual maximum voluntary isometric contraction of each muscle. Roll-out exercise showed the highest activation of rectus abdominis and oblique muscles compared to the other exercises. The rectus abdominis and external oblique reached an activation higher than 60% of the maximal voluntary contraction (or very close to that threshold, 55%) in roll-out and bodysaw exercises. Findings from this study allow the selection of suspension core training exercises on the basis of quantitative information about the activation of muscles of interest. Roll-out and bodysaw exercises can be considered as suitable for strength training of rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles.

  18. Mucous Membrane Grafting Augmented with Topical Mitomycin C Application in Contracted Socket Repair Surgeries.

    PubMed

    Mandour, Sameh S; Elmazar, Hesham M; Marey, Hatem M; Rahman, Ahmed K Abdel; Sakr, Rokia A

    2016-12-01

    To evaluate the use of intraoperative topical application of mitomycin C (MMC) for managing cases of recurrent socket contraction. A prospective comparative randomized study was carried out on 40 patients suffering from contracted sockets. They were randomly enrolled into 2 groups. Group A included 20 patients who had a surgery to treat contracted socket without augmentation with MMC. Group B patients had an MMC-augmented repair for the contracted socket. Patients were followed up over a period of 12 months for changes in inferior fornix (IF) depth and ability to retain the ocular prosthesis. At the end of the follow-up period, postoperative IF depth was significantly deeper in group B (with MMC) than in group A (without MMC). As well, 75% of the patients in group B could maintain the prosthetic eye shell, whereas only 35% of group A could maintain the prosthesis. This study shows that using intraoperative MMC (0.2 mg/mL) in contracted socket reconstruction plays a significant role in maintaining prosthetic eye. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to use MMC on a relatively large scale of patients with contracted socket. However, the follow-up period was relatively short and further work is required to verify the effect of MMC on a longer follow-up period.

  19. Risk transfer and accountability in managed care organizations' carve-out contracts.

    PubMed

    Garnick, D W; Horgan, C M; Hodgkin, D; Merrick, E L; Goldin, D; Ritter, G; Skwara, K C

    2001-11-01

    This study examined characteristics of contracts between managed care organizations (MCOs) and managed behavioral health organizations (MBHOs) in terms of delegation of functions, financial arrangements between the MCO and the MBHO, and the use of performance standards. Nationally representative administrative and clinical information about the three largest types of commercial products offered by 434 MCOs in 60 market areas was gathered by telephone survey. These products comprised services provided by health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, and point-of-service plans. Chi square tests were performed between pairings of all three types of products to ascertain differences in the degree to which claims processing, maintenance of provider networks, utilization management, case management, and quality improvement were delegated to MBHOs through specialty contracts among the various types of products. Contractual specifications about capitation arrangements, risk sharing, the use of performance standards, and final utilization review decisions were also compared. For all types of products, almost all the major functions were contracted by the MCO to the MBHO. Although most contracts assigned some risk for the costs of services to the MBHO, the degree of this risk varied by product type. Except in the case of preferred-provider organizations, a large number of performance standards were identified in MCOs' contracts with MBHOs, although financial incentives were rarely tied to such standards. MCOs that contract with MBHOs place major responsibility, both financial and administrative, on the vendors.

  20. CRS&SI Technology Application Program.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-07-01

    This project report presents details of research carried out by the George Mason University : Consortium under a research contract from the U.S. Department of Transportations Research : and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), in support o...

  1. 48 CFR 23.804 - Contract clauses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... supplies that may contain or be manufactured with ozone-depleting substances. (b) 52.223-12, Refrigeration... be performed outside the United States and its outlying areas, insert the clause at: (a) 52.223-11...

  2. Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME

    2011-05-26

    Senate - 12/19/2012 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 570. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  3. 7 CFR 1465.22 - Conservation practice operation and maintenance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ...) during the contract duration to ensure that operation and maintenance requirements are being carried out... established in accordance with § 1465.23, provided such payments do not exceed the payment limitation...

  4. The organization and financing of cervical cancer prevention carried out by midwives in primary health care.

    PubMed

    Sobczyk, Karolina; Woźniak-Holecka, Joanna; Holecki, Tomasz; Szałabska, Dorota

    2016-01-01

    The main objective of the project was the evaluation of the organizational and financial aspects of midwives in primary health care (PHC), functioning under The Population Program for the Early Detection of Cervical Cancer two years after the implementation of new law regulations, which enable this occupational group to collect cytological material for screening. Under this project, the data of the Program's Coordinating Centre, affecting midwives' postgraduate education in the field of pap smear tests, was taken into analysis. Furthermore, The National Health Fund (NFZ) reports on contracts entered in the field of the discussed topics, taking into consideration the value of health services performed within the Program in respect of ambulatory care and primary care units. NFZ concluded contracts for the provision of PHC service with 6124 service providers in 2016, including the contracts in the field of providing health services under the cervical cancer prevention program by PHC midwifes, which were entered into by 358 institutions (5.85%). The value of the basic services under the Program, carried out under NFZ contracts in 2014, amounted to approx. PLN 12.3 million, while the value of services performed by PHC midwives represented only 0.38% of this sum. The introduction of legislative changes, allowing PHC midwives to collect cytological material for screening, did not cause, in the period of the observation on a national scale, the expected growth of availability of basic stage services within the cervical cancer prevention program.

  5. Participation of cholinergic pathways in α-hederin-induced contraction of rat isolated stomach strips.

    PubMed

    Mendel, M; Chłopecka, M; Dziekan, N; Karlik, W; Wiechetek, M

    2012-05-15

    The dry extract of Hedra helix leaves and its main active compounds, predominantly α-hederin and hederacoside C, has been traditionally believed to act spasmolytic. However, it has been recently proved that both, the extract of ivy and triterpenoid saponins, exhibit strong contractile effect on rat isolated stomach smooth muscle strips. It turned out that the most potent contractile agent isolated from the extract of ivy leaves is α-hederin. Thus, it seems reasonable to estimate the mechanism of the contractile effect of this saponin. The presented study was aimed at verifying the participation of cholinergic pathways (muscarinic and nicotine receptors) in α-hederin-induced contraction. The experiments were carried out on rat isolated stomach corpus and fundus strips under isotonic conditions. The preparations were preincubated with either atropine or hexamethonium and then exposed to α-hederin. All results are expressed as the percentage of the response to acetylcholine - a reference contractile agent. The obtained results revealed that the pretreatment of isolated stomach strips (corpus and fundus) with atropine neither prevented nor remarkably reduced the reaction of the preparations to α-hederin. Similarly, if the application of saponin was preceded by the administration of hexamethonium, the strength of the contraction of stomach fundus strips induced by α-hederin was not modified. Concluding, it can be assumed that the cholinergic pathways do not participate in α-hederin-evoked contraction of rat isolated stomach preparations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  6. When Soldiers Speak Out: A Survey of Provisions Limiting Freedom of Speech in the Military

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-01-01

    When Soldiers Speak Out: A Survey of Provisions Limiting Freedom of Speech in the Military JOHN LORAN KIEL, JR. © 2007 John Loran Kiel, Jr. “The war...When Soldiers Speak Out: ASurvey of Provisions Limiting Freedom of Speech in the Military 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT...refusal to deploy to Iraq. As service members become more vocal about the war, commanders need to become more familiar with how freedom of speech is

  7. Spreading out Muscle Mass within a Hill-Type Model: A Computer Simulation Study

    PubMed Central

    Günther, Michael; Röhrle, Oliver; Haeufle, Daniel F. B.; Schmitt, Syn

    2012-01-01

    It is state of the art that muscle contraction dynamics is adequately described by a hyperbolic relation between muscle force and contraction velocity (Hill relation), thereby neglecting muscle internal mass inertia (first-order dynamics). Accordingly, the vast majority of modelling approaches also neglect muscle internal inertia. Assuming that such first-order contraction dynamics yet interacts with muscle internal mass distribution, this study investigates two questions: (i) what is the time scale on which the muscle responds to a force step? (ii) How does this response scale with muscle design parameters? Thereto, we simulated accelerated contractions of alternating sequences of Hill-type contractile elements and point masses. We found that in a typical small muscle the force levels off after about 0.2 ms, contraction velocity after about 0.5 ms. In an upscaled version representing bigger mammals' muscles, the force levels off after about 20 ms, and the theoretically expected maximum contraction velocity is not reached. We conclude (i) that it may be indispensable to introduce second-order contributions into muscle models to understand high-frequency muscle responses, particularly in bigger muscles. Additionally, (ii) constructing more elaborate measuring devices seems to be worthwhile to distinguish viscoelastic and inertia properties in rapid contractile responses of muscles. PMID:23227110

  8. Using uterine activity to improve fetal heart rate variability analysis for detection of asphyxia during labor.

    PubMed

    Warmerdam, G J J; Vullings, R; Van Laar, J O E H; Van der Hout-Van der Jagt, M B; Bergmans, J W M; Schmitt, L; Oei, S G

    2016-03-01

    During labor, uterine contractions can cause temporary oxygen deficiency for the fetus. In case of severe and prolonged oxygen deficiency this can lead to asphyxia. The currently used technique for detection of asphyxia, cardiotocography (CTG), suffers from a low specificity. Recent studies suggest that analysis of fetal heart rate variability (HRV) in addition to CTG can provide information on fetal distress. However, interpretation of fetal HRV during labor is difficult due to the influence of uterine contractions on fetal HRV. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate whether HRV features differ during contraction and rest periods, and whether these differences can improve the detection of asphyxia. To this end, a case-control study was performed, using 14 cases with asphyxia that were matched with 14 healthy fetuses. We did not find significant differences for individual HRV features when calculated over the fetal heart rate without separating contractions and rest periods (p  >  0.30 for all HRV features). Separating contractions from rest periods did result in a significant difference. In particular the ratio between HRV features calculated during and outside contractions can improve discrimination between fetuses with and without asphyxia (p  <  0.04 for three out of four ratio HRV features that were studied in this paper).

  9. The beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist, mirabegron relaxes isolated prostate from human and rabbit: new therapeutic indication?

    PubMed

    Calmasini, Fabiano B; Candido, Tuany Z; Alexandre, Eduardo C; D'Ancona, Carlos A; Silva, Daniel; de Oliveira, Marco Antonio; De Nucci, Gilberto; Antunes, Edson; Mónica, Fabíola Z

    2015-03-01

    Alpha1 (α1)-blockers, 5-alpha reductase and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors are pharmacological classes currently available for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment. Mirabegron, a beta-3 adrenoceptor (β3-AR) agonist has been approved for the therapy of overactive bladder and may constitute a new therapeutic option for BPH treatment. This study is aimed to evaluate the in vitro effects of mirabegron in human and rabbit prostatic smooth muscle. In rabbit prostate, electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contraction and concentration-response curve (CRC) to mirabegron in phenylephrine pre-contracted tissues were carried out. The potency (pEC50 ) and maximal response (Emax ) values were determined. In human prostate, CRC to phenylephrine was carried out in the absence and presence of mirabegron. Immunohistochemistry analysis for β3-AR was also carried out. In human prostate, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed the presence of β3-AR on the transition zone and mirabegron reduced by 42% the phenylephrine-induced contractions. In rabbit prostate, mirabegron produced concentration-dependent relaxations (pEC50 : 6.01 ± 0.12; Emax : 106 ± 3%), which were fully resistant to the blockade of β1-AR and β2-AR. The β3-AR blocker L748,337 caused a six-fold rightward shift in mirabegron-induced relaxations. Mirabegron (10 μM) reduced by 63% the EFS-induced contractions. Inhibitors of nitric oxide (L-NAME) and of soluble guanylate cyclase (ODQ) along with a cocktail of K+ channel blockers (apamin, charybdotoxin, glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium) all failed to significantly affect the mirabegron-induced rabbit relaxations. Mirabegron relaxes prostatic smooth muscle, providing an experimental support for the clinical investigation of its combination with an α1-blockers or PDE5 inhibitors in the treatment of BPH. Prostate 75:440-447, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  10. What can transaction costs tell us about governance in the delivery of large scale HIV prevention programmes in southern India?

    PubMed

    Guinness, Lorna

    2011-06-01

    This paper aims to understand the transaction costs implications of two different governance modes for large scale contracting of HIV prevention services to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in 2 states in India as part of the National AIDS Control Programme between 2001 and 2003. Interviews at purposively selected case study NGOs, contracting agencies and key informants as well as document review were used to compile qualitative data and make comparisons between the states on five themes theoretically proposed to shape transaction costs: institutional environment, informational problems, opportunism, scale of activity and asset specificity (the degree to which investments made specifically for the contract have value elsewhere). The State AIDS Control Society (SACS) in state Y used a management agency to manage the NGO contracts whereas the SACS in state X contracted directly with the NGOs. A high level of uncertainty, endemic corruption and weak information systems served to weaken the contractual relationships in both states. The management agency in state Y enabled the development of a strong NGO network, greater transparency and control over corrupt practises than the contract model in state X. State X's contractual process was further weakened by inadequate human resources. The application of the transaction cost framework to contracting out public services to NGOs identified the key costs associated with the governance of HIV prevention services through NGO contracts in India. A more successful form of relational contract evolved within the network of the contract management agency and the NGOs. This led to improved flows of information and perceived quality, and limited corrupt practises. It is unlikely that the SACS on its own, with broader responsibilities and limited autonomy can achieve the same ends. The management agency approach therefore appears to be both transaction cost reducing and better able to cope with the large scale of these contracting programmes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. What can transaction costs tell us about governance in the delivery of large scale HIV prevention programmes in southern India?

    PubMed Central

    Guinness, Lorna

    2011-01-01

    This paper aims to understand the transaction costs implications of two different governance modes for large scale contracting of HIV prevention services to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in 2 states in India as part of the National AIDS Control Programme between 2001 and 2003. Interviews at purposively selected case study NGOs, contracting agencies and key informants as well as document review were used to compile qualitative data and make comparisons between the states on five themes theoretically proposed to shape transaction costs: institutional environment, informational problems, opportunism, scale of activity and asset specificity (the degree to which investments made specifically for the contract have value elsewhere). The State AIDS Control Society (SACS) in state Y used a management agency to manage the NGO contracts whereas the SACS in state X contracted directly with the NGOs. A high level of uncertainty, endemic corruption and weak information systems served to weaken the contractual relationships in both states. The management agency in state Y enabled the development of a strong NGO network, greater transparency and control over corrupt practises than the contract model in state X. State X’s contractual process was further weakened by inadequate human resources. The application of the transaction cost framework to contracting out public services to NGOs identified the key costs associated with the governance of HIV prevention services through NGO contracts in India. A more successful form of relational contract evolved within the network of the contract management agency and the NGOs. This led to improved flows of information and perceived quality, and limited corrupt practises. It is unlikely that the SACS on its own, with broader responsibilities and limited autonomy can achieve the same ends. The management agency approach therefore appears to be both transaction cost reducing and better able to cope with the large scale of these contracting programmes. PMID:21349622

  12. Network meta-analyses performed by contracting companies and commissioned by industry.

    PubMed

    Schuit, Ewoud; Ioannidis, John Pa

    2016-11-25

    Industry commissions contracting companies to perform network meta-analysis for health technology assessment (HTA) and reimbursement submissions. Our objective was to estimate the number of network meta-analyses performed by consulting companies contracted by industry, to assess whether they were published, and to explore reasons for non-publication. We searched MEDLINE for network meta-analyses of randomized trials. Papers were included if they had authors affiliated with any contracting company. All identified contracting companies as well as additional ones from the list of the exhibitors at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, an annual meeting that representatives from many contracting companies attend and exhibit at, were surveyed regarding conduct and publication of network meta-analyses. In 162 of 822 (20%) network meta-analysis papers, authors were affiliated to 66 contracting companies. Another 36 contracting companies were identified by the exhibitors list. Three companies had no contact information and six merged with others, therefore 93 companies were contacted. Thirty seven out of ninety three (40%) companies responded, and 19 indicated that they had performed a total of 476 network meta-analyses, but only 102 (21%) papers were published. Thirteen companies that disclosed to have conducted 174 network meta-analyses (45 published) provided reasons for non-publication. Of the 129 still unpublished meta-analyses, for 40 there were plans for future publication, for 37 the sponsor did not allow publication, for 16 the contracting companies did not plan to publish the meta-analysis, for another 23 plans were unclear, and the remaining 13 were used as HTA submission. The protocol of the network meta-analysis was publically available from 11/162 (6.8%) network meta-analyses published by authors affiliated with contracting companies. There is a prolific sector of professional contracting companies that perform network meta-analyses. Industry commissions many network meta-analyses, but most are not registered before or published after analyses in the scientific literature. Mechanisms to improve publication rates of network meta-analysis commissioned by industry are warranted.

