Public Information Programs Research Articles

Analisis Kualitas Kinerja Pegawai Dinas Sosial Provinsi Sumatera Utara Bidang Program, Akuntabilitas Dan Informasi Publik Dalam Sistem Penyelenggaraan Pelayanan Publik

The aim of this research is: To determine the quality of performance of North Sumatra Province Social Service Employees, especially in the Program, Accountability and Public Information Sectors in the Public Service Delivery System. This study uses a qualitative method. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews and documentation. The informants in this research were 4 people, namely the Secretary of the North Sumatra Province Social Service, Head of the Program, Accountability and Public Information Section, Program, Accountability and Public Information Officer, and Honorary Employees. The results of the research show that the quality of performance of North Sumatra Province Social Service employees in the areas of Programs, Accountability and Public Information is running well in accordance with employee performance. Based on interviews with informants, employees in the Program, Accountability and Public Information Division also have the same opinion regarding personal potential, optimal work results, work processes and enthusiasm at work. Therefore, it can be suggested that in the future, if you want to recruit new employees, pay more attention to the field of science or major according to the abilities of the prospective new employee so as to facilitate all better work processes in the Program, Accountability and Public Information fields.

The Influence of Community Relation and Performance on Police Trust: A Prediction Model

This study aimed to determine the police trust in relation to police community relation and performance in District 1 of Davao del Norte, 384 residents from the district 1 of Davao del Norte participated the survey. The study used descriptive-predictive design with the utilization of mean, standard deviation, pearson-r and multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that police-community relation positively and significantly correlated with police trust (r=0.500, p<0.05), similarly, police performance positively and significantly correlated with police trust (r=0.862, p<0.05). However, the significant influence of police community relation and police performance to predict public trust, overall results indicate that indicators of police performance, such as attentiveness, reliability, fairness, manners, and responsiveness, have a stronger predictive relationship with police trust compared to indicators of police-community relations. The public relation program also shows a positive relationship with trust in both models. However, the civic action program, public information program, mass communication program, and competence do not significantly contribute to the prediction of police trust.

Government public relations, audiovisual communication and the informalisation of Sweden

This article addresses the role of television as a ‘new media’ in government public relations. Drawing on sociological theories on informalisation, this study analyses three features of the Swedish public information programme Anslagstavlan during the 1970s and 1980s: first, formal techniques such as editing, pacing and use of animations; second, narrative strategies including the utilisation of celebrity advertising and intertextuality; and last, the rhetoric of public information. The study shows that the engineering of informality was a key communication strategy for government agencies and that televised information contributed to the conversationalisation and personalisation of government agencies’ communication in medium-specific ways.

Knowledge of Neural Tube Defects and Prevention Through Folic Acid Use Among Women in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

ObjectiveNeural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system and are associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and major life-long disability. Periconceptional folic acid reduces the risk of NTDs by up to 70%; however, in Pakistan, no public information program exists concerning the risks of NTDs or promoting folic acid use. As such, the aim of this study was to assess levels of knowledge about NTDs and folic acid use among women attending the gynaecology department of DHQ Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SettingThe gynaecology department of the District Head Quarter (DHQ) Hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan.ParticipantsThree hundred and fifty-five married women.Primary and Secondary Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome measures included knowledge of NTDs and knowledge of folic acid use.ResultsAbout 85.4% of participants had no knowledge of neural tube defects and 76.7% reported no knowledge about folic acid use. The majority of participants (86.2%) were unaware that folic acid protects against NTDs. Lack of knowledge of NTDs was significantly associated with education (P = 0.001), husband’s education (P = 0.002), planned pregnancy (P = 0.002), sources of antenatal care (P = 0.003), knowledge of folic acid (P = 003), knowledge that folic acid protects against NTDs (P = 0.002), and health decision-making (P = 0.003). Knowledge of folic acid use was significantly associated with age (P = 0.000), education (P = 0.004), husband’s education (P = 0.002), monthly income (P = 0.003), planned pregnancy (P = 0.003), pregnancy trimester (P < 0.001), sources of antenatal care (P < 0.001), knowledge of NTDs (P = 0.002), knowledge that folic acid protects against NTDs (P < 0.001), use of folic acid (P < 0.001), sources of vitamin information (P < 0.001), and health decision-making (P = 0.002).ConclusionThese findings highlight extremely low levels of knowledge about NTDs and folic acid use of women in Pakistan. There is an urgent need to increase knowledge and awareness of the risks of NTDs and preventative approaches, through health education programs delivered by trusted health professionals.

