Sample records for voluntary agreements implementation

  1. PRESENT CONDITION AND MEASURES TO EXPAND OF VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT ON PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS REDUCTION AT THE PREFECTURAL LEVEL

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mori, Mayuka; Kanaya, Ken

    Purpose of this research is to clear present condition and measures to expand of voluntary agreement on plastic shopping bags reduction at the prefectural level. Methods of this research are questionnaire survey to prefectures implementing the agreement and survey by i town page to the number of stores of companies and the number of companies in the prefectures. Findings of this research are as follows: 1. The refusal rate of plastic shopping bags was 10-40% before the implementation of voluntary agreements. And the rate is approximately 70-90% after the implementation. Therefore, before and after the implementation of voluntary agreements, the refusal rate of plastic shopping bags is approximately 40-70% less. 2. It is suggested that the time and number of meetings from proposal to conclusion of the agreement are related in some way, to the ratio of stores participating. On the participation of administration, the ratio of stores participating in the case in which prefecture and cities participate is higher than in the case in which prefecture participates.

  2. Voluntary agreements between government and business - a scoping review of the literature with specific reference to the Public Health Responsibility Deal.

    PubMed

    Bryden, Anna; Petticrew, Mark; Mays, Nicholas; Eastmure, Elizabeth; Knai, Cecile

    2013-05-01

    A scoping review was conducted to synthesise the findings of evaluations of voluntary agreements between business and government. It aimed to summarise the types of agreements that exist, how they work in practice, the conditions for their success and how they had been evaluated. Voluntary agreements were included if they involved a transparent signing-up process and where businesses agreed to carry out specific actions or to achieve specific outcomes. Studies of any design published in English were included. 47 studies were identified. Voluntary agreements may help to improve relationships between government and business, and can help both parties agree on target-setting and data-sharing. Governments may also use the experience to help develop subsequent legislation. For voluntary agreements to be successful, targets should be ambitious and clearly defined, with robust independent monitoring. Public knowledge of agreements can help encourage participation and ensure compliance. If properly implemented and monitored, voluntary agreements can be an effective policy approach, though there is little evidence on whether they are more effective than compulsory approaches. Some of the most effective voluntary agreements include substantial disincentives for non-participation and sanctions for non-compliance. Many countries are moving towards these more formal approaches to voluntary agreements. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Nature-based flood risk management -challenges in implementing catchment-wide management concepts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thaler, Thomas; Fuchs, Sven

    2017-04-01

    Traditionally, flood risk management focused on coping with the flow at a given point by, for example, building dikes or straightening the watercourse. Increasingly the emphasis has shifted to measures within the flood plain to delay the flow through storage. As such the fluent boundaries imposed by the behaviour of the catchment at a certain point are relocated upstream by the human intervention. Therefore, the implementation of flood storages and the use of natural retention areas are promoted as mitigation measures to support sustainable flood risk management. They aimed at reducing the effluent boundaries on the floodplain by increasing the effluent boundaries upstream. However, beyond the simple change of practices it is indeed often a question of land use change which is at stake in water management. As such, it poses the questions on how to govern both water and land to satisfy the different stakeholders. Nature-based strategies often follow with voluntary agreements, which are promoted as an alternative instrument to the traditional top-down command and control regulation. Voluntary agreements aim at bringing more efficiency, participatory and transparency in solving problems between different social groups. In natural hazard risk management voluntary agreements are now receiving high interests to complement the existing policy instruments in order to achieve the objectives the EU WFD and of the Floods Directive. This paper investigates the use of voluntary agreements as an alternative instrument to the traditional top-down command and control regulation in the implementation of flood storages in Austria. The paper provides a framework of analysis to reveal barriers and opportunities associated with such approach. The paper concludes that institution and power are the central elements to tackle for allowing the success of voluntary agreement.

  4. Implementation of effective cigarette health warning labels among low and middle income countries: state capacity, path-dependency and tobacco industry activity.

    PubMed

    Hiilamo, Heikki; Glantz, Stanton A

    2015-01-01

    We investigates the effects of ratifying the WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FTCT), state capacity, path-dependency and tobacco industry activity on the implementation of effective health warning labels (HWL) on cigarette packs among low and middle income countries (LMIC). Using logistic regression in separate analyses for FCTC Article 11 compliant HWLs and graphic HWLs (GHWL), we found that the odds of FCTC compliance increased by a factor of 1.31 for each year after FCTC entered into force in the country (p < 0.01). The odds of passing GHWLs increased by a factor of 1.46 (p < 0.05) per year after FCTC entered into force. The weaker the capacity of the states were, the less likely they were to have implemented FCTC compliant HWLs (p < 0.05). The countries with voluntary HWLs in 1992 were less likely (OR = 0.19, p < 0.01) to comply with FCTC 21 years later (in 2013). The FCTC has promoted HWL policies among LMICs. Public health regulations require investments in broader state capacity. As the theory of path-dependency predicts voluntary agreements have long lasting influence on the direction of tobacco control in a country. Adopting voluntary HWL policies reduced likelihood of having FCTC compliant HWLs decades later. The fact that voluntary agreements delayed effective tobacco regulations suggests that policymakers must be careful of accepting industry efforts for voluntary agreements in other areas of public health as well, such as alcohol and junk food. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Voluntary Interdistrict Coordinating Council for the Settlement Agreement, Second Report to the Federal District Court, Eastern District of Missouri.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    DeClue, James A.; Uchitelle, Susan

    Progress made during 1984-85 in the implementation of a student transfer desegregation plan in St. Louis, Missouri, and surrounding counties, is described and evaluated in this report. Focus is on the activities of the two bodies which assumed responsibility for administering the plan, the Voluntary Interdistrict Coordinating Council (VICC) and…

  6. 44 CFR 332.4 - Termination or modifying voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED § 332.4 Termination or modifying voluntary agreements. The...

  7. 44 CFR 332.4 - Termination or modifying voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED § 332.4 Termination or modifying voluntary agreements. The...

  8. 44 CFR 332.4 - Termination or modifying voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED § 332.4 Termination or modifying voluntary agreements. The...

  9. 44 CFR 332.4 - Termination or modifying voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED § 332.4 Termination or modifying voluntary agreements. The...

  10. 44 CFR 332.4 - Termination or modifying voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED § 332.4 Termination or modifying voluntary agreements. The...

  11. 44 CFR 332.2 - Developing voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2012-10-01 2011-10-01 true Developing voluntary agreements. 332.2 Section 332.2 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION...

  12. 44 CFR 332.2 - Developing voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Developing voluntary agreements. 332.2 Section 332.2 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION...

  13. 44 CFR 332.2 - Developing voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Developing voluntary agreements. 332.2 Section 332.2 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION...

  14. 44 CFR 332.2 - Developing voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Developing voluntary agreements. 332.2 Section 332.2 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION...

  15. 44 CFR 332.2 - Developing voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Developing voluntary agreements. 332.2 Section 332.2 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION...

  16. 44 CFR 332.3 - Carrying out voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Carrying out voluntary agreements. 332.3 Section 332.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION...

  17. 44 CFR 332.3 - Carrying out voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2012-10-01 2011-10-01 true Carrying out voluntary agreements. 332.3 Section 332.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION...

  18. 44 CFR 332.3 - Carrying out voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Carrying out voluntary agreements. 332.3 Section 332.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION...

  19. 44 CFR 332.3 - Carrying out voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Carrying out voluntary agreements. 332.3 Section 332.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION...

  20. 44 CFR 332.3 - Carrying out voluntary agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Carrying out voluntary agreements. 332.3 Section 332.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION...

  1. 78 FR 4866 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Enhancement of Survival Permit Application; Draft...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-23

    ... Black-Footed Ferret Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement and Environmental Assessment; Reopening of Public... comment period for an application from the Black- footed Ferret Recovery Implementation Coordinator for an... federally endangered black-footed ferret on properties of voluntary participants across the species' range...

  2. Keeping up With The Neighbors: Nonproliferation and Implementation of UNSCR 1540

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-02-15

    of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) 25 3.2. Voluntary Commitments 3.2.1. International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) membership 3.2.2... IAEA Nuclear Security Fund contributions 3.2.7. Bilateral or multilateral assistance 3.2.8. Centers of Excellence 3.3. International Assurances...CPPNM implementation authority 4.2.2. National legal framework for CPPNM 4.3. Safeguards Adherence and Compliance 4.3.1. IAEA safeguards agreement

  3. 26 CFR 31.3402(p)-1 - Voluntary withholding agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 15 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Voluntary withholding agreements. 31.3402(p)-1 Section 31.3402(p)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED... SOURCE Collection of Income Tax at Source § 31.3402(p)-1 Voluntary withholding agreements. (a) In general...

  4. 26 CFR 31.3402(p)-1 - Voluntary withholding agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 15 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Voluntary withholding agreements. 31.3402(p)-1 Section 31.3402(p)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED... SOURCE Collection of Income Tax at Source § 31.3402(p)-1 Voluntary withholding agreements. (a) In general...

  5. 26 CFR 31.3402(p)-1 - Voluntary withholding agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 15 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Voluntary withholding agreements. 31.3402(p)-1 Section 31.3402(p)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED... SOURCE Collection of Income Tax at Source § 31.3402(p)-1 Voluntary withholding agreements. (a) In general...

  6. 26 CFR 31.3402(p)-1 - Voluntary withholding agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 15 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Voluntary withholding agreements. 31.3402(p)-1 Section 31.3402(p)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED... SOURCE Collection of Income Tax at Source § 31.3402(p)-1 Voluntary withholding agreements. (a) In general...

  7. 26 CFR 31.3402(p)-1 - Voluntary withholding agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 15 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Voluntary withholding agreements. 31.3402(p)-1 Section 31.3402(p)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED... SOURCE Collection of Income Tax at Source § 31.3402(p)-1 Voluntary withholding agreements. (a) In general...

  8. 12 CFR 211.7 - Voluntary liquidation of Edge and agreement corporations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Voluntary liquidation of Edge and agreement corporations. 211.7 Section 211.7 Banks and Banking FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL... Organizations § 211.7 Voluntary liquidation of Edge and agreement corporations. (a) Prior notice. An Edge or...

  9. 45 CFR 33.8 - Voluntary repayment agreement in lieu of salary offset.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Voluntary repayment agreement in lieu of salary... SALARY OFFSET § 33.8 Voluntary repayment agreement in lieu of salary offset. (a)(1) In response to the... notice of intent to offset. An employee who wishes to repay the debt without salary offset shall also...

  10. 32 CFR 78.7 - Standard agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Standard agreement. 78.7 Section 78.7 National... VOLUNTARY STATE TAX WITHHOLDING FROM RETIRED PAY § 78.7 Standard agreement. Standard Agreement For Voluntary State Tax Withholding From The Retired Pay Of Uniformed Service Members Article I—Purpose This agreement...

  11. 32 CFR 78.7 - Standard agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Standard agreement. 78.7 Section 78.7 National... VOLUNTARY STATE TAX WITHHOLDING FROM RETIRED PAY § 78.7 Standard agreement. Standard Agreement For Voluntary State Tax Withholding From The Retired Pay Of Uniformed Service Members Article I—Purpose This agreement...

  12. 40 CFR 305.25 - Informal settlement; voluntary agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Informal settlement; voluntary...) SUPERFUND, EMERGENCY PLANNING, AND COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW PROGRAMS COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE... Prehearing Procedures § 305.25 Informal settlement; voluntary agreement. (a) Settlement policy. The Agency...

  13. Public health economic evaluation of different European Union-level policy options aimed at reducing population dietary trans fat intake.

    PubMed

    Martin-Saborido, Carlos; Mouratidou, Theodora; Livaniou, Anastasia; Caldeira, Sandra; Wollgast, Jan

    2016-11-01

    The adverse relation between dietary trans fatty acid (TFA) intake and coronary artery disease risk is well established. Many countries in the European Union (EU) and worldwide have implemented different policies to reduce the TFA intake of their populations. The aim of this study was to assess the added value of EU-level action by estimating the cost-effectiveness of 3 possible EU-level policy measures to reduce population dietary TFA intake. This was calculated against a reference situation of not implementing any EU-level policy (i.e., by assuming only national or self-regulatory measures). We developed a mathematical model to compare different policy options at the EU level: 1) to do nothing beyond the current state (reference situation), 2) to impose mandatory TFA labeling of prepackaged foods, 3) to seek voluntary agreements toward further reducing industrially produced TFA (iTFA) content in foods, and 4) to impose a legislative limit for iTFA content in foods. The model indicated that to impose an EU-level legal limit or to make voluntary agreements may, over the course of a lifetime (85 y), avoid the loss of 3.73 and 2.19 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), respectively, and save >51 and 23 billion euros when compared with the reference situation. Implementing mandatory TFA labeling can also avoid the loss of 0.98 million DALYs, but this option incurs more costs than it saves compared with the reference option. The model indicates that there is added value of an EU-level action, either via a legal limit or through voluntary agreements, with the legal limit option producing the highest additional health benefits. Introducing mandatory TFA labeling for the EU common market may provide some additional health benefits; however, this would likely not be a cost-effective strategy.

  14. Public health economic evaluation of different European Union–level policy options aimed at reducing population dietary trans fat intake12

    PubMed Central

    Mouratidou, Theodora; Livaniou, Anastasia

    2016-01-01

    Background: The adverse relation between dietary trans fatty acid (TFA) intake and coronary artery disease risk is well established. Many countries in the European Union (EU) and worldwide have implemented different policies to reduce the TFA intake of their populations. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the added value of EU-level action by estimating the cost-effectiveness of 3 possible EU-level policy measures to reduce population dietary TFA intake. This was calculated against a reference situation of not implementing any EU-level policy (i.e., by assuming only national or self-regulatory measures). Design: We developed a mathematical model to compare different policy options at the EU level: 1) to do nothing beyond the current state (reference situation), 2) to impose mandatory TFA labeling of prepackaged foods, 3) to seek voluntary agreements toward further reducing industrially produced TFA (iTFA) content in foods, and 4) to impose a legislative limit for iTFA content in foods. Results: The model indicated that to impose an EU-level legal limit or to make voluntary agreements may, over the course of a lifetime (85 y), avoid the loss of 3.73 and 2.19 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), respectively, and save >51 and 23 billion euros when compared with the reference situation. Implementing mandatory TFA labeling can also avoid the loss of 0.98 million DALYs, but this option incurs more costs than it saves compared with the reference option. Conclusions: The model indicates that there is added value of an EU-level action, either via a legal limit or through voluntary agreements, with the legal limit option producing the highest additional health benefits. Introducing mandatory TFA labeling for the EU common market may provide some additional health benefits; however, this would likely not be a cost-effective strategy. PMID:27680991

  15. 10 CFR 209.31 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... OF ENERGY OIL INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS Carrying Out of Voluntary Agreements and Developing... standards and procedures by which persons engaged in the business of producing, transporting, refining... International Energy Program. ...

  16. Sediment yield response to sediment reduction strategies implemented for 10 years in watersheds managed for industrial forestry in northern California

    Treesearch

    Kate Sullivan

    2012-01-01

    For the past decade, the productive forestlands now owned and operated by the Humboldt Redwood Company have been managed with low impact practices designed to reduce sediment delivery according to voluntary agreements and regulatory requirements of state and federal agencies. These timberlands located in the erosive sedimentary terrain of the northern coast of...

  17. 22 CFR 309.18 - Voluntary repayment agreements as an alternative to salary offset.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... to salary offset. 309.18 Section 309.18 Foreign Relations PEACE CORPS DEBT COLLECTION Salary Offset § 309.18 Voluntary repayment agreements as an alternative to salary offset. (a) In response to a notice of intent, an employee may propose a written agreement to repay the debt as an alternative to salary...

  18. 45 CFR 1150.9 - How can I resolve the Endowment's claim through a voluntary repayment agreement?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... the debt through a voluntary repayment agreement in lieu of the Endowment taking other collection... may be required to enter into a confess-judgment note or bond of indemnity with surety as part of an...

  19. 45 CFR 1150.9 - How can I resolve the Endowment's claim through a voluntary repayment agreement?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... the debt through a voluntary repayment agreement in lieu of the Endowment taking other collection... may be required to enter into a confess-judgment note or bond of indemnity with surety as part of an...

  20. 10 CFR 209.21 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... OF ENERGY OIL INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS Development of Voluntary Agreements § 209.21 Purpose... business of producing, transporting, refining, distributing. or storing petroleum products shall develop... International Energy Program. (b) This subpart does not apply to meetings of bodies created by the International...

  1. 76 FR 41861 - Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA)

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-15

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) AGENCY: Maritime Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of open season for enrollment in the VISA program. Introduction The VISA program was established pursuant to section 708 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as...

  2. 75 FR 52594 - Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA)

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-26

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) AGENCY: Maritime Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of open season for enrollment in the VISA program. Introduction The VISA program was established pursuant to section 708 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as...

  3. 77 FR 53963 - Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA)

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-09-04

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) AGENCY: Maritime Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of open season for enrollment in the VISA program. Introduction The VISA program was established pursuant to section 708 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as...

  4. 10 CFR 209.21 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... OF ENERGY OIL INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS Development of Voluntary Agreements § 209.21 Purpose... business of producing, transporting, refining, distributing. or storing petroleum products shall develop... International Energy Program. (b) This subpart does not apply to meetings of bodies created by the International...

  5. An evaluation of the Public Health Responsibility Deal: Informants' experiences and views of the development, implementation and achievements of a pledge-based, public-private partnership to improve population health in England.

    PubMed

    Durand, Mary Alison; Petticrew, Mark; Goulding, Lucy; Eastmure, Elizabeth; Knai, Cecile; Mays, Nicholas

    2015-11-01

    The Coalition Government's Public Health Responsibility Deal (RD) was launched in England in 2011 as a public-private partnership designed to improve public health in the areas of food, alcohol, health at work and physical activity. As part of a larger evaluation, we explored informants' experiences and views about the RD's development, implementation and achievements. We conducted 44 semi-structured interviews with 50 interviewees, purposively sampled from: RD partners (businesses, public sector and non-governmental organisations); individuals with formal roles in implementing the RD; and non-partners and former partners. Data were analysed thematically: NVivo (10) software was employed to manage the data. Key motivations underpinning participation were corporate social responsibility and reputational enhancement. Being a partner often involved making pledges related to work already underway or planned before joining the RD, suggesting limited 'added value' from the RD, although some pledge achievements (e.g., food reformulation) were described. Benefits included access to government, while drawbacks included resource implications and the risk of an 'uneven playing field' between partners and non-partners. To ensure that voluntary agreements like the RD produce gains to public health that would not otherwise have occurred, government needs to: increase participation and compliance through incentives and sanctions, including those affecting organisational reputation; create greater visibility of voluntary agreements; and increase scrutiny and monitoring of partners' pledge activities. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. 5 CFR 179.209 - Voluntary repayment agreement as alternative to salary offset.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... alternative to salary offset. 179.209 Section 179.209 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS CLAIMS COLLECTION STANDARDS Salary Offset § 179.209 Voluntary repayment agreement as alternative to salary offset. (a)(1) In response to a notice of intent, an employee may propose...

  7. 45 CFR 1150.9 - How can I resolve the Endowment's claim through a voluntary repayment agreement?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false How can I resolve the Endowment's claim through a voluntary repayment agreement? 1150.9 Section 1150.9 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS COLLECTION OF...

  8. 45 CFR 1150.9 - How can I resolve the Endowment's claim through a voluntary repayment agreement?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false How can I resolve the Endowment's claim through a voluntary repayment agreement? 1150.9 Section 1150.9 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS COLLECTION OF...

  9. Status and Trends in the U.S. Voluntary Green Power Market (2014 Data)

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

    O'Shaughnessy, Eric; Heeter, Jenny; Liu, Chang

    2015-10-16

    NREL's annual report on green power markets summarizes status and trends in the voluntary demand for renewable energy. U.S. green power markets have become more complex over time as state-level policies have enabled more avenues for green power purchases. In recent years, community solar, community choice aggregation (CCA), and voluntary power purchase agreements (PPAs) have significantly increased the number of U.S. voluntary green power customers. The community solar model has grown rapidly with 90 projects in 25 states by 2015. Renewable energy sales in CCAs declined slightly in 2014 in response to less favorable economic conditions in Illinois. At themore » same time, several California CCAs continued to grow, and many more communities are planning to pursue green power through aggregation. Voluntary green power purchasing through bi-lateral PPAs took off in 2014 due to several large-scale agreements signed by information and communication technology firms. Traditional green power options, such as utility green pricing programs and voluntary RECs markets, also grew in 2014. Current trends suggest strong continued growth in U.S. voluntary green power markets.« less

  10. 26 CFR 31.3402(p)-1T - Voluntary Withholding Agreements (temporary).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ...). 31.3402(p)-1T Section 31.3402(p)-1T Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE... COLLECTION OF INCOME TAX AT SOURCE Collection of Income Tax at Source § 31.3402(p)-1T Voluntary Withholding Agreements (temporary). (a)-(b) [Reserved] For further guidance, see § 31.3402(p)-1(a) and (b). (c) Other...

  11. History of the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-06-01

    reflect executed Voluntary Enrollment Contracts (VEC) for VISA Stages I, II, and III to include basic activation procedures; DOD annual minimums for...provisions; and on-the-shelf basic agreements (such as VISA Intermodal Contingency Contracts (VICC) for Stages I, II, and III). The anticipated...insufficient Program incentives are revised annually, but the basic tenets remain in place. Activation, capacity required to commit and carrier risk clauses

  12. The educational potential of direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising.

    PubMed

    Kaphingst, Kimberly A; DeJong, William

    2004-01-01

    Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertising allow broadcast advertisements with incomplete risk information if the ads refer consumers to physicians, pharmacists, and supplemental information sources. New research reveals several problems with both television advertisements and supplemental text materials that might compromise their ability to meet the FDA's requirement for "fair balance" in the presentation of risks and benefits. In response, we make several recommendations to improve the educational quality of DTC advertising, which can be implemented through either voluntary agreements or revised FDA regulations.

  13. State of the Voluntary Green Power Market (2016 Data)

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

    OShaughnessy, Eric J; Heeter, Jenny S; Cook, Jeffrey J

    Annual report of sales and number of customers in voluntary green power markets, including utility green pricing programs, utility green partnerships, competitive suppliers, unbundled renewable energy certificates, community choice aggregations, power purchase agreements, and community solar.

  14. Voluntary coordination as a strategy of plan implementation for health systems agencies.

    PubMed

    Berry, D E; Candia, G R

    1979-10-01

    Health planning agencies are faced with the difficult mission of guiding change within a large complex social system whose power is dispersed. Initial short- and long-range plans have been established as frameworks, and now the major focus is implementation. Regulation (non-voluntary coordination) and voluntary coordination are the major means of implementation. Voluntary coordination is a significant strategy for consideration by Health Systems Agencies (HSAs). It may interact with regulation as a competitor, substitute, or complement. Because of limited regulatory powers, HSAs are dependent upon voluntary coordination as a major means of influencing behavior. Conflict, a major feature of voluntary coordination, has the potential of being used as a constructive means for dialogue; negotiation and bargaining may become positive approaches to arriving at decisions. Legitimized community authority is the primary source of authority in a strategy dominated by voluntary coordination as contrasted to state or federal mandates in a regulatory strategy. Knowledge of the environment within which the HSA operates will assist HSA staff and board to arrive at rational and realistic decisions.

  15. Voluntary Mobile Source Programs: Crediting Innovation and Experimentation Brochure

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This EPA document provides guidance on Voluntary Mobile Source Emission Reduction Programs (VMEPs) that could be implemented and credited with emission reductions for State Implementation Plans (SIPs) related purposes.

  16. 75 FR 34148 - Voluntary Private Sector Accreditation and Certification Preparedness Program

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-16

    ...] Voluntary Private Sector Accreditation and Certification Preparedness Program AGENCY: Federal Emergency...) announces its adoption of three standards for the Voluntary Private Sector Accreditation and Certification... DHS to develop and implement a Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification...

  17. Status and Trends in the U.S. Voluntary Green Power Market (2015 Data)

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

    O'Shaughnessy, Eric; Liu, Chang; Heeter, Jenny

    The voluntary green power market refers to the sale and procurement of renewable energy for voluntary purposes by residential and commercial customers. This report reviews seven green power procurement mechanisms: utility green pricing programs, utility green tariffs, voluntary unbundled renewable energy certificates, competitive supplier green power, community choice aggregations, voluntary power purchase agreements (PPAs), and community solar. This report details the status of trends of those seven green power procurement mechanisms in 2015. Three trends -- significant growth of the voluntary PPA project pipeline, innovative green power mechanisms developed by utilities, and geographic expansion of green power mechanisms -- suggestmore » that the green power market is likely to continue to grow in coming years.« less

  18. 48 CFR 1819.7210 - Agreement terminations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Agreement terminations... ADMINISTRATION SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS NASA Mentor-Protégé Program 1819.7210 Agreement terminations. (a) Agreements may be terminated for cause or on a voluntary basis by the mentor or the protégé...

  19. 25 CFR 224.174 - When does a voluntary rescission become effective?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 25 Indians 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false When does a voluntary rescission become effective? 224.174 Section 224.174 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ENERGY AND MINERALS TRIBAL ENERGY RESOURCE AGREEMENTS UNDER THE INDIAN TRIBAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND SELF DETERMINATION ACT...

  20. 25 CFR 224.174 - When does a voluntary rescission become effective?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false When does a voluntary rescission become effective? 224.174 Section 224.174 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ENERGY AND MINERALS TRIBAL ENERGY RESOURCE AGREEMENTS UNDER THE INDIAN TRIBAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND SELF DETERMINATION ACT...

  1. The Structuring of Shared Voluntary Standards in the U.S. Semiconductor Industry: Communicating to Reach Agreement.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Browning, Larry D.; Beyer, Janice M.

    1998-01-01

    Contributes to scholarship on organizational communication by tracing how voluntary cooperative standards were developed for the semiconductor industry through reflexive communication processes initiated by the SEMATECH consortium. Analyzes seven pivotal incidents that show how increased communication produced new provinces of meaning, actions,…

  2. Incorporating Voluntary Mobile Source Emission Reduction Programs in State Implementation Plans (SIPs)

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This EPA memorandum provides guidance and sets forth policy and interpretation regarding the granting of explicit State Implementation Plan (SIP) credit for Voluntary Mobile Source Emission Reduction Programs (VMEPs) under section 110 of the Clean Air Act.

  3. 17 CFR 40.3 - Voluntary submission of new products for Commission review and approval.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION PROVISIONS COMMON TO REGISTERED ENTITIES § 40.3 Voluntary submission of new...) Describe any agreements or contracts entered into with other parties that enable the registered entity to...) Certify that the registered entity posted a notice of its request for Commission approval of the new...

  4. 17 CFR 40.3 - Voluntary submission of new products for Commission review and approval.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION PROVISIONS COMMON TO REGISTERED ENTITIES § 40.3 Voluntary submission of new...) Describe any agreements or contracts entered into with other parties that enable the registered entity to...) Certify that the registered entity posted a notice of its request for Commission approval of the new...

  5. 17 CFR 40.3 - Voluntary submission of new products for Commission review and approval.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION PROVISIONS COMMON TO REGISTERED ENTITIES § 40.3 Voluntary submission of new...) Describe any agreements or contracts entered into with other parties that enable the registered entity to...) Certify that the registered entity posted a notice of its request for Commission approval of the new...

  6. 42 CFR 486.312 - De-certification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false De-certification. 486.312 Section 486.312 Public...-Certification and De-Certification § 486.312 De-certification. (a) Voluntary termination of agreement. If an OPO... determined by CMS. CMS will de-certify the OPO as of the effective date of the voluntary termination. (b...

  7. 42 CFR 486.312 - De-certification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false De-certification. 486.312 Section 486.312 Public...-Certification and De-Certification § 486.312 De-certification. (a) Voluntary termination of agreement. If an OPO... determined by CMS. CMS will de-certify the OPO as of the effective date of the voluntary termination. (b...

  8. 30 CFR 250.1303 - How do I apply for voluntary unitization?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... plan of operation; (3) Supporting geological, geophysical, and engineering data; and (4) Other... model unit agreement for you to follow. If MMS revises the model, MMS will publish the revised model in the Federal Register. If you vary your unit agreement from the model agreement, you must obtain the...

  9. From sacred cows to sacrificial lambs: implementing agricultural phosphorus science and management to combat eutrophication

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Experience with implementing agricultural phosphorus (P) strategies highlights successes and uncertainty over outcomes. We examine case studies from the USA, UK, and Sweden to examine P management under voluntary, litigated and regulatory settings. In the USA, voluntary strategies to curtail P loadi...

  10. 77 FR 61473 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Voluntary Customer Surveys To Implement E.O. 12862...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-09

    ... Voluntary Customer Surveys To Implement E.O. 12862 Coordinated by the Corporate Planning and Performance... required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently... Coordinated by [[Page 61474

  11. Hesitance towards voluntary medical male circumcision in Lesotho: reconfiguring global health governance.

    PubMed

    Bulled, Nicola L

    2015-01-01

    Drawing on work examining HIV prevention initiatives in Lesotho, this paper considers the hesitation of national state actors towards the new strategy for HIV prevention - voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). Lesotho offers a representative case study on global health governance, given the country's high HIV burden and heavy dependence on foreign donor nations to implement local HIV prevention initiatives. In this paper, I use the case of VMMC opposition in Lesotho to examine how the new era of 'partnerships' has shifted the architecture of contemporary global health, specifically considering how global agreements are translated or negotiated into local practice. I argue that Lesotho's domestic policy-makers, in employing national statistics to assess if VMMC is an effective approach to addressing the local epidemic, are asserting a claim of expertise. In doing so, they challenge the traditional structures of global health politics, which have largely been managed by experts and funders from and in the global North. I explore the development of global VMMC policy, what drives Lesotho's resistance to comply, and consider the impact renegotiation efforts may have on future global health architecture.

  12. Decontamination systems information and research programs. Quarterly report, July 1--August 31, 1996

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

    NONE

    1997-07-01

    The US contains numerous hazardous waste sites. Many sites are on private land near operating units of various companies. An effort is being made to determine the conditions under which such sites can be remediated voluntarily. The objective of the project will be to first assess the interest and willingness of industry in the Kanawha River Valley, WV to participate in discussions that would lead toward voluntary cleanup activities. The second will be to implement the activities agreed upon by the interested parties. The project will first involve individual discussions with the industrial, government, and other organized groups in themore » area. These discussions will help determine the feasibility of organizing voluntary efforts. If the discussions indicate that conditions may be favorable for developing individual or group voluntary cleanup projects, a working group will be convened to establish the environmental goals of the project as well as the technical approach for achieving those goals. The projects for the 1996 WVU Cooperative Agreement are categorized into three task focus areas: Task 1.0 Contaminant Plume Containment and Remediation, Task 2.0 Cross Cutting Innovative Technologies, and Task 3.0 Small Business Support Program. Summaries of the accomplishments for the subtasks reporting under these categories during the third quarter, 1 July 96 through 30 September 96, are presented.« less

  13. Implementation Fidelity of a Voluntary Sector-Led Diabetes Education Programme

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kok, Michele S. Y.; Jones, Mat; Solomon-Moore, Emma; Smith, Jane R.

    2018-01-01

    Purpose: The quality of voluntary sector-led community health programmes is an important concern for service users, providers and commissioners. Research on the fidelity of programme implementation offers a basis for assessing and further enhancing practice. The purpose of this paper is to report on the fidelity assessment of Living Well Taking…

  14. 75 FR 64951 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Illinois; Voluntary Nitrogen Oxides Controls

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-21

    ... for regulations governing Nitrogen Oxides (NO X ) emission allowances granted for implementation of voluntary control of NO X emissions from sources other than those covered by other Illinois NO X emission..., which would have incorporated a rule governing NO X emission allowances (estimation and crediting of NO...

  15. Voluntary environmental agreements: Good or bad news for environmental protection?

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

    Segerson, K.; Miceli, T.J.

    1998-09-01

    There has been growing interest in the use of voluntary agreements (VAs) as an environmental policy tool. This article uses a simple model to determine whether VAs are likely to lead to efficient environmental protection. The authors consider cases where polluters are induced to participate either by a background threat of mandatory controls (the stick approach) or by cost-sharing subsidies (the carrot approach). The results suggest that the overall impact on environmental quality could be positive or negative, depending on a number of factors, including the allocation of bargaining power, the magnitude of the background threat, and the social costmore » of funds.« less

  16. On Effectiveness and Legitimacy of 'Shaming' as a Strategy for Combatting Climate Change.

    PubMed

    Taebi, Behnam; Safari, Azar

    2017-10-01

    While states have agreed to substantial reduction of emissions in the Paris Agreement, the success of the Agreement strongly depends on the cooperation of large Multinational Corporations. Short of legal obligations, we discuss the effectiveness and moral legitimacy of voluntary approaches based on naming and shaming. We argue that effectiveness and legitimacy are closely tied together; as voluntary approaches are the only alternative to legally imposed duties, they are most morally defensible particularly if they would be the most effective in reducing the harmful greenhouse gases. Shaming could be made effective if states could prompt more corporations to accept voluntary cuts with high gains-such as public acknowledgements-and high losses, such as reporting on noncompliance and public exposure (naming), along with some kind of condemnation (shaming). An important challenge of such voluntary approaches is how to ensure compliance with the agreed upon commitments, while avoiding greenwashing or selective disclosure. Certain institutional arrangements are inevitable, including an independent measurement, monitoring and verification mechanism. In this paper, we discuss the potentials and ethical pitfalls of shaming as a strategy when corporations have a direct relationship with consumers, but also when they are in a relationship with governments and other corporations.

  17. Industrial companies' demand for energy based on a micro panel database -- Effects of CO{sub 2} taxation and agreements on energy savings

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

    Bjoerner, T.B.; Togeby, M.

    1999-07-01

    An econometric panel data analysis of industrial demand for electricity and energy is presented. In the panel energy consumption, production and value added are observed at company level. The authors estimate price and production elasticities for electricity and total energy (i.e. measuring the X per cent change in demand of say electricity of a one per cent increase in the price of electricity). The estimated price and production elasticities are allowed to vary according to company characteristics such as industrial sub-sector, company size, energy intensity and type of ownership. Most previous econometric studies on industrial energy demand use aggregate data,more » while a couple of micro level studies mainly employ cross-section analysis. To the knowledge this is only the second econometric study on industrial energy demand based on a large micro panel database. More than 2,700 Danish industrial companies during the period 1983 to 1995 are included in the model (covering the majority of all Danish industrial energy consumption). One advantage of micro data is that these data can be used to estimate the effect of an instrument like voluntary energy agreements. By entering a voluntary energy agreement a Danish company avoids paying the usual CO{sub 2} tax. Preliminary analyses suggest that there is a large positive gross reduction of electricity and total energy consumption of companies with energy agreements. However, the authors also find that companies would have had about the same reduction in electricity consumption if they had not entered into an agreement, but instead paid the full CO{sub 2} tax. Thus, the analysis suggests that the net effect on electricity use of the voluntary energy agreements is very low (perhaps even negative).« less

  18. One State's Response to the Collaborative Imperative: Voluntary Articulation Between the University of Wyoming and Wyoming's Community Colleges.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Powell, Judith A.; Gillum, Forrest E.; Murdock, Maggi; Winter, Jerry; Muto, Jan

    1998-01-01

    Presents the statewide articulation agreements developed by Wyoming higher education institutions, resulting in a common name and numbering system for lower-division courses, as well as dual admission agreements; 2+2, 2+3, and 3+1 articulation agreements; joint delivery of degree programs; and shared data on student performance. These agreements…

  19. Moderating effects of voluntariness on the actual use of electronic health records for allied health professionals.

    PubMed

    Chiu, Teresa Ml; Ku, Benny Ps

    2015-02-10

    Mandatory versus voluntary requirement has moderating effect on a person's intention to use a new information technology. Studies have shown that the use of technology in health care settings is predicted by perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, social influence, facilitating conditions, and attitude towards computer. These factors have different effects on mandatory versus voluntary environment of use. However, the degree and direction of moderating effect of voluntariness on these factors remain inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the moderating effect of voluntariness on the actual use of an electronic health record (EHR) designed for use by allied health professionals in Hong Kong. Specifically, this study explored and compared the moderating effects of voluntariness on factors organized into technology, implementation, and individual contexts. Physiotherapists who had taken part in the implementation of a new EHR were invited to complete a survey. The survey included questions that measured the levels of voluntariness, technology acceptance and use, and attitude towards technology. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with actual use of a compulsory module and a noncompulsory module of the EHR. In total, there were 93 participants in the study. All of them had access to the noncompulsory module, the e-Progress Note, to record progress notes of their patients. Out of the 93 participants, 57 (62%) were required to use a compulsory module, the e-Registration, to register patient attendance. In the low voluntariness environment, Actual Use was associated with Effort Expectancy (mean score of users 3.51, SD 0.43; mean score of non-users 3.21, SD 0.31; P=.03). Effort Expectancy measured the perceived ease of use and was a variable in the technology context. The variables in the implementation and individual contexts did not show a difference between the two groups. In the high voluntariness environment, the mean score of Actual Use was associated with Performance Expectancy (P=.03), Organization Facilitating Condition (P=.02), and Interest in Internet and Computer (P=.052) in univariate analyses. The only variable left in the logistic regression model was Organization Facilitating Conditions (mean score of users 3.82, SD 0.35; mean score of non-users 3.40, SD 0.48; P=.03), a variable in the implementation context. The factors affecting actual use were different in mandatory and voluntary environments, indicating a moderating effect of voluntariness. The results of this study have provided preliminary supports of moderating effects of voluntariness on the use of EHR by allied health professionals. Different factors were identified to be associated with actual use: (1) Ease of Use in mandatory environment, and (2) Organization Facilitating Conditions in voluntary environment. More studies are needed to examine the direction of moderating effects. The findings of this study have potential practical implications. In sum, voluntariness can be a highly relevant and important moderating factor not to be ignored in the design and evaluation of EHR.

  20. [Principles in the organization of voluntary certifying system for studies and services in pathologic anatomy].

    PubMed

    Pal'tsev, M A; Kakturskiĭ, L V

    2006-01-01

    The aim of voluntary certification is to improve the quality of pathology service and to implement it under the Russian Federation's laws and existing standards. The noncommercial organization "Voluntary Certifying System for Postmortem Studies" has been set up, which includes expert groups comprising highly skilled specialists.

  1. The University and the Voluntary Work Culture: Reality and Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Almaraee, Mohammed Abdullah

    2016-01-01

    To explore the present role of universities in propagating the culture of voluntary work in the Saudi community, mixed research design has been incorporated along with descriptive statistics for retrieving outcomes. The research design has been implemented in order to evaluate the concept of voluntary work culture among the university staff and…

  2. Audit of Mound Plant`s reduction in force

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

    Not Available

    1993-05-17

    Objective of this audit was to determine whether the Mound Plant`s Fiscal Year 1992 reduction in force (RIF) was effectively managed and implemented properly by DOE. DOE established policy to encourage contractors to reduce staffing by voluntary separations without unreasonable separation costs. EG&G Mound`s FY 1992 RIF was accomplished by voluntary separations; however, its implementation unreasonably increased costs because DOE did not have adequate criteria or guidelines for evaluating contractors` RIF proposals, and because EG&G Mound furnished inaccurate cost data to DOE evaluators. The unreasonable costs amounted to at least $21 million. Recommendations are made that DOE develop and implementmore » guidelines to impose limitations on voluntary separation allowances, early retirement incentive payments, and inclusion of crucial employee classifications in voluntary RIFs.« less

  3. 44 CFR 332.1 - General provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED § 332.1 General provisions. (a) Pursuant to section 708 of the Defense Production Act of... agreements to help provide for the defense of the United States by developing preparedness programs and...

  4. 44 CFR 332.1 - General provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED § 332.1 General provisions. (a) Pursuant to section 708 of the Defense Production Act of... agreements to help provide for the defense of the United States by developing preparedness programs and...

  5. 44 CFR 332.1 - General provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED § 332.1 General provisions. (a) Pursuant to section 708 of the Defense Production Act of... agreements to help provide for the defense of the United States by developing preparedness programs and...

  6. 44 CFR 332.1 - General provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED § 332.1 General provisions. (a) Pursuant to section 708 of the Defense Production Act of... agreements to help provide for the defense of the United States by developing preparedness programs and...

  7. 44 CFR 332.1 - General provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED § 332.1 General provisions. (a) Pursuant to section 708 of the Defense Production Act of... agreements to help provide for the defense of the United States by developing preparedness programs and...

