Articles tagged with Security Policy
Private Medicare Advantage plans received 12.4% more payment per enrollee in 2008 compared to traditional Medicare fee-for-service program. Extra payments amount to $8.5 billion, exceeding expected fee-for-service costs by 10.6%.
The Perspectives system uses friendly sites to authenticate Web sites, providing an extra measure of security in cases where certificate authorities are not used. The system can detect suspicious sites and warn users about potential attacks.
The US healthcare system struggles to vaccinate adolescents, despite three new vaccines available to prevent five serious diseases. The authors identify unique issues, including consent, financing, and surveillance, that require national attention to improve adolescent immunization.
The UK SME sector is particularly vulnerable to poor information security due to a lack of expertise and awareness. A new report reveals that investing in IT does not ensure adequate information security, with people management being the key factor in preventing breaches.
A lack of integrated national health surveillance system in Canada poses significant risks to public health and hinders global response to emergencies. The absence of timely reporting mechanisms and poor coordination between federal and regional governments exacerbate the issue.
A new study published in Policy Studies Journal reveals that terrorism risk is a positive determinant of Homeland Security funding. The research analyzed DHS funding patterns from 2004 to 2006 and found no evidence of political influence on grant distribution.
The University of Texas at San Antonio's Institute for Cyber Security has been awarded $7.5 million in funding to develop and test security models for data transfer among government agencies. UTSA will lead a team with top universities, focusing on proactive information sharing to connect the dots
A RAND study reveals a significant increase in piracy and maritime terrorism, with piracy growing faster and more common than seaborne terrorism. The report calls for U.S. policymakers to expand maritime security measures and encourage industry use of enabling communication technologies.
Cognitive radio technology aims to provide efficient wireless access networks, but new security threats may compromise its effectiveness. Researchers will investigate cooperative spectrum sensing and on-demand spectrum contention to develop more secure technology.
The study reveals that women's participation in nation-building leads to greater economic development, social advancements, and reduced violence. Incorporating women into the nation-building process early on can help create more democratic and stable societies.
A new study by Brown University finds that voter ID requirements in the US are associated with lower levels of political participation, especially among minority groups. The research also reveals that these policies can discourage legal immigrants from becoming citizens, particularly among blacks and Hispanics.
The RAND Corporation study provides a framework for developing cost-effective plans to secure passenger-rail systems. The report identifies 17 security improvement options, including canine teams and vehicle surveillance systems, which can effectively address the threat of explosive devices and other forms of attacks.
Transnational English language TV channels are being used to project nation-states' voices and policies in the global Anglosphere. These channels also aim to reach diasporic audiences and provide tools for development, challenging traditional notions of foreign policy and development goals.
Researchers found that when users were tricked into visiting an educational website after receiving a spoof email, they were more likely to learn and retain information about phishing sites. This approach may be effective in educating users to protect themselves against phishing attacks.
LAX police are experimenting with a system developed by USC researchers that uses game theory insights to create unpredictable vehicle security routines. The system, called ARMOR, was created to thwart potential terrorists at the earliest stages of planning.
A RAND Corporation study suggests that unofficial diplomatic discussions, known as Track Two diplomacy, can have a positive effect on shaping attitudes in the Middle East and South Asia. These long-term strategies focus on socialization and generating new ideas, rather than immediate policy change.
The Lancet Series on Energy and Health highlights the critical link between energy and health, calling for global control of greenhouse gases and affordable technologies to reduce indoor air pollution. The series advocates for a low-carbon, low-energy transportation system and economic policies that mitigate harmful energy practices.
A report reveals a significant decline in US Veteran Affairs (VA) reporting of new cancer cases to California registries, starting from 2004. This omission could introduce 'uncorrectable bias' in epidemiological studies and hamper efforts to identify quality-of-care issues for VA patients with cancer.
A new Penn State study suggests ways to improve US rail safety by addressing inadequate security measures, improving coordination between agencies and leveraging the role of railroad police. The report recommends comprehensive legislation, increased funding for security efforts and enhanced training for personnel.
A new Carnegie Mellon University study found that people are more likely to buy from online merchants with good privacy policies, which were identified by a search engine called Privacy Finder. Participants were willing to pay about 60 cents extra on a $15 purchase when buying from a site with a privacy policy they liked.
