Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Works Best (work + best)
Selected AbstractsWHAT WORKS BEST WHEN CONTRACTING FOR SERVICES?PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, Issue 4 2007AN ANALYSIS OF CONTRACTING PERFORMANCE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN THE US During the last decade the field of public administration has undergone a period of renewed interest in the topic of performance and effectiveness. Key contributions to the growing stream of research on public sector performance include work focusing on the adoption and implementation of performance measurement in the public sector (see, for example, Julnes and Holzer 2001; Behn 2003); theoretical and empirical research on management's effect on organizational performance (see, for example, O'Toole and Meier 1999; Meier and O'Toole 2002); and efforts to identify the determinants of organizational effectiveness (see, for example, Rainey and Steinbauer 1999; Brewer and Selden 2004). Surprisingly, this literature includes very few studies that explicitly address the issue of performance in contracting for services (exceptions include Domberger and Hensher 1993; Romzek and Johnstone 2002). In the United States alone, hundreds of billions of dollars are contracted out every year, and innumerable policies and programmes are implemented, at least in part, through contractual arrangements between public agencies and private providers (Savas 2000; DeHoog and Salamon 2002; Kelman 2002; Cooper 2003). Moreover, contracting for services appears to be a growing trend in Western Europe and other regions (Kettl 2000; Savas 2000). With the stakes so high, there is a pressing need for research that identifies factors and practices that contribute to success in contracting for services. This paper takes on the challenge by developing a model of contracting performance and testing it using Substantively Weighted Analytic Techniques (SWAT), a new methodology that allows researchers to isolate high performance among a large number of observations in order to identify variables practitioners can manipulate to improve practice (Meier and Gill 2000). [source] Simplified inelastic seismic analysis of base-isolated structures using the N2 methodEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 9 2010Vojko Kilar Abstract In the paper a simplified nonlinear method has been applied to the analysis of base-isolated structures. In the first part, a three-linear idealization of the capacity curve is proposed. The initial stiffness is defined based on the first yielding point in the superstructure, whereas the secondary slope depends on the failure mechanism of the superstructure. A consequence is a much more pronounced secondary slope, which does not correspond to the presumptions used in the originally proposed N2 method. A parametric nonlinear dynamic study of single degree of freedom systems with different hardening slopes and damping has been performed for an ensemble of seven EC8 spectrum-compatible artificial accelerograms. It was concluded that, in the long-period range, the equal displacement rule could be assumed also for the proposed systems with non-zero post-yield stiffness. In the second part, the proposed idealization was used for the analysis of isolated RC frame buildings that were isolated with different (lead) rubber-bearing isolation systems. The stiffness of the isolators was selected for three different protection levels and for three different ground motion intensities, which have resulted in elastic as well as moderately and fully damaged superstructure performance levels. Three different lateral load distributions were investigated. It was observed that a triangular distribution, with an additional force at the base, works best in the majority of practical cases. It was concluded that the N2 method can, in general, provide a reasonably accurate prediction of the actual top displacement, as well as of the expected damage to the superstructure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Establishing a minimum standard for collaborative research in federal environmental agencies,INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2008Kalle E Matso Abstract There is a general consensus that,given the magnitude of the challenges facing our nation's natural resource managers,the rate, efficiency, and effectiveness of linking research to decision making must be enhanced. Many reports have touched on this issue, most of them culminating with the exhortation to "foster more interactions between scientists and users," but very few documents provide details or assign responsibility to drive the interactions that most agree should happen. As a result, many natural science and engineering programs "talk the talk",that is, they say they do collaborative research with intended users; however, upon inspection, few of them "walk the walk" by effectively supporting collaboration throughout the research process. Moreover, when called to support transition to application in specific ways, research agencies often balk, most often objecting that research programs cannot afford to take any support away from funding more research. They may also argue that science works best for society when it is freed from concerns related to application. In this paper we will 