Parent Agency Research Articles

The National Health Service Corps in the 1990s

To the Editor. —As founder and director of the Area Health Education Center in South Texas, I was familiar with the fine work of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) long before I was appointed administrator of its parent agency, the Health Resources and Services Administration, earlier this year. I was surprised, therefore, to read the article by Dr Pathman and colleagues 1 describing results of a study of NHSC scholars who served their obligations in rural areas in the late 1980s—a time when the NHSC was scheduled to be phased out of existence and hardly a period when optimal conditions could be expected or maximal support extended to those in the field. While thoughtful commentary on the NHSC is always welcome, the cohort studied by Pathman et al had experiences dramatically different from those of today's NHSC clinicians. The National Health Service Corps Revitalization Amendments of 1990 provided increased

Us Parent Agency Control: Advertising Agencies in Australia

This empirical study examines US advertising agencies' practices in Australia to find out the extent to which parent offices communicated with their subsidiaries and were involved in running their operations. The findings, based on the responses from 30 Australian subsidiaries were that, although the US agencies were positioned to control their subsidiaries' operations through majority-ownership, and had some periodic contact with them, they did not actually influence them to any considerable extent.

Mental health treatment teams and leadership: a systems model.

Mental health treatment teams are living systems at the group level and comprise key productive subsystems of organizations providing mental health care. Effective treatment teams, like effective organizations, are anticipatory systems that contain subsystems that model and predict future system and environmental conditions and enable responses that increase system viability. A systems analysis of treatment teams highlights their potential instability due to their tendencies to regress toward dysfunctional partial systems and their active maintenance in nonequilibrium steady states with their organizational and external environments. Team subsystems are analyzed from the viewpoints of system processes and also with regard to individuals and their roles. Boundary processes are central to effective team functioning, assure constancy of team membership, and regulate the team's interfaces with its parent agency and with the external environment. Various causes and forms of disturbed information processing within hierarchical organizations are examined, and their effects at the treatment team level are discussed. The conclusion of the discussion focuses on team leadership and how leadership expands upon the concept of the decider subsystem to include role and personal factors to the team's leaders, and functions that are anticipatory and integrative in nature. Effective leaders must set appropriate thresholds for feedback regulation processes, and balance several pairs of seemingly opposing forces, including homeostasis and development, role differentiation and role overlap, and personal accountability and empowerment of others.

Accuracy of the 1990 Census and Undercount Adjustments

"In July 1991 the [U.S.] Census Bureau recommended to its parent agency, the Department of Commerce, that the 1990 census be adjusted for undercount. The Secretary of Commerce decided not to adjust, however. Those decisions relied at least partly on the Census Bureau's analyses of the accuracy of the census and of the proposed undercount adjustments based on the Post-Enumeration Survey (PES).... This article describes the total error analysis and loss function analysis of the Census Bureau. In its decision not to adjust the census, the Department of Commerce cited different criteria than aggregate loss functions. Those criteria are identified and discussed."

Accuracy of the 1990 Census and Undercount Adjustments

Abstract In July 1991 the Census Bureau recommended to its parent agency, the Department of Commerce, that the 1990 census be adjusted for undercount. The Secretary of Commerce decided not to adjust, however. Those decisions relied at least partly on the Census Bureau's analyses of the accuracy of the census and of the proposed undercount adjustments based on the Post-Enumeration Survey (PES). Error distributions for the nation, states, and smaller geographic units were estimated with extensions of methods applied to test censuses. To summarize and assess the relative importance of errors in different units, the Census Bureau used aggregate loss functions. This article describes the total error analysis and loss function analysis of the Census Bureau. In its decision not to adjust the census, the Department of Commerce cited different criteria than aggregate loss functions. Those criteria are identified and discussed.

