Number: 251 Exportation of Industry <desc> Description: Documents will report the exportation of some part of U.S. Industry to another country. <narr> Narrative: Relevant documents will identify the type of industry being exported, the country to which it is exported; and as well will reveal the number of jobs lost as a result of that exportation. </top> <top> <num> Number: 252 <title> Topic: Combating Alien Smuggling <desc> Description: What steps are being taken by governmental or even private entities world-wide to stop the smuggling of aliens. <narr> Narrative: To be relevant, a document must describe an effort being made (other than routine border patrols) in any country of the world to prevent the illegal penetration of aliens across borders. </top> <top> <num> Number: 253 <title> Topic: Cryonic suspension services <desc> Description: Status report of the cryonic suspension industry-background and future prospects. <narr> Narrative: Cryonics suspension is the practice of quick-freezing a human body immediately upon death and its preservation in a nitrogen environment for possible resuscitation in the event that a cure is found for the cause of death. There was a rush by some to have this done when it first became feasible, but only by those wealthy enough to afford the freezing and long-term storage fees. This search seeks to determine where the industry is today; is it viable? </top> <top> <num> Number: 254 <title> Topic: Non-invasive procedures for persons with heart ailments <desc> Description: The document will discuss all those cases in which medications and procedures were used instead of or prior to heart surgery. <narr> Narrative: A relevant document will report/discuss those cases in which persons diagnosed with heart ailments were treated with medications and/or techniques such as angioplasty, stents, lasers, arthrectomy (roto router) etc., in place of surgery. Also advantages of non-invasive procedures over surgery and comparative studies which show any disparity in longevity when either procedure is used. </top> <top> <num> Number: 255 <title> Topic: Environmental Protection <desc> Description: Name countries that do not practice or ignore environmental protective measures. <narr> Narrative: Nations that do not practice or ignore environmental protective controls degrade the progress other nations have made in this vital area. There are international efforts to protect the environment. The actions of some countries are of some concern, however, because they may be ignoring efforts to conserve and protect the world's resources. The objective of this topic is to identify countries that do not have environmental controls. </top> <top> <num> Number: 256 <title> Topic: Negative Reactions to Reduced Requirements for College Undergraduate Core Studies <desc> Description: Colleges for a long time have been reducing their requirements in such core subjects as history, literature, philosophy, and science. Criticism of this trend has occurred. What are those criticisms. <narr> Narrative: To be relevant, a document will provide negative opinions/facts concerning the fact that colleges have reduced their basic requirements for the granting of degrees to undergraduates. </top> <top> <num> Number: 257 <title> Topic: Cigarette Consumption <desc> Description: What data is available on cigarette consumption by country? <narr> Narrative: If cigarette smoking is a causative factor in lung cancer, then countries with higher cigarette consumption per capita might experience a higher incidence of lung cancer. This topic would provide basic data for such a comparison. </top> <top> <num> Number: 258 <title> Topic: Computer Security <desc> Description: Identify instances of illegal entry into sensitive computer networks by non-authorized personnel. <narr> Narrative: Illegal entry into sensitive computer networks is a serious and potentially menacing problem. Both 'hackers' and foreign agents have been known to acquire unauthorized entry into various networks. Items relative this subject would include but not be limited to instances of illegally entering networks containing information of a sensitive nature to specific countries, such as defense or technology information, international banking, etc. Items of a personal nature (e.g. credit card fraud, changing of college test scores) should not be considered relevant. </top> <top> <num> Number: 259 <title> Topic: New Kennedy Assassination Theories <desc> Description: A relevant document will provide new theories about the 1960's assassination of President Kennedy. <narr> Narrative: Documents must provide new theories about the assassination of President Kennedy that are contrary to the findings of the Warren Commission. This does not mean the new theory must indicate more than one assassin but merely dispute any part of the Warren commission findings. </top> <top> <num> Number: 260 <title> Topic: Evidence of human life <desc> Description: Evidence of the existence of human life 10,000 years ago. <narr> Narrative: To be relevant a document would show evidence