  13. The introduction of the new dental contract in England - a baseline qualitative assessment.

    PubMed

    Milsom, K M; Threlfall, A; Pine, K; Tickle, M; Blinkhorn, A S; Kearney-Mitchell, P

    2008-01-26

    To record immediately prior to its inception the views of key stakeholders about the new dental contract introduced in April 2006. Nineteen participants (11 dental practice principals and eight primary care trust dental leads) were interviewed using a semi structured approach to find out their views and opinions about dental practice, the reasons for introducing the new dental contract, its implementation and content of the new dental contract. An analysis based upon the constant comparative method was used to identify the common themes about these topics. Practice principals expressed satisfaction with working under pilot Personal Dental Services schemes but there was a concern among dental leads about a fall in dental activity among some dentists. All participants believed the new contract was introduced for political, financial and management reasons. All participants believed that it was introduced to limit and control the dental budget. Participants felt that implementation of the contract was rushed and there was insufficient negotiation. There were also concerns that the contract had not been tested. Dental practitioners were concerned about the calculation and future administration of the unit of dental activity system, the fixing of the budget and the fairness of the new dental charge scheme. Dental leads were concerned about patient access and retention and recruitment of dentists under the new contract. The study found a number of reasons for unease about the new dental contract; it was not perceived as being necessary, it was implemented at speed with insufficient negotiation and it was seen as being untested. Numerous and varied problems were foreseen, the most important being the retention of dentists within the NHS. Participants felt the contract was introduced for financial, political and managerial reasons rather than improving patient care. The initial high uptake of the new dental contract should not be viewed as indicating a high level of approval of its content.

  14. Safety Concerns of Startup Airlines

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1997-01-01

    Startup airlines that do not have sufficient capital are forced to acquire older aircraft and contract out maintenance, crew training, and operation management. These factors can contribute to the poorly supervised practices as illustrated in this ca...

  15. Test plan : Branson TRIP system/historical data analysis

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2000-06-28

    The focus of this data collection effort centers around the following six factors specifically articulated by the Federal Lands Highway, Executive Quality Council. They are as follows: Level of Contracting Out--identify what Preiliminary Engineering ...

  16. Strains and Sprains Are a Pain

    MedlinePlus

    ... for Educators Search English Español Strains and Sprains Are a Pain KidsHealth / For Kids / Strains and Sprains ... sports. Let's find out more about them. What Are Strains and Sprains? Muscles contract and relax (almost ...

  17. M1 Mirror Print-Thru Investigation and Performance on the Thermo-Opto-Mechanical Testbed for the Space Interferometry Mission

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Feria, V. Alfonso; Lam, Jonathan; Van Buren, Dave

    2006-01-01

    This paper presents the studies carried out to determine the source of the surface distortions on the M1 mirror as well as comparison and model validation during testing. This research was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

  18. Fibroblast Growth Factor 2: An Epithelial Ductal Cell Growth Inhibitor That Drops Out in Breast Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-10-01

    AD_________________ Award Number: W81XWH-08-1-0708 TITLE: Fibroblast Growth Factor 2: an...September 2008 – 14 September 2009 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Fibroblast Growth Factor 2: an Epithelial Ductal Cell Growth Inhibitor...9 Fibroblast Growth Factor -2: an Epithelial Ductal Cell Growth Inhibitor that Drops Out in Breast Cancer

  19. Age-related differences in muscle fatigue vary by contraction type: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Avin, Keith G; Law, Laura A Frey

    2011-08-01

    During senescence, despite the loss of strength (force-generating capability) associated with sarcopenia, muscle endurance may improve for isometric contractions. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic meta-analysis of young versus older adults, considering likely moderators (ie, contraction type, joint, sex, activity level, and task intensity). A 2-stage systematic review identified potential studies from PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, EBSCOhost: ERIC, EBSCOhost: Sportdiscus, and The Cochrane Library. Studies reporting fatigue tasks (voluntary activation) performed at a relative intensity in both young (18-45 years of age) and old (≥ 55 years of age) adults who were healthy were considered. Sample size, mean and variance outcome data (ie, fatigue index or endurance time), joint, contraction type, task intensity (percentage of maximum), sex, and activity levels were extracted. Effect sizes were (1) computed for all data points; (2) subgrouped by contraction type, sex, joint or muscle group, intensity, or activity level; and (3) further subgrouped between contraction type and the remaining moderators. Out of 3,457 potential studies, 46 publications (with 78 distinct effect size data points) met all inclusion criteria. A lack of available data limited subgroup analyses (ie, sex, intensity, joint), as did a disproportionate spread of data (most intensities ≥ 50% of maximum voluntary contraction). Overall, older adults were able to sustain relative-intensity tasks significantly longer or with less force decay than younger adults (effect size=0.49). However, this age-related difference was present only for sustained and intermittent isometric contractions, whereas this age-related advantage was lost for dynamic tasks. When controlling for contraction type, the additional modifiers played minor roles. Identifying muscle endurance capabilities in the older adult may provide an avenue to improve functional capabilities, despite a clearly established decrement in peak torque.

  20. Multi-crease Self-folding by Global Heating.

    PubMed

    Miyashita, Shuhei; Onal, Cagdas D; Rus, Daniela

    2015-01-01

    This study demonstrates a new approach to autonomous folding for the body of a 3D robot from a 2D sheet, using heat. We approach this challenge by folding a 0.27-mm sheetlike material into a structure. We utilize the thermal deformation of a contractive sheet sandwiched by rigid structural layers. During this baking process, the heat applied on the entire sheet induces contraction of the contracting layer and thus forms an instructed bend in the sheet. To attain the targeted folding angles, the V-fold spans method is used. The targeted angle θout can be kinematically encoded into crease geometry. The realization of this angle in the folded structure can be approximately controlled by a contraction angle θin. The process is non-reversible, is reliable, and is relatively fast. Our method can be applied simultaneously to all the folds in multi-crease origami structures. We demonstrate the use of this method to create a lightweight mobile robot.

  1. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Not Available

    The objective of the contract is to consolidate the advances made during the previous contract in the conversion of syngas to motor fuels using Molecular Sieve-containing catalysts and to demonstrate the practical utility and economic value of the new catalyst/process systems with appropriate laboratory runs. Work on the program is divided into the following six tasks: (1) preparation of a detailed work plan covering the entire performance of the contract; (2) techno-economic studies that will supplement those that are presently being carried out by MITRE; (3) optimization of the most promising catalysts developed under prior contract; (4) optimization of themore » UCC catalyst system in a manner that will give it the longest possible service life; (5) optimization of a UCC process/catalyst system based upon a tubular reactor with a recycle loop containing the most promising catalyst developed under Tasks 3 and 4 studies; and (6) economic evaluation of the optimal performance found under Task 5 for the UCC process/catalyst system. Progress reports are presented for Tasks 1, 3, 4, and 5.« less

  2. Structural estimation of a principal-agent model: moral hazard in medical insurance.

    PubMed

    Vera-Hernández, Marcos

    2003-01-01

    Despite the importance of principal-agent models in the development of modern economic theory, there are few estimations of these models. I recover the estimates of a principal-agent model and obtain an approximation to the optimal contract. The results show that out-of-pocket payments follow a concave profile with respect to costs of treatment. I estimate the welfare loss due to moral hazard, taking into account income effects. I also propose a new measure of moral hazard based on the conditional correlation between contractible and noncontractible variables.

  3. Navy Construction Contract Regulations versus the Board of Contract Appeals.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-12-01

    This is unfortunate because the amount of useful knowledge in the cases is vast, but the access to it is time- comsuming . The selection of the cases is...AlE) was out of town. This figure cannot be used blindly. Other factors such as Government behavior , contractor behavior , or nature of the submittal...job. To complicate matters, t "h C (-,n t r a c:i n:; I:Dict.r may not be aware of th_ contractor’ h.me _.f... overhead behavior . The alternative Is

  4. Access to organs for transplantation: overcoming "rejection".

    PubMed Central

    Somerville, M A

    1985-01-01

    Recent success in overcoming rejection of transplanted organs has led to a much greater demand for organs from donors and to a reconsideration of mechanisms for increasing the availability of organs from cadavers. In the latter respect the two basic systems are "contracting-in" and "contracting-out". Each system has different benefits and harms, and it is a value judgement that should be adopted. However, both systems raise legal, ethical and practical issues that must be addressed if organs for transplantation are to become available to all who need them. PMID:3880649

  5. Management of expatriate medical assistance in Mozambique

    PubMed Central

    Vio, Ferruccio

    2006-01-01

    This paper discusses how Mozambique coped with the health system needs in terms of specialized doctors since independence, in a troubled context of war, lack of financial resources and modifying settings of foreign aid. The Ministry of Health (MOH) managed to make up for its severe scarcity of specialist MDs especially through contracting expatriate technical assistance. Different scenarios, partnerships and contract schemes that have evolved since independence are briefly described, as well as self-reliance option possibility and implications. Lessons learned about donor initiatives aimed at contracting specialists from other developing countries are singled out. The issue of obtaining expertise and knowledge in the global market as cheap as possible is stressed, and realistic figures of cost planning are highlighted, as determined by the overall health system necessities and budget limitations. PMID:17140454

  6. Real option valuation of a decremental regulation service provided by electricity storage.

    PubMed

    Szabó, Dávid Zoltán; Martyr, Randall

    2017-08-13

    This paper is a quantitative study of a reserve contract for real-time balancing of a power system. Under this contract, the owner of a storage device, such as a battery, helps smooth fluctuations in electricity demand and supply by using the device to increase electricity consumption. The battery owner must be able to provide immediate physical cover, and should therefore have sufficient storage available in the battery before entering the contract. Accordingly, the following problem can be formulated for the battery owner: determine the optimal time to enter the contract and, if necessary, the optimal time to discharge electricity before entering the contract. This problem is formulated as one of optimal stopping, and is solved explicitly in terms of the model parameters and instantaneous values of the power system imbalance. The optimal operational strategies thus obtained ensure that the battery owner has positive expected economic profit from the contract. Furthermore, they provide explicit conditions under which the optimal discharge time is consistent with the overall objective of power system balancing. This paper also carries out a preliminary investigation of the 'lifetime value' aggregated from an infinite sequence of these balancing reserve contracts. This lifetime value, which can be viewed as a single project valuation of the battery, is shown to be positive and bounded. Therefore, in the long run such reserve contracts can be beneficial to commercial operators of electricity storage, while reducing some of the financial and operational risks in power system balancing.This article is part of the themed issue 'Energy management: flexibility, risk and optimization'. © 2017 The Author(s).

  7. Professional dental and oral surgery liability in Italy: a comparative analysis of the insurance products offered to health workers.

    PubMed

    Di Lorenzo, Pierpaolo; Paternoster, Mariano; Nugnes, Mariarosaria; Pantaleo, Giuseppe; Graziano, Vincenzo; Niola, Massimo

    2016-01-01

    In Italy there has been an increase in claims for damages for alleged medical malpractice. A study was therefore conducted that aimed at assessing the content of the coverage of insurance policy contracts offered to oral health professionals by the insurance market. The sample analysed composed of 11 insurance policy contracts for professional dental liability offered from 2010 to 2015 by leading insurance companies operating in the Italian market. The insurance products analysed are structured on the "claims made" clause. No policy contract examined covers the damage due to the failure to acquire consent for dental treatment and, in most cases, damage due to unsatisfactory outcomes of treatment of an aesthetic nature and the failure to respect regulatory obligations on privacy. On entering into a professional liability insurance policy contract, the dentist should pay particular attention to the period covered by the guarantee, the risks both covered and excluded, as well as the extent of the limit of liability and any possible fixed/percentage excess. When choosing a professional liability contract, a dentist should examine the risks in relation to the professional activity carried out before signing.

  8. Effect of the new contract on GPs' working lives and perceptions of quality of care: a longitudinal survey.

    PubMed

    Whalley, Diane; Gravelle, Hugh; Sibbald, Bonnie

    2008-01-01

    An ambitious pay-for-performance system was implemented in UK general practice in 2004 amid doubts that it could improve both the working lives of doctors and quality of care. To evaluate doctors' perceptions of their working lives and quality of care before and after the new contract. Longitudinal questionnaire survey. England, UK. A longitudinal postal survey of English GPs in February 2004 and September 2005. Measures included reported job satisfaction (7-point scale), hours worked, income, and impact of the contract. Responses were available from 2105 doctors in 2004 and 1349 in 2005. Mean overall job satisfaction increased from 4.58 out of 7 in 2004 to 5.17 in 2005. The greatest improvements in satisfaction were with remuneration and hours of work. Mean reported hours worked fell from 44.5 to 40.8. Mean income increased from an estimated 73,400 pounds in 2004 to 92,600 pounds in 2005. Most GPs reported that the new contract had increased their income (88%), but decreased their professional autonomy (71%), and increased their administrative (94%) and clinical (86%) workloads. After the introduction of the contract doctors were more positive than they had anticipated about its impact on quality of care. GPs' job satisfaction increased after the introduction of the new contract, despite perceptions of negative consequences for workload and autonomy. GPs reported working fewer hours with a higher income, and their expectations regarding the impact of the contract on quality of care had been exceeded.

  9. High concentrations of landiolol, a beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, stimulate smooth muscle contraction of the rat trachea through the Rho-kinase pathway.

    PubMed

    Shibata, Osamu; Nishioka, Kenji; Yamaguchi, Masakazu; Makita, Tetsuji; Sumikawa, Koji

    2008-01-01

    Gradually progressing contraction of airway smooth muscle is suggested to be due to the Rho-kinase signaling pathway. In our preliminary study in rat tracheas, landiolol, a beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, at high doses caused gradually progressing contraction, and this contraction reached a plateau after 20 min. Therefore, this study was carried out to clarify whether landiolol could stimulate the Rho-kinase pathway or the phosphatidylinositol (PI) response in the rat trachea. Seventy-eight male Wistar rats weighing 250-350 g were used for the experiments. Their tracheas were cut into 3-mm-wide ring segments or 1-mm-wide slices. Measurements of isometric tension and [(3)H] inositol monophosphate (IP(1)) production were conducted, using these tracheal rings or slices. Data values are expressed as means +/- SD, and statistical significance (P < 0.05) was determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Landiolol (700 microM)-induced contraction was completely inhibited by fasudil at 30 microM, while the landiolol-induced contraction was not inhibited by 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methyl-piperidine methobromide (4-DAMP), ketanserin, or nicardipine. Landiolol did not stimulate IP(1) production. These results suggest that high concentrations of landiolol could cause airway smooth muscle contraction through the Rho-kinase pathway, but not through the PI response coupled with muscarinic M(3) receptors, 5-HT receptors or the activation of L-type Ca(2+) channels.

