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For almost six decades, the United States has played a leading role in global efforts to alleviate hunger and malnutrition and to enhance world food security through international food aid assistance -- primarily through either the donation or sale on concessional terms of U.S. agricultural commodities. Objectives of U.S. foreign food aid include providing emergency and humanitarian assistance in response to natural or manmade disasters and promoting agricultural development and food security. This book includes a description of U.S. international food aid programs under current law; several important policy issues related to U.S. international food aid; and describes Administration and congressional proposals intended to change the nature of U.S. food international aid. This book also reviews the U.S. Agency for International Development''s (USAID) processes for awarding and modifying cash-based food assistance projects and assesses the extent to which USAID and its implementing partners have implemented financial controls to help ensure appropriate oversight of such projects.

Innovation in the United States has been one of the driving forces in our development as one of the leading economies in the world. Small companies comprise the overwhelming majority of all businesses in the United States and they must be able to effectively and efficiently bring their innovative products and services to market and grow. In this book, the U.S. Small Business Administration''s Office of Advocacy focuses on additive manufacturing (also referred to as 3D printing) to determine if barriers, best practices, and big ideas found in that industry are instructive for technology industries generally. Moreover, small firms play an increasingly important role in U.S. manufacturing, and now account for almost half of America''s manufacturing employment. Dense networks of these small manufacturers are vital to the process of taking a product from concept to market, and the exchange of manufacturing know-how across suppliers is essential for the diffusion of the new products and innovative processes that give U.S. manufacturing its cutting edge. However, these small firms face barriers to innovation, a key element in strengthening U.S. competitiveness. The book describes these barriers, and offers suggestions about ways to increase innovation by small manufacturers and improve the flow of innovation and information within supply chains. Furthermore, the accelerator phenomenon has been cited nationally and internationally as a key contributor to the rate of business startup success. Accelerators select and invite a small group of entrepreneurs to startup boot camps, providing mentoring, resources, and, most important, industry connections during these programs. This book aims to help entrepreneurs and policymakers by categorising a variety of startup assistance programs to determine what factors distinguish accelerators from other programs, as well as create a starting point for developing meaningful metrics to determine the relevance of accelerators for policymakers.

To measure the performance of its global distribution pipeline, the Department of Defense (DOD) has established three metrics: (1) logistics response time -- number of days between the time a customer submits an order and receives it, (2) customer wait time -- number of days between the time a maintenance unit, a subset of customers, submits an order and receives it, and (3) time-definite delivery -- a measure of the probability that a customer will receive an order within an established logistics response time. However, these metrics do not provide decision makers with a complete representation of performance across the entire global distribution pipeline. This book assesses the extent to which DOD has established metrics for its distribution performance; is able to accurately measure its performance against distribution standards; and has taken actions to identify causes and develop solutions for any gaps in distribution. Furthermore, the book reviews the extent to which DOD has developed and implemented corrective action plans that address challenges in the three focus areas; an effective program for monitoring and validating the effectiveness and sustainability of supply chain management corrective actions; and an ability to demonstrate supply chain management progress.

Little public data are available to assess the extent to which sponsors of defined benefit plans are offering participants immediate lump sums to replace their lifetime annuities, but certain laws and regulations provide incentives for use of this practice. Although the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has primary responsibility for overseeing pension sponsors'' reporting requirements, it does not require sponsors to report such lump sum offers, making oversight difficult. Pension experts generally agree that there has been a recent increase in these types of offers. Since 2012, a number of large pension plan sponsors have given selected participants a limited-time option of receiving their retirement benefits in the form of a lump sum. Although sponsors'' decisions to make certain lump sum "window" offers may be permissible by law, questions have been raised about participants'' understanding of the financial tradeoffs associated with their choice. This book focuses on the prevalence of lump sum offers and sponsors'' incentives to use them; the implications for participants; and the extent to which selected lump sum materials provided to participants include key information.

