Suchergebnisse

New scientific knowledge and effective, evidence-based interventions have provided health leaders and policymakers a remarkable paradigm to guide the development of addiction treatment services around the world. The definition of addiction as a brain disease, validated screening and assessment tools, medication-assisted treatment, and effective behavioral treatments have served as vehicles for both the United States and other countries to guide the transformation of their substance abuse treatment systems. Seeking to expand international research and infrastructure, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)'s International Program has engaged international investigators and institutions in addiction research to promote dissemination of addiction science globally. This paper presents three mixed-methods case studies to exemplify the use of advancements in evidence-based practice in addiction treatment as guides and tools for the creation or further development of treatment systems in three countries, Vietnam, Lebanon, and Abu Dhabi. Results indicate that a framework of evidence-based medicine and empirical science creates a necessary platform from which objective conversations about addictions may begin. Other facilitative factors that help create treatment programs internationally include: a receptive and supportive government, support from international donors and technical experts, networking and interest from other international organizations, and often a synergistic and concerted effort by multiple entities and partners. Despite substantial differences in the circumstances that generated these initiatives and the varying scope of the services, common themes across these efforts have been the implementation of science-based approaches to systems transformation and support for a public health approach to addressing drug abuse and addiction.

Energy and Fuels Vol.19 Nr.5, 2155-2163 ; The commercialization of biomass-derived pyrolysis liquids for use in heat and power applications is dependent on the ability to successfully provide a fuel of acceptable quality to an end user at a competitive price. One of the intentions of the European Union (EU) Altener 4.1030/ C/00-015/2000 project was to derive standards for biomass-derived pyrolysis liquids, based on a consensus between providers of the equipment (boilers, engines, and turbines) and the producers of the liquids. Five basic properties (homogeneity, water content, solids content, stability, flash point) for the liquids are used as the primary criteria for pyrolysis liquid evaluation. Specific values are proposed to ensure that pyrolysis liquids meet a minimum grade that is acceptable for use as a fuel oil in boilers and engines. Data on emissions from boilers, engines and turbines are presented. Preliminary long-duration test data from boiler use are available to allow moredetailed specifications on secondary properties to be made. The purpose of this work is to ensure that a realistic set of specifications is determined, to allow the introduction of pyrolysis liquids into existing fuel infrastructures and markets.