Social Marketing

Social marketing as a concept was developed in the 1970s to help improve overall society and to bring about positive social changes. The concept of social marketing was first presented by Zaltman, Kotler, and Kaufman, in their 1972 book, Creating Social Change. This paper addresses the role of social marketing with specific examples of how social marketing associated with educational research can be applied to school libraries. Social marketing is based on general marketing principles and strategies aimed at selling products and services to consumers but with the purpose of improving society by providing socially relevant information; changing existing actions; and improving individual or group behaviors, attitudes or beliefs; and reinforcing desired behaviors. Since the 1970s, social marketing has been used widely in the United States to promote a variety of pro-social behaviors including: reducing smoking, reducing drug abuse, preventing heart disease, promoting contraceptive use, and promoting organ donation. In recent years the U.S. government has used social marketing to encourage enrollment in the controversial Affordable Health Care program. These marketing approaches are theoretically encased in well-conceived educational and public information programs and management. This paper will provide examples of social marketing research methods and results as used by the presenter in school and public libraries youth services. The paper will likewise highlight resources helpful to school librarians in designing and implementing social marketing strategies.

Програми інформатизації як складова механізму впровадження електронного урядування: порівняльна характеристика міст

Today, the key component of development in the system of public administration is the introduction of elements of e-government at all stages of interaction between government agencies and the public. One of the most important elements of e-government is the broad informatization of public life, because, at present, the information resource is no less important in the field of municipal government than material, labor, energy, financial or other resources. Therefore, the main purpose of the article is to compare the characteristics of the public information program at the local level. We found out that the most important method of informing the public and ensuring communication between government and the public is the operation of official websites. We have determined that the most important indicators of openness and transparency of a government are such as information content of the website, the availability of controls, the possibility of feedback, the interactivity of the site, the availability of information in different languages, search engines, the clear grouping of messages, «hashtagging», the display of relevant information not only on websites, but also on official pages in social networks. As a result of the research, we come to the conclusion that websites are an official source of informing the public about past and future events of the city, actions of the city authorities, their plans and prospects. At the same time, the website is the main source that can ensure the participation of citizens in the life of the city. Modern versions of official websites are aimed not only at informing, but also at communicating with the public, the possibility of receiving answers, comments, remarks and suggestions, taking into account physiological features, nationalities, etc.

Prevalence of transfusion transmissible infection in blood donors at tertiary care centre of Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Microbiological safety is very important aspect of blood transfusion services (BTS). Viral infectious agents possess a great risk of transfusion transmitted disease. On the one hand, blood or component transfusion is a lifesaving modality but on the other hand it can cause great mortality or morbidity in recipient if not used judiciously. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis and Malaria amongst all types of donors donated at blood bank of Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during the year 2017. This was a retrospective study. The blood donors included in this study include all donors coming directly to blood bank and blood donation camps organized by blood bank. Total donation during that period was 22255 units. A detailed questionnaire was given to the donors for registration. A total of 226 units (1.01%) were seropositive. The sero-prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and Syphilis were 0.9% (21), 0.79% (177), 0.09% (22), 0.02% (6) respectively. No cases of malaria were detected. TTI can be reduced by motivating maximum voluntary blood donation, reducing replacement donation, public information and donor education awareness programme, stringent donor screening criteria and vigilance of error.

Go big or go home: A model-based assessment of general strategies to slow the spread of forest pests via infested firewood.

