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Revenue Implications of Trade Liberalization
by Reint Gropp Liam P. Ebrill Janet Gale StotskyA report from the International Monetary Fund.
Revenue Sources of Local Governments: Persisting Challenges and Emerging Opportunities
by J. Edwin BentonWith limited fiscal capabilities, effective and efficient budgeting is a necessity for local governments in the United States. Acknowledging the critical (but often overlooked) part that raising enough revenue to fund desirable and mandatory programs plays in the budgetary process, this book offers an exclusive and comprehensive examination of the revenue side of the budget. It provides much-needed and wide-ranging context for examining and understanding local government revenues and local government revenue policy.Author J. Edwin Benton presents a comprehensive overview of the revenue structure for local governments, in general, and for counties, municipalities, townships, special districts, and school districts, in particular. The bulk of this book meticulously examines the historical patterns and trends in revenue usage by local governments and provides explanations for variations among different units of government, states, and regions of the country. This book enhances our understanding of the most relevant research and aids in refining theories that seek to explain why local governments (or different types of local governments) rely more on certain kinds of revenues. It also offers immediately applicable real-world case studies on revenue-raising capabilities, practicalities, and experiences of local governments around the country. It will be of enormous interest to public budgeting practitioners, students, and scholars.
Reverse Migration in Contemporary China: Returnees, Entrepreneurship and the Chinese Economy (Politics and Development of Contemporary China)
by Huiyao Wang Yue BaoThe authors investigate the phenomenon of highly skilled Chinese returnees and their impact on the development of the Chinese economy and society, and on the transformation of China into a key player on the global stage. They analyse the reasons why Chinese entrepreneurs choose to return to their native country and how their overseas experience shapes their attitude and behaviours. This study is solidly grounded on fresh data from online and offline surveys and on evidence collected in over 200 interviews of successful returnees entrepreneurs. These global Chinese returnees have contributed to the rise of Chinese economy into a global powerhouse and this continuing brain movement and circulation will have much more future implications and impact for China's exchange with outside world.
Reversibility – Politics under Conditions of Uncertainty
by Harmut BehrWestern modernity is characterized by instrumental relations between humans and nature, as well as between humans themselves, that have caused irreversible environmental and social exploitation and degradation. Many policy documents, such as those by the United Nations Environment Programme, warn of the uncertainty and unpredictability of our precarious conditions due to our social and ecological interrelations and interdependencies.Accepting that our position in the world does not allow us secure knowledge of the consequences of politics, Reversibility – Politics under Conditions of Uncertainty asks how we can act politically in a responsible way when we cannot predict the outcomes of our decisions. Hartmut Behr diagnoses Western modernity and its manifold crises as dominated by the view that fellow humans and natural environments are merely means to our individual ends. Behr introduces a novel ethics of self-restraint and the principle of reversibility – a commitment to political actions whose effects shall not be indefinite or immutable – to build a policy framework that demands both ethical and practical reflection on the conditions of action and that accounts for the limitations under which we act and live.Identifying an urgent need for re-thinking political progress and for policy reform, Reversibility – Politics under Conditions of Uncertainty presents a new understanding of the self and of political responsibility centred in a genuine acknowledgment of the human condition.
Reversible Destiny: Mafia, Antimafia, and the Struggle for Palermo
by Jane Schneider Peter T. SchneiderReversible Destiny traces the history of the Sicilian mafia to its nineteenth-century roots and examines its late twentieth-century involvement in urban real estate and construction as well as drugs. Based on research in the regional capital of Palermo, this book suggests lessons regarding secretive organized crime: its capacity to reproduce a subculture of violence through time, its acquisition of a dense connective web of political and financial protectors during the Cold War era, and the sad reality that repressing it easily risks harming vulnerable people and communities. Charting the efforts of both the judiciary and a citizen's social movement to reverse the mafia's economic, political, and cultural power, the authors establish a framework for understanding both the difficulties and the accomplishments of Sicily's multifaceted antimafia efforts.
Reversible Error: Reversible Error, Material Witness, And Justice Denied (Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi #4)
by Robert K. TanenbaumBook Four of the bestselling Butch Karp legal thriller series: Karp, Marlene, and a few honest cops must stand up to a hive of corrupt politiciansAssistant District Attorney Butch Karp is finally recognized for his heroic service to New York City when a group of politicians back him for the top job as Manhattan&’s district attorney. But a series of cases involving vigilante murders begins to reveal the true motives of those civil servants standing by his side. It&’s Karp versus the dirty city in one of Tanenbaum&’s most revealing and caustic legal thrillers— a stunning indictment of civil corruption and overreach. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Robert K. Tanenbaum including rare photos from the author&’s personal collection.
