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Author Archives: Sabrina I. Pacifici

Measuring the Impact of the Great Recession on New Jersey Schools

“Despite the significance of the Great Recession’s impact on the economy, little research exists on how schools were affected.  A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York attempts to fill this information gap by investigating the effect of the downturn and federal stimulus on New Jersey schools. In Precarious Slopes? The Great Recession,… Continue Reading

FSIS Releases Comprehensive Strategy to Reduce Salmonella

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today released its Salmonella Action Plan that outlines the steps it will take to address the most pressing problem it faces–Salmonella in meat and poultry products. An estimated 1.3 million illnesses can be attributed to Salmonella every year. “Far too many Americans are sickened by Salmonella every year. The aggressive and… Continue Reading

OECD Regions at a Glance 2013

“This fifth edition of OECD Regions at a Glance shows how regions and cities contribute to national growth and the well-being of societies.It updates its regular set of region-by-region indicators, examining a wide range of policies and trends and identifying those regions that are outperforming or lagging behind in their country. The report covers all… Continue Reading

CRS – Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990

Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990. Shirley A. Kan, Specialist in Asian Security Affairs, November 27, 2013 This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. Congress has oversight of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, which has governed arms sales to Taiwan… Continue Reading

Guidelines for Business Information Responses

“This fifth revision of the Guidelines for Business Information Responses is designed to assist information services staff in meeting user needs to resolve business information inquiries, as developed by members of the American Library Association. Serving as an enhancement to other Reference and User Services Association publications, including Definitions of Reference, Guidelines for Information Services, and Guidelines for Implementing and Maintaining… Continue Reading

New Report Calls for Attention to Abrupt Impacts From Climate Change, Emphasizes Need for Early Warning System

“Climate change has increased concern over possible large and rapid changes in the physical climate system, which includes the Earth’s atmosphere, land surfaces, and oceans.  Some of these changes could occur within a few decades or even years, leaving little time for society and ecosystems to adapt.  A new report from the National Research Council extends this… Continue Reading

The Verge – Oldest ever human DNA found in Spain, raises new questions about evolution

Jacob Kastrenakes: “A fossil discovered in a Spanish cave has given researchers the oldest human DNA found to date. According to The New York Times, the DNA comes from a femur bone and is believed to be around 400,000 years old. But while it’s helping to shed light on early human evolution, it’s actually making matters more complicated.… Continue Reading

2013 IT Trust Curve study

“The 2013 IT Trust Curve study surveyed 3,200 respondents to assess their organizations’ IT maturity levels and ability to withstand and quickly recover from disruptive incidents such as unplanned downtime, security breaches, and data loss…Today’s business environment is both ripe with opportunity and fraught with risk. This dichotomy is revealing itself in the world of… Continue Reading

CRS – Veterans and Homelessness

Veterans and Homelessness – Libby Perl, Specialist in Housing Policy, November 29, 2013 “The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have brought renewed attention to the needs of veterans, including the needs of homeless veterans. Researchers have found both male and female veterans to be overrepresented in the homeless population, and as the number of veterans increases due to these conflicts,… Continue Reading

Federal Reserve Board Beige Book – December 4, 2013

Beige Book – December 4, 2013: “Reports from the twelve Federal Reserve Districts indicated that the economy continued to expand at a modest to moderate pace from early October through mid-November. Activity in the New York, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Dallas Districts grew at a moderate pace, while Philadelphia, Chicago, Kansas City, and… Continue Reading