  8. Perceived Need and Actual Usage of the Family Support Agreement in Rural China: Results from a Nationally Representative Survey

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chou, Rita Jing-Ann

    2011-01-01

    Purpose: The Family Support Agreement (FSA) is a voluntary but legal contract between older parents and adult children on parental support in China. As the first comprehensive empirical study on the FSA, this study aims to understand the prevalence and covariates of older parents' perceived need and actual use of this agreement. Design and…

  9. Moderating Effects of Voluntariness on the Actual Use of Electronic Health Records for Allied Health Professionals

    PubMed Central

    Ku, Benny PS

    2015-01-01

    Background Mandatory versus voluntary requirement has moderating effect on a person’s intention to use a new information technology. Studies have shown that the use of technology in health care settings is predicted by perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, social influence, facilitating conditions, and attitude towards computer. These factors have different effects on mandatory versus voluntary environment of use. However, the degree and direction of moderating effect of voluntariness on these factors remain inconclusive. Objective This study aimed to examine the moderating effect of voluntariness on the actual use of an electronic health record (EHR) designed for use by allied health professionals in Hong Kong. Specifically, this study explored and compared the moderating effects of voluntariness on factors organized into technology, implementation, and individual contexts. Methods Physiotherapists who had taken part in the implementation of a new EHR were invited to complete a survey. The survey included questions that measured the levels of voluntariness, technology acceptance and use, and attitude towards technology. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with actual use of a compulsory module and a noncompulsory module of the EHR. Results In total, there were 93 participants in the study. All of them had access to the noncompulsory module, the e-Progress Note, to record progress notes of their patients. Out of the 93 participants, 57 (62%) were required to use a compulsory module, the e-Registration, to register patient attendance. In the low voluntariness environment, Actual Use was associated with Effort Expectancy (mean score of users 3.51, SD 0.43; mean score of non-users 3.21, SD 0.31; P=.03). Effort Expectancy measured the perceived ease of use and was a variable in the technology context. The variables in the implementation and individual contexts did not show a difference between the two groups. In the high voluntariness environment, the mean score of Actual Use was associated with Performance Expectancy (P=.03), Organization Facilitating Condition (P=.02), and Interest in Internet and Computer (P=.052) in univariate analyses. The only variable left in the logistic regression model was Organization Facilitating Conditions (mean score of users 3.82, SD 0.35; mean score of non-users 3.40, SD 0.48; P=.03), a variable in the implementation context. The factors affecting actual use were different in mandatory and voluntary environments, indicating a moderating effect of voluntariness. Conclusions The results of this study have provided preliminary supports of moderating effects of voluntariness on the use of EHR by allied health professionals. Different factors were identified to be associated with actual use: (1) Ease of Use in mandatory environment, and (2) Organization Facilitating Conditions in voluntary environment. More studies are needed to examine the direction of moderating effects. The findings of this study have potential practical implications. In sum, voluntariness can be a highly relevant and important moderating factor not to be ignored in the design and evaluation of EHR. PMID:25720417

  10. Implementing hospital quality assurance policies in Iran: balancing licensing, annual evaluation, inspections and quality management systems.

    PubMed

    Aghaei Hashjin, Asgar; Delgoshaei, Bahram; Kringos, Dionne S; Tabibi, Seyed Jamaladin; Manouchehri, Jila; Klazinga, Niek S

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of applied hospital quality assurance (QA) policies in Iran. A mixed method (quantitative data and qualitative document analysis) study was carried out between 1996 and 2010. The QA policy cycle forms a tight monitoring system to assure hospital quality by combining mandatory and voluntary methods in Iran. The licensing, annual evaluation and grading, and regulatory inspections statutorily implemented by the government as a national package to assure and improve hospital care quality, while implementing quality management systems (QMS) was voluntary for hospitals. The government's strong QA policy legislation role and support has been an important factor for successful QA implementation in Iran, though it may affected QA assessment independency and validity. Increased hospital evaluation independency and repositioning, updating standards, professional involvement and effectiveness studies could increase QA policy impact and maturity. The study highlights the current QA policy implementation cycle in Iranian hospitals. It provides a basis for further quality strategy development in Iranian hospitals and elsewhere. It also raises attention about finding the optimal balance between different QA policies, which is topical for many countries. This paper describes experiences when implementing a unique approach, combining mandatory and voluntary QA policies simultaneously in a developing country, which has invested considerably over time to improve hospital quality. The experiences with a mixed obligatory/voluntary approach and comprehensive policies in Iran may contain lessons for policy makers in developing and developed countries.

  11. Cooperative Agreements in Indian Education. Indian Education Legal Support Project: "Tribalizing Indian Education."

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McCoy, Melody

    The Indian Education Legal Support Project emphasizes the legal rights of tribes to control the formal education of their members. The project's work includes developing tribal education laws and reforming state and national Indian education legislation. This document compiles 10 voluntary cooperative agreements among federal, public, and tribal…

  12. 40 CFR 305.25 - Informal settlement; voluntary agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...) SUPERFUND, EMERGENCY PLANNING, AND COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW PROGRAMS COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA) ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PROCEDURES FOR CLAIMS AGAINST THE SUPERFUND...

  13. 40 CFR 305.25 - Informal settlement; voluntary agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...) SUPERFUND, EMERGENCY PLANNING, AND COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW PROGRAMS COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA) ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PROCEDURES FOR CLAIMS AGAINST THE SUPERFUND...

  14. 40 CFR 305.25 - Informal settlement; voluntary agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ...) SUPERFUND, EMERGENCY PLANNING, AND COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW PROGRAMS COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA) ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PROCEDURES FOR CLAIMS AGAINST THE SUPERFUND...

  15. Clinical laboratory accreditation in India.

    PubMed

    Handoo, Anil; Sood, Swaroop Krishan

    2012-06-01

    Test results from clinical laboratories must ensure accuracy, as these are crucial in several areas of health care. It is necessary that the laboratory implements quality assurance to achieve this goal. The implementation of quality should be audited by independent bodies,referred to as accreditation bodies. Accreditation is a third-party attestation by an authoritative body, which certifies that the applicant laboratory meets quality requirements of accreditation body and has demonstrated its competence to carry out specific tasks. Although in most of the countries,accreditation is mandatory, in India it is voluntary. The quality requirements are described in standards developed by many accreditation organizations. The internationally acceptable standard for clinical laboratories is ISO15189, which is based on ISO/IEC standard 17025. The accreditation body in India is the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories, which has signed Mutual Recognition Agreement with the regional cooperation the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation and with the apex cooperation the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation.

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

    OShaughnessy, Eric J; Volpi, Christina M; Heeter, Jenny S

    Annual report of sales and number of customers in voluntary green power markets, including utility green pricing programs, utility green partnerships, competitive suppliers, unbundled renewable energy certificates, community choice aggregations, power purchase agreements, and community solar.

  17. 48 CFR 247.001 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... OF DEFENSE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TRANSPORTATION 247.001 Definitions. For definitions of “Civil Reserve Air Fleet” and “Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement,” see Joint Pub 1-02, DoD Dictionary of...

  18. A nutrition labeling intervention in worksite cafeterias: an implementation evaluation across two large catering companies in the Netherlands.

    PubMed

    Vyth, Ellis L; Van Der Meer, Esther W C; Seidell, Jacob C; Steenhuis, Ingrid H M

    2012-06-01

    By both increasing the availability of healthy foods and labeling these products with the Choices logo, caterers may facilitate employees to make a healthier choice in their worksite cafeterias. The aim of this study was to explore which attributes influence the implementation of the Choices logo in worksite cafeterias in the Netherlands. Questionnaires were completed by catering managers of 316 cafeterias of two large caterers in the Netherlands (response rate 49.8%). Attributes from the Diffusion of Innovations Theory were used to investigate whether they could predict implementation. Compatibility (consistency with the beliefs of the catering manager; OR = 1.52), voluntariness (perception of the implementation as voluntary; OR = 0.50), result demonstrability (ability to communicate the implementation; OR = 1.52) and complexity in the sense of time (time needed for implementation; OR = 0.70) were the best predictors for the frequency of offering fresh Choices products (all significant). For the frequency of using Choices promotion material, voluntariness (OR = 0.54), result demonstrability (OR = 1.51) and relative advantage (perceived advantage of the implementation; OR = 1.44) were the best predictors (all significant). In conclusion, this study provides unique insights into which perceived attributes influence the implementation of a nutrition logo in worksite cafeterias. To increase the implementation, the Choices logo should be consistent with catering managers' ideas about healthy food, the workload of implementing the logo should be limited and it could be recommended to incorporate the logo in the health policy of the caterer.

  19. 7 CFR 993.162 - Voluntary prune plum diversion.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... SERVICE (Marketing Agreements and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DRIED... production/dehydration characteristics. The addition of a county or counties, as the case may be, to one of...

  20. The Impact of the GATS on Transnational Tertiary Education: Comparing Experiences of New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ziguras, Christopher

    2003-01-01

    This paper examines the impact of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) on transnational higher education in four countries: New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia. The GATS is a multilateral agreement through which WTO members commit to voluntary liberalisation of trade in services, including…

  1. Staff's perceptions of voluntary assertiveness skills training.

    PubMed

    McVanel, Sarah; Morris, Beth

    2010-01-01

    Clinicians' ability to be assertive when unsure or concerned about procedures, treatment modalities, or patients' symptoms is key in reducing risk and preventing sentinel events. In this article, the authors provide a framework for generic, voluntary assertiveness communication skills workshops that any educator can implement.

  2. Adopting and implementing nutrition guidelines in recreational facilities: tensions between public health and corporate profitability.

    PubMed

    Olstad, Dana Lee; Raine, Kim D; McCargar, Linda J

    2013-05-01

    Little is known about how public entities can partner with industry to achieve public health goals. We investigated industry's perspective of factors that influenced their adoption and implementation of voluntary, government-issued nutrition guidelines (Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth, ANGCY) in recreational facilities. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using directed content analysis. Food services in recreational facilities. Seven managers from industry participated; five from companies that had adopted and implemented the ANGCY (adopters) in recreational facilities and two from companies that had not (non-adopters). Industry views nutrition guidelines through the lens of profitability. Non-adopters were unwilling to implement the ANGCY for fear of sacrificing short-term profitability, whereas adopters adhered to them in an attempt to position themselves for long-term profitability. Adopters faced barriers including few resources, no training, complex guidelines, low availability of and demand for ANGCY-compliant products, competitive pressures and substantial declines in revenue. Managers believed widespread voluntary adoption of the ANGCY was unlikely without government incentives and/or a mandate, as the environmental context for voluntary action was poor. All managers supported government-mandated implementation of the ANGCY to level the playing field upon which companies compete. Public-private partnerships in recreational facilities can embrace public health goals in the short term, provided industry perceives potential for long-term financial gain. Widespread uptake of voluntary nutrition guidelines in this setting is unlikely, however, as market mechanisms do not encourage industry to sell and promote healthier options. Government legislation may therefore be warranted.

  3. Inter-annual trend of the primary contribution of ship emissions to PM2.5 concentrations in Venice (Italy): Efficiency of emissions mitigation strategies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Contini, Daniele; Gambaro, Andrea; Donateo, Antonio; Cescon, Paolo; Cesari, Daniela; Merico, Eva; Belosi, Franco; Citron, Marta

    2015-02-01

    Ships and harbour emissions are currently increasing, due to the increase of tourism and trade, with potential impact on global air pollution and climate. At local scale, in-port ship emissions influence air quality in coastal areas impacting on health of coastal communities. International legislations to reduce ship emissions, both at Worldwide and European levels, are mainly based on the use of low-sulphur content fuel. In this work an analysis of the inter-annual trends of primary contribution, ε, of tourist shipping to the atmospheric PM2.5 concentrations in the urban area of Venice has been performed. Measurements have been taken in the summer periods of 2007, 2009 and 2012. Results show a decrease of ε from 7% (±1%) in 2007 to 5% (±1%) in 2009 and to 3.5% (±1%) in 2012. The meteorological and micrometeorological conditions of the campaigns were similar. Tourist ship traffic during measurement campaigns increased, in terms of gross tonnage, of about 25.4% from 2007 to 2009 and of 17.6% from 2009 to 2012. The decrease of ε was associated to the effect of a voluntary agreement (Venice Blue Flag) for the use of low-sulphur content fuel enforced in the area between 2007 and 2009 and to the implementation of the 2005/33/CE Directive in 2010. Results show that the use of low-sulphur fuel could effectively reduce the impact of shipping to atmospheric primary particles at local scale. Further, voluntary agreement could also be effective in reducing the impact of shipping on local air quality in coastal areas.

  4. 7 CFR 2.18 - Under Secretary for Food Safety.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ...; voluntary inspection and certification of technical animal fat; certified products for dogs, cats, and other... cooperative agreements to further research programs in the agricultural sciences (7 U.S.C. 3318). (2) Related...

  5. 7 CFR 2.18 - Under Secretary for Food Safety.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ...; voluntary inspection and certification of technical animal fat; certified products for dogs, cats, and other... cooperative agreements to further research programs in the agricultural sciences (7 U.S.C. 3318). (2) Related...

  6. Analysis of a voluntary initiative to reduce sodium in processed and ultra-processed food products in Argentina: the views of public and private sector representatives.

    PubMed

    Castronuovo, Luciana; Allemandi, Lorena; Tiscornia, Victoria; Champagne, Beatriz; Campbell, Norm; Schoj, Verónica

    2017-07-03

    The Less Salt, More Life program was the first voluntary salt reduction initiative in Argentina. This article analyzes the perspectives of the stakeholders involved in this voluntary agreement between the Ministry of Health and the food industry to gradually reduce sodium content in processed foods. This exploratory case study used a qualitative approach including 29 in-depth interviews with stakeholders from the public and private sectors and identified the role of the different stakeholders and their perceptions regarding the challenges encountered in the policy process that contribute to the debate on public-private partnerships in health policies. The article also discusses the initiative's main challenges and controversies.

  7. The CLASS Act: is it dead or just sleeping?

    PubMed

    Wiener, Joshua M

    2012-01-01

    The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established a voluntary public insurance program for long-term care: the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. In October 2011, the Obama Administration announced that the program would not be implemented because of the high risk of fiscal insolvency. Under the legislative design, adverse selection was a major risk and premiums would have been very high. This article discusses several CLASS Act design and implementation issues, including the design features that led to the decision not to implement the program: the voluntary enrollment, the weak work requirement, the lifetime and cash benefits, and the premium subsidy for low-income workers and students.

  8. Voluntary Truck and Bus Fuel-Economy-Program marketing plan. Final technical report, September 29, 1980-January 29, 1982

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

    None

    The aim of the program is to improve the utilization of fuel by commercial trucks and buses by updating and implementing specific approaches for educating and monitoring the trucking industry on methods and means of conserving fuels. The following outlines the marketing plan projects: increase use of program logo by voluntary program members and others; solicit trade publication membership and support; brief Congressional delegations on fuel conservation efforts; increase voluntary program presence before trade groups; increase voluntary program presence at truck and trade shows; create a voluntary program display for use at trade shows and in other areas; review voluntarymore » program graphics; increase voluntary program membership; and produce placemats carrying fuel conservation messages; produce a special edition of Fuel Economy News, emphasizing the driver's involvement in fuel conservation; produce posters carrying voluntary program fuel conservation message. Project objectives, activities, and results for each project are summarized.« less

  9. Development and Operation of a Voluntary Audit Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Murphy, Jerome R.

    This report describes a voluntary audit program implemented by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The comprehensive audit program was developed to assure that all corporate programs adhere to the ETS Standards for Quality and Fairness. The standards address issues which relate to all ETS activities such as accountability, confidentiality of…

  10. 44 CFR 332.5 - Public access to records and meetings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION... to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy. This section shall be...

  11. 44 CFR 332.5 - Public access to records and meetings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION... to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy. This section shall be...

  12. 44 CFR 332.5 - Public access to records and meetings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION... to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy. This section shall be...

  13. 44 CFR 332.5 - Public access to records and meetings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION... to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy. This section shall be...

  14. 44 CFR 332.5 - Public access to records and meetings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION 708 OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION... to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy. This section shall be...

  15. 7 CFR 1209.53 - Influencing governmental action.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; MISCELLANEOUS COMMODITIES), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information... to submit to the Secretary proposed voluntary grade and quality standards for mushrooms. Reports...

  16. 7 CFR 1209.53 - Influencing governmental action.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; MISCELLANEOUS COMMODITIES), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information... to submit to the Secretary proposed voluntary grade and quality standards for mushrooms. Reports...

  17. 7 CFR 1209.53 - Influencing governmental action.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; MISCELLANEOUS COMMODITIES), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information... to submit to the Secretary proposed voluntary grade and quality standards for mushrooms. Reports...

  18. 7 CFR 1209.53 - Influencing governmental action.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; MISCELLANEOUS COMMODITIES), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information... to submit to the Secretary proposed voluntary grade and quality standards for mushrooms. Reports...

  19. 7 CFR 1209.53 - Influencing governmental action.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; MISCELLANEOUS COMMODITIES), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information... to submit to the Secretary proposed voluntary grade and quality standards for mushrooms. Reports...

  20. 77 FR 48062 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-13

    ... emission controls rather than to changes in meteorology, economic conditions, temporary, or voluntary (not... observed improvement in air quality is due to an economic recession, changes in meteorology, or temporary... improvement is due to the economic downturn, temporary changes in meteorology, or voluntary emission...

  1. Translating Research Into Practice: Voluntary Reporting of Medication Errors in Critical Access Hospitals

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Katherine J.; Cochran, Gary; Hicks, Rodney W.; Mueller, Keith J.

    2004-01-01

    Context:Low service volume, insufficient information technology, and limited human resources are barriers to learning about and correcting system failures in small rural hospitals. This paper describes the implementation of and initial findings from a voluntary medication error reporting program developed by the Nebraska Center for Rural Health…

  2. A landholder-based approach to the design of private-land conservation programs.

    PubMed

    Moon, Katie; Cocklin, Chris

    2011-06-01

    Many ecosystems exist primarily, or solely, on privately owned (freehold) or managed (leasehold) land. In rural and semirural areas, local and regional government agencies are commonly responsible for encouraging landholders to conserve native vegetation and species on these private properties. Yet these agencies often lack the capacity to design and implement conservation programs tailored to rural and semirural landholdings and instead offer one program to all landholders. Landholders may elect not to participate because the program is irrelevant to their property or personal needs; consequently, vegetation-retention objectives may not be achieved. We differentiated landholders in Queensland, Australia, according to whether they derived income from the land (production landholders) or not (nonproduction landholders). We compared these two groups to identify similarities and differences that may inform the use of policy instruments (e.g., voluntary, economic, and regulatory) in conservation program design. We interviewed 45 landholders participating in three different conservation agreement programs (price-based rate [property tax] rebate; market-based tender; and voluntary, permanent covenant). Production landholders were more likely to participate in short-term programs that offered large financial incentives that applied to <25% of their property. Nonproduction landholders were more likely to participate in long-term programs that were voluntary or offered small financial incentives that applied to >75% of their property. These results may be explained by significant differences in the personal circumstances of production and nonproduction landholders (income, education, health) and differences in their norms (beliefs about how an individual is expected to act) and attitudes. Knowledge of these differences may allow for development of conservation programs that better meet the needs of landholders and thus increase participation in conservation programs and retention of native vegetation. ©2011 Society for Conservation Biology.

  3. Ongoing Voluntary Settlement and Independent Agency: Evidence from China

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Jing; Ren, Xiaopeng; Ma, Xinran

    2017-01-01

    Voluntary frontier settlement leads to independent agency. Since this type of research has not yet been implemented in ongoing voluntary settlement frontiers, we conducted several cultural tasks to investigate Shenzhen, known as China’s ongoing “South Frontier,” which is composed mostly of people that have emigrated from other Chinese provinces within the past 30 years. We hypothesized that residents of Shenzhen are more independent than those in other regions of Mainland China. As predicted, residents of Shenzhen scored higher than China inland residents in self-reported independent beliefs and scored lower in nepotism. The results indicate that, even in a short-term ongoing frontier, voluntary settlement is associated with independent agency. PMID:28798712

  4. High sound pressure levels in Bavarian discotheques remain after introduction of voluntary agreements.

    PubMed

    Twardella, Dorothee; Wellhoefer, Andrea; Brix, Jutta; Fromme, Hermann

    2008-01-01

    While no legal rules or regulations exist in Germany, voluntary measures were introduced to achieve a reduction of sound pressure levels in discotheques to levels below 100 dB(A). To evaluate the current levels in Bavarian discotheques and to find out whether these voluntary measures ensured compliance with the recommended limits, sound pressure levels were measured in 20 Bavarian discotheques between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. With respect to the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level for each 30-minute period (L Aeq,30min ), only 4/20 discotheques remained below the limit of 100 dB(A) in all time periods. Ten discotheques had sound pressure levels below 100 dB(A) for the total measurement period (L Aeq,180min ). None of the evaluated factors (weekday, size, estimated age of attendees, the use of voluntary measures such as participation of disc jockeys in a tutorial, or the availability of a sound level meter for the DJs) was significantly associated with the maximal L Aeq, 30min . Thus, the introduction of voluntary measures was not sufficient to ensure compliance with the recommended limits of sound pressure levels.

  5. 7 CFR 70.78 - Fees or charges for grading service performed under cooperative agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Fees and Charges § 70.78 Fees or charges for grading service performed under...

  6. 7 CFR 70.78 - Fees or charges for grading service performed under cooperative agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Fees and Charges § 70.78 Fees or charges for grading service performed under...

  7. School Governors and the Religious Ethos of C of E Voluntary Aided Primary Schools.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Francis, Leslie J.; Stone, Ernest A.

    1995-01-01

    Charts attitudes of the first generation of governors appointed to the Church of England voluntary aided primary schools in the Chichester (England) diocese, following the new Instruments of Government implemented in 1985. The foundation governors remain highly committed to maintaining a distinctive church-related ethos in these schools. (60…

  8. Stakeholder perceptions of collaboration for managing nature-based recreation in a coastal protected area in Alaska

    Treesearch

    Emily F. Pomeranz; Mark D. Needham; Linda E. Kruger

    2013-01-01

    Voluntary codes of conduct and best management practices are increasingly popular methods for addressing impacts of recreation and tourism in protected areas. In southeast Alaska, for example, a collaborative stakeholder process has been used for creating, implementing, and managing the voluntary Wilderness Best Management Practices (WBMP) for the Tracy Arm- Fords...

  9. 78 FR 9709 - Draft Guidance Regarding Voluntary Inspection of Vessels for Compliance With the Maritime Labour...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-11

    ... availability of a draft Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) that sets forth the Coast Guard's... guidance to the maritime industry, Coast Guard marine inspectors, and other affected parties on how the... and Coast Guard marine inspectors on how the Coast Guard intends to implement this new voluntary...

  10. Voluntary, Randomized, Student Drug-Testing: Impact in a Rural, Low-Income, Community

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barrington, Kyle D.

    2008-01-01

    Illegal drug use and abuse by the nation's secondary school students is a continuing public health issue and this is especially true for students living in rural, low-income areas where access to intervention and treatment services is often limited. To address this issue, some school districts have implemented voluntary, randomized, student …

  11. 10 CFR 209.3 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... ENERGY OIL INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS General Provisions § 209.3 Definitions. For purposes of... allocation provisions of the International Energy Program means the provisions of chapter V of the Program... international allocation of petroleum. (c) International Energy Agency (IEA) means the International Energy...

  12. "Keep a low profile": pesticide residue, additives, and freon use in Australian tobacco manufacturing

    PubMed Central

    Chapman, S

    2003-01-01

    Objectives: To review the Australian tobacco industry's knowledge of pesticide residue on Australian tobacco and its policies and practices on resisting calls by tobacco control advocates that consumers should be informed about pesticide residue as well as additives. Methods: Review of previously internal industry documents relevant to pesticides and additives in Australian tobacco located from the Master Settlement Agreement websites. Results: Between 1972 and 1994 Philip Morris Australia was aware that its leaf samples were often contaminated with pesticide residue, sometimes including organochlorine levels described by PM's European laboratories as being "extremely high". Consumers were not advised of the contamination nor products withdrawn. From 1981, the industry also resisted calls to declare fully the extent of use and long term safety data on all additives used in their products. They developed standard public responses that were evasive and misleading and, in 2000, implemented voluntary additive disclosure which allowed the companies to continue to avoid disclosure of any ingredient they deemed to be a trade secret. There was extensive use of ozone depleting freon in Australian tobacco manufacturing. Again, the industry kept this information away from consumers. Conclusions: Australian smokers are unable to make informed decisions about smoking because pesticide and additive disclosure remains voluntary. The Australian government should regulate tobacco to require full disclosure including information on the likely health consequences of inhaling pesticide and additive pyrolysis products. PMID:14645948

  13. Evaluation of rapid HIV test kits on whole blood and development of rapid testing algorithm for voluntary testing and counseling centers in Ethiopia.

    PubMed

    Tegbaru, Belete; Messele, Tsehaynesh; Wolday, Dawit; Meles, PhD Hailu; Tesema, Desalegn; Birhanu, Hiwot; Tesfaye, Girma; Bond, Kyle B; Martin, Robert; Rayfield, Mark A; Wuhib, Tadesse; Fekadu, Makonnen

    2004-10-01

    Five simple and rapid HIV antibody detection assays viz. Determine, Capillus, Oraquick, Unigold and Hemastrip were evaluated to examine their performance and to develop an alternative rapid test based testing algorithm for voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) in Ethiopia. All the kits were tested on whole blood, plasma and serum. The evaluation had three phases: Primary lab review, piloting at point of service and implementation. This report includes the results of the first two phases. A total of 2,693 specimens (both whole blood and plasma) were included in the evaluation. Results were compared to double Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) system. Discordant EIA results were resolved using Western Blot. The assays had very good sensitivities and specificities, 99-100%, at the two different phases of the evaluation. A 98-100% result agreement was obtained from those tested at VCT centers and National Referral Laboratory for AIDS (NRLA), in the quality control phase of the evaluation. A testing strategy yielding 100% [95% CI; 98.9-100.0] sensitivity was achieved by the sequential use of the three rapid test kits. Direct cost comparison showed serial testing algorithm reduces the cost of testing by over 30% compared to parallel testing in the current situation. Determine, Capillus/Oraquick (presence/absence of frefrigeration) and Unigold were recommended as screening, confirmation and tiebreaker tests, respectively.

  14. A mire of highly subjective and ineffective voluntary guidelines: tobacco industry efforts to thwart tobacco control in Malaysia.

    PubMed

    Assunta, M; Chapman, S

    2004-12-01

    To describe tobacco industry efforts in Malaysia to thwart government efforts to regulate tobacco promotion and health warnings. Systematic keyword and opportunistic website searches of formerly private tobacco industry internal documents made available through the Master Settlement Agreement and secondary websites; relevant information from news articles and financial reports. Commencing in the 1970s, the industry began to systematically thwart government tobacco control. Guidelines were successfully promoted in the place of legislation for over two decades. Even when the government succeeded in implementing regulations such as health warnings and advertising bans they were compromised and acted effectively to retard further progress for years to come. Counter-measures to delay or thwart government efforts to regulate tobacco were initiated by the industry. Though not unique to Malaysia, the main difference lies in the degree to which strategies were used to successfully counter stringent tobacco control measures between 1970 and 1995.

  15. Avoiding a fate worse than death: an argument for legalising voluntary physician-based euthanasia.

    PubMed

    Werren, Julia; Yuksel, Necef; Smith, Saxon

    2012-09-01

    The legalisation of voluntary physician-based euthanasia is currently the subject of much political, social and ethical debate and there is evidence in Australia of growing support for its implementation. In addressing many of the issues that surround legalisation, the article looks at some overseas jurisdictions that have legalised euthanasia to determine whether the social, political and ethical concerns prominent in the Australian debate have proved problematic in other jurisdictions. In addition, the article examines the report on the Dying with Dignity Bill 2009 (Tas) which commented extensively on the issues relating to voluntary physician-based euthanasia.

  16. 5 CFR 576.102 - Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment implementation plans.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... implementation plans. 576.102 Section 576.102 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL... level and any other factors, such as skills, knowledge, or retirement eligibility (as discussed in implementing guidance); (3) The time period during which incentives may be paid; (4) The number and maximum...

  17. 10 CFR 209.3 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Definitions. 209.3 Section 209.3 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OIL INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS General Provisions § 209.3 Definitions. For purposes of... Agency established by Decision of the Council of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and...

  18. 78 FR 64287 - Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement Open Season

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-28

    ... program. Participants operating vessels in international trade may receive top tier consideration in the... clearance process with DSS. Participants must have a FCL and security clearances at a minimum of SECRET.../intermodal service and resource requirements against industry commitments. JPAG meetings are often SECRET...

  19. Fleet Forecasts for the United States to 2020

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-03-21

    Commodity 36). In particular, WSTS Commodity 33 includes auto-related items - piston engines, electric motors and generators, air conditioners, fuel pumps...as last year, at best. Mazda , for example, recently announced an actual cutback at its Flat Rock production site. The Voluntary Restraint Agreements

  20. Low back pain and its treatment by spinal manipulation: measures of flexibility and asymmetry.

    PubMed

    Hoehler, F K; Tobis, J S

    1982-02-01

    Nineteen low back pain patients and eight patients not suffering from low back pain were given several tests of flexibility and asymmetry by two different examiners. Three criteria of reliability and validity were used: (1) significant agreement between independent observers, (2) significantly different scores in the groups with and without low back pain, and (3) significant improvement following a successful spinal manipulation. Tests of anterior flexion and asymmetry of foot eversion met only the first and second criteria while tests of hamstring tightness and asymmetry of voluntary straight leg raising met only the first and third criteria. Passive and voluntary straight leg raising tests were the only measures that met all three criteria. Therefore, of the objective tests investigated here, only passive or voluntary straight leg raising can be strongly recommended for use in the evaluation of spinal manipulative therapy for low back pain.

  1. Voluntary Nonmonetary Conservation Approaches on Private Land: A Review of Constraints, Risks, and Benefits for Raptor Nest Protection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Santangeli, Andrea; Laaksonen, Toni

    2015-02-01

    Biodiversity conservation on private land of the developed world faces several challenges. The costs of land are often high, and the attitudes of landowners towards conservation are variable. Scientists and practitioners need to scan for and adopt cost-effective solutions that allow for the long-term sustainability of conservation measures on private land. In this study, we focus on one of such possible solutions: Working with landowners to implement voluntary nonmonetary conservation. We restrict our focus to protection of raptor nests, but the ideas can be applied to other taxa as well. Through a literature review, we show that a voluntary nonmonetary approach for protecting raptor nests has been so far largely neglected and/or rarely reported in the scientific literature. However, results of a questionnaire sent to BirdLife partners across Europe indicate that this approach is more widely used than it appears from the literature. We show that voluntary nonmonetary approaches may represent useful tools to protect raptor nests on private land. We provide a workflow for implementation of such an approach in raptor nest protection, highlighting benefits, potential risks, and constraints in the application of the strategy. We suggest that a voluntary nonmonetary approach may have great potential for cost-effective conservation, but the risks it may entail should be carefully assessed in each case. There is an urgent need to consider and evaluate novel approaches, such as the one described here, which may constitute missed opportunities for cost-effective conservation.

  2. Successful implementation of property cleanup under the Ohio and the Texas voluntary programs

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

    Roffman, A.

    1999-07-01

    Cleanups of two properties, one located in Ohio and the other in Texas were successfully implemented. The facilities were printing plants that manufactured printed material and forms for commercial and industrial use. Primary products and chemicals involved in the manufacturing of the forms included ink, petroleum products and cleaning solvents. The Ohio property underwent a successful cleanup under the Ohio EPA Voluntary Action Program (VAP). It met the Ohio EPA residential land use cleanup standards for soil and shallow groundwater. A No Further Action letter has been submitted to the state and it resulted in the issuance of a Covenantmore » Not to Sue. The Texas facility underwent a successful cleanup under the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP). It resulted in the issuance of a Certificate of Completion (COC) for residential land use for soil, and a conditional COC for industrial land use for the shallow groundwater.« less

  3. 34 CFR 32.4 - Employee response.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Employee response. 32.4 Section 32.4 Education Office of the Secretary, Department of Education SALARY OFFSET TO RECOVER OVERPAYMENTS OF PAY OR ALLOWANCES FROM DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION EMPLOYEES § 32.4 Employee response. (a) Voluntary repayment agreement...

  4. 10 CFR 209.2 - Delegation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Delegation. 209.2 Section 209.2 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OIL INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS General Provisions § 209.2 Delegation. To the extent otherwise permitted by law, any authority, duty, or responsibility vested in DOE or the Administrator under...

  5. 10 CFR 209.2 - Delegation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Delegation. 209.2 Section 209.2 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OIL INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS General Provisions § 209.2 Delegation. To the extent otherwise permitted by law, any authority, duty, or responsibility vested in DOE or the Administrator under...

  6. 75 FR 14245 - Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-24

    ... emergency deployment and sustainment of U.S. military forces. This is to be accomplished through cooperation... significant portion of surge and sustainment requirements in the deployment of U.S. military forces during war... with military forces in response to: (i) Natural disasters; (ii) terrorists or subversive activities...

  7. Incentives for health.

    PubMed

    Anderson, Peter; Harrison, Oliver; Cooper, Cary; Jané-Llopis, Eva

    2011-08-01

    This article discusses incentives to help make healthy choices the easy choices for individuals, operating at the levels of the individual, producers and service providers, and governments. Whereas paying individuals directly to be healthier seems to have a limited effect, offering financial incentives through health insurance improves health. Changing the environment to make healthier choices more accessible acts as an incentive to improve health. Employers can provide incentives to improve the health of their employees. Producers and service providers can take voluntary action to make their products less harmful, and they can be nudged into marketing healthier products within a regulatory environment. International agreements and monitoring systems can incentivize governments to do more for health. Lessons from climate change adaptation suggest that multilevel governance and policy integration are greater obstacles to policy change and implementation than knowing what has to be done. Policy change and implementation are triggered by many drivers, many of which are side effects of other policy pressures rather than of the direct policy goal itself. Effective action to reduce noncommunicable diseases will require leveraging social networks into a new ways of thinking about health; making better health prestigious and aspirational, and giving health and wellness a brand that encourages positive behavior change.

  8. 77 FR 46631 - Television Broadcasting Services; Greenville, NC

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-06

    ... License, Inc. (``ION''), the licensee of WEPX- TV, channel 51, Greenville, North Carolina, requesting the substitution of channel 26 for channel 51 at Greenville. While the Commission instituted a freeze on the... relocate from channel 51 pursuant to a voluntary relocation agreement with Lower 700 MHz A Block licensees...

  9. 77 FR 6481 - Television Broadcasting Services; Lincoln, NE

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-08

    ... Broadcasting, LLC (``LBL''), licensee of KFXL-TV, channel 51, Lincoln, Nebraska, requesting the substitution of channel 15 for channel 51 at Lincoln. While the Commission instituted a freeze on the acceptance of full... channel 51 pursuant to a voluntary relocation agreement with Lower 700 MHz A Block licensees. Furthermore...

  10. 7 CFR 993.162 - Voluntary prune plum diversion.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; FRUITS, VEGETABLES, NUTS), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DRIED... dried weight equivalent of prune plums so diverted on a dryaway basis as follows: (1) For prune plums of..., which would not, under normal producer practices, be dried and delivered to a handler. On or before July...

  11. 7 CFR 993.162 - Voluntary prune plum diversion.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; FRUITS, VEGETABLES, NUTS), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DRIED... dried weight equivalent of prune plums so diverted on a dryaway basis as follows: (1) For prune plums of..., which would not, under normal producer practices, be dried and delivered to a handler. On or before July...

  12. 7 CFR 993.162 - Voluntary prune plum diversion.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... SERVICE (Marketing Agreements and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DRIED... dried weight equivalent of prune plums so diverted on a dryaway basis as follows: (1) For prune plums of..., which would not, under normal producer practices, be dried and delivered to a handler. On or before July...

  13. 7 CFR 993.162 - Voluntary prune plum diversion.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... SERVICE (Marketing Agreements and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DRIED... dried weight equivalent of prune plums so diverted on a dryaway basis as follows: (1) For prune plums of..., which would not, under normal producer practices, be dried and delivered to a handler. On or before July...

  14. 46 CFR 5.205 - Return or issuance of a credential or endorsement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... on incompetence due to drug abuse, the deposit agreement shall provide that the credential or endorsement will not be returned until the person: (1) Successfully completes a bona fide drug abuse... drug abuse monitoring program. (c) Where the voluntary deposit is based on incompetence due to alcohol...

  15. 46 CFR 5.205 - Return or issuance of a credential or endorsement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... on incompetence due to drug abuse, the deposit agreement shall provide that the credential or endorsement will not be returned until the person: (1) Successfully completes a bona fide drug abuse... drug abuse monitoring program. (c) Where the voluntary deposit is based on incompetence due to alcohol...

  16. 46 CFR 5.205 - Return or issuance of a credential or endorsement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... on incompetence due to drug abuse, the deposit agreement shall provide that the credential or endorsement will not be returned until the person: (1) Successfully completes a bona fide drug abuse... drug abuse monitoring program. (c) Where the voluntary deposit is based on incompetence due to alcohol...

  17. 46 CFR 5.205 - Return or issuance of a credential or endorsement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... on incompetence due to drug abuse, the deposit agreement shall provide that the credential or endorsement will not be returned until the person: (1) Successfully completes a bona fide drug abuse... drug abuse monitoring program. (c) Where the voluntary deposit is based on incompetence due to alcohol...

  18. 46 CFR 5.205 - Return or issuance of a credential or endorsement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... on incompetence due to drug abuse, the deposit agreement shall provide that the credential or endorsement will not be returned until the person: (1) Successfully completes a bona fide drug abuse... drug abuse monitoring program. (c) Where the voluntary deposit is based on incompetence due to alcohol...

  19. 12 hour shifts the Nambour Hospital experience.

    PubMed

    2007-08-01

    Union members have a lengthy history of campaigning for fair working hours and conditions. The success of such campaigns has led to the implementation of the eight hour working day and the 40 hour and then 38 hour week as industrial standards. More recently though, calls for greater flexibility in their shift arrangements by nurses at Nambour Hospital have led to a voluntary 12 hour shift being implemented in their Intensive Care Unit. While union members are protective of their hard won gains in achieving reduced working hours through the 8 hour day--ICU nurses at Nambour Hospital say the voluntary 12 hour shift initiative goes a way in addressing their work/life balance issues.

  20. Interorganizational health care systems implementations: an exploratory study of early electronic commerce initiatives.

    PubMed

    Payton, F C; Ginzberg, M J

    2001-01-01

    Changing business practices, customers needs, and market dynamics have driven many organizations to implement interorganizational systems (IOSs). IOSs have been successfully implemented in the banking, cotton, airline, and consumer-goods industries, and recently attention has turned to the health care industry. This article describes an exploratory study of health care IOS implementations based on the voluntary community health information network (CHIN) model.

  1. [Mexico. Federal agreement for voluntary motherhood].

    PubMed

    1991-01-01

    In June 1991, the National Forum for Voluntary Motherhood and the Decriminalization of Abortion was convened in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico. The forum culminated in the signing of a pact in which participants pledged to support the women of Chiapas in their efforts to win approval of legislation assuring the right to legal abortion. The action in Chiapas was viewed as the beginning of a national legislative process aimed at achieving juridical recognition of the sexual freedom of women. The participants planned to promote discussion in each community and state of existing abortion legislation and the proposed reforms to assure women the right to abortion. Space will be demanded in the mass media in order to inform the population. The movement will seek to develop a widespread local and national consensus on the right to voluntary maternity. Voluntary maternity implies recognition of the rights to women to make decisions regarding their own sexuality and fertility. It implies availability of sex education and contraception, as well as access to safe and legal abortions. Voluntary maternity implies elimination by society of morbidity and mortality due to causes associated with reproduction, and it implies generalized use of contraception and elimination of involuntary sterilization. Voluntary maternity requires that the state develop an ethic of protection of mothers and children, and that authoritarian demographic programs that do not recognize the humanity and autonomy of women be abandoned. Voluntary maternity requires protection by public institutions, and it requires that women and children have access to a decent standard of living. It requires as well that the daily care of children cease to be the exclusive responsibility of women and that it be shared by men. Women cannot be free as long as maternity is compulsory. It is proposed that the discussions and proposals made to local legislatures will eventually be brought before the national Congress in order that legislation be enacted to safeguard the right to voluntary maternity of all Mexican women.

  2. [The Spanish strategy for nutrition, physical activity and the prevention of obesity (NAOS Strategy)].

    PubMed

    Ballesteros Arribas, Juan Manuel; Dal-Re Saavedra, Marián; Pérez-Farinós, Napoleón; Villar Villalba, Carmen

    2007-01-01

    Obesity, the prevalence of which is still on the rise, is related to the main chronic diseases affecting the health of the population. Therefore, in 2004, the World Health Assembly approved the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health with the aim of reducing the risk factors of nontransmittable diseases related to unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. Along this same line, the Spanish Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs began implementing the NAOS Strategy in 2005 as a platform from which to include and promote all those initiatives contributing to achieving the necessary social change in the promotion of healthy eating and the prevention of a sedentary lifestyle by meeting certain specific challenges within different scopes of action. The NAOS Strategy extends far beyond the healthcare and educational areas, by combining actions in all those sectors of society playing a role in preventing obesity. Informative campaigns, agreements with public and private institutions, voluntary working agreements, educational programs and supporting health promotion initiatives are some of the activities being carried out as part of the NAOS Strategy. Carrying out these activities and incorporating yet others, in conjunction with the work of evaluating and monitoring all of these activities, will be what is going to make it possible to maintain a high degree of effectiveness in preventing obesity.