Reversing America's Decline: Jefferson’s Remedy
by Neal Q. HerrickThe Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Federalist Papers are the driving forces of American government. Thomas Jefferson held that the Federalist Papers contain the "genuine meaning" of the Constitution. Author Neal Herrick focuses on the "manifest tenor," the general principles, structural principles and operational principles as they are stated and implied in the Declaration and shows how Jefferson's interpretation could be applied to today's government to reverse national decline. Midwest Book Review: Neal Herrick's new book, Reversing America's Decline, celebrates our Constitution and reminds us that our founding fathers handed it down as a 'work-in-progress' -- for us to alter in times of crisis. The crux of Herrick's book is that it is 'love's labor lost' to fight a lot of separate battles in a money-controlled government. Instead, he suggests putting our energy into reforming government so that it responds to people rather than to money. In a lucid analysis, he shows the limitations of capitalism, detailing how corporations build out of self-interest and maximize profits taking as few precautions as lax government standards will allow. Herrick calls for a more realistic approach than expecting corporations to erode their profits by doing more for society. He considers landmark cases that facilitated, for example, the transfer of money from the corporate world to Congress, and argues that it is time to revise the Constitution of the United States with a 2nd constitutional convention and a bi-partisan strategy. At the very moment when constitutional amendments are under heavy fire, Herrick's book is more than timely: it's portentous. This is a 'must-read' for patriotic Americans of either political party.
Reversing the Odds: Improving Outcomes for Babies in the Child Welfare System
by Sheryl Dicker J. DBabies and young children in the child welfare system have a high prevalence for physical, cognitive, and social-emotional delays—and often don't have access to the services and supports that could make all the difference. This is the book that will help professionals go beyond abuse prevention and ensure comprehensive healthy development of these vulnerable children from birth to age 3. Demystifying the world of child welfare, this book shows early childhood practitioners how to successfully navigate this complex system and collaborate with a wide range of other professionals to meet young children's needs.
Reversing the Rivers: A Memoir of History, Hope, and Human Rights (Pennsylvania Studies in Human Rights)
by William F. SchulzFrom 1994 to 2006, William F. Schulz headed Amnesty International USA. During this time, he and the organization confronted some of the greatest challenges to human rights, including genocides in Rwanda, Bosnia, and Sudan; controversies over the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the use of torture by the United States after 9/11; as well as growing concern about inequities in the American justice system, from police misconduct to the death penalty. Drawing upon his encounters with tyrants, the inspiration of brave human rights heroes, and collaborations with celebrities ranging from Patrick Stewart to Salma Hayek, Schulz uses poignant narrative and amusing anecdotes to discuss the day-to-day realities of struggling with life-and-death human rights crises. In the process he ducks an assassination threat in Liberia; brings tears to the eyes of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland; and bests America’s self-described “toughest sheriff” on Bill Maher’s Politically Incorrect.Full of reflection as well as action, Reversing the Rivers provides Schulz with the opportunity to address profound philosophical questions, such as “What is the nature of evil?”; “How do we foster the ‘better angels of our nature’?” “When may we use force to stop people from using force?” “Is the prohibition on torture as simple as it seems?” and “What’s wrong with an eye for an eye?” Most important, in an eloquent concluding chapter, he answers the quandary most frequently posed to him during his years at Amnesty, “Given all the horrors in the world you see day after day, how do you retain any hope at all in humanity?”
Review And Assessment Of Developmental Issues Concerning The Metal Parts Treater Design For The Blue Grass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesThe United States is in the process of destroying its chemical weapons stockpile. In 1996, Congress mandated that DOD demonstrate and select alternative methods to incineration at the Blue Grass and Pueblo sites. The Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (ACWA) program was setup to oversee the development of these methods, and pilot plants were established at both sites. One of the new technologies being developed at the Blue Grass pilot plant are metal parts treaters (MPTs) to be used for the empty metal munitions cases. During recent testing, some issues arose with the MPTs that caused the ACWA to request a review by the NRC to investigate and determine their causes. This book presents a discussion of the MPT system; an assessment of the MPT testing activities; an analysis of thermal testing, modeling, and predicted throughput of the MPT; and an examination of the applicability of munitions treatment units under development at Pueblo for the Blue Grass pilot plant.
