Centre Of Government Research Articles

Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain: Recommendations to Medicare/Medicaid from the Society for Acupuncture Research.

Editor's Note: This column takes our series from the Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) in a new direction. Recently, the U.S. government's Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a call for public comment related to the government's exploration of inclusion of acupuncture and licensed acupuncturists in federal payment schemes. The decision of SAR's research leaders to engage with policymakers is forward thinking, especially as much dialogue and many research needs related to acupuncture and other integrative health practices and practitioners are shifting toward implementation concerns. SAR's engagement in this arena is also reflected in the organization's 2019 conference June 27–29, 2019 in Burlington, Vermont: “Acupuncture Research, Health Care Policy, & Community Health…Closing the Loop.” The author team includes the entire SAR Board, led by president-elect Jun J. Mao, MD, and current copresidents Robert T. Davis, MS, LAc, and Richard Harris, PhD. This is also a moment to congratulate Harris on his selection to the U.S. National Institutes of Health National Advisory Council on Complementary and Integrative Health.—John Weeks, Editor-in-Chief

VERTICAL FISCAL IMBALANCES IN INDIA: CONCEPT AND MEASUREMENT

India is a federation whose roots can be found in the colonial period. Indian federal setup is clearly divided between centre, state and local government and likewise, the sources of revenue and responsibilities are also divided between them. The decentralization process in India is asymmetrical in the sense that decentralization of expenditure has been much more than the revenue decentralization as provided by the Constitution, thereby creating an imbalance in states’ income and spending. When this mismatch between the two is measured at different levels of government, we call it Vertical Fiscal Imbalance. In this paper, I have presented various definitions and measures of VFI given by several economists over the years and tried to measure the extent of VFI that exist in India since 1990-91 to 2014-15. We have used twenty five years data to make an analysis based on the data available in Finance Commission reports and Indian Public Finance Statistics. Our results show that the amount of revenue that has been decentralized over the period of study falls much short of the expenditure requirements that are expected to be met by the state governments. The situation is so intense that the state governments are left with no option other than relying on central transfers for financing their needs and that where the central government enjoys an upper hand and an authoritative power over the internal matters of the states. KEYWORDS: Expenditure, Decentralization, Indian federation, Revenue, Vertical Fiscal Imbalance.

Spatio-temporal patterns of annual activity of hand, foot and mouth disease between 2005 and 2016 in Hong Kong

Background: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common paediatric infective condition with substantial burden in Asia-Pacific region. In Hong Kong, schools or institutions were recurrently affected by cyclical HFMD activity with a highly variable pattern. It is hypothesized that HFMD activity varied with space as well as time in this sub-tropical city. This retrospective study aims to assess the spatio-temporal variation of HFMD activity in Hong Kong by using reported data on institutional outbreaks. Methods & Materials: Records on HFMD institutional outbreaks in Hong Kong between 2005 and 2016 were obtained from the Government's Centre for Health Protection, following institutional approval. The number of institutional outbreaks was tabulated and standardised by district and year. Over the 12-year period, distribution of outbreaks by district (there are 18 districts in Hong Kong) and year was mapped and assessed by Chi-square test. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to examine the association of the spatial distribution of HFMD outbreaks between two calendar years. Results: Out of 4932 reported HFMD institutional outbreaks, 4178 (84.7%) occurred in 2010 and thereafter. More than half (2503/4932; 50.8%) took place in 2010, 2013 and 2016, the pattern of which suggested a three-year cycle of raised HFMD activity. Affected institutions in 4877 episodes were successfully geo-coded for spatio-temporal analysis. There was a significant difference in the yearly distribution of HFMD institutional outbreaks across districts (p < 0.01). A significant negative association was found for the spatial distribution of outbreaks between some year pairs, such as 2010 and 2012 (Pearson's r = -0.56, p < 0.05), 2011 and 2014 (Pearson's r = −0.60, p < 0.01) and 2015 and 2016 (Pearson's r = −0.47, p < 0.05). Conclusion: An increased HFMD activity, characterised by a three-year cyclical pattern and spatio-temporal variation across districts, was observed in recent years in Hong Kong. Districts more heavily affected by HFMD could possibly lead to a lower level of HFMD activity in subsequent one to three years. Both findings suggest that the transmission dynamics of HFMD would be primarily driven by the local herd immunity and the depletion of susceptible population, the extent of which might have differed by district.