Researchers found that traditional theories on career anchors do not apply to women's career choices, which are motivated by multiple factors. Human-resources personnel need to adapt hiring and retention practices to fit individual needs, rather than relying on static policies.
An international science team led by LSU professor Robert Twilley is developing an environmental observation system for India to help reduce climate-related risks. The system will provide a scientific foundation for long-term government policies aimed at meeting international accords on greenhouse gas emissions.
Seven countries have issued a declaration of co-operation on global health issues, aiming to address common threats and achieve goals through globalization. The Oslo Ministerial Declaration highlights the importance of health as a foreign policy issue and invites foreign ministers from all nations to join the initiative.
The authors argue that with collective pension and health insurance programs in place, individuals can avert poor health, finances, and employer age discrimination. Aging Nation offers a new aging policy framework based on the interconnectedness of lives across generations.
A survey of 9,000 people in eight countries found that 57% of Americans and 47% of Canadians consider post-9/11 anti-terrorism laws to be intrusive. The study also reveals cultural differences in attitudes towards surveillance and personal data, highlighting the need for public education and organizational accountability.
A new study estimates 655,000 more Iraqi deaths due to the 2003 invasion than expected in a non-conflict situation. The mortality rate doubled from 5.5 to 13.3 per 1000 people per year post-invasion.
The University of Texas at San Antonio Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security has been awarded a three-year, $3.1 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security to establish cyber-security training and development programs for states and communities. UTSA's CIAS addresses technical and policy issues in information ass...
A new study found that state health department websites are often written at a level too difficult for the average American, with only 20% of sites at an eighth-grade reading level in 2005. Many websites also lack accessibility features for people with disabilities and non-English speakers, making it hard for them to access essential i...
A humanitarian response is required in Lebanon due to the dire situation faced by millions. The lack of access, security, and funding for aid delivery has exacerbated the crisis.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has awarded the 2006 Leonard M. Rieser Fellowship to four students: Christopher Affolter, Kafui Gbewonyo, Andrew Leifer, and Lee Pearson. These recipients will work on various projects addressing global challenges such as biological weapons proliferation, wastewater irrigation for agriculture, scie...
The article assesses pension design and policy options, highlighting the importance of effective government and economic growth. Key findings include a problem in financing pensions but not a crisis, and mixed results from different countries' reform experiences.
A landmark study finds state policies enabling low-income households to move from poverty to the middle class by rewarding work effort and enhancing job-related earnings. Asset building frameworks provide stability and opportunities for social mobility and economic security.
The International Council for Science urges its members to reaffirm commitment to the 'Universality of Science' due to growing restrictions on scientific freedoms. The principle emphasizes freedom of movement, association, expression, and access to data and research materials.
The workshop explored the government's use of commercial data for homeland security, raising important privacy concerns. Stevens' Wright discussed her work on PORTIA project, which addresses handling of sensitive information in a networked world and provides cryptographically strong methods for maintaining data privately.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a program to facilitate the development and sharing of security configuration checklists. The program provides guidelines for creating more effective checklists and includes an easy-to-use repository of existing checklists.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson warns of a growing science, engineering, and technology talent gap in the US. She emphasizes the need for a national commitment to develop more science, engineering, and technology talent from underrepresented groups.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $36 million to support two new research centers focused on securing the nation's cyberspace and critical infrastructure. The Cyber Trust initiative aims to develop trustworthy computing systems, improve electronic voting systems, and create a secure cyberinfrastructure for the power grid.
The Johns Hopkins-led ACCURATE center will investigate electronic voting technology, public policy issues, and human behavior in the context of e-voting, seeking to improve the integrity and trustworthiness of the US electoral process. The center's research aims to develop technical standards for secure and accessible e-voting systems.
Research by Jason Walker found that women make more workplace adjustments than men, leading to scheduling conflicts and time pressures. Public and private sector policies can help maintain employees' ties to the paid labour market while allowing care for family members with chronic health problems.
Researchers analyzed a comprehensive database of insured closed claims, revealing moderate changes and weak connections between claims-related costs and premium fluctuations. The study aims to inform reforms addressing real shortcomings in the malpractice litigation and claims payment systems.