that humans existed in the New World 10,000 and more years ago. The evidence could range from human hairs, tools, fossils, etc. to bones of animals indicating human presence. Relevant documents would have to specify the evidence and the age suspected, as well as the basis for any theory presented. Information on the Clovis Culture would be relevant. Archaeology digs would probably be related in some way to each relevant document. </top> <top> <num> Number: 261 <title> Topic: Threat posed by Fissionable Material <desc> Description: Does the availability of fissionable material in the former states of the Soviet Union and its susceptibility to theft, pose a real and growing threat that terrorist groups/terrorist states will acquire such material and be able to construct nuclear weapons? <narr> Narrative: Under the terms of the strategic disarmament treaty with the U.S., the states of the former Soviet Union have been dismantling 2000 warheads each year. From each warhead a shiny sphere of plutonium is extracted. These spheres, called "pits", are the elemental cores of a bomb. In addition, other forms of plutonium are scattered over the former Soviet Union in institutes, laboratories, plants, shipyards and power stations. Disgruntled employees, who are often underpaid or paid irregularly have access to the plutonium. This worries leaders in other countries. Enriched uranium, an alternate fuel, is harder to come by because it is stored in well-guarded military facilities, but it is easier to turn into a bomb. The Russians have denied that it came through or from their country, but German authorities believe that it did. Any item which speaks to failures in the safeguarding of nuclear material or to black-market operations in nuclear material, or to efforts of terrorist groups or terrorist states to acquire such material would be relevant. </top> <top> <num> Number: 262 <title> Topic: Seasonal affective disorder syndrome (SADS) <desc> Description: Is seasonal affective disorder syndrome (SADS), (also known as seasonal absence of daylight syndrome), a worldwide disorder? <narr> Narrative: Relevant documents would contain any information that is discovered on SADS in general. Of particular interest would be articles of information on the person(s), type environment, location, social class, etc. The overall desire is to know if this disorder affects more people that live in areas where more dark hours are prevalant over light hours or does it apply largely to people who are more used to daylight and sunny hours versus dark and dreary hours. </top> <top> <num> Number: 263 <title> Topic: Algae as Food Supplement <desc> Description: What is the value of algae as a food supplement? <narr> Narrative: A recent product that has come on the market is Blue-Green Algae, grown in Klamath Lake in Oregon by the Cell Tech Company. It is being promoted as a powerful food supplement with many beneficial effects, and marketed through direct sales in a pyramid-style company. That is, individual dealers both sell the product directly to other individuals and also recruit their customers to become dealers themselves, and receive a commission on all sales made by their recruits, and their recruits' recruits, etc. What is the opinion of the scientific and health community about this product's value? Is algae used as a food supplement anywhere else in the world? </top> <top> <num> Number: 264 <title> Topic: U.S. Citizens in Foreign Jails <desc> Description: Identify instances where U.S. citizens have been or are being held in foreign jails since the year 1900. <narr> Narrative: With International travel becoming more commonplace, many travelers, whether due to ignorance of the law or with criminal intent, are ending up in foreign jails. Of interest is the country involved, the reason for the seizure and jailing, and the sentence, if convicted. U.S. intervention, if any, would also be of interest. </top> <top> <num> Number: 265 <title> Topic: Domestic Violence <desc> Description: Document will report on domestic violence in the U.S. <narr> Narrative: A discussion of domestic violence and the amount of sanctioned violence in American culture. Spousal abuse. Repeat offenders. It has been noted that immigrant women are especially vulnerable to domestic violence. The cultures of their home countries often prevent these women from seeking help. </top> <top> <num> Number: 266 <title> Topic: Professional Scuba Diving <desc> Description: Where and for what purpose is scuba diving done professionally? <narr> Narrative: What are some jobs that involve scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving? Where do scuba divers work frequently? Who hires scuba divers? </top> <top> <num> Number: 267 <title> Topic: Firefighter Training <desc> Description: Should U.S. firefighters incorporate training in procedures and equipment utilized by foreign firefighters to improve capability of coping with ever-changing firefighting conditions? <narr> Narrative: Many firefighting associations have expressed the need for U.S. personnel to share their