Impending Legislation Research Articles

Carer support and empowerment

There is evidence of improvement in support and empowerment of carers of people with dementia over the last decade but true empowerment remains an ambition. The support needs of carers have been known for many years but they constantly need restating. Dementia can affect all sections of the community almost regardless of age, ethnic origin, gender, sexuality and domicile. Professionals can make a real contribution to supporting people with dementia and their carers. Multidisciplinary teams and specialist services like Admiral nurses have a valuable role. Carer support is needed at all stages of dementia, even when a person has been admitted into residential care. Different forms of dementia bring different support needs. Other factors to consider include the needs of black and ethnic minority people with dementia and their carers and those who may live in isolated areas. There is some evidence to show that telephone support groups can offer effective support. Gradual empowerment of carers can be identified through a range of social and health care legislation and policy guidance over the last 15 years. The recent culmination of this aims to put patients at the centre of everything the NHS does but not necessarily carers. Mental capacity is an issue that brings special challenges for carers of people with dementia. Impending legislation promises to give carers legal authority to make decisions on behalf of someone without capacity. The voices of carers themselves can be powerful, but energy and eloquence are prerequisites that many older carers may not have in abundance.

The future of tailings disposal in Europe

Mining in Europe has survived numerous economic cycles, experiencing a resurgence in the late twentieth century. During this period the mining industry began to come to terms with the increase in scope and the prescriptive nature of legislation, particularly that related to mine waste management, and made significant advances in environmental performance. However, public opinion, often ill‐informed, has led to political pressure for the withdrawal of governmental assistance in a number of countries, revocation of exploration licences and to mining companies withdrawing from potentially world‐class operations in Europe. This paper presents an overview of current European mine tailings management and reviews environmental performance in the context of international practice, the impending legislation, and public perception of mining generally. The question is posed to governments, regulators and mining companies whether, without cooperation, there is a future for an environmentally conscious and sustainable...

Cost effective reprocessing of polyurethane by hot compression moulding

Impending legislation and increasing landfill tax will mean that a far greater proportion of thermosetting polymers will have to be recycled. This paper investigates a method for the mechanical recycling of thermoset polyurethane. Reaction injection moulded (RIM) polyurethane (PU) was granulated and introduced as filler in novel moulding compounds. The polyurethane recyclate granules were compounded with polyester resin for compression moulding. A variety of different materials were moulded to demonstrate the recycling possibilities, these included non-reinforced filled thermoset, glass fibre reinforced compounds and sandwich materials with a core containing recyclate. Mechanical testing of the materials showed that the addition of polyurethane recyclate increased flexibility and toughness of the mouldings, when compared with compounds containing mineral fillers. The increased toughness is explained by the microstructure, the PU granules rubber toughen the resin by allowing micro-cracking of the thermoset resin matrix without brittle failure. Recycled polyurethane particles can be used as functional filler in thermoset-moulding compounds to improve the impact toughness of normally brittle materials.

Regulating dental nursing in the UK.

There has been much discussion about the impending legislation for compulsory registration of dental nurses. A questionnaire survey of Oxfordshire dental practices found that 60% (153/254) of dental nurses had no formal qualifications. Of these 49% (75/153) were already on a training course or planning to apply for one although those who achieve mediated entry may discontinue training. Overall, 40% (62/153) were planning to apply for mediated entry. Previous research indicates that there may be similarly high proportions of unqualified dental nurses throughout the UK. There are concerns that a rigid training programme and compulsory examinations will compound existing recruitment problems, and create a national shortfall of dental nurses. Proponents believe that formal training will better equip dental nurses to handle the demands of modern dental practice and bring them in line with other auxiliary health personnel. Training needs to be co-ordinated nationally to ensure adequate access and consistent standards. Dental nurses and practices should be consulted and supported throughout the implementation period.

Voluntary environmental policy instruments: two Irish success stories?