Invasive pests, such as emerald ash borer or Asian longhorn beetle, have been responsible for unprecedented ecological and economic damage in eastern North America. These and other wood-boring invasive insects can spread to new areas through human transport of untreated firewood. Behaviour, such as transport of firewood, is affected not only by immediate material benefits and costs, but also by social forces. Potential approaches to reduce the spread of wood-boring pests through firewood include raising awareness of the problem and increasing the social costs of the damages incurred by transporting firewood. In order to evaluate the efficacy of these measures, we create a coupled social-ecological model of firewood transport, pest spread, and social dynamics, on a geographical network of camper travel between recreational destinations. We also evaluate interventions aimed to slow the spread of invasive pests with untreated firewood, such as inspections at checkpoints to stop the movement of transported firewood and quarantine of high-risk locations. We find that public information and awareness programs can be effective only if the rate of spread of the pest between and within forested areas is slow. Direct intervention via inspections at checkpoints can only be successful if a high proportion of the infested firewood is intercepted. Patch quarantine is only effective if sufficiently many locations can be included in the quarantine and if the quarantine begins early. Our results indicate that the current, relatively low levels of public outreach activities and lack of adequate funding are likely to render inspections, quarantine and public outreach efforts ineffective.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in stray cats in Algiers urban area, Algeria

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Human infections are common and generally asymptomatic, but they can become very dangerous in immunosuppressed and HIV-positive patients. The infection can also be serious if it is transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy. Infection in untreated mothers can lead to abortion, birth defects and blindness of the fetus. The aim of this study is to determinethe seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgT antibodies in cats in the urban area of Algiers. From December 2017 to August 2018, blood samples from 184 stray cats were collected and analyzed for IgG antibodies against T. gondii using an ELISA method. Overall, the prevalence of T. gondii infection in stray cats was 58.15% (107/184). There was no statistically significant difference between male and female cats. The rate of seropositivity of T. gondii increased with age (p &lt;0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the different regions from which the samples were taken. The results of the present study showed the high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Algiers rather than in other countries. Due to the high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in cats, it is recommended to include in the prenatal evaluation, together with the adoption of a screening test and the determination of the IgG antibody titer in the high-risk populations (young girls, pregnant women) public information programs on the disease and measures that can contribute to prevention

Influence of Gender and Undergraduate Course on the Knowledge about HPV and HPV Vaccine, and Vaccination Rate among Students of a Public University.

To evaluate the knowledge related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the rate of HPV vaccination among undergraduate freshmen and senior students of medicine, pharmacy, speech therapy, nursing and physical education in a Brazilian university. A questionnaire concerning sociodemographic aspects, sexual background, and knowledge about HPV and its vaccine was filled out by 492 students. Three months later, a second questionnaire, concerning the new rate of vaccination, was applied to 233 students. Among the 290 women who answered the first questionnaire, 47% of the freshmen and 13% of the seniors stated they were not sexually active, as well as 11% of the 202 freshman and senior male students. Although the knowledge about HPV was higher among women, they reported a lower use of condoms. More than 83% of the women and 66% of the men knew that HPV can cause cervical cancer, but less than 30% of the students knew that HPV can cause vulvar, anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancer. Less than half of the students knew that HPV causes genital, anal and oropharyngeal warts. Comparing the students, the seniors had more knowledge of the fact that HPV is sexually transmitted, and that HPV infection can be asymptomatic. The rate of vaccination was of 26% for women, and of 8% for men, and it increased to 52% and 27% respectively among the 233 students evaluated in the second questionnaire. As almost half of freshman women declared being sexually inactive, the investment in public health information programs and easier access to the HPV vaccine seem to be a useful strategy for undergraduate students.