  3. Implementing a routine, voluntary HIV testing program in a Massachusetts county prison.

    PubMed

    Liddicoat, Rebecca V; Zheng, Hui; Internicola, Jeanne; Werner, Barbara G; Kazianis, Arthur; Golan, Yoav; Rubinstein, Eric P; Freedberg, Kenneth A; Walensky, Rochelle P

    2006-11-01

    Although U.S. prison inmates have higher rates of HIV infection than the general population, most inmates are not routinely tested for HIV infection at prison entry. The study objective was to implement a routine, voluntary HIV testing program in a Massachusetts county prison. During admission, inmates were given group HIV pre-test counseling and were subsequently offered private HIV testing. This intervention was compared to a control period during which HIV testing was provided only upon inmate or physician request. Between November 2004 and April 2005, 1,004 inmates met inclusion criteria and were offered routine, voluntary HIV testing. Of these, 734 (73.1%) accepted, 2 (0.3%) were HIV-infected, and 457 (45.5%) had been tested for HIV in the previous year. The testing rate of 73.1% was significantly increased from the rate of 18.0% (318 of 1,723) during the control period (p<0.001). Among the inmates tested for HIV in the prior year, 78.2% had received their last HIV test in the prison setting. Careful attention should be paid to prevent redundancy of testing efforts in the prison population. Implementing a routine HIV testing program among prison inmates greatly increased testing rates compared to on-request testing.

  4. Adverse events and comparison of systematic and voluntary reporting from a paediatric intensive care unit.

    PubMed

    Silas, Reshma; Tibballs, James

    2010-12-01

    Little is known of the incidence of adverse events in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Perceived incidence may be dependent on data-collection methods. To determine the incidence of adverse events by voluntary reporting and systematic enquiry. Adverse events in PICU were recorded contemporaneously by systematic enquiry with bedside nurses and attending doctors, and compared with data submitted voluntarily to the hospital's quality and safety unit. Events were classified as insignificant, minor, moderate, major and catastrophic or lethal, and assigned origins as medical/surgical diagnosis or management, medical/surgical procedures, medication or miscellaneous. Among 740 patients, 524 adverse events (mean 0.71 per patient) occurred in 193 patients (26.1%). Systematic enquiry detected 405 (80%) among 165 patients and were classified by one investigator as insignificant 30 (7%); minor 100 (25%); moderate 160 (37%); major 103(25%) and catastrophic 12 (3%). The coefficient of agreement (kappa) of severity between the two investigators was 0.82 (95% CI 0.78-0.87). Voluntary reporting detected 166 (32%) adverse events among 100 patients, of which 119 were undetected by systematic reporting. Forty-nine events (9%) were detected by both methods. The number and severity of events reported by the two methods were significantly different (p<0.0001). Voluntary reporting, mainly by nurses, did not capture major, severe or catastrophic events related to medical/surgical diagnosis or management. Neither voluntary reporting nor systematic enquiry captures all adverse events. While the two methods both capture some events, systematic reporting captures serious events, while voluntary reporting captures mainly insignificant and minor events.

  5. The effect of voluntariness on the acceptance of e-learning by nursing students.

    PubMed

    Žvanut, Boštjan; Pucer, Patrik; Ličen, Sabina; Trobec, Irena; Plazar, Nadja; Vavpotič, Damjan

    2011-05-01

    Although e-learning is an innovation that is worth making generally available, it is not always accepted by nursing students. Many researchers state that voluntariness is closely related to the individual level of adoption of innovations. Hence, we hypothesized that voluntariness moderates the effect of perceived attributes of innovations (e.g. relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability), which determines the acceptance of e-learning. To test the hypothesis a survey involving two groups of nursing students was carried out. For the first group the usage of e-learning was mandatory, for the second group it was optional. The results confirm our hypothesis. Institutions, interested in e-learning initiatives, should consider the effect of voluntariness when implementing e-learning. This paper provides a useful reference that can help e-learning providers to develop guidelines that can improve the acceptance of e-learning. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Lessons from tobacco control for advocates of healthy transport.

    PubMed

    Mindell, J

    2001-06-01

    Many parallels can be drawn between cigarettes and motor vehicles, smoking and car driving, and the tobacco and the auto/oil industries. Those promoting healthy and sustainable transport policies can learn lessons from tobacco control activities over the past 50 years. Evidence-based legislation is more effective than negotiated voluntary agreements between industry and government. Media advocacy is crucial to reframe the issues to allow changes in national policies that facilitate healthier choices. Worthwhile public health policies seen as a threat by multinational companies will be opposed by them but active national and international networks of healthcare professionals, voluntary organizations, charities and their supporters can match the political power of these industries.

  7. Marine Mammal Take Reduction Program :: NOAA Fisheries

    Science.gov Websites

    of its implementation, the incidental mortality or serious injury of marine mammals from commercial implementation, the incidental mortality and serious injury mortality of marine mammals from commercial fishing during the course of commercial fishing operations, by fishery Recommended regulatory or voluntary

  8. Wiener Filtering of Surface EMG with a priori SNR Estimation Toward Myoelectric Control for Neurological Injury Patients

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Jie; Ying, Dongwen; Zhou, Ping

    2014-01-01

    Voluntary surface electromyogram (EMG) signals from neurological injury patients are often corrupted by involuntary background interference or spikes, imposing difficulties for myoelectric control. We present a novel framework to suppress involuntary background spikes during voluntary surface EMG recordings. The framework applies a Wiener filter to restore voluntary surface EMG signals based on tracking a priori signal to noise ratio (SNR) by using the decision-directed method. Semi-synthetic surface EMG signals contaminated by different levels of involuntary background spikes were constructed from a database of surface EMG recordings in a group of spinal cord injury subjects. After the processing, the onset detection of voluntary muscle activity was significantly improved against involuntary background spikes. The magnitude of voluntary surface EMG signals can also be reliably estimated for myoelectric control purpose. Compared with the previous sample entropy analysis for suppressing involuntary background spikes, the proposed framework is characterized by quick and simple implementation, making it more suitable for application in a myoelectric control system toward neurological injury rehabilitation. PMID:25443536

  9. The Science-Faith Debate in Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Carrington, Mary E.; Lyon, Gary L.

    2007-01-01

    A voluntary survey regarding beliefs on evolution, and creation and ethics was developed and administered on-line from June through July 2006 to over 100 students, faculty, and staff at a mid-sized public university in the Midwestern United States. The survey consisted of 33 questions to measure participant agreement with core principles of…

  10. 5 CFR 630.1202 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... process in which an individual becomes the legal parent of another's child. The source of an adopted child..., United States Code. Foster care means 24-hour care for children in substitution for, and away from, their... voluntary agreement by the parent or guardian that the child be removed from the home, or pursuant to a...

  11. 76 FR 72418 - Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority; Administration on...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-23

    ... components of ACF as well as other public, private, and voluntary sector partners, ADD develops and..., intergovernmental and public-private sector agreements, committees, task forces, commissions or joint-funding... the function to ADD as a result of the Charter Amendment for PCPID governed by Public Law 92-463...

  12. 76 FR 24291 - Proposed National Marketing Agreement Regulating Leafy Green Vegetables; Recommended Decision and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-29

    ... Practices (GAPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Good Handling Practices (GHPs). The program would be voluntary, and cover both United States and... referred to as the ``Act'', and the applicable rules of practice and procedure governing the formulation of...

  13. 5 CFR 352.903 - Effecting a detail or transfer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... detail or transfer. (a) Authority to approve. The head of an agency may enter into written agreements with the Commission for the detail or voluntary transfer, for set periods of time, of agency employees... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Effecting a detail or transfer. 352.903...

  14. 5 CFR 352.903 - Effecting a detail or transfer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... detail or transfer. (a) Authority to approve. The head of an agency may enter into written agreements with the Commission for the detail or voluntary transfer, for set periods of time, of agency employees... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Effecting a detail or transfer. 352.903...

  15. 5 CFR 352.903 - Effecting a detail or transfer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... detail or transfer. (a) Authority to approve. The head of an agency may enter into written agreements with the Commission for the detail or voluntary transfer, for set periods of time, of agency employees... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Effecting a detail or transfer. 352.903...

  16. 5 CFR 352.903 - Effecting a detail or transfer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... detail or transfer. (a) Authority to approve. The head of an agency may enter into written agreements with the Commission for the detail or voluntary transfer, for set periods of time, of agency employees... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Effecting a detail or transfer. 352.903...

  17. 5 CFR 352.903 - Effecting a detail or transfer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... detail or transfer. (a) Authority to approve. The head of an agency may enter into written agreements with the Commission for the detail or voluntary transfer, for set periods of time, of agency employees... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Effecting a detail or transfer. 352.903...

  18. Mortality Trends After a Voluntary Checklist-based Surgical Safety Collaborative.

    PubMed

    Haynes, Alex B; Edmondson, Lizabeth; Lipsitz, Stuart R; Molina, George; Neville, Bridget A; Singer, Sara J; Moonan, Aunyika T; Childers, Ashley Kay; Foster, Richard; Gibbons, Lorri R; Gawande, Atul A; Berry, William R

    2017-12-01

    To determine whether completion of a voluntary, checklist-based surgical quality improvement program is associated with reduced 30-day postoperative mortality. Despite evidence of efficacy of team-based surgical safety checklists in improving perioperative outcomes in research trials, effective methods of population-based implementation have been lacking. The Safe Surgery 2015 South Carolina program was designed to foster state-wide engagement of hospitals in a voluntary, collaborative implementation of a checklist program. We compared postoperative mortality rates after inpatient surgery in South Carolina utilizing state-wide all-payer discharge claims from 2008 to 2013, linked with state vital statistics, stratifying hospitals on the basis of completion of the checklist program. Changes in risk-adjusted 30-day mortality were compared between hospitals, using propensity score-adjusted difference-in-differences analysis. Fourteen hospitals completed the program by December 2013. Before program launch, there was no difference in mortality trends between the completion cohort and all others (P = 0.33), but postoperative mortality diverged thereafter (P = 0.021). Risk-adjusted 30-day mortality among completers was 3.38% in 2010 and 2.84% in 2013 (P < 0.00001), whereas mortality among other hospitals (n = 44) was 3.50% in 2010 and 3.71% in 2013 (P = 0.3281), reflecting a 22% difference between the groups on difference-in-differences analysis (P = 0.0021). Despite similar pre-existing rates and trends of postoperative mortality, hospitals in South Carolina completing a voluntary checklist-based surgical quality improvement program had a reduction in deaths after inpatient surgery over the first 3 years of the collaborative compared with other hospitals in the state. This may indicate that effective large-scale implementation of a team-based surgical safety checklist is feasible.

  19. 77 FR 3922 - Rules for Investigations Relating to Global and Bilateral Safeguards Actions, Market Disruption...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-26

    ... Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement... Trade Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, and...

  20. Report of the procedure of voluntary interruption of pregnancy at a university hospital in Uruguay

    PubMed Central

    Bentancor, Ana; Hernández, Ana Laura; Godoy, Yamile; Dapueto, Juan J

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the constitution and operation of a voluntary interruption of pregnancy team of a university hospital, from the outlook of the mental health team. METHODS In this case study, the following aspects were analyzed: 1) historical background; 2) implementation of Law 18,897 of October 22, 2012; and 3) functioning of the program at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Facultad de Medicina (Universidad de la República, Uruguay), taking into account three dimensions: structure, process, and results. RESULTS Between December 2012 and November 2013, a total of 6,676 voluntary interruptions of pregnancy were reported in Uruguay; out of these, 80 were conducted at the Hospital de Clínicas. The patients’ demographic data agreed with those reported at the national level: Of the total patients, 81.0% were aged over 19 years; 6.2% decided to continue with the pregnancy; and only 70.0% attended the subsequent control and received advice on contraception. CONCLUSIONS In its implementation year in Uruguay, we can assess the experience as positive from the point of view of women’s health. Our experience as a mental health team at the Hospital de Clínicas, inserted into the multidisciplinary voluntary interruption of pregnancy team, is in the process of assessment and reformulation of practices. PMID:27384969

  1. A Novel Interactive Exoskeletal Robot for Overground Locomotion Studies in Rats.

    PubMed

    Song, Yun Seong; Hogan, Neville

    2015-07-01

    This paper introduces a newly developed apparatus, Iron Rat, for locomotion research in rodents. Its main purpose is to allow maximal freedom of voluntary overground movement of the animal while providing forceful interaction to the hindlimbs. Advantages and challenges of the proposed exoskeletal apparatus over other existing designs are discussed. Design and implementation challenges are presented and discussed, emphasizing their implications for free, voluntary movement of the animal. A live-animal experiment was conducted to assess the design. Unconstrained natural movement of the animal was compared with its movement with the exoskeletal module attached. The compact design and back-drivable implementation of this apparatus will allow novel experimental manipulations that may include forceful yet compliant dynamic interaction with the animal's overground locomotion.

  2. Which Way Is Better for Teacher Evaluation? The Discourse on Teacher Evaluation in Taiwan

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wang, Juei-Hsin; Chen, Yen-Ting

    2016-01-01

    There are no summative evaluations for compulsory and basic education in Taiwan. This research discusses and analyzes present teacher evaluation implementation. The implementation of policy nowadays means "Teacher evaluation for professional development". Teacher evaluation for professional development is a voluntary growing project of…

  3. Developing and Implementing a Voluntary Personal Computer Program in the Business School: One College's Experience.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Darter, Marvin E.; Wise, Donald E.

    1989-01-01

    Describes the experiences of Rider College School of Business Administration in implementing the use of microcomputers for courses in the business curriculum. Topics discussed include student purchase of microcomputers; cost effectiveness; software considerations; security for student equipment; printers; large screen projection facilities; and…

  4. Effectiveness of state climate and energy policies in reducing power-sector CO2 emissions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martin, Geoff; Saikawa, Eri

    2017-12-01

    States have historically been the primary drivers of climate change policy in the US, particularly with regard to emissions from power plants. States have implemented policies designed either to directly curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power plants, or to encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy growth. With the federal government withdrawing from the global climate agreement, understanding which state-level policies have successfully mitigated power-plant emissions is urgent. Past research has assessed policy effectiveness using data for periods before the adoption of many policies. We assess 17 policies using the latest data on state-level power-sector CO2 emissions. We find that policies with mandatory compliance are reducing power-plant emissions, while voluntary policies are not. Electric decoupling, mandatory GHG registry/reporting and public benefit funds are associated with the largest reduction in emissions. Mandatory GHG registry/reporting and public benefit funds are also associated with a large reduction in emissions intensity.

  5. A mire of highly subjective and ineffective voluntary guidelines: tobacco industry efforts to thwart tobacco control in Malaysia

    PubMed Central

    Assunta, M; Chapman, S

    2004-01-01

    Objective: To describe tobacco industry efforts in Malaysia to thwart government efforts to regulate tobacco promotion and health warnings. Methods: Systematic keyword and opportunistic website searches of formerly private tobacco industry internal documents made available through the Master Settlement Agreement and secondary websites; relevant information from news articles and financial reports. Results: Commencing in the 1970s, the industry began to systematically thwart government tobacco control. Guidelines were successfully promoted in the place of legislation for over two decades. Even when the government succeeded in implementing regulations such as health warnings and advertising bans they were compromised and acted effectively to retard further progress for years to come. Conclusion: Counter-measures to delay or thwart government efforts to regulate tobacco were initiated by the industry. Though not unique to Malaysia, the main difference lies in the degree to which strategies were used to successfully counter stringent tobacco control measures between 1970 and 1995. PMID:15564220

  6. Assessing the Role of Voluntary Self-Isolation in the Control of Pandemic Influenza Using a Household Epidemic Model.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Qingxia; Wang, Dingcheng

    2015-08-18

    In the absence of effective vaccines, antiviral drugs and personal protective measures, such as voluntary self-isolation, have been a part of preparedness plans for the next influenza pandemic. We used a household model to assess the effect of voluntary self-isolation on outbreak control when antiviral drugs are not provided sufficiently early. We found that the early initiation of voluntary self-isolation can overcome the negative effects caused by a delay in antiviral drug distribution when enough symptomatic individuals comply with home confinement at symptom onset. For example, for the baseline household reproduction number RH0 = 2:5, if delays of one or two days occur between clinical symptom development and the start of antiviral prophylaxis, then compliance rates of q ≥ 0:41 and q ≥ 0:6, respectively, are required to achieve the same level of effectiveness as starting antiviral prophylaxis at symptom onset. When the time to beginning voluntary self-isolation after symptom onset increases from zero to two days, this strategy has a limited effect on reducing the transmission of influenza; therefore, this strategy should be implemented as soon as possible. In addition, the effect of voluntary self-isolation decreases substantially with the proportion of asymptomatic infections increasing.

  7. A Comprehensive Quality Assurance Program for Personnel and Procedures in Radiation Oncology: Value of Voluntary Error Reporting and Checklists

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

    Kalapurakal, John A., E-mail: j-kalapurakal@northwestern.edu; Zafirovski, Aleksandar; Smith, Jeffery

    Purpose: This report describes the value of a voluntary error reporting system and the impact of a series of quality assurance (QA) measures including checklists and timeouts on reported error rates in patients receiving radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: A voluntary error reporting system was instituted with the goal of recording errors, analyzing their clinical impact, and guiding the implementation of targeted QA measures. In response to errors committed in relation to treatment of the wrong patient, wrong treatment site, and wrong dose, a novel initiative involving the use of checklists and timeouts for all staff was implemented. The impactmore » of these and other QA initiatives was analyzed. Results: From 2001 to 2011, a total of 256 errors in 139 patients after 284,810 external radiation treatments (0.09% per treatment) were recorded in our voluntary error database. The incidence of errors related to patient/tumor site, treatment planning/data transfer, and patient setup/treatment delivery was 9%, 40.2%, and 50.8%, respectively. The compliance rate for the checklists and timeouts initiative was 97% (P<.001). These and other QA measures resulted in a significant reduction in many categories of errors. The introduction of checklists and timeouts has been successful in eliminating errors related to wrong patient, wrong site, and wrong dose. Conclusions: A comprehensive QA program that regularly monitors staff compliance together with a robust voluntary error reporting system can reduce or eliminate errors that could result in serious patient injury. We recommend the adoption of these relatively simple QA initiatives including the use of checklists and timeouts for all staff to improve the safety of patients undergoing radiation therapy in the modern era.« less

  8. Voluntary Informed Consent in Paediatric Oncology Research.

    PubMed

    Dekking, Sara A S; Van Der Graaf, Rieke; Van Delden, Johannes J M

    2016-07-01

    In paediatric oncology, research and treatments are often closely combined, which may compromise voluntary informed consent of parents. We identified two key scenarios in which voluntary informed consent for paediatric oncology studies is potentially compromised due to the intertwinement of research and care. The first scenario is inclusion by the treating paediatric oncologist, the second scenario concerns treatments confined to the research context. In this article we examine whether voluntary informed consent of parents for research is compromised in these two scenarios, and if so whether this is also morally problematic. For this, we employ the account of voluntary consent from Nelson and colleagues, who assert that voluntary consent requires substantial freedom from controlling influences. We argue that, in the absence of persuasion or manipulation, inclusion by the treating physician does not compromise voluntariness. However, it may function as a risk factor for controlling influence as it narrows the scope within which parents make decisions. Furthermore, physician appeal to reciprocity is not controlling as it constitutes persuasion. In addition, framing information is a form of informational manipulation and constitutes a controlling influence. In the second scenario, treatments confined to the research context qualify as controlling if the available options are restricted through manipulation of options. Although none of the influences is morally problematic in itself, a combination of influences may create morally problematic instances of involuntary informed consent. Therefore, safeguards should be implemented to establish an optimal environment for parents to provide voluntary informed consent in an integrated research-care context. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  9. U.K. physicians' attitudes toward active voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.

    PubMed

    Dickinson, George E; Lancaster, Carol J; Clark, David; Ahmedzai, Sam H; Noble, William

    2002-01-01

    A comparison of the views of geriatric medicine physicians and intensive care physicians in the United Kingdom on the topics of active voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide revealed rather different attitudes. Eighty percent of geriatricians, but only 52% of intensive care physicians, considered active voluntary euthanasia as never justified ethically. Gender and age did not play a major part in attitudinal differences of the respondents. If the variability of attitudes of these two medical specialties are anywhere near illustrative of other physicians in the United Kingdom, it would be difficult to formulate and implement laws and policies concerning euthanasia and assisted suicide. In addition, ample safeguards would be required to receive support from physicians regarding legalization.

  10. 28 CFR 56.2 - Maintenance of records with respect to meetings held to develop voluntary agreements or plans of...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ..., telegraphic, telecopied, microfilmed and computer printout material), and where such communication... participants shall keep a full and complete record of any communications (other than in a meeting held pursuant... under this part. When two or more potential participants are involved in such a communication, they may...

  11. 28 CFR 56.2 - Maintenance of records with respect to meetings held to develop voluntary agreements or plans of...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ..., telegraphic, telecopied, microfilmed and computer printout material), and where such communication... participants shall keep a full and complete record of any communications (other than in a meeting held pursuant... under this part. When two or more potential participants are involved in such a communication, they may...

  12. 28 CFR 56.2 - Maintenance of records with respect to meetings held to develop voluntary agreements or plans of...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ..., telegraphic, telecopied, microfilmed and computer printout material), and where such communication... participants shall keep a full and complete record of any communications (other than in a meeting held pursuant... under this part. When two or more potential participants are involved in such a communication, they may...

  13. 28 CFR 56.2 - Maintenance of records with respect to meetings held to develop voluntary agreements or plans of...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ..., telegraphic, telecopied, microfilmed and computer printout material), and where such communication... participants shall keep a full and complete record of any communications (other than in a meeting held pursuant... under this part. When two or more potential participants are involved in such a communication, they may...

  14. 28 CFR 56.2 - Maintenance of records with respect to meetings held to develop voluntary agreements or plans of...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ..., telegraphic, telecopied, microfilmed and computer printout material), and where such communication... participants shall keep a full and complete record of any communications (other than in a meeting held pursuant... under this part. When two or more potential participants are involved in such a communication, they may...

  15. Camdeboo-Mountain Zebra National Park Corridor: Opportunities for conservation and socio-economic development

    Treesearch

    Matthew Norval

    2015-01-01

    The Wilderness Foundation, in partnership with South African National Parks has initiated a two year project in the Karoo; The Mountain Zebra-Camdeboo Corridor Project. Through either voluntary Contractual National Park or Protected Environment agreements, the project aims to work with, rather than displace, current conservation-compatible land-use practices such as...

  16. The Bologna Process and Its Impact on University-Level Chemical Education in Europe

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pinto, Gabriel

    2010-01-01

    This article describes the Bologna Process, an effort by a consortium of nearly 50 European countries trying to standardize the higher education system in Europe. Starting from a nonbinding agreement (the 1999 Bologna Declaration), the Bologna Process involves a voluntary joint venture for the construction of a European higher education area…

  17. 2 CFR 417.221 - How would the exclusions from coverage for the USDA's foreign assistance programs apply?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... the USDA's foreign assistance programs apply? 417.221 Section 417.221 Grants and Agreements Federal... SUSPENSION Covered Transactions § 417.221 How would the exclusions from coverage for the USDA's foreign... into between USDA and a program participant, such as a U.S. private voluntary organization. USDA would...

  18. 2 CFR 417.221 - How would the exclusions from coverage for the USDA's foreign assistance programs apply?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... the USDA's foreign assistance programs apply? 417.221 Section 417.221 Grants and Agreements Federal... SUSPENSION Covered Transactions § 417.221 How would the exclusions from coverage for the USDA's foreign... into between USDA and a program participant, such as a U.S. private voluntary organization. USDA would...

  19. 2 CFR 417.221 - How would the exclusions from coverage for the USDA's foreign assistance programs apply?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... the USDA's foreign assistance programs apply? 417.221 Section 417.221 Grants and Agreements Federal... SUSPENSION Covered Transactions § 417.221 How would the exclusions from coverage for the USDA's foreign... into between USDA and a program participant, such as a U.S. private voluntary organization. USDA would...

  20. 2 CFR 417.221 - How would the exclusions from coverage for the USDA's foreign assistance programs apply?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... the USDA's foreign assistance programs apply? 417.221 Section 417.221 Grants and Agreements Federal... SUSPENSION Covered Transactions § 417.221 How would the exclusions from coverage for the USDA's foreign... into between USDA and a program participant, such as a U.S. private voluntary organization. USDA would...

  1. 76 FR 9615 - Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review, Request for Comments

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-18

    ... Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to request an extension without change of a... the Social Security Act, states may enter into ``buy-in agreements'' with the Secretary of Health and... voluntary. One response is received from each respondent. The RRB proposes no changes to Form RL-380-F...

  2. 77 FR 27271 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-09

    ... comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew for... tour operational data provided to the FAA and NPS will be used by the agencies as background information useful in the development of air tour management plans and voluntary agreements for purposes of...

  3. 77 FR 42548 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-19

    ... comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew for... was published on May 9, 2012, vol. 77, no. 90, page 27271-27272. The commercial air tour operational... development of air tour management plans and voluntary agreements for purposes of meeting the mandate of the...

  4. Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision among Rwanda Defense Force Members.

    PubMed

    Grillo, Michael P; Djibo, Djeneba Audrey; Macera, Caroline A; Murego, Charles; Zimulinda, Eugene; Sebagabo, Marcellin; Gatsinzi, Valentin

    2017-01-01

    Strong scientific evidence supports voluntary medical male circumcision as part of an overall HIV prevention strategy, but self-report information on circumcision status may be inaccurate. The study objectives were to obtain estimates of male circumcision within the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), to assess the ability of soldiers to correctly report their own circumcision status, and to document the uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) in the RDF. Data were collected from members of the Rwandan military during their annual physical examination. A self-administered questionnaire collected demographic and circumcision characteristics. Self-reported circumcision status was compared with the medical exam evaluation. Using questionnaires with complete data (n = 579), 69% of the study participants were circumcised by physical examination and there was a strong agreement with self-reported circumcision status (κ = 0.97). Almost half (44%) of all circumcisions had been performed within the past 2 years. These results suggest that self-report is an appropriate method to collect information on circumcision status in the Rwandan military. Many of the circumcisions occurred within the last 2 years, possibly as an effect of the successful scale-up of voluntary medical male circumcision in the Rwandan military utilizing effective messaging, demand creation, and positive news reported by the media. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  5. Comparison of IVF cycles reported in a voluntary ART registry with a mandatory registry in Spain.

    PubMed

    Luceño, F; Castilla, J A; Gómez-Palomares, J L; Cabello, Y; Hernández, J; Marqueta, J; Herrero, J; Vidal, E; Fernández-Shaw, S; Coroleu, B

    2010-12-01

    Monitoring assisted reproductive technology (ART) is essential to evaluate the performance of fertility treatment and its impact on birth rates. In Europe, there are two kinds of ART registers: voluntary and mandatory. The validity of register data is very important with respect to the quality of register-based observational studies. The aim of this paper is to determine the degree of agreement between voluntary and mandatory ART registers. The two sources for the data compared in this study (referring to 2005 and 2006) were FIVCAT.NET (an official compulsory Assisted Reproduction Registry within the Health Ministry of the Regional Government of Catalonia, to which all authorized clinics, both public and private, performing assisted reproduction in the region are obliged to report) and the register of the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF), to which data are provided on a voluntary basis. The SEF register data were divided into two groups: (i) data from clinics in Catalonia (SEF-CAT); (ii) data from the rest of Spain, excluding Catalonia (SEF-wCAT). The techniques compared were IVF cycle using patients' own eggs (IVF cycle) versus donor egg cycles. For IVF cycles, the voluntary ART register reflected 77.2% of those on the official one, but the corresponding figure was only 34.4% with respect to donated eggs. The variables analysed in the IVF cycle (insemination technique used, patients' age, number of embryos transferred, pregnancy rates, multiple pregnancies and deliveries) were similar in the three groups studied. However, we observed significant differences in donor egg cycles with regard to the insemination technique used, pregnancy rates and multiple pregnancies between the voluntary and the official register. Data from the voluntary ART register for IVF cycles are valid, but those for donor egg cycles are not. Further study is necessary to determine the reasons for this difference.

  6. States' Progress and Challenges in Implementing Common Core State Standards

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kober, Nancy; Rentmer, Diane Stark

    2011-01-01

    Most states are participating in the initiative led by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers to develop and adopt voluntary common core state standards that will outline what elementary and secondary school students are expected to learn in English language arts and mathematics. Implementing these…

  7. Motor unit recruitment during neuromuscular electrical stimulation: a critical appraisal.

    PubMed

    Bickel, C Scott; Gregory, Chris M; Dean, Jesse C

    2011-10-01

    Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is commonly used in clinical settings to activate skeletal muscle in an effort to mimic voluntary contractions and enhance the rehabilitation of human skeletal muscles. It is also used as a tool in research to assess muscle performance and/or neuromuscular activation levels. However, there are fundamental differences between voluntary- and artificial-activation of motor units that need to be appreciated before NMES protocol design can be most effective. The unique effects of NMES have been attributed to several mechanisms, most notably, a reversal of the voluntary recruitment pattern that is known to occur during voluntary muscle contractions. This review outlines the assertion that electrical stimulation recruits motor units in a nonselective, spatially fixed, and temporally synchronous pattern. Additionally, it synthesizes the evidence that supports the contention that this recruitment pattern contributes to increased muscle fatigue when compared with voluntary actions and provides some commentary on the parameters of electrical stimulation as well as emerging technologies being developed to facilitate NMES implementation. A greater understanding of how electrical stimulation recruits motor units, as well as the benefits and limitations of its use, is highly relevant when using this tool for testing and training in rehabilitation, exercise, and/or research.

  8. Collecting Evidence to Inform Salt Reduction Policies in Argentina: Identifying Sources of Sodium Intake in Adults from a Population-Based Sample

    PubMed Central

    Gutierrez, Laura; Romero, Iris B.; Moyano, Daniela L.; Poggio, Rosana; Calandrelli, Matías; Mores, Nora; Rubinstein, Adolfo; Irazola, Vilma

    2017-01-01

    The maximum content of sodium in selected processed foods (PF) in Argentina was limited by a law enacted in 2013. Data about intake of these and other foods are necessary for policy planning, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring. We examined data from the CESCAS I population-based cohort study to assess the main dietary sources among PF and frequency of discretionary salt use by sex, age, and education attainment, before full implementation of the regulations in 2015. We used a validated 34-item FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire) to assess PF intake and discretional salt use. Among 2127 adults in two Argentinean cities, aged 35–76 years, mean salt intake from selected PFs was 4.7 g/day, higher among male and low education subgroups. Categories of foods with regulated maximum limits provided near half of the sodium intake from PFs. Use of salt (always/often) at the table and during cooking was reported by 9% and 73% of the population, respectively, with higher proportions among young people. Reducing salt consumption to the target of 5 g/day may require adjustments to the current regulation (reducing targets, including other food categories), as well as reinforcing strategies such as education campaigns, labeling, and voluntary agreement with bakeries. PMID:28858263

  9. The role of the P3 and CNV components in voluntary and automatic temporal orienting: A high spatial-resolution ERP study.

    PubMed

    Mento, Giovanni

    2017-12-01

    A main distinction has been proposed between voluntary and automatic mechanisms underlying temporal orienting (TO) of selective attention. Voluntary TO implies the endogenous directing of attention induced by symbolic cues. Conversely, automatic TO is exogenously instantiated by the physical properties of stimuli. A well-known example of automatic TO is sequential effects (SEs), which refer to the adjustments in participants' behavioral performance as a function of the trial-by-trial sequential distribution of the foreperiod between two stimuli. In this study a group of healthy adults underwent a cued reaction time task purposely designed to assess both voluntary and automatic TO. During the task, both post-cue and post-target event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded by means of a high spatial resolution EEG system. In the results of the post-cue analysis, the P3a and P3b were identified as two distinct ERP markers showing distinguishable spatiotemporal features and reflecting automatic and voluntary a priori expectancy generation, respectively. The brain source reconstruction further revealed that distinct cortical circuits supported these two temporally dissociable components. Namely, the voluntary P3b was supported by a left sensorimotor network, while the automatic P3a was generated by a more distributed frontoparietal circuit. Additionally, post-cue contingent negative variation (CNV) and post-target P3 modulations were observed as common markers of voluntary and automatic expectancy implementation and response selection, although partially dissociable neural networks subserved these two mechanisms. Overall, these results provide new electrophysiological evidence suggesting that distinct neural substrates can be recruited depending on the voluntary or automatic cognitive nature of the cognitive mechanisms subserving TO. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Facilitators and barriers of implementing and delivering social prescribing services: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Pescheny, Julia Vera; Pappas, Yannis; Randhawa, Gurch

    2018-02-07

    Social Prescribing is a service in primary care that involves the referral of patients with non-clinical needs to local services and activities provided by the third sector (community, voluntary, and social enterprise sector). Social Prescribing aims to promote partnership working between the health and the social sector to address the wider determinants of health. To date, there is a weak evidence base for Social Prescribing services. The objective of the review was to identify factors that facilitate and hinder the implementation and delivery of SP services based in general practice involving a navigator. We searched eleven databases, the grey literature, and the reference lists of relevant studies to identify the barriers and facilitators to the implementation and delivery of Social Prescribing services in June and July 2016. Searches were limited to literature written in English. No date restrictions were applied. Findings were synthesised narratively, employing thematic analysis. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Version 2011 was used to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. Eight studies were included in the review. The synthesis identified a range of factors that facilitate and hinder the implementation and delivery of SP services. Facilitators and barriers were related to: the implementation approach, legal agreements, leadership, management and organisation, staff turnover, staff engagement, relationships and communication between partners and stakeholders, characteristics of general practices, and the local infrastructure. The quality of most included studies was poor and the review identified a lack of published literature on factors that facilitate and hinder the implementation and delivery of Social Prescribing services. The review identified a range of factors that facilitate and hinder the implementation and delivery of Social Prescribing services. Findings of this review provide an insight for commissioners, managers, and providers to guide the implementation and delivery of future Social Prescribing services. More high quality research and transparent reporting of findings is needed in this field.

  11. 7 CFR 2.93 - Director, Office of Procurement and Property Management.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... agricultural sciences, related to establishing and implementing Federal biobased procurement and voluntary... available to organizations excess or surplus computers or other technical equipment of the Department for...

  12. 7 CFR 2.93 - Director, Office of Procurement and Property Management.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... agricultural sciences, related to establishing and implementing Federal biobased procurement and voluntary... available to organizations excess or surplus computers or other technical equipment of the Department for...

  13. 7 CFR 2.93 - Director, Office of Procurement and Property Management.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... agricultural sciences, related to establishing and implementing Federal biobased procurement and voluntary... available to organizations excess or surplus computers or other technical equipment of the Department for...

  14. 7 CFR 2.93 - Director, Office of Procurement and Property Management.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... agricultural sciences, related to establishing and implementing Federal biobased procurement and voluntary... available to organizations excess or surplus computers or other technical equipment of the Department for...

  15. Defense AT and L. Volume 38, Number 2

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-04-01

    trust of running the business or doing their job in the hands of employees, and allows a greater degree of autonomy (think Warren Buffet ). This can...Reserve Air Fleet and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement. Financial accountability for all its missions is extremely important, as the funds for...cutting-edge responsiveness. Your Dollars, Spent Responsibly Establishing Stronger Financial Accountability Alan “Keith” Bentley, USTRANSCOM

  16. Can patents prohibit research? On the social epistemology of patenting and licensing in science.

    PubMed

    Biddle, Justin B

    2014-03-01

    A topic of growing importance within philosophy of science is the epistemic implications of the organization of research. This paper identifies a promising approach to social epistemology--nonideal systems design--and uses it to examine one important aspect of the organization of research, namely the system of patenting and licensing and its role in structuring the production and dissemination of knowledge. The primary justification of patenting in science and technology is consequentialist in nature. Patenting should incentivize research and thereby promote the development of knowledge, which in turn facilitates social progress. Some have disputed this argument, maintaining that patenting actually inhibits knowledge production. In this paper, I make a stronger argument; in some areas of research in the US--in particular, research on GM seeds--patents and patent licenses can be, and are in fact being, used to prohibit some research. I discuss three potential solutions to this problem: voluntary agreements, eliminating patents, and a research exemption. I argue against eliminating patents, and I show that while voluntary agreements and a research exemption could be helpful, they do not sufficiently address the problems of access that are discussed here. More extensive changes in the organization of research are necessary.

  17. Year 3 of Implementing the Common Core State Standards: Professional Development for Teachers and Principals

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kober, Nancy; McIntosh, Shelby; Rentner, Diane Stark

    2013-01-01

    Timely, ongoing, and effective professional development for teachers and principals will be critical to the successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These voluntary state-developed standards in mathematics and English language arts (ELA) outline the knowledge and skills that students in grades kindergarten through 12…

  18. 9 CFR 307.3 - Inspectors to furnish and maintain implements in a sanitary condition.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Inspectors to furnish and maintain implements in a sanitary condition. 307.3 Section 307.3 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY ORGANIZATION AND TERMINOLOGY; MANDATORY MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION AND VOLUNTARY...

  19. 9 CFR 307.3 - Inspectors to furnish and maintain implements in a sanitary condition.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Inspectors to furnish and maintain implements in a sanitary condition. 307.3 Section 307.3 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY ORGANIZATION AND TERMINOLOGY; MANDATORY MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION AND VOLUNTARY...

  20. 9 CFR 307.3 - Inspectors to furnish and maintain implements in a sanitary condition.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Inspectors to furnish and maintain implements in a sanitary condition. 307.3 Section 307.3 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY ORGANIZATION AND TERMINOLOGY; MANDATORY MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION AND VOLUNTARY...

  1. Hazardous Air Pollutants

    MedlinePlus

    ... Air Toxics Website Rules and Implementation Related Information Air Quality Data and Tools Clean Air Act Criteria Air ... Resources Visibility and Haze Voluntary Programs for Improving Air Quality Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, ...

  2. Final voluntary release assessment/corrective action report

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

    NONE

    1996-11-12

    The US Department of Energy, Carlsbad Area Office (DOE-CAO) has completed a voluntary release assessment sampling program at selected Solid Waste Management Units (SWMUs) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). This Voluntary Release Assessment/Corrective Action (RA/CA) report has been prepared for final submittal to the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) Region 6, Hazardous Waste Management Division and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Hazardous and Radioactive Materials Bureau to describe the results of voluntary release assessment sampling and proposed corrective actions at the SWMU sites. The Voluntary RA/CA Program is intended to be the first phase in implementing the Resourcemore » Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Facility Investigation (RFI) and corrective action process at the WIPP. Data generated as part of this sampling program are intended to update the RCRA Facility Assessment (RFA) for the WIPP (Assessment of Solid Waste Management Units at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant), NMED/DOE/AIP 94/1. This Final Voluntary RA/CA Report documents the results of release assessment sampling at 11 SWMUs identified in the RFA. With this submittal, DOE formally requests a No Further Action determination for these SWMUs. Additionally, this report provides information to support DOE`s request for No Further Action at the Brinderson and Construction landfill SWMUs, and to support DOE`s request for approval of proposed corrective actions at three other SWMUs (the Badger Unit Drill Pad, the Cotton Baby Drill Pad, and the DOE-1 Drill Pad). This information is provided to document the results of the Voluntary RA/CA activities submitted to the EPA and NMED in August 1995.« less

  3. Texas RPO workshop implementation project summary.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-05-01

    This report documents rural planning organization (RPO) workshops conducted throughout Texas. An RPO is a voluntary organization created and governed by locally elected officials responsible for transportation decisions at the local level. RPOs addre...

  4. Enhancing voluntary participation in community collaborative forest management: a case of Central Java, Indonesia.

    PubMed

    Lestari, Sri; Kotani, Koji; Kakinaka, Makoto

    2015-03-01

    This paper examines voluntary participation in community forest management, and characterizes how more participation may be induced. We implemented a survey of 571 respondents and conducted a case study in Central Java, Indonesia. The study's novelty lies in categorizing the degrees of participation into three levels and in identifying how socio-economic factors affect people's participation at each level. The analysis finds that voluntary participation responds to key determinants, such as education and income, in a different direction, depending on each of the three levels. However, the publicly organized programs, such as information provision of benefit sharing, are effective, irrespective of the levels of participation. Overall, the results suggest a possibility of further success and corrective measures to enhance the participation in community forest management. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Fostering repeat donations in Ghana.

    PubMed

    Owusu-Ofori, S; Asenso-Mensah, K; Boateng, P; Sarkodie, F; Allain, J-P

    2010-01-01

    Most African countries are challenged in recruiting and retaining voluntary blood donors by cost and other complexities and in establishing and implementing national blood policies. The availability of replacement donors who are a cheaper source of blood has not enhanced repeat voluntary donor initiatives. An overview of activities for recruiting and retaining voluntary blood donors was carried out. Donor records from mobile sessions were reviewed from 2002 to 2008. A total of 71,701 blood donations; 45,515 (63.5%) being voluntary donations with 11,680 (25%) repeat donations were collected during the study period. Donations from schools and colleges contributed a steady 60% of total voluntary whilst radio station blood drives increased contribution from 10 to 27%. Though Muslim population is less than 20%, blood collection was above the 30-donation cost-effectiveness threshold with a repeat donation trend reaching 60%. In contrast Christian worshippers provided <25 unit/session and 30% repeat donations. Repeat donation trends amongst school donors and radio blood drives were 20% and 70% respectively. Repeat donations rates have been variable amongst different blood donor groups in Kumasi, Ghana. The impact of community leaders in propagating altruism cannot be overemphasized. Programs aiming at motivating replacement donors to be repeat donors should be developed and assessed. Copyright 2009 The International Association for Biologicals. All rights reserved.