  10. Procedures manual for compressed air diving (scuba mode).

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1980-01-01

    The Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation conducts underwater inspection, maintenance, and salvage activities as part of its routine operations. These activities are carried out by divers from the private sector working on a contract bas...

  11. Outsourcing and Libraries--Threat or Promise?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Missingham, Roxanne

    1994-01-01

    Outsourcing has been proposed as a method for improving effectiveness and productivity in Australian public library service. Developments, drawbacks, and potentials are discussed, and differences between contracting out whole services as opposed to selected activities are examined. (AEF)

  12. 42 CFR 137.79 - What funds must the Secretary include in a funding agreement?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... specified under section 106(a)(1) of the Act and amounts for contract support costs specified under section... organizational level within the Department where such functions are carried out. Prohibitions ...

  13. Ten-year experience in managing a capitated ophthalmology carve-out by an academic eye center.

    PubMed

    Olson, R J

    1997-01-01

    A 10-year experience of managing a capitated opthalmology carve-out by an academic health unit is presented. Lessons learned regarding pricing, utilization, and managing this contract are discussed. Handling the cost of education and remaining competitive is presented as a not-insurmountable hurdle. Academic health units can compete in today's environment; however, the learning curve is steep and the problems many.

  14. Serum creatinine and albumin decline predict the contraction of nosocomial aspiration pneumonia in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

    PubMed

    Minakuchi, Hitoshi; Wakino, Shu; Hayashi, Koichi; Inamoto, Hajime; Itoh, Hiroshi

    2014-08-01

    Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is prevalent in older adults and the hemodialysis (HD) population has been getting older. Therefore, it is speculated that increasing number of HD patients would suffer from AP. However, the clinical aspects of AP in HD patients have not been elucidated. Consecutive HD patients with nosocomial AP hospitalized in our university hospital from April 2007 to December 2008 were recruited. Their clinical characteristics, risk factors for contraction, and the fatality of AP and treatment options were described. Nineteen out of 356 hospitalized HD patients had AP and 8 out of 19 AP patients died, indicating the incidence rate and fatality rate were 5.34% and 42.1%, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the risk factors for contracting AP included age, body mass index, serum creatinine levels (Cre) and the monthly decline rate of Cre. It also revealed that serum albumin (Alb) and basal total cholesterol levels, the decline rate of Alb and Cre levels, and the duration of AP were independent risk factors for fatality. Survivors were most often treated with tube feeding. Both contraction rate and fatality of nosocomial AP were high among HD patients. Both the malnutrition as well as the decline rate for nutrition and muscle volume indicated by falls in Alb and Cre, respectively, had clinical relevance in AP. Maintaining nutritional state by tube feeding and muscle volume seems to be the mainstay for the prevention and the treatment of AP in HD patients. © 2013 The Authors. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis © 2013 International Society for Apheresis.

  15. Contracting out of clinical services in Zimbabwe.

    PubMed

    McPake, B; Hongoro, C

    1995-07-01

    Contracting is increasingly recommended to developing countries as a way of improving the efficiency of the health sector. However, empirical evidence regarding its effectiveness in this respect is almost completely absent. In Zimbabwe, a long standing contract exists between the Ministry of Health and Wankie Colliery to provide clinical services in the Colliery's 400 bed hospital. This paper details a study of the Zimbabweans' experience with the contract. Its success is assessed using comparisons with a neighbouring government hospital of the price of services (vs the cost in the government hospital); the situation of hospital workers; and the quality of services delivered. The Colliery has established a monopoly position for hospital services in the district. However, it appears to offer services of at least as good quality at prices which are lower than the unit costs of the government hospital when capital costs are included. Nevertheless, the contract cannot be considered a success due to the failure to contain its total cost. Approximately 70% of provincial non-salary recurrent expenditure is consumed by the contract while only a minority of the province's population have access to the Colliery hospital. Screening patients, both with respect to their ability to pay and to their need for secondary level services does not take place with the result that utilization levels are not controlled. The study highlights a number of important issues affecting contracting in developing country setting: First, contracted institutions attain powerful bargaining positions if there are no viable competitors and the government does not itself retain capacity to offer an alternative service. Second, specific skills are needed for the management of contracts at all levels. If the process of contract development responds to a crisis driven agenda resulting from civil service retrenchment and public expenditure cuts, it is unlikely that adequate consideration will be given to the development of such skills and the retention of key personnel. If such details are neglected, otherwise feasible efficiency gains will prove elusive.

  16. 24 CFR 208.112 - Cost.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    .../or software is not cost effective may contract out the electronic data transmission function to organizations that provide such services, including, but not limited to the following organizations: local management agents, local management associations and management agents with centralized facilities. Owners of...

  17. Contracting out : benchmarking study : phase 1 : part 2 : external data collection

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2002-04-17

    The planning provisions of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and the transportation provisions of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) define the framework for the effective integration of transportation and ...

  18. NEV supply chain coordination and sustainability considering sales effort and risk aversion under the CVaR criterion

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Xingzhong

    2018-01-01

    In a two-echelon new energy vehicle (NEV) supply chain consisting of a risk-neutral manufacturer and a risk-averse retailer, the coordination and sustainability problem is investigated. The risk-averse retailer, who makes sales effort and undertakes the incurred effort cost, decides the order quantity and sales effort level under the Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) criterion. We derive the optimal centralized decisions of a vertically integrated supply chain where the retailer is owned by the manufacturer. Taking such a centralized case as the benchmark, we prove that the subsidy-sharing-based wholesale price (SS-WP) contract fails to coordinate the NEV supply chain under the decentralized case where the retailer makes decisions independently. Then we design a subsidy-sharing-based sales rebate/penalty (SS-SRP) contract and derive the contract parameters to achieve coordination. We evaluate the coordination efficiency of this contract and find that a well-designed SS-SRP contract can promote the NEV sales and lead to a Pareto-improving win-win situation for both the NEV manufacturer and retailer compared to the non-coordination case. A series of numerical experiments are carried out to compare the effects of significant parameters under the SS-WP and SS-SRP contract and provide additional observations and implications, including an indication of the necessary conditions to sustainably maintain the NEV supply chain. PMID:29912926

  19. [Contract learning: effects of professionalization on the student nurse].

    PubMed

    Jubin, Patricia

    2013-03-01

    The reengineering of nurse training implies the implementation of self-development, empowering tools and a reshaping of the function of accompaniment during training which becomes a shared function. This work is part of a psycho-socio-educational approach of the accompaniment to self-directed learning and also in the field of practices of health and social work. This study contributes to the identification of the conditions of efficiency of contracting between student nurses, tutors and instructors. It aims to explore the interest of a triangular steering of the learning contract centered on the student's individual project and also the interest of meetings during training as triggers to a process of self-construction of competences. Moreover, the study aims to identify the effects of contract on professionalization. Our study reverts to the basic question of learning by contract as a pillar for the self-directed learning in an alternating training context. The empirical approach takes into account a qualitative study carried out with 15 people (tutors, managers, student nurses and instructors) in 3 health care structures and a quantitative study based on 78 first year students, 106 second year students, and 47 third year students at the same nursing education institute. The study shows that learning by contract is empowering and professionalizing, if the student is placed in favorable conditions of learning and contractual relationship.

  20. A study on contraction of pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) for load-lifting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Najmuddin, W. S. W. A.; Mustaffa, M. T.

    2017-10-01

    Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs) have been known for its wide application in various aspects of industrial automation and robotic equipments. Many advantages in terms of high power-to-volume ratio, high power-to-weight ratio, stick-slip-free operation and high degree of safety offer by PAM compare to traditional actuators. However, behind this benefits lie a limitation of significant compatibility of PAM mechanism which have to be considered so as to fully understand how the PAM works during load-lifting. In this study, the mesh suitability experiment and the effect of force load on PAM contraction experiment have been carried out. PAM is constructed and compatibility of bladder and the braided mesh to produce uniform expansion is investigated. Moreover, the first experimental result of finding compatibility is used to verify the contraction value under various loads.

  1. Medical service provider networks.

    PubMed

    Mougeot, Michel; Naegelen, Florence

    2018-05-17

    In many countries, health insurers or health plans choose to contract either with any willing providers or with preferred providers. We compare these mechanisms when two medical services are imperfect substitutes in demand and are supplied by two different firms. In both cases, the reimbursement is higher when patients select the in-network provider(s). We show that these mechanisms yield lower prices, lower providers' and insurer's profits, and lower expense than in the uniform-reimbursement case. Whatever the degree of product differentiation, a not-for-profit insurer should prefer selective contracting and select a reimbursement such that the out-of-pocket expense is null. Although all providers join the network under any-willing-provider contracting in the absence of third-party payment, an asymmetric equilibrium may exist when this billing arrangement is implemented. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  2. Point defect weakened thermal contraction in monolayer graphene

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zha, Xian-Hu; Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei; USTC-CityU Joint Advanced Research Centre, Suzhou 215123

    We investigate the thermal expansion behaviors of monolayer graphene and three configurations of graphene with point defects, namely the replacement of one carbon atom with a boron or nitrogen atom, or of two neighboring carbon atoms by boron-nitrogen atoms, based on calculations using first-principles density functional theory. It is found that the thermal contraction of monolayer graphene is significantly decreased by point defects. Moreover, the corresponding temperature for negative linear thermal expansion coefficient with the maximum absolute value is reduced. The cause is determined to be point defects that enhance the mechanical strength of graphene and then reduce the amplitudemore » and phonon frequency of the out-of-plane acoustic vibration mode. Such defect weakening of graphene thermal contraction will be useful in nanotechnology to diminish the mismatching or strain between the graphene and its substrate.« less

  3. Cerebral correlates of the "Kohnstamm phenomenon": an fMRI study.

    PubMed

    Duclos, C; Roll, R; Kavounoudias, A; Roll, J-P

    2007-01-15

    This paper addresses the issue of the central correlates of the "Kohnstamm phenomenon", i.e. the long-lasting involuntary muscle contraction which develops after a prolonged isometric voluntary contraction. Although this phenomenon was described as early as 1915, the mechanisms underlying these post-effects are not yet understood. It was therefore proposed to investigate whether specific brain areas may be involved in the motor post-effects induced by either wrist muscle contraction or vibration using the fMRI method. For this purpose, experiments were carried out on the right wrist of 11 healthy subjects. Muscle activity (EMG) and regional cerebral blood flow were recorded during isometric voluntary muscle contraction and muscle vibration, as well as during the subsequent involuntary contractions (the post-effects) which occurred under both conditions. Brain activations were found to occur during the post-contraction and post-vibration periods, which were very similar under both conditions. Brain activation involved motor-related areas usually responsible for voluntary motor command (primary sensory and motor cortices, premotor cortex, anterior and posterior cingulate gyrus) and sensorimotor integration structures such as the posterior parietal cortex. Comparisons between the patterns of brain activation associated with the involuntary post-effects and those accompanying voluntary contraction showed that cerebellar vermis was activated during the post-effect periods whereas the supplementary motor area was activated only during the induction periods. Although post-effects originate from asymmetric proprioceptive inputs, they might also involve a central network where the motor and somatosensory areas and the cerebellum play a key role. In functional terms, they might result from the adaptive recalibration of the postural reference frame altered by the sustained proprioceptive inputs elicited by muscle contraction and vibration.

  4. Reported Energy and Cost Savings from the DOE ESPC Program: FY 2015

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Slattery, Bob S.

    2017-01-01

    The objective of this work was to determine the realization rate of energy and cost savings from the Department of Energy’s Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) program based on information reported by the energy services companies (ESCOs) that are carrying out ESPC projects at federal sites. Information was extracted from 151 Measurement and Verification (M&V) reports to determine reported, estimated, and guaranteed cost savings and reported and estimated energy savings for the previous contract year. Because the quality of the reports varied, it was not possible to determine all of these parameters for each project.

  5. Essential role of TRPV2 ion channel in the sensitivity of dystrophic muscle to eccentric contractions.

    PubMed

    Zanou, Nadège; Iwata, Yuko; Schakman, Olivier; Lebacq, Jean; Wakabayashi, Shigeo; Gailly, Philippe

    2009-11-19

    Duchenne myopathy is a lethal disease due to the absence of dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein. Muscles from dystrophin-deficient mice (mdx) typically present an exaggerated susceptibility to eccentric work characterized by an important force drop and an increased membrane permeability consecutive to repeated lengthening contractions. The present study shows that mdx muscles are largely protected from eccentric work-induced damage by overexpressing a dominant negative mutant of TRPV2 ion channel. This observation points out the role of TRPV2 channel in the physiopathology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

  6. CVISN model deployment and mainstreaming : how do they fit?

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2000-09-25

    The contracting out : bench marking study group has provided data to support the Executive Quality Council's effort to collect data and report on the (1) the status of FLH current activities, (2) information on state/consultant activities, and (3) be...

  7. Privatizing transportation through public-private partnerships : definitions, models, and issues.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2006-05-01

    There has been greater emphasis in recent times on using public-private partnerships (PPPs or P3s) to provide and deliver transportation infrastructure and services. These public-private partnerships differ from contracting out, being applicable to a...

  8. 25 CFR 900.190 - Is FTCA the exclusive remedy for a tort claim for personal injury or death resulting from the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION... medical, surgical, dental, or related functions by the contractor in carrying out self-determination...

  9. 25 CFR 900.190 - Is FTCA the exclusive remedy for a tort claim for personal injury or death resulting from the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION... medical, surgical, dental, or related functions by the contractor in carrying out self-determination...

  10. An Examination of Three Forms of Private Sector Financing of Military Facilities

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to introduce the concept of Private Sector Financing (PSF) of military facilities instead of acquiring facilities via... Private sector financing; Military construction; Leasing; Contracting out; Outleasing; Military family housing. Theses.

  11. Access to Federal Information: Trends and Implications.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wise, Suzanne; Jamison, Carolyn

    1983-01-01

    Discussion of growing trend toward contracting out government printing to private sector highlights Government Printing Office duties, commercial publications, competition from National Technical Information Service, Ronald Reagan's moratorium on publication, use of microfiche, and implications of changes in government printing and distribution…

  12. 13 CFR 127.501 - How will SBA and the agencies determine the industries that are eligible for EDWOSB or WOSB...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS FEDERAL CONTRACT... responsible for carrying out a relevant analysis that would justify a restriction on competition under the...

