Policy Changes Research Articles

Bridge to Heart Transplant With Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support: Trends and Outcomes in the 2018 Allocation Policy Era.

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) 2018 heart allocation policy prioritizes patients receiving temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) given the high waitlist mortality rate of this group. This study evaluates national trends and waitlist outcomes for patients receiving tMCS under the UNOS 2018 allocation policy. Adult patients waitlisted for isolated heart transplantation were included using the UNOS database. The prevalence of tMCS, 90 day waitlist mortality, 90 day incidence of transplantation, and posttransplant 1 year mortality were analyzed. A total of 27,343 patients were waitlisted during the study period (pre-policy change: 13,004 vs. post-policy change: 14,339). The prevalence of tMCS increased from 7.4% (n: 956) to 22.4% (n: 3,186) after the policy change (p < 0.001). The use of Impella increased proportionally among tMCS modalities. Patients on tMCS had lower adjusted odds of waitlist mortality (p < 0.001), higher adjusted incidence of transplantation (p < 0.001), and similar posttransplant mortality (p = 0.10) under the 2018 policy. Patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support had the highest odds of 90 day waitlist mortality (p < 0.05) but also the highest incidence of transplantation in the post-policy change cohort (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of tMCS as bridge to heart transplantation increased threefolds and is associated with lower waitlist mortality and higher incidence of transplantation following the UNOS 2018 allocation policy change.

Are private banks more sensitive to changes in reserve requirements? Evidence from an emerging market

PurposeThis article explores the effects of monetary policy rates and interest rate structures on bank profitability.Design/methodology/approachWe studied 65 Indian commercial banks over time, including economic cycles, consolidation and the Great Financial Crisis. We categorized commercial banks by ownership (public, private or foreign) and predicted how they will react to monetary policy changes. We employed the instrumental variable estimate approach and panel Granger causality tests to give evidence of the direction of causation in the monetary policy and bank performance nexus.FindingsPrivate and international banks, we believe, are more sensitive to changes in reserve requirements because they are more effective at maintaining statutory reserves. Private and international banks are more susceptible to repo rate fluctuations than state banks. In contrast, public banks are more sensitive to bank rates because they are more likely than private and international banks to use the bank rate window of accommodation.Originality/valueWe studied the impact of monetary policy rates on bank performance within the banking-dominated financial system of an emerging economy – a focus that has not been previously explored. There has been little research into the connection between monetary policy rates and bank performance in emerging markets, notably in India.

Telemonitoring for Chronic Heart Failure: Narrative Review of the 20-Year Journey From Concept to Standard Care in Germany.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, placing a significant burden on health care systems. The concept of telemedicine for CHF was first introduced in the late 1990s, and since 2010, studies have demonstrated its potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs. Over the following decade, technological advancements and changes in health care policy led to the development of more sophisticated telemedicine solutions for CHF, including remote patient management through invasive or noninvasive telemonitoring devices, mobile apps, and virtual consultations. Years of public funding in Germany have generated evidence that remote patient management improves outcomes for patients with CHF, such as quality of life, and reduces hospital admissions. Based on these data, the Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss; G-BA) decided, independently of the current European Society of Cardiology recommendations, to incorporate telemedicine as a standard digital intervention for high-risk patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in Germany in 2020. This review aims to illustrate the journey from the initial concept through pioneering studies that led to telemedicine's integration into standard care, and to share current experiences that have positioned Germany as a leader in cardiovascular telemedicine. We review and discuss existing literature and evidence on the development and implementation of telemonitoring for CHF in Germany over the past 20 years. Relevant studies, reports, and guidelines were identified through a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and specialized journals focused on CHF telemonitoring. Pioneering studies, such as the TIM-HF2 (Telemedical Interventional Management in Heart Failure II) and IN-TIME (Influence of Home Monitoring on Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure Patients with Impaired Left Ventricular Function) trials, demonstrated the effectiveness of remote patient management applications for patients with CHF in Germany and their applicability to current practices involving both invasive and noninvasive methods. Collaborations between researchers and technology developers overcame barriers, leading to sustainable improvements in patient care. Ongoing research on artificial intelligence applications for prioritizing and interpreting individual health data will continue to transform digital health care. The establishment of telemedical care for patients with HF across Europe is likely to benefit from experiences in Germany, where significant improvements have been achieved in the care of patients with HF.