  6. A study on the effect of self bedside exercise program on resilience and activities of daily living for patients with hemiplegia

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Yang-Chool; Yi, Eun-Surk; Choi, Won-Ho; Lee, Byung-Mun; Cho, Sung-Bo; Kim, Ji-Youn

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to design a repeatable universal rehabilitation program in which patients with hemiplegia can participate voluntarily, complementing physical and occupational therapies to increase voluntary exercise practice rate. Also, this study attempted to identify the relationship between psychological resilience due to the implementation of self-bedside exercise and functional recovery of activity of daily living (ADL). 12 patients with hemiplegia voluntarily participated in 8 weeks of self-bedside exercise 5 times a day and more than 5 days a week. Their program implementation, resilience, activities of daily living (MBI), upper limb motor functions (MFT), and balance ability (BBS) were analyzed and compared before and after the program. Compared to before implementing the program, significant increases were found in resilience, MBI, BBS, and MFT in the affected side after the implementation, and the resilience scores showed statistically positive correlation in MBI and MFT. Also, the change in resilience before and after the program implementation showed a statistically positive correlation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the self-bedside exercise developed in this study had a positive effect on voluntary participation in exercise as well as resilience and ADL. However, many studies which complement the psychological aspects of hemiparetic patients with stroke are still needed. PMID:25830141

  7. 29 CFR 825.122 - Definitions of spouse, parent, son or daughter, next of kin of a covered servicemember, adoption...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... child, or, in the case of an employee, who had such responsibility for the employee when the employee... responsibility of raising a child as one's own. The source of an adopted child (e.g., whether from a licensed... the State as a result of a voluntary agreement between the parent or guardian that the child be...

  8. 29 CFR 825.122 - Definitions of spouse, parent, son or daughter, next of kin of a covered servicemember, adoption...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... child, or, in the case of an employee, who had such responsibility for the employee when the employee... responsibility of raising a child as one's own. The source of an adopted child (e.g., whether from a licensed... the State as a result of a voluntary agreement between the parent or guardian that the child be...

  9. 29 CFR 825.122 - Definitions of spouse, parent, son or daughter, next of kin of a covered servicemember, adoption...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... child, or, in the case of an employee, who had such responsibility for the employee when the employee... responsibility of raising a child as one's own. The source of an adopted child (e.g., whether from a licensed... the State as a result of a voluntary agreement between the parent or guardian that the child be...

  10. Existing and Emerging Payment and Delivery Reforms in Cardiology

    PubMed Central

    Farmer, Steven A.; Darling, Margaret L.; George, Meaghan; Casale, Paul N.; Hagan, Eileen; McClellan, Mark B.

    2017-01-01

    IMPORTANCE Recent health care reforms aim to increase patient access, reduce costs, and improve health care quality as payers turn to payment reform for greater value. Cardiologists need to understand emerging payment models to succeed in the evolving payment landscape. We review existing payment and delivery reforms that affect cardiologists, present 4 emerging examples, and consider their implications for clinical practice. OBSERVATIONS Public and commercial payers have recently implemented payment reforms and new models are evolving. Most cardiology models are modified fee-for-service or address procedural or episodic care, but population models are also emerging. Although there is widespread agreement that payment reform is needed, existing programs have significant limitations and the adoption ofnew programs has been slow. New payment reforms address some of these problems, but many details remain undefined. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Early payment reforms were voluntary and cardiologists’ participation is variable. However, conventional fee-for-service will become less viable, and enrollment in new payment models will be unavoidable. Early participation in new payment models will allow clinicians to develop expertise in new care pathways during a period of relatively lower risk. PMID:27851858

  11. 76 FR 43156 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plan; Missouri; Final Disapproval of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-20

    ... EPA to fashion for small entities less burdensome compliance or reporting requirements or timetables... adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. NTTAA directs EPA to provide Congress, through the Office...

  12. Policy uncertainty and corporate performance in government-sponsored voluntary environmental programs.

    PubMed

    Liu, Ning; Tang, Shui-Yan; Zhan, Xueyong; Lo, Carlos Wing-Hung

    2018-08-01

    This study combines insights from the policy uncertainty literature and neo-institutional theory to examine corporate performance in implementing a government-sponsored voluntary environmental program (VEP) during 2004-2012 in Guangzhou, China. In this regulatory context, characterized by rapid policy changes, corporate performance in VEPs is affected by government surveillance, policy uncertainty, and peer pressures. Specifically, if VEP participants have experienced more government surveillance, they tend to perform better in program implementation. Such positive influence of government surveillance is particularly evident among those joining under high and low, rather than moderate uncertainty. Participants also perform better if they belong to an industry with more certified VEP firms, but worse if they are located in a regulatory jurisdiction with more certified VEP firms. At a moderate level of policy uncertainty, within-industry imitation is most likely to occur but within-jurisdiction imitation is least likely to occur. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. [The critical incident reporting system as an instrument of risk management for better patient safety].

    PubMed

    Panzica, M; Krettek, C; Cartes, M

    2011-09-01

    The probability that an inpatient will be harmed by a medical procedure is at least 3% of all patients. As a consequence, hospital risk management has become a central management task in the health care sector. The critical incident reporting system (CIRS) as a voluntary instrument for reporting (near) incidents plays a key role in the implementation of a risk management system. The goal of the CIRS is to register system errors without assigning guilt or meting out punishment and at the same time increasing the number of voluntary reports.

  14. An exploratory randomised controlled trial of a premises-level intervention to reduce alcohol-related harm including violence in the United Kingdom

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background To assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of a licensed premises intervention to reduce severe intoxication and disorder; to establish effect sizes and identify appropriate approaches to the development and maintenance of a rigorous research design and intervention implementation. Methods An exploratory two-armed parallel randomised controlled trial with a nested process evaluation. An audit of risk factors and a tailored action plan for high risk premises, with three month follow up audit and feedback. Thirty-two premises that had experienced at least one assault in the year prior to the intervention were recruited, match paired and randomly allocated to control or intervention group. Police violence data and data from a street survey of study premises’ customers, including measures of breath alcohol concentration and surveyor rated customer intoxication, were used to assess effect sizes for a future definitive trial. A nested process evaluation explored implementation barriers and the fidelity of the intervention with key stakeholders and senior staff in intervention premises using semi-structured interviews. Results The process evaluation indicated implementation barriers and low fidelity, with a reluctance to implement the intervention and to submit to a formal risk audit. Power calculations suggest the intervention effect on violence and subjective intoxication would be raised to significance with a study size of 517 premises. Conclusions It is methodologically feasible to conduct randomised controlled trials where licensed premises are the unit of allocation. However, lack of enthusiasm in senior premises staff indicates the need for intervention enforcement, rather than voluntary agreements, and on-going strategies to promote sustainability. Trial registration UKCRN 7090; ISRCTN: 80875696 PMID:22676069

  15. Opt-out HIV testing in prison: informed and voluntary?

    PubMed

    Rosen, David L; Golin, Carol E; Grodensky, Catherine A; May, Jeanine; Bowling, J Michael; DeVellis, Robert F; White, Becky L; Wohl, David A

    2015-01-01

    HIV testing in prison settings has been identified as an important mechanism to detect cases among high-risk, underserved populations. Several public health organizations recommend that testing across health-care settings, including prisons, be delivered in an opt-out manner. However, implementation of opt-out testing within prisons may pose challenges in delivering testing that is informed and understood to be voluntary. In a large state prison system with a policy of voluntary opt-out HIV testing, we randomly sampled adult prisoners in each of seven intake prisons within two weeks after their opportunity to be HIV tested. We surveyed prisoners' perception of HIV testing as voluntary or mandatory and used multivariable statistical models to identify factors associated with their perception. We also linked survey responses to lab records to determine if prisoners' test status (tested or not) matched their desired and perceived test status. Thirty-eight percent (359/936) perceived testing as voluntary. The perception that testing was mandatory was positively associated with age less than 25 years (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24, 1.71) and preference that testing be mandatory (aRR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.41, 2.31) but negatively associated with entry into one of the intake prisons (aRR: 0.41 95% CI: 0.27, 0.63). Eighty-nine percent of prisoners wanted to be tested, 85% were tested according to their wishes, and 82% correctly understood whether or not they were tested. Most prisoners wanted to be HIV tested and were aware that they had been tested, but less than 40% understood testing to be voluntary. Prisoners' understanding of the voluntary nature of testing varied by intake prison and by a few individual-level factors. Testing procedures should ensure that opt-out testing is informed and understood to be voluntary by prisoners and other vulnerable populations.

  16. Opt-out HIV testing in prison: Informed and voluntary?

    PubMed Central

    Rosen, David L.; Golin, Carol E.; Grodensky, Catherine A.; May, Jeannine; Bowling, J. Michael; DeVellis, Robert F.; White, Becky L.; Wohl, David A.

    2014-01-01

    HIV testing in prison settings has been identified as an important mechanism to detect cases among high-risk, underserved populations. Several public health organizations recommend that testing across healthcare settings, including prisons, be delivered in an opt-out manner. However, implementation of opt-out testing within prisons may pose challenges in delivering testing that is informed and understood to be voluntary. In a large state prison system with a policy of voluntary opt-out HIV testing, we randomly sampled adult prisoners in each of seven intake prisons within two weeks after their opportunity to be HIV tested. We surveyed prisoners’ perception of HIV testing as voluntary or mandatory and used multivariable statistical models to identify factors associated with their perception. We also linked survey responses to lab records to determine if prisoners’ test status (tested or not) matched their desired and perceived test status. Thirty eight percent (359/936) perceived testing as voluntary. The perception that testing was mandatory was positively associated with age less than 25 years (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.71) and preference that testing be mandatory (aRR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.41, 2.31), but negatively associated with entry into one of the intake prisons (aRR: 0.41 95% CI: 0.27, 0.63). Eighty-nine percent of prisoners wanted to be tested, 85% were tested according to their wishes, and 82% correctly understood whether or not they were tested. Most prisoners wanted to be HIV tested and were aware that they had been tested, but less than 40% understood testing to be voluntary. Prisoners’ understanding of the voluntary nature of testing varied by intake prison and by a few individual-level factors. Testing procedures should ensure that opt-out testing is informed and understood to be voluntary by prisoners and other vulnerable populations. PMID:25506799

  17. The Teen Marijuana Check-Up: An In-School Protocol for Eliciting Voluntary Self-Assessment of Marijuana Use

    PubMed Central

    Swan, Megan; Schwartz, Sam; Berg, Belinda; Walker, Denise; Stephens, Robert; Roffman, Roger

    2008-01-01

    Given the prevalence of regular marijuana use among adolescents and associated risks for adverse consequences to functioning, effective interventions are needed that are tailored for this population. To date, most such counseling approaches have relied on non-voluntary participation by adolescent marijuana smokers and the outcomes have been only modestly successful. The Teen Marijuana Check-Up is a brief motivational enhancement intervention publicized as a non-pressured and confidential opportunity for the teen marijuana smoker to “take stock” of his/her use. The intervention is designed for in-school implementation and intended to elicit the teen's voluntary participation. This paper highlights the manner in which adolescents are recruited, key intervention elements, the nature of the counseling style utilized, and clinical challenges. The outcomes of two trials with this intervention are briefly discussed. PMID:19122796

  18. District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) Program: Final Evaluation Report. [Executive Summary

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Springer, Matthew G.; Lewis, Jessica L.; Ehlert, Mark W.; Podgursky, Michael J.; Crader, Gary D.; Taylor, Lori L.; Gronberg, Timothy J.; Jansen, Dennis W.; Lopez, Omar S.; Stuit, David A.

    2010-01-01

    District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) is a state-funded program in Texas that provides grants to districts for the implementation of locally-designed incentive pay plans. All districts in the state are eligible to receive grants, but participation is voluntary. D.A.T.E. incentive pay plans were first implemented in Texas districts…

  19. District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) Program: Final Evaluation Report. Policy Evaluation Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Springer, Matthew G.; Lewis, Jessica L.; Ehlert, Mark W.; Podgursky, Michael J.; Crader, Gary D.; Taylor, Lori L.; Gronberg, Timothy J.; Jansen, Dennis W.; Lopez, Omar S.; Stuit, David A.

    2010-01-01

    District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) is a state-funded program in Texas that provides grants to districts for the implementation of locally-designed incentive pay plans. All districts in the state are eligible to receive grants, but participation is voluntary. D.A.T.E. incentive pay plans were first implemented in Texas districts…

  20. The social life of laughter

    PubMed Central

    Scott, Sophie; Lavan, Nadine; Chen, Sinead; McGettigan, Carolyn

    2014-01-01

    Laughter is often considered to be the product of humour. However laughter is a social emotion, occurring most often in interactions, where it is associated with bonding, agreement, affection and emotional regulation. Laughter is underpinned by complex neural systems, allowing it to be used flexibly: in humans and chimpanzees, social (voluntary) laughter is distinctly different from evoked (involuntary) laughter, a distinction which is also seen in brain imaging studies of laughter. PMID:25439499

  1. Assessment of Habitual Diners Nutrient Intake in a Military-Operated Garrison Dining Facility Fort Devens 1

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-11-01

    Human Subjects participated in these studies after giving their free and informed voluntary consent. Investigators adhered to AR 70-25 and USAMRDC...diet and nutrition, abstinence from tobacco products, smoking cessation, avoidance of substance abuse, and stress management. A renewed interest in...a Volunteer Agreement in accordance with the approved Human Use protocol. Demographic questionnaires (Appendix C) which included information about

  2. 76 FR 43153 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plan; New Jersey and New York; Final...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-20

    ... the SIP. Accordingly, it affords no opportunity for EPA to fashion for small entities less burdensome... procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies...

  3. Real World, Pretend Universities.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ericson, Jon

    1993-01-01

    Corruption in college athletics requires immediate attention through monitoring and publication of student-athletes' academic records. Privacy can be protected three ways: modification of federal law concerning student records; implementing voluntary disclosure; and exposing exploitation of African-American student athletes by examining their…

  4. HIV voluntary counseling and testing: an experience from India.

    PubMed

    Vajpayee, Madhu; Mojumdar, Kamalika; Raina, Meenakshi; Mishra, Sharad; Sreenivas, Vibhuti

    2009-07-01

    Despite proof of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) effectiveness in HIV disease prevention and management, there are limited reports on experience with pre- and post-HIV-test counseling in developing countries. In view of this, we aimed to bring to the fore the voluntary counseling and testing experience at a tertiary healthcare center. The present study was conducted at the voluntary counseling and testing center of a tertiary healthcare center and the National HIV Reference Center. Participants were 1169 men and 581 females attending the VCT clinic from February 2005 to March 2006. Odds ratios were calculated for each of the variable to analyze the strength of association with HIV sero-status. Out of 1750 patients, 322 (27.5%) males and 156 females (26.9%) tested HIV-positive. HIV-sero-positivity was observed to be associated to participant age (approximately 1.5 for 25-44 yrs age group), marital status (2.3 times in married patients), primary or lower education level (1.5 times), citing spouse death/HIV-infected spouse as the reason for seeking VCT (2.2 times) and reporting a history of risk behavior as reason for getting tested. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of existing client initiated voluntary counseling and testing facility in the light of a recent recommendation by WHO/UNAIDS for the implementation of provider initiated voluntary counseling services. Through this study, we could also highlight socio-demographic factors, like education and age, and reasons stated by participants for seeking VCT, which were associated with HIV-positive status and put an individual at a higher risk of HIV infection.

  5. Staff development and secondary science teachers: Factors that affect voluntary participation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Corley, Theresa Roebuck

    2000-10-01

    A researcher-designed survey assessed the perceptions of Alabama secondary science public school teachers toward the need for staff development and toward certain staff development strategies and programs. Factors that encouraged or discouraged attendance at voluntary staff development programs and opinions regarding effective and ineffective features of programs were identified. Data were analyzed using descriptive techniques. Percentages and frequencies were noted. Average rankings were computed for the staff development techniques considered most and least effective and for the preferred designs of future staff development offerings. Chi squares were computed to respond to each of the 4 research hypotheses. Narrative discussions and tables were utilized to report the data and provide clarification. This study related demographic information to the research hypotheses. Analysis of the research hypotheses revealed that experienced teachers agree more strongly about the features of staff development programs that they consider effective and about the factors that may affect participation in staff development programs. Analysis of the research questions revealed that secondary science teachers in Alabama agree that staff development is a personal responsibility but that the school systems are responsible for providing staff development opportunities. Teachers believe that staff development is needed annually in both science content and teaching strategies and favor lengthening the school year for staff development. Teachers identified interest level, graduate credit, ability to implement material, scheduling factors, and the reputation of the organizer as the most important factors in determining participation in voluntary staff development programs. Hands-on workshops were identified as the most effective type of voluntary staff development and teachers requested that future staff development experiences include hands-on workshops, networking, curriculum development, mentoring, support groups, training trainers, cooperative learning groups, coaching, implementing changes, and collecting resources.

  6. 78 FR 18877 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: New Free Trade Agreement With Colombia (DFARS...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-28

    ... Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. This Trade Promotion Agreement is a free trade agreement that provides for mutually non-discriminatory treatment of... States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (Pub. L. 112-42) (19 U.S.C. 3805 note). No...

  7. The NOAA IOOS Data Integration Framework: Initial Implementation Report

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-09-01

    based services (http://www.opengeospatial.org/); NOAA is a Principal Member. Figure 2: Specialization of XML for in situ data To standardize...1 OGC is a non-profit, international, voluntary consensus organization that develops standards for geospatial and location

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

    NONE

    The Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Program, required by Section 1605(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, records the results of voluntary measures to reduce, avoid, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions. In 1998, 156 US companies and other organizations reported to the Energy information Administration that, during 1997, they had achieved greenhouse gas emission reductions and carbon sequestration equivalent to 166 million tons of carbon dioxide, or about 2.5% of total US emissions for the year. For the 1,229 emission reduction projects reported, reductions usually were measured by comparing an estimate of actual emissions with an estimate of whatmore » emissions would have been had the project not been implemented.« less

  9. EEOC policy statement aids workers seeking to avoid arbitration. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

    PubMed

    1997-09-19

    The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a policy statement condemning a prevalent practice among U.S. employers--new hires are asked to sign an agreement obligating them to submit Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) claims to binding arbitration. By signing the clause, an employee virtually forfeits his or her rights to bring an ADA claim to court. The EEOC compares these employment clauses to conditions of employment rather than voluntary agreements between worker and employer. Employers argue that the binding arbitration process is fast and equitable. Opponents argue that the process is unfair. The EEOC instructed its investigators to proceed with administrative charges regardless of whether or not the complainant signed a binding arbitration agreement. The EEOC policy statement argues against mandatory arbitration clauses, noting that the arbitration process limits the rights of employees and weighs heavily in favor of employers.

  10. The implementation of quality management systems in hospitals: a comparison between three countries

    PubMed Central

    Wagner, C; Gulácsi, L; Takacs, E; Outinen, M

    2006-01-01

    Background Is the implementation of Quality Management (QM) in health care proceeding satisfactorily and can national health care policies influence the implementation process? Policymakers and researchers in a country need to know the answer to this question. Cross country comparisons can reveal whether sufficient progress is being made and how this can be stimulated. The objective of the study was to investigate agreement and disparities in the implementation of QMS between The Netherlands, Hungary and Finland with respect to the evaluation model used and the national policy strategy of the three countries. Methods The study has a cross sectional design, based on measurements in 2000. Empirical data about QM-activities in hospitals were gathered by a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaires were answered by the directors of the hospitals or the quality coordinators. The analyses are based on data from 101 hospitals in the Netherlands, 116 hospitals in Hungary and 59 hospitals in Finland. Outcome measures are the developmental stage of the Quality Management System (QMS), the development within five focal areas, and distinct QM-activities which were listed in the questionnaire. Results A mean of 22 QM-activities per hospital was found in the Netherlands and Finland versus 20 QM-activities in Hungarian hospitals. Only a small number of hospitals has already implemented a QMS (4% in The Netherlands,0% in Hungary and 3% in Finland). More hospitals in the Netherlands are concentrating on quality documents, whereas Finnish hospitals are concentrating on training in QM and guidelines. Cyclic quality improvement activities have been developed in the three countries, but in most hospitals the results were not used for improvements. All three countries pay hardly any attention to patient participation. Conclusion The study demonstrates that the implementation of QM-activities can be measured at national level and that differences between countries can be assessed. The hypothesis that governmental legislation or financial reimbursement can stimulate the implementation of QM-activities, more than voluntary recommendations, could not be confirmed. However, the results show that specific obligations can stimulate the implementation of QM-activities more than general, framework legislation. PMID:16608510

  11. A retrospective health policy analysis of the development and implementation of the voluntary health insurance system in Lebanon: learning from failure.

    PubMed

    El-Jardali, Fadi; Bou-Karroum, Lama; Ataya, Nour; El-Ghali, Hana Addam; Hammoud, Rawan

    2014-12-01

    Public policymaking is complex and suffers from limited uptake of research evidence, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). In-depth case studies examining health policymaking in the EMR are lacking. This retrospective policy analysis aims at generating insights about how policies are being made, identifying factors influencing policymaking and assessing to what extent evidence is used in this process by using the Lebanese Voluntary Health Insurance policy as a case study. The study examined the policymaking process through a policy tracing technique that covered a period of 12 years. The study employed a qualitative research design using a case study approach and was conducted in two phases over the course of two years. Data was collected using multiple sources including: 1) a comprehensive and chronological media review; 2) twenty-two key informant interviews with policymakers, stakeholders, and journalists; and 3) a document review of legislations, minutes of meetings, actuarial studies, and official documents. Data was analyzed and validated using thematic analysis. Findings showed that the voluntary health insurance policy was a political decision taken by the government to tackle an urgent political problem. Evidence was not used to guide policy development and implementation and policy implementers and other stakeholders were not involved in policy development. Factors influencing policymaking were political interests, sectarianism, urgency, and values of policymakers. Barriers to the use of evidence were lack of policy-relevant research evidence, political context, personal interests, and resource constraints. Findings suggest that policymakers should be made more aware of the important role of evidence in informing public policymaking and the need for building capacity to develop, implement and evaluate policies. Study findings are likely to matter in light of the changes that are unfolding in some Arab countries and the looming opportunities for policy reforms. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  12. Public Health Emergency Management Within the Department of Defense

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-03-05

    February 20071 (aa) DoD Instruction 1100.21, “ Voluntary Services in the Department of Defense,” March 11, 2002 (ab) DoD Instruction 5210.25...include eradication of disease, identification of affected animals, animal quarantine implementation, euthanasia , carcass disposal, cleaning and

  13. 7 CFR 12.5 - Exemption.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... time of implementation of the voluntary wetland restoration, enhancement, or creation action; (iv) NRCS... determined by NRCS, through the restoration of a converted wetland, the enhancement of an existing wetland... Secretary of Agriculture HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLAND CONSERVATION General Provisions § 12.5 Exemption...

  14. Drug Testing of Public Employees: Anatomy of a Statute.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thompson, David C.; Shoop, Robert J.

    1989-01-01

    The recently enacted public employee drug testing policy in Kansas is utilized as a basis to speculate on the future of drug screening in education and to offer guidelines to public school districts considering implementation of voluntary or required testing. (MLF)

  15. 7 CFR 625.1 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Health Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) is to assist landowners, on a voluntary basis, in restoring... regulations in this part set forth the policies, procedures, and requirements for the HFRP as administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for program implementation and processing...

  16. Adopting and implementing nutrition guidelines in recreational facilities: Public and private sector roles. A multiple case study

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Recreational facilities are an important community resource for health promotion because they provide access to affordable physical activities. However, despite their health mandate, many have unhealthy food environments that may paradoxically increase the risk of childhood obesity. The Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY) are government-initiated, voluntary guidelines intended to facilitate children’s access to healthy food and beverage choices in schools, childcare and recreational facilities, however few recreational facilities are using them. Methods We used mixed methods within an exploratory multiple case study to examine factors that influenced adoption and implementation of the ANGCY and the nature of the food environment within three cases: an adopter, a semi-adopter and a non-adopter of the ANGCY. Diffusion of Innovations theory provided the theoretical platform for the study. Qualitative data were generated through interviews, observations, and document reviews, and were analysed using directed content analysis. Set theoretic logic was used to identify factors that differentiated adopters from the non-adopter. Quantitative sales data were also collected, and the quality of the food environment was scored using four complementary tools. Results The keys to adoption and implementation of nutrition guidelines in recreational facilities related to the managers’ nutrition-related knowledge, beliefs and perceptions, as these shaped his decisions and actions. The manager, however, could not accomplish adoption and implementation alone. Intersectoral linkages with schools and formal, health promoting partnerships with industry were also important for adoption and implementation to occur. The food environment in facilities that had adopted the ANGCY did not appear to be superior to the food environment in facilities that had not adopted the ANGCY. Conclusions ANGCY uptake may continue to falter under the current voluntary approach, as the environmental supports for voluntary action are poor. Where ANGCY uptake does occur, changes to the food environment may be relatively minor. Stronger government measures may be needed to require recreational facilities to improve their food environments and to limit availability of unhealthy foods. PMID:22632384

  17. Cost-Effectiveness of Product Reformulation in Response to the Health Star Rating Food Labelling System in Australia.

    PubMed

    Mantilla Herrera, Ana Maria; Crino, Michelle; Erskine, Holly E; Sacks, Gary; Ananthapavan, Jaithri; Mhurchu, Cliona Ni; Lee, Yong Yi

    2018-05-14

    The Health Star Rating (HSR) system is a voluntary front-of-pack labelling (FoPL) initiative endorsed by the Australian government in 2014. This study examines the impact of the HSR system on pre-packaged food reformulation measured by changes in energy density between products with and without HSR. The cost-effectiveness of the HSR system was modelled using a proportional multi-state life table Markov model for the 2010 Australian population. We evaluated scenarios in which the HSR system was implemented on a voluntary and mandatory basis (i.e., HSR uptake across 6.7% and 100% of applicable products, respectively). The main outcomes were health-adjusted life years (HALYs), net costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). These were calculated with accompanying 95% uncertainty intervals (95% UI). The model predicted that HSR-attributable reformulation leads to small reductions in mean population energy intake (voluntary: 0.98 kJ/day [95% UI: -1.08 to 2.86]; mandatory: 11.81 kJ/day [95% UI: -11.24 to 36.13]). These are likely to result in reductions in mean body weight (voluntary: 0.01 kg [95% UI: -0.01 to 0.03]; mandatory: 0.11 kg [95% UI: -0.12 to 0.32], and HALYs (voluntary: 4207 HALYs [95% UI: 2438 to 6081]; mandatory: 49,949 HALYs [95% UI: 29,291 to 72,153]). The HSR system evaluated via changes in reformulation could be considered cost-effective relative to a willingness-to-pay threshold of A$50,000 per HALY (voluntary: A$1728 per HALY [95% UI: dominant to 10,445] and mandatory: A$4752 per HALY [95% UI: dominant to 16,236]).

  18. Can the 'Assessment Drives Learning' effect be detected in clinical skills training? - Implications for curriculum design and resource planning

    PubMed Central

    Buss, Beate; Krautter, Markus; Möltner, Andreas; Weyrich, Peter; Werner, Anne; Jünger, Jana; Nikendei, Christoph

    2012-01-01

    Purpose: The acquisition of clinical-technical skills is of particular importance for the doctors of tomorrow. Procedural skills are often trained for the first time in skills laboratories, which provide a sheltered learning environment. However, costs to implement and maintain skills laboratories are considerably high. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate students’ patterns of attendance of voluntary skills-lab training sessions and thereby answer the following question: Is it possible to measure an effect of the theoretical construct related to motivational psychology described in the literature – ‘Assessment drives learning’ – reflected in patterns of attendance at voluntary skills-lab training sessions? By answering this question, design recommendations for curriculum planning and resource management should be derived. Method: A retrospective, descriptive analysis of student skills-lab attendance related to voluntary basic and voluntary advanced skills-lab sessions was conducted. The attendance patterns of a total of 340 third-year medical students in different successive year groups from the Medical Faculty at the University of Heidelberg were assessed. Results: Students showed a preference for voluntary basic skills-lab training sessions, which were relevant to clinical skills assessment, especially at the beginning and at the end of the term. Voluntary advanced skills-lab training sessions without reference to clinical skills assessment were used especially at the beginning of the term, but declined towards the end of term. Conclusion: The results show a clear influence of assessments on students’ attendance at skills-lab training sessions. First recommendations for curriculum design and resource management will be described. Nevertheless, further prospective research studies will be necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the motivational factors impacting students’ utilisation of voluntary skills-lab training in order to reach a sufficient concordance between students’ requirements and faculty offers, as well as resource management. PMID:23255965

  19. Implementing bathhouse-based voluntary counselling and testing has no adverse effect on bathhouse patronage among men who have sex with men.

    PubMed

    Huebner, D M; Binson, D; Pollack, L M; Woods, W J

    2012-03-01

    Implementing HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in bathhouses is a proven public health strategy for reaching high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) and efficiently identifying new HIV cases. However, some bathhouse managers are concerned that VCT programmes could adversely affect business. This study examined whether offering VCT on the premises of a bathhouse changed patterns of patron visits. A collaborating bathhouse provided electronic anonymized patron data from their entire population of attendees. VCT was offered on premises with varying frequencies over the course of three years. Club entrances and exits were modelled as a function of intensity of VCT programming. Club entrances did not differ as a function of how many days per week testing was being offered in a given month. Additionally, club entrances did not decrease, nor did club exits increase, during specific half-hour time periods when testing was offered. Implementing bathhouse-based VCT did not have any demonstrable impact on patronage. Public health officials can leverage these results to help alleviate club managers' concerns about patron reactions to providing testing on site, and to support expanding sexual health programmes for MSM in these venues.

  20. International Accreditations as Drivers of Business School Quality Improvement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bryant, Michael

    2013-01-01

    Business schools are under pressure to implement continuous improvement and quality assurance processes to remain competitive in a globalized higher education market. Drivers for quality improvement include external, environmental pressures, regulatory bodies such as governments, and, increasingly, voluntary accreditation agencies such as AACSB…

  1. Information Technology Standards: A Component of Federal Information Policy.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moen, William E.

    1994-01-01

    Discusses the need for proposing and implementing an information technology standards policy for the federal government. Topics addressed include the National Information Infrastructure (NII); voluntary standards among federal agencies; private sector organizations; coordinating the use of standards; enforcing compliance; policy goals; a framework…

  2. 75 FR 51877 - Proposed Collection: Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-23

    ... Customer Satisfaction Survey. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before October 16, 2010, to... INFORMATION: Title: Voluntary Customer Satisfaction Survey to Implement Executive Order 12862. OMB Number: 1535-0122. Abstract: The information from the survey will be used to improve customer service. Current...

  3. The Shepherd Creek experience and some lessons learned

    EPA Science Inventory

    A decentralized, retrofit approach to storm water management was implemented in a small suburban drainage on the basis of a voluntary reverse auction. This campaign led to the installation of 83 rain gardens and 176 rain barrels on approximately 20 percent of 350 residential prop...

  4. 45 CFR 158.605 - Responses to allegations of noncompliance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... the violation. (c) Evidence documenting the development and implementation of internal policies and... Section 158.605 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH... policies and procedures may include or consist of a voluntary compliance program. Any such program should...

  5. Prevalence and trend of HIV infection among voluntary blood donors in China since implementation of the Blood Donation Law: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Hong, Yan; Huang, Xia; Ling, Hua; Liao, Hongwen

    2012-08-01

    In 1998, the Blood Donation Law was enacted in China in response to the outbreak of HIV endemic in central rural China as a result of unhygienic and commercial blood collection. This study aims to provide a first comprehensive review of available data on the prevalence, trend and other epidemiological characteristics of HIV infection among voluntary blood donors since 1998. Major English and Chinese databases were searched and a systematic review was constructed. Pooled infection rates by province and year were calculated using random-effect or fixed-effect models. A total of 87 studies met our inclusion criteria. A total of 2573 HIV-positive cases were identified among voluntary blood donors in the past 10 years; the pooled prevalence was 13.22/100,000, with a range of 0.74-125.97 per 100,000. Among the 24 provinces that reported yearly data, the prevalence of HIV increased from 5.62/100,000 to 28.90/100,000. The male-to-female ratio was 2.8; about 60% were below the age of 30 years. The prevalence of HIV in voluntary blood donors has risen steadily and fast. Efficient measures need to be taken urgently to prevent HIV test-seeking through blood donor programmes, to promote voluntary blood donation in low-risk groups and to enforce the Blood Donation Law strictly. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  6. 77 FR 13952 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-07

    ...DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the United States- Korea Free Trade Agreement. The Republic of Korea is already party to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement, but this trade agreement implements a lower procurement threshold.

  7. A Review of Economic Factors Influencing Voluntary Carbon Disclosure in the Property Sector of Developing Economies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kalu, J. U.; Aliagha, G. U.; Buang, A.

    2016-02-01

    Global warming has consequences on the environment and economy; this led to the establishment of United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol. These two agreements were to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions which are responsible for climate change and global warming. Developing countries under the protocol are not obligated to reduce or disclosure GHG emission, so their participation in the protocol is on voluntary mitigation bases. This study intends to examine economic factors that influence voluntary carbon disclosure in the property sub-sector of developing countries based on annual report of listed property companies in Malaysia. Signaling theory addresses the problem of information asymmetry in the society. Disclosure is an effective tool to overcome information imbalance among different market participants. The study hypothesizes that the economic factors that influence voluntary carbon information disclosure in developing countries are: [1] the company's size; this is because a large-sized company have more resources to cover the cost of reducing pollution. [2] The company's gearing status; where there is no sufficient information disclosure in a highly geared company will result to an increased agency cost. [3] Profitability; profits grants companies a pool of resources for mitigation activities and environmental reporting. Also, carbon disclosure acts as a means for achieving public confidence and legitimacy. [4] Liquidity: Companies that are highly liquid will disclosure more information to distinguish themselves from other companies that are less liquidity. This is correlated to environmental disclosure. [5] Financial slack affects companies’ ability to participate in green technology projects that enable a reduction in emission.

  8. Voluntary GHG reduction of industrial sectors in Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Chen, Liang-Tung; Hu, Allen H

    2012-08-01

    The present paper describes the voluntary greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction agreements of six different industrial sectors in Taiwan, as well as the fluorinated gases (F-gas) reduction agreement of the semiconductor and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) industries. The operating mechanisms, GHG reduction methods, capital investment, and investment effectiveness are also discussed. A total of 182 plants participated in the voluntary energy saving and GHG reduction in six industrial sectors (iron and steel, petrochemical, cement, paper, synthetic fiber, and textile printing and dyeing), with 5.35 Mt reduction from 2004 to 2008, or 33% higher than the target goal (4.02 Mt). The reduction accounts for 1.6% annual emission or 7.8% during the 5-yr span. The petrochemical industry accounts for 49% of the reduction, followed by the cement sector (21%) and the iron and steel industry (13%). The total investment amounted to approximately USD 716 million, in which, the majority of the investment went to the modification of the manufacturing process (89%). The benefit was valued at around USD 472 million with an average payback period of 1.5 yr. Moreover, related energy saving was achieved through different approaches, e.g., via electricity (iron and steel), steam and oil consumption (petrochemical) and coal usage (cement). The cost for unit CO(2) reduction varies per industry, with the steel and iron industrial sector having the highest cost (USD 346 t(-1) CO(2)) compared with the average cost of the six industrial sectors (USD 134 t(-1) CO(2)). For the semiconductor and Thin-Film Transistor LCD industries, F-gas emissions were reduced from approximately 4.1 to about 1.7 Mt CO(2)-eq, and from 2.2 to about 1.1 Mt CO(2)-eq, respectively. Incentive mechanisms for participation in GHG reduction are also further discussed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Tobacco and the movie industry.

    PubMed

    Charlesworth, Annemarie; Glantz, Stanton A

    2006-01-01

    Despite the tobacco industry's voluntary restrictions and its agreement with the state attorneys general prohibiting direct and indirect cigarette marketing to youth and paid product placement, tobacco use remains prevalent in movies. Extensive research provides strong and consistent evidence that smoking in the movies promotes smoking. This article summarizes the evidence on the nature and effect of smoking in the movies on adolescents (and others) and proposes several solutions to reduce adolescent exposure to movie smoking and subsequent smoking.

  10. The social life of laughter.

    PubMed

    Scott, Sophie K; Lavan, Nadine; Chen, Sinead; McGettigan, Carolyn

    2014-12-01

    Laughter is often considered to be the product of humour. However, laughter is a social emotion, occurring most often in interactions, where it is associated with bonding, agreement, affection, and emotional regulation. Laughter is underpinned by complex neural systems, allowing it to be used flexibly. In humans and chimpanzees, social (voluntary) laughter is distinctly different from evoked (involuntary) laughter, a distinction which is also seen in brain imaging studies of laughter. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. In Search of the Nature of Extensive Reading in L2: Cognitive, Affective, and Pedagogical Perspectives

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yamashita, Junko

    2015-01-01

    Extensive reading (ER) has been implemented under a wide variety of names, such as "(uninterrupted) sustained silent reading," "free voluntary reading," "pleasure reading," "book flood," "independent reading," and "Drop Everything And Read (DEAR)"; its various names emphasize different…

  12. Short & Sweet: Community Action for Widening Participation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aldridge, Fiona

    The Adult and Community Development Project (Project 99) was established to distribute one-time development grants to all local education authorities (LEAs) in England and some voluntary and community organizations for implementation of short-term activities in the adult and community education field. Organizations receiving grants were requested…

  13. Obstacles to organic and grass fed small ruminant production in the U.S

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Certified organic livestock must align to standards set forth by the National Organic Standards. Grass fed ruminant production follows a voluntary standard, both programs implemented by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. There is very little research being conducted on organic livestock system...

  14. Effectiveness of voluntary conservation agreements: case study of endangered whales and commercial whale watching.

    PubMed

    Wiley, David N; Moller, Just C; Pace, Richard M; Carlson, Carole

    2008-04-01

    The use of voluntary approaches to achieve conservation goals is becoming increasingly popular. Nevertheless, few researchers have quantitatively evaluated their efficacy. In 1998 industry, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations established a voluntary conservation program for whale watching in the northeast region of the United States, with the intent to avoid collisions with and harassment of endangered whales by commercial and recreational whale-watching vessels. One important aspect of the program was the establishment of 3 speed zones within specific distances of whales. We wanted to determine the level of compliance with this aspect of the program to gauge its efficacy and gain insights into the effectiveness of voluntary measures as a conservation tool. Inconspicuous observers accompanied 46 commercial whale-watching trips from 12 companies in 2003 (n= 35) and 2004 (n= 11). During each trip, vessel position and speed were collected at 5-second intervals with a GPS receiver. Binoculars with internal laser rangefinders and digital compasses were used to record range and bearing to sighted whales. We mapped whale locations with ArcGIS. We created speed-zone buffers around sighted whales and overlaid them with vessel-track and speed data to evaluate compliance. Speeds in excess of those recommended by the program were considered noncompliant. We judged the magnitude of noncompliance by comparing a vessel's maximum speed within a zone to its maximum recorded trip speed. The level of noncompliance was high (mean 0.78; company range 0.74-0.88), some companies were more compliant than others (p= 0.02), noncompliance was significantly higher in zones farther from whales (p < 0.001), and operators approached the maximum speed capabilities of their vessel in all zones. The voluntary conservation program did not achieve the goal of substantially limiting vessel speed near whales. Our results support the need for conservation programs to have quantifiable metrics and frequent evaluation to ensure efficacy.

  15. 77 FR 56739 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-09-13

    ...DoD, GSA, and NASA are adopting as final, without change, an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement. The Republic of Korea is already party to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement, but this trade agreement implements a lower procurement threshold.

  16. [Concepts for the regulation of mixtures of toxic pollutants in environmental hygiene].

    PubMed

    Csicsaky, M J

    1998-06-01

    In view of the increasing accumulation of large-scale livestock production facilities in the western parts of Lower Saxony the question rises how ecology and economy can be conciliated and how the protection of human health can be assured. Based on existing legislation this is hard to achieve because of the weak legal position of the administration when trying to prohibit the further expansion of livestock production as opposed to the strong legal position of owners and investors. Presently there is no agreement within the scientific community on safe limits for airborne pathogens and it is quite obvious that thresholds for peak concentrations do not solve the problem of background level exposures. Apart from the unsatisfactory current practise to licence farm animal units in the outskirts of existing villages only, in future the introduction of the EC Environmental Management and Auditing Scheme (EMAS) in animal production may improve the situation. This management system is intended to permanently reduce the environmental impact of a production site and implements the ALARA-PRINCIPLE (as low as reasonably achievable) which is known from protection measures against radiation. As the implementation of the EMAS so far works only on a voluntary basis, an incentive is needed. If dealers and consumers give preference to products from producers having adopted the EMAS, this would be a very efficient incentive. Before this could be put into practise, however, the EMAS criteria originally designed for industrial production sites will have to be adapted to the special conditions of animal production.

  17. Cell phone recycling experiences in the United States and potential recycling options in Brazil.

    PubMed

    Silveira, Geraldo T R; Chang, Shoou-Yuh

    2010-11-01

    This paper presents an overview of cell phone recycling programs currently available in the United States. At the same time, it also provides analyses of the current recycling situation and possible recycling alternatives for Brazil. Although there are several recycling options in the United States, collection rates are still only 10% of all potential devices because customers are not aware of these possibilities. The whole system is financially based on reselling refurbished cell phones and recycled materials to developing countries which represent an effective and strong market. Several recyclers offer funds to collection partners who are either charities or who work with charities while obtaining the materials that they need in order to run their operations. A mobile phone recycling system for Brazil considering the United States experience and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle is suggested. A deposit/refund/advance-recycling fee is proposed which might be implemented as a voluntary industrial initiative managed by PRO Brazil, a producer responsibility organization. One widespread public-private agreement will integrate all mobile phone stakeholders, and environmental education actions and promotional events will promote citizen's participation. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Intellectual property rights, market competition and access to affordable antiretrovirals.

