Articles tagged with Government
A national survey found that 80% of Canadians agree the food industry should reduce salt content in food. The majority supported public health interventions, such as lowering sodium in grocery foods and educating consumers about healthy eating habits. However, there was little support for taxation or subsidies related to sodium reduction.
A new report from Michigan State University reveals nearly two-and-a-half times more actual cases of work-related amputations than the federal government's official estimate. The study emphasizes the importance of using multiple data sources to track workplace injuries and illnesses.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal advocates for regulating sugary drinks to combat obesity. New York City's 16-ounce limit is seen as a successful model, and critics argue that similar measures can be taken without threatening personal choice.
An experimental study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid found that income redistribution in the welfare state is not based on a consensus to relieve misfortune, but rather due to fear of unequal treatment. The researchers concluded that the social contract supporting the welfare state is fragile and lacks a Hobbesian element.
A recent study by George Bizer and colleagues found that negatively framed political attitudes are stronger than positively framed attitudes, particularly when people process the messages deeply. This effect is strengthened when people think more deeply about the issues involved.
A general practitioner shares her frustrating experience with a bureaucratic sickness benefit system. The system requires patients to wait on hold, answer lengthy questions, and provide multiple documents, which can be overwhelming for those who are already unwell.
Dr. Gordon E. Brown, Jr. receives the prestigious AGI Ian Campbell Medal for his groundbreaking work on synchrotron technology and its applications in environmental science. His research has focused on addressing societal issues through innovative geochemical reactions and remediation of contaminated sites.
A $20 billion funding boost has been made towards improving women's and children's health, with $10 billion already spent. The funding gap between initial pledges and actual spending remains significant, highlighting the need for better targeting of funds to areas of greatest need.
Niger's child mortality rate nearly halves from 226 deaths per 1000 live births to 128 deaths per 1000 live births, with 60,000 children's lives saved in 2009. Low-cost interventions such as insecticide-treated bed nets and vitamin A supplementation contribute to the country's success.
A government-regulated approach could effectively measure to prevent obesity by addressing excess calorie consumption through portion size control. The proposal aims to encourage food companies to voluntarily alter products or marketing to reduce health risks.
The National Science Foundation awards a $2.3 million scholarship program at Kansas State University to train students in cybersecurity, as the nation faces growing cyber threats. The program aims to develop experts capable of handling cybersecurity challenges and safeguard critical infrastructure.
Oscar Loayza, a conservationist with the Wildlife Conservation Society's Madidi Program, has been recognized for his work on strengthening indigenous participation in protected area management. His initiatives led to improved governance and consolidated indigenous territorial rights in Bolivia's Madidi National Park.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a list of Asian species at the conservation crossroads, calling for governments to take immediate action. These species face daunting challenges from habitat loss, hunting, and trade, but WCS believes they can be saved using the 'three R's approach: recognition, responsibility, and recovery.
The Australian government has created the world's first continent-wide mineral maps using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection (ASTER) data. These maps provide highly accurate information on rock and soil mineral components, revolutionizing the search for mineral deposits.
A new study published in Addiction journal reveals that even occasional ecstasy use can lead to memory impairments, particularly with damage to the hippocampus. The research found that participants who took ten or more pills over their first year showed decreased function of immediate and short-term memory.
A new study by UCLA psychologists reveals that low-income individuals hold traditional values towards marriage and divorce, similar to those of the middle class and rich. However, their lower marriage rates and higher out-of-wedlock births remain unexplained, as values do not always predict behavior.
A new MSU study suggests that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should intervene in the stock market only when external financial disruptions make it difficult for large shareholders to fend off speculators. The study finds that such interventions are rare and should be temporary.
A study found that First Nations children and those from families receiving government subsidies had significantly more visits to emergency departments for mental health crises. These visits were often due to anxiety- or stress-related disorders, emotional or behavioural issues from substance abuse, or unspecific diagnoses.
Research predicts a modest decline in global smoking prevalence to 22% by 2030 without government intervention, but a significant drop to 13% if World Health Organization (WHO) measures are adopted. This could lead to millions of premature deaths prevented.
A Michigan State University researcher found that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) test is not reliable in measuring civics knowledge. The test questions are randomly selected from a pool of 100, but no data has been released on their reliability or validity.
