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Local Policy (local + policy)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences40%

Selected Abstracts

Development of an optimization model for energy systems planning in the Region of Waterloo

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 11 2008
Y. P. Cai
Abstract In this study, a large-scale dynamic optimization model (University of Regina Energy Model, UREM) has been developed for supporting long-term energy systems planning in the Region of Waterloo. The model can describe energy management systems as networks of a series of energy flows, transferring extracted/imported energy resources to end users through a variety of conversion and transmission technologies over a number of periods. It can successfully incorporate optimization models, scenario development and policy analysis within a general framework. Complexities in energy management systems can be systematically reflected; thus, the applicability of the modeling process can be highly enhanced. Four scenarios (including a reference case) are considered based on different energy management policies and sustainable development strategies for in-depth analysis of interactions existing among energy, socio-economy and environment in the Region. Useful solutions for the planning of energy management systems have been generated, reflecting trade-offs among energy-related, environmental and economic considerations. They are helpful for supporting (a) adjustment or justification of the existing allocation patterns of energy resources and services, (b) allocations of renewable energy resources, (c) formulation of local policies regarding energy consumption, economic development and energy structure, and (d) analysis of interactions among economic cost, system efficiency, emission mitigation and energy-supply security. Results also indicate that UREM can help tackle dynamic and interactive characteristics of the energy management system in the Region of Waterloo and can address issues concerning cost-effective allocation of energy resources and services. Thus, it can be used by decision makers as an effective technique in examining and visualizing impacts of energy and environmental policies, regional/community development strategies and emission reduction measures within an integrated and dynamic framework. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Clinical supervision for mental health nurses in Northern Ireland: formulating best practice guidelines

JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 5 2007
F. RICE rmn msc
Nurses work in a constantly challenging and changing environment. Within this context, there is a continuing need for support. Such support will help increase morale, decrease strain and burnout, and encourage self-awareness and self-expression. Clinical supervision address all these issues and enhances the quality of care for patients. While clinical supervision is a policy imperative in Northern Ireland, it was clear that there were problems in its implementation in mental health nursing. The aim of this project was to explore ways to make clinical supervision available to all mental health nurses and to improve and evaluate their contribution to patient care. The research team undertook a comprehensive literature review and a baseline survey of relevant stakeholders. Results represent the outcome of the group work. They will assist healthcare providers to develop local policies and procedures on clinical supervision for practising mental health nurses. [source]

Cross-domain authorization for federated virtual organizations using the myVocs collaboration environment

CONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 4 2009
Jill Gemmill
Abstract This paper describes our experiences building and working with the reference implementation of myVocs (my Virtual Organization Collaboration System). myVocs provides a flexible environment for exploring new approaches to security, application development, and access control built from Internet services without a central identity repository. The myVocs framework enables virtual organization (VO) self-management across unrelated security domains for multiple, unrelated VOs. By leveraging the emerging distributed identity management infrastructure. myVocs provides an accessible, secure collaborative environment using standards for federated identity management and open-source software developed through the National Science Foundation Middleware Initiative. The Shibboleth software, an early implementation of the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards Security Assertion Markup Language standard for browser single sign-on, provides the middleware needed to assert identity and attributes across domains so that access control decisions can be determined at each resource based on local policy. The eduPerson object class for lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) provides standardized naming, format, and semantics for a global identifier. We have found that a Shibboleth deployment supporting VOs requires the addition of a new VO service component allowing VOs to manage their own membership and control access to their distributed resources. The myVocs system can be integrated with Grid authentication and authorization using GridShib. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Barriers to the provision of needle-exchange services: a qualitative study in community pharmacies

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 1 2008
Susan Hall research assistant
Objective To investigate the attitudes of pharmacists to the provision of needle-exchange services (NES) at community pharmacies and, if barriers exist, explore means by which they may be overcome. Setting Twenty-one community pharmacies across Grampian in North East Scotland during May and June 2005. Method Semi-structured face-to-face interviews conducted with 24 pharmacists. Key findings Newly identified barriers included the negative influence of security staff, a local policy against NES provision and a lack of awareness of other services available for drug users. Conclusion Training packages for all health professionals working with drug users and awareness training for security staff are required if the identified barriers are to be overcome. ,Hands-on' training and experience of NES for pharmacists and their staff should be available. Suggestions made by pharmacists for NES provision in general practitioner surgeries or community hospitals and the development of automated services should be considered. [source]

INTRODUCTION: COMPARATIVE CIVIC CULTURE

JOURNAL OF URBAN AFFAIRS, Issue 4 2008
LAURA A. REESE
ABSTRACT:,This symposium presents a subset of findings from a larger multicity research project using a single operational and methodological scheme to explore the nature of civic culture. The overall purpose is to explore civic cultures in an array of larger cities, test an initial typology of civic culture, and begin to examine the connections between civic culture and local policy. The articles in the symposium make clear that it is possible to empirically identify a parsimonious taxonomy of local civic cultures focusing on systems of community power, values, and decision-making. While many questions about the internal dynamics of each type remain to be answered, the civic cultures identified here appear empirically distinct and theoretically logical. Future research and dialogue need to focus on defining what culture is and what it is not, and then move to explore the linkages between the elements of civic culture and ultimately to local policy. [source]