    PubMed

    Pascual, Fernando

    2014-01-01

    The number of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased from around half a million in 2003 to almost 10 million in only 10 years, and will continue to increase in the coming years. Over 16 million more are eligible to start ART according to the last World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The demand is also switching from the less expensive antiretrovirals (ARVs) that allowed such scale-up to newer more expensive ones with fewer side effects or those that can be used by people who have developed resistance to first-line treatment. However, patents on these new drugs can delay robust generic competition and, consequently, price reduction made possible by economies of scale. Various ways to address this issue have been envisaged or implemented, including the use of the flexibilities available under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), systematic widespread voluntary licensing, of which the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is an example, and the application of different prices in different countries, called tiered pricing. This paper helps explain the impact of patents on market competition for ARVs and analyses various approaches available today to minimize this impact.

  19. A change of direction in the Dutch health care system?

    PubMed

    Lapré, R M

    1988-08-01

    The Dutch health care system seems to be undergoing a clear change of direction. The publication of the Report of the Committee of the Structure and Financing of the Health Care System is a prominent document which marks the emergence of a new trend. After an analysis of the characteristics of the Dutch health care system in the periods 1960-1975 and 1975-1985, an account is given of the most important proposals of the committee. The proposals clearly alter the trend towards more governmental involvement. They envisage a more market-oriented approach and freedom of operation while at the same time paying attention to aspects such as solidarity and social justice. The Committee's suggestions include the introduction of a basic insurance scheme for every citizen with a coverage determined by law, and in addition a voluntary supplementary insurance scheme in which the insured can decide what coverage he requires and that the insurer is obliged to accept him. The fact that there is a certain amount of agreement, at least over the direction that the strategy for change should take, justifies the expectation that many of the committee's proposals will be implemented.

  20. Profit versus public health: the need to improve the food environment in recreational facilities.

    PubMed

    Olstad, Dana Lee; Raine, Kim D

    2013-01-08

    Despite their wellness mandate, many publicly funded recreational facilities offer primarily unhealthy foods. Governments have developed programs and resources to assist facilities to improve their food offerings, however the challenge to incent preferential sale of healthier foods remains substantial. In the Canadian province of Alberta, uptake of government-issued voluntary nutrition guidelines for recreational facilities has been limited, and offers of free assistance to implement them as part of a research study were not embraced. Financial constraints appear to be the most important barrier to offering healthier items in Alberta's recreational facilities, as facility and food service managers perceive that selling healthier foods is unprofitable and might jeopardize sponsorship agreements. Mandatory government regulation may therefore be required to overcome the barriers to offering healthier foods in this setting. The advantages of a regulatory approach appear to outweigh any disadvantages, with benefits for population health, more effective use of public funds, and greater equity for the public and industry. Adverse effects on corporate profitability and freedom of choice are expected to be limited. Regulation may offer an efficient, effective and equitable means of ensuring that recreational facilities support child health and do not undermine it by exposing children to unhealthy food environments.

  1. Metropolitan Planning Project, 1977-78. Final Performance Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Arnoff, Steven M.

    This document provides a description of the Metropolitan Planning Project (MPP), its objectives, strategies, and an evaluation of its implementation in the Boston area. In order to encourage the voluntary elimination, reduction, and prevention of minority group isolation in elementary and secondary schools in Boston, the project focuses on two…

  2. 45 CFR 1356.22 - Implementation requirements for children voluntarily placed in foster care.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... voluntary foster care maintenance expenditures made within the first 180 days of the child's placement in... voluntarily placed in foster care. 1356.22 Section 1356.22 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) OFFICE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE...

  3. 45 CFR 1356.22 - Implementation requirements for children voluntarily placed in foster care.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... only for voluntary foster care maintenance expenditures made within the first 180 days of the child's... voluntarily placed in foster care. 1356.22 Section 1356.22 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) OFFICE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE...

  4. 45 CFR 1356.22 - Implementation requirements for children voluntarily placed in foster care.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... only for voluntary foster care maintenance expenditures made within the first 180 days of the child's... voluntarily placed in foster care. 1356.22 Section 1356.22 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) OFFICE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE...

  5. 45 CFR 1356.22 - Implementation requirements for children voluntarily placed in foster care.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... only for voluntary foster care maintenance expenditures made within the first 180 days of the child's... voluntarily placed in foster care. 1356.22 Section 1356.22 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) OFFICE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE...

  6. 45 CFR 1356.22 - Implementation requirements for children voluntarily placed in foster care.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... voluntary foster care maintenance expenditures made within the first 180 days of the child's placement in... voluntarily placed in foster care. 1356.22 Section 1356.22 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) OFFICE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE...

  7. 7 CFR 2902.6 - Providing product information to Federal agencies.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Web site. An informational USDA Web site implementing section 9002 can be found at: http://www.biobased.oce.usda.gov. USDA will maintain a voluntary Web-based information site for manufacturers and... information. This Web site will provide information as to the availability, relative price, biobased content...

  8. Coupons for Success: A Marketing Incentive in Academic Support

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Potacco, Donna R.; Chen, Peter; Desroches, Danielle; Chisholm, Daniel R.; De Young, Sandra

    2013-01-01

    How does a Coupon Incentive Program motivate students to seek academic support in high-risk courses? Results from this study demonstrated that the Coupon Incentive Program was effective in motivating voluntary student attendance and improving student outcomes. Recommendations related to implementation of the Coupon Incentive Program are discussed.…

  9. Alternative Methods, Practices, and Concepts for School Desegregation: A Review of the Literature and Annotated Bibliography.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Laing, James M., Comp.

    This report begins with summaries of the ten popular desegregation plan strategies implemented after the 1954 Supreme Court decision. These strategies encompass the following: neighborhood schools, educational parks, voluntary transfer, gerrymandering attendance zones, closing minority schools, pupil assignment, organization by grades (Princeton…

  10. 7 CFR 3201.6 - Providing product information to Federal agencies.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ...) Informational Web site. An informational USDA Web site implementing section 9002 can be found at: http://www.biopreferred.gov. USDA will maintain a voluntary Web-based information site for manufacturers and vendors of... Web site will provide information as to the availability, relative price, biobased content...

  11. 7 CFR 3201.6 - Providing product information to Federal agencies.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ...) Informational Web site. An informational USDA Web site implementing section 9002 can be found at: http://www.biopreferred.gov. USDA will maintain a voluntary Web-based information site for manufacturers and vendors of... Web site will provide information as to the availability, relative price, biobased content...

  12. Effectiveness of a decentralized stormwater management program in the reduction of runoff volume

    EPA Science Inventory

    A decentralized, retrofit approach to storm water management was implemented in a small suburban drainage on the basis of a voluntary reverse auction. This effort led to the installation of 83 rain gardens and 176 rain barrels on approximately 20 percent of 350 residential proper...

  13. 9 CFR 149.9 - Pilot program sites.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Pilot program sites. 149.9 Section 149... LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT VOLUNTARY TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM § 149.9 Pilot program sites. Pork production sites participating in an APHIS-approved trichinae pilot program at the time of implementation of the...

  14. 9 CFR 149.9 - Pilot program sites.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Pilot program sites. 149.9 Section 149... LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT VOLUNTARY TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM § 149.9 Pilot program sites. Pork production sites participating in an APHIS-approved trichinae pilot program at the time of implementation of the...

  15. Ice Cream Seminars for Graduate Students: Imparting Chemical Information Literacy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garritano, Jeremy R.

    2007-01-01

    This article provides information on a chemical information literacy program designed primarily for new graduate students. The full implementation of this program is discussed, including defining its purpose, topics covered, content presented, methods of marketing, and evaluation. The result is a series of voluntary seminars given biweekly…

  16. 29 CFR 1952.175 - Changes to approved plans.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ..., California's Small Employer Voluntary Compliance Program, implemented on March 1, 1981, was approved by the... on January 1, 1977, was approved by the Assistant Secretary on March 6, 1978. (b) On January 1, 1978... employee access to the employer's log and summary of occupational injuries and illnesses. (d) In accordance...

  17. 29 CFR 1952.175 - Changes to approved plans.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ..., California's Small Employer Voluntary Compliance Program, implemented on March 1, 1981, was approved by the... on January 1, 1977, was approved by the Assistant Secretary on March 6, 1978. (b) On January 1, 1978... employee access to the employer's log and summary of occupational injuries and illnesses. (d) In accordance...

  18. Bottle-feeding legislation in Papua New Guinea.

    PubMed

    Lambert, J

    1980-02-01

    Research in Papua New Guinea and elsewhere in the developing world has indicted the dangers of bottle feeding infants. Following a failure to obtain the voluntary agreement of shopkeepers to restrict sales of infant-feeding bottles and teats, legislation was passed which placed these items on prescription. In order to obtain a prescription certain conditions have to be satisfied. A follow-up survey which was carried out in Port Moresby two years after the introduction of legislation indicated a significant decline in the extent of bottle feeding.

  19. 75 FR 24584 - Request for Nominations for the Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITACs)

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-05

    ... and the USTR regarding trade barriers, negotiation of trade agreements, and implementation of existing... trade negotiation objectives adequately reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. Section 135(a)(1... regarding trade barriers, negotiation of trade agreements, and implementation of existing trade agreements...

  20. 77 FR 75407 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Interim Procedures for Considering Requests...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-20

    ... States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (the ``Act'') [Pub. L. 112-43] implements the... Promotion Agreement (the ``Agreement''). This safeguard mechanism applies when, as a result of the...) all data available to the requestor showing changes in productivity, utilization of capacity...

  1. 75 FR 12494 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-16

    ... Textile Apparel Safeguard Provision of the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement. OMB Control Number... States-Oman Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the ``Act'') implements the textile and apparel safeguard provisions, provided for in Article 3.1 of the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement (the...

  2. 48 CFR 25.400 - Scope of subpart.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    .... L. 103-465); (2) Free Trade Agreements (FTA), consisting of— (i) NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement, as approved by Congress in the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act... Implementation Act (Pub. L. 110-138) (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)); (x) Korea FTA (the United States-Korea Free Trade...

  3. 48 CFR 25.400 - Scope of subpart.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    .... L. 103-465); (2) Free Trade Agreements (FTA), consisting of— (i) NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement, as approved by Congress in the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act... Implementation Act (Pub. L. 110-138) (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)); (x) Korea FTA (the United States-Korea Free Trade...

  4. 48 CFR 25.400 - Scope of subpart.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    .... L. 103-465); (2) Free Trade Agreements (FTA), consisting of— (i) NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement, as approved by Congress in the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act... Implementation Act (Pub. L. 110-138) (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)); (x) Korea FTA (the United States-Korea Free Trade...

  5. Voluntary medical male circumcision: translating research into the rapid expansion of services in Kenya, 2008-2011.

    PubMed

    Mwandi, Zebedee; Murphy, Anne; Reed, Jason; Chesang, Kipruto; Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel; Agot, Kawango; Llewellyn, Emma; Kirui, Charles; Serrem, Kennedy; Abuya, Isaac; Loolpapit, Mores; Mbayaki, Regina; Kiriro, Ndungu; Cherutich, Peter; Muraguri, Nicholas; Motoku, John; Kioko, Jack; Knight, Nancy; Bock, Naomi

    2011-11-01

    Since the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS recommended implementation of medical male circumcision (MC) as part of HIV prevention in areas with low MC and high HIV prevalence rates in 2007, the government of Kenya has developed a strategy to circumcise 80% of uncircumcised men within five years. To facilitate the quick translation of research to practice, a national MC task force was formed in 2007, a medical MC policy was implemented in early 2008, and Nyanza Province, the region with the highest HIV burden and low rates of circumcision, was prioritized for services under the direction of a provincial voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) task force. The government's early and continuous engagement with community leaders/elders, politicians, youth, and women's groups has led to the rapid endorsement and acceptance of VMMC. In addition, several innovative approaches have helped to optimize VMMC scale-up. Since October 2008, the Kenyan VMMC program has circumcised approximately 290,000 men, mainly in Nyanza Province, an accomplishment made possible through a combination of governmental leadership, a documented implementation strategy, and the adoption of appropriate and innovative approaches. Kenya's success provides a model for others planning VMMC scale-up programs.

  6. Emerging from the tragedies in Bangladesh: a challenge to voluntarism in the global economy.

    PubMed

    Claeson, Björn Skorpen

    2015-02-01

    Under the regime of private company or multi-stakeholder voluntary codes of conduct and industry social auditing, workers have absorbed low wages and unsafe and abusive conditions; labor leaders and union members have become the targets of both government and factory harassment and violence; and trade union power has waned. Nowhere have these private systems of codes and audits so clearly failed to protect workers as in Bangladesh's apparel industry. However, international labor groups and Bangladeshi unions have succeeded in mounting a challenge to voluntarism in the global economy, persuading more than 180 companies to make a binding and enforceable commitment to workers' safety in an agreement with 12 unions. The extent to which this Bangladesh Accord will be able to influence the entrenched global regime of voluntary codes and weak trade unions remains an open question. But if the Accord can make progress in Bangladesh, it can help to inspire similar efforts in other countries and in other industries. © 2015 SAGE Publications.

  7. GPs as citizens' agents: prescription behavior and altruism.

    PubMed

    Olsen, Kim Rose; Gyrd-Hansen, Dorte; Boegh, Andreas; Hansen, Sofie Hartung

    2009-10-01

    To curb the heavily increasing drug budgets some Danish counties have introduced voluntary agreements between general practitioners (GPs) and health authorities. We extend the models of generic prescription by Hellerstein (Rand J Econ 29(1):108-136, 1998) and Lundin (J Health Econ 19:639-662, 2000) to allow for substitution between analogues and use difference-in-difference models to assess the effect on two drug groups (lipid-lowering and rheumatism drugs). For both drug groups we find evidence of a significant effect of the intervention. In the case of lipid-lowering drugs, we found a significant larger impact on GPs with low loyalty to the insurer and with indication of low prescription quality. In contrast we found that the intervention had a significantly lower impact on this group of GPs in the case of rheumatism drugs. We conclude that the effectiveness of the voluntary approach may partly be due to its indirect effect on GPs' altruistic motivation, which makes the GPs and the authorities collide in a common agency role.

  8. [Foundations--a means for implementing strategic goals and measures in public health].

    PubMed

    Brand, A; Brand, H

    2000-03-01

    Social innovations are happening in many critical areas. Foundations make an enduring contribution towards increasing access to innovations in public welfare based on the philosophy that believes state-run organizations are neither efficient nor responsive to the people's changing needs. In this sense, foundations help to close the gap by turning hitherto tolerated conditions into problems and claims to action. The effectiveness of voluntary bodies as advocates of change owes much to their informal nature. In Germany, voluntary actions in Public Health are still underrepresented. Therefore, donors should be more supported by state government through adequate regulations. In addition, funders need to concentrate their efforts on the limited number of areas where they can have the greatest impact.

  9. 78 FR 64430 - Partial Approval and Disapproval of Air Quality State Implementation Plans; Nevada...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-29

    ... contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send email directly to EPA.... Accordingly, it affords no opportunity for EPA to fashion for small entities less burdensome compliance or... voluntary consensus standards bodies. NTTAA directs EPA to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when...

  10. Can Quality Improvement System Improve Childcare Site Performance in School Readiness?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ma, Xin; Shen, Jianping; Lu, Xuejin; Brandi, Karen; Goodman, Jeff; Watson, Grace

    2013-01-01

    The authors evaluated the effectiveness of the Quality Improvement System (QIS) developed and implemented by Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County (Florida) as a voluntary initiative to improve the quality of childcare and education. They adopted a growth model approach to investigate whether childcare sites that participated in QIS…

  11. Assessing the opportunity cost of implementing streamside management zone guidelines in eastern hardwood forests

    Treesearch

    Chris B. LeDoux

    2006-01-01

    Forest landowners, managers, loggers, land-use planners, and other decision/policy makers need to understand the opportunity cost associated with different levels of allowable management and required/voluntary protection in streamside management zones (SMZs). Four different logging technologies, two mature hardwood stands, three levels of streamside zone protection,...

  12. Evaluation of the Truancy Court Diversion Program in the District of Columbia, 2011-12

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cahill, Meagan; Liberman, Akiva

    2012-01-01

    An evaluation of the Truancy Court Diversion Program (TCDP) found that despite significant implementation challenges, parent-child communication and youths' attitudes towards school both improved. A voluntary program for middle school students at risk for chronic truancy, TCDP involves judicially-led sessions that address student attitudes…

  13. Views, Achievements and Implementation of Preschool Teachers Regarding Movement Education Workshop

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mirzeoglu, A. Dilsad; Altay, Figen; Agca, Sumeyra Sert

    2017-01-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the views, achievements and actions of preschool teachers regarding the workshop on movement education. In this study qualitative research design and action research approach were used. The participants comprised 10 voluntary female preschool teachers working in the Central district of Bolu province. In order…

  14. Evaluating an Earlybird Scheme: Encouraging Early Assignment Writing and Revising

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Unsworth, Kerrie; Kauter, Katherine

    2008-01-01

    It is widely suggested that feedback on assignments is useful to students' learning, however, little research has examined how this feedback may be provided in large classes or the actual effects of such a scheme. We designed and implemented a voluntary "earlybird scheme" that provided detailed feedback to undergraduate Business students on a…

  15. Assisted suicide and assisted voluntary euthanasia: Stransham-Ford High Court case overruled by the Appeal Court - but the door is left open.

    PubMed

    McQuoid-Mason, David J

    2017-04-25

    Whether persons wishing to have doctor-assisted suicide or voluntary active euthanasia may make a court application based on their rights in the Constitution has not been answered by the Appeal Court. Therefore, if Parliament does not intervene beforehand, such applications can be made - provided the applicants have legal standing, full arguments are presented regarding local and foreign law, and the application evidence is comprehensive and accurate. The Appeal Court indicated that the question should be answered by Parliament because 'issues engaging profound moral questions beyond the remit of judges to determine, should be decided by the representatives of the people of the country as a whole'. However, the Government has not implemented any recommendations on doctor-assisted suicide and voluntary active euthanasia made by the South African Law Commission 20 years ago. The courts may still develop the law on doctor-assisted death, which may take into account developments in medical practice. Furthermore, 'the possibility of a special defence for medical practitioners or carers would arise and have to be explored'.

  16. Power, Process, and Protection: Juveniles as Defendants in the Justice System.

    PubMed

    Woolard, Jennifer L; Henning, Kristin; Fountain, Erika

    The juvenile court was created in 1899 in part to remedy the unfairness of trying youth in the adult criminal justice system, but its success at rectifying those problems is unclear. One concern is that the vast majority of youth who are adjudicated delinquent are adjudicated after waiving their right to trial and entering a guilty plea. Fairness and equity in the plea bargaining process are premised on the assumption that youth have the capacity to understand and elect between available options and will be given a meaningful opportunity to choose without coercion and deception. In legal terms, the Constitution will only sanction a plea when the defendant makes a knowing, voluntary, and intelligent waiver of her right to trial. In this chapter, we briefly describe the juvenile court process and explain the circumstances of a plea bargain, which constitutes both a waiver of Constitutional rights and an agreement to certain conditions. Then we evaluate the research and practice knowledge regarding the legal components of a valid waiver-that it must be knowing and voluntary. We consider how information, capacity, and circumstance contribute to a knowing waiver. Then we examine how procedural justice, paternalism, and coercion may affect a voluntary waiver. Throughout, we consider whether the people, policies, and practices meant to assess and safeguard that waiver decision fulfill their intended purpose. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Strategies for ensuring global consistency/comparability of water-quality data

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Klein, J.M.

    1999-01-01

    In the past 20 years the water quality of the United States has improved remarkably-the waters are safer for drinking, swimming, and fishing. However, despite many accomplishments, it is still difficult to answer such basic questions as: 'How clean is the water?' and 'How is it changing over time?' These same questions exist on a global scale as well. In order to focus water-data issues in the United States, a national Intergovernmental Task Force on Monitoring Water Quality (ITFM) was initiated for public and private organizations, whereby key elements involved in data collection, analysis, storage, and management could be made consistent and comparable. The ITFM recommended and its members are implementing a nationwide strategy to improve water-quality monitoring, assessment, and reporting activities. The intent of this paper is to suggest that a voluntary effort be initiated to ensure the comparability and utility of hydrological data on a global basis. Consistent, long-term data sets that are comparable are necessary in order to formulate ideas regarding regional and global trends in water quantity and quality. The author recommends that a voluntary effort similar to the ITFM effort be utilized. The strategy proposed would involve voluntary representation from countries and international organizations (e.g. World Health Organization) involved in drinking-water assessments and/or ambient water-quality monitoring. Voluntary partnerships such as this will improve curability to reduce health risks and achieve a better return on public and private investments in monitoring, environmental protection, and natural resource management, and result in a collaborative process that will save millions of dollars.In this work it is suggested that a voluntary effort be initiated to ensure the comparability and utility of hydrological data on a global basis. The strategy proposed would involve voluntary representation from countries and international organizations involved in drinking-water assessments and/or ambient water-quality monitoring.

  18. 78 FR 71869 - Changes To Implement the Hague Agreement Concerning International Registration of Industrial Designs

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-29

    ... International Registration of Industrial Designs; Proposed Rule #0;#0;Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 230... Changes To Implement the Hague Agreement Concerning International Registration of Industrial Designs... Registration of Industrial Designs (``Hague Agreement'') and is to take effect on the entry into force of the...

  19. 2 CFR 180.20 - What must a Federal agency do to implement these guidelines?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false What must a Federal agency do to implement these guidelines? 180.20 Section 180.20 Grants and Agreements OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GOVERNMENTWIDE GUIDANCE FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS Reserved OMB GUIDELINES TO AGENCIES ON GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT...

  20. 2 CFR 180.30 - Where does a Federal agency implement these guidelines?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Where does a Federal agency implement these guidelines? 180.30 Section 180.30 Grants and Agreements OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GOVERNMENTWIDE GUIDANCE FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS Reserved OMB GUIDELINES TO AGENCIES ON GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND...

  1. 2 CFR 180.35 - By when must a Federal agency implement these guidelines?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false By when must a Federal agency implement these guidelines? 180.35 Section 180.35 Grants and Agreements OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GOVERNMENTWIDE GUIDANCE FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS Reserved OMB GUIDELINES TO AGENCIES ON GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT...

  2. 2 CFR 182.35 - By when must a Federal agency implement the guidance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false By when must a Federal agency implement the guidance? 182.35 Section 182.35 Grants and Agreements OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GOVERNMENTWIDE GUIDANCE FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS Reserved GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL...

  3. Effect of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and Voluntary Industry Health Warning Labels on Passage of Mandated Cigarette Warning Labels From 1965 to 2012: Transition Probability and Event History Analyses

    PubMed Central

    Sanders-Jackson, Ashley N.; Song, Anna V.; Hiilamo, Heikki

    2013-01-01

    Objectives. We quantified the pattern and passage rate of cigarette package health warning labels (HWLs), including the effect of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and HWLs voluntarily implemented by tobacco companies. Methods. We used transition probability matrices to describe the pattern of HWL passage and change rate in 4 periods. We used event history analysis to estimate the effect of the FCTC on adoption and to compare that effect between countries with voluntary and mandatory HWLs. Results. The number of HWLs passed during each period accelerated, from a transition rate among countries that changed from 2.42 per year in 1965–1977 to 6.71 in 1977–1984, 8.42 in 1984–2003, and 22.33 in 2003–2012. The FCTC significantly accelerated passage of FCTC-compliant HWLs for countries with initially mandatory policies with a hazard of 1.27 per year (95% confidence interval = 1.11, 1.45), but only marginally increased the hazard for countries that had an industry voluntary HWL of 1.68 per year (95% confidence interval = 0.95, 2.97). Conclusions. Passage of HWLs is accelerating, and the FCTC is associated with further acceleration. Industry voluntary HWLs slowed mandated HWLs. PMID:24028248

  4. [Detection and classification of medication errors at Joan XXIII University Hospital].

    PubMed

    Jornet Montaña, S; Canadell Vilarrasa, L; Calabuig Mũoz, M; Riera Sendra, G; Vuelta Arce, M; Bardají Ruiz, A; Gallart Mora, M J

    2004-01-01

    Medication errors are multifactorial and multidisciplinary, and may originate in processes such as drug prescription, transcription, dispensation, preparation and administration. The goal of this work was to measure the incidence of detectable medication errors that arise within a unit dose drug distribution and control system, from drug prescription to drug administration, by means of an observational method confined to the Pharmacy Department, as well as a voluntary, anonymous report system. The acceptance of this voluntary report system's implementation was also assessed. A prospective descriptive study was conducted. Data collection was performed at the Pharmacy Department from a review of prescribed medical orders, a review of pharmaceutical transcriptions, a review of dispensed medication and a review of medication returned in unit dose medication carts. A voluntary, anonymous report system centralized in the Pharmacy Department was also set up to detect medication errors. Prescription errors were the most frequent (1.12%), closely followed by dispensation errors (1.04%). Transcription errors (0.42%) and administration errors (0.69%) had the lowest overall incidence. Voluntary report involved only 4.25% of all detected errors, whereas unit dose medication cart review contributed the most to error detection. Recognizing the incidence and types of medication errors that occur in a health-care setting allows us to analyze their causes and effect changes in different stages of the process in order to ensure maximal patient safety.

  5. Reforming voluntary drug insurance in Russian healthcare: does social solidarity matter?

    PubMed

    Gerry, Christopher J; Kaneva, Maria; Zasimova, Liudmila

    2017-11-01

    With low take-up of both private health insurance and the existing public drug reimbursement scheme, it is thought that less than 5% of the Russian population have access to free outpatient drug treatment. This represents a major policy challenge for a country grappling with reforms of its healthcare system and experiencing low or no economic growth and significant associated reductions in spending on social services. In this paper, we draw on data from a 2011 Levada-Center survey to examine the attitudes and social solidarity of the Russian population towards drug policies in general and towards the introduction of a proposed voluntary drug insurance system in particular. In addition to being among the first to explore these important questions in the post-Communist setting, we make three important contributions to the emerging policy debates. First, we find that, if introduced immediately and without careful planning and preparation, Russia's voluntary drug insurance scheme is likely to collapse financially due to the over-representation of high-risk unhealthy individuals opting in to the scheme. Second, the negative attitude of higher income groups towards the redistribution of wealth to the poor may further impede government efforts to introduce voluntary drug insurance. Finally, we argue that Russia currently lacks the breadth and depth of social solidarity necessary for implementing this form of health financing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Implementation of smoke-free homes in Poland.

    PubMed

    Kaleta, Dorota; Fronczak, Adam; Usidame, Bukola; Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk, Elżbieta; Makowiec-Dąbrowska, Teresa; Wojtysiak, Piotr

    2016-01-01

    Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) constitutes a threat to the health of many people. In order to diminish ETS exposure, countries (including Poland) implemented legal restrictions of smoking in public places and worksites. Currently more attention is also paid to reduce overall and residential ETS exposure by voluntary smoke-free home policy adoption. The aim of current analysis was to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of implementing smoking bans at place of residence among economically active males and females in Poland. Data from cross-sectional, household study - Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2009-2010) were analyzed. The logistic regression model was applied for appropriate calculations. Out of 3696 studied subjects only 37.1% adopted total smoking ban within the home. Decreased likelihood of adopting total smoking bans was associated with current smoker status, low education attainment, lack of awareness on adverse health consequences of ETS, low level of support for tobacco control policies, and cohabitation with a smoker in both genders. Having smoke-free homes was also linked with age in women, place of residence and work smoking policy in indoor areas in men. Targeted activities to encourage adopting voluntary smoke-free rules among groups least likely to implement 100% smoking bans in the home and activities to decrease social acceptance of smoking in the presence of nonsmokers, children, pregnant woman are urgently needed. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

  7. Finding harmony so the music plays on: pragmatic trial design considerations to promote organizational sustainment of an empirically-supported behavior therapy.

    PubMed

    Hartzler, Bryan; Peavy, K Michelle; Jackson, T Ron; Carney, Molly

    2016-01-22

    Pragmatic trials of empirically-supported behavior therapies may inform clinical and policy decisions concerning therapy sustainment. This retrospective trial design paper describes and discusses pragmatic features of a hybrid type III implementation/effectiveness trial of a contingency management (CM) intervention at an opioid treatment program. Prior reporting (Hartzler et al., J Subst Abuse Treat 46:429-438, 2014; Hartzler, Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 10:30, 2015) notes success in recruiting program staff for voluntary participation, durable impacts of CM training on staff-level outcomes, provisional setting implementation of the intervention, documentation of clinical effectiveness, and post-trial sustainment of CM. Six pragmatic design features, and both scientific and practical bases for their inclusion in the trial, are presented: (1) a collaborative intervention design process, (2) voluntary recruitment of program staff for therapy training and implementation, (3) serial training outcome assessments, with quasi-experimental staff randomization to either single or multiple baseline assessment conditions, (4) designation of a 90-day period immediately after training in which the setting implemented the intervention on a provisional basis, (5) inclusive patient eligibility for receipt of the CM intervention, and (6) designation of two staff as local implementation leaders to oversee clinical/administrative issues in provisional implementation. Each pragmatic trial design feature is argued to have contributed to sustainment of CM. Contributions implicate the building of setting proprietorship for the CM intervention, culling of internal staff expertise in its delivery, iterative use of assessment methods that limited setting burden, documentation of setting-specific clinical effectiveness, expanded penetration of CM among staff during provisional implementation, and promotion of setting self-reliance in the oversight of sustainable implementation procedures. It is hoped this discussion offers ideas for how to impact local clinical and policy decisions via effective behavior therapy dissemination.

  8. 2 CFR 182.25 - What must a Federal agency address in its implementation of the guidance?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... implementation of the guidance? 182.25 Section 182.25 Grants and Agreements OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GOVERNMENTWIDE GUIDANCE FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS Reserved GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE...? Each Federal agency's implementing regulation: (a) Must establish drug-free workplace policies and...

  9. Is passenger vehicle incompatibility still a problem?

    PubMed

    Teoh, Eric R; Nolan, Joseph M

    2012-01-01

    Passenger cars often are at a disadvantage when colliding with light trucks (sport utility vehicles [SUVs] and pickups) due to differences in mass, vehicle structural alignment, and stiffness. In 2003, vehicle manufacturers agreed to voluntary measures to improve compatibility, especially in front-to-front and front-to-side crashes, with full adherence to be achieved by September 2009. This study examined whether fatality rates are consistent with the expected benefit of this agreement. Analyses examined 2 death rates for 1- to 4-year-old passenger vehicles during 2000-2001 and 2008-2009 in the United States: occupant deaths per million registered vehicle years in these vehicles and deaths in other cars that collided with these vehicles in 2-vehicle crashes per million registered vehicle years. These rates were computed for each study period and for cars/minivans (referred to as cars), SUVs, and pickups by curb weight (in 500-pound increments). The latter death rate, referred to as the car crash partner death rate, also was computed for front-to-front crashes and front-to-side crashes where the front of the 1- to 4-year-old vehicle struck the side of the partner car. In both study periods, occupant death rates generally decreased for each vehicle type both with increasing curb weight and over time. SUVs experienced the greatest declines compared with cars and pickups. This is due in part to the early fitment of electronic stability control in SUVs, which drastically reduced the incidence of single-vehicle rollover crashes. Pickups had the highest death rates in both study periods. Car crash partner death rates generally declined over time for all vehicle categories but more steeply for SUVs and pickups colliding with cars than for cars colliding with cars. In fact, the car crash partner death rates for SUVs and cars were nearly identical during 2008-2009, suggesting that the voluntary design changes for compatibility have been effective. Car crash partner death rates also declined for pickups, but their rates were consistently the highest in both study periods. It is impossible to disentangle the individual contributions of the compatibility agreement, improved crashworthiness of cars, and other factors in reducing car crash partner fatality rates. However, the generally larger reductions in car crash partner death rates for SUVs and pickups indicate the likely benefits of the agreement. Overall, this study finds that the system of regulatory testing, voluntary industry initiatives, and consumer information testing has led to a passenger vehicle fleet that is much more compatible in crashes.

  10. New jobs old roles - working for prevention in a whole-system model of health and social care for older people.

    PubMed

    Smith, Naomi; Barnes, Marian

    2013-01-01

    The Partnerships for Older People Projects programme provided government funding for local and health authorities to pilot prevention and intervention services in partnership with the voluntary sector and older people between 2006 and 2009. This local evaluation of a pilot in southern England undertaken between 2007 and 2009 used a Theory of Change approach to gathering and reflecting on data with different groups involved in the delivery of this whole-system based model of prevention. The model was delivered in the same way in seven social services locality areas within a large county authority. The method of data gathering enabled structured reflection on the implementation, development and projected outcomes of the model and a consideration of the key learning of working in a whole-system way with partners and stakeholders. The whole-system model, although complex and challenging to implement, was considered overall to have been a success and provided significant learning for partners and stakeholders on the challenges and benefits of working across professional and sectoral boundaries. New posts were created as part of the model. Two of these, recruited to and managed by voluntary sector partners, were identified as 'new jobs', but echoed 'old roles' within community and voluntary sector based health and social care. The authors reflect on the parallels of these roles with previously existing roles and ways of working and reflect on how the whole-system approach of this particular pilot enabled these new jobs to develop in particularly appropriate and successful ways. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  11. Voluntary Fasting to Control Post-Ramadan Weight Gain among Overweight and Obese Women

    PubMed Central

    Ismail, Suriani; Shamsuddin, Khadijah; Latiff, Khalib A.; Saad, Hazizi A.; Majid, Latifah A.; Othman, Fadlan M.

    2015-01-01

    Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an Islamic voluntary fasting intervention to control post-Ramadan weight gain. Methods: This study was conducted between July and November 2011. Two weight loss intervention programmes were developed and implemented among groups of overweight or obese Malay women living in the Malaysian cities of Putrajaya and Seremban: a standard programme promoting control of food intake according to national dietary guidelines (group B) and a faith-based programme promoting voluntary fasting in addition to the standard programme (group A). Participants’ dietary practices (i.e., voluntary fasting practices, frequency of fruit/vegetable consumption per week and quantity of carbohydrates/protein consumed per day), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC):HDL-C ratio were assessed before Ramadan and three months post-Ramadan. Results: Voluntary fasting practices increased only in group A (P <0.01). Additionally, the quantity of protein/carbohydrates consumed per day, mean diastolic pressure and TC:HDL-C ratio decreased only in group A (P <0.01, 0.05, 0.02 and <0.01, respectively). Frequency of fruit/vegetable consumption per week, as well as HDL-C levels, increased only in group A (P = 0.03 and <0.01, respectively). Although changes in BMI between the groups was not significant (P = 0.08), BMI decrease among participants in group A was significant (P <0.01). Conclusion: Control of post-Ramadan weight gain was more evident in the faith-based intervention group. Healthcare providers should consider faith-based interventions to encourage weight loss during Ramadan and to prevent post-Ramadan weight gain among patients. PMID:25685394

  12. 2 CFR 1.220 - Federal agency implementation of this subtitle.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Federal agency implementation of this subtitle. 1.220 Section 1.220 Grants and Agreements Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements ABOUT TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND SUBTITLE A Introduction to Subtitle A § 1.220...

  13. 2 CFR 1.220 - Federal agency implementation of this subtitle.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Federal agency implementation of this subtitle. 1.220 Section 1.220 Grants and Agreements Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements ABOUT TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND SUBTITLE A Introduction to Subtitle A § 1.220...

  14. 2 CFR 1.220 - Federal agency implementation of this subtitle.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Federal agency implementation of this subtitle. 1.220 Section 1.220 Grants and Agreements Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements ABOUT TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND SUBTITLE A Introduction toSubtitle A § 1.220...

  15. 2 CFR 1.220 - Federal agency implementation of this subtitle.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Federal agency implementation of this subtitle. 1.220 Section 1.220 Grants and Agreements Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements ABOUT TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND SUBTITLE A Introduction toSubtitle A § 1.220...

  16. 2 CFR 1.220 - Federal agency implementation of this subtitle.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Federal agency implementation of this subtitle. 1.220 Section 1.220 Grants and Agreements ABOUT TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND SUBTITLE A Introduction toSubtitle A § 1.220 Federal agency implementation of this subtitle. A Federal...

  17. Biological Terrorism: US Policies to Reduce Global Biothreats

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-09-01

    program for pro- jects that advance BEP objectives. Global Cooperation to develop bio- safety and pathogen security stan- dards that are consistent with...security. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ) has recently developed voluntary biosecurity guidelines for implementation...Abbreviations AG Australia Group BEP Biosecurity Engagement Program BSL Biosafety level BWC Biological Weapons Convention BWC-ISU Biological Weapons

  18. Feasibility of Implementing an All-Volunteer Force for the ROK Armed Forces

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-03-01

    Korea’s current military/economic/political/social factors for voluntary recruitment through an open-systems conceptual model. Results indicate that the...recruitment through an open-systems conceptual model. Results indicate that the draft should be maintained for the near future, but this does not...7 A. A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR DEFENSE ORGANIZATION

  19. 75 FR 20394 - American Racing Equipment, LLC, Denver, CO; Notice of Negative Determination on Remand

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-19

    ... for voluntary remand. On May 18, 2009, the Department implemented the Trade and Globalization... Opportunity Act, or the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act; or 3. There has been or is likely to be an... subject firm, then determine whether the workers are adversely impacted by increased imports of articles...

  20. Implementing the Climate Action Plan | Climate Neutral Research Campuses |

    Science.gov Websites

    transaction costs. Following this methodology allows you to obtain an acceptable cost benefit ratio for the savings through low-cost and voluntary measures. This approach begs the question about what should be done for research campuses with sufficient internal funds. Self-financing may be the most cost-effective

  1. Modifying Open-Campus Lunch Policy to Reduce Discipline Violations: An Action Research Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wilkes, James S., III

    2016-01-01

    An intervention was implemented to address the high number of discipline violations due to an unconditional open-campus lunch policy at a senior high school. The intent of the intervention was to statistically measure discipline violations among voluntary participants and to determine whether or not a significant change occurred. The research…

  2. Application of Knowledge Discovery in Databases Methodologies for Predictive Models for Pregnancy Adverse Events

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Taft, Laritza M.

    2010-01-01

    In its report "To Err is Human", The Institute of Medicine recommended the implementation of internal and external voluntary and mandatory automatic reporting systems to increase detection of adverse events. Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) allows the detection of patterns and trends that would be hidden or less detectable if analyzed by…

  3. The Effects of Impetuous, Exploratory, and Overall Indecisiveness on Self-Esteem among Turkish University Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sari, Enver

    2007-01-01

    This research was conducted in order to determine the relationships between levels of indecisiveness and their self-esteem among Turkish university students. The study was designed and implemented in 2006 with 320 voluntary university students of whom 170 were females and 150 males in Giresun, Turkey. The Personal Indecisiveness Scale (PIS;…

  4. A Middle School Principal's and Teachers' Perceptions of Leadership Practices in Data-Driven Decision Making

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Godreau Cimma, Kelly L.

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe one Connecticut middle school's voluntary implementation of a data-driven decision making process in order to improve student academic performance. Data-driven decision making is a component of Connecticut's accountability system to assist schools in meeting the requirements of the No…

  5. 77 FR 44582 - Applications To Serve as Accountability Agents in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-30

    ... order to implement this Framework, member economies developed a voluntary system of Cross Border Privacy... email at [email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 2004, Leaders of the 21 APEC economies... information between the 21 economies in APEC by promoting a common set of privacy principles that will enhance...

  6. Seasonal and situational impacts on the effectiveness of a decentralized stormwater management program in the reduction of runoff volume (Cincinnati OH; USA)

    EPA Science Inventory

    A decentralized, retrofit approach to storm water management was implemented in a small suburban drainage on the basis of a voluntary reverse auction. This campaign led to the installation of 83 rain gardens and 176 rain barrels on approximately 20 percent of 350 residential prop...

  7. Active Learning outside the Classroom: Implementation and Outcomes of Peer-Led Team-Learning Workshops in Introductory Biology

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kudish, Philip; Shores, Robin; McClung, Alex; Smulyan, Lisa; Vallen, Elizabeth A.; Siwicki, Kathleen K.

    2016-01-01

    Study group meetings (SGMs) are voluntary-attendance peer-led team-learning workshops that supplement introductory biology lectures at a selective liberal arts college. While supporting all students' engagement with lecture material, specific aims are to improve the success of underrepresented minority (URM) students and those with weaker…

  8. Affirmative Action in Employment: An Overview. Briefing Paper.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burns, Jodi

    All but 3-4% of the 91,189 complaints of alleged discrimination received by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1994 were dismissed for lack of sufficient proof of discrimination. A 1995 study of the extent of voluntary affirmative action found that 37% of a sample of 138 employers surveyed in the Philadelphia area had implemented steps…

  9. V-TIME. A New Way to Work. A Resource Manual for Employers and Employees.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moorman, Barbara; Olmsted, Barney

    This manual for managers, supervisors, and union representatives presents information on how to implement a comprehensive program of voluntary reduced work time (V-Time) options for employees. (V-Time allows full-time employees to reduce work hours temporarily while retaining benefits.) It reports mainly the experiences of two counties and two…

  10. Wilderness management through voluntary behavior change: an evaluation of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Management Plan

    Treesearch

    John M. Halstead; Cindy M. Brown; Albert E. Luloff; Bruce E. Lindsay

    1992-01-01

    The management plan for the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area of New Hampshire represents a departure from traditional plans. Results of this study indicate limited evidence of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Management Plan (PWMP), as currently implemented, having a large direct impact on diverting hikers from their planned destinations and promoting dispersed usage and low...