Review and Evaluation of Alternative Chemical Disposal Technologies
by National Research CouncilIn 1994 the National Research Council published Recommendations for the Disposal of Chemical Agents and Munitions, which assessed the status of various alternative destruction technologies in comparison to the Army's baseline incineration system. The volume's main finding was that no alternative technology was preferable to incineration but that work should continue on the neutralization technologies under Army consideration.In light of the fact that alternative technologies have evolved since the 1994 study, this new volume evaluates five Army-chosen alternatives to the baseline incineration system for the disposal of the bulk nerve and mustard agent stored in ton containers at Army sites located in Newport, Indiana, and Aberdeen, Maryland, respectively. The committee assessed each technology by conducting site visits to the locations of the technology proponent companies and by meeting with state regulators and citizens of the affected areas. This volume makes recommendations to the Army on which, if any, of the five technologies has reached a level of maturity appropriate for consideration for pilot-scale testing at the two affected sites.
Review Criteria for Successful Treatment of Hydrolysate at the Pueblo Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant
by Committee on Review Criteria for Successful Treatment of Hydrolysate at the Pueblo Colorado Blue Grass Kentucky Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot PlantsOne of the last two sites with chemical munitions and chemical materiel is the Pueblo Chemical Depot in Pueblo, Colorado. The stockpile at this location consists of about 800,000 projectiles and mortars, all of which are filled with the chemical agent mustard. Under the direction of the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternative Program (ACWA), the Army has constructed the Pueblo Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP) to destroy these munitions. The primary technology to be used to destroy the mustard agent at PCAPP is hydrolysis, resulting in a secondary waste stream referred to as hydrolysate. PCAPP features a process that will be used to treat the hydrolysate and the thiodiglycol - a breakdown product of mustard - contained within. The process is a biotreatment technology that uses what are known as immobilized cell bioreactors. After biodegradation, the effluent flows to a brine reduction system, producing a solidified filter cake that is intended to be sent offsite to a permitted hazardous waste disposal facility. Water recovered from the brine reduction system is intended to be recycled back through the plant, thereby reducing the amount of water that is withdrawn from groundwater. Although biotreatment of toxic chemicals, brine reduction, and water recovery are established technologies, never before have these technologies been combined to treat mustard hydrolysate. At the request of the U. S. Army, "Review Criteria for Successful Treatment of Hydrolysate at the Pueblo Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant" reviews the criteria for successfully treating the hydrolysate. This report provides information on the composition of the hydrolysate and describes the PCAPP processes for treating it; discusses stakeholder concerns; reviews regulatory considerations at the federal, state, and local levels; discusses Department of Transportation regulations and identifies risks associated with the offsite shipment of hydrolysate; establishes criteria for successfully treating the hydrolysate and identifies systemization data that should factor into the criteria and decision process for offsite transport and disposal of the hydrolysate; and discusses failure risks and contingency options as well as the downstream impacts of a decision to ship hydrolysate offsite.
Review of Adult Learning and Literacy, Volume 4: Connecting Research, Policy, and Practice: A Project of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy
by John Comings Barbara Garner Cristine SmithThe Review of Adult Learning and Literacy: Connecting Research Policy, and Practice, Volume 4 is the newest addition to a series of annual publications of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) that address major issues, the latest research, and the best practices in the field of adult literacy and learning. Volume 4 opens with an overview of significant recent developments in the field. Subsequent chapters cover a wide range of topics critical to the success of adult education and literacy services in the United States: *issues of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation; *the role of workplace education in building adults' basic skills; *the role of new learning technologies in adult education and literacy; *adult developmental theories and their implications for the teaching of adult basic education and English for speakers of other languages; and *traditional and contemporary adult learning theories, including an annotated bibliography of key resources. Intended for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners dedicated to improving the quality of adult basic education, adult English for speakers of other languages, and adult secondary education programs, Review of Adult Learning and Literacy, Volume 4 is an essential resource for the field.
Review of Adult Learning and Literacy, Volume 5: Connecting Research, Policy, and Practice: A Project of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy
by John Comings Barbara Garner Cristine SmithThe Review of Adult Learning and Literacy: Connecting Research, Policy, and Practice, Volume 5 is the newest volume in a series of annual publications of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) that address major issues, the latest research, and the best practices in the field of adult literacy and learning.Each Review opens with an overview of significant recent developments in the field of adult literacy during the year, followed by a set of chapters presenting in-depth reviews of research and best practices on topics of high interest to the field. Volume 5 includes chapters on:*the increasing emphasis on scientifically based research and evidence-based practice in education, their use in adult literacy, and the perception of their usefulness by those who work in the field;*recent research on the impact of acquiring a General Educational Development (GED) credential;*the adult literacy system in the state of Massachusetts, focusing on the factors that led to investing and restructuring in the system, and the lessons learned that may be helpful to other states interested in building strong systems of educational service delivery for adult learners;*a history and review of volunteerism in adult literacy;*the history and structure of the adult literacy system in New Zealand, including policy recommendations for the current system to more effectively serve all adult learners; and*a review of theories and key resources related to metacognitive skills in reading.The Review of Adult Learning and Literacy serves as the journal of record for the field and is an essential resource for all stakeholders who need to know what research can reveal about how best to serve adult learners.