A study found that feelings of threat lead to increased support for US military intervention, restrictions on foreign visitors, and increased surveillance. The authors also discovered a link between anxiety and opposition to military action, but not to policies targeting Arabs.
The Bush administration's foreign policy has been widely criticized for its perceived self-interest, leading to widespread distrust and cynicism among the global public. A survey by Pew Research Center found that most people in Pakistan, Turkey, Jordan, and Morocco believe the US ignores their interests.
The role of the National Security Council adviser requires balancing brokerage and political advocacy to maintain neutrality. However, in limited forms, advocacy can be beneficial when an underrepresented point-of-view needs to be heard. The adviser's ability to make sound decisions depends on effective processes.
Bechtel is collaborating with INEEL to test and develop critical infrastructure, including process control and SCADA systems. The partnership aims to provide scalable and secure testing capabilities for government and industry.
The UN University estimates that the number of people living in flood-prone areas will double by 2050 due to extreme weather systems, rising sea levels, and deforestation. This would put an additional 1 billion people at risk, with devastating consequences for global economies and human security.
Experts argue that a new Global Environmental Organization (GEO) is needed to consolidate and coordinate environmental policy research, technology databases, and information clearing-houses. The UN Environment Programme is also overstretched and recommends focusing on science and co-ordination of scientific activities.
A new study by scientists from Argonne National Laboratory and the Department of Homeland Security highlights the need for specific guidance on cleaning up after a dirty bomb attack. The current lack of common standards for safe contaminant levels could lead to delays and undermine public confidence.
A study comparing French and British pension systems reveals that France's ARRCO organization provides secure pension guarantees through a national umbrella structure. In contrast, the UK's reliance on private sector pensions has led to inadequate protection for women and vulnerable workers.
Researchers use computer models to simulate the spread of diseases and develop strategies for containment. The models help predict how many people should be vaccinated or treated with antibiotics, providing critical information for public health officials.
Researchers found that even delayed responses to smallpox cases could still contain the outbreak through targeted vaccination and isolation. Surveillance and containment were more effective than mass vaccination in controlling the spread of smallpox.
Dr. Latanya Sweeney's research focuses on de-identifying medical data to share for bio-terrorism surveillance while maintaining individual privacy protection. Her 'Privacert De-identification' software provides easy-to-use automated tools to render data sufficiently anonymous, preventing potential abuses.
A $1.9 million grant will study the impact of personal data flow on society, exploring how individuals and organizations collect, share, and use personal information across borders. The project aims to generate informed debate and positive change in global policies around handling personal data.
The NIST Director emphasizes the importance of improving security for critical industrial systems, particularly those using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology. Immediate actions can be taken, such as creating basic security policies and closing system backdoors, to enhance SCADA security.
The ISTS report highlights vulnerabilities in the financial sector to large-scale physical events and targeted cyber attacks. The sector's reliance on critical infrastructures such as telecommunications and transportation systems increases its vulnerability to disruptions.
Experts from USDA, Texas A&M University, and the National Food Processors Association will present on strategies to protect America's agriculture and food supply from terrorism and biological threats. Initiatives include improved communication, rapid detection, and emergency response planning to prevent outbreaks and ensure food security.
The WHO 2003-2008 programme focuses on controlling HIV/AIDS, with a goal of 3 million people in developing countries receiving antiretroviral treatment by 2005. The initiative also aims to strengthen health systems and secure political backing for investment.
The American Society for Microbiology has adopted policies to deal with publications that may describe misuse of microbiology or select agents. The ASM Publication Board requires research articles to contain sufficient detail to permit repetition by others and authors must agree to supply materials in accordance with laws and regulations.
Researchers found that high-density storage systems used at nuclear power plants could unleash contamination worse than Chernobyl if attacked. The study recommends returning water tanks to low-density configurations and building onsite storage facilities to reduce the risk of fire and radiation release.
The AAAS Top Ten Science Policy List for 2002 highlights concerns over new American security policies impacting scientific research. Human cloning, stem cell science, and sustainable development are among the top issues, with scientists facing a balancing act between global security and scientific progress.
Researchers use satellite data to identify geographic areas at risk of terrorist threats, tracking changes in chemical and power plants, utility lines, and population density. The technology has potential for detecting airborne agents and supporting homeland security initiatives.