1) review the cultural conflict that often underlies disagreements about collaborative research, 2) offer details on the basic ingredients required to achieve a minimum standard for collaborative research, 3) suggest an approach for determining the appropriate level of support for collaborative research, given various research goals, and 4) recommend specific steps for motivating scientists and stakeholders to participate in collaborative research. [source] Electrostatic BEM for MEMS with thin beamsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2005Zhongping Bao Abstract Micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) and nano-electro-mechanical (NEM) systems sometimes use beam- or plate-shaped conductors that can be very thin,with h/L,,,(10,2,10,3) (in terms of the thickness h and length L of a beam or the side of a square pate). Conventional boundary element method (BEM) analysis of the electric field in a region exterior to such thin conductors can become difficult to carry out accurately and efficiently,especially since MEMS analysis requires computation of charge densities (and then surface tractions) separately on the top and bottom surfaces of such objects. A new boundary integral equation (BIE) is derived in this work that, when used together with the standard BIE with logarithmically singular kernels, results in a powerful technique for the BEM analysis of such problems with thin beams. This new approach, in fact, works best for very thin beams. This thin beam BEM is derived and discussed in this work. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Dynesthetic and Dentogenic Concept RevisitedJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2002WILLIAM S. JAMESON BS ABSTRACT: The dynesthetic and dentogenic concept, when applied, provides a more natural, harmonious prosthesis, which not only is desired by patients, but also is a quality of care they deserve. Outstanding esthetics can be achieved by simple guidelines, using tooth molds specifically sculpted for males and females, arranging prosthetic teeth to correspond with personality and age and sculpting the matrix (visible denture base) with more natural contours. There is no reason for edentulous individuals to be provided with care of any less quality than that available with other procedures, such as crowns, bridges, veneers, or implant restorations. Providing this upscale product can be rewarding and satisfying to patient and operator alike. This concept produces superior results no matter what posterior occlusal scheme is employed but, in the opinion of the author, works best when used in conjunction with a noninterceptive linear occlusion approach (not to be confused with lingualized occlusion), which precludes anterior contact. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentogenics provides an approach to esthetics in prosthodontics that enables the dentist to create a restoration in harmony with the patient's objective personality. This concept considers gender, I age, and personality to restore the patient's dignity and unique individuality that has been missing in far too many prostheses. [source] Forecasting domestic liquidity during a crisis: what works best?JOURNAL OF FORECASTING, Issue 6 2007Winston R. MooreArticle first published online: 3 JUL 200 Abstract The 1990s were a turbulent time for Latin American and Caribbean countries. During this period, the region suffered from no less than 16 banking crises. One the most important determinants of the severity of banking a crisis is commercial bank liquidity. Banking systems that are relatively liquid are better able to deal with the large deposit withdrawals which tend to accompany bank runs. This study provides an assessment of whether behavioural models, linear time series or nonlinear time series models are better able to account for liquidity dynamics during a crisis.,,Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Infants admitted to neonatal units , interventions to improve breastfeeding outcomes: a systematic review 1990,2007MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION, Issue 4 2008Rhona J. McInnes Abstract This review aimed to identify interventions to promote breastfeeding or breast milk feeding for infants admitted to the neonatal unit. The medical electronic databases were searched for papers listed between 1990 and June 2005 which had breastfeeding or breast milk as an outcome and which targeted infants who had been admitted to a neonatal unit, thus including the infant and/or their parents and/or neonatal unit staff. Only papers culturally relevant to the UK were included resulting in studies from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. This search was updated in December 2007 to include publications up to this date. We assessed 86 papers in full, of which 27 ultimately fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The studies employed a range of methods and targeted different aspects of breastfeeding in the neonatal unit. Variations in study type and outcomes meant that there was no clear message of what works best but skin-to-skin contact and additional postnatal support seemed to offer greater advantage for the infant in terms of breastfeeding outcome. Galactogogues for mothers who are unable to meet their infants' needs may also help to increase