A study by academics at the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen found that half of Scottish sporting estates have been owned for 25 years or less, while two-thirds are run by absentee landowners. Despite new access legislation, many estate owners still oppose public access to their properties.
A study by University College London found that countries with stronger 'buckle up' laws experienced significant increases in seat belt use, up to 64% more respondents reporting use in 2000. Positive attitudes toward safety equipment played a key role in this shift.
Researchers found that roller coaster G forces, twists, and speeds are not sufficient to injure the brain of healthy riders. They calculated peak head accelerations in three directions and found they were well within established safety margins.
The International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) has joined the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in condemning Italy's restrictive fertility proposals. The legislation allows only three oocytes to be inseminated at a time, leading to concerns over multiple pregnancies and premature births.
A study by the University of California, San Diego Cancer Center found that the percentage of smoke-free workplaces increased from 35% to over 93%, while nearly half of adult smokers lived in smoke-free homes. The study highlights the effectiveness of clean air legislation and education in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.
The study found a significant increase in bicycle helmet use from 36% to 84%, resulting in a decrease in head injuries among cyclists. However, another commentator suggests that legislation alone may not be sufficient to promote safe cycling and recommends combining it with other strategies such as bike paths.
Land conflicts in Honduras stem from inconsistent legislation that prioritizes central government property over farmers' claims. Inconsistent laws also lead to conflicts between traditional customs and official laws, resulting in family disputes and violence.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that managed care plans' use of performance measures can lead to improved quality of care, but significant variations in effectiveness remain. The study found that tightly integrated relationships between healthcare providers and the plan are key factors in delivering high-quality care.
Two studies reveal that half of parents using donor insemination are not telling their children about their biological origins, putting them at risk. Meanwhile, a UK study of adults conceived through DI found they faced identity issues, feelings of abandonment and deceit within their families.
A study by Thomas Jefferson University found that Pennsylvania's Early Discharge legislation resulted in longer hospital stays for new mothers and babies, increasing maternal and infant healthcare costs. The average maternity stay rose from 34 to 48 hours, with estimated annual costs of $20-25 million.
Polish parliamentarians have significant influence on legislative process due to their right to submit proposals. The Sejm's independence is crucial for its role in stabilizing relations with the presidency and government. Strengthening internal coherence and discipline is necessary for governing parties to maintain this independence.
The tobacco control community was divided over the merits of providing legal protections to the tobacco industry, wasting time and credibility. Despite this, state and local tobacco control efforts are gaining momentum, with promise in class action litigation against tobacco manufacturers.
A recent Penn State study found that new welfare reform legislation and abortion restrictions may have created a paradoxical outcome. The increase in single mothers, who are often on welfare, may be due to the decreased access to abortion services, leading more women to choose childbearing over termination.
A study of state legislators in North Carolina, Texas, and Vermont found that most support stronger measures to prevent tobacco sales to minors. Many lawmakers would also support increased cigarette excise taxes under specific conditions, with revenues going towards helping tobacco farmers diversify their products.