Department executives in the states: An examination of differences based on selection and work experience

State level department executives have an extraordinary influence over policy in their departments. Yet these executives receive neither public nor research attention in proportion to their importance in directing state policy. This study, based on a survey and resumes from state executives in all 50 states, examines the individual characteristics and professional experiences of state executives. The study found significant differences between elected and appointed executives. Also, most of the appointed department heads had experience in substantive area of the department. State government or partisan political experience was less common among the appointed executives. Finally, the professional experience of executives varied among the departments.     

Educating for polyarchy: A new pa challenge

Resource constraints, citizen activism, and the threat of privatization are driving public organizations toward responsiveness and efficiency. Hierarchy is giving way to polyarchy in the administrative system. An interactive classroom which uses analysis and feedback to leverage the students’ experiences in management situations can prepare public administration students for this new polyarchal work environment.     

Heterogeneity in the association between social-emotional adjustment profiles and deviant behavior among male and female serious juvenile offenders

This article examines the relation among gender, social-emotional adjustment, and deviant behavior among serious juvenile offenders. A sample of 105 adolescent offenders completed questionnaires assessing social-emotional characteristics and self-reported involvement in deviant behaviors. Results indicate significant associations between distress and restraint in predicting deviance, a finding that was invariant across gender. Analysis of four distinct social-emotional profiles found that membership in the reactive group was associated with the greatest amount of deviant behavior. Results also indicate that not only do serious offending girls internalize more than serious offending boys, they appear equally likely to externalize. However, although boys exhibit less distress than girls, those boys who report high rates of deviance may exhibit internalizing and externalizing problems similar to girls. The use of social-emotional measures in general, and distinct profiles in particular, may aid in targeting specific programming and treatment in an effort to provide offenders with more effective interventions.     

Using pre- and post-surgical foot and ankle radiographs for identification

An evaluation of the effect of surgical intervention on foot and ankle radiographic comparisons was performed. In this study, 34 sets of pre-surgical ("premortem") and post-surgical ("postmortem") foot and ankle radiographs were retrospectively evaluated simulating a postmortem identification. In each radiographic set, the films were separated by a surgical event to reproduce the effects of an alteration in the anatomy. The radiographs included both matches and mismatches. This study also presents a numerical representation of the reliability of a radiographic match following a surgical procedure. Results indicate that surgical intervention with subsequent healing does not preclude positive identification in foot and ankle radiographic comparisons.     

Identification of decomposed human remains from radiographic comparisons of an unusual foot deformity

A case of positive identification from decomposed human remains using an unusual foot deformity is presented. Scrutiny of the decedent revealed foot deformities, which upon examination, prompted further inquiry. Radiographic comparisons and defleshing each foot established bilateral talipes equinovarus (TEV, clubfoot). Positive identification was based upon unique skeletal features present in the radiographs.