Congress and the Railroads

2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-326
Author(s):  
Zachary Callen
Keyword(s):  
Local Control ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Local Competition ◽  
Local Resource ◽  
American States ◽  
Antebellum Period ◽  
Federal Assistance ◽  
American Federalism ◽  
Over Time

This article argues that American federalism led both to a greater national role in rail promotion and more centralized railroads in the antebellum period. Local competition among states led Congressional representatives from state unable to build local railroads to turn to federal assistance. Early support for railroads came from representatives in the South and frontier, who were primarily drawn into rail coalitions because of their own inability to build local rail networks. However, over time, competition among states within the coalition as well as concerns about federal power led many initial members of the coalition to drop out. In their place, states that favored a stronger federal state stepped into the coalition and subsequently built a more nationally oriented rail system. This analysis argues that the shifting of policies from local control to national oversight due to local resource shortages is an important aspect of American states building.

LGBTQ Education Policy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabethe Payne ◽  
Melissa Smith
Keyword(s):  
Education Policy ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
School Discipline ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Educational Success ◽  
School Drop Out ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Gender Based

LGBTQ education policy includes federal, state, district, or school policies that specifically name lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer students and families, or those that include gender identity and sexual orientation among enumerated protected categories. Significant areas of LGBTQ education policy include antibullying, antidiscrimination, school discipline, sex education, teacher education, parental notification, gender-aligned facility access, and inclusive curricula. Policies explicitly addressing LGBTQ student experiences are most often written and enacted to address bullying, gender-based targeting, and other safety threats that may lead to school drop-out, self-harm, or other risk outcomes. An ongoing and pressing concern is the dangers and limitations of relying on deficit and risk discourses to create policies that are intended to ease LGBTQ youth paths to educational success.

scholarly journals Widening or narrowing income inequalities in myocardial infarction? Time trends in life years free of myocardial infarction and after incidence

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliane Tetzlaff ◽  
Fabian Tetzlaff ◽  
Siegfried Geyer ◽  
Stefanie Sperlich ◽  
Jelena Epping
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Income Group ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Mortality Risks ◽  
Income Inequalities ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Despite substantial improvements in prevention and therapy, myocardial infarction (MI) remains a frequent health event, causing high mortality and serious health impairments. Previous research lacks evidence on how social inequalities in incidence and mortality risks developed over time, and on how these developments affect the lifespan free of MI and after MI in different social subgroups. This study investigates income inequalities in MI-free life years and life years after MI and whether these inequalities widened or narrowed over time. Methods The analyses are based on claims data of a large German health insurance provider insuring approximately 2.8 million individuals in the federal state Lower Saxony. Trends in income inequalities in incidence and mortality were assessed for all subjects aged 60 years and older by comparing the time periods 2006–2008 and 2015–2017 using multistate survival models. Trends in the number of life years free of MI and after MI were calculated separately for income groups by applying multistate life table analyses. Results MI incidence and mortality risks decreased over time, but declines were strongest among men and women in the higher-income group. While life years free of MI increased in men and women with higher incomes, no MI-free life years were gained in the low-income group. Among men, life years after MI increased irrespective of income group. Conclusions Income inequalities in the lifespan spent free of MI and after MI widened over time. In particular, men with low incomes are disadvantaged, as life years spent after MI increased, but no life years free of MI were gained.

Federation of Malaysia

2019 ◽  
pp. 125-158
Author(s):  
Daniel Pascoe
Keyword(s):  
Death Penalty ◽  
Capital Punishment ◽  
The State ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Judicial Discretion ◽  
Explanatory Factors ◽  
Capital Cases ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