A Review of Capital Budgeting Practices
by Davina F. JacobsA report from the International Monetary Fund.
Review Of Chemical Agent Secondary Waste Disposal And Regulatory Requirements
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesUnder the direction of the U.S. Army's Chemical Materials Agency (CMA) and mandated by Congress, the nation is destroying its chemical weapons stockpile. Large quantities of secondary waste are being generated in the process, and managing these wastes safely and effectively is a critical part of CMA's weapons disposal program. To assist, the CMA asked the NRC to examine the environmental and regulatory requirements that secondary waste treatment is subject to, and to assess best practices by industry in meeting such requirements for similar facilities. This book presents an overview of secondary wastes from chemical agent disposal facilities (CDF), a comparison of CDF and industry experience, site-specific analysis of major secondary waste issues, an examination of closure wastes, and findings and recommendations.
Review Of Directed Energy Technology For Countering Rockets, Artillery, And Mortars (ram): Abbreviated Version
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesThe United States Army is looking for ways to defend against missile and mortar attacks. In this book, the National Research Council assesses a plan to create a 100 kW mobile, solid-state, laser weapon that could defend an area several kilometers in diameter. The NRC provides several recommendations: A 100 kW Laser is of limited value, so the program's goal should be a 400 kW weapon. The Army should proceed with the program in stages, focusing first on a rugged transportable platform for the weapon using existing 25 kW laser technology, then directing resources toward 100kW and 400 kW weapons. The Army should perform a detailed, quantitative study of the effectiveness of a high energy, solid-state laser weapon against future threats. The Army should continue to participate in U.S.-based and international research on high-energy lasers and related equipment. The committee found substantial benefits for the Army's solid-state laser program from other programs outside the Army. The Army should conduct risk-assessments that investigate the effects that a high energy laser may have on other airborne platforms in the vicinity of the target. The Army should study eye safety for both the operators of the laser and for civilians. The results of these studies should be integrated into the development of the weapon.
Review of EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Process
by Committee to Review the IRIS ProcessThe Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) is a program within the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that is responsible for developing toxicologic assessments of environmental contaminants. An IRIS assessment contains hazard identifications and dose-response assessments of various chemicals related to cancer and noncancer outcomes. Although the program was created to increase consistency among toxicologic assessments within the agency, federal, state, and international agencies and other organizations have come to rely on IRIS assessments for setting regulatory standards, establishing exposure guidelines, and estimating risks to exposed populations. Over the last decade, the National Research Council (NRC) has been asked to review some of the more complex and challenging IRIS assessments, including those of formaldehyde, dioxin, and tetrachloroethylene. In 2011, an NRC committee released its review of the IRIS formaldehyde assessment. Like other NRC committees that had reviewed IRIS assessments, the formaldehyde committee identified deficiencies in the specific assessment and more broadly in some of EPA's general approaches and specific methods. Although the committee focused on evaluating the IRIS formaldehyde assessment, it provided suggestions for improving the IRIS process and a roadmap for its revision in case EPA decided to move forward with changes to the process. Congress directed EPA to implement the report's recommendations and then asked the National Research Council to review the changes that EPA was making (or proposing to make) in response to the recommendations. "Review of EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Process" provides an overview of some general issues associated with IRIS assessments. This report then addresses evidence identification and evaluation for IRIS assessments and discusses evidence integration for hazard evaluation and methods for calculating reference values and unit risks. The report makes recommendations and considerations for future directions. Overall, "Review of EPA's Integrated Risk Information System Process" finds that substantial improvements in the IRIS process have been made, and it is clear that EPA has embraced and is acting on the recommendations in the NRC formaldehyde report. The recommendations of this report should be seen as building on the progress that EPA has already made.
Review of EPA Homeland Security Efforts: Safe Buildings Program Research Implementation Plan
by Committee on Safe Buildings ProgramThe report examines the Environmental Protection Agency’s three-year plan for a comprehensive response to a chemical or biological attack on a civilian or public sector facility. The report states that EPA has correctly identified the essential major research areas (detection, containment, decontamination, and disposal) but calls for an initial focus on decontamination and disposal efforts and a longer term research program.