AbstractVoluntary environmental policy instruments have attracted much interest in recent years, yet they remain firmly established only in the industrial setting of the typical environmental policy ‘leader’ states such as the Netherlands or Germany. This paper examines two Irish examples of innovative voluntary agreements, a farm plastic recycling scheme and a bird conservation project. These both suggest that the voluntary approach can be applied successfully outside the typical industrial sector. Noteworthy in explaining the emergence of the two case studies here was a policy transfer effect from the UK, involving organized Irish farming interests and Irish bird conservationists. A fear of impending state legislation, which is often cited as a vital precondition for successful voluntary approaches, was actually less important than the autonomous initiative of the interest groups themselves. It is suggested that a more important role for the state lies in ensuring good policy co‐ordination. A concluding discussion examines the general problems and potential of relying on interest groups to transfer and implement innovative voluntary environmental policy instruments. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment

Surface active adrenoceptor compounds prevent the settlement of cyprid larvae of Balanus improvisus

The barnacle Balanus improvisus is the major fouling macroorganism in Swedish waters and it colonizes most man‐made surfaces submerged in the sea. New or impending legislation restricts the use of traditional, hazardous antifouling coatings based on heavy metals, mainly copper and tin. This calls for the development of new non‐toxic methods that prevent barnacle settlement. In this work several adrenoceptor compounds are shown to be very efficient in preventing the settlement of cyprid larvae of B. improvisus. The settlement rate of laboratory‐reared cyprids was studied in hydrophilised polystyrene dishes containing adrenoceptor antagonists and agonists dissolved in seawater. Two of these drugs, medetomidine and clonidine, repeatedly inhibited settlement at concentrations between 1 nM and 10 nM. In the vertebrate adrenoceptor classification system, which separates pharmacological substances according to their receptor affinity, both of these substances are classified as α2 adrenoceptor agonists. An inhibiting effect on presyn‐aptic receptors is suggested, but the localization of the receptor effect requires futher studies. Experiments also revealed that the inhibiting effect of medetomidine was reversible. Cyprids incubated with medetomidine for 20 h attached and metamorphosed into juvenile barnacles after washing and transferrence to seawater. The antagonizing compound atipamezole reversed the effect of medetomidine. This observation supports the assumption that this substance acts at the receptor level. Studies of the surface affinity of medetomidine revealed a strong tendency to accumulate in solid/ liquid phase boundaries. This ability makes it particularly attractive as a candidate for the development of a slow‐release carrier in marine coatings. Panels coated with medetomidine in an acrylate polymer and exposed in the field reduced the recruitment of B. improvisus by 96% after 4 weeks and by 70% after 8 weeks.

Determination of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds in electrical insulating oils by enzyme immunoassay

The development and performance of a competitive indirect immunoassay for the quantitation of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs) in insulating oils is described. Reagent preparation and the assay characterisation, optimisation and validation steps are described. The dynamic range of the assay for Aroclors 1254 and 1260 in methanol was 30–1000 ng ml −1 with 50% signal inhibition values of 217 and 212 ng ml −1, respectively. Impending legislation in the UK is likely to decree that oils containing >50 μg ml −1 PCBs be considered contaminated. Assay sensitivity increased with the degree of PCB chlorination. The assay of structurally related compounds of environmental concern yielded cross-reactivity values of <0.6%. The immunoassay proved reliable for the analysis of diluted transformer oils containing >35 μg ml −1 PCB (neat) but over-estimated PCB levels in diluted oils containing <10 μg ml −1 of neat analyte. The oils required pre-treatment using either solid-phase extraction or washing with KOH–ethanol/sulphuric acid to remove matrix interferents. The analytical performance of the assay was compared against a commercially available semi-quantitative immunoassay kit for PCBs in soil and water.

The foundations of modern cost management: the life and work of Albert Fink

After the Civil War, American railroads struggled with profitability problems because they lacked an understanding of the nature of short-range profits as they related to long-term investments, especially an investment that had to be upgraded and expanded almost continually. In the early 1870s, Albert Fink, superintendent of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, experimented with a cost-analysis system. In general the purpose of the system devised by Fink was to measure the profitability and efficiency of the railroad';s operations in terms of then-revolutionary concepts of fixed and variable costs and costs allocated to multiple accounting periods. Fink's operating statistics, such as revenue and expenses per ton-mile and passenger-mile, became standards in the industry and earned Fink the designation of 'Father of Railroad Economics'. Fink used his cost management techniques to argue against the regulation of the entire rail industry by impending legislation that would create the Interstate Commerce Commission which would subsequently embrace his costing methodology. His statistical analysis also helped to create the basic managerial concept of 'control through statistics', wherein business decisions are made based on sound information.