Land-use change, no-net-loss policies, and effects on carbon dioxide removals

BackgroundCarbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere (CDR) is a critical component of strategies for restricting global warming to 1.5°C and is expected to come largely from the sequestration of carbon in vegetation. Because CDR rates have been declining in the United States, in part due to land use changes, policy proposals are focused on altering land uses, through afforestation, avoided deforestation, and no-net-loss strategies. Estimating policy effects requires a careful assessment of how land uses interact with forest conditions to determine future CDR.ResultsWe evaluate how alternative specifications of land use-forest condition interactions in the United States affect projections of CDR using a model that mirrors land sector net emission inventories generated by the US government (EPA). Without land use change, CDR declines from 0.826 GT/yr in 2017 to 0.596 GT/yr in 2062 (28%) due to forest aging and disturbances. For a land use scenario that extends recent rates of change, we compare CDR estimated based on net changes in land use (Net Change model) and estimates that separately account for the distinct CDR implications of forest losses and forest gains (Component Change model). The Net Change model, a common specification, underestimates the CDR losses of land use by about 56% when compared with the Component Change models. We also estimate per hectare CDR losses from deforestation and gains from afforestation and find that afforestation gains lag deforestation losses in every ecological province in the US.ConclusionsNet Change approaches substantially underestimate the impact of land use change on CDR and should be avoided. Component Change models highlight that avoided deforestation may provide up to twice the CDR benefits as increased afforestation—though preference for one policy over the other would require a cost assessment. The disparities in the CDR impacts of afforestation and deforestation indicate that no-net-loss policies could mitigate some CDR losses but would lead to overall declines in CDR for our 45-year time horizon. Over a much longer period afforestation could capture more of the losses from deforestation but at a timeframe inconsistent with most climate change policy efforts.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Health Communication Policy in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping health communication worldwide, a key aspect of enhancing public health. This study analyzed current health communication policies to pinpoint areas where AI-driven approaches are yet to be addressed. In Nigeria, integrating AI into health communication policies presents both opportunities and hurdles. The study examined how AI can boost health communication initiatives in Nigeria, particularly through AI-powered tools that enhance the spread of health messages, patient education, and public awareness campaigns. Additionally, the study highlighted challenges in implementing AI technologies, including limited infrastructure, inadequate data management, and a shortage of skilled professionals. The paper also presented the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform health communication. It suggested policy guidelines to support its integration while reducing risks. Additionally, it recommended policy changes, training, and cooperation among stakeholders to leverage AI's power in health communication. In Nigeria, the outlook for AI in health communication is optimistic, assuming focused investments in technology, training, and regulatory reforms.

The Impact Mechanism of Free Competition Among Financial Institutions on the Credit Accessibility of Farmers

Using data from rural fixed observation points in Zhejiang Province from 2003 to 2022, this study employs a difference-in-differences (DID) model to explore the impact of free competition among financial institutions on the credit accessibility of farmers and its underlying mechanisms. The results show that free competition among financial institutions significantly improves farmers' credit accessibility. The mechanism analysis indicates that such competition leads to an increase in the number of loan officers, promotes the marketization of certain financial functions, and enhances the dissemination of financial knowledge, thereby improving farmers' financial literacy and reducing financing constraints. Specifically, agricultural industrialization and digitalization both indirectly affect the relationship between free competition among financial institutions and farmers' credit accessibility. Based on these developments, financial institutions are able to provide more efficient and convenient financial services, contributing to the formation of a financial ecosystem. Further analysis reveals a noticeable "siphoning effect" of financial competition in Zhejiang Province, where it significantly promotes the growth of rural credit in the region while suppressing the growth of rural credit in neighboring areas. The study’s conclusions offer both empirical insights into rural financial market reform from the perspective of policy changes and practical reference from the perspective of regional spillovers for the development of rural finance.

A Cross-sectional Study on Utilization of Herbal Medications for Anxiety in the Lebanese Population: Usage Patterns and Implications for Harmonizing Mental Health

Background Anxiety is a highly prevalent mental health issue worldwide, but it is also notably prevalent in Lebanon, where herbal medications and plants are commonly used as complementary or alternative treatments to manage anxiety. Lebanese citizens have undergone various disasters, starting with the economic crisis in 2019, the Beirut port explosion in 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to several mental disorders such as anxiety, unipolar depression, and insomnia. Objective This study aimed to measure the prevalence and patterns of herbal medications and plant usage for anxiety among the Lebanese population, as well as to explore the factors influencing the decision to use herbal remedies, patient perspectives, and potential implications for mental health support. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of anxiety and the usage of herbal medications and plants among 501 Lebanese outpatients (General Population) aged 20 years and older at Lebanese community pharmacies within Beirut, Mount Lebanon, South, North, Beqaa. Data was collected through personal face-to-face and online structured interviews and surveys, capturing information on herbal medications and plants usage, sources of recommendations, patient perspectives, and perceived efficacy and safety of herbal medications and plants for anxiety. Results The study revealed that anxiety was a prevalent medical condition among Lebanese outpatients, with more than 50% reporting anxiety through various symptoms. Furthermore, 27.34% of Lebanese patients had consumed herbal medications, with a notable proportion advising others to use herbal remedies for anxiety. The sources of recommendations for herbal medication usage included mass media, pharmacists, and personal reading/internet. Additionally, a considerable percentage of patients expressed beliefs in the effectiveness and safety of herbal remedies for anxiety while also indicating a lack of awareness regarding potential side effects. Conclusion The findings of this study underscore the need for increased awareness, education, and regulatory oversight in Lebanese pharmacists regarding anxiety management using herbal medications and plant-based treatments. This includes public education campaigns, healthcare provider training, and regulatory oversight. Prioritizing patient counseling and further research is essential to assess the efficacy and safety of these treatments within the Lebanese context. This integrative approach, blending traditional practices with evidence-based mental health care, could drive policy changes and improve mental health outcomes in Lebanon.