  13. Bioterrorism: An Assessment of Medical Response Capabilities at Ben Taub General Hospital

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-08-01

    themselves, probably in order to prevent contracting the disease. The substance was tested and determined not to be anthrax but a hoax ( Hendricks , 1999...are prepared for a biological incident. As pointed out in the incident noted by Hendricks , decontaminating people is the proper procedure to follow...was controlled at the site. Hendricks pointed out the risk in this incident would come from inhaling the organism, probably not from skin Bioterrorism

  14. Modeling commodity salam contract between two parties for discrete and continuous time series

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hisham, Azie Farhani Badrol; Jaffar, Maheran Mohd

    2017-08-01

    In order for Islamic finance to remain competitive as the conventional, there needs a new development of Islamic compliance product such as Islamic derivative that can be used to manage the risk. However, under syariah principles and regulations, all financial instruments must not be conflicting with five syariah elements which are riba (interest paid), rishwah (corruption), gharar (uncertainty or unnecessary risk), maysir (speculation or gambling) and jahl (taking advantage of the counterparty's ignorance). This study has proposed a traditional Islamic contract namely salam that can be built as an Islamic derivative product. Although a lot of studies has been done on discussing and proposing the implementation of salam contract as the Islamic product however they are more into qualitative and law issues. Since there is lack of quantitative study of salam contract being developed, this study introduces mathematical models that can value the appropriate salam price for a commodity salam contract between two parties. In modeling the commodity salam contract, this study has modified the existing conventional derivative model and come out with some adjustments to comply with syariah rules and regulations. The cost of carry model has been chosen as the foundation to develop the commodity salam model between two parties for discrete and continuous time series. However, the conventional time value of money results from the concept of interest that is prohibited in Islam. Therefore, this study has adopted the idea of Islamic time value of money which is known as the positive time preference, in modeling the commodity salam contract between two parties for discrete and continuous time series.

  15. Assessing the pro-poor effect of different contracting schemes for health services on health facilities in rural Afghanistan.

    PubMed

    Alonge, Olakunle; Gupta, Shivam; Engineer, Cyrus; Salehi, Ahmad Shah; Peters, David H

    2015-12-01

    Despite progress in improving health outcomes in Afghanistan by contracting public health services through non-governmental organizations (NGOs), inequity in access persists between the poor and non-poor. This study examined the distributive effect of different contracting types on primary health services provision between the poor and non-poor in rural Afghanistan. Contracts to NGOs were made to deliver a common set of primary care services in each province, with the funding agencies determining contract terms. The contracting approaches could be classified into three contracting out types (CO-1, CO-2 and CO-3) and a contracting-in (CI) approach based on the contract terms, design and implementation. Exit interviews of patients attending randomly sampled primary health facilities were collected through systematic sampling across 28 provinces at two time points. The outcome, the odds that a client attending a health facility is poor, was modelled using logistic regression with a robust variance estimator, and the effect of contracting was estimated using the difference-in-difference approach combined with stratified analyses. The sample covered 5960 interviews from 306 health facilities in 2005 and 2008. The adjusted odds of a poor client attending a health facility over time increased significantly for facilities under CO-1 and CO-2, with odds ratio of 2.82 (1.49, 5.36) P-value 0.001 and 2.00 (1.33, 3.02) P-value 0.001, respectively. The odds ratios for those under CO-3 and CI were not statistically significantly different over time. When compared with the non-contracting facilities, the adjusted ratio of odds ratios of poor status among clients was significantly higher for only those under CO-1, ratio of 2.50 (1.32, 4.74) P-value 0.005. CO-1 arrangement which allows contractors to decide on how funds are allocated within a fixed lump sum with non-negotiable deliverables, and actively managed through an independent government agency, is effective in improving equity of health services provision. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2014; all rights reserved.

  16. Time-frequency analysis of SEMG--with special consideration to the interelectrode spacing.

    PubMed

    Alemu, M; Kumar, Dinesh Kant; Bradley, Alan

    2003-12-01

    The surface electromyogram (SEMG) is a complex, nonstationary signal. The spectrum of the SEMG is dependent on the force of contraction being generated and other factors like muscle fatigue and interelectrode distance (IED). The spectrum of the signal is time variant. This paper reports the experimental research conducted to study the influence of force of muscle contraction and IED on the SEMG signal using time-frequency (T-F) analysis. Two T-F techniques have been used: Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD) and Choi-Williams distribution (CWD). The experiment was conducted with the help of ten healthy volunteers (five males and five females) who performed isometric elbow flexions of the active right arm at 20%, 50%, and 80% of their maximal voluntary contraction. The SEMG signal was recorded using surface electrodes placed at a distance of 18 and 36 mm over biceps brachii muscle. The results indicate that the two distributions were spread out across the frequency range at smaller IED. Further, regardless of the spacing, both distributions displayed increased spectral compression with time at higher contraction level.

  17. But I'm an engineer—not a contracts lawyer!

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Warner, Mark; Bass, Harvey

    2012-09-01

    Industrial partners, commercial vendors, and subsystem contractors play a large role in the design and construction of modern telescopes. Because many telescope projects carry relatively small staffs, engineers are often required to perform the additional functions of technical writing, cost estimating, and contract bidding and negotiating. The skills required to carry out these tasks are not normally taught in traditional engineering programs. As a result, engineers often learn to write Request for Proposals (RFPs), select vendors, and negotiate contracts by trial-and-error and/or by adapting previous project documents to match their own requirements. Typically, this means that at the end of a contract the engineer has a large list of do's, don'ts, and lessons learned for the next RFP he or she must generate. This paper will present one such engineer's experience writing and bidding proposal packages for large telescope components and subsystems. Included are: thoughts on structuring SOWs, Specs, ICDs, and other RFP documents; modern methods for bidding the work; and systematic means for selecting and negotiating with a contractor to arrive at the best value for the project.

  18. Outsourcing data processing: planning for the disentanglement.

    PubMed

    Moss, M E; Gordon, M L

    1993-06-01

    Outsourcing data processing operations may be considered a conventional acquisition transaction between a customer and supplier. The most distinctive feature of a DP outsourcing contract is that it involves complex issues relating to computer software and technology and, frequently, intense issues relating to employees. But, one must do more in order to provide for preservation of the integrity (and, therefore, the value) of the data center. The contract must include not just the sale of a facility to a supplier who will take over the operations, but also terms for reconveying the facility at a future date. Getting out of the arrangement can be very complex. Disentanglement can be made less complex however, if the customer and the supplier negotiate all or part of the disentanglement procedures during the original contract proposal. Know ahead of time the possible scenarios for when disentanglement may take place and know what to do during the contract negotiations and during the length of the agreement to keep track of each other's properties. Know also the risks involved in outsourcing DP operations, such as what happens when the supplier's business fails. Having the supplier set up a separate profit entity for your contracted business or using a lien on the data center properties may help avoid loss if such failure occurs.

  19. Quantification of collagen contraction in three-dimensional cell culture.

    PubMed

    Kopanska, Katarzyna S; Bussonnier, Matthias; Geraldo, Sara; Simon, Anthony; Vignjevic, Danijela; Betz, Timo

    2015-01-01

    Many different cell types including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and cancer cells exert traction forces on the fibrous components of the extracellular matrix. This can be observed as matrix contraction both macro- and microscopically in three-dimensional (3D) tissues models such as collagen type I gels. The quantification of local contraction at the micron scale, including its directionality and speed, in correlation with other parameters such as cell invasion, local protein or gene expression, can provide useful information to study wound healing, organism development, and cancer metastasis. In this article, we present a set of tools to quantify the flow dynamics of collagen contraction, induced by cells migrating out of a multicellular cancer spheroid into a three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrix. We adapted a pseudo-speckle technique that can be applied to bright-field and fluorescent microscopy time series. The image analysis presented here is based on an in-house written software developed in the Matlab (Mathworks) programming environment. The analysis program is freely available from GitHub following the link: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10116. This tool provides an automatized technique to measure collagen contraction that can be utilized in different 3D cellular systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Professional dental and oral surgery liability in Italy: a comparative analysis of the insurance products offered to health workers

    PubMed Central

    Paternoster, Mariano; Nugnes, Mariarosaria; Pantaleo, Giuseppe; Graziano, Vincenzo; Niola, Massimo

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Introduction In Italy there has been an increase in claims for damages for alleged medical malpractice. A study was therefore conducted that aimed at assessing the content of the coverage of insurance policy contracts offered to oral health professionals by the insurance market. Material and methods The sample analysed composed of 11 insurance policy contracts for professional dental liability offered from 2010 to 2015 by leading insurance companies operating in the Italian market. Results The insurance products analysed are structured on the “claims made” clause. No policy contract examined covers the damage due to the failure to acquire consent for dental treatment and, in most cases, damage due to unsatisfactory outcomes of treatment of an aesthetic nature and the failure to respect regulatory obligations on privacy. Discussion On entering into a professional liability insurance policy contract, the dentist should pay particular attention to the period covered by the guarantee, the risks both covered and excluded, as well as the extent of the limit of liability and any possible fixed/percentage excess. Conclusions When choosing a professional liability contract, a dentist should examine the risks in relation to the professional activity carried out before signing. PMID:28352805

  1. Effect of ageing on the force development in tetanic contractions of motor units in rat medial gastrocnemius muscle.

    PubMed

    Łochyński, Dawid; Kaczmarek, Dominik; Krutki, Piotr; Celichowski, Jan

    2010-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ageing on the rate of force generation of motor units, and the mechanical efficiency of contraction produced by a doublet discharge. The study was carried out on isolated motor units of rat medial gastrocnemius muscle of young (5-10 mo) and two groups of old (24-25 and 28-30 mo) Wistar rats. Motor units were classified into the fast fatigable (FF), fast resistant (FR) and slow (S) ones. The force output and rate of force development were determined for non-doublet unfused tetanic contractions evoked by a series of a constant-rate trains of pulses and corresponding doublet contractions starting with an initial brief interpulse interval of 5 ms, and for maximal tetanic contraction. In FF motor units the rate of force development and the force produced by the doublet discharge increased transiently at the age of 24-25 mo, while in S and FR motor units this increase was observed at the age of 28-30 mo. Age-related decrease in the rate of force development of skeletal muscle cannot be attributed to a decline in efficiency of force production by functioning motor units. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Age-Related Differences in Muscle Fatigue Vary by Contraction Type: A Meta-analysis

    PubMed Central

    Avin, Keith G.

    2011-01-01

    Background During senescence, despite the loss of strength (force-generating capability) associated with sarcopenia, muscle endurance may improve for isometric contractions. Purpose The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic meta-analysis of young versus older adults, considering likely moderators (ie, contraction type, joint, sex, activity level, and task intensity). Data Sources A 2-stage systematic review identified potential studies from PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, EBSCOhost: ERIC, EBSCOhost: Sportdiscus, and The Cochrane Library. Study Selection Studies reporting fatigue tasks (voluntary activation) performed at a relative intensity in both young (18–45 years of age) and old (≥55 years of age) adults who were healthy were considered. Data Extraction Sample size, mean and variance outcome data (ie, fatigue index or endurance time), joint, contraction type, task intensity (percentage of maximum), sex, and activity levels were extracted. Data Synthesis Effect sizes were (1) computed for all data points; (2) subgrouped by contraction type, sex, joint or muscle group, intensity, or activity level; and (3) further subgrouped between contraction type and the remaining moderators. Out of 3,457 potential studies, 46 publications (with 78 distinct effect size data points) met all inclusion criteria. Limitations A lack of available data limited subgroup analyses (ie, sex, intensity, joint), as did a disproportionate spread of data (most intensities ≥50% of maximum voluntary contraction). Conclusions Overall, older adults were able to sustain relative-intensity tasks significantly longer or with less force decay than younger adults (effect size=0.49). However, this age-related difference was present only for sustained and intermittent isometric contractions, whereas this age-related advantage was lost for dynamic tasks. When controlling for contraction type, the additional modifiers played minor roles. Identifying muscle endurance capabilities in the older adult may provide an avenue to improve functional capabilities, despite a clearly established decrement in peak torque. PMID:21616932

  3. 43 CFR 3195.30 - How do I apply to become a Federal helium supplier?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Federal helium buyers; and (3) A satisfactory record of performance in the distribution of helium or other compressed gases. (b) You must fill out and execute BLM's In-Kind Crude Helium Sales Contract and submit it...

  4. 7 CFR 634.13 - Project applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LONG TERM CONTRACTING RURAL CLEAN WATER PROGRAM Project Authorization and Funding... State or areawide 208 water quality management plan. (c) Applications shall contain the following... water quality problem (3) Objectives and planned action, (4) Schedule for carrying out the plan, and (5...

  5. 48 CFR 209.570-3 - Procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... out the use of contracted lead system integrator functions over the shortest period of time consistent... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Procedures. 209.570-3 Section 209.570-3 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM...

  6. 48 CFR 209.570-3 - Procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... out the use of contracted lead system integrator functions over the shortest period of time consistent... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Procedures. 209.570-3 Section 209.570-3 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM...

  7. 48 CFR 209.570-3 - Procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... out the use of contracted lead system integrator functions over the shortest period of time consistent... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Procedures. 209.570-3 Section 209.570-3 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM...

  8. 48 CFR 209.570-3 - Procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... out the use of contracted lead system integrator functions over the shortest period of time consistent... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Procedures. 209.570-3 Section 209.570-3 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM...

  9. 7 CFR 634.4 - Responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ...) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will— (1) Approve 208 water quality management plans, (2) Participate in... enter into contracts to install and maintain best management practices to control agricultural nonpoint... Secretary may designate, (3) Provide technical assistance and share the cost of carrying out best management...

  10. Hospitals need to help Medicare HMOs.

    PubMed

    Johnson, D E

    1998-09-01

    Many of the health maintenance organizations that rushed to create Medicare products are bailing out of their Medicare contracts. Donald E.L. Johnson writes that Medicare HMOs face market and government challenges, and hospitals should try to anticipate HMOs' next moves and have responses ready.

  11. The Spin Zone: Choosing Laundry Equipment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Milshtein, Amy

    2003-01-01

    Discusses whether or not a college or university should own its own laundry equipment or contract out laundry services, including machine maintenance, and outlines the advantages of different types of washing machines for the student housing setting. Also reviews issues related to payment methods. (SLD)

  12. The development of a contract quality assurance program within the Virginia Department of Highways.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1989-01-01

    In order to assure the quality of construction products and processes, the Virginia Department of Transportation has established three levels of construction control. First, contractors themselves provide oversight and quality control as set out in t...

  13. How can we eradicate chlamydia?

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rousser, Margaret; He, Wei

    Chlamydia is the most commonly contracted STI and affects millions of people worldwide, but it's not just hurting humans--it's also decimating koala populations! Find out how researches at the Lab are working toward developing the first vaccine against chlamydia--good news for humans and koalas.

  14. Revolution in the Small Colleges.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heger, Herbert K.

    1982-01-01

    Small and medium-sized institutions are seen as likely to experience major organizational change during the next few years in three areas: contracting out, academic franchising, and reacting to declining instruction. Colleges need to explore interinstitutional cooperation, new educational media, structural innovation, productivity improvement, and…

  15. Out-of-hours medical cover in community hospitals: implications for palliative care.

    PubMed

    Kerr, Chris; Hawker, Sheila; Payne, Sheila; Lloyd-Williams, Mari; Seamark, David

    2006-02-01

    The new General Medical Services contract in England means many GPs have transferred out-of hours work to their primary care organization, with implications for continuity of palliative care in community hospitals. To examine existing arrangements for out-of-hours medical cover in community hospitals, focusing on palliative care. Telephone survey of community hospital managers/senior nurses across England and Wales. Interviews (n = 62) revealed nursing staff were satisfied with existing out-of-hours care. Concern was expressed about the future of out-of-hours medical care from GPs as new services will cover larger areas, meaning unknown doctors may attend, taking longer to arrive. Arrangements for out-of-hours medical cover in community hospitals are in transition, threatening the continuity of care for dying patients.