  11. Self-Study Guide for Florida VPK Provider Improvement Plan Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Phillips, Beth M.; Mazzeo, Debbie; Smith, Kevin

    2016-01-01

    This Self-Study Guide has been developed to support Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten Providers (VPK) who are required to complete an improvement plan process (i.e., low-performing providers). The guide has sections that can be used during both the process of selecting target areas for an improvement plan and the process of implementing new or…

  12. Unfair trade: e-waste in Africa.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Charles W

    2006-04-01

    Africa is quickly becoming a destination for information technology in the form of tons of used computers, fax machines, cell phones, and other electronics. Although many of these machines can be repaired and resold, up to 75% of the electronics shipped to Africa is junk. This equipment, when dumped, may leach lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment; when burned, it may release carcinogenic dioxins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. In the United States, activists are working to limit the flow of e-waste to developing countries through international agreements and voluntary e-waste export reduction efforts.

  13. Organizational models of emergency psychiatric intervention: state of the art.

    PubMed

    Barra, A; Daini, S; Tonioni, F; Bria, P

    2007-01-01

    Authors outline the differences between medical and psychiatric definition of emergency and analyze different organizational models of psychiatric intervention in Emergency Room. The historical evolution changed these models, and the relation with services for acute and subacute patients in hospital and community services. The Italian reform model is compared with the slow deinstitutionalization of psychiatry in other countries. Critical points in Italian emergency organization after the Psychiatric Reform are pointed out: low number of beds for acute patients, difficulties and delays in transfer from Emergency Room to GHPW (General Hospital Psychiatric Ward), waiting lists for voluntary treatments. To overcome some of these problems, the Authors propose that even in hospitals without psychiatric ward, a small unit of short psychiatric observation be implemented, for voluntary treatments, before transfer to other institutions.

  14. Prioritizing the organization and management of intensive care services in the United States: the PrOMIS Conference.

    PubMed

    Barnato, Amber E; Kahn, Jeremy M; Rubenfeld, Gordon D; McCauley, Kathleen; Fontaine, Dorrie; Frassica, Joseph J; Hubmayr, Rolf; Jacobi, Judith; Brower, Roy G; Chalfin, Donald; Sibbald, William; Asch, David A; Kelley, Mark; Angus, Derek C

    2007-04-01

    Adult critical care services are a large, expensive part of U.S. health care. The current agenda for response to workforce shortages and rising costs has largely been determined by members of the critical care profession without input from other stakeholders. We sought to elicit the perceived problems and solutions to the delivery of critical care services from a broad set of U.S. stakeholders. A consensus process involving purposive sampling of identified stakeholders, preconference Web-based survey, and 2-day conference. Participants represented healthcare providers, accreditation and quality-oversight groups, federal sponsoring institutions, healthcare vendors, and institutional and individual payers. We identified 39 stakeholders for the field of critical care medicine. Thirty-six (92%) completed the preconference survey and 37 (95%) attended the conference. None. Participants expressed moderate to strong agreement with the concerns identified by the critical care professionals and additionally expressed consternation that the critical care delivery system was fragmented, variable, and not patient-centered. Recommended solutions included regionalizing the adult critical care system into "tiers" defined by explicit triage criteria and professional competencies, achieved through voluntary hospital accreditation, supported through an expanded process of competency certification, and monitored through process and outcome surveillance; implementing mechanisms for improved communication across providers and settings and between providers and patients/families; and conducting market research and a public education campaign regarding critical care's promises and limitations. This consensus conference confirms that agreement on solutions to complex healthcare delivery problems can be achieved and that problem and solution frames expand with broader stakeholder participation. This process can be used as a model by other specialties to address priority setting in an era of shifting demographics and increasing resource constraints.

  15. Spending on pharmaceuticals in Italy: macro constraints with local autonomy.

    PubMed

    Mapelli, Vittorio; Lucioni, Carlo

    2003-01-01

    Italy has a national health service (SSN) that is moving toward decentralization and empowerment of local health enterprises (LHEs)-the arms of the regions for delivering health services. Drug policy and spending decisions are both influenced by central government and local authorities. At the "macro" level, the government holds the power to decide the amount of drug expenditure, currently at 13% of total SSN expenditure; the pricing policy, price negotiation, reference price, and price cuts; criteria for reimbursement, inclusion in the positive list, and restrictive notes; and the copayments and exemptions. So far, the government concern has been predominantly on cost containment, and its approach in selecting drugs for reimbursement has been cost minimization. Italy has no centralized office for health technology assessment and this hinders the search for an efficient use of drugs. At the "micro" level, however, the LHEs are showing a great vitality in fostering a better use of drugs by general practitioners. One of the tools employed is local voluntary agreements between LHEs and general practitioners (GPs) that may be supported by economic incentives, in cash or in kind. In 2000 there were 61 agreements in place, 31% of total LHEs, which concerned the respect of drug expenditure ceilings and the local development and implementation of clinical guidelines (47% of LHEs). A traditional and widespread tool for controlling drug expenditure is providing GPs with regular reports on their drug prescriptions (59% of LHEs). Monitoring, moral suasion, and clinical guidelines are the main incentives for efficiency at local level, but focus on health outcomes is limited. The cost-containment mentality still prevails and the use of drug budget for purchasing better health is at its very early stage.

  16. Increasing participation in incentive programs for biodiversity conservation.

    PubMed

    Sorice, Michael G; Oh, Chi-Ok; Gartner, Todd; Snieckus, Mary; Johnson, Rhett; Donlan, C Josh

    2013-07-01

    Engaging private landowners in conservation activities for imperiled species is critical to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. Market-based approaches can incentivize conservation behaviors on private lands by shifting the benefit-cost ratio of engaging in activities that result in net conservation benefits for target species. In the United States and elsewhere, voluntary conservation agreements with financial incentives are becoming an increasingly common strategy. While the influence of program design and delivery of voluntary conservation programs is often overlooked, these aspects are critical to achieving the necessary participation to attain landscape-scale outcomes. Using a sample of family-forest landowners in the southeast United States, we show how preferences for participation in a conservation program to protect an at-risk species, the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), are related to program structure, delivery, and perceived efficacy. Landowners were most sensitive to programs that are highly controlling, require permanent conservation easements, and put landowners at risk for future regulation. Programs designed with greater levels of compensation and that support landowners' autonomy to make land management decisions can increase participation and increase landowner acceptance of program components that are generally unfavorable, like long-term contracts and permanent easements. There is an inherent trade-off between maximizing participation and maximizing the conservation benefits when designing a conservation incentive program. For conservation programs targeting private lands to achieve landscape-level benefits, they must attract a critical level of participation that creates a connected mosaic of conservation benefits. Yet, programs with attributes that strive to maximize conservation benefits within a single agreement (and reduce risks of failure) are likely to have lower participation, and thus lower landscape benefits. Achieving levels of landowner participation in conservation agreement programs that deliver lasting, landscape-level benefits requires careful attention not only to how the program structure influences potential conservation benefits, but also how it influences landowners and their potential to participate.

  17. 78 FR 77621 - Forum To Discuss Proposed Changes To Implement the Hague Agreement Concerning International...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-24

    ... Agreement'') and is to take effect on the entry into force of the Hague Agreement with respect to the United States. On November 29, 2013, the Office published a proposed rule in the Federal Register proposing changes to the rules of practice to implement title I of the PLTIA and seeking written comments on the...

  18. 48 CFR 25.400 - Scope of subpart.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Implementation Act (Pub. L. 109-169) (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)); (viii) Oman FTA (the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement, as approved by Congress in the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Pub. L...

  19. Discourse and policy making on consumer protection in the areas of mobile telecommunication and tanning.

    PubMed

    Schweikardt, Christoph; Rosentreter, Michael; Gross, Dominik

    2012-01-01

    Perceived health risks from electromagnetic fields in mobile telecommunication and from UV radiation in tanning have become regulation issues in Germany during the last decade. Health risk messages from government expert bodies and the main stakeholders in these areas as well as subsequent consumer protection policy making are investigated. Publications and websites of government expert bodies and the main stakeholders as well as debates in Federal Parliament were analysed to compare argumentation patterns and parliamentary decision-making processes. In both areas, the public received competing health risk messages from the industries and their critics. As a government expert body, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) held the view that alleged health risks from electromagnetic telecommunication were not proven, and propagated the precautionary principle. This opinion did not endanger the agreement of 2001 between the government and mobile telecommunication operators. After the failure to obtain voluntary commitment from the tanning industry, by contrast, the BfS recommended stricter consumer protection legislation, which was subsequently implemented. The BfS was in a key position to demand the prerogative of interpretation concerning mutually excluding health risk messages and to provide the argumentation which led the way to non-ionic radiation health protection measures.

  20. Coincidence of role expectations between staff and volunteer members of drug free community coalitions.

    PubMed

    Goldstein, Marc B; Sapere, Heather; Daviau, John

    2017-08-01

    Community coalitions have proliferated as a means of addressing a range of complex community problems. Such coalitions often consist of a small paid staff and volunteer members. The present study examines one likely contributor to coalition effectiveness: the degree of agreement on role expectations between paid staff and volunteer members. Role confusion occurs when paid staff and volunteers differ in their expectations of who is responsible for accomplishing specific tasks. Staff and volunteer members from 69 randomly selected Drug Free Coalitions in the United States as well as 21 Drug Free Coalitions in Connecticut were asked to respond to an online survey asking about 37 specific coalition tasks critical for effective coalition functioning and the degree to which paid staff and/or voluntary members should be responsible for accomplishing each. Our final sample consisted of 476 individuals from 35 coalitions. Using coalitions as the unit of analysis, we found significant differences between paid staff and volunteer coalition members on nine tasks reflecting four domains: meeting leadership and participation, (2) planning and implementation leadership, (3) publicity/media relations, and (4) logistical functions. Implications of these differences and ways that evaluators could help coalitions deal with differing role expectations were discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. E-health in Switzerland: The laborious adoption of the federal law on electronic health records (EHR) and health information exchange (HIE) networks.

    PubMed

    De Pietro, Carlo; Francetic, Igor

    2018-02-01

    Within the framework of a broader e-health strategy launched a decade ago, in 2015 Switzerland passed a new federal law on patients' electronic health records (EHR). The reform requires hospitals to adopt interoperable EHRs to facilitate data sharing and cooperation among healthcare providers, ultimately contributing to improvements in quality of care and efficiency in the health system. Adoption is voluntary for ambulatories and private practices, that may however be pushed towards EHRs by patients. The latter have complete discretion in the choice of the health information to share. Moreover, careful attention is given to data security issues. Despite good intentions, the high institutional and organisational fragmentation of the Swiss healthcare system, as well as the lack of full agreement with stakeholders on some critical points of the reform, slowed the process of adoption of the law. In particular, pilot projects made clear that the participation of ambulatories is doomed to be low unless appropriate incentives are put in place. Moreover, most stakeholders point at the strategy proposed to finance technical implementation and management of EHRs as a major drawback. After two years of intense preparatory work, the law entered into force in April 2017. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Woman-to-woman approach wins plaudits in USAID-funded program.

    PubMed

    1992-01-01

    The Center for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) is a private voluntary organization (PVO) that has started a project using a woman to woman approach, along with the help of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to deliver family planning services in developing nations. The project is called Access to Family Planning through Women Managers and has had its budget doubled to US $15 million through a 5 year cooperative agreement. The project takes women leaders from 10 different countries and trains them in effective ways to implement family planning services. The women bring with them the knowledge of local traditions and cultural knowledge that is essential for these types of programs to work. They also have the respect of the communities from which they came as well as access to networks of women that can be used to help further the cause. A very successful example of this project is in the Indian city of Ahmedabad. In 3 years the project has increased the number of female contraceptive users by 9000 with a 92.5% continuation rate. This figure is only 2% of the total population of 2 million; however, the project is still having a significant effect and has a very high success rate. The contraceptive prevalence rate in the slums has been raised from 12% to 61%.

  3. Palliative options of last resort: a comparison of voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, terminal sedation, physician-assisted suicide, and voluntary active euthanasia.

    PubMed

    Quill, T E; Lo, B; Brock, D W

    1997-12-17

    Palliative care is generally agreed to be the standard of care for the dying, but there remain some patients for whom intolerable suffering persists. In the face of ethical and legal controversy about the acceptability of physician-assisted suicide and voluntary active euthanasia, voluntarily stopping eating and drinking and terminal sedation have been proposed as ethically superior responses of last resort that do not require changes in professional standards or the law. The clinical and ethical differences and similarities between these 4 practices are critically compared in light of the doctrine of double effect, the active/passive distinction, patient voluntariness, proportionality between risks and benefits, and the physician's potential conflict of duties. Terminal sedation and voluntarily stopping eating and drinking would allow clinicians to remain responsive to a wide range of patient suffering, but they are ethically and clinically more complex and closer to physician-assisted suicide and voluntary active euthanasia than is ordinarily acknowledged. Safeguards are presented for any medical action that may hasten death, including determining that palliative care is ineffective, obtaining informed consent, ensuring diagnostic and prognostic clarity, obtaining an independent second opinion, and implementing reporting and monitoring processes. Explicit public policy about which of these practices are permissible would reassure the many patients who fear a bad death in their future and allow for a predictable response for the few whose suffering becomes intolerable in spite of optimal palliative care.

  4. An integrated approach for improving occupational health and safety management: the voluntary protection program in Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Su, Teh-Sheng; Tsai, Way-Yi; Yu, Yi-Chun

    2005-05-01

    A voluntary compliance program for occupational health and safety management, Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), was implemented with a strategy of cooperation and encouragement in Taiwan. Due to limitations on increasing the human forces of inspection, a regulatory-based guideline addressing the essence of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) was promulgated, which combined the resources of third parties and insurance providers to accredit a self-improving worksite with the benefits of waived general inspection and a merit contributing to insurance premium payment reduction. A designated institute accepts enterprise's applications, performs document review and organizes the onsite inspection. A final review committee of Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) confers a two-year certificate on an approved site. After ten years, the efforts have shown a dramatic reduction of occupational injuries and illness in the total number of 724 worksites granted certification. VPP worksites, in comparison with all industries, had 49% lower frequency rate in the past three years. The severity rate reduction was 80% in the same period. The characteristics of Taiwan VPP program and international occupational safety and health management programs are provided. A Plan-Do-Check-Act management cycle was employed for pursuing continual improvements to the culture fostered. The use of a quantitative measurement for assessing the performance of enterprises' occupational safety and health management showed the efficiency of the rating. The results demonstrate that an employer voluntary protection program is a promising strategy for a developing country.

  5. The Public Health Responsibility Deal: brokering a deal for public health, but on whose terms?

    PubMed

    Panjwani, Clare; Caraher, Martin

    2014-02-01

    Coalitions of multinational food and drink businesses have pledged to reformulate their products and to market them responsibly. Largely business-led and self-regulated, the integrity of these voluntary initiatives has been questioned. The Public Health Responsibility Deal in England is an example of a voluntary initiative that is government-led. Does this approach provide evidence that with public leadership there is potential for voluntary actions to deliver meaningful results for public health? The subject of the research is the calorie reduction initiative of the Responsibility Deal. Source material was obtained primarily through a series of UK Freedom of Information requests and comprises previously unpublished Department of Health documentation relating to relevant meetings held during 2011 and 2012. The Responsibility Deal approach to calorie reduction deliberately involves the food industry in the specification of the measures it is to implement (reformulation and portion control). Finding the common ground between private and public interests has resulted in the deflection of public health objectives and the preclusion of adequate monitoring and evaluation. The Responsibility Deal approach is fundamentally flawed in its expectation that industry will take voluntary actions that prioritise public health interests above its own. Being government-led counts for little in the absence of sanctions to drive compliance. Instead the initiative affords private interests the opportunity to influence in their favour the public health policies and strategies that affect their products. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. A Physician-based Voluntary Reporting System for Adverse Events and Medical Errors

    PubMed Central

    Weingart, Saul N; Callanan, Lawrence D; Ship, Amy N; Aronson, Mark D

    2001-01-01

    OBJECTIVE To create a voluntary reporting method for identifying adverse events (AEs) and potential adverse events (PAEs) among medical inpatients. DESIGN Medical house officers asked their peers about obstacles to care, injuries or extended hospitalizations, and problems with medications that affected their patients. Two independent reviewers coded event narratives for adverse outcomes, responsible parties, preventability, and process problems. We corroborated house officers' reports with hospital incident reports and conducted a retrospective chart review. SETTING The cardiac step-down, oncology, and medical intensive care units of an urban teaching hospital. INTERVENTION Structured confidential interviews by postgraduate year-2 and -3 medical residents of interns during work rounds. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Respondents reported 88 events over 3 months. AEs occurred among 5 patients (0.5% of admissions) and PAEs among 48 patients (4.9% of admissions). Delayed diagnoses and treatments figured prominently among PAEs (54%). Clinicians were responsible for the greatest number of incidents (55%), followed by workers in the laboratory (11%), radiology (15%), and pharmacy (3%). Respondents identified a variety of problematic processes of care, including problems with diagnosis (16%), therapy (26%), and failure to provide clinical and support services (29%). We corroborated 84% of reported events in the medical record. Participants found voluntary peer reporting of medical errors unobtrusive and agreed that it could be implemented on a regular basis. CONCLUSIONS A physician-based voluntary reporting system for medical errors is feasible and acceptable to front-line clinicians. PMID:11903759

  7. U.S.-Iraq Agreements: Congressional Oversight Activities and Legislative Response

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-05-15

    in creating the planned agreements, from negotiation to implementation, and took action to ensure such involvement. Members proposed numerous...matter experts. This has equipped Congress with information pertinent to deciding what further action can be taken to involve Congress more in the...concerning the negotiation, execution, and early implementation of the agreements; the second describes in detail the actions taken by Congress thus

  8. 77 FR 29519 - To Implement the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and for Other Purposes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-18

    ... Proclamation 8332 of December 29, 2008, implemented U.S. tariff commitments under the United States-Oman Free... States Implementing the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement.'' Annex II to that publication included... to certain goods of Oman under the terms of general note 31 to the HTS, subchapter XVI of chapter 99...

  9. The Charlotte Collaborative Project: An Initiative to Improve Teaching and Learning by Helping Teachers Earn National Board Certification

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anderson, Kelly M.; Hancock, Dawson R.; Jaus, Victoria P.

    2004-01-01

    Since its creation in 1987, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has implemented a national voluntary system to assess and certify teachers who meet rigorous teaching standards. Testimony from over 16,000 NBPTS certified teachers has revealed that the journey toward certification is often difficult, time-consuming, and…

  10. Using Body Donor Demographics to Assist the Implementation of Donation Programs in Brazil

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    da Rocha, Andrea Oxley; de Campos, Deivis; Farina, Marco Aurélio; Pacini, Gabriel Sartori; Girotto, Marina Cornelli; Hilbig, Arlete

    2017-01-01

    The use of human material in anatomy education depends upon the generosity of body donors. However, little is known regarding the demographics of body donors in Brazil, where voluntary body donation is a relatively rare phenomenon. Hence, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the demographic profile of applicants to the Body Donation…

  11. Money or Diversity? An Implementation Analysis of the Voluntary Transfer Program in St. Louis, 1999-2009

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grooms, Ain A.

    2016-01-01

    A dual transfer program was created in 1983 in the St. Louis metropolitan area following a 1972 lawsuit brought upon the city, charging it with withholding an equal educational opportunity for Black students. Through this program, Black students from St. Louis City are provided with free transportation to one of 15 suburban school districts, and…

  12. 29 CFR 37.89 - May the Director offer the parties to a complaint the option of mediation?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... of mediation? 37.89 Section 37.89 Labor Office of the Secretary of Labor IMPLEMENTATION OF THE... Procedures § 37.89 May the Director offer the parties to a complaint the option of mediation? Yes. The..., the following rules apply: (a) Mediation is voluntary; the parties must consent before the mediation...

  13. When Opting Out Is Not a Choice: Implications for NCLB's Transfer Option from Charlotte, North Carolina

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mickelson, Roslyn Arlin; Southworth, Stephanie

    2005-01-01

    A key provision of No Child Left Behind is the opportunity for students to transfer from a low-performing school to a high-performing one. Drawing from a case study of school reform in Charlotte, North Carolina, this article examines the implementation and early outcomes of NCLB's voluntary transfer option for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School…

  14. A Case Study Analysis of Factors that Influence Attrition Rates in Voluntary Online Training Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Long, Lori; Dubois, Cathy; Faley, Robert

    2009-01-01

    This article examines utilization of online training courses in a Midwest-based landscaping company in the United States. The company had implemented online training to facilitate employee development for their 5,000 employees who were in locations throughout the United States. The courses had been in place for about a decade before the…

  15. U.S. Forest Service's Power-IT-Down Program

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

    None

    Case study describes the U.S. Forest Service's Power-IT-Down Program, which strongly encouraged employees to shut off their computers when leaving the office. The U.S. Forest Service first piloted the program on a voluntary basis in one region then implemented it across the agency's 43,000 computers as a joint effort by the Chief Information Office and Sustainable Operations department.

  16. [Potentials and limitations of the planned compulsory quality assurance program for cataract surgery (Qesü)].

    PubMed

    Hahn, U; Bertram, B; Krummenauer, F; Reuscher, A; Fabian, E; Neuhann, T; Schmickler, S; Neuhann, I

    2013-04-01

    Cataract surgery is scheduled for a federal program for quality improvement across the different sectors of care (outpatient care and hospitals). In case of implementation not only ophthalmic surgeons but all ophthalmologists would have to contribute to the documentation. Urgency, potential benefits and limitations of a compulsory compared to a voluntary quality assessment system are analyzed.

  17. [Motivation and Emotional States: Structural Systemic, Neurochemical, Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms].

    PubMed

    Bazyan, A S

    2016-01-01

    The structural, systemic, neurochemical, molecular and cellular mechanisms of organization and coding motivation and emotional states are describe. The GABA and glutamatergic synaptic systems of basal ganglia form a neural network and participate in the implementation of voluntary behavior. Neuropeptides, neurohormones and paracrine neuromodulators involved in the organization of motivation and emotional states, integrated with synaptic systems, controlled by neural networks and organizing goal-directed behavior. Structural centers for united and integrated of information in voluntary and goal-directed behavior are globus pallidus. Substantia nigra pars reticulata switches the information from corticobasal networks to thalamocortical networks, induces global dopaminergic (DA) signal and organize interaction of mesolimbic and nigostriatnoy DA systems controlled by prefrontal and motor cortex. Together with the motor cortex, substantia nigra displays information in the brainstem and spinal cord to implementation of behavior. Motivation states are formed in the interaction of neurohormonal and neuropeptide systems by monoaminergic systems of brain. Emotional states are formed by monoaminergic systems of the mid-brain, where the leading role belongs to the mesolimbic DA system. The emotional and motivation state of the encoded specific epigenetic molecular and chemical pattern of neuron.

  18. Toward a Systematic Approach to Generating Demand for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision: Insights and Results From Field Studies

    PubMed Central

    Sgaier, Sema K; Baer, James; Rutz, Daniel C; Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel; Seifert-Ahanda, Kim; Basinga, Paulin; Parkyn, Rosie; Laube, Catharine

    2015-01-01

    By the end of 2014, an estimated 8.5 million men had undergone voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) for HIV prevention in 14 priority countries in eastern and southern Africa, representing more than 40% of the global target. However, demand, especially among men most at risk for HIV infection, remains a barrier to realizing the program's full scale and potential impact. We analyzed current demand generation interventions for VMMC by reviewing the available literature and reporting on field visits to programs in 7 priority countries. We present our findings and recommendations using a framework with 4 components: insight development; intervention design; implementation and coordination to achieve scale; and measurement, learning, and evaluation. Most program strategies lacked comprehensive insight development; formative research usually comprised general acceptability studies. Demand generation interventions varied across the countries, from advocacy with community leaders and community mobilization to use of interpersonal communication, mid- and mass media, and new technologies. Some shortcomings in intervention design included using general instead of tailored messaging, focusing solely on the HIV preventive benefits of VMMC, and rolling out individual interventions to address specific barriers rather than a holistic package. Interventions have often been scaled-up without first being evaluated for effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. We recommend national programs create coordinated demand generation interventions, based on insights from multiple disciplines, tailored to the needs and aspirations of defined subsets of the target population, rather than focused exclusively on HIV prevention goals. Programs should implement a comprehensive intervention package with multiple messages and channels, strengthened through continuous monitoring. These insights may be broadly applicable to other programs where voluntary behavior change is essential to achieving public health benefits. PMID:26085019

  19. In Support of a Distinction between Voluntary and Stimulus-Driven Control: A Review of the Literature on Proportion Congruent Effects.

    PubMed

    Bugg, Julie M; Crump, Matthew J C

    2012-01-01

    Cognitive control is by now a large umbrella term referring collectively to multiple processes that plan and coordinate actions to meet task goals. A common feature of paradigms that engage cognitive control is the task requirement to select relevant information despite a habitual tendency (or bias) to select goal-irrelevant information. At least since the 1970s, researchers have employed proportion congruent (PC) manipulations to experimentally establish selection biases and evaluate the mechanisms used to control attention. PC manipulations vary the frequency with which irrelevant information conflicts (i.e., is incongruent) with relevant information. The purpose of this review is to summarize the growing body of literature on PC effects across selective attention paradigms, beginning first with Stroop, and then describing parallel effects in flanker and task-switching paradigms. The review chronologically tracks the expansion of the PC manipulation from its initial implementation at the list-wide level, to more recent implementations at the item-specific and context-specific levels. An important theoretical aim is demonstrating that PC effects at different levels (e.g., list-wide vs. item or context-specific) support a distinction between voluntary forms of cognitive control, which operate based on anticipatory information, and relatively automatic or reflexive forms of cognitive control, which are rapidly triggered by the processing of particular stimuli or stimulus features. A further aim is to highlight those PC manipulations that allow researchers to dissociate stimulus-driven control from other stimulus-driven processes (e.g., S-R responding; episodic retrieval). We conclude by discussing the utility of PC manipulations for exploring the distinction between voluntary control and stimulus-driven control in other relevant paradigms.

  20. In Support of a Distinction between Voluntary and Stimulus-Driven Control: A Review of the Literature on Proportion Congruent Effects

    PubMed Central

    Bugg, Julie M.; Crump, Matthew J. C.

    2012-01-01

    Cognitive control is by now a large umbrella term referring collectively to multiple processes that plan and coordinate actions to meet task goals. A common feature of paradigms that engage cognitive control is the task requirement to select relevant information despite a habitual tendency (or bias) to select goal-irrelevant information. At least since the 1970s, researchers have employed proportion congruent (PC) manipulations to experimentally establish selection biases and evaluate the mechanisms used to control attention. PC manipulations vary the frequency with which irrelevant information conflicts (i.e., is incongruent) with relevant information. The purpose of this review is to summarize the growing body of literature on PC effects across selective attention paradigms, beginning first with Stroop, and then describing parallel effects in flanker and task-switching paradigms. The review chronologically tracks the expansion of the PC manipulation from its initial implementation at the list-wide level, to more recent implementations at the item-specific and context-specific levels. An important theoretical aim is demonstrating that PC effects at different levels (e.g., list-wide vs. item or context-specific) support a distinction between voluntary forms of cognitive control, which operate based on anticipatory information, and relatively automatic or reflexive forms of cognitive control, which are rapidly triggered by the processing of particular stimuli or stimulus features. A further aim is to highlight those PC manipulations that allow researchers to dissociate stimulus-driven control from other stimulus-driven processes (e.g., S-R responding; episodic retrieval). We conclude by discussing the utility of PC manipulations for exploring the distinction between voluntary control and stimulus-driven control in other relevant paradigms. PMID:23060836

  1. PILATES (Physical Activity and Diet Survey): An Italian Self-Administered Questionnaire Evaluating Diet Habits of Gym-Goers. Validation Process.

    PubMed

    Gianfredi, Vincenza; Nucci, Daniele; Ceccarelli, Francesco; Villarini, Milena; Moretti, Massimo

    2018-04-19

    PILATES study aims are to assess the main characteristics related to food habits, diet behaviors, and nutrition knowledge and how and where gym-goers get information on dietary supplementation. We present evidence for the reliability, feasibility, and construct validity of the PILATES questionnaire. Cohen's kappa statistic (k) for dichotomous variables was used to assess the agreement between the two administrations (interrater agreement). The nutrient composition and energy of food were derived from the Food Composition Database for Epidemiological Studies in Italy (Banca Dati di Composizione degli Alimenti per Studi Epidemiologici in Italia - BDA). Because of energy intake, waist circumference and weight are continuous variables; we calculate the agreement between the two interviews using Spearman's rho coefficient (nonparametric measure of rank correlation). An Italian 21-item self-administered questionnaire was designed and pretested on 28 students in food science and human nutrition at the University of Perugia who were enrolled on a voluntary basis. After verifying the feasibility of the questionnaire, pretest evaluation showed a generally high concordance with an 87.32% of agreement and k value = 0.71 ± 0.23. In addition, weight, daily energy intake, and waist circumference confirmed a statistically significant agreement (p <.001, Spearman rho coefficient). PILATES questionnaire is a valid tool to estimate dietary intakes in a fairly simple, cost-effective, and timesaving manner.

  2. Effect of Power Exchange of India: An Overview and Key Issues

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, A.; Chauhan, D. S.; Upadhdhyay, K. G.

    2013-09-01

    There stands no guarantee that if potential market participants are simply provided with the opportunity for trading electricity, there shall be an efficient wholesale electricity market. India, as well as various other developed countries, relies on voluntary agreements as far as electricity trading is concerned. Self, private initiatives to standardize and commodities contracts play an important role in increasing the trading volume to improve efficiency, in developed countries. In accordance with their experiences, this paper suggested a specific strategy to promote bilateral/OTC trading; hence, India needed to develop a master agreement for electricity contracts. This paper discusses that the creating power exchange for short-term trading in the spot market materializing the contract for the convenience of market participants stands particularly important and henceforth is a necessary factor to make sure that spot market is workable and competitive prior to developing a financial contract for electricity trading.

  3. [Presumptive organ donations for transplants agreement of the Ethics Committee of the University of Chile Medical School].

    PubMed

    Roa, A; Rosselot, E

    1995-04-01

    The ethics committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile was consulted about the ethical aspects of presumptive organ donation for transplantation. After analyzing the problem, the committee concluded that every human being has the right to make use of his organs freely, voluntarily and according to his own discernment. The society has no right to make obligatory this donation, even after death. The foundations of this agreement were laid in a series of reasons. In fact, the corpse is not a juridical but a ethical asset and deserves respect for whom it was. It cannot be commercialized and is the only non-religious object susceptible of profanation. It is also object of popular affective and religious manifestations. Beliefs and affects must be respected. Organ donation is an act of charity and cannot be compulsory. The organ donation consent must be explicit, voluntary and solemn.

  4. Human voluntary activity integration in the control of a standing-up rehabilitation robot: a simulation study.

    PubMed

    Kamnik, Roman; Bajd, Tadej

    2007-11-01

    The paper presents a novel control approach for the robot-assisted motion augmentation of disabled subjects during the standing-up manoeuvre. The main goal of the proposal is to integrate the voluntary activity of a person in the control scheme of the rehabilitation robot. The algorithm determines the supportive force to be tracked by a robot force controller. The basic idea behind the calculation of supportive force is to quantify the deficit in the dynamic equilibrium of the trunk. The proposed algorithm was implemented as a Kalman filter procedure and evaluated in a simulation environment. The simulation results proved the adequate and robust performance of "patient-driven" robot-assisted standing-up training. In addition, the possibility of varying the training conditions with different degrees of the subject's initiative is demonstrated.

  5. Environmental liability protection and other advantages of voluntary cleanup programs

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

    Bost, R.C.; Linton, K.E.

    Historically, regulatory agencies have required that contaminated sites be returned to pristine conditions, often at very high costs. Fear of these enormous environmental liabilities has resulted in abandonment of many industrial and commercial properties, referred to as brownfields. The development of Risk-Based Corrective Action programs has provided a means for regulatory agencies to evaluate contaminated sites based on risk to human health and the environment, resulting in more reasonable remedial measures and costs. Governmental bodies have created a more flexible means of addressing contaminated sites using Risk-Based Corrective Action and other incentives to encourage the redevelopment of sites through Voluntarymore » Cleanup Programs. This study describes the development of Voluntary Cleanup Programs, and the successful implementation of Risk-Based Corrective Action with a focus on the states of Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.« less

  6. Trials, tricks and transparency: how disclosure rules affect clinical knowledge.

    PubMed

    Dahm, Matthias; González, Paula; Porteiro, Nicolás

    2009-12-01

    Scandals of selective reporting of clinical trial results by pharmaceutical firms have underlined the need for more transparency in clinical trials. We provide a theoretical framework which reproduces incentives for selective reporting and yields three key implications concerning regulation. First, a compulsory clinical trial registry complemented through a voluntary clinical trial results database can implement full transparency (the existence of all trials as well as their results is known). Second, full transparency comes at a price. It has a deterrence effect on the incentives to conduct clinical trials, as it reduces the firms' gains from trials. Third, in principle, a voluntary clinical trial results database without a compulsory registry is a superior regulatory tool; but we provide some qualified support for additional compulsory registries when medical decision-makers cannot anticipate correctly the drug companies' decisions whether to conduct trials.

  7. A descriptive study of California hospice providers' perceptions of public reporting of quality data using the Family Evaluation of Hospice Care Survey.

    PubMed

    Nelson, Marsha; Gale, Randall C; Naierman, Naomi; DeViney, Meredith

    2014-06-01

    The Affordable Care Act requires US hospices to report quality data to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2013 with data eventually being made public. There may be some benefit to participating in a voluntary public-reporting program prior to public disclosure by CMS; therefore, we developed and conducted an electronic survey exploring California hospices' perceptions of public reporting. The majority (78.1%) of respondents reported current use of the Family Evaluation of Hospice Care tool and a willingness to consider voluntary participation in a public-reporting program outside of what is being implemented by CMS (58.6%). Tax status of responding hospices was not predictive of a willingness to participate in a statewide public-reporting program of hospice quality in our study.

  8. EPA Solicits Proposals for the Field Implementation Meeting Support Cooperative Agreement

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs is soliciting applications for cooperative agreements to manage a Field Implementation Meetings Support program. EPA expects to provide up to $500,000 annually, depending on the Agency’s budget, for a total of

  9. 7 CFR 1789.158 - Implementation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Borrower funding for consulting services, RUS shall initiate a procurement request for a Consultant to... to develop a Funding Agreement, an Escrow Agreement and an Indemnification Agreement (the “agreements... Borrower to enter into the agreements and to take such other action as is necessary to effect the purposes...

  10. 40 CFR 35.3010 - Delegation agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Delegation agreement. 35.3010 Section... agreement. (a) Before execution of the delegation agreement, the Regional Administrator must determine that the unit of the State agency designated to implement the agreement is capable of carrying out the...

  11. 40 CFR 35.3010 - Delegation agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Delegation agreement. 35.3010 Section... agreement. (a) Before execution of the delegation agreement, the Regional Administrator must determine that the unit of the State agency designated to implement the agreement is capable of carrying out the...

  12. 78 FR 6188 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Free Trade Agreement-Colombia

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-29

    ... Promotion Agreement. This Trade Promotion Agreement is a free trade agreement (FTA) that provides for... 77 FR 27548 on May 10, 2012, to implement the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement... and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of...

  13. Trunk muscle activation during golf swing: Baseline and threshold.

    PubMed

    Silva, Luís; Marta, Sérgio; Vaz, João; Fernandes, Orlando; Castro, Maria António; Pezarat-Correia, Pedro

    2013-10-01

    There is a lack of studies regarding EMG temporal analysis during dynamic and complex motor tasks, such as golf swing. The aim of this study is to analyze the EMG onset during the golf swing, by comparing two different threshold methods. Method A threshold was determined using the baseline activity recorded between two maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Method B threshold was calculated using the mean EMG activity for 1000ms before the 500ms prior to the start of the Backswing. Two different clubs were also studied. Three-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare methods, muscles and clubs. Two-way mixed Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) with absolute agreement was used to determine the methods reliability. Club type usage showed no influence in onset detection. Rectus abdominis (RA) showed the higher agreement between methods. Erector spinae (ES), on the other hand, showed a very low agreement, that might be related to postural activity before the swing. External oblique (EO) is the first being activated, at 1295ms prior impact. There is a similar activation time between right and left muscles sides, although the right EO showed better agreement between methods than left side. Therefore, the algorithms usage is task- and muscle-dependent. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Workers' involvement--a missing component in the implementation of occupational safety and health management systems in enterprises.

    PubMed

    Podgórski, Daniel

    2005-01-01

    Effective implementation of occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation based on European Union directives requires promotion of OSH management systems (OSH MS). To this end, voluntary Polish standards (PN-N-18000) have been adopted, setting forth OSH MS specifications and guidelines. However, the number of enterprises implementing OSH MS has increased slowly, falling short of expectations, which call for a new national policy on OSH MS promotion. To develop a national policy in this area, a survey was conducted in 40 enterprises with OSH MS in place. The survey was aimed at identifying motivational factors underlying OSH MS implementation decisions. Specifically, workers' and their representatives' involvement in OSH MS implementation was investigated. The results showed that the level of workers' involvement was relatively low, which may result in a low effectiveness of those systems. The same result also applies to the involvement of workers' representatives and that of trade unions.

  15. Population-based strategies to control manufacturing epidemics.

    PubMed

    Gorini, Giuseppe

    2017-01-01

    "The multinational corporations producing tobacco, alcohol, soft drinks, and processed foods have a role of vectors in the increase of chronic diseases, so that one can speak of manufacturing epidemics. The main aim of this paper is to conduct a literature review on different approaches in population-based interventions to stem the rise in consumption of unhealthy products. Different approaches were found: • command-and-control regulations: the route is definitely more advanced for tobacco with the implementation of an international treaty, which requires 180 ratifying states to implement a series of tobacco control policies. Similar regulations have been partially adopted to reduce alcohol use and to increase taxes of sugar-sweetened beverages; • multinational corporations in few Countries can voluntarily adopt recommendations on media campaigns and on labelling of soft drinks and processed foods; • in order to reduce salt in foods, many Countries developed voluntary agreements with industries with monitoring systems to assess compliance. Population-based interventions to try to align the interests of multinational corporations with those of public health are described in literature: • the "Health Footprint" programme; • the performance-based regulation which could oblige industry to take responsibility to reduce the harmful consequences of the use of their unhealthy commodities; • the price-cap regulation, usually applied to the utilities sector, would set a cap on the price of the tobacco industry, raising the tobacco taxes by 500 million euros per year. In order to reduce the burden of chronic disease, one of the objectives of the Italian National Prevention Plan, a working group including non-governmental organizations and experts in communication, social marketing, and lifestyles should be organized by the Ministry of Health in order to identify which population-based interventions could be implemented in Italy in next years to stem the rise of consumption of unhealthy products. ".

  16. 19 CFR 351.101 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... law the provisions of the following agreements annexed to the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization: Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994... INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ANTIDUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING DUTIES Scope and...

  17. 20 CFR 404.1902 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... administration of a social security system including responsibility for implementing an agreement; the Social... coordination between the social security systems of the countries party to the agreement. The term agreement... system including applicable laws and international social security agreements; the Commissioner of Social...

  18. Replicating the Effects of a Scaled-Up, Teacher-Scaffolded Voluntary Summer Reading Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kim, James S.; White, Thomas G.

    2014-01-01

    READS (Reading Enhances Achievement During Summer) has been implemented in North Carolina schools for the past several years as part of an Investing in Innovation (i3) validation grant that began in fall 2010. This paper focuses on the Year 3 study and compares the Year 3 results to the Year 1 and Year 2 results, and the results of earlier…

  19. Year 3 of Implementing the Common Core State Standards: States Prepare for Common Core Assessments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rentner, Diane Stark

    2013-01-01

    With the voluntary Common Core State Standards (CCSS), states have sought to establish clear, high expectations that are consistent across participating states and that signal what K-12 students should learn in mathematics and English language arts (ELA) to be prepared for college and careers. As of July 2013, the CCSS have been adopted by 45…

  20. Interim Report on the Truancy Court Diversion Program in the District of Columbia, 2011-12

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cahill, Meagan; Liberman, Akiva; Cramer, Lindsey

    2012-01-01

    The Truancy Court Diversion Program (TCDP) is a voluntary program for at risk students and their parents. It combines involvement of a Family Court judge in group and individual sessions with service provision. During the 2011-12 school year, a pilot TCDP was implemented at Kramer Middle School (M.S.) and at Johnson M.S. The program attempts to…

  1. District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) Program: Year One Evaluation Report. Policy Evaluation Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Springer, Matthew G.; Lewis, Jessica L.; Podgursky, Michael J.; Ehlert, Mark W.; Taylor, Lori L.; Lopez, Omar S.; Ghosh-Dastidar, Bonnie; Peng, Art

    2010-01-01

    District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) is a state-funded program in Texas that provides grants to districts for the implementation of locally-designed performance pay plans. All districts in the state are eligible to receive grants, but participation is voluntary. As D.A.T.E. continues in its second year of operation with approximately…

  2. Smorgasbord or symphony? Assessing public health nutrition policies across 30 European countries using a novel framework.

