The Cultural Olympiad of Barcelona in 1992: Good points and bad points. Lessons for the Future

This text was presented at the Symposium “Olympic Arts and Culture Festivals: Recent Experiences and Future Design”, held in Chicago on the 23-24 June 2008. It provides with an analysis of good and bad points of the Cultural Olympiad of Barcelona’92 in order to discover, from that past experience, any lessons for future Cultural Olympiads and Olympic Movement cultural policy in general, as well as to rethink, in a critical way, Catalan cultural policies.

La Olimpiada Cultural de Barcelona en 1992: luces y sombras. Lecciones para el futuro

Este texto fue presentado en el Simposio “Olympic Arts and Culture Festivals: Recent Experiences and Future Design”, celebrado en Chicago del 23 al 24 de junio de 2008. Proporciona un análisis de las luces y sombras de la Olimpiada Cultural de Barcelona’92 con el fin de descubrir, a partir de esa experiencia previa, cualquier lección para las Olimpíadas Culturales futuras y la política cultural del movimiento olímpico en general, así como repensar, de una manera crítica, las políticas culturales catalanas.

Attitudes of the public towards policies to address obesity

Key points Obesity and the related health burden is a growing problem in Ireland. Understanding public attitudes to policy interventions is important, as it provides a key indicator of the potential effectiveness of interventions and the readiness of the general public for policy implementation. The present research aimed to determine public acceptance of a range of policies to address obesity in Ireland. To this end, a survey of attitudes towards obesity-oriented policies among a nationally representative sample of the population of Irish adults was conducted. Strikingly high levels of public support were evident for a wide range of obesity-oriented interventions. The findings support prior research on behaviour change in key policy areas such as diet and smoking which demonstrates that support for interventions tends to decrease as the intrusiveness of interventions increases. Consistent with previous research, socio-demographic factors only explain a small portion (2 - 6%) of the variance in policy support. Overall, the findings indicate substantial public readiness for addressing obesity in Ireland, particularly through child-focused policies, informational measures, subsidies for healthy foods and co-operation between government and the food industry. - See more at: http://www.safefood.eu/Publications/Research-reports/Attitudes-of-the-public-towards-policies-to-addres

Pandemic influenza control in Europe and the constraints resulting from incoherent public health laws.

Background With the emergence of influenza H1N1v the world is facing its first 21st century global pandemic. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and avian influenza H5N1 prompted development of pandemic preparedness plans. National systems of public health law are essential for public health stewardship and for the implementation of public health policy[1]. International coherence will contribute to effective regional and global responses. However little research has been undertaken on how law works as a tool for disease control in Europe. With co-funding from the European Union, we investigated the extent to which laws across Europe support or constrain pandemic preparedness planning, and whether national differences are likely to constrain control efforts. Methods We undertook a survey of national public health laws across 32 European states using a questionnaire designed around a disease scenario based on pandemic influenza. Questionnaire results were reviewed in workshops, analysing how differences between national laws might support or hinder regional responses to pandemic influenza. Respondents examined the impact of national laws on the movements of information, goods, services and people across borders in a time of pandemic, the capacity for surveillance, case detection, case management and community control, the deployment of strategies of prevention, containment, mitigation and recovery and the identification of commonalities and disconnects across states. Results Results of this study show differences across Europe in the extent to which national pandemic policy and pandemic plans have been integrated with public health laws. We found significant differences in legislation and in the legitimacy of strategic plans. States differ in the range and the nature of intervention measures authorized by law, the extent to which borders could be closed to movement of persons and goods during a pandemic, and access to healthcare of non-resident persons. Some states propose use of emergency powers that might potentially override human rights protections while other states propose to limit interventions to those authorized by public health laws. Conclusion These differences could create problems for European strategies if an evolving influenza pandemic results in more serious public health challenges or, indeed, if a novel disease other than influenza emerges with pandemic potential. There is insufficient understanding across Europe of the role and importance of law in pandemic planning. States need to build capacity in public health law to support disease prevention and control policies. Our research suggests that states would welcome further guidance from the EU on management of a pandemic, and guidance to assist in greater commonality of legal approaches across states.

