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We examine the performance of a finite-time, endoreversible Otto heat engine with a working medium of monolayer or multilayered graphene subjected to an external magnetic field. As the energy spectrum of multilayer graphene under an external magnetic field depends strongly on the number of layers, so too does its thermodynamic behavior. We show that this leads to a simple relationship between the engine efficiency and the number of layers of graphene in the working medium. Furthermore, we find that the efficiency at maximum power for bilayer and trilayer working mediums can exceed that of a classical endoreversible Otto cycle. Conversely, a working medium of monolayer graphene displays identical efficiency at maximum power to a classical working medium. These results demonstrate that layered graphene can be a useful material for the construction of efficient thermal machines for diverse quantum device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the performance of an endoreversible magnetic Otto cycle with a working substance composed of a single quantum dot described using the well-known Fock–Darwin model. We find that tuning the intensity of the parabolic trap (geometrical confinement) impacts the proposed cycle's performance, quantified by the power, work, efficiency, and parameter region where the cycle operates as an engine. We demonstrate that a parameter region exists where the efficiency at maximum output power exceeds the Curzon–Ahlborn efficiency, the efficiency at maximum power achieved by a classical working substance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic continues to pose a global zoonotic disease threat, highlighting the importance of developing strategies to combat new viruses and variants stemming from climate change and animal populations. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address dis/misinformation surrounding such research. Collaborations across disciplines aid in actual responses to public health emergency events as well, easing the transition to a new equilibrium and impacting planning for future events. Russian disinformation regarding the joint work of Americans and Ukrainians as part of the Biological Threat Reduction Program is evidence of the need to educate the public about the real risks and benefits of zoonotic disease research. As seen in the recently released National Biodefense Strategy, political leaders in the United States are becoming more explicit about embracing a One Health framework for biodefense and public health emergency preparedness. This has significant benefits in terms of policy making by helping to dispel dis/misinformation, build trust in disease surveillance data, and give frontline workers such as those in the agricultural sector a voice in the conversation with which to share their expertise. A communication complex perspective applied through a culture‐centered approach to a One Health model aims to improve risk and crisis communication. This unique strategy will help government leaders as well as those in relevant sectors to speak to the unique questions and concerns of a particular population. Among other things, this helps to avoid an ineffective "cookie‐cutter" approach messaging. In this manuscript, we argue that coconstructing a cultural understanding of human, animal, and environmental health practices within a unique culture will lead to a specialized risk and crisis communication plan accepted by local communities. Key points: The increasing spread of mis/disinformation in the area of infectious disease research necessitates that facilities like biosafety level 4 (BSL‐4) labs more actively and productively engage with the public.The One Health model is a useful way to frame engagement because it provides opportunities for members of the public to directly engage in activities like surveillance which can increase buy‐in regarding public health preparedness and response activities.When engaging with the public it is important to remember that, particularly on issues like infectious disease, a culture‐centered approach that takes into account existing perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge is important to establish a relationship of trust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clade X is only the latest in a series of high profile health emergency preparedness exercises intended to better equip government officials and responders at different levels of government and in different sectors for the challenges they are likely to face during a pandemic or bioterrorism event. A key issue in regard to emergency preparedness response is information sharing. This study examines previous literature on the importance of information sharing to emergency response, particularly in regard to public health emergencies. A content and correspondence analysis of data collected from exercise after-action reports is then conducted to examine the prominence of information sharing as a theme in those reports. The relationship between information sharing and other themes is also considered. Specific passages regarding information sharing are examined to consider how the theme is discussed in the context of the report. The findings of the analyses above are then compared to a recent tabletop exercise conducted by the Nuclear Threat Initiative regarding a biological attack. The comparison of this recent exercise to previous exercises is used to highlight key policy considerations. Recommendations are provided regarding how policy makers could help to address these considerations prior to a real world emergency. While technology is consistently evolving to improve the means by which we can share information, issues of coordination, including between the public health and health care sectors, continue to remain an obstacle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the development of an index of state biotechnology and genomic development and the cluster analysis used to group U.S. states based on their level of development in each area. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) is then used to test hypotheses regarding statistically significant differences between the biotechnology/genomic development clusters and variables related to states' workforce, investment in research and development (R&D), and policy environment. The authors find statistically significant results in the areas of workforce education, migration of knowledge workers, industrial and nonindustrial R&D, and policy to promote the development of the biotechnology industry. While the MANOVA for policies placing limits on the development of biotechnology policy did not yield statistical significance, the authors argue that the finding deserves further study as it may indicate some states' willingness to strike a more sustainable balance between support and regulation. Related Articles: Brant, Hanna K., Nathan Myers, and Katherine L. Runge. 2017. "Promotion, Protection, and Entrepreneurship: Stakeholder Participation and Policy Change in the 21st Century Cures Initiative." Politics & Policy 45 (3), 372‐404. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12201 Harvey, Olivia. 2009. "Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research in the United States: Some Policy Options for Industry Development." Politics & Policy 37 (1): 51‐71. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2008.00161.x Berkovich, Simon. 2008. "Caution on Genetic Engineering Developments in View of Uncertainties of Modern Fundamental Science." Politics & Policy 37 (1): 1144‐1146. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2008.00157_2.x [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health's Center for Health Security hosted a major tabletop exercise titled Clade X. It mentions concerns about being able to maintain the security of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) personnel and subject of travel bans. It also mentions links between global health security and international security and increasing access to health care.