Over 100 irrigation projects and systems can be found on Indian reservations primarily across the western United States. The scarcity of water in much of the western United States makes irrigation critical to agricultural activities. The Department of the Interior''s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) manages 16 irrigation projects on Indian reservations in the western United States. This book focuses on BIA''s estimated deferred maintenance cost for its irrigation projects; shortcomings that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified in BIA''s management of its irrigation projects; and issues GAO identified that needed to be addressed to determine the long-term direction of BIA''s irrigation program.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides funding to contractors for research and development of new technologies. To incentivise participation in federal research projects and promote the use of federally funded inventions, the 1980 Bayh-Dole Act and other laws and regulations allow contractors receiving federal research and development funds to retain ownership of inventions they create so long as they adhere to certain requirements, including disclosing inventions developed with agency funding. DOE''s ability to protect its interests in these inventions -- including their utilisation and domestic manufacture -- depends on its knowledge of their existence. This book examines DOE funding for contractor research for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 and how DOE ensures that contractors disclose agency funded inventions; the challenges DOE faces in ensuring invention disclosure and actions it is taking to address them; and the challenges DOE faces in protecting its interests in these inventions and the actions it is taking to address them. Furthermore, the authors of this book review the policies and procedures used to determine whether march-in authority should be exercised in the Bayh-Dole Act; how the march-in authority has been used; and what barriers and disincentives have been encountered in exercising the march-in authority.

This book was written by two experts in the field, and as its name implies, the book discusses sexuality, relationships and love in a lighthearted fashion. The book is composed of descriptions of our emotional, psychological and physical functioning which affect sexuality. Theoretical descriptions, questions that we are frequently asked along with the answers we provide, as well as tips about sexuality, sexual practices and intimate relationships are described in everyday language peppered by humorous stories and accounts from our clinical practices, relevant jokes, and pearls'' uttered by public figures. This comprehensive, easy to understand, yet humorously written book addresses healthy and dysfunctional relationships, fulfilling sex, and unsatisfying sexual escapades. It can be read for learning, enriching good relationships, learning new things about sex, its humor, and getting a behind-the-door look at what actually happens in a sexual therapist''s office. It''s a riveting look at what people like, dislike and request as far as sex and love are concerned. Some of the topics include such sections on: the beauty and pain of love; love, sex and what''s between them; sterile sex; men and women; many ways to enjoy sex - frontal, back door, orally and manually; GPS to the G Spot; sex in later years; and the pathway to love and laughter.

Education is the harbinger of change; technological learning in the Information Age is at the cusp of that change, bringing new technologies, enhanced interfaces, dialogue, mobile learning and networked resources that shape content, sharing and distribution of information. These aspects influence the people and society of the "climate century". The Information Age follows the production of data in previously unheard quantities. In the early days of widespread computer usage, we had a plethora of theories with only a paucity of data. Now, the data we produce is so large that it requires new analytics and new patterns of interpretative meaning. New methods of storage and analysis are needed in order to quantify big data.'' But we live in uncertain times, in which even the climatelike financial markets is more volatile than it was in the pre-industrial second millennium, making technological adaptation ever more critical. This technological adaptation needs to occur in conjunction with an attitude which fosters a caring curiosity'' for the biosphere which sustains us. Education is about gaining qualifications, but it is also about intrinsically dispelling uncertainty in the quest for knowledge and techniques to enhance the experience of life and living. Cloud 9: Learning in the Information Age explores some of the methods and learning techniques and technologies that help us to do this.

This series examines issues and economic matters particular to small businesses. The term Small Enterprise (or Small Organisation) is sometimes used for this same category of business or organisation. A small enterprise/organisation may also be a nonprofit organisation. This volume covers several topics including small business management and technical assistance training programs; federal broadband deployment programs and small business; women-owned small business programs; and cosponsored activities that can benefit small businesses but lack a consistent feedback mechanism. 

At approximately noon on Saturday 9 August 2014, Officer Darren Wilson of the Ferguson Police Department (FPD) shot and killed Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old. The Criminal Section of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, the United States Attorney''s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (collectively, "The Department") subsequently opened a criminal investigation into whether the shooting violated federal law. The Department has determined that the evidence does not support charging a violation of federal law. This book details the Department''s investigation, findings, and conclusions.

