Choosing the path of austerity: how parties and policy coalitions influence welfare state retrenchment in periods of fiscal consolidation

What are the conditions under which some austerity programmes rely on substantial cuts to social spending? More specifically, do the partisan complexion and the type of government condition the extent to which austerity policies imply welfare state retrenchment? This article demonstrates that large budget consolidations tend to be associated with welfare state retrenchment. The findings support a partisan and a politico-institutionalist argument: (i) in periods of fiscal consolidation, welfare state retrenchment tends to be more pronounced under left-wing governments; (ii) since welfare state retrenchment is electorally and politically risky, it also tends to be more pronounced when pursued by a broad pro-reform coalition government. Therefore, the article shows that during budget consolidations implemented by left-wing broad coalition governments, welfare state retrenchment is greatest. Using long-run multipliers from autoregressive distributed lag models on 17 OECD countries during the 1982–2009 period, substantial support is found for these expectations.

The use of plant-based bioassays in homeopathic basic research.

OBJECTIVES The objective was to evaluate homeopathic basic research studies that use plant-based bioassays. With this in view, a compilation was made of the findings of three systematic literature reviews covering plant-based bioassays in the three fields of healthy, abiotically, or biotically stressed plants. This compilation focused on investigations using advanced experimental methods and detailed descriptions, also with the aim of supporting the design of future experiments. METHODS Publications included had to report on studies into the effects of homeopathic preparations on whole plants, seeds, plant parts and cells. Outcomes had to be measured by established procedures and statistically evaluated. A Manuscript Information Score (MIS) was applied using predefined criteria to identify publications with sufficient information for adequate interpretation (MIS ≥ 5). Additional evaluation focused on the use of adequate controls to investigate specific effects of homeopathic preparations, and on the use of systematic negative control (SNC) experiments to ensure the stability of the bioassay. Only a fraction of the studies reported here were performed with 'ultra high' dilutions, whereas other studies were performed with moderate or high dilutions. RESULTS A total of 157 publications were identified, describing a total of 167 experimental studies. 84 studies included statistics and 48 had a MIS ≥ 5, thus allowing adequate interpretation. 29 studies had adequate controls to identify specific effects of homeopathic preparations, and reported significant effects of decimal and centesimal homeopathic potencies, including dilution levels beyond Avogadro's number. 10 studies reported use of SNC experiments, yielding evidence for the stability of the experimental set-up. CONCLUSION Plant models appear to be a useful approach for investigating basic research questions relating to homeopathic preparations, but more independent replication trials are needed in order to verify the results found in single experiments. Adequate controls and SNC experiments should be implemented on a routine basis to exclude false-positive results.

Managing social policy under federalism: The challenges of hybrid funding and program delivery

This paper discusses generally the question of the level of government that should be used to administer different social policies. The chapter focuses on the Medicaid program, looking at recent state-level changes in health insurance for the poor and long-term care policy. Particular attention will be paid to the question of how states have used their new freedoms to outsource public insurance to the private sector and on the consequent differences in outcomes across states. Notably, this paper will be drawn from my forthcoming book “The American Myth of Markets in Social Policy” (Palgrave, MacMillan, November, 2015).

HOUSE-TO-HOUSE SURVEY OF ACCESS TO AND USE OF PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN METROPOLITAN LAGOS, NIGERIA

One of the broad objectives of the Nigerian health service, vigorously being pursued at all levels of government, is to make comprehensive health care available and accessible to the population at the lowest possible cost, within available resources. Some state governments in the federation have already introduced free medical service as a practical way to remove financial barriers to access and in turn to encourage greater utilization of publicly funded care facilities.^ To aid health planners and decision makers in identifying a shorter corridor through which urban dwellers can gain access to comprehensive health care, a health interview survey of the metropolitan Lagos was undertaken. The primary purpose was to ascertain the magnitude of access problems which urban households face in seeking care from existing public facilities at the time of need. Six categories of illness chosen from the 1975 edition of the International Classification of Disease were used as indicators of health need.^ Choice of treatment facilities in response to illness episode was examined in relation to distance, travel time, time of use and transportation experiences. These were graphically described. The overall picture indicated that distance and travel time coexist with transportation problems in preventing a significant segment of those in need of health care from benefitting in the free medical service offered in public health facilities. Within this milieu, traditional medicine and its practitioners became the most preferred alternative. Recommendations were offered for action with regard to decentralization of general practitioner (GP) consultations in general hospitals and integration of traditional medicine and its practitioners into public health service. ^