Skiers and snowboarders in Canada face inadequate protection from current helmet standards, which are less stringent than US and European ones. Health experts call for stricter regulations to ensure helmets can withstand multiple impacts and provide superior protection for various head sizes and weights.
A regional survey of 1500 NHS junior doctors found that they are willing and able to contribute to improving health services, but lack support and recognition. The survey results highlight the need for the government and NHS organisations to value and engage junior doctors to optimise organisational performance.
A study found that messiness can lead consumers to prefer simpler products and think more clearly, particularly for conservative individuals. This effect is attributed to heuristic information processing, which simplifies product representations.
A new report highlights the difficulties faced by prospective adoptive parents in Victoria, with many describing lengthy application processes and a perceived anti-adoption culture. The study recommends reviewing current processes and providing additional training and support for all parties involved.
A lack of national suicide prevention strategy in Canada puts lives at risk, but education and targeted interventions have shown promise. Physicians can play a crucial role in prevention through early detection, treatment, and follow-up.
The AAP president will focus on maintaining advances in children's health while addressing challenges posed by budget cuts. Dr. Burton also highlighted the importance of international efforts, such as the Helping Babies Breathe initiative, which aims to reduce child mortality rates.
The US government will evaluate a petition to list chimpanzees as endangered, which could improve their welfare and conservation. If classified, they would receive protections similar to other endangered species, reducing exploitation by the entertainment industry.
NASA's TRMM satellite detected isolated areas of heavy rainfall within Tropical Depression 8E before it organized. The depression is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and 4-6 inches of precipitation to coastal sections of Mexico's Guerrero, Michoacan, and Colima states
Researchers claim most crowd estimations are unreliable due to political bias and have devised new methods for estimating static and mobile crowds with reduced margin of error. The 'area x density' method for static crowds and the 'two-inspection-point' method for mobile crowds can provide more accurate estimates
A study by Indiana University sociologist Kristin Seefeldt found that poor women have limited expectations from the government, despite facing significant hardship. The women struggled with public benefits, unemployment insurance, and private safety nets, highlighting the need for reform to support low-income families.
A 10-year analysis of national intelligence reforms finds that a groundbreaking plan was hindered by budgetary and structural limitations. UC researchers argue that the DNI office created an anchor for the US Intelligence Community, but organizational culture and bureaucracy have slowed transformational change.
The Joint Interagency Task Force South is installing a new software technology developed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to eliminate illegal drug trafficking. The Command and Control Rapid Prototype Continuum (C2RPC) system provides continuous rapid delivery of warfighter capability to support time-sensitive decision making.
A new study by Simone Polillo argues that the recent financial crisis was rooted in the politics of creditworthiness, which excluded marginalized groups from traditional mortgage lending criteria. This led to the rise of wildcat financial innovators who created more inclusive but unstable credit systems.
A Durham University-led study reveals that some less deprived coalfield areas are faring relatively well in terms of health, suggesting that regeneration efforts and resilience of local communities may be helpful. The research emphasizes the need for increased government assistance, particularly in poorer, predominantly rural coalfield...
Pakistani public health experts express shock and dismay at the government's plan to abolish the Ministry of Health. The move is seen as a threat to national health functions and capacity, particularly in light of ongoing challenges such as polio eradication and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Ronald Inglehart and Pippa Norris awarded for their systematic investigation into human values and value change impacting political behavior, with a focus on religion, gender equality, and global media influence. The prize recognizes their groundbreaking work in highlighting the importance of citizens' values in shaping societal life.
A Johns Hopkins patient safety expert argues that current 'metrics' in healthcare are unreliable and hinder quality improvement efforts. He calls for the creation of standardized outcome measures to improve patient outcomes and transparency in data collection.
The US may adopt the FHT model to manage its growing healthcare system. Developed by Queen's University professor Walter Rosser, the model combines experts from various disciplines for more efficient care. Preliminary observations suggest improved patient and doctor happiness with FHTs.
WikiLeaks revelations highlight US government's failure to deliver on transparency laws. Leaks are one of the few means of holding gov't accountable due to overclassification and ineffective transparency laws.
Alan Greenspan argues that exceptional government activism in the past two years has hindered long-term recovery and led to abnormally high unemployment. He suggests that a more balanced approach would have resulted in lower unemployment rates.