Pathways to seeking medication abortion care: A qualitative research in Uttar Pradesh, India

IntroductionAbortion is legal in India and medication abortion (MA) using a combined regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol is the preferred method. Users increasingly purchase MA kits directly from pharmacies, in some cases experiencing perceived complications and approaching a facility for care. We present findings of a qualitative research tracing the decision-making pathway(s) of MA users in Uttar Pradesh, India, to help understand knowledge and behaviour gaps, and recommend ways to improve the overall quality of care at these service delivery points.MethodsForty in-depth interviews were conducted with recent MA users (20 each of clinic and pharmacy clients) across three districts. Providers were purposively selected in collaboration with an international organization selling MA kits, using their list of pharmacies and clinics. MA users were identified from the clients of the selected providers, and additionally through the snow ball method. Interviews were conducted in Hindi with verbal informed consent in a private place convenient to the respondent. Transcripts were translated to English and analysed thematically.ResultsUsers first sought MA kits at pharmacies out of convenience, low cost and customer anonymity. Men often purchased kits for their partners and trusted the chemist for guidance on dosage, progression and side effects. For side effects or other concerns after using an MA kit, users first visited their neighbourhood doctor or traditional practitioner. These providers either attempted to treat the issue and failed, or directly advised her to consult a gynaecologist. The final point of care was gynaecologists, preferably female private practitioners with their own clinics. They diagnosed most abortion-related cases as incomplete abortions, emptying the uterus using the dilation and curettage method. Comparatively low cost and convenience made users inclined towards repeat use of MA.ConclusionThere are information gaps at various stages in the MA pathway that need to be addressed. Large scale public information programmes are required on safe abortion care- when is it legal, where to obtain MA, dosage, side effects and signs of possible complications. Pharmacists could be trained or incentivized to improve their quality of care to facilitate adequate exchange of information on MA. Since, for most couples, the male partner purchases MA, information approaches or tools are needed that pharmacists can give men to share directly with the MA user.

Nonphysician Care Providers Can Help to Increase Detection of Cognitive Impairment and Encourage Diagnostic Evaluation for Dementia in Community and Residential Care Settings.

In the United States, at least half of older adults living with dementia do not have a diagnosis. Their cognitive impairment may not have been detected, and some older adults whose physician recommends that they obtain a diagnostic evaluation do not follow through on the recommendation. Initiatives to increase detection of cognitive impairment and diagnosis of dementia have focused primarily on physician practices and public information programs to raise awareness about the importance of detection and diagnosis. Nonphysician care providers who work with older adults in community and residential care settings, such as aging network agencies, public health agencies, senior housing, assisted living, and nursing homes, interact frequently with older adults who have cognitive impairment but have not had a diagnostic evaluation. These care providers may be aware of signs of cognitive impairment and older adults' concerns about their cognition that have not been expressed to their physician. Within their scope of practice and training, nonphysician care providers can help to increase detection of cognitive impairment and encourage older adults with cognitive impairment to obtain a diagnostic evaluation to determine the cause of the condition. This article provides seven practice recommendations intended to increase involvement of nonphysician care providers in detecting cognitive impairment and encouraging older adults to obtain a diagnostic evaluation. The Kickstart-Assess-Evaluate-Refer (KAER) framework for physician practice in detection and diagnosis of dementia is used to identify ways to coordinate physician and nonphysician efforts and thereby increase the proportion of older adults living with dementia who have a diagnosis.

Iodine deficiency a persisting problem: assessment of iodine nutrition and evaluation of thyroid nodular pathology in Portugal

The goal of eliminating iodine deficiency (ID) by the year 2000 has still not been achieved in several countries. More than 2 billion people worldwide (over 260 million school age children) remain ID. In Europe, there are still countries, such as Portugal, without national general population data on iodine nutrition (IN). This study aims at evaluating combined complementary data of the IN of the general population through urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and the thyroid histology profile from the inland region of Beira Interior (BI), in Portugal. UIC from a population sample of 214 volunteers (131 females and 83 males), with ages ranging from 8 to 97years (mean 51.5years±SD 20.74years), from BI was determined; the thyroid histology pattern in BI (6-year period) was evaluated; and the iodine content of the largest surface water reservoir of BI, never previously reported, was measured. Median UIC of 62.6μg/L was measured. Over 92% of the population had UIC less than 100μg/L. From 279 histology reports evaluated, the incidence of the different types of thyroid nodular pathology in BI was established. There were 60 histologic diagnoses of malignancy. The observed ratio of papillary to follicular carcinoma relatively close to 1 and the fairly high percentage of anaplastic carcinomas are characteristic of ID areas. The findings of this first general population study on IN from the inland region of BI, Portugal, document significant ID. This problem, with its serious public health implications, could be corrected by having affordable iodised salt widely and generally available and by promoting a proactive population attitude generated by ample public information and educational programs as to the negative consequences of ID.