As with Chapters 3 and 4, the case study on Malaysia begins with a thorough description of the country’s death penalty laws and practice, and Malaysia’s publicly known clemency practice over the period under analysis (1991–2016). Thereafter, for both the Malaysian (Chapter 5) and Indonesian (Chapter 6) cases, the potential explanatory factors for clemency incidence are more complex than for Thailand and Singapore, given these two jurisdictions’ more moderate rates of capital clemency and fluctuating political policies on capital punishment over time. Available statistics suggest that Malaysia’s clemency rate is moderately high, at between 55 and 63 per cent of finalized capital cases. Malaysia is a federal state where pardons are granted by the hereditary rulers or appointed state governors in state-based cases, or by the Malaysian king (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) in federal and security cases, all on the advice of specially constituted Pardons Boards. Chapter 5 presents the following two explanations for Malaysia’s restrictions on death penalty clemency: prosecutorial/judicial discretion and detention without trial in capital cases, and the Federal Attorney-General’s constitutional role on the State and Federal Pardons Boards. As to why Malaysia’s clemency rate has not then fallen to the miniscule level seen in neighbouring Singapore (with both nations closely comparable, as they were once part of the same Federation of Malaya), Chapter 5 points to the relevant paperwork placed before each Pardons Board, the merciful role played by the Malay monarchy, and the impact of excessively long stays on death row before clemency decisions are reached.

scholarly journals Policy Preferences and Policy Change: Dynamic Responsiveness in the American States, 1936–2014

2017 ◽  
Vol 112 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
DEVIN CAUGHEY ◽  
CHRISTOPHER WARSHAW
Keyword(s):  
Policy Change ◽  
State Policy ◽  
Direct Democracy ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Conventional Wisdom ◽  
Future Change ◽  
American States ◽  
Change Dynamic ◽  
Policy Shifts ◽  
Over Time

Using eight decades of data, we examine the magnitude, mechanisms, and moderators of dynamic responsiveness in the American states. We show that on both economic and (especially) social issues, the liberalism of state publics predicts future change in state policy liberalism. Dynamic responsiveness is gradual, however; large policy shifts are the result of the cumulation of incremental responsiveness over many years. Partisan control of government appears to mediate only a fraction of responsiveness, suggesting that, contrary to conventional wisdom, responsiveness occurs in large part through the adaptation of incumbent officials. Dynamic responsiveness has increased over time but does not seem to be influenced by institutions such as direct democracy or campaign finance regulations. We conclude that our findings, though in some respects normatively ambiguous, on the whole paint a reassuring portrait of statehouse democracy.

scholarly journals Gateway Literacy Retention Policies: Perspectives and Implications from the Field

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Barrett-Tatum ◽  
Kristen Ashworth ◽  
David Scales
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Support System ◽  
Grade Retention ◽  
State Policies ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
The Other ◽  
Literacy Intervention ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Retention Policies ◽  
Over Time

South Carolina’s Read to Succeed Law (RTS) is different than the other 15 states’ literacy-based third grade retention laws. It mandates literacy intervention training for in-service and pre-service teachers. Research indicates academic gains from retention are short-lived, diminishing over time and increasing drop-out rates. Through a statewide survey, this study identifies educators’ perceptions and knowledge of retention and the RTS policy, and examines the relationship between knowledge and perceptions. Educators were not familiar with retention research or RTS specifics, but favored retention. Implications include the need for more teacher training regarding new state policies and the efficacy of their foundations. This study provides evidence that policymakers should consider the means of implementation and shoulder accountability for a structured and equitable support system.

scholarly journals Hospital-Based Back Surgery: Geospatial-Temporal, Explanatory, and Predictive Models

10.2196/14609 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. e14609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Fulton ◽  
Clemens Scott Kruse
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Random Forests ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Practice Variation ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Test Set ◽  
Back Surgery ◽  
Over Time