    PubMed

    Lloyd-Williams, Ffion; Bromley, Helen; Orton, Lois; Hawkes, Corinna; Taylor-Robinson, David; O'Flaherty, Martin; McGill, Rory; Anwar, Elspeth; Hyseni, Lirije; Moonan, May; Rayner, Mike; Capewell, Simon

    2014-11-21

    Countries across Europe have introduced a wide variety of policies to improve nutrition. However, the sheer diversity of interventions represents a potentially bewildering smorgasbord. We aimed to map existing public health nutrition policies, and examine their perceived effectiveness, in order to inform future evidence-based diet strategies. We created a public health nutrition policy database for 30 European countries. National nutrition policies were classified and assigned using the marketing "4 Ps" approach Product (reformulation, elimination, new healthier products); Price (taxes, subsidies); Promotion (advertising, food labelling, health education) and Place (schools, workplaces, etc.). We interviewed 71 senior policy-makers, public health nutrition policy experts and academics from 14 of the 30 countries, eliciting their views on diverse current and possible nutrition strategies. Product Voluntary reformulation of foods is widespread but has variable and often modest impact. Twelve countries regulate maximum salt content in specific foods. Denmark, Austria, Iceland and Switzerland have effective trans fats bans. Price EU School Fruit Scheme subsidies are almost universal, but with variable implementation.Taxes are uncommon. However, Finland, France, Hungary and Latvia have implemented 'sugar taxes' on sugary foods and sugar-sweetened beverages. Finland, Hungary and Portugal also tax salty products. Promotion Dialogue, recommendations, nutrition guidelines, labelling, information and education campaigns are widespread. Restrictions on marketing to children are widespread but mostly voluntary. Place Interventions reducing the availability of unhealthy foods were most commonly found in schools and workplace canteens. Interviewees generally considered mandatory reformulation more effective than voluntary, and regulation and fiscal interventions much more effective than information strategies, but also politically more challenging. Public health nutrition policies in Europe appear diverse, dynamic, complex and bewildering. The "4 Ps" framework potentially offers a structured and comprehensive categorisation. Encouragingly, the majority of European countries are engaged in activities intended to increase consumption of healthy food and decrease the intake of "junk" food and sugary drinks. Leading countries include Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Hungary, Portugal and perhaps the UK. However, all countries fall short of optimal activities. More needs to be done across Europe to implement the most potentially powerful fiscal and regulatory nutrition policies.

  3. Voluntary medical male circumcision: logistics, commodities, and waste management requirements for scale-up of services.

    PubMed

    Edgil, Dianna; Stankard, Petra; Forsythe, Steven; Rech, Dino; Chrouser, Kristin; Adamu, Tigistu; Sakallah, Sameer; Thomas, Anne Goldzier; Albertini, Jennifer; Stanton, David; Dickson, Kim Eva; Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel

    2011-11-01

    The global HIV prevention community is implementing voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) programs across eastern and southern Africa, with a goal of reaching 80% coverage in adult males by 2015. Successful implementation will depend on the accessibility of commodities essential for VMMC programming and the appropriate allocation of resources to support the VMMC supply chain. For this, the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, has developed a standard list of commodities for VMMC programs. This list of commodities was used to inform program planning for a 1-y program to circumcise 152,000 adult men in Swaziland. During this process, additional key commodities were identified, expanding the standard list to include commodities for waste management, HIV counseling and testing, and the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. The approximate costs for the procurement of commodities, management of a supply chain, and waste disposal, were determined for the VMMC program in Swaziland using current market prices of goods and services. Previous costing studies of VMMC programs did not capture supply chain costs, nor the full range of commodities needed for VMMC program implementation or waste management. Our calculations indicate that depending upon the volume of services provided, supply chain and waste management, including commodities and associated labor, contribute between US$58.92 and US$73.57 to the cost of performing one adult male circumcision in Swaziland. Experience with the VMMC program in Swaziland indicates that supply chain and waste management add approximately US$60 per circumcision, nearly doubling the total per procedure cost estimated previously; these additional costs are used to inform the estimate of per procedure costs modeled by Njeuhmeli et al. in "Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision: Modeling the Impact and Cost of Expanding Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention in Eastern and Southern Africa." Program planners and policy makers should consider the significant contribution of supply chain and waste management to VMMC program costs as they determine future resource needs for VMMC programs.

  4. New hospital-based policy for children whose parents present at the ER due to domestic violence, substance abuse and/or a suicide attempt.

    PubMed

    Hoytema van Konijnenburg, Eva M M; Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn, Tessa; Brilleslijper-Kater, Sonja N; van der Lee, Johanna H; Teeuw, Arianne H

    2013-02-01

    Child maltreatment is a major social problem with many adverse consequences, and a substantial number of maltreated children are not identified by health care professionals. In 2010, in order to improve the identification of maltreated children in hospitals, a new hospital-based policy was developed in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This policy was adapted from another policy that was developed in The Hague, the Netherlands, in 2007. In the new Amsterdam policy, all adults presenting at the emergency department due to domestic violence, substance abuse, and/or a suicide attempt are asked whether they have any children in their care. If this is the case, parents are urged to visit the outpatient pediatric department together with all of their children. During this visit, problems are evaluated and voluntary referrals can be arranged to different care organizations. If parents refuse to cooperate, their children are reported to the Dutch Child Abuse Counseling and Reporting Centre. The two aims of this study are to describe (1) characteristics of the identified families and (2) the referrals made to different voluntary and involuntary care organizations during the first 2 years after implementation of the policy. Data were collected from medical records. One hundred and six children from 60 households were included, of which 68 children because their mother was a victim of domestic violence. Referrals to care organizations were arranged for 99 children, of which 67 on a voluntary basis. The Amsterdam policy seems successful in arranging voluntary support for the majority of identified children.

  5. 'More of a leg to stand on': views and usage of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 among staff of local Alzheimer's Society and carer organisations.

    PubMed

    Manthorpe, Jill; Samsi, Kritika; Rapaport, Joan

    2012-01-01

    The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 was implemented in 2007 in England and Wales. It offers new opportunities for people to plan for any future loss of capacity and provides a framework for decision-making on behalf of people lacking capacity. This article explores the challenges staff in local voluntary organisations focusing on dementia and carers face when they offer information and advice connected to possible loss of decision-making capacity to people with dementia and carers. A set of 17 qualitative interviews were undertaken with a purposively sampled voluntary sector staff in London in 2008-09. Framework analysis was used to delineate themes in the transcripts and identified themes were included in the iteratively developed coding framework. Interviews revealed that voluntary sector staff generally perceived the Act as largely benefiting people with dementia in the exercise of their rights. They also thought that carers would benefit from the Act's provisions, whilst their own involvement in advice, information-giving and referral to other sources of expertise in relation to the MCA differed according to their role and confidence. Voluntary sector staff's capability and interest in using the MCA vary; there should be no presumption of detailed knowledge, and resources relevant to the MCA might be need to be coordinated more effectively by this sector. Ongoing training, local coordination and auditing seem warranted. These could encompass the new safeguarding provisions of the MCA which may need to be highlighted as part of the welcome extension of rights conferred by the MCA.

  6. Development of a Collaborative Practice Agreement Template to Promote the Role of the Pharmacist in Managing Urinary Tract Infections in Long-term Care Residents

    PubMed Central

    Fehrenbacher, Lynne; McDevitt, Kimberly; Palmer, Matthew; Traynor, Laura; Boero, Joe; Crnich, Christopher

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Background One of the CDC core elements of antimicrobial stewardship in nursing homes emphasizes the promotion of clinical practice change and integration of the dispensing and consultant pharmacist to improve antibiotic use. An opportunity to support this element is via collaborative practice agreements (CPA). A CPA is a voluntary agreement between one or more prescribers and pharmacists which delegates physician authority under defined conditions and/or limitations toward a common goal. The Wisconsin Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) in Long-term Care (LTC) Coalition aims to reduce and eliminate HAIs among LTC residents. A coalition emphasis has been to educate caregivers about appropriate evaluation and treatment of suspected urinary tract infection (UTI). Given this focus, we targeted the same cohort for CPA design. Methods A literature review resulted in no report of CPAs being applied to LTC residents on antibiotics for UTI. Recognizing the dispensing and consultant pharmacist role varies by organization, we drafted a multi-layered CPA that can be customized by facility. The draft was reviewed by physicians, pharmacists, and nurses with expertise in infectious diseases, LTC, and CPAs. Through frequent meetings and collaborative editing, consensus was achieved. The final CPA includes antibiotic renal dose adjustment, discontinuation of antibiotics in asymptomatic patients with negative urinalysis or culture, and oral antibiotic modification based on organism susceptibility. Results The CPA template is supported by the WI HAI in LTC Coalition. It has been presented at the state level and is available for use by LTC facilities and pharmacists that may apply any/all level(s) of the CPA. An organization policy template and initial CPA competency for pharmacists have been designed to support implementation. Committed pilot sites have been identified. Conclusion A CPA is an innovative approach to expand the role of the dispensing and consultant pharmacist in antimicrobial stewardship initiatives in the LTC setting. Using an expert panel to develop templated resources that can be customized at the facility level may assist pharmacists and LTC providers in moving forward with this type of clinical practice change. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

  7. 76 FR 34577 - Wassenaar Arrangement 2010 Plenary Agreements Implementation: Commerce Control List, Definitions...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-14

    ... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security 15 CFR Parts 740, 743, and 774 [Docket No. 110124056-1301-02] RIN 0694-AF11 Wassenaar Arrangement 2010 Plenary Agreements Implementation: Commerce Control List, Definitions, Reports; Correction AGENCY: Bureau of Industry and Security, Commerce. ACTION...

  8. 77 FR 65366 - Interim Procedures for Considering Requests From the Public for Textile and Apparel Safeguard...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-26

    ... Promotion Agreement (``U.S.-Colombia TPA''). Title III, Subtitle B, Section 321 through Section 328 of the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (``Implementation Act'') [Pub. L. 112... requester showing changes in productivity, utilization of capacity, inventories, exports, wages, employment...

  9. 78 FR 31886 - Interim Procedures for Considering Requests From the Public for Textile and Apparel Safeguard...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-28

    ... Trade Promotion Agreement (``US-Panama TPA''). Title III, Subtitle B, Section 321 through Section 328 of the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (``Implementation Act'') [Pub. L... changes in productivity, utilization of capacity, inventories, exports, wages, employment, domestic prices...

  10. 77 FR 35938 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Interim Procedures for Considering Requests...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-15

    ... United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (U.S.-Colombia TPA) AGENCY: International Trade...-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (the ``Act'') [Pub. L. 112-42] implements the commercial availability provision provided for in Article 3.3 of the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion...

  11. The Effect of Mobile Tablet Computer (iPad) Implementation on Graduate Medical Education at a Multi-specialty Residency Institution.

    PubMed

    Dupaix, John; Chen, John J; Chun, Maria Bj; Belcher, Gary F; Cheng, Yongjun; Atkinson, Robert

    2016-07-01

    Use of mobile tablet computers (MTCs) in residency education has grown. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of MTCs on multiple specialties' residency training and identify MTC adoption impediments. To our knowledge, this current project is one of the first multispecialty studies of MTC implementation. A prospective cohort study was formulated. In June 2012 iPad2s were issued to all residents after completion of privacy/confidentiality agreements and a mandatory hard-copy pre-survey regarding four domains of usage (general, self-directed learning, clinical duties, and patient education). Residents who received iPads previously were excluded. A voluntary post-survey was conducted online in June 2013. One-hundred eighty-five subjects completed pre-survey and 107 completed post-survey (58% overall response rate). Eighty-six pre- and post-surveys were linked (response rate of 46%). There was a significant increase in residents accessing patient information/records and charting electronically (26.9% to 79.1%; P<.001), but a significant decrease in looking up drug and treatment reference material (97.0% to 82.1%; P=.0039). There was a significant increase in MTC use as a primary means of charting when conducting rounds (4.9% to 39.5%; P<.001) and a significant decrease in using paper charts (30.1% to 15.7%; P=.0073). There was also a significant increase in MTC use as a primary means for explaining a diagnosis (7.7% to 57.7%; P<.001). The use of MTC has an impact on how residents approach medical education, clinical practice, and patient education. The survey tool may be useful in collecting data on MTC use by other graduate medical education programs.

  12. Nursing shortages: let's be flexible.

    PubMed

    Sullivan, Christine; Reading, Sonya

    2002-10-01

    The following paper is a report outlining a significant work pattern change in an acute cardiac ward at a large Brisbane-based private hospital. The nursing staff expressed the desire for more flexible rostering and the opportunity to work 12-hour shifts. After agreement was reached between the hospital, the union and the Industrial Relations Board, guidelines were put in place and a Flexible Rostering System was proposed and trialed. An 80% consensus of staff was required both to proceed with the trial and to implement any permanent changes. Initially, the trial was conducted for three months and extended to six months. The shifts trialed were between four and 12 hours in length with varied starting and finishing times. The Flexible Rostering System was evaluated using feedback from staff surveys and the results of a staff vote. In addition, patient feedback, incident reports, financial and managerial evaluation of staff costs, hours per patient day utilised, sick leave, and the use of permanent staff for voluntary extra shifts were also monitored. The outcome of the trial was positive with over 80% of staff voting to implement the Flexible Rostering System permanently. A significant reduction in sick leave of 41% and improved retention of skilled registered nursing staff was noted. There was no increase in the number of incident reports or patient complaints. Both patients and nurses commented on the improved continuity of care. Salaries and wages were within budget. Staff surveys showed positive feedback such as increased morale, increased flexibility with rosters, decreased fatigue levels, improved patient assessment on night duty and an increase in number of days off. In conclusion, the Flexible Rostering System has been accepted as a positive change for staff and is cost effective for the hospital. In light of nursing shortages, the outcome of this trial cannot be ignored.

  13. The Effect of Mobile Tablet Computer (iPad) Implementation on Graduate Medical Education at a Multi-specialty Residency Institution

    PubMed Central

    Dupaix, John; Chun, Maria BJ; Belcher, Gary F; Cheng, Yongjun; Atkinson, Robert

    2016-01-01

    Use of mobile tablet computers (MTCs) in residency education has grown. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of MTCs on multiple specialties' residency training and identify MTC adoption impediments. To our knowledge, this current project is one of the first multispecialty studies of MTC implementation. A prospective cohort study was formulated. In June 2012 iPad2s were issued to all residents after completion of privacy/confidentiality agreements and a mandatory hard-copy pre-survey regarding four domains of usage (general, self-directed learning, clinical duties, and patient education). Residents who received iPads previously were excluded. A voluntary post-survey was conducted online in June 2013. One-hundred eighty-five subjects completed pre-survey and 107 completed post-survey (58% overall response rate). Eighty-six pre- and post-surveys were linked (response rate of 46%). There was a significant increase in residents accessing patient information/records and charting electronically (26.9% to 79.1%; P<.001), but a significant decrease in looking up drug and treatment reference material (97.0% to 82.1%; P=.0039). There was a significant increase in MTC use as a primary means of charting when conducting rounds (4.9% to 39.5%; P<.001) and a significant decrease in using paper charts (30.1% to 15.7%; P=.0073). There was also a significant increase in MTC use as a primary means for explaining a diagnosis (7.7% to 57.7%; P<.001). The use of MTC has an impact on how residents approach medical education, clinical practice, and patient education. The survey tool may be useful in collecting data on MTC use by other graduate medical education programs. PMID:27437163

  14. Nucleic acid testing: Is it the only answer for safe Blood in India?

    PubMed Central

    Naidu, N. K.; Bharucha, Z. S.; Sonawane, Vandana; Ahmed, Imran

    2016-01-01

    Background: With the implementation of NAT in countries around the world, there is a growing pressure on the transfusion services in India to adopt NAT testing. India has about 2545 licensed Blood Centres. The Transfusion Services in India are fragmented, poorly regulated and the quality standards are poorly implemented. Blood Centres are still dependent on replacement/family donors and in most places laboratory testing for Transfusion transmitted infections is not quality assured, laboratory equipment are not calibrated and maintained, and validation of results is not carried out. Against the current scenario introducing NAT for screening of blood donors in India would pose a challenge. Aim: To study the prudence of universal NAT testing in India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 5 years from 2008-2012 was undertaken to study the true reactivity of donors using WHO strategy II and III and therefore the true seroprevalence of TTI infections in the donor populations. Results: The true reactivity of the donors was much less as compared to the initially reactive donors due to the use of a well designed testing algorithm. In addition having a total voluntary blood collection along with good pre-donation counseling program also reduces the transmission of infections. Conclusions: What India essentially needs to do is religiously implement the strategies outlined in the WHO Aide-memoire. The blood should be collected only from voluntary non remunerative and repeat donors, there should be stringent donor selection with pre-donation counseling instituted. Strict implementation of quality management system, development of well defined testing startegies and strong haemovigilance system could take us a step in the right direction. PMID:27011677

  15. Multicriteria mapping of stakeholder preferences in regulating nanotechnology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hansen, Steffen Foss

    2010-08-01

    In order to facilitate stakeholder discussions on how to regulate nanotechnology, the opensource program multicriteria mapping (MCM) was used to structure 26 interviews with stakeholders in the USA. MCM offers a systematic part quantitative, part qualitative approach to clarify why some regulatory options (bans, moratoriums, voluntary measures, etc.) were deemed to be acceptable/unacceptable by various stakeholders and which criteria stakeholders used to evaluate the different regulatory options. Adopting an incremental approach and implementing a new regulatory framework was evaluated as the best options whereas a complete ban and no additional regulation of nanotechnology were found to be the least favorable. Criteria applied differed substantially among stakeholders and included social, ethical, regulatory, environmental, and health issues. Opinions on future regulation seem far less polarized than expected and it seems that stakeholders would welcome a combination of voluntary measures, an incremental approach and forming of a new regulatory framework.

  16. A pilot programme of organ donation after cardiac death in China.

    PubMed

    Huang, Jiefu; Millis, J Michael; Mao, Yilei; Millis, M Andrew; Sang, Xinting; Zhong, Shouxian

    2012-03-03

    China's aims are to develop an ethical and sustainable organ transplantation system for the Chinese people and to be accepted as a responsible member of the international transplantation community. In 2007, China implemented the Regulation on Human Organ Transplantation, which was the first step towards the establishment of a voluntary organ donation system. Although progress has been made, several ethical and legal issues associated with transplantation in China remain, including the use of organs from executed prisoners, organ scarcity, the illegal organ trade, and transplantation tourism. In this Health Policy article we outline the standards used to define cardiac death in China and a legal and procedural framework for an organ donation system based on voluntary donation after cardiac death that adheres to both China's social and cultural principles and international transplantation standards. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Designing insurance to promote use of childhood obesity prevention services.

    PubMed

    Rask, Kimberly J; Gazmararian, Julie A; Kohler, Susan S; Hawley, Jonathan N; Bogard, Jenny; Brown, Victoria A

    2013-01-01

    Childhood obesity is a recognized public health crisis. This paper reviews the lessons learned from a voluntary initiative to expand insurance coverage for childhood obesity prevention and treatment services in the United States. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with key informants from 16 participating health plans and employers in 2010-11. Key informants reported difficulty ensuring that both providers and families were aware of the available services. Participating health plans and employers are beginning new tactics including removing enrollment requirements, piloting enhanced outreach to selected physician practices, and educating providers on effective care coordination and use of obesity-specific billing codes through professional organizations. The voluntary initiative successfully increased private health insurance coverage for obesity services, but the interviews described variability in implementation with both best practices and barriers identified. Increasing utilization of obesity-related health services in the long term will require both family- and provider-focused interventions in partnership with improved health insurance coverage.

  18. Phenotyping for patient safety: algorithm development for electronic health record based automated adverse event and medical error detection in neonatal intensive care.

    PubMed

    Li, Qi; Melton, Kristin; Lingren, Todd; Kirkendall, Eric S; Hall, Eric; Zhai, Haijun; Ni, Yizhao; Kaiser, Megan; Stoutenborough, Laura; Solti, Imre

    2014-01-01

    Although electronic health records (EHRs) have the potential to provide a foundation for quality and safety algorithms, few studies have measured their impact on automated adverse event (AE) and medical error (ME) detection within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment. This paper presents two phenotyping AE and ME detection algorithms (ie, IV infiltrations, narcotic medication oversedation and dosing errors) and describes manual annotation of airway management and medication/fluid AEs from NICU EHRs. From 753 NICU patient EHRs from 2011, we developed two automatic AE/ME detection algorithms, and manually annotated 11 classes of AEs in 3263 clinical notes. Performance of the automatic AE/ME detection algorithms was compared to trigger tool and voluntary incident reporting results. AEs in clinical notes were double annotated and consensus achieved under neonatologist supervision. Sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and specificity are reported. Twelve severe IV infiltrates were detected. The algorithm identified one more infiltrate than the trigger tool and eight more than incident reporting. One narcotic oversedation was detected demonstrating 100% agreement with the trigger tool. Additionally, 17 narcotic medication MEs were detected, an increase of 16 cases over voluntary incident reporting. Automated AE/ME detection algorithms provide higher sensitivity and PPV than currently used trigger tools or voluntary incident-reporting systems, including identification of potential dosing and frequency errors that current methods are unequipped to detect. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

  19. Assessing implementation mechanisms for an international agreement on research and development for health products

    PubMed Central

    Røttingen, John-Arne

    2012-01-01

    Abstract The Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) are currently debating the substance and form of an international agreement to improve the financing and coordination of research and development (R&D) for health products that meet the needs of developing countries. In addition to considering the content of any possible legal or political agreement, Member States may find it helpful to reflect on the full range of implementation mechanisms available to bring any agreement into effect. These include mechanisms for states to make commitments, administer activities, manage financial contributions, make subsequent decisions, monitor each other’s performance and promote compliance. States can make binding or non-binding commitments through conventions, contracts, declarations or institutional reforms. States can administer activities to implement their agreements through international organizations, sub-agencies, joint ventures or self-organizing processes. Finances can be managed through specialized multilateral funds, financial institutions, membership organizations or coordinated self-management. Decisions can be made through unanimity, consensus, equal voting, modified voting or delegation. Oversight can be provided by peer review, expert review, self-reports or civil society. Together, states should select their preferred options across categories of implementation mechanisms, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. The challenge lies in choosing the most effective combinations of mechanisms for supporting an international agreement (or set of agreements) that achieves collective aspirations in a way and at a cost that are both sustainable and acceptable to those involved. In making these decisions, WHO’s Member States can benefit from years of experience with these different mechanisms in health and its related sectors. PMID:23226898

  20. Assessing implementation mechanisms for an international agreement on research and development for health products.

    PubMed

    Hoffman, Steven J; Røttingen, John-Arne

    2012-11-01

    The Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) are currently debating the substance and form of an international agreement to improve the financing and coordination of research and development (R&D) for health products that meet the needs of developing countries. In addition to considering the content of any possible legal or political agreement, Member States may find it helpful to reflect on the full range of implementation mechanisms available to bring any agreement into effect. These include mechanisms for states to make commitments, administer activities, manage financial contributions, make subsequent decisions, monitor each other's performance and promote compliance. States can make binding or non-binding commitments through conventions, contracts, declarations or institutional reforms. States can administer activities to implement their agreements through international organizations, sub-agencies, joint ventures or self-organizing processes. Finances can be managed through specialized multilateral funds, financial institutions, membership organizations or coordinated self-management. Decisions can be made through unanimity, consensus, equal voting, modified voting or delegation. Oversight can be provided by peer review, expert review, self-reports or civil society. Together, states should select their preferred options across categories of implementation mechanisms, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. The challenge lies in choosing the most effective combinations of mechanisms for supporting an international agreement (or set of agreements) that achieves collective aspirations in a way and at a cost that are both sustainable and acceptable to those involved. In making these decisions, WHO's Member States can benefit from years of experience with these different mechanisms in health and its related sectors.

  1. Gay Male Couples’ Attitudes Toward Using Couples-based Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing

    PubMed Central

    Mitchell, Jason W.

    2015-01-01

    Many men who have sex with men (MSM) acquire HIV from their primary male partners while in a relationship. Studies with gay couples have demonstrated that relationship characteristics and testing behaviors are important to examine for HIV prevention. Recently, couples-based voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) has become available to male couples throughout the U.S. However, HIV-negative couples’ attitudes toward using CVCT and how their relationship characteristics may affect their use of CVCT remain largely unknown. This information is particularly relevant for organizations that offer CVCT. To assess couples’ attitudes, and associated factors toward using CVCT, a cross-sectional study design was used with a novel Internet-based recruitment method to collect dyadic data from a national sample of 275 HIV-negative gay couples. Multivariate multilevel modeling was used to identify factors associated with differences between and within couples about their attitudes towards using CVCT. Findings revealed that couples were “somewhat” to “very likely” to use CVCT. More positive attitudes toward using CVCT were associated with couples who had higher levels of relationship satisfaction and commitment toward their sexual agreement and among those who had at least one partner having had sex outside of the relationship. Less positive attitude toward using CVCT was associated with couples who had higher levels of trust toward their partners being dependable. Differences within couples, including age between partners, whether sex had occurred outside of the relationship, and value toward a sexual agreement also affected their attitudes toward using CVCT. Providing additional testing methods may help HIV-negative gay couples better manage their HIV risk. PMID:24213623

  2. State Regulatory Enforcement and Nursing Home Termination from the Medicare and Medicaid Programs

    PubMed Central

    Li, Yue; Harrington, Charlene; Spector, William D; Mukamel, Dana B

    2010-01-01

    Objectives Nursing homes certified by the Medicare and/or Medicaid program are subject to federally mandated and state-enforced quality and safety standards. We examined the relationship between state quality enforcement and nursing home terminations from the two programs. Study Design Using data from a survey of state licensure and certification agencies and other secondary databases, we performed bivariate and multivariate analyses on the strength of state quality regulation in 2005, and nursing home voluntary terminations (decisions made by the facility) or involuntary terminations (imposed by the state) in 2006–2007. Principal Findings Involuntary terminations were rarely imposed by state regulators, while voluntary terminations were relatively more common (2.16 percent in 2006–2007) and varied considerably across states. After controlling for facility, market, and state covariates, nursing homes in states implementing stronger quality enforcement were more likely to voluntarily terminate from the Medicare and Medicaid programs (odds ratio=1.53, p=.018). Conclusions Although involuntary nursing home terminations occurred rarely in most states, nursing homes in states with stronger quality regulations tend to voluntarily exit the publicly financed market. Because of the consequences of voluntary terminations on patient care and access, state regulators need to consider the effects of increased enforcement on both enhanced quality and the costs of termination. PMID:20819106

  3. 78 FR 34402 - Final Environmental Impact Statement, Habitat Conservation Plan, and Implementing Agreement...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-07

    ...-FF03E15000] Final Environmental Impact Statement, Habitat Conservation Plan, and Implementing Agreement, Ni... Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) associated with an application received from NiSource Inc. (hereafter ``Ni... Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). If issued, the ITP would authorize NiSource to take 10...

  4. 76 FR 1137 - Amendment of Limitation of Duty- and Quota-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-07

    ... COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Amendment of Limitation of Duty- and Quota-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Beneficiary ATPDEA Countries From Regional Country Fabric AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). ACTION: Amending the 12-Month Cap...

  5. 76 FR 66915 - Amendment of Limitation of Duty- and Quota-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-28

    ... COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Amendment of Limitation of Duty- and Quota-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Beneficiary ATPDEA Countries From Regional Country Fabric AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). ACTION: Amending the 12-Month Cap...

  6. 77 FR 59913 - Amendment of Limitation of Duty- and Quota-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-01

    ... COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Amendment of Limitation of Duty- and Quota-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Beneficiary ATPDEA Countries From Regional Country Fabric AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). ACTION: Amending the 12-month cap...

  7. Implementation agreement between the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Washington State Department of Transportation regarding the use of water quality modification general order

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1997-04-01

    This implementation agreement was adopted by the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Washington State Department of Transportation. It requires that the agencies work together in dealing with short term modifications of water quality requi...

  8. Implementation of a Posted Schedule to Increase Class-Wide Interobserver Agreement Assessment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Doucette, Stefanie; DiGennaro Reed, Florence D.; Reed, Derek D.; Maguire, Helena; Marquardt, Heidi

    2012-01-01

    The present study investigated the impact of an antecedent intervention in the form of a daily posted schedule on the interobserver agreement (IOA) assessment of educational goals implemented within a classroom at a private school serving individuals with disabilities. During baseline, the percentage of academic goals with interobserver agreement…

  9. Notice of EPA Implementation of the United States Government Policy on Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern for Assistance Agreements

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The purpose of this Notice is to alert institutions of the iDURC Policy’s issuance and to describe EPA’s intended implementation of the iDURC Policy regarding EPA’s research grants and cooperative agreements.

  10. 78 FR 48142 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Procedures for Considering Requests and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-08-07

    ... production of the like or directly competitive article(s) of U.S. origin; (4) imports from Peru as a... Provision of the United States-Peru Free Trade Agreement AGENCY: International Trade Administration (ITA... 328 of the United States-Peru Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the ``Act'') implements the...

  11. Notification: Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission’s Puget Sound Protection and Restoration Implementation cooperative agreements PA00J32201 and PA00J91201

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    May 27, 2016. The EPA OIG plans to begin preliminary research on the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission’s (NWIFC’s) Puget Sound Protection and Restoration Implementation cooperative agreements PA00J32201 and PA00J91201.

  12. Can They Make It on Their Own? Aging out of Foster Care--A Report on New York City's Independent Living Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Citizens' Committee for Children of New York, NY.

    Every year the New York City foster care system discharges approximately 650 young people between the ages of 18 and 21 to live on their own. This study was conducted to determine how the voluntary foster care agencies in New York City have interpreted state and city independent living regulations and implemented programming and services that lead…

  13. A Recipe for Success OSHA VPP and Wellness

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Keprta, Sean

    2010-01-01

    This slide presentation reviews the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) which is a program to promote effective worksite-based safety and health. In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. The history of JSC's Total Health program and the movement from the Safety and Total Health program and the efforts to become certified by OSHA is reviewed.

  14. Strategic tree planting as an EPA encouraged pollutant reduction strategy: how urban trees can obtain credit in state implementation plans

    Treesearch

    Dr. David J. Nowak

    2005-01-01

    As tree programs are new to the SIP process, "to facilitate Federal approval of an emerging or voluntary measure States are encouraged to work with their EPA regional ofice during the development process". Programs to increase canopy cover in urban areas can achieve many benefits. They can help improve air and water quality, as well as other factors related...

  15. MERIS (Medical Error Reporting Information System) as an innovative patient safety intervention: a health policy perspective.

    PubMed

    Riga, Marina; Vozikis, Athanassios; Pollalis, Yannis; Souliotis, Kyriakos

    2015-04-01

    The economic crisis in Greece poses the necessity to resolve problems concerning both the spiralling cost and the quality assurance in the health system. The detection and the analysis of patient adverse events and medical errors are considered crucial elements of this course. The implementation of MERIS embodies a mandatory module, which adopts the trigger tool methodology for measuring adverse events and medical errors an intensive care unit [ICU] environment, and a voluntary one with web-based public reporting methodology. A pilot implementation of MERIS running in a public hospital identified 35 adverse events, with approx. 12 additional hospital days and an extra healthcare cost of €12,000 per adverse event or of about €312,000 per annum for ICU costs only. At the same time, the voluntary module unveiled 510 reports on adverse events submitted by citizens or patients. MERIS has been evaluated as a comprehensive and effective system; it succeeded in detecting the main factors that cause adverse events and discloses severe omissions of the Greek health system. MERIS may be incorporated and run efficiently nationally, adapted to the needs and peculiarities of each hospital or clinic. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Developing a program to promote stress resilience and self-care in first-year medical students.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Suzanne E; Haney, Myra K; Pelic, Chris M; Shaw, Darlene; Wong, Jeffrey G

    2011-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Facilitating stress resilience in future physicians is an important role of medical educators and administrators. We developed an extracurricular program and pilot tested the program on first year medical students. METHODS: Presentations on topics related to mental health, help-seeking, and stress resilience were presented (one topic per session). Attendance was voluntary. Attendees were requested to complete anonymous evaluations following each presentation. Primary outcome variables were rates of agreement that the presentation (1) was interesting, (2) provided valuable information, and (3) provided information relevant for the student's future practice as a physician. RESULTS: Each of the seven topics was attended on average by approximately half of the student body. Evaluations were very positive that presentations were interesting and provided information useful to maintaining balance during medical school (all had ≥85% rates of agreement). Evaluations by students were variable (41%-88% rates of agreement) on whether each presented information relevant for future practice. CONCLUSIONS: The results support that first-year medical students value explicit guidance on ways to bolster stress resilience and self-care during medical school. It is important to clarify with each presentation how the information is relevant to their future practice as a physician.

  17. 42 CFR 137.362 - May construction project agreements be amended?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false May construction project agreements be amended? 137... of the Secretary in Establishing and Implementing Construction Project Agreements § 137.362 May construction project agreements be amended? Yes, the Self-Governance Tribe, at its discretion, may request the...

  18. The Implementation of Managed Entry Agreements in Central and Eastern Europe: Findings and Implications.

    PubMed

    Ferrario, Alessandra; Arāja, Diāna; Bochenek, Tomasz; Čatić, Tarik; Dankó, Dávid; Dimitrova, Maria; Fürst, Jurij; Greičiūtė-Kuprijanov, Ieva; Hoxha, Iris; Jakupi, Arianit; Laidmäe, Erki; Löblová, Olga; Mardare, Ileana; Markovic-Pekovic, Vanda; Meshkov, Dmitry; Novakovic, Tanja; Petrova, Guenka; Pomorski, Maciej; Tomek, Dominik; Voncina, Luka; Haycox, Alan; Kanavos, Panos; Vella Bonanno, Patricia; Godman, Brian

    2017-12-01

    Managed entry agreements (MEAs) are a set of instruments to facilitate access to new medicines. This study surveyed the implementation of MEAs in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) where limited comparative information is currently available. We conducted a survey on the implementation of MEAs in CEE between January and March 2017. Sixteen countries participated in this study. Across five countries with available data on the number of different MEA instruments implemented, the most common MEAs implemented were confidential discounts (n = 495, 73%), followed by paybacks (n = 92, 14%), price-volume agreements (n = 37, 5%), free doses (n = 25, 4%), bundle and other agreements (n = 19, 3%), and payment by result (n = 10, >1%). Across seven countries with data on MEAs by therapeutic group, the highest number of brand names associated with one or more MEA instruments belonged to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)-L group, antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (n = 201, 31%). The second most frequent therapeutic group for MEA implementation was ATC-A, alimentary tract and metabolism (n = 87, 13%), followed by medicines for neurological conditions (n = 83, 13%). Experience in implementing MEAs varied substantially across the region and there is considerable scope for greater transparency, sharing experiences and mutual learning. European citizens, authorities and industry should ask themselves whether, within publicly funded health systems, confidential discounts can still be tolerated, particularly when it is not clear which country and party they are really benefiting. Furthermore, if MEAs are to improve access, countries should establish clear objectives for their implementation and a monitoring framework to measure their performance, as well as the burden of implementation.

  19. Low-Budget Instrumentation of a Conventional Leg Press to Measure Reliable Isometric-Strength Capacity.

    PubMed

    Baur, Heiner; Groppa, Alessia Severina; Limacher, Regula; Radlinger, Lorenz

    2016-02-02

    Maximum strength and rate of force development (RFD) are 2 important strength characteristics for everyday tasks and athletic performance. Measurements of both parameters must be reliable. Expensive isokinetic devices with isometric modes are often used. The possibility of cost-effective measurements in a practical setting would facilitate quality control. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of measurements of maximum isometric strength (Fmax) and RFD on a conventional leg press. Sixteen subjects (23 ± 2 y, 1.68 ± 0.05 m, 59 ± 5 kg) were tested twice within 1 session. After warm-up, subjects performed 2 times 5 trials eliciting maximum voluntary isometric contractions on an instrumented leg press (1- and 2-legged randomized). Fmax (N) and RFD (N/s) were extracted from force-time curves. Reliability was determined for Fmax and RFD by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the test-retest variability (TRV), and the bias and limits of agreement. Reliability measures revealed good to excellent ICCs of .80-.93. TRV showed mean differences between measurement sessions of 0.4-6.9%. The systematic error was low compared with the absolute mean values (Fmax 5-6%, RFD 1-4%). The implementation of a force transducer into a conventional leg press provides a viable procedure to assess Fmax and RFD. Both performance parameters can be assessed with good to excellent reliability allowing quality control of interventions.

  20. [Quality evaluation of the orthodontic practice for certification by ISO 9001. A procedure beneficial for medical, medico-dental or hospital service].

    PubMed

    Becker, G

    2001-01-01

    The accreditation of the ISO 9001 certification (ISO = International Standard Organization) is an external evaluation procedure carried out by independent experts, whose object is the analysis of the operational methods and practices of a medical care facility (e.g. hospital, private clinic, general practitioner's or dentist's practice) which decided to assume the concept, implementation and control of its own quality policy. The whole accreditation procedure represents the basic structure of a continuous dynamic progressiveness within a cabinet eager to offer outstanding quality. Moreover, it guarantees active and voluntary participation of every single member of the medical administration or technical team involved in the realization of this primary objective. In other words, we are talking about a very strong dynamic innovation leading to a change of views and the improvement of communication means, while simultaneously enhancing the security and quality aspects of medical care. The continuous guarantee of high quality medical care calls for precise planning and systematization of actions. First of all, these actions are defined, analyzed and listed in precise work procedures. As they are defined with the agreement of the whole team, they implicate respect and self control. This requires of course transparency of the treatment methods, whose different steps and procedures are described in detail in a logogramm set up in common.

  1. Why female sex workers participate in HIV research: the illusion of voluntariness.

    PubMed

    Reed, Elizabeth; Fisher, Celia B; Blankenship, Kim M; West, Brooke S; Khoshnood, Kaveh

    2017-07-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing the motivation for and perceived voluntariness of participation in non-intervention HIV research among female sex workers (FSW) in India. FSW (n = 30) who participated in non-intervention HIV studies in the previous three years were recruited from a local community-based organization. Semi-structured qualitative interviews focused on women's personal and economic motivations for participation and their perceptions of the informed consent process. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed, and reviewed for common themes. Content analysis indicated that while many women reported willing participation, reports of obligatory participation were also a common theme. Obligations included money-related pressures and coercion by other FSW, social pressures, not wanting to disappoint the researchers, and perceiving that they had a contractual agreement to complete participation as a result of signing the consent form. Findings suggest a need for additional efforts during and following informed consent to prevent obligatory participation in HIV research studies among FSW. Findings emphasize the importance of integrating ongoing participant feedback into research ethics practices to identify issues not well addressed via standard ethics protocols when conducting HIV research among vulnerable populations.

  2. Validation of Static and Dynamic Balance Assessment Using Microsoft Kinect for Young and Elderly Populations.

    PubMed

    Eltoukhy, Moataz A; Kuenze, Christopher; Oh, Jeonghoon; Signorile, Joseph F

    2018-01-01

    Reduction in balance is an indicator of fall risk, and therefore, an accurate and cost-effective balance assessment tool is essential for prescribing effective postural control strategies. This study established the validity of the Kinect v2 sensor in assessing center of mass (CoM) excursion and velocity during single-leg balance and voluntary ankle sway tasks among young and elderly subjects. We compared balance outcome measures (anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) CoM excursion and velocity and average sway length) to a traditional three-dimensional motion analysis system. Twenty subjects (10 young: age = y, height cm, weight kg; 10 elderly: age y, height cm, weight kg), with no history of lower extremity injury, participated in this study. Subjects performed six randomized trials; four single-leg stand (SLS) and two ankle sway trials. SLS and voluntary ankle sway trials showed that consistency (ICC(2, k)) and agreement (ICC(3, k)) for all variables when all subjects were considered, as well as when the elderly and young groups were analyzed separately. Concordance between systems ranged from poor to nearly perfect depending on the group, task, and variable assessed.

  3. Iodine nutrition status in lactating mothers residing in countries with mandatory and voluntary iodine fortification programs: an updated systematic review.

    PubMed

    Nazeri, Pantea; Mirmiran, Parvin; Shiva, Niloofar; Mehrabi, Yadollah; Mojarrad, Mehdi; Azizi, Fereidoun

    2015-06-01

    The aim of this review is to assess data available on iodine nutrition status in lactating mothers residing in countries with mandatory and voluntary iodine fortification programs and/or iodine supplementation. A systematic review was conducted by searching articles published between 1964 and 2013 in Pub Med, ISI Web, and Cochrane Library using iodine nutrition, lactation, iodine supplementation, and iodine fortification as keywords for titles and/or abstracts. Relevant articles were included if they reported urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in lactating mothers and, if determined, the type of iodine fortification program and/or iodine supplementation. Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 21 studies assessed lactating mothers in countries with a mandatory iodine fortification program, 17 studies were from countries with voluntary and/or without iodine fortification programs, and four studies assessed iodine nutrition status in lactating mothers undergoing iodine supplementation. Among countries with mandatory iodine fortification programs, the range of salt iodization level in lactating mothers with a UIC <100 μg/L was between 8 and 40 ppm, whereas among lactating mothers with UIC >100 μg/L, it was between 15 and 60 ppm. Levels of UIC <100 μg/L were observed among lactating women in India, Denmark, Mali, New Zealand, Australia, Slovakia, Sudan, and Turkey, whereas in countries such as Chile, Iran, Mongolia, New Guinea, and Nigeria, the median or mean of UIC was >100 μg/L. There was a median or mean UIC <100 μg/L in nearly all lactating mothers residing in countries where implementation of universal salt iodization program was voluntary, including Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Germany. However, in some countries with voluntary iodine fortification programs, such as the United States, Spain, and Japan, a mean or median UIC of >100 μg/L has been reported. Although universal salt iodization is still the most feasible and cost-effective approach for iodine deficiency control in pregnant and lactating mothers, UIC in lactating mothers of most countries with voluntary programs and in areas with mandatory iodine fortification is still within the iodine deficiency range, indicating that iodine supplementation in daily prenatal vitamin/mineral supplements in lactating mothers is warranted. However, further investigations are still recommended in this regard.

