Recent Articles
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Substance abuse still a massive societal ill
Dr. Abimbola Farinde Mental HealthcareThe issues of substance abuse and substance use disorders continue to be growing problems within our modern-day society, with no apparent decline in sight. According to the World Drug Report, it was estimated that 200 million people, or about 5 percent of the global population, used illicit drugs in 2005, and this number has grown since that time. Substance abuse is defined as a pattern of overuse of alcohol or other drugs that have the ability to produce adverse effects with continued use of the medication.
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Healthcare fraud and blowing the whistle
Keith Carlson Medical & Allied HealthcareOn June 18, The Dallas Morning News reported in an article that 243 healthcare workers from around the nation were indicted on federal charges of Medicare fraud by The Medicare Fraud Strike Force, the largest such bust in history. Healthcare fraud — especially Medicare and insurance fraud — is more common than we think. Healthcare professionals who find themselves potentially entangled in a fraudulent situation should immediately report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities.
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Richmond Porsche Meet recap: Now a Shenandoah Region tradition
Sydney Scrogham Transportation Technology & AutomotiveIf you've ever wanted to experience a different version of the Porsche Parade's Concours, you’ll have to mark the 20th annual Richmond Porsche Meet on your calendar for 2016. Early in June, the 19th annual Richmond Porsche Meet took place and was loaded with events for the whole family. One of the Richmond Porsche Meet’s event highlights is the tops-only Concours. Porsche owners looking to try competing in the Parade’s Concours had a great opportunity to experience judging at this smaller event. But that’s not all there was to experience at the Richmond Porsche Meet.
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Export-Import Bank perilously threatened by politics
Alan Kelsky Civil & GovernmentAccording to a report written by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, vice chair of the Senate Joint Economic Committee, there is no end to the importance of the Export-Import Bank to American industry. The report followed on the heels of a raucous summer in 2014 that featured a lot of discussion among legislators on the future of the Ex-Im Bank, with many wanting to shut it down. At the end of September, the Ex-Im Bank may not be continued by Congress, when its current authorization ends. The repercussions of this decision are staggering.
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10 tips for managing the ‘talent’ in the fish room
Kevin Plazak RetailThere are a lot of options for stocking a fish room. There are things you really have to have, would do well to have and things that will set you apart. A knowledgeable fish room person knows about fish that are not commonly available to the public. They probably have seen enough guppies and neon tetras to last a lifetime, and are looking to see something new and different. Here are some suggestions that will allow you manage your inventory and fish room employee.
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The 429 has a weight problem – but is Bell bothered?
Jeremy Parkin Transportation Technology & AutomotiveBell's twin-engined 429 is seeing greater success than any previous light twin the Texas-based manufacturer has ever produced, already eclipsing each of the 222, 230, 427 and 430 models in sheer airframe numbers. Yet, a big divide continues to be seen in its marketplace. The 429 was built around a set of regulations from the FAA that provide minimum specification and performance requirements to gain certification for rotorcraft with a gross weight of up to 7,000 pounds. Bell, however, wants to be able to fly the helicopter at 7,500 pounds. Bell would like to gain approval for the same helicopter to fly at 7,500 pounds, but this requires adherence to the more stringent FAR29 rules, which apply to any aircraft over 7,000 pounds. Some of the differences between FAR27 and FAR29 are technically infeasible to install on the Bell 429
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What to make of the EPA’s fracking report?
Lucy Wallwork Natural ResourcesThe U.S. fracking lobby had all of its birthdays at once earlier this month when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft of a 1000-page report that throws into doubt the contribution of fracking practices to groundwater contamination in states like North Dakota and Pennsylvania. The headline of the report, several years in the making, is that fracking has "not led to widespread, systematic impacts to drinking water resources." This is the latest contribution in a series of highly politicized and heavily contested reports on the impact of the chemicals injected into fracking wells on public health.
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Sustainable tourism in New Zealand
Linchi Kwok Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementI was in Auckland, New Zealand, recently for the 13th APacCHRIE Conference. During my stay, I had a chance to experience sustainable tourism in New Zealand. I was especially impressed with the country’s effort in minimizing waste, through the use of a "bio loo," water flow choices and a hotel offering a sustainable cleaning option.
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How to tell your employees they are nonexempt
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementDespite the very clear regulations specifying what employees should be exempt or nonexempt for wages, misclassification is still one of the most common mistakes employers make. But it seems both the employee and employer often have a role in this issue. In addition to the employer trying to avoid paying overtime, employees often want to be classified as exempt. Yet, wanting to be exempt is not on the official list of exemptions from the government.
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EPEE: Cooling has an essential role to play
Andrew Gaved Facilities & GroundsThe European Union is very focused on energy. Its recent Energy Union framework set out a series of strategic targets designed both to integrate the region's energy production and reduce its consumption. Not surprisingly, the HVACR industry in Europe is keen to play a part in shaping this strategy before it comes to fruition. First out of the blocks is the European Partnership for Energy and Environment.