Pros and cons of indian gst to society

GST will narrow economic distance between producers and consumers as itwill be imposed only value addition. The dream of one country, one act and one taxwill be observed. It is expected that, it will help to improve the productivity in thecountry as well as will be benefited to the consumers, as maximum rate of GST ispredetermined. It will also help to avoid the multiple taxation, processes, tax evasionetc. Government proposed Central GST and States GST. CGST will subsume centralexcise duty, excess central excise duty, service tax, excess custom duty and specialexcess custom duty. SGST will subsume sale tax/ VAT, entertainment tax (other thanlocal bodies),sale tax which is imposed by Centre Government and collected by states,purchase tax, luxury tax and lottery tax and more significantly octroi which is a majorsource of revenue of the Municipal Corporations. Already there is vertical imbalanceof resources and responsibilities among Governments in India. Therefore, in thisresearch paper probable pros and cons about upcoming are discussed.

An Empirical Investigation on Iron-Ore Price volatility with special reference to Dindigul Lock makers

Iron-ore is the staple raw material required for manufacturing locks. Iron ore price contributes to the cost of raw material for Dindigul lock makers. High volatility has been widely observed in the prices of Indian iron ore market. Irrefutably, the Lock maker's optimism has been battered by volatility and thus critically has an effect on their economic growth. This study develops and examines the conditional volatility model in an attempt to confine the prominent features of volatility in iron ore prices prevailing in Indian market confining to the benefit of Dindigul Lock makers. Results of the study exhibit that the high volatility of iron ore price is expected when the negative shocks are present. The Centre and State government are accountable in steering rural development through adequate disbursement of credit in the form of incentives to the lock makers to buy raw materials at an affordable cost.

Design and formative evaluation of the Policy Liaison Initiative: a long-term knowledge translation strategy to encourage and support the use of Cochrane systematic reviews for informing health policy

The Policy Liaison Initiative (PLI) is a long-term knowledge translation initiative designed to support the use of Cochrane systematic reviews in health policy. A joint initiative between the Australasian Cochrane Centre and Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, the PLI includes: 1) a community of practice for evidence-informed policy, 2) skill building workshops, and 3) a website and summaries of policy-relevant reviews. This paper describes the development of the initiative and reports the findings of a formative evaluation, using interviews with policy makers and qualitative analysis to investigate perceptions of the PLI and its potential to enable research use.

Shifting directions in ECEC policy in New Zealand: from a child rights to an interventionist approach

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) policy reflects ideas about childhood, labour force participation, education, the economy and the role of the state. This article spans a period of political change in New Zealand from a left of centre government during the first decade of the twenty-first century to a right of centre government from 2009. It draws on policy evaluations and document analysis to critically examine the shifts in approaches to ECEC policy over this time and the consequences for participants of different policy frameworks. It argues that discourses of children as ‘priority’ have replaced a focus on citizenship, and a swing has occurred away from universal to targeted approaches aimed at encouraging ECEC participation for a few. Recent policies have removed crucial professional supports and qualification goals for teachers, bringing into question New Zealand's commitment to quality. The market continues to determine provision and unfettered expansion of for-profit provision is occurring. Yet at odds with this trend, some examples of community planning are occurring, offering a glimmer of possibilities for how ECEC might be conceptualised, organised and supported.