Access to U.S. government information: guide to executive and legislative authors and authority

Introduction User Guide Executive and Legislative Jurisdiction by Specific Subject Category General Subject Categories Specific Subject Categories by General Subject Category Parent Agencies and Committees by General Subject Category Parent Agencies Specific Subject Categories by Parent Agency Congressional Committees by Parent Agency Congressional Committees Specific Subject Categories by Congressional Committee Parent Agencies and Appropriations Subcommittees by Legislative Committee Appropriations Subcommittees Specific Subject Categories by Appropriations Subcommittee Parent Agencies and Legislative Committees by Appropriations Subcommittee Index

Forensic Science Ethics: Developing an Integrated System of Support and Enforcement

Abstract This article reviews rules and codes adopted by operating agencies and professional societies which regulate the professional conduct of forensic scientists. The purpose, origin, and content of these codes are examined, with particular emphasis on their ability to address the major ethics-related problems confronting the field. The recently adopted ethics and management guidelines of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors are discussed as a major new policy having the potential of ensuring that benchworkers, managers, supervisors, and parent agency executives all subscribe to a common and comprehensive set of ethical standards.

The Research Institute on Alcoholism, Buffalo, New York.

SummaryThe Research Institute on Alcoholism (RIA‐Buffalo, New York) is a free‐standing, state‐supported institution for the conduct of biological, psychological, and social research on the etiology, prevention, and treatment of alcoholic disorders. With a total staff of about 80 persons, the Institute has stable state funding from its parent agency, the Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, supplemented by external grant monies. Career development and training opportunities are supported through a variety of mechanisms and benefit from RIA's close association with the State University of New York at Buffalo. As a state agency, the RIA discharges a number of responsibilities of immediate relevance to the public welfare and relates to a variety of state and other organizations. The RIA is engaged in the conduct of several lines of inquiry and a central focus is upon the ontogeny of drinking careers and alcoholic disorders from adolescent through early adulthood.

A history of progress: NIEHS, the first 20 years (1966 to 1986).

In 1966, a handful of National Institutes of Health employees arrived in North Carolina and occupied leased office space on what was later to become the Institute's North Campus. Their assignment was to build a national biomedical research agency to investigate the health effects of environmental agents. This research was to be accomplished both by scientists at the site in North Carolina and by investigators who would receive research support from the Institute at colleges and universities across the U.S. The North Carolina location was on the countryside, not too far from three major universitiesDuke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The leased office space that the new arrivals occupied was in an area eannarked for carefial development as Research lYiangle Park, planned as a new national center for research and high technology development, and destined to gain international acclaim. The prospects for the agency in those days seemed less than certain. In setting up the unit, originally designated the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, the Government had followed a Congressional mandate to locate all new agencies more than 50 miles from Washington, DC, which meant locating the new Institute far from its parent agency NIH which is headquartered in Bethesda, MD. Furthermore, the Research Triangle Park, while a brilliant idea with strong and dedicated backing, was not yet guaranteed to be a successful concept. Despite impressive plans, only a few large research facilities had located in the Park, and much of the terain was as it had been for centurierocky

Cooperative research at USGS

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is accepting applications for a program that would allow scientists and engineers from private industry and universities to do cooperative research with USGS. Under the Industrial Research Associate (IRA) program, private sector researchers will work on projects that “advance research programs and objectives of the USGS and [its parent agency] the Department of the Interior,” according to an announcement from the USGS. Proposals can be discussed or developed jointly with the USGS research staff.

Ammonia-From-Coal Plant Seeking New Uses

The National Fertilizer Development Center's ammonia-from-coal project has ended, some 10 years after its inception. Federal funding stopped as of Sept. 30. The modern coal gasification plant that was the keystone of the project likely will be fired up again. However, the emphasis will be on production of fuels and other chemicals, not ammonia. And the funds will come largely from the private sector. The ammonia-from-coal project was conceived in 1975, at the height of the energy crisis. Practically all ammonia in the U.S. is derived from natural gas, which was then in short supply. Ammonia prices soared briefly to more than $200 per ton. The president of the Fertilizer Institute appealed to the Tennessee Valley Authority (NFDCs parent agency) to seek funding to develop alternate feedstocks for ammonia. TVA responded. Project manager Donald A. Waitzman notes that NFDC already had a small but modern gas-fed ammonia plant at its Muscle Shoals, Ala., facilities. We ...

Antecedents to foster parent adoption decisions

This paper presents findings of a study of foster parent adoption decisions. Differences between adopting and nonadopting foster families were found in each of the four areas of inquiry: parent characteristics, child characteristics, parent-child interaction, and agency service rendered. Directions for practice, policy, and further research are suggested.