  16. Is the jury still out on PFI contracts?

    PubMed

    Baillie, Jonathan

    2012-02-01

    Last September Andrew Lansley claimed that some NHS Trusts occupying PFI healthcare facilities had been 'landed with deals they could not afford', seemingly attributing much of the blame for a scenario where the Department of Health said 22 Trusts in England alone could be at significant financial risk to Labour, which, in the 1990s, greatly expanded a public/private funding partnership originally introduced by the Tories a decade earlier. Two key factors critics claim have put such Trusts 'at risk' are the 'inflexibility' of some PFI contracts, which makes varying terms difficult mid-contract, and the fact that many of the earlier deals were inexpertly negotiated by the 'public sector side'. HEJ editor Jonathan Baillie sought the views of Malcolm Austwick, a partner at top commercial law firm, DAC Beachcroft (see panel below), with extensive experience in the legal complexities of PFI, on whether or not the initiative's 'pros' do indeed outweigh the 'cons'.

  17. Strongly contracted canonical transformation theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Neuscamman, Eric; Yanai, Takeshi; Chan, Garnet Kin-Lic

    2010-01-01

    Canonical transformation (CT) theory describes dynamic correlation in multireference systems with large active spaces. Here we discuss CT theory's intruder state problem and why our previous approach of overlap matrix truncation becomes infeasible for sufficiently large active spaces. We propose the use of strongly and weakly contracted excitation operators as alternatives for dealing with intruder states in CT theory. The performance of these operators is evaluated for the H2O, N2, and NiO molecules, with comparisons made to complete active space second order perturbation theory and Davidson-corrected multireference configuration interaction theory. Finally, using a combination of strongly contracted CT theory and orbital-optimized density matrix renormalization group theory, we evaluate the singlet-triplet gap of free base porphin using an active space containing all 24 out-of-plane 2p orbitals. Modeling dynamic correlation with an active space of this size is currently only possible using CT theory.

  18. Effects of Progesterone Treatment on Expression of Genes Involved in Uterine Quiescence

    PubMed Central

    Jeng, Yow-Jiun; Izban, Michael G.; Sinha, Mala; Luxon, Bruce A.; Stamnes, Susan J.; England, Sarah K.

    2011-01-01

    An important action of progesterone during pregnancy is to maintain the uterus in a quiescent state and thereby prevent preterm labor. The causes of preterm labor are not well understood, so progesterone action on the myometrium can provide clues about the processes that keep the uterus from contracting prematurely. Accordingly, we have carried out Affymetrix GeneChip analysis of progesterone effects on gene expression in immortalized human myometrial cells cultured from a patient near the end of pregnancy. Progesterone appears to inhibit uterine excitability by a number of mechanisms, including increased expression of calcium and voltage-operated K+ channels, which dampens the electrical activity of the myometrial cell, downregulation of agents, and receptors involved in myometrial contraction, reduction in cell signal components that lead to increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in response to contractile stimuli, and downregulation of proteins involved in the cross-linking of actin and myosin filaments to produce uterine contractions. PMID:21795739

  19. Locally Contractive Dynamics in Generalized Integrate-and-Fire Neurons*

    PubMed Central

    Jimenez, Nicolas D.; Mihalas, Stefan; Brown, Richard; Niebur, Ernst; Rubin, Jonathan

    2013-01-01

    Integrate-and-fire models of biological neurons combine differential equations with discrete spike events. In the simplest case, the reset of the neuronal voltage to its resting value is the only spike event. The response of such a model to constant input injection is limited to tonic spiking. We here study a generalized model in which two simple spike-induced currents are added. We show that this neuron exhibits not only tonic spiking at various frequencies but also the commonly observed neuronal bursting. Using analytical and numerical approaches, we show that this model can be reduced to a one-dimensional map of the adaptation variable and that this map is locally contractive over a broad set of parameter values. We derive a sufficient analytical condition on the parameters for the map to be globally contractive, in which case all orbits tend to a tonic spiking state determined by the fixed point of the return map. We then show that bursting is caused by a discontinuity in the return map, in which case the map is piecewise contractive. We perform a detailed analysis of a class of piecewise contractive maps that we call bursting maps and show that they robustly generate stable bursting behavior. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to point out the intimate connection between bursting dynamics and piecewise contractive maps. Finally, we discuss bifurcations in this return map, which cause transitions between spiking patterns. PMID:24489486

  20. The influence of iris color on the pupillary light reflex.

    PubMed

    Bergamin, O; Schoetzau, A; Sugimoto, K; Zulauf, M

    1998-08-01

    This study was carried out to investigate the effect of iris color on the pupillary light reflex (PLR) in normal healthy volunteers. Pupil perimetry was performed on 50 healthy volunteers with the Octopus 1-2-3 automated perimeter. Within the 30-deg visual field, 33 test locations were investigated four times. Stimulus parameters were Goldmann size V (1.72 degrees), intensity 1632 cd/m2, stimulus time 200 ms, background illumination 0 cd/m2, and interstimulus interval 3 s. Pupillometric parameters studied were initial pupil size, amplitude (magnitude of pupillary contraction), latency time, contraction time, pre-PLR movement, contraction velocity, and redilation velocity. Pupillometric parameters were investigated by analysis of variance by the independent variables blue and brown irides. Iris color (blue vs brown) influenced statistically significantly (P < 0.05) amplitude (0.504 mm vs 0.594 mm), contraction time (401 ms vs 407 ms), contraction velocity (13.75 mm2/s vs 16.01 mm2/s), and redilation velocity (4.80 mm2/s vs 5.66 mm2/s). Iris color did not influence initial pupil size (4.78 mm vs 4.83 mm), latency time (520 mm vs 521 ms), and pre-PLR movement (0.328 mm2/s vs 0.325 mm2/s). Pupillary contraction amplitude and velocity depended on iris color, whereas pupil size and latency time were independent of iris color. Therefore, iris color might be considered when, evaluating pupillary movements in pupil perimetry.

  1. A Technology Transfer Plan for Civilian Performance Contingent Reward Systems in the Naval Material Command.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-08-01

    OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT SATE August 1982 Navy Personnel Research and Development Center is. NURSEN OF PAGES San Diego, California 92152 49...been studied in any detail. (Moreover, as was pointed out, it was likely that keypunching would soon be contracted out anyway.) This divergence in views...expansion while basic longer-term, controlled prototype studies are being conducted. The site classification system should be used to determine the

  2. Geophysical System Verification (GSV): A Physics-Based Alternative to Geophysical Prove-Outs for Munitions Response

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-24

    engineering field, or equivalent experience, and are familiar with the basic MR processes. Section 2 summarizes the physical justification for the... Engineering Problems (SAGEEP), Seattle, April 2 -6, 2006. 8. Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council. 2004. “Geophysical Prove-Outs for Munitions Response...YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ORGANIZATION. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 2 . REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

  3. Geophysical System Verification (GSV): A Physics-Based Alternative to Geophysical Prove-Outs for Munitions Response. Addendum

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-24

    engineering field, or equivalent experience, and are familiar with the basic MR processes. Section 2 summarizes the physical justification for the... Engineering Problems (SAGEEP), Seattle, April 2 -6, 2006. 8. Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council. 2004. “Geophysical Prove-Outs for Munitions Response...YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ORGANIZATION. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 2 . REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

  4. Institutional Liability for Student Activities and Organizations.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Richmond, Douglas R.

    1990-01-01

    Examines higher education institutional liability in the following areas: (1) in tort, based on negligence, for physical harm to students; (2) in tort, for defamation flowing from student media; and (3) in contract, arising out of student organizations' business relationships with third parties. (222 references) (MLF)

  5. Improving Software Engineering on NASA Projects

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crumbley, Tim; Kelly, John C.

    2010-01-01

    Software Engineering Initiative: Reduces risk of software failure -Increases mission safety. More predictable software cost estimates and delivery schedules. Smarter buyer of contracted out software. More defects found and removed earlier. Reduces duplication of efforts between projects. Increases ability to meet the challenges of evolving software technology.

  6. 24 CFR 511.77 - Grant closeout.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ...) OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN... Grant closeout. (a) Each individual fiscal year rental rehabilitation grant will be closed out when all... Rehabilitation Program. (HUD still has the authority to conduct an audit or to contract with an independent...

  7. 24 CFR 511.77 - Grant closeout.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ...) OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN... Grant closeout. (a) Each individual fiscal year rental rehabilitation grant will be closed out when all... Rehabilitation Program. (HUD still has the authority to conduct an audit or to contract with an independent...

  8. 48 CFR 49.401 - General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... supplies or services are still required and reinstatement is advantageous to the Government. ... exercise of the Government's contractual right to completely or partially terminate a contract because of... failure to perform is excusable; i.e., arose out of causes beyond the control and without the fault or...

  9. 48 CFR 49.401 - General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... supplies or services are still required and reinstatement is advantageous to the Government. ... exercise of the Government's contractual right to completely or partially terminate a contract because of... failure to perform is excusable; i.e., arose out of causes beyond the control and without the fault or...

  10. 48 CFR 19.102 - Size standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... concern that, with its own forces, transforms inorganic or organic substances including raw materials and... waiver, contact an SBA Office of Government Contracting. A listing is also available on SBA's Internet... is manufactured or produced in the United States or its outlying areas. (8) For non-manufacturer...

  11. 32 CFR 842.65 - Claims not payable.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... contract or agreement providing employee benefits through insurance, local law, or custom, where the United... USAF/JACC, may authorize an award where local benefits are not adequate. Local benefits are deducted... independent contractor. (o) Arises out of personal activities of dependents, guests, servants, or pets of...

  12. 32 CFR 842.65 - Claims not payable.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... contract or agreement providing employee benefits through insurance, local law, or custom, where the United... USAF/JACC, may authorize an award where local benefits are not adequate. Local benefits are deducted... independent contractor. (o) Arises out of personal activities of dependents, guests, servants, or pets of...

  13. 32 CFR 842.65 - Claims not payable.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... contract or agreement providing employee benefits through insurance, local law, or custom, where the United... USAF/JACC, may authorize an award where local benefits are not adequate. Local benefits are deducted... independent contractor. (o) Arises out of personal activities of dependents, guests, servants, or pets of...

  14. 32 CFR 842.65 - Claims not payable.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... contract or agreement providing employee benefits through insurance, local law, or custom, where the United... USAF/JACC, may authorize an award where local benefits are not adequate. Local benefits are deducted... independent contractor. (o) Arises out of personal activities of dependents, guests, servants, or pets of...

  15. 32 CFR 842.65 - Claims not payable.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... contract or agreement providing employee benefits through insurance, local law, or custom, where the United... USAF/JACC, may authorize an award where local benefits are not adequate. Local benefits are deducted... independent contractor. (o) Arises out of personal activities of dependents, guests, servants, or pets of...

  16. Three-dimensional ultrasound strain imaging of skeletal muscles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gijsbertse, K.; Sprengers, A. M. J.; Nillesen, M. M.; Hansen, H. H. G.; Lopata, R. G. P.; Verdonschot, N.; de Korte, C. L.

    2017-01-01

    In this study, a multi-dimensional strain estimation method is presented to assess local relative deformation in three orthogonal directions in 3D space of skeletal muscles during voluntary contractions. A rigid translation and compressive deformation of a block phantom, that mimics muscle contraction, is used as experimental validation of the 3D technique and to compare its performance with respect to a 2D based technique. Axial, lateral and (in case of 3D) elevational displacements are estimated using a cross-correlation based displacement estimation algorithm. After transformation of the displacements to a Cartesian coordinate system, strain is derived using a least-squares strain estimator. The performance of both methods is compared by calculating the root-mean-squared error of the estimated displacements with the calculated theoretical displacements of the phantom experiments. We observe that the 3D technique delivers more accurate displacement estimations compared to the 2D technique, especially in the translation experiment where out-of-plane motion hampers the 2D technique. In vivo application of the 3D technique in the musculus vastus intermedius shows good resemblance between measured strain and the force pattern. Similarity of the strain curves of repetitive measurements indicates the reproducibility of voluntary contractions. These results indicate that 3D ultrasound is a valuable imaging tool to quantify complex tissue motion, especially when there is motion in three directions, which results in out-of-plane errors for 2D techniques.

  17. Did contracting effect the use of primary health care units in Pakistan?

    PubMed

    Malik, Muhammad Ashar; Van de Poel, Ellen; Van Doorslaer, Eddy

    2017-09-01

    For many years, Pakistan has had a wide network of Basic Health Units spread across the country, but their utilization by the population in rural and peri-urban areas has remained low. As of 2004, in an attempt to improve the utilization and performance of these public primary healthcare facilities, the government has gradually started contracting-in intergovernmental organizations to manage these BHUs. Using five nationally representative household surveys conducted between 2001 and 2012, and exploiting the gradual roll-out of this reform to apply a difference-in-difference approach, we evaluate its impact on BHU utilization. We find that contracting of the BHU management did not have any effect on health care use generally in the population, but it did significantly increase the use of BHU for childhood diarrhoea for the poor (by 4% points) and rural (3% points) households. These increases were accompanied by lower rates of self-treatment and private facilities usage. We do not find any significant effects on the self-reported satisfaction with BHU utilization. Our findings contrast with earlier small-scale studies that reported larger effects of the contracting of primary care in Pakistan. We speculate that the modest additional budget, the limited management authority of the contracting agency and the lack of clear performance indicators are reasons for the small impact of the contracting reform. Apparently critical aspects of services delivery such as location of BHUs, ineffective referral system and medical practice variation in public and private sectors have contributed to the overall low utilization of BHUs, yet these were beyond the scope of the contracting reform. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  18. Contracting private sector providers for public sector health services in Jalisco, Mexico: perspectives of system actors

    PubMed Central

    Nigenda, Gustavo H; González, Luz María

    2009-01-01

    Introduction Contracting out health services is a strategy that many health systems in the developing world are following, despite the lack of decisive evidence that this is the best way to improve quality, increase efficiency and expand coverage. A large body of literature has appeared in recent years focusing on the results of several contracting strategies, but very few papers have addressed aspects of the managerial process and how this can affect results. Case description This paper describes and analyses the perceptions and opinions of managers and workers about the benefits and challenges of the contracting model that has been in place for almost 10 years in the State of Jalisco, Mexico. Both qualitative and quantitative information was collected. An open-ended questionnaire was used to obtain information from a group of managers, while information provided by a self-selected group of workers was collected via a closed-ended questionnaire. The analysis contrasted the information obtained from each source. Discussion and Evaluation Findings show that perceptions of managers and workers vary for most of the items studied. For managers the model has been a success, as it has allowed for expansion of coverage based on a cost-effective strategy, while for workers the model also possesses positive elements but fails to provide fair labour relationships, which negatively affects their performance. Conclusion Perspectives of the two main groups of actors in Jalisco's contracting model are important in the design and adjustment of an adequate contracting model that includes managerial elements to give incentives to worker performance, a key element necessary to achieve the model's ultimate objectives. Lessons learnt from this study could be relevant for the experience of contracting models in other developing countries. PMID:19849831

  19. Option contracts for allocating water in inter-basin transfers: the case of the Tagus-Segura Transfer in Spain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rey, Dolores; Garrido, Alberto; Calatraba, Javier

    2014-05-01

    Users in the Mediterranean region face significant water supply risks. Water markets mechanisms can provide flexibility to water systems run in tight situations. The largest water infrastructure in the Iberian Peninsula connects the Segura and Tagus Basins. Stakeholders and politicians in the Tagus Basin have asked that water transfers between the two basins be eventually phased out. The need to increase the statutory minimum environmental flow in the middle Tagus and to meet new urban demands is going to result in a redefinition of the Transfer's management rules, leading to a reduction in the transferable volumes. To minimise the consequences of such restrictions to irrigators in the Segura Basin who depend on the transferred volumes, we propose the establishment of water option contracts between both basins that represents an institutional innovation with respect to previous inter-basin spot market experiences. Based on the draft of the new Tagus Basin Plan, we propose both a modification of the Transfer's management rule and an innovative inter-basin option contract. The main goal of the paper is to define this contract and evaluate it with respect to non-market scenarios. We also assess the resulting impact on environmental flows in the Tagus River and water availability for users in the Segura Basin, together with the economic impacts of such contract on both basins. Our results show that the proposed option contract would reduce the impact of a change in the transfer's management rule, and reduce the supply risks of the recipient area. Keywords: environmental flow, inter-basin transfer, option contracts, Tagus-Segura, water markets, water supply reliability.