Way Out Yonder, An Experiment Worth Watching

Way Out Yonder, An Experiment Worth Watching

Simplified LCA in skin design: The FB720 case

The Facade FB720 project is the result of research funded by the Spanish Government's Centre for Industrial Technological Development (Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnologico Industrial, CDTI) (IDI-20090761). The aim of the project was to design and develop a lightweight, modular, unitised facade with low environmental impact and high energy efficiency, mainly for use in the Iberian Peninsula (temperate climates). Strategies to achieve the objective are: • Reduction of material consumption and change of usual materials to renewable or recycled ones. • Use of the wall structure and the transparent layers as selective solar control elements. The design of the facade starts from an architectural proposal by b720 Architects and counts on the joint participation of several consultancy companies and research centres. The simplified life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) in collaboration with Societat Organica environmental consulting. The thermal and lighting ...

Konflik Hubungan Pusat-Daerah antara Pemerintah Pusat dan Kabupaten Blora Terkaiat dengan Dana Bagi Hasil Blok Cepu

Cepu Block located between Centre Jawa and East Java. It is known as a rich block because it has a source of oil and gas. Block Cepu, where geographically located between three districts, Blora (Centre Java), Bojonegoro and Tuban (East Java) has given a contribution to national budget (APBN) and respected local government budget (APBD). About 33 per cent of the land of Cepu Block is owned by Blora, 67 per cent owned by Bojonegoro and the rest is owned by Tuban. Ironically, however, although 33 per cent of the Block belongs to Blora, the district does not receive any financial income from the oil exploration. There is no resources share fund from Cepu Block. Moreover, the district has to deal with the negative impacts of exploration activities at the Block Cepu such as damaging of infrastructure, environmental pollution, and social disturbance. Blora District has protested to Centre Government, but so far there is no outcome. Centre Government asked that this problem should be studied first. The central government argue that if it is approved, then there will be domino impact: other districts will do the same like Blora. Blora district is struggling to get equality in resources share fund (dana bagi hasil). Efforts have done, seminars and workshops, lobby to DPD (Upper House) to find a solution. Now the district government is proposing judicial review to constitution court. This research examines the history of Block Cepu. It reveals the history of the block from the colonial era up to the reformation era. Further, the research aims to know how the tension between local government (Blora Government) and central government regarding Blok Cepu oil exploration. The research suggests that there is injustice in the distribution of revenue from the exploration and it is understandable if Blora district government struggle to get proportional revenue sharing.

The challenges facing hospital pharmacy in the UK

Hospital pharmacists are facing a large number of challenges in the next few years in the UK, which will shape the agenda of the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists (GHP) who...

Process quality improvement: An examination of general vs. outcome-specific climate and practices in hospitals

Despite numerous efforts to foster quality improvement in healthcare, much of the extant data and research indicate that substantial shortcomings in the delivery of effective and reliable care remain. This research examines both general and outcome-specific operations management efforts and their impact on delivering quality healthcare. We empirically test a conceptual framework of safety culture that accounts for the use of general quality practices as well as outcome-specific approaches in light of the general and more focused climates in which those practices are embedded. We utilize structural equation modeling to analyze a unique pairing of primary data from a survey of quality improvement directors and chief nursing officers at 272 hospitals across the U.S. with secondary data on process of care performance publicly reported by the federal government's Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). General safety climate and quality practices are found to establish an environment in which outcome-specific efforts enable process quality improvement. A split-group SEM analysis highlights significant differences in managing healthcare safety outcomes through climate and practices. In particular, the employment of practices focused on the specific outcome goals is found to relate to higher quality of patient care in smaller hospitals. In contrast, the development of a climate focused on specific outcome goals is found to relate to higher quality of patient care in larger hospitals. These findings suggest alternative approaches for small and large hospitals in the critical effort to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs.