Review of Flight-to-Wind-Tunnel Drag Correlation Edwin

Mr. Saltzman is employed as a performance-aerodynamics engineer for the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility. He has been involved with the in-flight measurement, analysis, and documentation of aircraft performance and efficiency since 1958, the formation of NASA. Prior to that time he performed similar tasks, since 1951, with the High Speed Flight Station of NACA, the parent agency of NASA. Since 1972, Mr. Saltzman's interests in aircraft efficiency have also led him to perform experimental work on ground vehicles, primarily studying practical methods of reducing the drag of high volume vehicles such as trucks and motor homes. He received a B.S. in Physics from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1950. Ted Ayers has 24 years of government service including 17 years at the NASA Langley Research Center. He has a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Northrop Institute of Technology and has devoted most of his career to research in transonic aerodynamics with emphasis on the application of supercritical aerodynamics to high performance aircraft. His Langley experience also included the systems technology aspects of advanced technology transports including the integration of aerodynamics, propulsion, and controls. In 1976, Mr. Ayers transferred to the NASA Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Center where he served as the Chief of the Aeronautics Branch with responsibility for flight research in the Aerodynamics, Propulsion, and Structures disciplines. He is presently the Deputy Director of Flight Operations for Ames Research Center, Dryden Flight Research Facility. Mr. Ayers is a Member of AIAA.

Evaluation of publicity concerning a mental health center.

If a community mental health center decides that the public is not sufficiently aware of its services, efforts to increase community visibility can be made. In this study, a random telephone survey of a community indicated that about 44% of the respondents had heard of the mental health center's parent agency. After the survey, a series of public service announcements about mental health appeared in the local newspaper during a four-week period. A postpublicity survey revealed that the campaign did not significantly penetrate the population and increase community awareness of the mental health center or significantly improve attitudes toward it.

Program examines pollutants' effects on wildlife

The Environmental Contaminant Evaluation (ECE) Program of the US Fish and Wildlife Service performs research studies, contaminant monitoring, and field analysis to ascertain the effects of pesticides, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants on fish, wildlife, and their habitats. ECE accomplishes its task from 2 directions. The field operations staffs located in each of 7 regions across the US investigate local contaminant problems, respond to spills of oil and hazardous substances, review pesticide use programs sponsored by the parent agency, collect samples for the National Pesticide Monitoring Program, and provide expertise on contaminants in the review process for environmental impact statements and permit applications. Research designed to assess the hazards of chemical contaminants to fish and wildlife is performed at 3 centers.

A closer examination of the education for all handicapped children act: A guide for the 1980S

The United States Congress has mandated that state and educational agencies make available to all handicapped children a free appropriate education. The purpose of this legislation has been primarily to protect the rights of handicapped children and their parents. The present paper discusses identification and evaluation guidelines that have been promulgated under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Procedures for Individual Education Programs that are in accordance with federal legislation are delineated. To satisfy federal mandates concerning the placement of handicapped children, public school systems are required to utilize a least restrictive environment, whereby complete segregation of handicapped from nonhandicapped children is prohibited. In further accordance with this legislation, either the parent or public agency may initiate a hearing for the purpose of challenging the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child.

NARS: The Politics of Placement

This morning I would like to share some thoughts with you about the placement of the national archival function within the federal government. As many of you know, I was with the National Archives from 1941 until my retirement nine months ago, with the exception of my World War II military duty. During most of those years, I served as the administrative link between archivists and the staff and management offices of the parent agency, the General Services Administration. I came to know as well as anyone the successes and failures of the relationship between NARS and GSA. Since my retirement, I have had time to reflect on that relationship and to gather my thoughts together. I trust that you will forgive my lapses into the pronoun we; although retired, I still feel the associational pull of NARS.

The community mental health center and community awareness.

One hundred eighty residents living within 1/2 mile of local satellites of a community mental health center were randomly selected for a telephone survey. Findings revealed that only 15% were aware of the existence of the parent agency, with no differences among local centers. Residents' awareness of the satellite centers and their services ranged from 18% to 62% with an overall mean of 32%. Questions are raised with respect to relevant differences contributing to the residents' differential awareness of the centers and suggestions are offered for raising the level of awareness via outreach techniques especially with respect to emergency interventions.