The Contribution of Traffic to Atmospheric Concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Impending legislation pertaining to atmospheric PAH concentrations has intensified efforts to identify their sources. Particulate-phase PAH were measured every 2 h between 06.00 and 20.00 on 12/5/96 at a heavily trafficked location in the center of Birmingham, U.K. Concentrations of 17 out of 18 PAH were significantly correlated (≥ 95% confidence level) to those of CO and NOx. Using the CO-PAH and NOx-PAH linear regression equations, it is estimated that during this sampling event 71% (59−87%) and 59% (47−81%), respectively, of 4−7 ring PAH originated from traffic. At weekly intervals between 7/15/97 and 12/9/97, simultaneous monitoring of particulate-phase PAH was conducted over 24 h periods at the same city center location, and a campus site ca. 3 km southwest of the city center, and ca. 500 m from the nearest busy road. Intersite differences in PAH concentrations should thus arise primarily from differences in traffic emissions. Using B[e]P as an indicator, the contribution of traffic to concentrations...

Viewpoint: spilling the genes – what we should know about genetically engineered foods

Observes that an indirect reason why genetically engineered food is viewed with suspicion is that recent serious food safety problems have undermined public confidence, both in the food industry and in government, making further “tampering” with food unwelcome. Challenges the assertion that genetic engineering is the answer to worldwide hunger and cites reasons to disbelieve it. Suggests that any advantages from genetic engineering are more likely to benefit the food industry, rather than consumers. Addresses the issues of potential new hazards, lack of clear labelling and the likelihood that impending European Union legislation will not control the producer‐driven development and increased used of genetically engineered enzymes, additives and food ingredients. Questions whether that which is technically feasible is necessarily desirable.

Healthcare reform: a survey of college health services.

As federal legislators moved closer to enacting significant healthcare reform during fall 1994, it was apparent to the college health community that campus health programs could be significantly affected. Uncertainty over the impending legislation led college health directors to consider two important questions: What is the federal government going to do? and What could college health directors do to position their organizations more effectively to respond to pending reform? The former question was debated on a daily basis throughout the United States with no resolution in sight. The latter question was the ultimate focus of this survey research involving 56 of 79 schools (71% response rate from institutions in 38 states). Half of the schools had enrollments between 15,001-25,000 students; 86% used prepaid fees as their primary financing mechanism. Survey results identified college health directors' preferences for 27 different organizational strategies in response to possible healthcare reform initiatives.

Response to the environmental and welfare imperatives by U.K. Livestock production industries and research services

Production methods for food from U.K. livestock industries (milk, dairy products, meat, eggs, fibre) are undergoing substantial change as a result of the need to respond to environmental and animal welfare awareness of purchasing customers, and to espouse the principles of environmental protection. There appears to be a strong will on the part of livestock farmers to satisfy the environmental imperative, led by the need to maintain market share and by existing and impending legislation. There has been support forthcoming in the form of Government-sponsored scientific research and technological development to provide the necessary framework for new environmentally sensitive practices. The agricultural community has itself made substantial responses to market demand through the inception of Farm Assured Quality Assurance Schemes. These appear to have a more sustainable future than the extremes of organic farming and free-range practices.

Quantitative determination of sulfur compounds in FCC gasolines by AED. A study of the effect of catalyst type and catalytic conditions on sulfur distribution

AbstractThe identification and quantification of sulfur‐containing compounds in gasoline has become an area of interest because of impending legislation regulating total sulfur levels in these fuels. To study the effects of catalyst type and catalytic conditions on gasoline sulfur distribution, a method has been developed employing both the compound‐independent and element‐specific response of the atomic emission detector (AED). Calibration and quantification can be accomplished even where standards are not available, owing to the nature of the AED response.Compounds were separated on a thick film polydimethylsiloxane column. An external calibration curve was applied to the area responses of individual sulfur components in the sulfur chromatogram, and the concentrations of each were calculated. Summation of these sulfur concentrations over the gasoline range yields the total sulfur content of the gasoline.The method is applicable to the determination of these compounds in raw crude oils, finished gasolines, fluid cracking catalyst (FCC) unit gasolines, and fluid catalytic cracking “model” compound studies. A prefractionating column was employed to remove heavy (&gt;C13) materials; prefractionation is not, however, necessary for distilled or commercial gasoline samples. Detection limits, linearity, detector stability, and accuracy are discussed.