...Η Δημοκρατία δυσχερής; Η ανάπτυξη των μηχανισμών του "αντικομμουνιστικού αγώνος" 1958-1961

Borrowing its title from a sympathetic political biography of Greek statesman Constantine Karamanlis (by French author Maurice Genevoix), this study utilizes the private papers of a former deputy minister for Press and Information and a number of other primary and secondary sources in order to elucidate the psychological warfare and propaganda campaign which the Greek government waged against primarily its left-wing opponents during the late 1950s and early 1960s. In May 1958, the United Democratic Left (EΔΑ) and its allies were returned the second largest party in the Greek Parliament with almost a quarter of the national vote. Coming less than nine years after the end of the Greek Civil War, this success alarmed many a supporter of the re-elected Karamanlis government, including the Palace, the military and the United States agencies then active in Greece. At an early stage, the prime minister appeared convinced that the situation called for drastic action. In addition to occasional crack-downs on leftist activity, an extensive network of state agencies and non-state groups evolved with avowed aim to ‘combat communism’. Yet, after two years of organizational proliferation and various non-starters, the ‘operational responsibility’ for the co-ordination and implementation of the ‘anti-communist struggle’ passed to the trusted Army leaders. This operation culminated on the eve of the October 1961 elections. In the wake of Karamanlis’ third electoral victory, both EΔΑ, whose vote was severely curtailed, and the regrouped centrist opposition denounced the result as the product of ‘violence and fraud’. Available evidence points at a sustained campaign, authorized by prime minister Karamanlis, secretly funded by the state budget and orchestrated by government agencies. Its primary aim was, of course, to help suppress leftist influence but in the process it did much to improve the appeal of the ruling party. The security apparatus and extraordinary legislation inherited from the Civil War years was complemented by new agencies and a host of private groups which combined ardent anti-communism with more self-seeking aims. US agencies also offered know-how and material support. Public opinion was ‘cultivated’ through various channels, including the governmentcontrolled radio, the pro-government press and subsidized journalists (including foreign correspondents), freely distributed publications, theatre, cinema, plus mobile ‘information’ units which roamed the countryside – covertly operated by the Army whose role increased as the government anxiously sought tangible results. Proof of this campaign was presented by the Centre government which ruled in 1964-65 but was disputed by the right-wing opposition and Karamanlis himself, who denied any personal involvement. In the face of the evidence available, such disclaimers hold little water. The longer-term effects Karamanlis’ decision to directly involve the Army in what primarily was a political and ideological contest would become painfully apparent when officers seasoned in the ‘anti-communist struggle’ abolished constitutional rule and seized power in 1967.

CST and Vat Structure and Challenges and Issues in India, GST Implementation

India is carrying out historic reform at the State level with the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT). Yet, many small and medium traders or industrialist may not know how VAT works. To implement the Tax smoothly, information about how VAT works is crucial, and it should be presented in simple language. With Brazil showing the way to a sub national VAT, over 130 countries today have adopted and benefited from VAT. Now India is joining these reforming countries. It has seen a long, hard road to reach this stage. The Empowered committee of State Finance Ministers on VAT has done remarkable work to reach common framework on VAT. VAT will also replace many State – level taxes. Almost all States have agreed to implement VAT. The centre Government has provided catalytic support to this process, thereby strengthening the forces of successful fiscal federalism. VAT has a uniform rate structure across India. It is simple and will make industry more competitive and efficient. As VAT is based on documents, it should make tax evasion difficult. In fact, tax compliance will become easier. Over time, VAT should increase government revenue, making more funds available for economical development. Since the VAT system is based essentially on documents, traders need to be informed about accounting needs and documents for VAT. This project addresses these challenges with great merit.

How Much Does the Government Spend on Education in Delhi?