milk supply. Evidence of an effect from other practices, such as cup-feeding on breastfeeding was limited; mainly because of a lack of research but also because few studies followed up the population beyond discharge from the unit. Further research is required to explore the barriers to breastfeeding in this vulnerable population and to identify appropriate interventions to improve breastfeeding outcomes. [source] A new method for estimating the size of small populations from genetic mark,recapture dataMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 7 2005CRAIG R. MILLER Abstract The use of non-invasive genetic sampling to estimate population size in elusive or rare species is increasing. The data generated from this sampling differ from traditional mark,recapture data in that individuals may be captured multiple times within a session or there may only be a single sampling event. To accommodate this type of data, we develop a method, named capwire, based on a simple urn model containing individuals of two capture probabilities. The method is evaluated using simulations of an urn and of a more biologically realistic system where individuals occupy space, and display heterogeneous movement and DNA deposition patterns. We also analyse a small number of real data sets. The results indicate that when the data contain capture heterogeneity the method provides estimates with small bias and good coverage, along with high accuracy and precision. Performance is not as consistent when capture rates are homogeneous and when dealing with populations substantially larger than 100. For the few real data sets where N is approximately known, capwire's estimates are very good. We compare capwire's performance to commonly used rarefaction methods and to two heterogeneity estimators in program capture: Mh -Chao and Mh -jackknife. No method works best in all situations. While less precise, the Chao estimator is very robust. We also examine how large samples should be to achieve a given level of accuracy using capwire. We conclude that capwire provides an improved way to estimate N for some DNA-based data sets. Capwire is available at http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/lecg/. [source] Comparison and integration of first trimester fetal nuchal translucency and second trimester maternal serum screening for fetal Down syndromePRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 8 2002Yung Hang Lam Abstract Background It is uncertain whether first trimester nuchal translucency (NT) is more effective than the well-established second trimester serum screening for fetal Down syndrome or whether their combination works best. We report data from a large multicentre non-interventional trial in which all subjects underwent both first and second trimester screening. Methods All women who attended the obstetric clinic before 15,weeks' gestation were recruited. An ultrasound examination was performed at 10 to 14,weeks to measure the NT. The nuchal measurements were not acted upon unless the fetus showed gross features of hydrops fetalis. All women had serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) assay at 15 to 20,weeks. The Down syndrome risk assigned by serum screening was disclosed and amniocentesis was offered if this assigned risk was ,1:250 or if the women were 35,years and older. The efficacy of different combinations of screening markers was compared. Results Between January 1997 and August 2000, 17 590 women were recruited (19% ,35,years old). After excluding subjects who miscarried, defaulted the serum test and other reasons, 16 237 pregnancies were analysed. Of these, 35 pregnancies were affected by Down syndrome (2.2 cases per 1000 pregnancies). At a false-positive rate of 5%, the detection rate of Down syndrome by NT alone, NT and age, serum hCG, AFP and age, and NT, hCG, AFP and age were 61%, 69%, 73% and 86%, respectively. Conclusion Integration of NT and second trimester serum AFP and hCG assay yielded the best screening efficacy for Down syndrome. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] It's a long way to Auchterarder! ,Negotiated management' and mismanagement in the policing of G8 protests1THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Hugo Gorringe Abstract Recent analyses of protest policing in Western democracies argue that there has been a marked shift away from oppressive or coercive approaches to an emphasis on consensus based negotiation. King and Waddington (2005) amongst others, however, suggest that the policing of international summits may be an exception to this rule. This paper examines protest policing in relation to the 2005 G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland. We argue that ,negotiated management' cannot be imported wholesale as a policing strategy. Rather it is mediated by local history, forms of police knowledge and modes of engagement. Drawing on interviews and participant observation we show that ,negotiated management' works best when both sides are committed to negotiation and that police stereotyping or protestor intransigence can lead to the escalation of any given event. In closing we note the new challenges posed by forms of ,global' protest and consider the implications for future policing of protest. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||