According to the Census Bureau, approximately 27 percent of the U.S. population lives in a rural area. The smallest water systems account for 77 percent of all systems, and many water systems are not in compliance with drinking water regulations. Seven federal agencies provide funding or technical assistance to rural communities in developing drinking water and wastewater systems and complying with federal regulations. The nation faces costly upgrades to aging and deteriorating drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Many rural communities face significant challenges in financing the costs of replacing or upgrading aging and obsolete drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. This book focuses on the federal agencies that provide funding or technical assistance to rural communities and fiscal year 2014 funding; and issues identified that affect rural communities'' ability to obtain funding for water and wastewater infrastructure. Furthermore, this book summarises the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and its major programs and regulatory requirements. 

A pension is a voluntary benefit offered by employers to assist employees in providing for their financial security in retirement. Public and private sector defined benefit pension plans are subject to different rules and guidance regarding discount rates -- interest rates used to determine the current value of estimated future benefit payments. This book addresses the significance of differences in approaches used to determine discount rates among public and private plans; purposes for measuring the value of a plan''s future benefits and key considerations for determining discount rate policy; and approaches selected countries have taken to choose discount rates.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a responsibility for ensuring the safety and proper labeling of more than 80 percent of the U.S. food supply, including an increased volume of imported food. The FDA''s foreign offices have engaged in a variety of activities since 2010 to help ensure that imported food is safe. This book examines these activities as well as the extent of the foreign offices'' contributions to the safety of imported food; and the extent to which FDA has engaged in workforce planning for its foreign offices.

Antipsychotic drugs are frequently prescribed to older adults with dementia. Dementia affects millions of older adults, causing behavioral symptoms such as mood changes, loss of communication, and agitation. Concerns have been raised about the use of antipsychotic drugs to address the behavioral symptoms of the disease, primarily due to the FDA''s boxed warning that these drugs may cause an increased risk of death when used by older adults with dementia and the drugs are not approved for this use. This book examines to what extent antipsychotic drugs are prescribed for older adults with dementia living inside and outside nursing homes; what is known from selected experts and published research about factors contributing to the such prescribing; and to what extent the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has taken action to reduce the use of antipsychotic drugs by older adults with dementia.

The authors of this book discuss the most recent advances in neuroscience research. The chapters include updated information on the migration and differentiation of bone marrow progenitor cells in the adult brain; human neurophysiology and movement-based learning for repairing the human brain; blood-brain barrier dysfunction in diabetic brain; the future strategy for treatment of brain tumors; intracranial hypotension syndrome; the causes, treatment and clinical outcomes of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and intracranial hypotension; and the crisis of incommensurability in mathematics/music.

Disease in the prey population increases the risk of prey outcomes in predation or to be harvested. In this book, an eco-epidemiological model consisting of predator-prey model with SIS disease in the prey population is proposed and analysed. Furthermore, the authors discuss a mathematical S-E-I-L (Susceptible-Latently infected-Infected-Lost of sight) model for the spread of a directly transmitted infectious disease in an age-structured population; examine how starting from the classical Chebyshev ordinary differential equation (ODE), a generic realisation of its Lie algebra of point symmetries sl(3;R) is obtained in terms of the Chebyshev polynomials of first and second kind; and give a comparative summary of different recent contributions to the theme of the linear stability and nonlinear dynamics of solitary waves in the nonlinear Dirac equation in the form of the Gross-Neveu model.

Falls are considered as one of the accidents that take more loss of functionality, mainly in older adults. This book begins with a discussion on the prevalence of falls among different populations, the most used definitions and classifications for falls and their physical, social and psychological consequences. Furthermore, this book provides easy and practical recommendations for falls and fall-related injury prevention.

Self-awareness is an important aspect of successful management careers. The first chapter of this book investigates the link between self-awareness and personality. The authors also examine personality traits including self-confidence, self-efficacy, and motivation; explore the connection between emotional intelligence and individual differences in psychological type among church leaders; discuss personality prototypes in older adulthood; the personality and quality of life in patients with epilepsy and schizophrenia; and finally, provides information on empowerment through intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy.