Background Hospital-based back surgery in the United States increased by 60% from January 2012 to December 2017, yet the supply of neurosurgeons remained relatively constant. During this time, adult obesity grew by 5%. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the demand and associated costs for hospital-based back surgery by geolocation over time to evaluate provider practice variation. The study then leveraged hierarchical time series to generate tight demand forecasts on an unobserved test set. Finally, explanatory financial, technical, workload, geographical, and temporal factors as well as state-level obesity rates were investigated as predictors for the demand for hospital-based back surgery. Methods Hospital data from January 2012 to December 2017 were used to generate geospatial-temporal maps and a video of the Current Procedural Terminology codes beginning with the digit 63 claims. Hierarchical time series modeling provided forecasts for each state, the census regions, and the nation for an unobserved test set and then again for the out-years of 2018 and 2019. Stepwise regression, lasso regression, ridge regression, elastic net, and gradient-boosted random forests were built on a training set and evaluated on a test set to evaluate variables important to explaining the demand for hospital-based back surgery. Results Widespread, unexplained practice variation over time was seen using geographical information systems (GIS) multimedia mapping. Hierarchical time series provided accurate forecasts on a blind dataset and suggested a 6.52% (from 497,325 procedures in 2017 to 529,777 in 2018) growth of hospital-based back surgery in 2018 (529,777 and up to 13.00% by 2019 [from 497,325 procedures in 2017 to 563,023 procedures in 2019]). The increase in payments by 2019 are estimated to be US $323.9 million. Extreme gradient-boosted random forests beat constrained and unconstrained regression models on a 20% unobserved test set and suggested that obesity is one of the most important factors in explaining the increase in demand for hospital-based back surgery. Conclusions Practice variation and obesity are factors to consider when estimating demand for hospital-based back surgery. Federal, state, and local planners should evaluate demand-side and supply-side interventions for this emerging problem.

scholarly journals Robotic walking for recovery of functional capacity in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury: A randomized pilot trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Shackleton ◽  
Robert Evans ◽  
Sacha West ◽  
Wayne Derman ◽  
Yumna Albertus
Keyword(s):  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Recruitment Rate ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Locomotor Training ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Walking Capacity ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Abdominal Strength

Objective: Activity-based Training (ABT) represents the current standard of neurological rehabilitation. Robotic Locomotor Training (RLT) is an innovative technique that aims to enhance rehabilitation outcomes, however, its efficacy in SCI rehabilitation, particularly within a low-middle income setting, is currently unclear. The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a locomotor training program within XX, in terms of recruitment, attendance, drop-out rates and safety. Secondary aims were to determine the effects of RLT compared to ABT on functional capacity in people with chronic SCI. Design: Participants with chronic traumatic motor incomplete tetraplegia (n = 16) were recruited. Each intervention involved 60-minute sessions, 3x per week, over 24-weeks. RLT involved walking in the Ekso GTTM suit. ABT involved a combination of resistance, cardiovascular and weight-bearing exercise. Primary feasibility outcomes included recruitment rate, adherence rate, and adverse events. Validated tests were performed at baseline, 6, 12 and 24-weeks to assess the secondary outcomes of functional capacity. Results: Out of 110 individuals who expressed interest in participating in the study, 17 initiated the program (recruitment rate = 15.4 %). Of these, 16 individuals completed the program (drop-out rate = 5.8 %) and attended sessions (attendance rate = 93.9%). There were no significant differences between the intervention groups for lower or upper extremity motor scores (UEMS effect size (ES) = 0.09; LEMS ES = 0.05), back strength (ES = 0.14) and abdominal strength (ES = 0.13) after training. However, both groups showed a significant increase of 2.00 points in UEMS and a significant increase in abdominal strength from pre- to post intervention. Only the RLT group showed a significant change in LEMS, with a mean increase of 3.00 [0.00; 16.5] points over time. Distance walked in the Functional Ambulatory Inventory (SCI-FAI) increased significantly (p = 0.02) over time only for the RLT group. Conclusions: Recruitment, attrition and adherence rates of the intervention and outcomes justify a subsequent powered RCT comparing RLT to ABT as an effective rehabilitation tool for potentially improving functional strength and walking capacity in people with incomplete SCI.

scholarly journals Hospital-Based Back Surgery: Geospatial-Temporal, Explanatory, and Predictive Models (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Fulton ◽  
Clemens Scott Kruse
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Random Forests ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Practice Variation ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Test Set ◽  
Back Surgery ◽  
Over Time