training and technical abilities with similar foreign personnel and organizations in order to amalgamate foreign skills and experiences into U.S. procedures. Is this possible under austere governmental funding where substantial money would be required? This exchange of information would significantly benefit U.S. firefighting personnel who are under pressure to cope with new and changing problems in the urban areas. </top> <top> <num> Number: 268 <title> Topic: Cost of national defense <desc> Description: Compare the amount of money spent by the U.S. for national defense with the amount of money spent by another country. <narr> Narrative: To be relevant a document should show cost figures for national defense by a country and compare that figure with cost figures for the U.S. It can be the cost for the total defense or a cost for a portion of the defense, such as the cost for just the ground forces, a fleet of ships, intelligence services, etc. Dollar figures can be rounded off such as "four billion" or "4.5 billion". The cost of one defense item would also be relevant, such as a nuclear submarine or an antitank weapon. </top> <top> <num> Number: 269 <title> Topic: Foreign Trade <desc> Description: Define instances of the use of foreign trade as an instrument to achieve national and foreign policy objectives. <narr> Narrative: Objective is to determine the frequency of the use of foreign trade by nations in order to achieve national or foreign policy objectives. Such actions run counter to the goal of free trade. Relevancy factors are to identify any nation which uses trade to achieve a foreign policy objective. </top> <top> <num> Number: 270 <title> Topic: Control of Food Supplements <desc> Description: Should the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exercise more stringent control over the labelling and sale of food supplements. <narr> Narrative: Food supplements include vitamins, herbal preparations, minerals and amino acids. It is estimated that nearly half of all Americans take some dietary supplement every day. Until recent years there has been little concern that there has been no federal rules covering this four billion dollar a year industry. The government has become concerned with the purity of the products, and points to deaths and injuries which have occurred because of the contamination of certain supplements. The government is also concerned about the exaggerated claims made for some products, and the lack of warning labels on the products. Those who take the opposite side of the argument say that the FDA wants to eventually control supplements as if they were drugs. Any item which addresses either side of the argument would be relevant. </top> <top> <num> Number: 271 <title> Topic: Solar Power <desc> Description: To what extent is solar power used as an alternative to fossil fuels in various countries worldwide? <narr> Narrative: Although the development of solar power as a major energy source has progressed slowly, in some parts of the world it is used extensively. Where and for what purposes? </top> <top> <num> Number: 272 <title> Topic: Outpatient Surgery <desc> Description: Medically, is outpatient surgery more prevalant now than ever before? <narr> Narrative: Relevant documents would contain information on who employs this practice (info can be on a worldwide basis); what does it cover; has it been a cost effective measure; is it driven by the hospital insurance industry; and also of interest would be any legal actions that may have arisen from this practice. </top> <top> <num> Number: 273 <title> Topic: Volcanic and Seismic activity levels <desc> Description: This topic seeks to determine if there has been a significant, noticeable increase in volcanic and seismic (earthquake) activity. <narr> Narrative: The scientific community and the new age writers are converging on the phenomena of increased levels of volcanic eruption (and of greater magnitude) and higher levels of seismic (earthquake) activity. The study will examine reporting to seek to determine if these perceptions are valid. </top> <top> <num> Number: 274 <title> Topic: Electric Automobiles <desc> Description: What are the latest developments in production of electric automobiles. <narr> Narrative: The economic feasibility of electric automobiles appears to be limited by the limited range of operation between recharges of batteries. What progress has been made? </top> <top> <num> Number: 275 <title> Topic: Herbal Food Supplements/Natural Health Care Products <desc> Description: Evidence indicating that herbal food supplements or nature products has caused harm to humans. <narr> Narrative: To be relevant the product must be identified as to the type of herb, natural product, or commercial name. The document should show some evidence of the harm suffered by an individual who consumed the product. Products are usually sold by "nature" stores and used as dietary supplements or medicines and are not regulated. These products are sometimes labeled as "health care products". They are used worldwide and sometimes