This book presents and discusses current research in the field of applied physics. Topics discussed include radiation effects in piezoelectric AlGaN/GaN heterostructures; fluorescence resonance energy transfer between CdTe quantum dots and organic dye; and band offsets in dielectric/InGaZnO4 thin film transistors.

The main aspects of developmental psychology can be found in Section I; it includes the concept of attachment, which is a central construct of developmental psychology that has gained more and more importance in clinical psychology and psychotherapy over the years. Neuropsychological disorders, which play a central role in many other psychological disorders (e.g.: executive functions, learning difficulties, dyslexia), are addressed in a separate chapter. Section II (Diagnostic and Clinical Psychology) focuses on different facets of diagnostics, with diagnostic key aspects in clinical psychology. The connection between the construct of attention and mindfulness therapy exemplifies the transfer into concrete therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, important considerations in connection with differential diagnostics will be addressed by means of disorders, which have only come into focus during recent years. These disorders include autistic spectrum disorders and adult ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) as well as burn out syndrome. The complexity of clinical psychology shall be illustrated by means of some examples in Section III (Clinical Psychology and Other Disciplines). In the last chapter, a more practical approach is applied. For the clinical psychologist, the vast amount of empirical studies and clinical relevant results bear the problem of accomplishing them and putting them into practice. Here, a continuous education is essential.

The field of interventional nephrology needs to be viewed as a new road towards improving the diagnostic methods and the dialysis access care provided to chronic kidney disease patients across the world. The above issues remain a weak link in the training of young nephrologists and a major hurdle both in the planning and maintenance phase of renal replacement therapy, as well as in the accuracy and safety of diagnosing renal impairment causation. Traditionally, the procedural aspect of care has been left in many cases to surgeons and/or radiologists. The above facts lead in many cases to patient inconvenience and high health care cost. The aim of this book is not only learning the necessary skills to perform renal medical procedures, but for nephrologists to assume leadership roles in coordinating a team to provide the best possible care. Mostly, this book is focused on details and "secrets" that can make the results better than we expect. Introducing renal physicians to the insertion of tunneled lines, medical insertion of peritoneal catheters and kidney biopsies (native and transplant) from the nephrologist''s view is a great need in renal society. The primary focus of this book is to generate interest and awareness of the scope of interventional nephrology. The nephrology community across the world needs to evaluate the available resources to discuss the role of various team members and strive to improve patient care. Editors'' and authors experiences are exposed in the book, which tends to help the growth and progress of this subspecialty. The trend is also seen as a recruiting tool to train the nephrology workforce in the future. 

Practitioners of obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine and consultants in other branches of medicine who help provide excellent care to pregnant patients with hypertensive complications of pregnancy will welcome this compendium about HELLP Syndrome. Drawing upon the expertise of 37 contributors from 15 institutions and four countries, this book summarises the state of the science and practice for patients with HELLP syndrome. On a global basis, what we call HELLP syndrome accounts for hundreds to thousands of maternal deaths and is responsible for many more thousands of patients that suffer "near miss" mortality, which we more properly term "severe maternal morbidity". Our understanding of this pregnancy scourge -- the basic science or bench aspects -- is still relatively inadequate to fully comprehend the pathogenesis and the pathophysiology of this condition as it relates to its close relative, the syndromic disorder of preeclampsia. Although a corticosteroid-based management scheme has shown great promise in practice and has a strong physiologic basis, there remains a need for a high quality, large-scale (1000+ patients) constructed, prospective placebo-controlled clinical trial involving a heterogeneous patient population to fully and objectively evaluate this approach to practice. The need and the urgency are great given the risk of HELLP to mothers and babies.