The UK's failure to address its alcohol problem could result in a significant increase in liver deaths, with the country facing a projected 77,000 excess deaths over 20 years if it doesn't adopt effective policies. The authors argue that increasing alcohol quality and limiting availability of cheap products can help reduce death rates.
Extending benefits through age 21 significantly improves outcomes for foster youths, including increased college attendance and financial stability. This is due to the lack of personal assets and social support, forcing them to navigate life prematurely.
The 2011 Waseda University World e-Government Ranking shows Singapore at the top, followed by USA, Sweden, and other developed countries. The survey monitored e-Government development of 50 countries, with new additions such as Czech Republic and Uzbekistan.
The Lancet Editorial warns that the UK government's Health and Social Care Bill will fundamentally change the National Health Service (NHS), shifting from a national to individualized care model. The proposed reforms have sparked fears about patient outcomes, access to healthcare, and the overall future of the NHS.
A unique orangutan rescue project in Bukit Tigapuluh is at risk due to selective logging concessions by Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group. The project has been deemed critical for tiger conservation, with over 30 tigers and 150 elephants calling the forest home.
A new study analyzes where and how governments worldwide censor the web, revealing stark differences in levels of control. The analysis shows that countries with democratic systems have minimal or no censorship, while authoritarian regimes impose extensive restrictions.
Health care costs in Canada are expected to increase due to rising expenditures. Governments have options to deal with this, including increasing revenue through taxes or social insurance.
The Atlas of Birth project provides a comprehensive picture of maternal health globally, highlighting high rates of death in sub-Saharan Africa and India. The interactive online map aims to inform policymakers and advocates on ways to reduce preventable deaths of girls and women in childbirth.
The national job market for college graduates is expected to rebound slightly next year, with a 3% increase in hiring anticipated. Large corporations and small, fast-growth companies will drive the hiring growth, but caution should be exercised as it's just the first step out of the recession.
A study by University of Warwick professor Andrew Oswald finds that UK citizens face increased anxiety and depression, with 15% suffering from mental disorders. Emotional prosperity is declining across Europe, with policy-makers urged to shift focus from material prosperity to psychological well-being.
A UT professor's study found that economic inequality increases both the rich and poor becoming more conservative, reducing support for government programs. The study analyzed hundreds of thousands of survey responses from 1952 to 2006, revealing a self-perpetuating phenomenon.
The Lancet Series on Critical Care assesses the future of intensive care services amid increasing demand. Authors highlight the need for improved productivity, prevention efforts, and better-designed studies to address challenges in rationing care.
Tropical Depression 16 has strengthened due to cold cloud top temperatures, indicating stronger thunderstorms. The storm is expected to bring heavy rains and squally conditions to the Caribbean before moving towards Florida.
A new study from the journal Financial Management found that politically connected firms enjoy higher leverage, lower taxes, and regulatory protection. This study highlights the benefits of having government ties for corporate success, suggesting distortions in public resource allocation are common globally.
A rare saola was photographed for the first time in over a decade in Laos, shedding light on its critically endangered status. The species, found only in dense forests along the Lao/Vietnamese border, is one of the most threatened large mammals globally.
A legal analysis by Lawrence O. Gostin asserts the health insurance mandate is constitutional due to federal powers regulating interstate commerce and taxation. The mandate's tax penalty is seen as essential for expanding healthcare access and correcting market failures, making it a key component of health reform.
A study predicts that privatizing Sweden's government monopoly on alcohol sales will increase total consumption by 17-37%, leading to more deaths, assaults, and drunk driving offences. The changes may also reduce state revenue.
Donna Nelson, a University of Oklahoma professor, has been selected as a 2010 American Chemical Society Fellow for her contributions to the chemical sciences and outstanding service. She is recognized for her research on minorities in academe and functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Recent Mexican drug control efforts have led to a significant drop in methamphetamine treatment admissions in Mexico and neighboring Texas. Researchers attribute the decline primarily to import controls on pseudoephedrine precursor chemicals.
The American Chemical Society has named 192 distinguished scientists as 2010 ACS Fellows, including professionals from top institutions. The recognition honors their achievements in chemistry and contributions to the scientific community.