  20. The effect of hypercholesterolemia on carbachol-induced contractions of the detrusor smooth muscle in rats: increased role of L-type Ca2+ channels.

    PubMed

    Balkanci, Zeynep Dicle; Pehlivanoğlu, Bilge; Bayrak, Sibel; Karabulut, Ismail; Karaismailoğlu, Serkan; Erdem, Ayşen

    2012-11-01

    To investigate a possible relation between hypercholesterolemia and detrusor smooth muscle function, we studied the contractile response to potassium challenge, carbachol (CCh), and the components of CCh-induced contractile mechanism in high-cholesterol diet-fed rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with standard (control group, N = 17) or 4 % cholesterol diet (hypercholesterolemia group (HC), N = 16) for 4 weeks. Spontaneous contractions of detrusor muscle strips and their responses to potassium chloride (KCl) or cumulative dose-contraction curves to CCh were recorded. The effects of muscarinic receptor antagonists (methoctramin and/or 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine), L-type Ca(+2) channel blocker (nifedipine), and/or rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 were investigated. Blood cholesterol level was increased in the HC group with no sign of atherosclerosis. The KCl-induced detrusor smooth muscle contractions were higher in HC, whereas spontaneous and CCh-induced responses were similar in both groups. Preincubation with receptor antagonist for M(3) but not for M(2) attenuated contraction significantly, shifting the dose-response curve to the right. This response was similar in both groups. Among two effector mechanisms of M(3)-mediated detrusor smooth muscle contraction, rho-kinase pathway was not affected by hypercholesterolemia, whereas blockade of L-type Ca(+2) channels potently reduced contractions. The results of this study point out a relation between hypercholesterolemia and contractile mechanism of detrusor smooth muscle likely to change urinary bladder function, via altering L-type Ca(+2) channels. Taken together with escalating incidence of hypercholesterolemia and lower urinary tract symptoms, it is a field which deserves to be investigated further.

  1. Essential tools of supply chain management.

    PubMed

    Buddress, L; Raedels, A

    2000-08-01

    At a recent conference, the keynote speaker provoked an incredulous response when he said, "Today, competition among individual firms is dead." He then went on to explain that today, competition is supply chain against supply chain. Whichever firm has the superior supply chain will win out in the marketplace. Given the global marketplace in which we all operate, most of us would agree that his statements are true. How does a firm establish a world-class supply base? What kinds of contracts and agreements are necessary to support the diverse requirements of today's firms? How should a firm select from among the available contract types? These are foundation questions for supply chain management.

  2. Optimal health insurance: the case of observable, severe illness.

    PubMed

    Chernew, M E; Encinosa, W E; Hirth, R A

    2000-09-01

    We explore optimal cost-sharing provisions for insurance contracts when individuals have observable, severe diseases with a discrete number of medically appropriate treatment options. Variation in preferences for alternative treatments is unobserved by the insurer and non-contractible. Interest in such situations is increasingly common, exemplified by disease carve-out programs and shared decision-making (SDM) tools. We demonstrate that optimal insurance charges a copay to patients choosing the high-cost treatment and provides consumers of the low-cost treatment a cash payment. A simulation of the effect of such a policy, based on prostate cancer, indicates a substantial reduction in moral hazard.

  3. Tenure security, social relations and contract choice: Endogenous matching in the Chinese land rental market

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, Xianlei; Zhou, Yuepeng; Shi, Xiaoping

    2017-04-01

    In China, land rental transactions have increased considerably since the 1990s, but there exists a high degree of segmentation and informal features. The rental transactions between partners with close social relations and the use of informal contracts remain a common phenomenon in many regions, which strongly reduce the potential of the land rental market to enhance productivity and equity. The current literature postulates that the insecurity of land property rights may restrict land transactions between members of same social relations. Studies conducted in China show that the land rentals between partners with closer social relations prefer informal contracts because these contracts are self-enforced based on trust and reputation. However, little literature has jointly examined the effect of land tenure security and social relations on joint decisions of partner and contract choice in the Chinese land rental market. Based on household data collected in Jiangxi and Liaoning provinces in 2015, this paper aims to examine the relationship between land tenure security perceptions, social relation and land rental contract choices in China. We differentiate between formal and informal contracts of land rental activities because they have different enforcement mechanisms and thus different risk-sharing strategy. With regards to social relations, we differ among relatives, villagers living in the same village and strangers according to social distance. In order to reduce estimation bias without accounting for endogenous matching between landlords and tenants, we investigate the joint partner and contract choices in the land rental market using a nested logit framework. The paper contributes to the literature on the effect of tenure security and social relations on land rental contracts by (i) taking into account endogenous matching between landlords and tenants, and estimating the joint decisions of partner and contract choice, and (ii) examining the effect of perceived tenure security, instead of de jure rights, on households' contract choice. The empirical results show that landlords are more likely to rent out land to tenants who live in the same village, instead of relatives and strangers. This kind of partner matching is based on consideration of both land tenure security and flexibility of rental relationships. Insecure land tenure encourages landlords to select informal contracts, because informal contracts seem to protect better protection than formal contracts as landlords are willing to match villagers. Policy implications are twofold based on our findings: 1) Land tenure reforms should put more emphasis on enhancing households' perception on tenure security and further reducing land market segmentation; 2) Measures that may be taken to stabilize rental contractual relationships may focus on the improvement of rural pension system and unemployment insurance for rural-urban migrants. Key Words: land rental market; contract choice; tenure security, social relations

  4. 24 CFR 761.40 - Other Federal requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... and requirements: (A) For laborers and mechanics employed in the program, the wage rate determined by... the locality with respect to such trades; (B) For laborers and mechanics employed in carrying out... of laborers and mechanics is subject to the provisions of the Contract Work Hours and Safety...

  5. Instructional Implications of Inquiry in Reading Comprehension.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Snow, David

    A contract deliverable on the NIE Communication Skills Project, this report consists of three separate documents describing the instructional implications of the analytic and empirical work carried out for the "Classroom Instruction in Reading Comprehension" part of the project: (1) Guidelines for Phrasal Segmentation; (2) Parsing Tasks…

  6. 24 CFR 266.1 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... FINANCE AGENCY RISK-SHARING PROGRAM FOR INSURED AFFORDABLE MULTIFAMILY PROJECT LOANS General Provisions... specifically directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program of risk-sharing with qualified State and local... under this program. Through risk-sharing agreements with HUD, HFAs contract to reimburse HUD for a...

  7. JPRS Report, East Asia, Southeast Asia

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-07-28

    but admitted meeting Pala in a downtown cafe here. JPRS-SEA-88-032 29 July 1988 27 PHILIPPINES On the other hand, Pala also lambasted the Aquino...sector to invest n infrastructure through joint ventures with the Government, franchises , contract-outs and the BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer

  8. 22 CFR 34.3 - Exceptions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... DEPARTMENT OF STATE CLAIMS AND STOLEN PROPERTY DEBT COLLECTION General Provisions § 34.3 Exceptions. (a) Debts arising from the audit of transportation accounts pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3726 shall be determined... 102-118. (b) Debts arising out of acquisition contracts subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation...

  9. 77 FR 43045 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-23

    ...: PPQ Form 816; Contract Pilot and Aircraft Acceptance. OMB Control Number: 0579-0298. Summary of... Agriculture, either independently or in cooperation with States, to carry out operations or measures to detect... or not widely distributed within the United States. This authority has been delegated to the...

  10. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tukey, J.W.; Bloomfield, P.

    In its most general terms, the work carried out under the contract consists of the development of new data analytic methods and the improvement of existing methods, their implementation on computer, especially minicomputers, and the development of non-statistical, systems-level software to support these activities. The work reported or completed is reviewed. (GHT)

  11. 42 CFR 460.164 - Involuntary disenrollment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... threatening behavior, as described in paragraph (b) of this section. (3) The participant moves out of the PACE... licenses or contracts with outside providers. (b) Disruptive or threatening behavior. For purposes of this section, a participant who engages in disruptive or threatening behavior refers to a participant who...

  12. 42 CFR 460.164 - Involuntary disenrollment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... threatening behavior, as described in paragraph (b) of this section. (3) The participant moves out of the PACE... licenses or contracts with outside providers. (b) Disruptive or threatening behavior. For purposes of this section, a participant who engages in disruptive or threatening behavior refers to a participant who...

  13. 42 CFR 460.164 - Involuntary disenrollment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... threatening behavior, as described in paragraph (b) of this section. (3) The participant moves out of the PACE... licenses or contracts with outside providers. (b) Disruptive or threatening behavior. For purposes of this section, a participant who engages in disruptive or threatening behavior refers to a participant who...

  14. The Limits of Privatization.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Starr, Paul

    Transferring public services and public assets to private ownership is not an entirely new idea. Governments at all levels in the United States have for years contracted out many services. However, under the recently coined label "privatization," such policies now come recommended as a more comprehensive approach to the problems of…

  15. Proposed low-temperature solar engine

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Peoples, J. A.; Kearns, G. B.

    1976-01-01

    Engine, proposed for conversion of Sun's heat to motion without need for heat pumps and associated equipment, uses expansion and contraction of aluminum rod to drive tow out-of-phase windlasses. Linear displacement of 0.076 cm in rod will exert sufficient force to drive pumps, generators, and compressors.

  16. Final Close-Out Report for DE-FG02-93ER40764

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gyulassy, Miklos

    This is a final close-out report for DOE contract DE-FG02-93ER40764 at Columbia University in New York that funded nuclear theory research at Columbia from 12/15/1992 to 12/14/2015. Highlight of research results from the last FY 2015 period, a list of all 12 PhD students trained through the whole grant, and a list of 201 original papers published from 1993-2015 with impact factor metrics are presented.

  17. Coalition contract management as a systems change strategy for HIV prevention.

    PubMed

    Darrow, William W; Montanea, Julie E; Sánchez-Braña, Elizabeth

    2010-11-01

    Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 2010 provided a unique opportunity for minority community-based organizations (CBOs) to work together to eliminate disparities in HIV disease. A coalition was formed in Broward County to respond to the REACH 2010 program announcement, a university was chosen to coordinate efforts, and contracts were negotiated with CBO partners to develop, implement, and evaluate a community action plan. Contract management provided stability, focus, and a mechanism for coalition partners to measure progress toward achieving project objectives. By emphasizing documentation as well as the delivery of services, however, contract conditions also placed a heavy burden on educational outreach workers, restricted the reimbursable activities of member organizations, and created friction between minority agencies and university staff. Although the coalition met many of its objectives, the introduction and enforcement of a mutually agreed on set of rules and obligations as a way of promoting systems change in Broward County failed to make a lasting impact among community partners. CBOs continued to compete with one another for HIV prevention project funding and stopped collaborating as closely with another when federal support for our REACH 2010 community demonstration project ran out.

  18. Effects of training programs based on ipsilateral voluntary and stimulated contractions on muscle strength and monopedal postural control of the contralateral limb.

    PubMed

    Kadri, Mohamed Abdelhafid; Noé, Frederic; Nouar, Merbouha Boulahbel; Paillard, Thierry

    2017-09-01

    To compare the effects of unilateral strength training by stimulated and voluntary contractions on muscle strength and monopedal postural control of the contralateral limb. 36 non-active healthy male subjects were recruited and split randomly into three groups. Two groups of 12 subjects took part in a strength-training program (3 sessions a week over 8 weeks) comprising 43 contractions of the quadriceps femoris of the ipsilateral limb (at 20% of the MVC). One group carried out voluntary contractions exclusively (VOL group), while the other group benefited exclusively from electro-induced contractions (NMES group). The other 12 subjects formed the control (CON) group. Assessments of MVC and monopedal postural control in static and dynamic postural tasks were performed with the ipsilateral (ISPI) and contralateral (CONTRA) limbs before (PRE) and after (POST) completion of the training program. After the training program, the MVC of the IPSI and CONTRA limbs increased similarly for both experimental groups (VOL and NMES). There were no significant improvements of monopedal postural control for the IPSI or CONTRA limbs in either the VOL or NMES experimental group. No change was observed for the CON group over the protocol period. The purposed training program with NMES vs VOL contractions induced strength gains but did not permit any improvement of contralateral monopedal postural control in healthy young subjects. This has potential for therapeutic application and allows clinicians to focus their training programs on dynamic and poly-articular exercises to improve the postural control in young subjects.

  19. The Iran Sanctions Act (ISA)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-02-02

    billion4 contract (September 1997) for Total SA of France and its partners, Gazprom of Russia and Petronas of Malaysia to develop phases 2 and 3 of...or declined further investment. On July 12, 2008, Total and Petronas , the original South Pars investors, pulled out of a deal to develop a

  20. 48 CFR 2152.237-70 - Continuity of services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Government or another Contractor, may continue them. The Contractor agrees to furnish phase-in training and...) The Contractor shall, upon the Contracting Officer's written notice, (1) furnish phase-in and phase... with a successor to determine the nature and extent of phase-in and phase-out services required. The...

  1. 24 CFR 891.155 - Other Federal requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... and mechanics (other than volunteers under the conditions set out in 24 CFR part 70) employed by... employment of laborers and mechanics shall be subject to the provisions of the Contract Work Hours and Safety... displaced person must be provided relocation assistance at the levels described in, and in accordance with...

  2. 41 CFR 101-39.104 - Notice of establishment of a fleet management system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... management system in order to work out any problems pertaining to establishing and operating fleet management... of a fleet management system. 101-39.104 Section 101-39.104 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System FEDERAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS AVIATION...

  3. 41 CFR 101-39.104 - Notice of establishment of a fleet management system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... management system in order to work out any problems pertaining to establishing and operating fleet management... of a fleet management system. 101-39.104 Section 101-39.104 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System FEDERAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS AVIATION...

  4. 41 CFR 101-39.104 - Notice of establishment of a fleet management system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... management system in order to work out any problems pertaining to establishing and operating fleet management... of a fleet management system. 101-39.104 Section 101-39.104 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System FEDERAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS AVIATION...

  5. 41 CFR 101-39.104 - Notice of establishment of a fleet management system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... management system in order to work out any problems pertaining to establishing and operating fleet management... of a fleet management system. 101-39.104 Section 101-39.104 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System FEDERAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS AVIATION...