CIGARETTE SMOKING AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN RURAL AREAS OF THAILAND

The purpose of this study was to identify the smoking prevalence among high school students in rural areas of Thailand and the factors associated with their smoking habits. The sample population was comprised of 946 volunteer students of both sexes enrolled in the twelfth grade classes of the 1981-82 school year in randomly chosen regional public high schools throughout the country. Data were obtained from a formal self-administered questionnaire survey. The comparisons were treated by classified smoking habits as "non-smoker," "trier," "ex-smoker," and "smoker."^ The study presented the low rate of cigarette smoking habits among female students, compared to male students. Significant differences of smoking-related habits were found among those who had exemplar models for smoking habits; fathers, siblings and peers were their reference groups. Parental approval was found to be a significant factor associated with students' smoking habits. The awareness of health hazards, the perceptions of the influence of cigarette advertisement, and the attitudes toward the concerns of government in cigarette manufacturing were also factors associated with cigarette smoking habits of high school subjects. ^

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTITUDE ASSESSMENT/ROLE PERCEPTION AND THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT MANAGERS

Much of the current healthcare financial literature addresses the concern of government officials, the public, and healthcare providers regarding the need for control of health care costs. The literature suggests that attitudes of hospital department managers toward their role in financial management affects their ability to effect favorable financial results.^ There were several objectives of the dissertation: (1) To identify whether or not there exists a relationship between the attitude/role perception of hospital managers and the financial performance of their departments. (2) To compile a descriptive survey data base of key factors identified in the financial literature from individual hospitals. (3) To compile a brief descriptive survey of hospital managers' financial management background and training (both formal and informal). (4) To conduct an attitude assessment/role perception survey regarding the importance or relevance of a suggested financial management role set (i.e., issues discussed in the current literature) as viewed by the selected hospital managers and their matched administrators. (5) To propose plausible theoretical models and statistical tests of seven proposed hypotheses.^ The statistical results of a variety of methods generally suggested, for the sample population, that the null hypothesis should not be rejected concerning the relationships between a department manager's financial attitudes and role perceptions and the resultant financial performance.^ The fact that the results of this study did not suggest that there was a significant relationship which existed between role perception and financial performance does not necessarily indicate that the theories supporting such a relationship in literature are false, not that such a relationship does not exist. Several alternative theories were postulated to explain the apparent lack of statistical relationship, and suggestions for refinement and/or improvement of further research were discussed. ^

The role of municipalities in air toxics regulation: The Houston experience

The federal regulatory regime for addressing airborne toxic pollutants functions fairly well in most of the country. However, it has proved deficient in addressing local risk issues, especially in urban areas with densely concentrated sources. The problem is especially pronounced in Houston, which is home to one of the world's biggest petrochemical complexes and a major port, both located near a large metropolitan center. Despite the fact that local government's role in regulating air toxics is typically quite limited, from 2004-2009, the City of Houston implemented a novel municipality-based air toxics reduction strategy. The initiatives ranged from voluntary agreements to litigation and legislation. This case study considers why the city chose the policy tools it did, how the tools performed relative to the designers' intentions, and how the debate among actors with conflicting values and goals shaped the policy landscape. The city's unconventional approach to controlling hazardous air pollution has not yet been examined rigorously. The case study was developed through reviews of publicly available documents and quasi-public documents obtained through public record requests, as well as interviews with key informants. The informants represented a range of experience and perspectives. They included current and former public officials at the city (including Mayor White), former Texas Commission on Environmental Quality staff, faculty at local universities, industry representatives, and environmental public health advocates. Some of the city's tools were successful in meeting their designers' intent, some were less successful. Ultimately, even those tools that did not achieve their stated purpose were nonetheless successful in bringing attention and resources to the air quality issue. Through a series of pleas and prods, the city managed to draw attention to the problem locally and get reluctant policymakers at higher levels of government to respond. This work demonstrates the potential for local government to overcome limitations in the federal regulatory regime for air toxics control, shifting the balance of local, state, and federal initiative. It also highlights the importance of flexible, cooperative strategies in local environmental protection.^

