Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Since the 1970s, the focus of parole supervision has shifted from the dual purposes of making sure that parolees complied with their conditions of parole and of aiding their social reintegration by providing community resources (e.g., job training, drug counseling, etc.) to a more direct emphasis on crime control, with parole agents increasingly emphasizing their police function and deemphasizing the casework portion of their role. Chapters 3 and 4 of the report cover supervisory agents and personnel including caseloads and parole agencies' missions, rules for releasees, pre-release (in prison) programs, immediate post-release programs, and the kinds of programs currently available to most parolees. Chapter 4 discusses Behavior management programs, drug treatment programs, physical and mental health services, faith based services, employment services and job counseling, marriage and family support programs, and best practices.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Many states are conducting surveys to estimate rates of uninsurance, as well as to examine the characteristics of their uninsured populations. Yet, state generated estimates are likely to differ from the annual estimates of uninsurance rates based on the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS). In our analyses from seven states using a similar instrument we show that the state surveys conducted produced anywhere from 15 percent to 50 percent lower uninsruance estimates than the CPS. Because the CPS estimates are widely cited by the media and in the health policy literature, they can create potential confusion when states use their own survey data for policy development. Our paper examines key reasons for the differences and discusses their relevance for state health policy. We focus on sample design, weighting adjustments for non-coverage, survey administration, definitions of the uninsured, survey design, and imputation/editing procedures. Although we are able to explain portions of the differences between the CPS and state survey estimates there is still several outstanding issues for both the CPS and state surveys.

Publication Type: Roundtable
Abstract: Preliminary results concerning the Texas High School Evaluation Project (142 sites) on teacher education with an emphasis on assessment, successful teaching/learning strategies and school practices.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Objectives
Despite availability of numerous dietary supplement (DS) information resources, studies suggest pharmacists may not utilize them. The objective of this study was to survey practicing pharmacists regarding their use of DS information resources. A secondary objective is to determine the impact of a continuing education (CE) program on resource use.

Methods
An anonymous 14-item survey was administered to pharmacists prior to a CE program about DS drug interactions and information resources. Gender, professional degree, practice setting and years of experience were assessed. Subjects rated the overall adequacy of resources available in their practice. Adequacy and the usefulness of six common DS resources was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 [1=reference(s) completely useless/inadequate, 5=very useful/adequate]. A 1-year follow-up survey assessing current resource use will be mailed to participants.

Results
58 completed surveys were returned. 53% of respondents were female and 97% held a Bachelors degree. . Community/retail and hospital settings were most common (43% each). 51 (88%) of respondents had more than 10 years of experience. A median score of 3 (range 1-5) was reported for adequacy of currently available resources. Overall, use of the six references was low. The most common, Micromedex:AltMedDex, was used by only 18 (32%) of respondents, reporting a median usefulness of 3 (range 2-5). The remaining five were used by 25% or less of respondents.

Conclusions
Experienced pharmacists in both community and hospital settings infrequently utilize DS information resources. Education on the availability and features of these resources could change usage patterns.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Despite a large and growing literature on preferential trade arrangements (PTAs), few scholars have systematically examined why some PTAs have been more successful than others at liberalizing trade among members. In this paper I test extant hypotheses concerning intra-PTA liberalization by examining changes in intra-bloc trade from 1950-2000. I test three broad types of hypothesis: “military-systemic”, “institutional” and “demand-side”. These hypotheses, and my variables, encompass three levels of analysis: the bloc, the member country and the dyad. I find that variables from all three categories and levels of analysis have significant effects on intra-PTA trade liberalization. Explaining such liberalization thus requires attention to military, institutional and economic factors as well as to PTA-wide, national and dyadic effects.