prescribed by doctors and people associated with alternative medicine research. </top> <top> <num> Number: 276 <title> Topic: Imposition of a school uniform or dress code <desc> Description: The document will discuss the pros and cons of students wearing a school uniform or adhering to a dress code. <narr> Narrative: A relevant document will report on the value or positive gains in schools which have a school uniform or dress code in terms of department and educational gains, positive gains, i.e., less crime and better scholastic achievement in schools which have recently adopted a uniform/dress code. Alternatively the article could discuss the negative effects of school uniforms or dress codes. </top> <top> <num> Number: 277 <title> Topic: Civilian Deaths from Land Mines <desc> Description: How many civilian deaths have been caused by land mines (by country and year). <narr> Narrative: Sentiment has been growing for an international prohibition of land mines because of the difficulty of removing these weapons after cessation of hostilities. How serious is this problem? </top> <top> <num> Number: 278 <title> Topic: DNA Information about Human Ancestry <desc> Description: A relevant document will discuss geneticists findings concerning the ancestry of the world's peoples. <narr> Narrative: To be relevant, a chosen item will discuss the genetic code research currently being done to determine the mysteries of mankind's origins and migrations. </top> <top> <num> Number: 279 <title> Topic: Earth magnetic pole shifting <desc> Description: This topic will explore reporting on the possible shifting of the earth's magnetic poles. <narr> Narrative: Some current literature, scientific and popular, is reporting evidence of the shifting of the earth's magnetic poles. The degree of shifting is in dispute as well as whether this shifting will continue and the possible consequences of such shifting. Besides the obvious effect on navigational aids, a major shift could bring about a realignment of earth's axis and a rotation of the earth on its axis with dire consequences. </top> <top> <num> Number: 280 <title> Topic: Ban on Ivory Trade <desc> Description: How effective has the ban on ivory trade been in protecting the elephant from extinction? <narr> Narrative: An international agreement banning trade in ivory was reached in 1990. What effect has this had on the elephant population, if any? Have other steps been taken? </top> <top> <num> Number: 281 <title> Topic: Genetic code of yeast <desc> Description: To be relevant a document must identify some benefit that scientists hope to gain from deciphering the genetic code of yeast. <narr> Narrative: This benefit should relate to human cells since yeast cells are so closely related to human cells. Researchers have been using yeast to study the fundamentals of genetics and scientists have long recognized that yeast provided insights into ways human cells work. Relevant documents should answer questions such as: What genes found in yeast have the same relative functions as genes found in humans? Identify the full genetic sequence or pattern of yeast. Identify a gene that reacts the same way on a yeast cell and a human cell. </top> <top> <num> Number: 282 <title> Topic: Violent Juvenile Crime <desc> Description: Is violent juvenile crime a global issue? <narr> Narrative: A relevant document would contain information on violent juvenile crime (murder, rape, armed robbery etc.) occurring throughout the world. </top> <top> <num> Number: 283 <title> Topic: China Trade <desc> Description: Has the China trade policy had a positive effect on U.S. consumers? <narr> Narrative: Chinese manufacturers' exploitation of the labor force and poor working conditions have brought criticism from the U.S. and some European organizations, particularly organized labor unions. They contend that U.S. consumers are being offered products inferior in both quality of material and workmanship. U.S. companies allege that, with using foreign manufacturers, consumer costs remain relatively stable with minimal degradation in quality and workmanship of the product involved. </top> <top> <num> Number: 284 <title> Topic: International Drug Enforcement Cooperation <desc> Description: Identify instances where it is shown that international cooperation is taking place in an effort to combat the worldwide drug problem. <narr> Narrative: Drugs are a critical problem being experienced throughout the world. International Cooperation will be required if this problem is to be alleviated. Examples of relative documents would be those related to shared information regarding shipments across international borders as well as sharing of information with various prosecutors and other law enforcement personnel. </top> <top> <num> Number: 285 <title> Topic: World submarine forces <desc> Description: Determine the number of submarines, both nuclear- powered and conventional, presently in the inventories of all the countries in the world. <narr> Narrative: We are looking for a count of operable submarines in any country that