Aquaculture product quality issues: market position opportunities under mandatory seafood inspection regulations

Impending legislation for a mandatory seafood inspection program will be important in shaping the consumer's perception and expectation of quality in seafood products. Because aquacultured species are produced in controlled environments, fed special diets, and processed under optimum conditions, they possess unique product characteristics. The perception by the consumer that these products could be safer, fresher, more wholesome, and better tasting may lead to a competitive marketing position relative to captured products.

A Sludge Disposal Strategy for Dumfries and Galloway Regional Council

ABSTRACTThe Dumfries and Galloway Regional Council's largely rural statutory area extends to 6370 km2, with a population of 146 000. During 1988 the Council, mindful of impending legislation likely to affect existing sludge disposal outlets, particularly those to agricultural land, commissioned a detailed study into all aspects of sewage sludge production, treatment, storage and disposal. The prime aim of the study was the production of a regional sludge disposal strategy. Consideration was given to five different options of sludge disposal.

Evaluation of Biorational Pesticides for Use in Arboriculture

Pest control in urban and community forests is undergoing rapid change in Canada and The United States of America. Anyone who has been involved in pest control during the past 20 years realizes that the rules for pesticide use and their availability have been and are changing. Improved ability to detect minute amounts of pesticide residue, environmental awareness and activism, and increased demand for higher quality landscapes require creativity in terms of pest control approaches and products. Impending legislation and changing consumer attitudes mandate reduction in use of conventional pesticides in landscape maintenance. Biorational insecticides and acaricides, including horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, bacterial preparations, and entomogeneous nematodes are under increasing development and are being used more widely in arboriculture. Results of investigations with some of these biorational products against important pests of trees and shrubs are reported.

Comment

Further to our Comment last month on the Unicarb system for reducing volatile organic compounds (VOC) during spraying, we now hear that impending legislation in California is creating serious problems for car refinishing operations in particular. We raise it here because it can be guaranteed that the same problem will have to be faced in Britain and the rest of Europe not far into the 1990's.

Ethical Aspects of Surrogacy

Ethical issues related to surrogacy are explored and an argument made for its ethical approval in circumstances where the particularities of the case warrant this approach to reproduction. Despite recent and impending legislation to prohibit commercial surrogacy in some States of Australia, although data are difficult to obtain, unofficial and anecdotal reports from medical practitioners specializing in the management of infertility throughout the country indicate an increasing number of requests for surrogacy and increasing referral of infertile couples to the USA for commercial surrogacy arrangements.

An evaluation of selected sediments parameters as a rapid means of assessing the impact of organic waste discharges to tidal waters

The question of the disposal of sewage to tidal waters is one which is receiving increasing attention. For controlling authorities whose resources are stretched by the pressures of impending legislation and international directives, there is a need for techniques which allow the rapid and effective assessment of the impact of waste discharges on the marine environment. During ecological studies in the vicinity of a number of waste discharges to the North Kent coast the spatial and seasonal variations of sediments redox potential profiles and organic carbon content were examined. In areas where the bottom deposits are reasonably stable, the degree of reproducibility which can be achieved and the simplicity of the techniques permit the rapid generation of results and facilitate contour mapping to delineate the boundary effects of organic waste discharges.

The Design and Performance of an Instrumentation System for Aqueous Film Coating in an Industrial Tablet Coating Machine

AbstractIn recent years tablet coating has undergone several fundamental changes. The original sugar coating technique has been largely replaced by film coating processes using organic solvents. The organic solvents are now being replaced by water because of the development of suitable polymers, improvements in the coating process, and impending government legislation regulating the discharge of pollutants into the environment.This change has resulted in increased interest in equipment designed for film coating based on cylindrical shaped side vented pans which allow the drying air to be drawn through the tablet bed. However, the process is complex and requires careful monitoring and control to ensure satisfactory results. The empirically derived conditions are not fundamentally understood and there are important differences in the operation