Government expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP is the measure often employed to gauge the quantity of public resources devoted for the purpose. However a better measure is per student expenditure, for two reasons. First, it does not require an arbitrary base like the GDP. Second, due to the unit of measure it is useful in input-output comparisons. The first section of the paper explain the flow of funds amongst various government department and local bodies, illustrating the challenges that such a federal structure creates for effective accountability. The second sections argues that expenditure as a percentage of GDP is not a good judge of quantity and quality of education, and per student expenditure is of far greater use of public policy purposes. It also provides data on per student expenditure, in state government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) schools, from 1998-99 to 2003-04. The gender-wise break-up is also given. The third section focuses on schedules castes, especially the Special Component Plan started by the centre government since the 6th Five Year Plan. The last two sections are on Vocational Education and Non-Formal Education. Vocational education is meant to improve the livelihood opportunities of the poor, and there had been increased expenditure towards this end, however its objectives are ill-conceived. Non-formal education is meant of the poorest of the poor (street children for example), though large amounts were budgeted year after year, little was actually spend. The scheme was finally dropped despite the fact that there are millions of street children in Delhi.

Central-local government relations in Scotland

For many years, advocates of a Scottish Parliament hoped that its eventual arrival would mark a new phase in local government: an increase in local autonomy and a redressing of the creeping centralization of the Conservative years. This article addresses the question: to what extent, if any, has there been a shift in the balance of power between centre and local government since the advent of a Scottish Parliament in 1999? It examines the pre- and post-1999 periods in this area of Scottish governance, focusing particularly on the legal/constitutional, financial and policy parameters set by the centre. It argues that continuity has been more important than change, and that reasons for the continued domination of the centre lie particularly with (a) the pervasive influence of the UK Union (b) a relative continuity in political actors and (c) the ongoing self-interest of the ‘centre’.

The Solitary Center: the Core Executive in Central and Eastern Europe

This article discusses the coordinative capacity of Centers of Government (COGs) in several Central and Eastern Europe countries. In formal terms, COGs are at the heart of the executive process; but their contribution to coherence in executive policymaking has remained limited. This observation applies both to coordination within the executive, and between the executive and other key participants in the political process. In important respects, the “solitary centers” operate in isolation from their political and institutional environment. In part, this weakness of linkage reflects the particular features of the post‐Communist political systems; in part, it can be explained by a lack of nodality, authority and policy expertise at the COG. There are good reasons to assume that, as policy systems mature, problems of linkage will decline in significance. But this outcome cannot be taken for granted. Instead, we might be witnessing the emergence of a “new administrative type” in some Central and Eastern European countries.

Strategy and Tactics of the Reform

Abstract In the interests of defining the basic directions of the nation's economic development in the medium term, the Russian Federation government deemed it expedient to draft the program "Reform and Development of the Russian Economy in 1995-97." V. Chernomyrdin, the prime minister, in his order signed June 6, 1994, directed the Permanent Task Force headed by E.G. Iasin, the Ministry of Economy, as well as the Russian Federation government's Center for Informational and Social Technologies and Center on Market Conditions, to organize work on the program. The deadline for submitting the program was also set: November 1, 1994.

Conversion

In May-June 1994, the Russian Federation Government's Center on Economic Conditions surveyed 158 enterprises in defense branches in all economic regions in Russia to study the existing situation and to see what their leaders thought about the economic plight of their enterprises, avenues of their development, and expected changes.

Private sector participation in land development: Guidelines for increasing cooperation between local government and private developers

This article examines the roles of the public and private sectors in the development of land with access to potable water, sewage disposal, roads and power. India's urban population is expected to double over the next 20 years. To meet future household and employment expansion, the need for additional land with infrastructure and municipal services is enormous. In June 1992, India began a process of liberalising its economy. These new economic policies will substantially reduce the funds available from the centre to the states, and from the states to local government. The only viable alternative is for state and local governments to foster an environment in which private sector capital and managerial resources are mobilised to replace funding from the centre. This article proposes a series of guidelines to be used by local government 1 to increase private sector participation in the land development process. The purpose of this article is to promote policy change at the centre and state government levels, and a dialogue between governments at all levels and private developers, to increase the cooperation between local government and private developers.