Abstract: In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed taking a more active role in the regulation of laboratory‐developed tests (LDTs). Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives embarked upon the 21st Century Cures initiative to develop legislation to expedite the development of new biotechnology innovations. During that initiative and in the public comments responding to the draft guidance, there was significant disagreement as to whether the increased FDA regulation of LDTs was beneficial or detrimental to biotechnology. Both the FDA guidance document and the 21st Century Cures Act came about due to the opening of a window of opportunity created by the convergence of circumstances. The question is whether the windows of opportunity are competing and how to resolve this competition. This study will investigate these questions through a qualitative case study. It will also provide recommendations for resolving policy disputes involving wicked problems like biotechnology policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Energy and Commerce Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives developed the 21st Century Cures Act through a fact-finding process that involved many different stakeholders in the biotechnology field. This effort can be viewed as an example of policy entrepreneurship in that the committee was trying to accelerate the development of new drugs and treatments. Some members of the committee were very active in this process, while others were less engaged. This article investigates what factors influenced individual legislators' participation level in the initiative. We consider whether there is evidence that legislator characteristics and the types of groups actively involved in the initiative contributed to some important viewpoints going unaddressed. The evidence supports a contention in the literature that legislators approach biotechnology with a promotional focus as opposed to placing an emphasis on protecting the public from harm, which may have led to potentially problematic changes in areas such as informed consent. Related Articles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last five years, the American public health emergency preparedness and response system has been tested by two significant threats, H1N1 and Ebola. While neither proved as dangerous as initially feared, these viruses highlighted on-going issues with collaborations in the field of public health and health care. Strengths were identified within the network, but also challenges that must be resolved before the U.S. faces a major pandemic. Employing interview data from public health emergency response practitioners and documentary evidence from the H1N1 and Ebola responses, this qualitative analysis uses the grounded theory approach to identify key areas for collaborative improvement. The grounded theory developed calls for a stronger policy framework at the federal level to facilitate more collaboration between U.S. agencies and facilitate more collaboration at the state and local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public health emergencies like the H1N1 pandemic and the recent response to Ebola highlight the challenge that public health officials face when balancing protection of the public with upholding constitutional and ethical principles. Analyses of the report of the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues and of ethics documents produced by the Ethics Subcommittee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before and after H1N1 revealed the presence of, and correlations between, three ethical frameworks. The findings indicate the power of the collective voice in public health emergencies and the vital importance of democratic participation and deliberation in better preparing the United States for future emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on the poetry of Irish Poet W. B. Yeats in Alice McDermott's book "Charming Billy." Topics discussed include relation between Yeat's poetry and the character Billy's life, truth of Billy's life and charges of life lived in fancy, in alcohol and Yeats and embellished memory that has affected many Irish Americans.

This article studies the joint effects of issue salience and party strength on health-care expansion efforts in the American states. We contend that Democrats and Republicans fall back on their traditional policy stances when an issue is highly salient, but when it is less so, policy makers move to the more politically practical policy alternatives. We find that when health care is highly salient, Democrat-controlled states will be more likely to support direct coverage programs, while a Republican-controlled state will be more likely to support tax incentives. During periods of low-issue salience, policy makers are more open to pursuing options less consonant with traditional partisan policy preferences to make progress on the issue. This important contribution to the literature indicates that the level of attention an issue receives can not only affect whether effort is made to address the problem, but the substance of the policy too. Este artículo estudia los efectos conjuntos de la relevancia de un problema y la fuerza de un partido respecto a los esfuerzos de expansión de la cobertura médica en los estados de la unión americana. Nosotros argumentamos que Demócratas y Republicanos mantienen sus posturas políticas tradicionales cuando un problema es altamente relevante, de lo contrario, los legisladores toman una alternativa política más práctica. Hallamos que cuando la cobertura médica es altamente relevante, los estados Demócratas serán más propensos a apoyar programas de cobertura directa, mientras que los estados Republicanos serán más propensos a apoyar incentivos fiscales. Durante periodos de poca relevancia, los legisladores están más abiertos a considerar medidas con una menor consonancia política a la de su partido con el fin de lograr avances en el tema. Esta importante contribución a la literatura indica que el nivel de atención que recibe un problema no sólo afecta si se toman medidas para resolver el problema sino la solidez de la política implementada también. Related Articles:'Implementation Theory Revisited . . . Again,' (2009): 'National Health Insurance in the U.S. and Canada,' (2009): 'Issue Salience, News Coverage, and Attention Cycles,' (1999): [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article analyzes the aspirations and likely outcomes of the Christian right in terms of educational policy in America. The main source of data for this analysis draws from 13 source-protected interviews with directors of state-level Christian right organizations. A semi-structured, elite interviewing approach was utilized. The qualitative data demonstrates that the American Christian right is divided, organizationally, between those who identify with Republican party politics versus those who approach the political process more independently. The author shows that for the Christian right, education is a peripheral issue rather than a