BACKGROUND Hospital-based back surgery in the United States increased by 60% from January 2012 to December 2017, yet the supply of neurosurgeons remained relatively constant. During this time, adult obesity grew by 5%. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the demand and associated costs for hospital-based back surgery by geolocation over time to evaluate provider practice variation. The study then leveraged hierarchical time series to generate tight demand forecasts on an unobserved test set. Finally, explanatory financial, technical, workload, geographical, and temporal factors as well as state-level obesity rates were investigated as predictors for the demand for hospital-based back surgery. METHODS Hospital data from January 2012 to December 2017 were used to generate geospatial-temporal maps and a video of the Current Procedural Terminology codes beginning with the digit 63 claims. Hierarchical time series modeling provided forecasts for each state, the census regions, and the nation for an unobserved test set and then again for the out-years of 2018 and 2019. Stepwise regression, lasso regression, ridge regression, elastic net, and gradient-boosted random forests were built on a training set and evaluated on a test set to evaluate variables important to explaining the demand for hospital-based back surgery. RESULTS Widespread, unexplained practice variation over time was seen using geographical information systems (GIS) multimedia mapping. Hierarchical time series provided accurate forecasts on a blind dataset and suggested a 6.52% (from 497,325 procedures in 2017 to 529,777 in 2018) growth of hospital-based back surgery in 2018 (529,777 and up to 13.00% by 2019 [from 497,325 procedures in 2017 to 563,023 procedures in 2019]). The increase in payments by 2019 are estimated to be US $323.9 million. Extreme gradient-boosted random forests beat constrained and unconstrained regression models on a 20% unobserved test set and suggested that obesity is one of the most important factors in explaining the increase in demand for hospital-based back surgery. CONCLUSIONS Practice variation and obesity are factors to consider when estimating demand for hospital-based back surgery. Federal, state, and local planners should evaluate demand-side and supply-side interventions for this emerging problem.

scholarly journals Imagery rescripting for the treatment of trauma in voice hearers: a case series

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 709-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgie Paulik ◽  
Craig Steel ◽  
Arnoud Arntz
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Imagery Rescripting ◽  
Over Time

AbstractBackground: High rates of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are reported in people who hear voices (auditory hallucinations). A recent meta-analysis of trauma interventions in psychosis showed only small improvements in PSTD symptoms and voices. Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) may be a therapy that is more effective in this population because it generalizes over memories, which is ideal in this population with typically repeated traumas.Aims: The primary aims of this study were to investigate whether ImR reduces (1) PTSD symptoms, and (2) voice frequency and distress in voice hearers.Method: We used a single arm open trial study, case-series design. Twelve voice hearers with previous traumas that were thematically related to their voices participated. Brief weekly assessments (administered in sessions 1–8, post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up) and longer measures (administered pre-, mid- and post-intervention) were administered. Mixed regression analysis was used to analyse the results.Results: There was one treatment drop-out. Results of the weekly measure showed significant linear reductions over time in all three primary variables – voice distress, voice frequency, and trauma intrusions – all with large effect sizes. These effects were maintained (and continued to improve for trauma intrusions) at 3-month follow-up. On the full assessment tools, all measures showed improvement over time, with five outcomes showing significant time effects: trauma, voice frequency, voice distress, voice malevolence and stress.Conclusions: The findings of the current study suggest that ImRs for PTSD symptoms is generally well tolerated and can be therapeutically beneficial among individuals who hear voices.

Water Resources and American Federalism

1950 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 631-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Lepawsky
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Federal System ◽  
Technological Changes ◽  
Water Flows ◽  
American States ◽  
State Boundaries ◽  
National Constitution ◽  
American Federalism

Few functions of the American Federal system seem less suited physically to state boundaries than the management of our water resources. The reason is readily apparent. Water flows according to drainage districts and not the riverbounded or rectilinear areas of the American states. Nevertheless, it takes more than topography to delineate the states or provinces of a nation; there are historical and constitutional factors to consider. Once provincial areas are established as states under a national constitution, and, such functions as water supply are assigned to these states, it is not only difficult but it may also be disruptive to withdraw such a function from them, even though physical facts and technological changes cry for this solution.

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