A comparative analysis of hospital -based physician monitoring systems

The purpose of the multiple case-study was to determine how hospital subsystems (such as physician monitoring and credentialing; quality assurance; risk management; and peer review) were supporting the monitoring of physicians? Three large metropolitan hospitals in Texas were studied and designated as hospitals #1, #2, and #3. Realizing that hospital subsystems are a unique entity and part of a larger system, conclusions were made on the premises of a quality control system, in relation to the tools of government (particularly the Health Care Quality Improvement Act (HCQIA)), and in relation to itself as a tool of a hospital.^ Three major analytical assessments were performed. First, the subsystems were analyzed as to their "completeness"; secondly, the subsystems were analyzed for "performance"; and thirdly, the subsystems were analyzed in reference to the interaction of completeness and performance.^ The physician credentialing and monitoring and the peer review subsystems as quality control systems were most complete, efficient, and effective in hospitals #1 and #3. The HCQIA did not seem to be an influencing factor in the completeness of the subsystem in hospital #1. The quality assurance and risk management subsystem in hospital #2 was not representative of completeness and performance and the HCQIA was not an influencing factor in the completeness of the Q.A. or R.M. systems in any hospital. The efficiency (computerization) of the physician credentialing, quality assurance and peer review subsystems in hospitals #1 and #3 seemed to contribute to their effectiveness (system-wide effect).^ The results indicated that the more complete, effective, and efficient subsystems were characterized by (1) all defined activities being met, (2) the HCQIA being an influencing factor, (3) a decentralized administrative structure, (4) computerization an important element, and (5) staff was sophisticated in subsystem operations. However, other variables were identified which deserve further research as to their effect on completeness and performance of subsystems. They include (1) medical staff affiliations, (2) system funding levels, (3) the system's administrative structure, and (4) the physician staff "cultural" characteristics. Perhaps by understanding other influencing factors, health care administrators may plan subsystems that will be compatible with legislative requirements and administrative objectives. ^

Deep drilling of glaciers: Russian projects in the Arctic (1975-1995)

The data collection "Deep Drilling of Glaciers: Soviet-Russian projects in Arctic, 1975-1995" was collected by the following basic considerations: - compilation of deep (>100 m) drilling projects on Arctic glaciers, using data of (a) publications; (b) archives of IGRAN; (c) personal communication of project participants; - documentation of parameters, references. Accuracy of data and techniques applied to determine different parameters are not evaluated. The accuracy of some geochemical parameters (up to 1984 and heavy metalls) is uncertain. Most reconstructions of ice core age and of annual layer thickness are discussed; - digitizing of published diagrams (in case, when original numerical data were lost) and subsequent data conversion to equal range series and adjustment to the common units. Therefore, the equal-range series were calculated from original data or converted from digitized chart values as indicated in the metadata. For the methodological purpose, the equal-range series obtained from original and reconstructed data were compared repeatedly; the systematic difference was less then 5-7%. Special attention should be given to the fact, that the data for individual ice core parameters varies, because some parameters were originally measured or registered. Parameters were converted in equal-range series using 2 m steps; - two or more parameter values were determined, then the mean-weighted (i.e. accounting the sample length) value is assigned to the entire interval; - one parameter value was determined, measured or registered independently from the parameter values in depth intervals which over- and underlie it, then the value is assigned to the entire interval; - one parameter value was determined, measured or registered for two adjoining depth intervals, then the specific value is assigned to the depth interval, which represents >75% of sample length ; if each of adjoining depth intervals represents <75% of sample length, then the correspondent parameter value is assigned to both intervals of depth. This collection of ice core data (version 2000) was made available through the EU funded QUEEN project by S.M. Arkhipov, Moscow.