  4. Adaptive Proactive Inhibitory Control for Embedded Real-Time Applications

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Shufan; McGinnity, T. Martin; Wong-Lin, KongFatt

    2012-01-01

    Psychologists have studied the inhibitory control of voluntary movement for many years. In particular, the countermanding of an impending action has been extensively studied. In this work, we propose a neural mechanism for adaptive inhibitory control in a firing-rate type model based on current findings in animal electrophysiological and human psychophysical experiments. We then implement this model on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) prototyping system, using dedicated real-time hardware circuitry. Our results show that the FPGA-based implementation can run in real-time while achieving behavioral performance qualitatively suggestive of the animal experiments. Implementing such biological inhibitory control in an embedded device can lead to the development of control systems that may be used in more realistic cognitive robotics or in neural prosthetic systems aiding human movement control. PMID:22701420

  5. Implementing the Framework Agreement in a Small HEI: From Principles to Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barber, David; Clews, Joy; Meeson, Graham; Rose, Ann; Taylor, Claire

    2008-01-01

    At the time of writing, UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have either completed, or are part way through, implementation of the Framework Agreement (JNCHES 2003). This process was born out of the recommendations of the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education (1997) developed by Bett in his report two years later (Bett 1999). …

  6. 75 FR 68153 - To Adjust the Rules of Origin Under the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, Implement...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-04

    ... Part IV The President Proclamation 8596--To Adjust the Rules of Origin Under the United States... Adjust the Rules of Origin Under the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, Implement Modifications... the HTS the schedule of duty reductions and rules of origin necessary or appropriate to carry out the...

  7. Seroprevalence and trends in transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors in a university hospital blood bank: a 5 year study.

    PubMed

    Pallavi, P; Ganesh, C K; Jayashree, K; Manjunath, G V

    2011-03-01

    Blood is life. Transfusion of blood and blood components, as a specialized modality of patient management saves millions of lives worldwide each year and reduce morbidity. It is well known that blood transfusion is associated with a large number of complications, some are only trivial and others are potentially life threatening, demanding for meticulous pretransfusion testing and screening particularly for transfusion transmissible infections (TTI). These TTI are a threat to blood safety. The priority objective of BTS is thus to ensure safety, adequacy, accessibility and efficiency of blood supply at all levels. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence and trend of transfusion transmitted infections (TTI) among voluntary and replacement donors in the Department of Blood bank and transfusion Medicine of JSS College Hospital, a teaching hospital of Mysore during the period from 2004 to 2008. A retrospective review of donors record covering the period between 2004 and 2008 at the blood bank, JSS Hospital, Mysore was carried out. All samples were screened for HIV, HBsAg, HCV, syphilis and malaria. Of the 39,060, 25,303 (64.78%) were voluntary donors and the remaining 13,757 (35.22%) were replacement donors. The overall prevalence of HIV, HbsAg, HCV and syphilis were 0.44, 1.27, 0.23 and 0.28%, respectively. No blood donor tested showed positivity for malarial parasite. Majority were voluntary donors with male preponderance. In all the markers tested there was increased prevalence of TTI among the replacement donors as compared to voluntary donors. With the implementation of strict donor criteria and use of sensitive screening tests, it may be possible to reduce the incidence of TTI in the Indian scenario.

  8. Smoke-free rules and secondhand smoke exposure in homes and vehicles among US adults, 2009-2010.

    PubMed

    King, Brian A; Dube, Shanta R; Homa, David M

    2013-05-16

    An increasing number of US states and localities have implemented comprehensive policies prohibiting tobacco smoking in all indoor areas of public places and worksites. However, private settings such as homes and vehicles remain a major source of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) for many people. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of voluntary smoke-free rules and SHS exposure in homes and vehicles among US adults. We obtained data from the 2009-2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey, a landline and cellular-telephone survey of adults aged 18 years or older residing in the 50 US states or the District of Columbia. We calculated national and state estimates of smoke-free rules and past-7-day SHS exposure in homes and vehicles and examined national estimates by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and education. The national prevalence of voluntary smoke-free home rules was 81.1% (state range, 67.9%-92.9%), and the prevalence of household smoke-free vehicle rules was 73.6% (state range, 58.6%-85.8%). Among nonsmokers, the prevalence of SHS exposure was 6.0% in homes (state range, 2.4%-13.0%) and 9.2% in vehicles (state range, 4.8%-13.7%). SHS exposure among nonsmokers was greatest among men, younger adults, non-Hispanic blacks, and those with a lower level of education. Most US adults report having voluntary smoke-free home and vehicle rules; however, millions of people remain exposed to SHS in these environments. Disparities in exposure also exist among certain states and subpopulations. Efforts are needed to warn about the dangers of SHS and to promote voluntary smoke-free home and vehicle rules.

  9. Upper limb motor rehabilitation impacts white matter microstructure in multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Bonzano, Laura; Tacchino, Andrea; Brichetto, Giampaolo; Roccatagliata, Luca; Dessypris, Adriano; Feraco, Paola; Lopes De Carvalho, Maria L; Battaglia, Mario A; Mancardi, Giovanni L; Bove, Marco

    2014-04-15

    Upper limb impairments can occur in patients with multiple sclerosis, affecting daily living activities; however there is at present no definite agreement on the best rehabilitation treatment strategy to pursue. Moreover, motor training has been shown to induce changes in white matter architecture in healthy subjects. This study aimed at evaluating the motor behavioral and white matter microstructural changes following a 2-month upper limb motor rehabilitation treatment based on task-oriented exercises in patients with multiple sclerosis. Thirty patients (18 females and 12 males; age=43.3 ± 8.7 years) in a stable phase of the disease presenting with mild or moderate upper limb sensorimotor deficits were randomized into two groups of 15 patients each. Both groups underwent twenty 1-hour treatment sessions, three times a week. The "treatment group" received an active motor rehabilitation treatment, based on voluntary exercises including task-oriented exercises, while the "control group" underwent passive mobilization of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers. Before and after the rehabilitation protocols, motor performance was evaluated in all patients with standard tests. Additionally, finger motor performance accuracy was assessed by an engineered glove. In the same sessions, every patient underwent diffusion tensor imaging to obtain parametric maps of fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity. The mean value of each parameter was separately calculated within regions of interest including the fiber bundles connecting brain areas involved in voluntary movement control: the corpus callosum, the corticospinal tracts and the superior longitudinal fasciculi. The two rehabilitation protocols induced similar effects on unimanual motor performance, but the bimanual coordination task revealed that the residual coordination abilities were maintained in the treated patients while they significantly worsened in the control group (p=0.002). Further, in the treatment group white matter integrity in the corpus callosum and corticospinal tracts was preserved while a microstructural integrity worsening was found in the control group (fractional anisotropy of the corpus callosum and corticospinal tracts: p=0.033 and p=0.022; radial diffusivity of the corpus callosum and corticospinal tracts: p=0.004 and p=0.008). Conversely, a significant increase of radial diffusivity was observed in the superior longitudinal fasciculi in both groups (p=0.02), indicating lack of treatment effects on this structure, showing damage progression likely due to a demyelination process. All these findings indicate the importance of administering, when possible, a rehabilitation treatment consisting of voluntary movements. We also demonstrated that the beneficial effects of a rehabilitation treatment are task-dependent and selective in their target; this becomes crucial towards the implementation of tailored rehabilitative approaches. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. 10 CFR 600.1 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... (CONTINUED) ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RULES General § 600.1 Purpose. This part implements... procedures applicable to the award and administration of grants, cooperative agreements, and technology investment agreements. The specific guidance for technology investment agreements is contained in part 603...

  11. Power Purchase Agreements | Climate Neutral Research Campuses | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    . Examples of how some research campuses have used PPAs are provided below. Power Purchase Agreements , primarily to implement on-site energy installations. The owner, in this case a research campus, is typically Power Purchase Agreements Research campuses can use power purchase agreements (PPAs), such as

  12. Time for a second look at SOX compliance.

    PubMed

    Bigalke, John T; Burrill, Stephen J

    2007-08-01

    Incentives for tax-exempt healthcare organizations to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) abound from many quarters, including government, various associations, and the capital markets. New proposals from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accountability Oversight Board will streamline the processes of SOX compliance, even as the cost of compliance is dropping. Voluntary SOX compliance can best be achieved by adopting a four-phased control rationalization approach to implementation and maintenance.

  13. Metrication and AIHA.

    PubMed

    Burnett, R D

    1977-05-01

    AIHA supports a planned orderly national program for conversion to the metric system and will cooperate with other technical societies and organizations in implementing this voluntary conversion. The Association will use the International System of Units (SI) as modified by the Secretary of Commerce for use in the United States in all official publications, papers and documents. U.S. customary units can be presented in parentheses following the appropriate SI unit, when it is necessary for clarity.

  14. Fulfilling the Promise of Preschool for All: Insights into Issues Affecting Access for Selected Immigrant Groups in Chicago

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adams, Gina; McDaniel, Marla

    2009-01-01

    Preschool for All (PFA) is a part-day (2.5 hours for up to five days a week) early childhood education program for 3- and 4-year-olds in Illinois. The program is voluntary to families and is designed to be a high-quality preschool option for all children--especially those at risk of academic failure. PFA was implemented in 2006 and is free to…

  15. 25 CFR 224.83 - What must a tribe do after executing a lease or business agreement, or granting a right-of-way?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... THE INTERIOR ENERGY AND MINERALS TRIBAL ENERGY RESOURCE AGREEMENTS UNDER THE INDIAN TRIBAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND SELF DETERMINATION ACT Implementation of Tribal Energy Resource Agreements Leases, Business...

  16. 25 CFR 224.89 - What procedures will the Secretary use to enforce leases, business agreements, or rights-of-way?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... OF THE INTERIOR ENERGY AND MINERALS TRIBAL ENERGY RESOURCE AGREEMENTS UNDER THE INDIAN TRIBAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND SELF DETERMINATION ACT Implementation of Tribal Energy Resource Agreements Violation Or Breach...

  17. 25 CFR 224.83 - What must a tribe do after executing a lease or business agreement, or granting a right-of-way?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... THE INTERIOR ENERGY AND MINERALS TRIBAL ENERGY RESOURCE AGREEMENTS UNDER THE INDIAN TRIBAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND SELF DETERMINATION ACT Implementation of Tribal Energy Resource Agreements Leases, Business...

  18. 25 CFR 224.89 - What procedures will the Secretary use to enforce leases, business agreements, or rights-of-way?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... OF THE INTERIOR ENERGY AND MINERALS TRIBAL ENERGY RESOURCE AGREEMENTS UNDER THE INDIAN TRIBAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND SELF DETERMINATION ACT Implementation of Tribal Energy Resource Agreements Violation Or Breach...

  19. A real world dissemination and implementation of Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) for veterans with affective disorders.

    PubMed

    Gros, Daniel F; Szafranski, Derek D; Shead, Sarah D

    2017-03-01

    Dissemination and implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies is challenging in real world clinical settings. Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) for affective disorders was developed with dissemination and implementation in clinical settings in mind. The present study investigated a voluntary local dissemination and implementation effort, involving 28 providers participating in a four-hour training on TBT. Providers completed immediate (n=22) and six-month follow-up (n=12) training assessments and were encouraged to collect data on their TBT patients (delivery fidelity was not investigated). Findings demonstrated that providers endorsed learning of and interest in using TBT after the training. At six-months, 50% of providers reported using TBT with their patients and their perceived effectiveness of TBT to be very good to excellent. Submitted patient outcome data evidenced medium to large effect sizes. Together, these findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of a real world dissemination and implementation of TBT. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  20. Sexual and reproductive health in Greenland: evaluation of implementing sexual peer-to-peer education in Greenland (the SexInuk project).

    PubMed

    Homøe, Anne-Sophie; Knudsen, Ane-Kersti Skaarup; Nielsen, Sigrid Brisson; Grynnerup, Anna Garcia-Alix

    2015-01-01

    Background For decades, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis, have increased in Greenland, especially within the young age groups (15-29 years). From 2006 to 2013, the number of abortions has been consistent with approximately 800-900 abortions per year in Greenland, which is nearly as high as the total number of births during the same period. Previous studies in Greenland have reported that knowledge about sexual health is important, both as prevention and as facilitator to stop the increasing rates of STIs. A peer-to-peer education programme about sexual health requires adaption to cultural values and acceptance among the population and government in order to be sustainable. Objective Formative evaluation of a voluntary project (SexInuk), in relation to peer-to-peer education with focus on sexual health. Two workshops were conducted in Nuuk, Greenland, to recruit Greenlandic students. Design Qualitative design with focus group interviews (FGIs) to collect qualitative feedback on feasibility and implementation of the project. Supplemented with a brief questionnaire regarding personal information (gender, age, education) and questions about the educational elements in the SexInuk project. Eight Greenlandic students, who had completed one or two workshops, were enrolled. Results The FGIs showed an overall consensus regarding the need for improving sexual health education in Greenland. The participants requested more voluntary educators, to secure sustainability. The articulation of taboo topics in the Greenlandic society appeared very important. The participants suggested more awareness by promoting the project. Conclusion Cultural values and language directions were important elements in the FGIs. To our knowledge, voluntary work regarding peer-to-peer education and sexual health has not been structurally evaluated in Greenland before. To achieve sustainability, the project needs educators and financial support. Further research is needed to investigate how peer-to-peer education can improve sexual and reproductive health in Greenland.

  1. Sexual and reproductive health in Greenland: evaluation of implementing sexual peer-to-peer education in Greenland (the SexInuk project).

    PubMed

    Homøe, Anne-Sophie; Knudsen, Ane-Kersti Skaarup; Nielsen, Sigrid Brisson; Grynnerup, Anna Garcia-Alix

    2015-01-01

    For decades, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis, have increased in Greenland, especially within the young age groups (15-29 years). From 2006 to 2013, the number of abortions has been consistent with approximately 800-900 abortions per year in Greenland, which is nearly as high as the total number of births during the same period. Previous studies in Greenland have reported that knowledge about sexual health is important, both as prevention and as facilitator to stop the increasing rates of STIs. A peer-to-peer education programme about sexual health requires adaption to cultural values and acceptance among the population and government in order to be sustainable. Formative evaluation of a voluntary project (SexInuk), in relation to peer-to-peer education with focus on sexual health. Two workshops were conducted in Nuuk, Greenland, to recruit Greenlandic students. Qualitative design with focus group interviews (FGIs) to collect qualitative feedback on feasibility and implementation of the project. Supplemented with a brief questionnaire regarding personal information (gender, age, education) and questions about the educational elements in the SexInuk project. Eight Greenlandic students, who had completed one or two workshops, were enrolled. The FGIs showed an overall consensus regarding the need for improving sexual health education in Greenland. The participants requested more voluntary educators, to secure sustainability. The articulation of taboo topics in the Greenlandic society appeared very important. The participants suggested more awareness by promoting the project. Cultural values and language directions were important elements in the FGIs. To our knowledge, voluntary work regarding peer-to-peer education and sexual health has not been structurally evaluated in Greenland before. To achieve sustainability, the project needs educators and financial support. Further research is needed to investigate how peer-to-peer education can improve sexual and reproductive health in Greenland.

  2. Toward the Successful Implementation of the North American Free-Trade Agreement: The Integration of Language and Business Studies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Raffield, Barney T., III

    This paper examines the need for the integration of language and business studies to enhance successful implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. For college and university graduates to deal effectively with French-Canadian and Mexican business people and consumers, they must be exposed to their languages and their cultures. This…

  3. 77 FR 413 - To Modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and for Other Purposes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-04

    ..., implemented the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement (USOFTA) with respect to the United States and, pursuant to section 201 of the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the ``USOFTA Act... reductions with respect to Oman set forth in Annex 2-B of the USOFTA. In order to ensure the continuation of...

  4. From the abstract to the concrete - Implementation of an innovative tool in home care.

    PubMed

    Kajamaa, Anu; Schulz, Klaus-Peter

    2018-02-01

    Background The implementation of innovations in practice is a critical factor for change and development processes in health and home care. We therefore analyze how an innovative tool - a mobility agreement to maintain physical mobility of home care clients - was implemented in Finnish home care. Methods Our study involves ethnographic research of 13 home care visits, two years after the mobility agreement was implemented. We analyze the emergence of contradictions, the motives of the actors and the use of artifacts supporting or inhibiting the implementation. Two in-depth cases illustrate the implementation of the mobility agreement in home care visits. Findings Our findings show that, first, to achieve practice change and development, the innovation implementation requires the overcoming of contradictions in the implementation process. Second, it calls for the emergence of a shared motive between the actors to transform the abstract concept of an innovation into a concrete practice. Third, artifacts, customary to the clients are important in supporting the implementation process. Fourth, the implementation brings about a modification of the innovation and the adopting social system. Conclusions Innovation implementation should be seen as a transformation process of an abstract concept into a concrete practice, enabled by the actors involved. Concept design and implementation should be closely linked. In health/home care innovation management, the implementation of innovations needs to be understood as a complex collective learning process. Results can be far reaching - in our case leading to change of home care workers' professional understanding and elderly clients' mobility habits.

  5. Expectancy modulates pupil size during endogenous orienting of spatial attention.

    PubMed

    Dragone, Alessio; Lasaponara, Stefano; Pinto, Mario; Rotondaro, Francesca; De Luca, Maria; Doricchi, Fabrizio

    2018-05-01

    fMRI investigations in healthy humans have documented phasic changes in the level of activation of the right temporal-parietal junction (TPJ) during cued voluntary orienting of spatial attention. Cues that correctly predict the position of upcoming targets in the majority of trials, i.e., predictive cues, produce higher deactivation of the right TPJ as compared with non-predictive cues. Since the right TPJ is the recipient of noradrenergic (NE) innervation, it has been hypothesised that changes in the level of TPJ activity are matched with changes in the level of NE activity. Based on aforementioned fMRI findings, this might imply that orienting with predictive cues is matched with different levels of NE activity as compared with non-predictive cues. To test this hypothesis, we measured changes in pupil dilation, an indirect index of NE activity, during voluntary orienting of attention with highly predictive (80% validity) or non-predictive (50% validity) cues. In agreement with current interpretations of the tonic/phasic activity of the Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrinic system (LC-NE), we found that the steady level of cue predictiveness that characterised both the predictive and non-predictive conditions caused, across consecutive blocks of trials, a progressive decrement in pupil dilation during the baseline-fixation period that anticipated the cue period. With predictive cues we observed increased pupil dilation as compared with non-predictive cues. In addition, the relative reduction in pupil size observed with non-predictive cues increased as a function of cue-duration. These results show that changes in the predictiveness of cues that guide voluntary orienting of spatial attention are matched with changes in pupil dilation and, putatively, with corresponding changes in LC-NE activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Ocean fertilization, carbon credits and the Kyoto Protocol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Westley, M. B.; Gnanadesikan, A.

    2008-12-01

    Commercial interest in ocean fertilization as a carbon sequestration tool was excited by the December 1997 agreement of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. The Protocol commits industrialized countries to caps on net greenhouse gas emissions and allows for various flexible mechanisms to achieve these caps in the most economically efficient manner possible, including trade in carbon credits from projects that reduce emissions or enhance sinks. The carbon market was valued at 64 billion in 2007, with the bulk of the trading (50 billion) taking place in the highly regulated European Union Emission Trading Scheme, which deals primarily in emission allowances in the energy sector. A much smaller amount, worth $265 million, was traded in the largely unregulated "voluntary" market (Capoor and Ambrosi 2008). As the voluntary market grows, so do calls for its regulation, with several efforts underway to set rules and standards for the sale of voluntary carbon credits using the Kyoto Protocol as a starting point. Four US-based companies and an Australian company currently seek to develop ocean fertilization technologies for the generation of carbon credits. We review these plans through the lens of the Kyoto Protocol and its flexible mechanisms, and examine whether and how ocean fertilization could generate tradable carbon credits. We note that at present, ocean sinks are not included in the Kyoto Protocol, and that furthermore, the Kyoto Protocol only addresses sources and sinks of greenhouse gases within national boundaries, making open-ocean fertilization projects a jurisdictional challenge. We discuss the negotiating history behind the limited inclusion of land use, land use change and forestry in the Kyoto Protocol and the controversy and eventual compromise concerning methodologies for terrestrial carbon accounting. We conclude that current technologies for measuring and monitoring carbon sequestration following ocean fertilization are unlikely to meet the Kyoto Protocol's verification and accounting standards for trading carbon credits on the regulated market. The marketability of ocean fertilization in the voluntary carbon marketplace will likely depend on companies' efforts to minimize environmental risks and consumers' willingness to accept remaining risks.

  7. 10 CFR 150.17a - Compliance with requirements of US/IAEA Safeguards Agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Compliance with requirements of US/IAEA Safeguards... Authority in Agreement States § 150.17a Compliance with requirements of US/IAEA Safeguards Agreement. (a... shall take other action as may be necessary to implement the US/IAEA Safeguards Agreement, as described...

  8. 10 CFR 150.17a - Compliance with requirements of US/IAEA Safeguards Agreement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Compliance with requirements of US/IAEA Safeguards... Authority in Agreement States § 150.17a Compliance with requirements of US/IAEA Safeguards Agreement. (a... shall take other action as may be necessary to implement the US/IAEA Safeguards Agreement, as described...

  9. 40 CFR 92.404 - Voluntary emissions recall reporting.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Voluntary emissions recall reporting... Defect Reporting Requirements, Voluntary Emission Recall Program § 92.404 Voluntary emissions recall reporting. (a) When any manufacturer or remanufacturer initiates a voluntary emissions recall campaign...

  10. 40 CFR 94.404 - Voluntary emissions recall reporting.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Voluntary emissions recall reporting... Reporting Requirements, Voluntary Emission Recall Program § 94.404 Voluntary emissions recall reporting. (a) When any manufacturer initiates a voluntary emissions recall campaign involving an engine, the...

  11. 43 CFR 20.602 - Remedial action.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... considered only after attempts to obtain voluntary resolution have failed. Voluntary resolution may include: (i) Voluntary divestiture; (ii) Voluntary conversion to securities which are not prohibited, or the holding of which would not violate law or regulation; or (iii) Voluntary reassignment to another position...

  12. 43 CFR 20.602 - Remedial action.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... considered only after attempts to obtain voluntary resolution have failed. Voluntary resolution may include: (i) Voluntary divestiture; (ii) Voluntary conversion to securities which are not prohibited, or the holding of which would not violate law or regulation; or (iii) Voluntary reassignment to another position...

  13. 43 CFR 20.602 - Remedial action.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... considered only after attempts to obtain voluntary resolution have failed. Voluntary resolution may include: (i) Voluntary divestiture; (ii) Voluntary conversion to securities which are not prohibited, or the holding of which would not violate law or regulation; or (iii) Voluntary reassignment to another position...

  14. 43 CFR 20.602 - Remedial action.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... considered only after attempts to obtain voluntary resolution have failed. Voluntary resolution may include: (i) Voluntary divestiture; (ii) Voluntary conversion to securities which are not prohibited, or the holding of which would not violate law or regulation; or (iii) Voluntary reassignment to another position...

  15. Risk-sharing agreements, present and future

    PubMed Central

    Gonçalves, Francisco R; Santos, Susana; Silva, Catarina; Sousa, Gabriela

    2018-01-01

    Risk-sharing agreements between pharmaceutical companies and payers stand out as a recent practice, the use of which has been increasing in the case of innovative medicines, particularly in the field of oncology, which aims to ensure better budgetary control and a lower risk of spending on medicinal products without full evidence of clinical benefit. In this article, the authors discuss the types of existing agreements, as well as those used in Portugal, their advantages, disadvantages and future challenges of implementation, as well as their potential role in access to therapeutic innovation, namely medicines for cancer treatment. For this purpose, a nonsystematic review of indexed and nonconventional literature was carried out. There is a tendency for the risk-sharing agreements established between payers and pharmaceutical companies to include a component of monitoring the use of medicines and outcomes measurement, involving real life data collection. Portugal is no exception and, although most agreements are still financial in nature, there is already a strong desire for other agreements, in particular clinical outcomes based. It is concluded that there is not yet a gold standard methodology in relation to the type of agreements to be practiced. Moreover, its opportunity cost, including the cost of implementation, remains to be scrutinised. However, regardless of the type of agreement, the advantages of adopting these agreements are well known, inevitably related with challenges of implementation. The need for an infrastructure to support information sharing is undisputed and urgent. The future of therapeutic innovation and increased pressure on health budgets will require alternative, more flexible models, personalized reimbursement models that allow alignment of medicines prices with the value they deliver in treating the several diseases. PMID:29743943

  16. Man-Machine Interface System for Neuromuscular Training and Evaluation Based on EMG and MMG Signals

    PubMed Central

    de la Rosa, Ramon; Alonso, Alonso; Carrera, Albano; Durán, Ramon; Fernández, Patricia

    2010-01-01

    This paper presents the UVa-NTS (University of Valladolid Neuromuscular Training System), a multifunction and portable Neuromuscular Training System. The UVa-NTS is designed to analyze the voluntary control of severe neuromotor handicapped patients, their interactive response, and their adaptation to neuromuscular interface systems, such as neural prostheses or domotic applications. Thus, it is an excellent tool to evaluate the residual muscle capabilities in the handicapped. The UVa-NTS is composed of a custom signal conditioning front-end and a computer. The front-end electronics is described thoroughly as well as the overall features of the custom software implementation. The software system is composed of a set of graphical training tools and a processing core. The UVa-NTS works with two classes of neuromuscular signals: the classic myoelectric signals (MES) and, as a novelty, the myomechanic signals (MMS). In order to evaluate the performance of the processing core, a complete analysis has been done to classify its efficiency and to check that it fulfils with the real-time constraints. Tests were performed both with healthy and selected impaired subjects. The adaptation was achieved rapidly, applying a predefined protocol for the UVa-NTS set of training tools. Fine voluntary control was demonstrated to be reached with the myoelectric signals. And the UVa-NTS demonstrated to provide a satisfactory voluntary control when applying the myomechanic signals. PMID:22163515

  17. Man-machine interface system for neuromuscular training and evaluation based on EMG and MMG signals.

    PubMed

    de la Rosa, Ramon; Alonso, Alonso; Carrera, Albano; Durán, Ramon; Fernández, Patricia

    2010-01-01

    This paper presents the UVa-NTS (University of Valladolid Neuromuscular Training System), a multifunction and portable Neuromuscular Training System. The UVa-NTS is designed to analyze the voluntary control of severe neuromotor handicapped patients, their interactive response, and their adaptation to neuromuscular interface systems, such as neural prostheses or domotic applications. Thus, it is an excellent tool to evaluate the residual muscle capabilities in the handicapped. The UVa-NTS is composed of a custom signal conditioning front-end and a computer. The front-end electronics is described thoroughly as well as the overall features of the custom software implementation. The software system is composed of a set of graphical training tools and a processing core. The UVa-NTS works with two classes of neuromuscular signals: the classic myoelectric signals (MES) and, as a novelty, the myomechanic signals (MMS). In order to evaluate the performance of the processing core, a complete analysis has been done to classify its efficiency and to check that it fulfils with the real-time constraints. Tests were performed both with healthy and selected impaired subjects. The adaptation was achieved rapidly, applying a predefined protocol for the UVa-NTS set of training tools. Fine voluntary control was demonstrated to be reached with the myoelectric signals. And the UVa-NTS demonstrated to provide a satisfactory voluntary control when applying the myomechanic signals.

  18. Problems and limitations of voluntary cleanup programs

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

    Johnson, S.F.

    1995-12-31

    At least a dozen states have already implemented voluntary cleanup programs (VCPs). Provisions to promote state VCPs were prominent in the EPA`s 1994 proposed revisions to CERCLA and in current legislative initiatives. Under the VCP, property owners voluntarily enroll to investigate and remediate contaminated sites with the aegis of a state agency and thus avoid involvement with the federal Superfund program. When the state agency is satisfied with the condition of the site, it issues a certificate to the owner. The VCP is meant to mitigate unintended consequences of CERCLA such as the economic abandonment of urban industrial sites inmore » favor of unpolluted suburban sites. The VCP concept has been combined with other reforms including cleanup standards, financial incentives, and independent action. The effectiveness of voluntary cleanup programs is limited by the costs of investigation and cleanup relative to the value of the property in question. It is also limited when property has environmental problems outside the traditional focus of state Superfund agencies on soil and groundwater contamination. VCPs also have potential unintended consequences of their own. The VCP concept is consistent with a 15 year trend of increasing government attention and involvement with sites of diminishing health and environmental significance. VCP may reinforce the perception of liability and unwittingly raise the standard of due diligence in property assessments, especially if combined with generic cleanup standard.« less

  19. The role of job satisfaction, work engagement, self-efficacy and agentic capacities on nurses' turnover intention and patient satisfaction.

    PubMed

    De Simone, Silvia; Planta, Anna; Cicotto, Gianfranco

    2018-02-01

    Nurses' voluntary turnover is a worrying global phenomenon which affects service quality. Retaining nursing staff within a hospital is important to eliminate the negative influence of voluntary turnover on the quality of care and organisation costs. This research helps explain nurses' voluntary turnover by analysing the role of self-efficacy, agentic capacities, job satisfaction, and work engagement on hospital turnover intention, and to study the relationships between these variables and patient satisfaction. This study gathered data from 194 nurses and 181 patients from 22 inpatient wards at two hospitals in southern Italy. Correlation analysis revealed that job satisfaction, work engagement, self-efficacy and agentic capacities were positively interrelated and negatively correlated with turnover intention. Path analysis showed that self-efficacy, some agentic capacities (anticipation and self-regulation), job satisfaction, and work engagement had direct or indirect effects on nurses' turnover intention, and that job satisfaction exerted a stronger effect on turnover intention. Also, patient satisfaction was positively correlated with nurses' job satisfaction, work engagement, self-efficacy, self-regulation and anticipation and negatively correlated with nurses' turnover intention. Results highlighted the importance of implementing actions (for example through feedforward methodology and the goal setting technique) to improve self-efficacy, self-regulation skill, work engagement and job satisfaction in order to reduce nurses' turnover intention and increase patient satisfaction with nursing care. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Leading-edge forensic DNA analyses and the necessity of including crime scene investigators, police officers and technicians in a DNA elimination database.

    PubMed

    Lapointe, Martine; Rogic, Anita; Bourgoin, Sarah; Jolicoeur, Christine; Séguin, Diane

    2015-11-01

    In recent years, sophisticated technology has significantly increased the sensitivity and analytical power of genetic analyses so that very little starting material may now produce viable genetic profiles. This sensitivity however, has also increased the risk of detecting unknown genetic profiles assumed to be that of the perpetrator, yet originate from extraneous sources such as from crime scene workers. These contaminants may mislead investigations, keeping criminal cases active and unresolved for long spans of time. Voluntary submission of DNA samples from crime scene workers is fairly low, therefore we have created a promotional method for our staff elimination database that has resulted in a significant increase in voluntary samples since 2011. Our database enforces privacy safeguards and allows for optional anonymity to all staff members. We also offer information sessions at various police precincts to advise crime scene workers of the importance and success of our staff elimination database. This study, a pioneer in its field, has obtained 327 voluntary submissions from crime scene workers to date, of which 46 individual profiles (14%) have been matched to 58 criminal cases. By implementing our methods and respect for individual privacy, forensic laboratories everywhere may see similar growth and success in explaining unidentified genetic profiles in stagnate criminal cases. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision: Logistics, Commodities, and Waste Management Requirements for Scale-Up of Services

    PubMed Central

    Edgil, Dianna; Stankard, Petra; Forsythe, Steven; Rech, Dino; Chrouser, Kristin; Adamu, Tigistu; Sakallah, Sameer; Thomas, Anne Goldzier; Albertini, Jennifer; Stanton, David; Dickson, Kim Eva; Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel

    2011-01-01

    Background The global HIV prevention community is implementing voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) programs across eastern and southern Africa, with a goal of reaching 80% coverage in adult males by 2015. Successful implementation will depend on the accessibility of commodities essential for VMMC programming and the appropriate allocation of resources to support the VMMC supply chain. For this, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, has developed a standard list of commodities for VMMC programs. Methods and Findings This list of commodities was used to inform program planning for a 1-y program to circumcise 152,000 adult men in Swaziland. During this process, additional key commodities were identified, expanding the standard list to include commodities for waste management, HIV counseling and testing, and the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. The approximate costs for the procurement of commodities, management of a supply chain, and waste disposal, were determined for the VMMC program in Swaziland using current market prices of goods and services. Previous costing studies of VMMC programs did not capture supply chain costs, nor the full range of commodities needed for VMMC program implementation or waste management. Our calculations indicate that depending upon the volume of services provided, supply chain and waste management, including commodities and associated labor, contribute between US$58.92 and US$73.57 to the cost of performing one adult male circumcision in Swaziland. Conclusions Experience with the VMMC program in Swaziland indicates that supply chain and waste management add approximately US$60 per circumcision, nearly doubling the total per procedure cost estimated previously; these additional costs are used to inform the estimate of per procedure costs modeled by Njeuhmeli et al. in “Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision: Modeling the Impact and Cost of Expanding Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention in Eastern and Southern Africa.” Program planners and policy makers should consider the significant contribution of supply chain and waste management to VMMC program costs as they determine future resource needs for VMMC programs. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary PMID:22140363

  2. The effectiveness of recent water restriction policies on single-family water use in Los Angeles, California

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mini, C.; Hogue, T. S.; Pincetl, S.

    2013-12-01

    Residential water consumption represents the largest urban water consumer category and is projected to have significant increase over the next 20 years in Los Angeles, California. Successive severe droughts have occurred in Los Angeles over the past 30 years leading to the implementation of emergency water conservation measures that include limiting the time and frequency of urban irrigation as well as applying shortage year water rates. Reliance on imported water sources dramatically increased during the past drought periods, which questions the reliability of future water supply. The objectives of the current study include quantifying the impact of past water restrictions on single-family residential water use in single-family areas in Los Angeles. Three phases of water restrictions were implemented during the 2007-2010 drought period to reduce water consumption: voluntary restrictions during fiscal year 2007-2008, mandatory outdoor use restrictions in fiscal year 2008-2009, and more stringent mandatory restrictions limiting the frequency of irrigation coupled with a water rate increase in fiscal year 2009-2010. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) monthly individual water use records from 2000 to 2010 were aggregated at the block level in the San Fernando Valley. The effectiveness of the three water restrictions phases was analyzed through a linear regression model developed over 2000-2007 with single-family water use as the dependent variable, climate, and economic variables as the predictors at the block level. Predicted water use during the 2007-2010 period was estimated using results from the statistical model and compared with actual water use to calculate the amount of water savings due to the restrictions. The comparison of the impact of water restrictions on single-family water use reveals that the more stringent mandatory water restrictions provided a higher and statistically significant decrease in water use. Single-family water consumption decreased by 20% on average over the study area during the 2009-2010 fiscal year, compared to a 2% increase during the voluntary restriction period and a 9% decrease during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Mandatory restrictions proved to be more effective than voluntary restrictions as solutions to reduce water use during drought periods. Our results provide key information on potential implementation of future water policies under difficult economic conditions and help identify successful targeted conservation measures that can be permanently established.

  3. Voluntary Support of Education 1987-1988.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Council for Aid to Education, New York, NY.

    The 29th edition of a publication featuring statistics on voluntary support of education is presented. Three sections have the following titles: (1) "Colleges and Universities" (including national estimates of expenditures and voluntary support, and survey results noting voluntary support by type of institution, voluntary support by source,…

  4. 24 CFR 972.212 - Timing of voluntary conversion.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 24 Housing and Urban Development 4 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Timing of voluntary conversion. 972... URBAN DEVELOPMENT CONVERSION OF PUBLIC HOUSING TO TENANT-BASED ASSISTANCE Voluntary Conversion of Public Housing Developments Voluntary Conversion Procedure § 972.212 Timing of voluntary conversion. (a) A PHA...

  5. 24 CFR 972.212 - Timing of voluntary conversion.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 24 Housing and Urban Development 4 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Timing of voluntary conversion. 972... URBAN DEVELOPMENT CONVERSION OF PUBLIC HOUSING TO TENANT-BASED ASSISTANCE Voluntary Conversion of Public Housing Developments Voluntary Conversion Procedure § 972.212 Timing of voluntary conversion. (a) A PHA...

  6. 78 FR 35319 - Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement-Curriculum Development: Planning and Implementing...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-12

    ... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE National Institute of Corrections Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement... Institute of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice. ACTION: Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement.... Eligibility of Applicants: An eligible applicant is any public or private agency, educational institution...

  7. 26 CFR 601.802 - Cooperative agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... STATEMENT OF PROCEDURAL RULES Tax Counseling for the Elderly § 601.802 Cooperative agreements. (a) General. Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs will be administered by sponsor organizations under... agreements. If appropriations to implement the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program are received at a time...

  8. 26 CFR 601.802 - Cooperative agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... STATEMENT OF PROCEDURAL RULES Tax Counseling for the Elderly § 601.802 Cooperative agreements. (a) General. Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs will be administered by sponsor organizations under... agreements. If appropriations to implement the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program are received at a time...

  9. 26 CFR 601.802 - Cooperative agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... STATEMENT OF PROCEDURAL RULES Tax Counseling for the Elderly § 601.802 Cooperative agreements. (a) General. Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs will be administered by sponsor organizations under... agreements. If appropriations to implement the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program are received at a time...

  10. 26 CFR 601.802 - Cooperative agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... STATEMENT OF PROCEDURAL RULES Tax Counseling for the Elderly § 601.802 Cooperative agreements. (a) General. Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs will be administered by sponsor organizations under... agreements. If appropriations to implement the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program are received at a time...

  11. 7 CFR 1599.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... legally binding agreement entered into between FAS and a participant to implement activities under the... FAS to a participant under an agreement. The term may include donated commodities that are used to produce a further processed product for use under the agreement. FAS means the Foreign Agricultural...

  12. 7 CFR 1599.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... legally binding agreement entered into between FAS and a participant to implement activities under the... FAS to a participant under an agreement. The term may include donated commodities that are used to produce a further processed product for use under the agreement. FAS means the Foreign Agricultural...

  13. 7 CFR 1599.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... legally binding agreement entered into between FAS and a participant to implement activities under the... FAS to a participant under an agreement. The term may include donated commodities that are used to produce a further processed product for use under the agreement. FAS means the Foreign Agricultural...

  14. 7 CFR 1599.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... legally binding agreement entered into between FAS and a participant to implement activities under the... FAS to a participant under an agreement. The term may include donated commodities that are used to produce a further processed product for use under the agreement. FAS means the Foreign Agricultural...

  15. 7 CFR 1599.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... legally binding agreement entered into between FAS and a participant to implement activities under the... FAS to a participant under an agreement. The term may include donated commodities that are used to produce a further processed product for use under the agreement. FAS means the Foreign Agricultural...

  16. 19 CFR 10.761 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... CONDITIONALLY FREE, SUBJECT TO A REDUCED RATE, ETC. United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement General... applicable to imported goods under the United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (the MFTA) signed on June 15, 2004, and under the United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the Act; 118...

  17. 19 CFR 10.501 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... CONDITIONALLY FREE, SUBJECT TO A REDUCED RATE, ETC. United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement General... applicable to imported goods under the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (the SFTA) signed on May 6, 2003, and under the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the Act; 117...

  18. Policy review: Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA)--analysis of a failed nurse migration policy.

    PubMed

    Yagi, Nozomi; Mackey, Tim K; Liang, Bryan A; Gerlt, Lorna

    2014-02-01

    In 2008, the bilateral Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement took effect. Contained within this regional free trade agreement are unique provisions allowing exchange of Filipino nurses and healthcare workers to work abroad in Japan. Japan's increasing need for healthcare workers due to its aging demographic and the Philippines need for economic development could have led to shared benefits under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement. However, 4 years following program implementation, results have been disappointing, e.g., only 7% of candidates passing the programs requirements since 2009. These disappointing results represent a policy failure within the current Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement framework, and point to the need for reform. Hence, amending the current Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement structure by potentially adopting a USA based approach to licensure examinations and implementing necessary institutional and governance reform measures may be necessary to ensure beneficial healthcare worker migration for both countries. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Teaching Scotland's Children: A Report on Progress in Implementing "A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, 2007

    2007-01-01

    Published in January 2001, "A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century" (normally referred to in this report as the Teachers' Agreement), set out arrangements for a new salary scale and conditions of employment for teachers. From 2002 to 2006 HMIE carried out a review of the implementation of the Agreement working in partnership with…

  20. Market Brief. Status of the Voluntary Renewable Energy Certificate Market (2011 Data)

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

    Heeter, Jenny; Armstrong, Philip; Bird, Lori

    2012-09-01

    This report documents the status and trends of U.S. 'voluntary' markets -- those in which consumers and institutions purchase renewable energy to match their electricity needs on a voluntary basis. Voluntary REC markets continue to exhibit growth and spur renewable energy development. Voluntary green power markets provide an additional revenue stream for renewable energy projects and raise consumer awareness of the benefits of renewable energy. Although a full estimate of the size of the voluntary market is not available for 2011, this review uses indicative metrics to capture 2011 voluntary market trends.

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