Traditions of governance: interpreting the changing role of the public sector

The role of the state is changing under the impact of, for example, globalization. The changes have been variously understood as the new public management (NPM), the hollowing–out of the state and the new governance. This special issue of Public Administration explores the changing role of the state in advanced industrial democracies. It focuses on the puzzle of why states respond differently to common trends.
This introductory article has three aims. First, we provide a brief review of the existing literature on public sector reform to show that our approach is distinctive. We argue that the existing literature does not explore the ways in which governmental traditions shape reform. Second, we outline an interpretive approach to the analysis of public sector reform built on the notions of beliefs, traditions, dilemmas and narratives. We provide brief illustrations of these ideas drawn from the individual country articles. Finally, we outline the ground covered by all the chapters but we do not summarize and compare their experiences of reform. That task is reserved for the concluding article.     

The origin and functioning of the family advocate system

This synoptic article focuses on the origin and functioning of the Office of the Family Advocate as the protector of the interests of minor children in divorce cases. Attention is paid to the general contemporary trend to specialise in judicial decision-making that developed out of an increasing need for expertise in the administration of justice. A number of arguments for and against judicial specialisation are addressed. The origin of the Office of the Family Advocate within the South African judicial system is discussed and a brief exposition of the history of divorce legislation in South Africa is given. This is followed by attention to the functioning of the Office of the Family Advocate with reference to the process followed in investigations of this office and points of criticism against the system are highlighted. The article closes with an indication of the need for research in this regard and possible focus points for future research are identified.     

Influence of electricity on post-mortal body temperature

In a case of suicidal application of electricity differences between the rectal temperature of the body and the suspected time of death were observed.In order to answer the question whether an electric current from hand to hand over >30 min led to a rise in body temperature FEM-based computer simulations and animal experiments were carried out. Both resulted in a warming of the soft parts in the arm without warming the body core. Thus a temperature-based estimation of the time since death can also be used in cases with electricity as the cause of death. Besides, in the animal experiment we found a spontaneous rise in the body core temperature even without application of electricity which may be a reason for the typical temperature plateau after death.     

法国公务员行政赔偿责任制度评介

公务员行政赔偿责任涉及到行政相对人、公务员和行政主体三方的关系,是国家赔偿制度的重要组成部分,法国公务员行政赔偿责任制度历经发展,形成了以"个人过错"为核心的、允许行政相对人直接向公务员求偿的行政赔偿责任制度,并通过一系列判例确认了各项具体制度,易于操作,达到了合法性与效率之间的理性与平衡.     

氟对山羊成骨细胞增殖分化及钙化功能的调节

为探讨氟化物对反刍动物骨骼代谢的影响及对成骨细胞的作用机理,以初生山羊股骨骨膜为材料,采用半消化组织块培养法分离成骨细胞,进行传代培养,并通过形态观察、扫描电镜、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)和矿化结节染色进行鉴定。通过噻唑蓝(MTT)染色、AKP活性测定和钙化结节计数,研究不同浓度的氟对山羊成骨细胞增殖、分化及钙化的影响。结果表明,加氟48 h和96 h后,1.0×10-7~1.0×10-5mol/L氟可促进成骨细胞增殖,其中1.0×10-7及1.0×10-6mol/L氟与对照组差异极显著(P<0.01),高浓度氟(1.0×10-3mol/L)则抑制成骨细胞增殖(P<0.01);而1.0×10-4及5.0×10-4mol/L氟作用48 h对成骨细胞增殖无影响,作用96 h转而抑制成骨细胞增殖(P<0.01)。1.0×10-7~1.0×10-5mol/L氟能显著增强成骨细胞AKP活性及钙化能力(P<0.01),但氟浓度高于5.0×10-4mol/L时,AKP活性及钙化能力明显下降(P<0.01)。证实,低剂量氟能促进体外培养的山羊成骨细胞增殖分化及钙化,高剂量的氟则表现抑制作用。     

Turning Point Analysis: Using Survey Research to Call Changes in Consumer Behavior and Predict Sales Taxes

Forecasters often disagree on revenue predictions because of differing techniques. Some states, such as Utah, have turned to the use of survey research methods to avoid this dilemma. This article reviews many of the national forecasting models examining consumer sentiment currently in use. And it compares the Utah experience with surveys used in other states.     

The forensic medical determination of the time of occurrence of subdural hemorrhages in the acute period of fatal craniocerebral trauma]

Presents the results of spectrophotometric and histologic examinations of subdural bleedings, meninges and brain matter in the acute period of a lethal craniocerebral injury. Discusses the possible use of a complex of histologic and biochemical studies in determination of the period elapsed since the injury.