Web-based GIS for spatial pattern detection: application to malaria incidence in Vietnam

IntroductionThere is a great concern on how to build up an interoperable health information system of public health and health information technology within the development of public information and health surveillance programme. Technically, some major issues remain regarding to health data visualization, spatial processing of health data, health information dissemination, data sharing and the access of local communities to health information. In combination with GIS, we propose a technical framework for web-based health data visualization and spatial analysis.MethodsData was collected from open map-servers and geocoded by open data kit package and data geocoding tools. The Web-based system is designed based on Open-source frameworks and libraries. The system provides Web-based analyst tool for pattern detection through three spatial tests: Nearest neighbour, K function, and Spatial Autocorrelation. ResultsThe result is a web-based GIS, through which end users can detect disease patterns via selecting area, spatial test parameters and contribute to managers and decision makers. The end users can be health practitioners, educators, local communities, health sector authorities and decision makers. This web-based system allows for the improvement of health related services to public sector users as well as citizens in a secure manner.ConclusionsThe combination of spatial statistics and web-based GIS can be a solution that helps empower health practitioners in direct and specific intersectional actions, thus provide for better analysis, control and decision-making.

Predominance of alcohol and illicit drugs among traffic accidents fatalities in an urban area of Brazil

ABSTRACTObjective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of alcohol and illicit drug use among victims of fatal traffic accidents in the Metropolitan Region of Vitória, Brazil, during the period 2011–2012.Methods: Blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of drugs from 391 deceased victims of traffic crashes that occurred in the Metropolitan Region of Vitória, Brazil. The victims included drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Sociodemographic variables such as age, gender, day of the week, and period of the year in which the accidents occurred were recorded. The analyses were performed by a gas chromatography–flame ionization method for alcohol and by a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for amphetamines, cocaine, and cannabis.Results: The results showed that 44.8% (n = 175) of all cases were positive for alcohol and/or illicit drugs. The detection of alcohol and/or drugs was more frequent in young males, aged 17 to 34, whose samples were positive in 46.8% of cases. Small differences among drivers, passengers, and pedestrians were observed (drivers = 45.9%, passengers = 46.4%, and pedestrians = 45.6%). In general, the most prevalent drug was alcohol, with 141 positive cases (36.1%), followed by cocaine, with 47 positive cases (12%). Amphetamines and cannabis had positivity rates of 4.1 and 4.3%, with 16 and 17 positive cases, respectively. The combined use of alcohol and other drugs was found in 36 cases (9.2%). Crack cocaine use was observed in 27.7% of the positive cases for cocaine.Conclusions: For the effective reduction of traffic accidents related to driving under influence of drugs (DUID), we suggest the intensification of enforcement actions against the use of alcohol by drivers, the definition of which illicit drugs should be surveyed, as well the cutoff values, the promotion of changing legislation to oblige drivers to provide samples for toxicological testing, and the establishment of public information programs and specific actions aimed at young drivers to promote behavioral changes.