The future of persons with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is continuing to "look brighter" with the advent of biomedical technology. Nevertheless, the acute consequences of this disease remains a significant threat. Diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA] remains the most serious challenge for primary care physicians and subspecialists caring for children and young persons with Diabetes Mellitus. Its prevention is possible only among those already diagnosed. Awareness of the etiology and clinical presenting signs among children of all ages is requisite for primary care and emergency department staff [Chapter 1]. While more likely to occur among those with Type 1 diabetes, a significant proportion of children with Type 2 diabetes are also at risk [Chapter 3]. Once diagnosed, the physician team must understand not only what biochemical imbalances must be corrected, but also what life-threatening complications must be avoided [Chapter 1]. The path through that "maze" is not yet fully interpreted; many choices remain as options, but each must be carefully evaluated. Diagnosis among the very young is a challenge because of they lack self-awareness and clarity of signs and symptoms [Chapter 2]. Education of the primary care staff is critical and able to alter the incidence of DKA at the time of diagnosis. Institutions that treat children and adolescents with DKA need an informed Emergency Department as well as Pediatric Intensive Care Facilities. Access to appropriate consultations, such as pediatric endocrinology, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery are crucial. The initiation of care is critical, and occurs invariably in the Emergency Department [Chapter 4]. Meticulous documentation of fluid composition and volume, insulin administration, vital signs and neurological state of well-being is essential. These will facilitate the transition to the appropriate in-patient service, whose task is to understand the biological impact of fluid rehydration and fluid flux, as well as hypocapnea, hyperglycemia and cranial perfusion [Chapter 5]. The current standards of care all but prevent most of the varied biochemical complications of "appropriate" care for persons with DKA. However, awareness of these possibilities is crucial [Chapter 6]. Yet, one complication remains unexplained and too often unpredicted, and it is devastating to the pediatric patient: cerebral edema. This complication, its prevention and treatment are discussed [Chapter 6]. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is continuing to increase in incidence and prevalence among all ages. Once thought to be "non-ketosis prone" diabetes, now persons undiagnosed or previously diagnosed do obtain DKA. They, however, have other unique medical requirements that must be applied to their treatment [Chapter 3]. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is a complication no longer limited to adults with diabetes or children with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. While the incidence is fortunately lower than that of DKA, its outcome is potentially direr. Appreciation of the unique treatment requirements and guidelines are discussed [Chapter 7]. This monograph provides a comprehensive compendium to those caring for children of all ages with diabetic ketoacidosis, its related disorders and associated conditions.

This book introduces 53 bridges that the author designed during his period teaching at Dalian University of Technology (1984-2014). The bridges have unique features; some bridges are the first of their kind in China, while the others are the biggest in size. For example, Jinma Bridge is the longest single concrete, single-plane, cable-stayed bridge in the world and Xinghai Bridge is the first double-deck, steel truss suspension bridge being constructed in the Sea of China. Innovation and reasonable structure designs must meet the requirements of applicability, economy, safety, artistic appearance and endurance. Innovation and rational stress are the main concern when considering bridge functionality. Only innovation can make new bridges surpass previously designed bridges. Only rational stress can save materials and reach the requirements of economy, safety and endurance. Teachers, students and engineers engaged in bridge engineering will be inspired from the designing concepts and methods within this book. The author compiles thirty years of work and dedication in the field and shares his discoveries with the readers who are interested in bridge design and functionality.

The Federal Aviation Administration''s (FAA) Air Traffic Organization (ATO) provides air traffic control (ATC) services within U.S. and certain international airspace. U.S. airspace is the most expansive in the world, covering roughly 30.2 million square miles that make up more than more than 17 percent of the world''s airspace.3 Within that airspace, FAA air traffic controllers handle roughly 50,000 operations daily.4 As the demands on the air traffic system have changed over time, Congress and several presidential administrations have sought reforms to improve safety and efficiency and to accelerate modernisation projects. Over the past two decades, U.S. aviation stakeholders have debated whether the FAA should be the entity in the United States that operates and modernises the ATC system. During this period, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported on challenges FAA has faced in operating and modernising the ATC system. FAA reorganised several times in attempts to improve its performance and implement an initiative to modernise the ATC system, known as NextGen. Recent budgetary pressures have rekindled industry debate about FAA''s efficiency in operating and modernising the ATC system. This book provides perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders on the performance of the ATC system and the NextGen modernisation initiative and any challenges FAA may face in managing these activities and potential changes that could improve the performance of the ATC system, including the NextGen modernisation initiative.