central one. Consequently, the Christian right will likely be unable to turn its political objectives into actual policy gains in terms of public education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1990s, state governments have been leaders of health care reform. Today, approximately 47 million people are without health insurance. As health care costs and uninsurance levels continue to rise, states are pursuing a variety of government- and market-based strategies to address this growing social problem. Health care research has indicated that state-based programs have proven to be successful in extending access to coverage. However, the question remains as to whether the market-based programs have had a positive impact on state health care. Advocates for market-based state health programs argue that the reforms benefit the greater good because they serve an economic development function by improving the economic productivity and overall health of state citizens. Whether market-based policies are accomplishing these goals is a matter of debate. This study examines the effects of the various market-based state policies. The evidence generated by this research sheds light on the societal effectiveness of market-based health care strategies used by state governments. The results of our analysis indicate that programs enacted by states to promote increased access to medical care have developmental effects beyond the client population directly served. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently there are over 45 million Americans without health insurance. Recent growth in Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) enrollment of children has filled in the sizable gap created by decreased employer-sponsored insurance since 2000. While the share of children who are uninsured actually decreased between 2000 and 2003, little progress was made in expanding public insurance to adults. As a result, advocates and policymakers at the federal and state level are searching for approaches to deal with the growing number of the uninsured. Conservatives advocate encouraging individuals to buy private insurance while liberals advocate the provision of health coverage through publicly financed health care. Using a 50-state multilevel individual growth model, this study estimates the net effect of two state approaches in terms of reducing the uninsured: tax incentives (the conservative approach) and direct-coverage programs (the liberal approach). The results suggest that these approaches have not achieved the results that many advocates had suggested. In the case of tax incentives, the results suggest that states with tax incentives experience increases in the rate of the uninsured. In the case of direct-coverage programs, results suggest that states receive no relief in the number of uninsured individuals. Finally, the analysis suggests that the efforts originating at the federal level are most successful. These programs are a continuation of the incremental approach policymakers in America have taken to address the problem of the uninsured, rather than taking steps toward a truly comprehensive solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article analyzes the ways that the Christian right uses fear as an instrument in the politics of education. The main source of data for this analysis draws from source-protected interviews with directors in state-level Christian right organizations. A semistructured, elite interviewing approach was used. The authors reframe the debate in the scholarly literature over whether fear is used disingenuously or whether it has a rational basis in the belief systems of the Christian right. Instead, the authors address how the Christian right's political power became institutionalized in recent decades through interest groups, policy entrepreneurs, advocacy coalitions, and national political party alliances. Finally, the article evaluates the role that fear continues to play as both a belief and a tactic as the Christian right has moved into the political mainstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By harnessing quantum phenomena, quantum devices have the potential to outperform their classical counterparts. Here, we examine using wave function symmetry as a resource to enhance the performance of a quantum Otto engine. Previous work has shown that a bosonic working medium can yield better performance than a fermionic medium. We expand upon this work by incorporating a singular interaction that allows the effective symmetry to be tuned between the bosonic and fermionic limits. In this framework, the particles can be treated as anyons subject to Haldane's generalized exclusion statistics. Solving the dynamics analytically using the framework of "statistical anyons", we explore the interplay between interparticle interactions and wave function symmetry on engine performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine a quantum Otto engine with a harmonic working medium consisting of two particles to explore the use of wave function symmetry as an accessible resource. It is shown that the bosonic system displays enhanced performance when compared to two independent single particle engines, while the fermionic system displays reduced performance. To this end, we explore the trade-off between efficiency and power output and the parameter regimes under which the system functions as engine, refrigerator, or heater. Remarkably, the bosonic system operates under a wider parameter space both when operating as an engine and as a refrigerator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-integrated and productive communities are an asset to the development and advancement of our nation, and they have an important role to play in planning, learning, and enforcing safety to enhance national and border security. REACH (Resilience, Education, Action, Commitment, and Humanity) is a community-based project housed at The University of Texas at El Paso that aims to prevent targeted violence and domestic terrorism in El Paso County. We integrated three frameworks (i.e., Whole Community Preparedness, Socio-Ecological Model, and Global Citizen Education) to involve local residents in efforts to combat and mitigate targeted violence. REACH had two goals: to (1) prevent targeted violence and domestic terrorism through education, outreach, and community capacity-building aimed at identifying and deterring radicalization (primary prevention) and (2) reduce the short-term and long-term impact and prevent re-occurrence of targeted violence and domestic terrorism (secondary and tertiary prevention). Overall, our project served 8,934 participants directly and reached many more through our media cavmpaigns and outreach efforts during our 2 years of project implementation (2021–2023). Our project design may serve as an implementation model for other community-based projects on the U.S.-Mexico border and can be replicated with other target populations in the U.S. Insights and lessons learned from this project are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]