Analyzing Form, Function, and Financing of the U.S. Health Care System tells the story of the U.S. health care system by using a narrative approach identifying function rather than the more common data-driven focus on structure. It presents policy decisions we have made about our health care system and analyzes some of their consequences to better

This book investigates the links between the main sources of biological emergencies and presents a comprehensive policy framework that seeks to achieve the ultimate goal of biological security. The work offers a new interdisciplinary approach to analyse the linkages between the three main sources of biological emergencies: intentional attacks, natural zoonotic transmission, and lab accidents. In doing so, the text describes the history of using nature to create a weapon, focusing on dispersal methods. The most important Select Agents for monitoring are described, with a special focus on anthrax and smallpox. The case studies presented include the use of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in Iraq and the 2001 anthrax attack in the US. The policies that created the emergency preparedness system are analysed, and the current system is described in terms of their effectiveness in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The book concludes with some ideas and specific suggestions for moving from response to risk reduction and prevention. This book will be of much interest to students of biosecurity studies, public health, public policy, political science and international relations, and to professionals working in the fields of public health, public safety, medicine, nursing, and first responders as well as military personnel.

Angels, who appear frequently in both Old and New Testaments, are increasingly popular in the modern religious imagination and culture. This book, the catalogue of a major traveling exhibition drawn from extensive collections of the Vatican and including rare and sacred objects, examines images of angels as they have been depicted through the ages. 300 illustrations, 110 in color.

Everyone needs a break climbing up the steep mountain of wisdom in all the non-fiction books on the subject of metaphysics and spiritual growth. But entertaining fiction in spiritual growth has yet to fully address the growing interest in metaphysics and the increasing popularity of Buddhism and new-age alternatives. This new series provides thought-provoking entertainment for all spiritually curious individuals to explore. Several young adult misfits learn to change the world by using ancient teachings to change themselves. Extreme, often comical characters, dive into difficult life dilemmas, testing philosophical solutions to better their lives - while contemplating profound possibilities about the universe. If such outrageous characters can find more peaceful paths in their reckless lives, so can the rest of us. In this first book, Begging for Enlightenment, Jason The Juggler stumbles down the path of enlightenment while doing battle with samurai warriors, TV evangelists, ex-girlfriends, and his life-long nemesis...his angry past. Strippers, saintly actors, and visionary monks all offer guidance and wisdom, whether they want to or not.