Review Of The Scientific Approaches Used During The Fbi's Investigation Of The 2001 Anthrax Letters
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesAt the time of the 2001 anthrax letters, the field of bacterial genomics was rapidly evolving. This volume reviews the use of microbial forensics during the investigation. In particular it focuses on the use of biological, chemical and physical sciences to investigate materials from the letters, environmental samples, and anthrax spores stored in US Army laboratories and FBI repositories. Appendixes provide further information on radiocarbon dating, stable isotopes analysis, and the original statistical analysis report. Color photographs, along with tables and boxes, support the text. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc. , Portland, OR (booknews. com)
Review Of Secondary Waste Disposal Planning For The Blue Grass And Pueblo Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plants
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesThe U.S. Army Program Manager for Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PMACWA) is charged with disposing of chemical weapons as stored at two sites: Pueblo, Colorado, and Blue Grass, Kentucky. In accordance with congressional mandates, technologies other than incineration are to be used if they are as safe and as cost effective. The weapons are to be disposed of in compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. Although an element of the U.S. Army, the PMACWA is responsible to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisitions, Technology, and Logistics for completing this mission. This book deals with the expected significant quantities of secondary wastes that will be generated during operations of the facilities and their closure. While there are only estimates for the waste quantities that will be generated, they provide a good basis for planning and developing alternatives for waste disposal while the plants are still in the design phase. Establishing efficient disposal options for the secondary wastes can enable more timely and cost-effective operation and closure of the facilities.
Review of Systemization of the Tooele Chemical Agent Disposal Facility
by Committee on Review Evaluation of the Army Chemical Stockpile Disposal ProgramIn 1993, at Tooele Army Depot, Utah, the Army completed construction of the Tooele Chemical Agent Disposal Facility (TOCDF), the first complete facility for destruction of lethal unitary chemical agents and munitions to be built in the continental United States. The TOCDF will employ the Army's baseline incineration system to destroy the depot's increment of the nation's aging unitary chemical stockpile. This book assesses Army changes and improvements to the TOCDF in response to recommendations contained in earlier reports of the committee. It assesses aspects of the facility's readiness for safe agent handling and destruction operations, its agent monitoring system, and its site specific risk assessment.
Review Of Testing And Evaluation Methodology For Biological Point Detectors: Abbreviated Summary
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesThis report examines the proposed testing methodology and facility that the Department of Defense (DOD) will use to test and evaluate the effectiveness of its detection system against biological warfare agents—an issue that impacts battlefield missions as well as homeland security missions. The report assesses a proposal to construct a whole system live agent testing facility at West Center Test Center, Dugway Proving Ground in Utah for testing the Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS). Because of scientific and schedule-related risks, the report recommends an alternate approach that focuses test and evaluation efforts on leveraging existing data, improving simulated biological agents for use in testing, testing in conditions that more closely resemble the actual field conditions where the JBPDS would be deployed, and modeling for predicted performance against actual biological agents. The report concludes that an integrated testing and evaluation plan encompassing all of these factors will be needed.
A Review of the Department of Energy Classification Policy and Practice
by Committee on Declassification of Information for the Department of Energy Environmental Remediation Related ProgramsWith the end of the Cold War, the Department of Energy is engaged in a review of its policies regarding the classification of information. In 1994, the Secretary of Energy requested the assistance of the National Research Council in an effort to "lift the veil of Cold War secrecy." This book recommends fundamental principles to guide declassification policy. It also offers specific suggestions of ways to improve public access while protecting truly sensitive information.
Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis
by National Research Council of the National AcademiesThe events of September 11, 2001 changed perceptions, rearranged national priorities, and produced significant new government entities, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created in 2003. While the principal mission of DHS is to lead efforts to secure the nation against those forces that wish to do harm, the department also has responsibilities in regard to preparation for and response to other hazards and disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and other "natural" disasters. Whether in the context of preparedness, response or recovery from terrorism, illegal entry to the country, or natural disasters, DHS is committed to processes and methods that feature risk assessment as a critical component for making better-informed decisions. Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis explores how DHS is building its capabilities in risk analysis to inform decision making. The department uses risk analysis to inform decisions ranging from high-level policy choices to fine-scale protocols that guide the minute-by-minute actions of DHS employees. Although DHS is responsible for mitigating a range of threats, natural disasters, and pandemics, its risk analysis efforts are weighted heavily toward terrorism. In addition to assessing the capability of DHS risk analysis methods to support decision-making, the book evaluates the quality of the current approach to estimating risk and discusses how to improve current risk analysis procedures. Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis recommends that DHS continue to build its integrated risk management framework. It also suggests that the department improve the way models are developed and used and follow time-tested scientific practices, among other recommendations.