La enseñanza de la Historia en el proyecto modernizador de las oligarquías rioplatenses : Estudio a partir de las publicaciones oficiales de las Direcciones de Educación de Argentina y Uruguay (1880-1910)

En el marco del proyecto modernizador de las oligarquías rioplatenses, la enseñanza de la Historia cumplió un papel significativo. En ese proceso, sus integrantes, a través de distintos órganos de dirección gubernamental, intercambiaron, debatieron y enunciaron sus posturas respecto del papel que ésta debía cumplir. Este artículo tiene como objetivos valorar los aportes de las publicaciones oficiales de las Direcciones de Educación de Uruguay y Argentina como fuentes para el estudio del tema, hasta el momento, escasamente estudiadas desde el enfoque de la Historia de la Historiografía; y observar los argumentos expresados acerca de la pertinencia de la enseñanza de la Historia.

Desarrollo y límites de la producción argentina de tractores (1955-1978) : Su situación en el marco de la competencia internacional

En este trabajo, nos concentramos en un punto particular: la historia de la fabricación argentina de tractores desde sus orígenes hasta fines de los '70. El objetivo es analizar sus potencialidades y sus límites. Para ello, consideramos fundamental el análisis de la industria auxiliar, costos, características del proceso de trabajo, las exportaciones y el papel de la competencia internacional. Este trabajo es parte de nuestra tesis de doctorado. Nos remitimos a diversas fuentes: entrevistas a antiguos trabajadores, series estadísticas, publicaciones oficiales y periódicas especializadas en el tema, informes de organismos internacionales, material de empresa y aportes de otros investigadores

La enseñanza de la Historia en el proyecto modernizador de las oligarquías rioplatenses : Estudio a partir de las publicaciones oficiales de las Direcciones de Educación de Argentina y Uruguay (1880-1910)

En el marco del proyecto modernizador de las oligarquías rioplatenses, la enseñanza de la Historia cumplió un papel significativo. En ese proceso, sus integrantes, a través de distintos órganos de dirección gubernamental, intercambiaron, debatieron y enunciaron sus posturas respecto del papel que ésta debía cumplir. Este artículo tiene como objetivos valorar los aportes de las publicaciones oficiales de las Direcciones de Educación de Uruguay y Argentina como fuentes para el estudio del tema, hasta el momento, escasamente estudiadas desde el enfoque de la Historia de la Historiografía; y observar los argumentos expresados acerca de la pertinencia de la enseñanza de la Historia.

Desarrollo y límites de la producción argentina de tractores (1955-1978) : Su situación en el marco de la competencia internacional

En este trabajo, nos concentramos en un punto particular: la historia de la fabricación argentina de tractores desde sus orígenes hasta fines de los '70. El objetivo es analizar sus potencialidades y sus límites. Para ello, consideramos fundamental el análisis de la industria auxiliar, costos, características del proceso de trabajo, las exportaciones y el papel de la competencia internacional. Este trabajo es parte de nuestra tesis de doctorado. Nos remitimos a diversas fuentes: entrevistas a antiguos trabajadores, series estadísticas, publicaciones oficiales y periódicas especializadas en el tema, informes de organismos internacionales, material de empresa y aportes de otros investigadores

La enseñanza de la Historia en el proyecto modernizador de las oligarquías rioplatenses : Estudio a partir de las publicaciones oficiales de las Direcciones de Educación de Argentina y Uruguay (1880-1910)

En el marco del proyecto modernizador de las oligarquías rioplatenses, la enseñanza de la Historia cumplió un papel significativo. En ese proceso, sus integrantes, a través de distintos órganos de dirección gubernamental, intercambiaron, debatieron y enunciaron sus posturas respecto del papel que ésta debía cumplir. Este artículo tiene como objetivos valorar los aportes de las publicaciones oficiales de las Direcciones de Educación de Uruguay y Argentina como fuentes para el estudio del tema, hasta el momento, escasamente estudiadas desde el enfoque de la Historia de la Historiografía; y observar los argumentos expresados acerca de la pertinencia de la enseñanza de la Historia.