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Daily Archives: August 23, 2011

Federal Agency Use of Electronic Media in the Rulemaking Process

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Federal Agency Use of Electronic Media in the Rulemaking Process, by Cary Coglianese – University of Pennsylvania [via Michael Ravnitzky]

  • “In this report, I survey the landscape of agencies’ contemporary efforts to use electronic media in the rulemaking process. Drawing on a review of current agency uses of the Internet, a systematic survey of regulatory agencies’ websites, and interviews with managers at a variety of federal regulatory agencies, I identify both existing “best practices” as well as opportunities for continued improvement. As such, this study, commissioned by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), is intended as one further input into a broader series of government-wide efforts to study and improve federal agencies’ use of electronic media. Over the years, many agencies have used the Internet to improve greatly the public’s access to information about rulemaking and to provide enhanced opportunities for public input into agency decisions. Through both large, cross-cutting initiatives – such as the online portal Regulations.Gov – as well as smaller ones at individual agencies, the federal government has undertaken numerous efforts to promote transparency of and public participation in the rulemaking process. In addition, a growing administrative infrastructure has emerged both within and across agencies, such as through the government-wide Federal Web Managers Council, for standardizing and improving the design of federal agency websites as well as agency use of interactive electronic media. As such, this report emerges at an energetic time in a field fertile for governmental innovation, with undoubtedly no shortage of ideas for continued development of the federal government’s digital infrastructure.”

    • ESMA consults on future rules for alternative investment fund managers and the treatment of third country entities

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    “European Securities and Markets Authority [ESMA] published a consultation paper (ESMA/2011/270) setting out its proposals for the detailed rules on supervision and third country entities underlying the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD). These rules reflect the global nature of the alternative investment management indus-try and the need to put in place a framework for… Continue Reading

    NIH releases best practices for combining qualitative and quantitative research

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    “The National Institutes of Health today released recommendations for best practices for scientists conducting mixed methods health research. Mixed methods research combines the strengths of quantitative research and qualitative research. Despite the increased interest in mixed methods research in health fields and at NIH, prior to this report, there was limited guidance to help scientists… Continue Reading

    Bankruptcy Filings Down From 2010 Levels

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    “According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, bankruptcy petitions filed in the 12-month period ending June 30, 2011 totaled 1,529,560, down 2.7 percent from the 1,572,597 bankruptcy petitions filed in the 12-month period ending June 30, 2010. Despite the slight drop in overall filings nationwide, the number of bankruptcy filings… Continue Reading

    State Department Releases "Country Reports on Terrorism 2010"

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    “Country Reports on Terrorism 2010 is an annual Congressionally mandated report that provides an assessment of trends and events in international terrorism that transpired from January 1 to December 31, 2010. Besides filling a Congressional requirement, this publication aims to enhance the public’s understanding of the international terrorist threat. The report focuses on policy-related assessments,… Continue Reading

    EIA – Syria Country Analysis Brief

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    Syria Country Analysis Brief, August 22, 2011 “Syria produces relatively modest quantities of oil and gas but the country’s location is strategic in terms of energy transit. Syria is the only relatively significant crude oil producing country in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Syria produced about… Continue Reading

    International Bloggers and Internet Control

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    International Bloggers and Internet Control, Hal Roberts, Ethan Zuckerman, Jillian York, Robert Faris, and John Palfrey. Berkman Center for Internet & Society, August 2011 “The Internet is an increasingly contested space, particularly in countries with repressive governments. Infringements on Internet freedom, particularly through Internet filtering and surveillance, have inspired activists and technologists to develop technological… Continue Reading