INFORMATION AND THE DEMAND FOR CLEAN AIR

I. INTRODUCTION The idea that household location decisions are influenced by neighborhood characteristics is well established empirically. A number of studies have identified local air quality as a specific neighborhood-level determinant (Bayer. Keohane, and Timmins 2009;. Finney, Goetzke. and Yoon 2011; Kahn 2000; Zabel and Kiel 2000). The findings on air quality suggest that households are able to access and react to information on the environmental good in making location decisions. The average effects air quality has on location, however, may mask substantial variation in response to the amenity across households, many of which may not recognize the good at all. This paper examines the relationship between the household's sensitivity to local environmental quality and its exposure to information on the environment. Households may acquire information on the environment from multiple sources, including personal experience (e.g.. visual observation of smog), informal communication with neighbors, and government pronouncements. A large part of the primary data on air quality in the United States comes from air monitoring stations operated by state governments and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This study estimates the location determinants of a sample of households relocating within California, a state with long-established public information programs on environmental quality. In California, air quality .alerts have served as an important medium conveying information on environmental quality to state residents. The alerts. which normally include information on the possible health effects of poor air quality, occur primarily in urban areas, whose air pollution levels are normally higher than in nonurban areas. Exposure to the alerts could increase household sensitivity to the environment in making location decisions. This study finds evidence of this effect for the sample of California households. II. AIR QUALITY AND PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAMS The primary tool local governments use to relay information on the environment is the Air Quality Index (AQI), a measure developed by the EPA. The index ranges from 0 to 500, where under 100 is considered good-to-moderate air quality; 100 to 150 is determined by the EPA unhealthy at least for sensitive groups; and a score over 150 is considered generally unhealthy and comes with an EPA recommendation that those with respiratory .ailments avoid prolonged outdoor exposure and everyone else limit exposure. The EPA previously used the Pollution Standard Index (PSI), replacing it with the AQI in 2000. The two indices are closely related., the AQI modifies the standard used in the PSI for particulate matter and ozone, two of the five pollutants that make up the indices. Ground-level ozone, formed from a chemical reaction of pollutants in the lower atmosphere, is a significant environmental problem specifically in urban areas (1) Exposure to high ozone levels affects lung function; its immediate effects are more serious for those with respiratory diseases, such as asthma. California is one of the few states whose air quality standards are more stringent than federal standards under the Clean Air Act. The state grades the air of every county, determining yearly each county's compliance with state standards for various pollutants. The state's current ozone thresholds are an 8-h average of 0.070 parts per million (ppm), and a 1-h mean of 0.090 ppm; the EPA's current ozone standard is an 8-h average of 0.075 ppm. Yearly, the majority of counties fail state standards; the attainment counties in the state are mainly in nonurban areas. (2) Polluting facilities in non-attainment areas are subject to increased state regulation. The state assigns 35 local governments the task of controlling local air pollution. (3) The districts are the primary source of official state information on local environmental quality, including the dissemination of air quality alerts. …

Salinity of Drinking Water and its Association with Renal Failure in Gaza Strip, Palestine

Gaza aquifer is the only natural water source for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes in Gaza Strip with a population of about 1.7 million. Current rates of the aquifer abstraction are unsustainable and deterioration of groundwater quality is documented in many parts of the Gaza Strip. The overall aim of this study was to determine salinity of drinking water and its association with renal failure in the southern part in Gaza Strip. Another aim was to explore the relationship between renal failure and socio-economic demographic variables. Descriptive, analytic design was used with survey samples from renal failure patients. A face to face questionnaire for renal failure patients was developed. The sample size for patients was 194subjects, with response rate of 70%. This rate was proportional with respect to its size. Reliability was approved by Cronbach alpha test, and validity was approved by content and face validity method. Analysis of the four quantitative extracted domains that reflected subjectsperception for drinking water salinity level in their localities. All water chemical tests of thesouthern municipal domestic wells have been reviewed since 1987. The tests were fluoride, chloride, nitrate, TDS, and sodium levels in all groundwater wells, which reveal a general trend of increasing from north to south in the southern part. The results show that only 8% of the municipal wells meet the WHO drinking standards in chloride level. Chloride, nitrate, TDS, fluoride and sodium concentration exceed 2-9 times the WHO standards in 92% of the southern wells. The study findings show that there was no association between renal failure prevalence and chloride level, sodium level, TDS level and nitrate level and showed only association with fluoride level, with which there was strong and positive association. There is an urgent need to modify the mixing process according to fluoride level, and initiate public information and awareness programs.