Protocol for the modeling the epidemiologic transition study: a longitudinal observational study of energy balance and change in body weight, diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity has increased in societies of all socio-cultural backgrounds. To date, guidelines set forward to prevent obesity have universally emphasized optimal levels of physical activity. However there are few empirical data to support the assertion that low levels of energy expenditure in activity is a causal factor in the current obesity epidemic are very limited. METHODS: The Modeling the Epidemiologic Transition Study (METS) is a cohort study designed to assess the association between physical activity levels and relative weight, weight gain and diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk in five population-based samples at different stages of economic development. Twenty-five hundred young adults, ages 25-45, were enrolled in the study; 500 from sites in Ghana, South Africa, Seychelles, Jamaica and the United States. At baseline, physical activity levels were assessed using accelerometry and a questionnaire in all participants and by doubly labeled water in a subsample of 75 per site. We assessed dietary intake using two separate 24-h recalls, body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and health history, social and economic indicators by questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured and blood samples collected for measurement of lipids, glucose, insulin and adipokines. Full examination including physical activity using accelerometry, anthropometric data and fasting glucose will take place at 12 and 24 months. The distribution of the main variables and the associations between physical activity, independent of energy intake, glucose metabolism and anthropometric measures will be assessed using cross-section and longitudinal analysis within and between sites. DISCUSSION: METS will provide insight on the relative contribution of physical activity and diet to excess weight, age-related weight gain and incident glucose impairment in five populations' samples of young adults at different stages of economic development. These data should be useful for the development of empirically-based public health policy aimed at the prevention of obesity and associated chronic diseases.

Workshop: Capacity building for national public health advocacy: case studies from national associations

The first statement of the EUPHA on the Future of Public Health in Europe refers to the need for going 'to policymakers, politicians and practitioners in all sectors of society and advise them on how to promote public health throughout society'. WHO-EURO Director General Marc Danzon, quoted in the second EUPHA statement on the responsibility of policy makers indicates that 'learning is not systematically applied in health policy development in our continent'. Statement 3 calls for the integration of public health into the political agenda in all sectors. The first EUPHA president, Louise Gunning-Schepers, quoted in Statement 10 called on EUPHA to become 'a powerful advocate of the public health community'. In addition to the above, the EU is now actively seeking ways to build capacity to implement its health strategy. Learning and building the capacity to achieve our aims The aims and objectives to promote the public's health as reflected in EUPHA's 10 statements are also mirrored in the national public health associations. However, many of EUPHA's national associations have little or limited experience in promoting public health policy at the national level. To assist in the learning of advocacy for public health policies, case studies presenting experiences of national public health organizations in lobbying for national public health policy will be presented and discussed. In addition to sharing experiences, the presentations will identify successful approaches to public health advocacy as well as lessons learned from unsuccessful attempts.

Informe sobre el Seminari «Sistemes d'Informació per a l'Acció Cultural Local» (Barcelona, 25-28 de novembre de 1998)

El passat mes de novembre, l'Àrea de Cultura de la Diputació de Barcelona va organitzar Interacció'98, unes jornades de convocatòria estatal sobre polítiques i gestió cultural. La convocatòria d'enguany ¿la quarta edició¿ tractà d'un centre d'interès específic: «Cultura i poder local». Dins el marc d'Interacció'98, es va organitzar el seminari de «Sistemes d'informació per a l'acció cultural local». Aquest seminari es va organitzar amb l'intent de conjugar la reflexió teòrica amb la presentació de pràctiques amb resultats positius procedents d'organitzacions públiques de diversa adscripció temàtica i sectorial de tot l'Estat espanyol. El comú denominador va ser la seva significació quant a les possibilitats i limitacions dels sistemes d'informació per a l'acció cultural a escala territorial.

La concepció política de la mediació cultural

La mediació cultural és una figura institucionalitzada a Quebec, però força desconeguda a Catalunya. A través de les pràctiques culturals busca fomentar una participació civíca ciutadana, millorar la cohesió social i el risc d'exclusió. Aquest treball investiga la mediació cultural des d'una perspectiva política, defensant que hi ha tres formes de percebre un acte de mediació. Metodològicament, s'analitzen pràctiques de mediació cultural a Montreal utilitzant com a marc interpretatiu tres models de ciutadania: liberal, comunitarista i republicà.

Handbook for the design of intercultural policies: summary of the original Spanish version

Local governments need minimum common criteria to manage the social dynamics of diversity. This Handbook defends the strategy of interculturality as a public political approach, based on a way to interpret interculturality as a positive resource, as a public cultural and a collective good. It is an approach that promotes the equitative interaction as a way to generate a cohesive common public space. This Handbook provides the reader with the conceptual and practical instruments to help (and inspire) those territories which would like to integrate interculturality as an urban project.It aims to serve as a ground for discussion to jointly work in local administrations and other government levels, fororganizations and institutions, as well as for cultural, political and citizens collectives. Results are presented asan action by the Red de Ciudades Interculturales (RECI), within the Intercultural Cities framework by the Councilof Europe, with the collaboration of Obra Social "La Caixa".