  6. 48 CFR 452.236-75 - Maximum Workweek-Construction Schedule.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... hours (including the daily starting and stopping times) and days of the week the Contractor proposes to carry out the work. The maximum workweek that will be approved is __*. (End of clause) * Contracting... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Maximum Workweek...

  7. If You Ax the Superintendent, Don't Chop Off Your Vital Options.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zakariya, Sally Banks

    1984-01-01

    The employment contract is the key item in superintendent firing, and thus, it should include provisions for termination. Terminations can misfire if the board does not carry out contractual obligations. Eight points of advice are included for boards that are contemplating firing a superintendent. (MD)

  8. 34 CFR 655.4 - What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... are defined in 34 CFR part 77: Acquisition Applicant Application Award Budget Contract EDGAR Equipment... higher education for the purpose of carrying out a common objective on their behalf. Critical languages means each of the languages contained in the list of critical languages designated by the Secretary...

  9. Digital Mapping of Buried Pipelines with a Dual Array System

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2005-03-01

    The project carried out under this agreement, which was informally called the "Dual Array Project" (the term we will use in this report), was part of the research efforts at the Office of Pipeline Safety at U.S. DOT, and was one of seven contracts aw...

  10. The Ruminations of a Right-Wing Extremist.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lieberman, Myron

    1998-01-01

    Although teacher unions promote private means of resolving labor conflicts instead of using public courts, they are engaged in a war on privatization, especially contracting out. It is surprising that the media and higher education take seriously the contention that unions do not negatively affect educational achievement. Advocates of "the…

  11. Michigan School Privatization Survey 2008

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hohman, James M.; Freeland, William L. E.

    2008-01-01

    Privatization of school support services is a time-tested means for lowering educational costs. The three major services that school districts in Michigan contract out for are food, custodial and transportation. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy's survey of privatization is the longest running and most comprehensive source of school support…

  12. 34 CFR 655.4 - What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... are defined in 34 CFR part 77: Acquisition Applicant Application Award Budget Contract EDGAR Equipment... higher education for the purpose of carrying out a common objective on their behalf. Critical languages means each of the languages contained in the list of critical languages designated by the Secretary...

  13. 34 CFR 655.4 - What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... are defined in 34 CFR part 77: Acquisition Applicant Application Award Budget Contract EDGAR Equipment... higher education for the purpose of carrying out a common objective on their behalf. Critical languages means each of the languages contained in the list of critical languages designated by the Secretary...

  14. 34 CFR 655.4 - What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... are defined in 34 CFR part 77: Acquisition Applicant Application Award Budget Contract EDGAR Equipment... higher education for the purpose of carrying out a common objective on their behalf. Critical languages means each of the languages contained in the list of critical languages designated by the Secretary...

  15. 34 CFR 655.4 - What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... are defined in 34 CFR part 77: Acquisition Applicant Application Award Budget Contract EDGAR Equipment... higher education for the purpose of carrying out a common objective on their behalf. Critical languages means each of the languages contained in the list of critical languages designated by the Secretary...

  16. 49 CFR 1220.6 - Schedule of records and periods of retention.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... listed below shall be retained as determined by the management of each company. Schedule of Records and... agreements: (a) Service contracts, such as for operational management, accounting, financial or legal... drafts, paid checks, and receipts for cash paid out 3 years. 5. Accounts receivable: (a) Record or...

  17. 49 CFR 1220.6 - Schedule of records and periods of retention.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... listed below shall be retained as determined by the management of each company. Schedule of Records and... agreements: (a) Service contracts, such as for operational management, accounting, financial or legal... drafts, paid checks, and receipts for cash paid out 3 years. 5. Accounts receivable: (a) Record or...

  18. 49 CFR 1220.6 - Schedule of records and periods of retention.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... listed below shall be retained as determined by the management of each company. Schedule of Records and... agreements: (a) Service contracts, such as for operational management, accounting, financial or legal... drafts, paid checks, and receipts for cash paid out 3 years. 5. Accounts receivable: (a) Record or...

  19. 49 CFR 1220.6 - Schedule of records and periods of retention.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... listed below shall be retained as determined by the management of each company. Schedule of Records and... agreements: (a) Service contracts, such as for operational management, accounting, financial or legal... drafts, paid checks, and receipts for cash paid out 3 years. 5. Accounts receivable: (a) Record or...

  20. Outsourcing. CAUT Briefing Note

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Canadian Association of University Teachers, 2015

    2015-01-01

    Increasingly, university and college administrators are contracting out their institutions' operational information technology (IT) needs. Specifically, this means moving from an IT system with a server based at the institution with an in house IT support staff to a cloud based system outside the institution where most of the staff resources are…

  1. Prisons for Profit: Public Justice, Private Interests.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Donahue, John D.

    This paper examines several aspects of the private prison debate: (1) How much scope is there for improving the technical and economic efficiency of incarceration through contracting-out to private prison entrepreneurs? (2) Will a fully developed corrections industry be sufficiently competitive to ensure that any efficiency gains are passed on to…

  2. Harvesting the High-Hanging Fruit

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kenton, Jay D.

    2014-01-01

    For many years, higher education institutions have been harvesting the low-hanging fruit when it comes to budget reductions and adjustments. Easier changes have often been made--such as cutting administration, using more adjunct faculty, contracting out inefficient or non effective auxiliary operations and so forth. Until recently such strategies,…

  3. 48 CFR 1652.224-70 - Confidentiality of records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... personal data on employees and annuitants that is provided by agencies and OPM, including social security... to audit the contract; (5) As necessary to carry out the coordination of benefits provisions of this... nature that does not identify any individual by name, social security number, or any other identifier...

  4. 48 CFR 1652.224-70 - Confidentiality of records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... personal data on employees and annuitants that is provided by agencies and OPM, including social security... to audit the contract; (5) As necessary to carry out the coordination of benefits provisions of this... nature that does not identify any individual by name, social security number, or any other identifier...

  5. 78 FR 29411 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change, as...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-20

    ...,000 gallons 3.461 6:00PM to 5:15PM Blendstock for Next Day. Oxygen Blending. Wheat (Chicago) Soft... blended WAV formula that reflects the fact that the DJ-UBS CI is rolling out of expiring contracts and...

  6. Contracting out : bench marking study : phase 1, part 2 : external data collection

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1999-11-10

    This paper is a survey of several models used in the U.S. to estimate the impact of greenhouse gases (GHG) control strategies in the surface transport sector. The models chosen for review were selected to represent both the state-of-the-art, and the ...

  7. NASA Extends Chandra X-ray Observatory Contract with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    2002-07-01

    NASA NASA has extended its contract with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Mass. to August 2003 to provide science and operational support for the Chandra X- ray Observatory, one of the world's most powerful tools to better understand the structure and evolution of the universe. The contract is an 11-month period of performance extension to the Chandra X-ray Center contract, with an estimated value of 50.75 million. Total contract value is now 298.2 million. The contract extension resulted from the delay of the launch of the Chandra X-ray Observatory from August 1998 to July 1999. The revised period of performance will continue the contract through Aug. 31, 2003, which is 48 months beyond operational checkout of the observatory. The contract type is cost reimbursement with no fee. The contract covers mission operations and data analysis, which includes both the observatory operations and the science data processing and general observer (astronomer) support. The observatory operations tasks include monitoring the health and status of the observatory and developing and distributing by satellite the observation sequences during Chandra's communication coverage periods. The science data processing tasks include the competitive selection, planning, and coordination of science observations with the general observers and the processing and delivery of the resulting scientific data. Each year, there are on the order of 200 to 250 observing proposals selected out of about 800 submitted, with a total amount of observing time about 20 million seconds. X-ray astronomy can only be performed from space because Earth's atmosphere blocks X-rays from reaching the surface. The Chandra Observatory travels one-third of the way to the Moon during its orbit around the Earth every 64 hours. At its highest point, Chandra's highly elliptical, or egg-shaped, orbit is 200 times higher than that of its visible-light- gathering sister, the Hubble Space Telescope. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., manages the Chandra Program for the Office of Space Science in Washington. The development contractor for the spacecraft was TRW, Inc., Redondo Beach, Calif. The Smithsonian's Chandra X-ray Center controls science and flight operations from Cambridge.

  8. Exercise-induced TBC1D1 Ser237 phosphorylation and 14-3-3 protein binding capacity in human skeletal muscle.

    PubMed

    Frøsig, Christian; Pehmøller, Christian; Birk, Jesper B; Richter, Erik A; Wojtaszewski, Jørgen F P

    2010-11-15

    TBC1D1 is a Rab-GTPase activating protein involved in regulation of GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle. We here evaluated exercise-induced regulation of TBC1D1 Ser237 phosphorylation and 14-3-3 protein binding capacity in human skeletal muscle. In separate experiments healthy men performed all-out cycle exercise lasting either 30 s, 2  min or 20  min. After all exercise protocols, TBC1D1 Ser237 phosphorylation increased (∼70-230%, P < 0.005), with the greatest response observed after 20  min of cycling. Interestingly, capacity of TBC1D1 to bind 14-3-3 protein showed a similar pattern of regulation, increasing 60-250% (P < 0.001). Furthermore, recombinant 5AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) induced both Ser237 phosphorylation and 14-3-3 binding properties on human TBC1D1 when evaluated in vitro. To further characterize the role of AMPK as an upstream kinase regulating TBC1D1, extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) from whole body α1 or α2 AMPK knock-out and wild-type mice were stimulated to contract in vitro. In wild-type and α1 knock-out mice, contractions resulted in a similar ∼100% increase (P < 0.001) in Ser237 phosphorylation. Interestingly, muscle of α2 knock-out mice were characterized by reduced protein content of TBC1D1 (∼50%, P < 0.001) as well as in basal and contraction-stimulated (∼60%, P < 0.001) Ser237 phosphorylation, even after correction for the reduced TBC1D1 protein content. This study shows that TBC1D1 is Ser237 phosphorylated and 14-3-3 protein binding capacity is increased in response to exercise in human skeletal muscle. Furthermore, we show that the catalytic α2 AMPK subunit is the main (but probably not the only) donor of AMPK activity regulating TBC1D1 Ser237 phosphorylation in mouse EDL muscle.

  9. Contracting Practices for the Use and Operations of DoD-Sponsored Federally Funded Research and Development Centers.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-12-02

    v *% OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL < SI 615 Z£L C O O+3 t "O -O £9 33 ɚ< CONTRACTING PRACTICES FOR THE USE AND OPERATIONS OF DOD...page was left out of orignial document V Part II - Findings and Recommendations ^ Finding A. Use of Federally Funded Research and Development...w> O ■2 ’» •« i«i sä « * s. fi v . § "ffi .silslH » to Jo 73 1 ■8 o u i 1 o § 1 .a i s I ~ 04 Z CM CM a **3 CM Si > s

  10. Investigation of water droplet trajectories within the NASA icing research tunnel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Reehorst, Andrew; Ibrahim, Mounir

    1995-01-01

    Water droplet trajectories within the NASA Lewis Research Center's Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) were studied through computer analysis. Of interest was the influence of the wind tunnel contraction and wind tunnel model blockage on the water droplet trajectories. The computer analysis was carried out with a program package consisting of a three-dimensional potential panel code and a three-dimensional droplet trajectory code. The wind tunnel contraction was found to influence the droplet size distribution and liquid water content distribution across the test section from that at the inlet. The wind tunnel walls were found to have negligible influence upon the impingement of water droplets upon a wing model.

  11. To excite a heart: a bird's view.

    PubMed

    Sommer, J R; Bossen, E; Dalen, H; Dolber, P; High, T; Jewett, P; Johnson, E A; Junker, J; Leonard, S; Nassar, R

    1991-01-01

    Ultrastructural investigations of avian cardiac muscle, including ratite hearts, have provided great insights into the mechanisms as to how excitation leads to contraction in the heart. The geometry of the conduction fibers of ratite hearts confirms earlier observations on birds showing that the geometry of the conduction system and its component cells is adapted to hearts of different sizes and rates of contraction so as to maintain a differential in conduction velocities between the conduction system and the working fibers. The study of the ratite conduction fibers bears out the idea of an inverse relationship between the size of the gap junctions and the input resistance of cardiac cells. The anomalous extended junctional SR typical of all avian hearts, proscribes the notion of direct contact transduction into calcium release for contraction of an excitatory signal propagating at the cell surface. Couplings appear well suited to maintain direct, if transitory, connections to the extracellular space in addition to harboring channels for intracellular calcium release.

  12. Advanced teleprocessing systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kleinrock, L.; Gerla, M.

    1983-09-01

    This Semi-Annual Technical Report covers research carried out by the Advanced Teleprocessing Systems Group at UCLA under DARPA Contract No. MDA 903-82-C-0064 covering the period from April 1, 1983 to September 30, 1983. This contract has three primary designated research areas: packet radio systems, resource sharing and allocation, and distributed processing and control. This report contains the abstracts of the publications which summarize our research results in those areas during this semi-annual period, followed by the main body of the report which consists of the Ph.D. dissertation by H. Richard Gail, "On the Optimization of Computer Network Power', conducted under the supervision of Professor Leonard Kleinrock (Principal Investigator for this contract). It addresses the tradeoff between throughput and delay involving the selection of a suitable operating point for a computer network. This tradeoff is studied through the maximization of various throughput-delay performance measures, all known as power. The models analyzed for the most part are those for a terrestrial wire network.

  13. 8-Channel Broadband Laser Ranging Hardware Development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bennett, Corey; La Lone, Brandon; Younk, Patrick; Daykin, Ed; Rhodes, Michelle; Perry, Daniel; Tran, Vu; Miller, Edward

    2017-06-01

    Broadband Laser Ranging (BLR) is a new diagnostic being developed to precisely measure the position vs. time of surfaces, shock break out, particle clouds, jets, and debris moving at kilometers per second speeds. The instrument uses interferometry to encode distance into a modulation in the spectrum of pulses from a mode-locked fiber laser and uses a dispersive Fourier transformation to map the spectral modulation into time. Range information is thereby recorded on a fast oscilloscope at the repetition rate of the laser, approximately every 50 ns. Current R&D is focused on developing a compact 8-channel system utilizing one laser and one high-speed oscilloscope. This talk will emphasize the hardware being developed for applications at the Contained Firing Facility at LLNL, but has a common architecture being developed in collaboration with NSTec and LANL for applications at multiple other facilities. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344, by LANL under Contract DE-AC52-06NA25396, and by NSTec Contract DE-AC52-06NA25946.

  14. Interseeding forage kochia into established Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to improve fall and winter grazing potential

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Highly erodible farm acres coming out of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts could remain in perennial species and be used for fall and winter grazing if wheatgrass monocultures could be renovated by interseeding nutritious forage species. This on-farm study evaluated the success of inters...

  15. Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP). Section 787 (Public Health Service Act). Program Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC.

    This document summarizes the requirements and guidelines for the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP). This program is authorized by Section 787 of the Public Health Service Act to make grants to and contracts with postsecondary institutions to carry out programs which assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter and graduate…

  16. 7 CFR 634.1 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... AGRICULTURE LONG TERM CONTRACTING RURAL CLEAN WATER PROGRAM General § 634.1 Purpose and scope. (a) The purpose.... Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to set forth regulations to carry out a Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) under section 35, Pub. L. 95-217; 91 Stat. 1579; 33 U.S.C. 1288. (b) The Rural Clean Water Program...