Advertising in the Age of Persuasion: Building Brand America, 1941-1961

In Advertising in the Age of Persuasion, Dawn Spring opens new territory for examining the manipulation of domestic and foreign public opinion during the Cold War. Spring exhaustively employs primary sources in her presentation of the roots of American “public diplomacy” and goes beyond the cooperative connections initially built into the nation's domestic and foreign propaganda during World War II. Spring establishes links between the members of the Advertising Council and other supporting organizations and reveals the extent of integration in the nation's public information programs. The book documents the connections between disparate programs and organizations, including private enterprises, religious organizations, and the government in pursuit of their individual and group goals. Spring solidly presents the underlying goals of and hidden relationships between the traditional government information services and private groups. She uses her organizing theme of the “branding” pursued by these organizations to show how their collective messages reinforced broad public attitudes of patriotism and support for international activism. More specifically, Spring expands the area of inquiry to include both the Brand Names Foundation and the crusading religious movements so epitomized by the Reverend Billy Graham, making clear the connections between those movements and the Central Intelligence Agency and other overseas information programs. She also highlights the efforts to conceal this domestic activity due to the limitations created by the 1948 Smith-Mundt Act, which outlawed domestic propaganda programs by the government. By presenting the messages of these groups in their efforts to “brand” the American free enterprise capitalism system as an expression of God's will, Spring helps readers visualize the goals and techniques of this common promotional activity.

Examining Statewide Public Perceptions of Roundabouts through a Web-Based Survey

Although roundabouts have been shown to provide significant safety and operational benefits, transportation agencies frequently encounter public opposition to their use. Consequently, a better understanding of public perceptions of roundabouts is critical to allow transportation agencies to address this issue. This study involved the implementation of a statewide Web-based survey of road user perceptions as they relate to roundabouts, which resulted in a total of 11,972 responses from road users throughout Michigan. The results of this survey show that public perceptions were mixed: 38.9% strongly opposed the use of roundabouts and 30.6% strongly supported their use. Respondents who had more experience with roundabouts tended to be more supportive. Younger respondents showed the most support, and support tended to decrease consistently with age. Female drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and commercial motor vehicle drivers were all less likely to be supportive of roundabouts, whereas bicyclists were more supportive. Respondents were also asked to assess the relative safety and operational efficiency of roundabouts compared with traditional intersection configurations. Overall, 52.7% of respondents found roundabouts to be more operationally efficient, and an equal percentage found them to be less safe. The results show that the strongest indicators of roundabout support are linked to experience, making it imperative for road agencies to orient road users effectively to facilitate public acceptance of roundabouts. The results of this study provide valuable information that can be used to target public information and education programs intelligently toward appropriate audiences.

‘Stressed and sexy’: lexical borrowing in Cape Town Xhosa

Codeswitching by African language speakers in South Africa (whether speaking English or the first language) has been extensively commented on and researched. Many studies analyse the historical, political and sociolinguistic factors behind this growing phenomenon, but there appears to be a little urgency about establishing a database of new lexicons to inform first-language interventions in education and public information programmes. In this article I use research conducted in three townships in Cape Town to focus on one aspect of codeswitching, namely lexical borrowing, in one of South Africa's languages, Xhosa. The central argument tested in this article is that lexical borrowing in Xhosa is driven by a need to simplify expression by using syllabically shorter English words. I test this hypothesis by (a) establishing the average syllabic difference between Xhosa and English; (b) seeking lexical responses to a set of pictures; (c) analysing lexical borrowing in the main Xhosa radio station. In addition, the article uses the data collected to elucidate the link between the Xhosa speakers’ lexicon and the concepts it needs to describe, and then suggests further possible reasons for the choice of English over Xhosa.