Política cultural e hibridación de las instituciones culturales. El caso de Barcelona

Actualmente, los recortes en los presupuestos de cultura han impulsado un debate público sobre la necesidad de cooperación entre el sector público y el sector privado en la financiación y la gestión de las instituciones culturales. No obstante, en realidad, esta cooperación ya existe en el caso de Barcelona. El análisis presupuestario y de su gestión revela que la mayor parte de las instituciones culturales no pueden ser clasificadas ni en el sector público ni en el sector privado no lucrativo, sino que son híbridas. El artículo defiende que las hibridaciones que podemos encontrar se explican, en primer lugar, por el origen de las instituciones culturales y, en segundo lugar, por la orientación de la política cultural barcelonesa, caracterizada por la estrategia emprendedora del gobierno local. Finalmente, el artículo analiza los retos que plantean estos diferentes grados de hibridación con relación a la gobernanza de las instituciones culturales.

Cultural Planning and community sustainability: The case of the Cultural Facilities Plan of Catalonia (PECCAT 2010-20)

The government of Catalonia has developed a planning framework that seeks to establish the provision of cultural facilities throughout the country. The Cultural Facilities Plan of Catalonia (PECCAT) is based on an analysis of historical gaps and establishes a minimum spatial scheme. The plan responds to problems associated with the absence of a former similar instrument, which has led to an inconsistent and inappropriate cultural infrastructure that fails to fulfill its fundamental mission of securing the cultural rights of the population. The paper sets forth the aims of this policy and describes the objectives and basic characteristics of the plan and the expected outcomes. With the plan, the government of Catalonia seeks to rebalance the infrastructure within the territory and to ensure universal access to basic cultural services, while avoiding a logic of standardization and taking local communities into account. With the development of local plans in the municipalities, local governments encourage community participation processes to adapt and decide on priorities for action based on needs assessments and cultural opportunities for local sustainable development. The local plans focus on local cultural strengths, take advantage of opportunities, and aim to realize the cultural dynamics of a place through establishing an infrastructure that can best respond to the needs and cultural demands of the local communities, taking into account economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

Reproductive Tourism in Argentina: Clinic Accreditation and its Implications for Consumers, Health Professionals and Policy Makers

A subcategory of medical tourism, reproductive tourism has been the subject of much public and policy debate in recent years. Specific concerns include: the exploitation of individuals and communities, access to needed health care services, fair allocation of limited resources, and the quality and safety of services provided by private clinics. To date, the focus of attention has been on the thriving medical and reproductive tourism sectors in Asia and Eastern Europe; there has been much less consideration given to more recent ‘players’ in Latin America, notably fertility clinics in Chile, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. In this paper, we examine the context-specific ethical and policy implications of private Argentinean fertility clinics that market reproductive services via the internet. Whether or not one agrees that reproductive services should be made available as consumer goods, the fact is that they are provided as such by private clinics around the world. We argue that basic national regulatory mechanisms are required in countries such as Argentina that are marketing fertility services to local and international publics. Specifically, regular oversight of all fertility clinics is essential to ensure that consumer information is accurate and that marketed services are safe and effective. It is in the best interests of consumers, health professionals and policy makers that the reproductive tourism industry adopts safe and responsible medical practices.