currently has a navy with submarines. To be relevant a document should give a specific number of submarines, but not necessarily its entire fleet of submarines (although, that is our ultimate goal). A report of a French submarine suffering a mishap in the North sea would not be relevant. However, a report of a new submarine being built in Shanghai that contains other valuable information, such as "this is the third reported unit constructed at this base" would be relevant. Any information that would be considered useful as an intelligence tool in determining a country's submarine order of battle would be relevant. </top> <top> <num> Number: 286 <title> Topic: Paper Cost <desc> Description: Why is the cost of paper rising? <narr> Narrative: In the last year or so the publishing industry is said to have faced a 40% increase in the cost of paper. What factors have led to this price rise? Is there a shortage of materials? Has the cost of processing risen? Have higher taxes been imposed? </top> <top> <num> Number: 287 <title> Topic: Electronic Surveillance <desc> Description: Individual privacy rights vs electronic surveillance <narr> Narrative: Does electronic surveillance by an organization of its employees violate that individual's privacy rights. Need information where electronic surveillance is being used and to what degree by an organization. Also require documents which reveal laws and regulation governing the rights of an organization to electronically survey its employees. Reports which indicate the circumstances which caused the organization to start electronic surveillance are relevant. Other relevant documents may reflect information on an employee suing over his right to privacy and the circumstances of the event. Look for what are most of the verdicts in these cases. Also a relevant report would be one where other approaches are being considered to offset this growing problem between an individual's right to privacy and the security of an organization. </top> <top> <num> Number: 288 <title> Topic: Weight Control/Diets <desc> Description: Document will report on weight control and diets in the U.S. <narr> Narrative: Sports nutrition leaders say the key to controlling weight, while fueling yourself properly for activity, is to eat the right kind of foods at the optimum time. More than a third of U.S. women and nearly a quarter of U.S. men are trying to lose weight at any one time, according to a report by the NIH. Evidence presented at an NIH Conference showed that diets fail the majority of time. Some therapists believe that overweight people need to learn to accept themselves, forget their obsession of losing weight and get on with their lives. </top> <top> <num> Number: 289 <title> Topic: For-profit hospitals <desc> Description: How will the emergence of chains of for-profit hospitals affect the hospital industry and the provision of health care? <narr> Narrative: Over the past several years some community hospitals have been forced to close, and others have seen their bed occupancy rate drop to low levels. Entrepreneurs have bought up inefficiently operated hospitals, and have formed them into large chains. The Columbia Healthcare Corporation has been very active in this area, and by October 1993 it had created a chain of 190 hospitals. Critics of these chains argue that they could limit consumer choice and eventually raise costs as the chains became more powerful. They also say that the concentration on the bottom line could have an adverse effect on health care, particularly if doctors are offered an equity stake in the operations. Any item which discusses the formation and management of hospital chains, or which discusses how the chains affect other hospitals or the provision of health care would be relevant. </top> <top> <num> Number: 290 <title> Topic: Foreign automobile manufacturers in U.S. <desc> Description: What is the impact of foreign automobile manufacturers locating their plants in the United States? <narr> Narrative: Relevant documents would contain information on the impact on the economies within the U.S. locations; impact on foreign locations such as the increase/loss of revenue and/or employment; and/or increase or decrease in the cost of the vehicles. </top> <top> <num> Number: 291 <title> Topic: Source of taxes <desc> Description: Source of taxes for major countries of the world excluding the U.S. <narr> Narrative: To be relevant a document would examine, explain or otherwise identify taxes paid by citizens of a major country other than the United States. The revenue gained from the taxes would be intended for the government to be used for the benefit of all citizens. They would include but not be limited to such taxes as income tax, sales tax, property tax, etc. A relevant document should include some evidence of a percentage rate, amount, or other measure indicating how much revenue is involved. </top> <top> <num> Number: 292 <title> Topic: Worldwide Welfare <desc> Description: Identify social programs for poor people in countries other than the U.S. <narr> Narrative: To be relevant a document would identify a welfare program in a foreign country and explain how it works to aid citizens who have little or no income. It would include those who can't work because of a disability and people who have the extra burden of small children. The document should indicate how these people are supported or not supported. A relevant document should identify the source of the monies used to support such welfare programs. </top> <top> <num> Number: 293 <title> Topic: Evacuation of U.S. Citizens by U.S. Military <desc> Description: Evacuation of U.S. Citizens by U.S. Military since the year 1900 <narr> Narrative: The U.S. Military has many times been called upon to evacuate non-combatant U.S. personnel from Foreign Countries. Identify instances where U.S. military personnel have been called on to evacuate non-military U.S. citizens from possible chaotic and dangerous situations around the world. Evacuation of military personnel should not be considered relevant unless accomplished in concert with the evacuation of civilians. </top> <top> <num> Number: 294 <title> Topic: Animal husbandry for exotic animals <desc> Description: This topic will seek out reporting on the commercial growth of animal husbandry relating to "different" or "exotic" animals as opposed to the usual poultry, cattle, pigs, sheep, etc. <narr> Narrative: This study will attempt to discover the viability and economic prospects of commercial attempts to raise "exotic" animals. Some of the animals currently being raised are: llamas, emus, ostriches, mohair goats, alpacas, buffalo, catfish, crawfish, reindeer, rhea, trout, salmon, oyster, and shrimp. </top> <top> <num> Number: 295 <title> Topic: Deaths from Scuba Diving <desc> Description: What deaths have resulted from scuba diving? <narr> Narrative: I am looking for actual examples of people who have died while they were scuba diving, or of deaths that have occurred later but were the result of scuba diving. Quantitative reports of the number of deaths are relevant. Deaths from natural causes such as heart or asthma attacks are relevant if the attack occurred while the person was scuba diving. </top> <top> <num> Number: 296 <title> Topic: Trash TV <desc> Description: Has the popularity of trash TV in the USA led to the spread of such "entertainment" in other countries? <narr> Narrative: To be relevant, a document will discuss foreign (to the U.S.) TV programming that is similar to the daytime, sensational and weird type of TV programming now popular in the U.S.? </top> <top> <num> Number: 297 <title> Topic: Right To Die - Pros and Cons <desc> Description: Right To Die - Pros and Cons <narr> Narrative: Circumstances surrounding death have changed in the last 30 years. Even dying has become an ordeal, especially for patients and families who are not well informed about their choices. Look for relevant documents which reflect legal and ethical issues and current thinking about death. Documents which reveal how nursing homes are prolonging life through artificial means because of possible legal problems are relevant. Documents on euthanasia are relevant. Reports which reflect types and definition of euthanasia are also relevant. Look for articles which report on the laws and regulation governing when medical treatments may be discontinued thereby causing death and laws which grant patients the right to refuse medical treatment. Some form of euthanasia is currently acceptable in some countries throughout the world, these are all relevant. </top> <top> <num> Number: 298 <title> Topic: Gun Control <desc> Description: What countries have enforced strict gun control measures since 1950? <narr> Narrative: There is much controversy over whether "gun control" is effective in reducing violent crimes. Inspecting the experience of countries that have enforced such restrictions over a period of years should help answer the question. </top> <top> <num> Number: 299 <title> Topic: Impact on local economies of military downsizing <desc> Description: What has been the impact on local economies caused by U.S. Military downsizing and base closure at U.S. and Foreign soil locations? <narr> Narrative: Relevant documents would contain information on the financial impact (revenue lost); employment impact (jobs lost); real estate impact (use of facilities); as well as any gains derived through continued use of the facilities for other purposes. </top> <top> <num> Number: 300 <title> Topic: Air Traffic Control Systems <desc> Description: To be relevant, an item will concern a commercial airline accident anywhere in the world and consider, if not outright attribute, the casualty to a difficulty (either mechanical or human) with an air traffic control system. <narr> Narrative: The U.S. National Air Traffic Controllers Association frequently warns that air traffic control systems around the world are inadequate and that personnel are frequently overworked. Is there evidence in investigation data that the mechanical and human systems worldwide frequently contribute to airliner casualties? </top>