  17. 7 CFR 634.1 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... AGRICULTURE LONG TERM CONTRACTING RURAL CLEAN WATER PROGRAM General § 634.1 Purpose and scope. (a) The purpose.... Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to set forth regulations to carry out a Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) under section 35, Pub. L. 95-217; 91 Stat. 1579; 33 U.S.C. 1288. (b) The Rural Clean Water Program...

  18. 7 CFR 634.1 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... AGRICULTURE LONG TERM CONTRACTING RURAL CLEAN WATER PROGRAM General § 634.1 Purpose and scope. (a) The purpose.... Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to set forth regulations to carry out a Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) under section 35, Pub. L. 95-217; 91 Stat. 1579; 33 U.S.C. 1288. (b) The Rural Clean Water Program...

  19. Michigan School Privatization Survey 2014

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hohman, James M.; Woodman, Zachary D.

    2014-01-01

    In 2003, when it came to contracting out for common public school services, only outsourcing food provision could be considered a rather common occurrence in Michigan. There was good reason for this: school districts are prohibited from making a profit from their cafeteria, but any deficits created in providing food for students must be covered by…

  20. 50 CFR 600.757 - Operational protocols.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... contracts for the services of an individual or organization to serve as a convener or facilitator for an FNP... facilitator for such an FNP. (b) Councils. For an FNP proposed and established by one or more Councils approved expenses shall be paid out of the Council's operating budget. (c) Expenses of FNP members. Members...

  1. Educators and the Internet: What's out There, How to Get Some of It.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rosenbaum, Howard

    1994-01-01

    Argues that K-12 media educators and librarians should become vocal advocates for Internet connection in their elementary and secondary schools. Topics include K-12 uses of the Internet; Internet resources; FrEdMail (Free Educational Electronic Mail); and a BITNET computer conference. Appendices list computer conferences, networking contracts, and…

  2. 48 CFR 52.212-4 - Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315. (h) Patent indemnity..., any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this... the accuracy and completeness of the data within the SAM database, and for any liability resulting...

  3. 48 CFR 52.212-4 - Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ...) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315. (h) Patent... infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of... completeness of the data within the CCR database, and for any liability resulting from the Government's...

  4. 25 CFR 900.120 - How does an Indian tribe or tribal organization find out about a construction project?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... THE INTERIOR, AND INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE..., engineering reports, design reports, plans of requirements, cost estimates, environmental assessments, or environmental impact reports and archeological reports. (b) An Indian tribe or tribal organization is not...

  5. 25 CFR 900.120 - How does an Indian tribe or tribal organization find out about a construction project?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... THE INTERIOR, AND INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE..., engineering reports, design reports, plans of requirements, cost estimates, environmental assessments, or environmental impact reports and archeological reports. (b) An Indian tribe or tribal organization is not...

  6. 25 CFR 900.120 - How does an Indian tribe or tribal organization find out about a construction project?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... THE INTERIOR, AND INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE..., engineering reports, design reports, plans of requirements, cost estimates, environmental assessments, or environmental impact reports and archeological reports. (b) An Indian tribe or tribal organization is not...

  7. 25 CFR 900.120 - How does an Indian tribe or tribal organization find out about a construction project?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... THE INTERIOR, AND INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACTS UNDER THE..., engineering reports, design reports, plans of requirements, cost estimates, environmental assessments, or environmental impact reports and archeological reports. (b) An Indian tribe or tribal organization is not...

  8. Two Faces of Outdoor Adventure Leadership: Educational Adventure Programs and Guided Trips

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ewert, Alan; Wu, Guan-Jang

    2007-01-01

    Outdoor adventure activities such as whitewater boating, caving, rock climbing, and mountaineering continue to be popular among the public. As a result of this popularity, numerous organizations "contract out" the leadership and delivery of the adventure portion of their curriculum. This paper explores two widely used venues for offering outdoor…

  9. Space transfer concepts and analyses for exploration missions, phase 4

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Woodcock, Gordon R.

    1993-01-01

    Earlier studies carried out under this contract covered a wide range of lunar and Mars transportation options, and lunar rove concepts and technology needs. The current report discusses the activities conducted under Technical Directives 16 and 17. Mars transportation was addressed as well as a review and update of architectures and propulsion systems.

  10. 27 CFR 70.234 - Protection for obligatory disbursement agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... bank, in good faith, relies upon that letter of credit in making advances. The provisions of this... law against a judgment lien arising, as of the time of tax lien filing, out of an unsecured obligation... performance of a contract of the taxpayer and another person, the term “qualified property” shall be treated...

  11. An Evaluation of Dropouts from Outward Bound Programs for the Unemployed

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maxwell, Robert; Perry, Martin; Martin, Andrew John

    2008-01-01

    Outward Bound New Zealand provides 21-day residential motivational intervention courses (Catalyst courses) to long-term unemployed clients approved by the Ministry of Social Development. During the period 2002/03, 20% of participants starting the course dropped out before course completion; which was double the contracted acceptable level set by…

  12. 43 CFR 3191.5-1 - Indian lands included in delegation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Indian lands included in delegation. 3191..., COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS FOR OIL AND GAS INSPECTION Delegation of Authority § 3191.5-1 Indian... out on Indian lands without the written permission of the affected Indian tribe or allottee. (b) A...

  13. 43 CFR 3191.5-1 - Indian lands included in delegation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Indian lands included in delegation. 3191..., COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS FOR OIL AND GAS INSPECTION Delegation of Authority § 3191.5-1 Indian... out on Indian lands without the written permission of the affected Indian tribe or allottee. (b) A...

  14. 43 CFR 3191.5-1 - Indian lands included in delegation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Indian lands included in delegation. 3191..., COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS FOR OIL AND GAS INSPECTION Delegation of Authority § 3191.5-1 Indian... out on Indian lands without the written permission of the affected Indian tribe or allottee. (b) A...

  15. 17 CFR Appendix B to Part 38 - Guidance on, and Acceptable Practices in, Compliance With Core Principles

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... markets, it is more appropriate to pay attention to the availability and pricing of the commodity making... decision-making regarding emergency intervention in the market, including procedures and guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest while carrying out such decision-making. A contract market should also have...

  16. 17 CFR Appendix B to Part 38 - Guidance on, and Acceptable Practices in, Compliance With Core Principles

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... markets, it is more appropriate to pay attention to the availability and pricing of the commodity making... decision-making regarding emergency intervention in the market, including procedures and guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest while carrying out such decision-making. A contract market should also have...

  17. 24 CFR 883.604 - Maximum annual commitment and project account.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... annual commitment. The maximum annual contribution that may be contracted for in the ACC is the total of... annual commitment exceeds the amount actually paid out under the ACC each year. Payments will be made... specifically approved by the Secretary. (2) Whenever a HUD-approved estimate of required payments under the ACC...

  18. 24 CFR 883.604 - Maximum annual commitment and project account.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... annual commitment. The maximum annual contribution that may be contracted for in the ACC is the total of... annual commitment exceeds the amount actually paid out under the ACC each year. Payments will be made... specifically approved by the Secretary. (2) Whenever a HUD-approved estimate of required payments under the ACC...

  19. Profiting from Education: Incentive Issues in Contracting Out. EPI Policy Paper #1.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Payne, James L.

    The privatization of schools and school services is strenuously opposed by trade unions representing school district employees. This paper examines the opposing arguments advanced by the National Education Association and finds that the objections involve two distinct points: (1) the economic role of profit; and (2) idealism in the schools. The…

  20. 76 FR 45272 - Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes Funding Opportunity

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-28

    ... address the potential and actual impact of CMS programs on American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN... programs (program) carry out health program objectives in the AI/AN community in the interest of improving... further IHS and CMS missions and goals related to providing quality health care to the AI/ AN community...

  1. 75 FR 22713 - Implementation of Sanitary Food Transportation Act of 2005

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-30

    ... onto open boxes of produce below, and with juices from the raw poultry dripping out onto the pavement... treatments designed to 22)] facility requirement'') achieve a 5-log reduction are separated by time or space... recently contracted with Eastern Research Group, Inc. (ERG) to undertake a study designed to characterize...

  2. The Impact of Legal and Administrative Remedies to Overcome Discrimination in Employment. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Marshall, Ray; and Others

    This study examines the effectiveness of specific attempts to remedy employment discrimination against minorities through litagation and contract compliance efforts. Further, its objective is to identify factors underlying the effectiveness or lack of effectiveness of court decisions and out-of-court settlements in producing changes in minority…

  3. 38 CFR 7.6 - Benefits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Benefits. 7.6 Section 7.6... Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act Amendments of 1942 § 7.6 Benefits. Any policy found to be entitled... such monetary benefits arising out of the contract or by reason thereof, will be held subject to...

  4. 38 CFR 7.6 - Benefits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Benefits. 7.6 Section 7.6... Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act Amendments of 1942 § 7.6 Benefits. Any policy found to be entitled... such monetary benefits arising out of the contract or by reason thereof, will be held subject to...

  5. 38 CFR 7.6 - Benefits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Benefits. 7.6 Section 7.6... Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act Amendments of 1942 § 7.6 Benefits. Any policy found to be entitled... such monetary benefits arising out of the contract or by reason thereof, will be held subject to...

  6. 38 CFR 7.6 - Benefits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Benefits. 7.6 Section 7.6... Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act Amendments of 1942 § 7.6 Benefits. Any policy found to be entitled... such monetary benefits arising out of the contract or by reason thereof, will be held subject to...

  7. 38 CFR 7.6 - Benefits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Benefits. 7.6 Section 7.6... Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act Amendments of 1942 § 7.6 Benefits. Any policy found to be entitled... such monetary benefits arising out of the contract or by reason thereof, will be held subject to...

  8. 13 CFR 125.2 - What are SBA's and the procuring agency's responsibilities when providing contracting assistance...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... justified); is for construction and seeks to package or consolidate discrete construction projects; or if a... alternatives may include: (A) Breaking up the procurement into smaller discrete procurements, especially construction acquisitions that can be procured as separate projects; (B) Breaking out one or more discrete...

  9. HEALTH MANPOWER RESEARCH. VOLUME 1.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    BUTTER, IRENE; AND OTHERS

    THE TWO PARTS OF THE DOCUMENT REFLECT THE ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT TO FULFILL THE PRIMARY PURPOSES OF A PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE CONTRACT (1) TO STIMULATE FURTHER ACADEMICALLY BASED HEALTH MANPOWER RESEARCH, AND (2) TO EXAMINE THE FIELD IN ORDER TO RECOMMEND PRIORITY AREAS OF HEALTH MANPOWER RESEARCH. PART A INCLUDES--(1) REFERENCE TO A SURVEY PAPER…

  10. 24 CFR 115.204 - Criteria for adequacy of law.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... the agency's decision-making authority to be contracted out or delegated to a non-governmental authority. For the purposes of this paragraph, “decision-making authority” includes but is not limited to...; (4) Any action specified in § 115.204(a)(2)(iii) or (b)(1); and (5) Any decision-making regarding...

  11. 41 CFR 109-1.5103 - Loan of personal property.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ...-INTRODUCTION 1.51-Personal Property Management Standards and Practices § 109-1.5103 Loan of personal property. (a) Personal property which is not excess and would otherwise be out of service for temporary periods... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Loan of personal...

  12. 41 CFR 109-1.5103 - Loan of personal property.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...-INTRODUCTION 1.51-Personal Property Management Standards and Practices § 109-1.5103 Loan of personal property. (a) Personal property which is not excess and would otherwise be out of service for temporary periods... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Loan of personal...

  13. 41 CFR 109-1.5103 - Loan of personal property.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ...-INTRODUCTION 1.51-Personal Property Management Standards and Practices § 109-1.5103 Loan of personal property. (a) Personal property which is not excess and would otherwise be out of service for temporary periods... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Loan of personal...

  14. 41 CFR 109-1.5103 - Loan of personal property.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...-INTRODUCTION 1.51-Personal Property Management Standards and Practices § 109-1.5103 Loan of personal property. (a) Personal property which is not excess and would otherwise be out of service for temporary periods... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Loan of personal...

  15. 41 CFR 109-1.5103 - Loan of personal property.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ...-INTRODUCTION 1.51-Personal Property Management Standards and Practices § 109-1.5103 Loan of personal property. (a) Personal property which is not excess and would otherwise be out of service for temporary periods... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Loan of personal...

  16. 75 FR 42774 - Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Actions

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-22

    ... Commission O&M--Operation and Maintenance P-SMBP--Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program PPR--Present Perfected... water from Applegate Reservoir (a USACE project) for irrigation use in exchange for the transfer of out...-feet of project water. 15. Prineville Reservoir water users, Crooked River Project, Oregon: Repayment...

  17. 76 FR 64175 - Loans in Areas Having Special Flood Hazards; Interagency Questions and Answers Regarding Flood...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-17

    ... such as logos and special characters. Identifying information that you provide, such as phone numbers... are further made in recognition of the position, set out in the revisions to proposed question and...-day notice period. However, in recognition of standard provisions in many contracts entered into...

  18. REQUEST A COLOR GUARD

    Science.gov Websites

    EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CONTACT REQUEST A SPEAKER REQUEST A COLOR GUARD OPERATIONAL CONTRACT SUPPORT HomeCONTACTREQUEST A COLOR GUARD Request a Color Guard Please take a moment to fill out the document at the link one month to process your request, but no more than three. Color Guard Request Form For Community

  19. Perception of personal risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency viral infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome among people attending outpatient clinics in a teaching hospital of Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Adegun, P T; Adegoke, S A; Solomon, O S; Ade-Ojo, I P

    2013-01-01

    The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pandemic is on the increase with the highest burden in sub-Saharan Africa. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 2008 to assess the knowledge, self-perception of risk of contracting HIV infection and risky sexual practices among patients attending some out-patient clinics at the University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The knowledge on the modes of transmission and methods of prevention of HIV was high. Although, 53.0% of the study participants perceived themselves not to be at risk of contracting HIV infection, 80.6% were engaged in risky sexual practices within a year preceding the study. Significantly more participants with multiple sexual partners, past and present history of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) perceived themselves not to be at risk (P= 0.001, 0.008 and 0.001 respectively). Effective strategies must therefore be developed, to enhance risk-perception since poor risk-perception is known to mitigate behavioral change.

  20. Unambiguous Evidence of Coronal Implosions during Solar Eruptions and Flares

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Juntao; Simões, P. J. A.; Fletcher, L.

    2018-05-01

    In the implosion conjecture, coronal loops contract as the result of magnetic energy release in solar eruptions and flares. However, after almost two decades, observations of this phenomenon are still rare and most previous reports are plagued by projection effects so that loop contraction could be either true implosion or just a change in loop inclination. In this paper, to demonstrate the reality of loop contractions in the global coronal dynamics, we present four events with the continuously contracting loops in an almost edge-on geometry from the perspective of SDO/AIA, which are free from the ambiguity caused by the projection effects, also supplemented by contemporary observations from STEREO for examination. In the wider context of observations, simulations and theories, we argue that the implosion conjecture is valid in interpreting these events. Furthermore, distinct properties of the events allow us to identify two physical categories of implosion. One type demonstrates a rapid contraction at the beginning of the flare impulsive phase, as magnetic free energy is removed rapidly by a filament eruption. The other type, which has no visible eruption, shows a continuous loop shrinkage during the entire flare impulsive phase, which we suggest shows the ongoing conversion of magnetic free energy in a coronal volume. Corresponding scenarios are described that can provide reasonable explanations for the observations. We also point out that implosions may be suppressed in cases when a heavily mass-loaded filament is involved, possibly serving as an alternative account for their observational rarity.

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