Ethics in Health Policy for Allergy : A Practical Approach for Decision-Makers

Comme à l’approche d’un tsunami, l’incidence grandissante des allergies affecte maintenant plus de 30% de la population des pays développés. Étant la cause de nombreuses morbidités et un risque significatif de mortalité, les allergies nécessitent des dépenses exorbitantes au système de santé et constituent une des plus importantes sources d’invalidité. Cette thèse a pour but de contribuer à faciliter la prise de décision éclairée dans le développement de politiques en santé en lien avec cette maladie immunitaire chronique en utilisant des principes d’éthique comme outils pour guider le développement de politiques en santé. Le premier chapitre démontre le présent déficit d’analyses des enjeux éthiques en allergologie et démontre de quelle façon les réflexions en éthique peuvent guider le développement de politiques et l’élaboration de stratégies appliquées aux allergies. Les chapitres qui suivront présentent des applications spécifiques des principes d’éthiques ciblant des contextes précis comme des méthodes qui fournissent des outils de réflexion et des cadres théoriques qui peuvent être appliqués par les décideurs pour guider des interventions en santé concernant les allergies et les conditions de co-morbidité reliées. Le second chapitre présente un cadre théorique pour l’évaluation et la priorisation d’interventions en santé publique par la diminution des allergènes présents dans l’environnement basées sur des théories de justice sociale. Les critères entourant les politiques d’évaluation se concentrent sur les enjeux éthiques référant aux populations vulnérables, sur une distribution plus égale des bénéfices pour la santé, et sur le devoir d’éviter la stigmatisation. Le troisième chapitre offre aux administrateurs et au personnel infirmier du réseau scolaire un cadre décisionnel pour guider le développement de politiques efficaces et éthiquement justifiables concernant les allergies alimentaires pour les écoles. Dans ce contexte, les principes de base d’éthique en santé publique et en bioéthique - par exemple, l’empowerment des populations vulnérables dans la prise en charge de leur santé et la protection de la confidentialité du dossier médical - servent d’outils pour évaluer les politiques. Le dernier chapitre emploie les principes de base de recherche en éthique comme méthode pour développer un argumentaire en faveur de la réforme des réglementations entourant la production de médicaments immunothérapeutiques. La nécessité éthique d’éviter les risques de méfait à l’endroit du sujet humain dans la recherche permettra de servir de guide pour structurer de futures politiques en santé publique en égard à la production d’immunothérapeutiques à l’échelle mondiale.

Der Einfluss institutioneller Rahmenbedingungen auf die nationalen Innovationssysteme in Frankreich und Deutschland

Die Dissertation beschäftigt sich mit der komparativen Analyse der deutschen und französischen Innovationssysteme. Ausgehend von der evolutorisch-orientierten Innovationsforschung und der Institutionenökonomik werden die Akteure und deren Interaktionen in den jeweiligen institutionellen Rahmenbedingungen in beiden Innovationssystemen untersucht. Die Arbeit beleuchtet dieses Thema aus verschiedenen Perspektiven und zeichnet sich durch ein breites Methodenspektrum aus. Die Grenzen und Defizite des linearen Innovationsmodells werden aufgezeigt und für ein systemisches, interaktives Verständnis der Entstehung von Innovationen plädiert. Dieses interaktive Modell wird auf die Ebene des nationalen Innovationssystems transponiert, und damit wird der konzeptionelle Rahmen für die weitere Analyse geschaffen. Für die Gestaltung der Innovationssysteme wird die Bedeutung der institutionellen Konfigurationen betont, die von den Innovationsakteuren gewählt werden. Hierfür werden jeweils die Fallbeispiele Frankreich und Deutschland ausführlich untersucht und nach der gleichen Systematik empirisch betrachtet und schließlich werden beide Innovationssysteme systematisch verglichen. Dabei wird auch auf die Pfadabhängigkeiten in beiden Innovationssystemen eingegangen, sowie auf die Notwendigkeit der Berücksichtigung kultureller und historischer Eigenarten der verglichenen Länder. Expertengespräche mit deutschen und französischen Experten, ergänzen die zuvor erzielten Ergebnisse der Arbeit: Durch eine interdisziplinäre Herangehensweise werden politikwissenschaftliche und ökonomische Ansätze miteinander verknüpft, sowie kulturelle Eigenarten berücksichtigt, die Innovationssysteme beeinflussen können. In seinen Schlussfolgerungen kommt der Verfasser zu dem Ergebnis, dass „lernende Politik“ über institutionellen Wandel und Wissenstransfer ein wichtiger Faktor bei der Gestaltung hybrider Institutionen und der staatlichen Innovationspolitik von der „Missions- zur Diffusionsorientierung“ hin ist. Die Betrachtung zweier nationaler Systeme sowie deren Einbindung in internationale Kontexte führt zum Ergebnis, dass die Steuerung der Schnittstelle „Forschung-Industrie“, insbesondere die Rolle der Universitäten und Forschungseinrichtungen in heterogenen Kooperationspartnerschaften, über neue forschungs-und technologiepolitische Instrumente über transnationales Lernen von Institutionen geschehen kann. Dieser institutionelle Wandel wird als Lernprozess betrachtet, der im Übergang zur wissensbasierten Wirtschaft als “comparative institutional advantage“ ein wichtiger Faktor bei der Gestaltung der Institutionen und der staatlichen Technologiepolitik ist.

La inocencia robada: juventud, multinacionales y política cultural = Stealing innocence: Corporate culture's war on children

Este libro es una recopilación de diversos ensayos de su autor y, aunque en la contraportada se sugiere que hay un hilo conductor, una simple ojeada al índice ofrece una estructura bien extraña, carente de un capítulo final con reflexiones que globalicen, sinteticen o resuman lo expuesto, que lleven al lector a algún tipo de conclusión