Intergovernmental Agreements in Contemporary Russia

ABSTRACT

The paper discusses the evolution and current forms of agreements between federal, regional and municipal governments, as well as between the constituent units of the Russian Federation and municipalities. It analyses the problems and prospects of using these regulatory instruments. The purposes of this paper are to examine the current context of making intergovernmental agreements in Russia, to provide a comprehensive vision of contemporary state of this instrument of shaping intergovernmental relations, and to assess the prospects for their further practical use in the Russian Federation.     

Serial Domestic Abuse in Wales: An Exploratory Study Into its Definition,Prevalence, Correlates,and Management

Analysis of information held by police, probation, and third-sector organizations in Wales about 100 domestic abuse perpetrators, along with 16 practitioner interviews, provides the empirical context for a discussion of the problem of “serial domestic abuse.” Despite increased concern over the harm caused by serial abusers, different definitions and recording systems prevent a reliable estimation of the problem. This exploratory study suggests that the offending profiles of serial abusers are heterogeneous, and recommends that approaches aimed at reducing the harm caused by the “power few” domestic abusers incorporate information about serial alongside repeat and high-risk offending.     

Civilian Forensic Technician and Sworn Police Officer Job-Related Stress

Forensic Technicians provide crime scene investigation services and are exposed to stressful violent crimes, motor vehicle accidents, biological or chemical hazards, and other appalling imagery. Forensic Technicians would likely experience physical and psychological stress after exposure to trauma, and security vulnerabilities similar to Sworn Police Officers. The perceived availability of mental health resources, job-related physical, psychological stress, and traumatic experiences of both Forensic Technicians and Sworn Police Officers from California law enforcement agencies were investigated using a self-reported survey. Responses were evaluated for any significant differences in the perceived stress, job-related physical stress, and resulting psychological impact affecting the participants. The survey contained a mix of True/False, Circle/Check the Appropriate Box, or Likert Scale (1–5) responses. The results were evaluated statistically and discussed. Results indicated Sworn Police Officers and Forensic Technicians have different on-duty stress levels, but similar off-duty stress levels. Nearly two-thirds of 54 job-related stressors were not significantly different between the two occupations. However, Forensic Technicians reported more adverse effects in 17 physical and psychological job-related activities compared with Sworn Police Officers. Forensic Technicians reported lower awareness levels and availability of agency mental health support services than were reported by Sworn Police Officers. This study reports for the first time an unexpected outcome that perceived and job-related psychological stress is greater for Forensic Technicians than Sworn Police Officers. Possible reasons for this disparity will be discussed as well as stress management tools that should be implemented to reduce health risk factors for both career professionals as well as increase public safety.     

Characteristics of an effective statistical system

Abstract: The objective of a national statistical system is to provide relevant, comprehensive, accurate and objective (politically untainted) statistical information. There are multiple uses for the information collected, but generally statistics are invaluable for monitoring the country's economic and social conditions, the planning and evaluation of government and private-sector programs and investments, policy debates and advocacy, and the creation and maintenance of an informed public. This paper discusses ten broad criteria for evaluating the efficiency of a national statistical system: the broad framework, including the legal one, as well as the rank and standing of the chief statistician; professional core values; non-political objectivity and the means used to ensure this; systems and approaches used to assess and meet federal priorities; systems and approaches used to assess and meet provincial (state) priorities; systems and approaches to assess and meet other users' priorities; mechanisms for the coordination of the statistical system; balancing priorities against available resources; serving the needs of different client groups; and generating a supportive environment. Sommaire: Le systéme statistique national vise à fournir des données pertinentes, complètes, exactes et objectives, ?est-à-dire à l'abri de l'ingérence politique. Cette information contribue à la réalisation de nombreux objectifs: elle permet de suivre l'évolution de la conjoncture économique et sociale du pays, de planifier et d'evaluer les programmes et les investissements dans les secteurs public et privé, de tenir des discussions sur les politiques et les défendre, ainsi que de voir à ce que le public soit toujours bien renseigné. Dix critères géneraux d'évaluation des systèmes statistiques nationaux sont analysés dans l'exposé: le cadre généaral, entre autres le volet juridique et la place occupée par le statisticien en chef; les valeurs professionnelles fondamentales; l'objectivité non politique et les mesures prises pour l'assurer; les systèmes et les méthodes servant àévaluer et respecter les priorites fédérates; les systèmes et les méthodes servant àévaluer et respecter les priorités des provinces (les états); les systèmes et les méthodes servant %aG évaluer et respecter les priorités d'autres utilisateurs; les mécanismes de coordination du système statistique; la mise en équilibre des priorités en fonction des ressources disponibles; la satisfaction des besoins de différents groupes de clients; la création d'un environnement favorable.     

A method for the longitudinal sectioning of single hair samples

A simple technique is presented for the longitudinal sectioning of hair samples without the need for any embedding medium. The technique applies to single hair samples that are placed in a groove of a particular depth and can either be scraped or cut to the desired level. Planar sections are obtained that reveal the internal structure of the sample and are ideal for the application of surface analytical techniques for the study of internal transverse and longitudinal distributions of xenobiotics.