Motivation for knowledge management approach and future prospects: A review of perspectives in Bangladeshi organisations

Purpose: Knowledge management is becoming an area of interest for striving towards extensive organisational development. The key to organisational development in the current business environment depends on how much knowledge is shared to accommodate the resources. The article aims to investigate the use of knowledge-sharing approaches by organisations in Bangladesh, where the concept is relatively new and explore the deficiencies and gaps in this area. Research Methodology: The study is purely qualitative. For this review article, 40 articles about knowledge sharing and management have been reviewed to develop an understanding of the concept of KM and its application in the context of MNEs in Bangladesh. Results: As knowledge management is a new concept in Bangladesh and other developing countries, there is limited study about KM and KS. It is therefore crucial to develop an understanding of the concept of having a strong position in the competitive business environment. Hence, the need to address the gaps, barriers and challenges of knowledge sharing and knowledge management extends beyond literature and proceeds to accommodate the concepts further extending towards research in this field. Contribution: With the emergence of the concept of knowledge management, organisations are becoming more aware of the need to encourage KS and address the limitations. It is important to develop innovative methods, and processes to bring about positive changes in organisational demography, practices and policies. Furthermore, better knowledge management will enhance the profitability and performance of organisations in countries like Bangladesh and other developing countries. Novelty: As the concept is relatively new in Bangladesh, it is possible to expand its scope further in different industrial contexts. It is also possible to explore the use of knowledge-sharing tools for organisational development.

Genetic surveillance shows spread of ACT resistance during period of malaria decline in Vietnam (2018-2020)

IntroductionVietnam’s goal to eliminate malaria by 2030 is challenged by the further spread of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria to key antimalarials, particularly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ).MethodsThe custom targeted NGS amplicon sequencing assay, AmpliSeq Pf Vietnam v2, targeting drug resistance, population genetic- and other markers, was applied to detect genetic diversity and resistance profiles in samples from 8 provinces in Vietnam (n = 354), in a period of steep decline of incidence (2018–2020). Variants in 14 putative resistance genes, including P. falciparum Kelch 13 (PfK13) and P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt), were analyzed and within-country parasite diversity was evaluated. Other targets included KEL1-lineage markers and diagnostic markers of Pfhrp2/3.ResultsA concerning level of DHA-PPQ resistance was detected. The C580Y mutation in PfK13 was found in nearly 80% of recent samples, a significant rise from previous data. Vietnam has experienced a significant challenge with the spread of DHA-PPQ resistant malaria parasites, particularly in the provinces of Binh Phuoc and Gia Lai. Resistance spread to high levels in Binh Thuan prior to the country-wide treatment policy change from DHA-PPQ to pyronadine-artesunate (PA). A complex picture of PPQ-resistance dynamics was observed, with an increase of PPQ-resistance associated Pfcrt mutations, indicating an evolutionary response to antimalarial pressure. Additionally, the compensatory mutation C258W in Pfcrt, which increases chloroquine (CQ) resistance while reversing PPQ resistance, is emerging in Gia Lai following the adoption of PA as the first-line treatment. This study found high levels of multidrug resistance, with over 70% of parasites in 6 out of 8 provinces showing significant sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance and widespread chloroquine-resistant Pfcrt haplotypes. We also report an absence of P. falciparum histidine rich protein 2 and 3 (Pfhrp2/3) gene deletions, ensuring the continued reliability of HRP2/3-based rapid diagnostic tests. P. falciparum populations in Vietnam are becoming more isolated, with clonal populations showing high geographical clustering by province. The central highlands, particularly Gia Lai province, have the highest residual malaria burden but exhibit low diversity and clonal populations, likely due to the pressures from the antimalarial drugs and targeted national malaria control program (NMCP) efforts.DiscussionIn conclusion, examining a broad panel of full-length resistance genes and SNPs provided high-resolution insights into genetic diversity and resistance evolution in Vietnam, offering valuable information to inform local treatment and intervention strategies.

Resettlement Implementation in Water Projects: A Case of Northern Collector Tunnel Murang'a County

Large-scale water projects threaten livelihood and disrupt communities due to demand for large tracts of land (Walelign &amp; Lujala, 2022). Despite conducting social impact assessment, water projects carry unexpected twists that extend for years. This paper focused on Murang’a Northern Collector tunnel, Murang’a County in Kenya through an ex-post facto design with descriptive survey analysis. It described the impacts of resettlement restoration efforts in water projects. The total land affected by Phase 1 was about 10.766 acres disrupting around 657 people (World Bank Group, 2019). The study found that the affected persons were dissatisfied with the resettlement process. Stakeholders complained of delayed and insufficient compensation, lack of access to water in the project area, and limited public participation. A sample of 261 respondents was used to draw conclusions. The correlation coefficient for the study was R=0.886 with P&lt;0.001, F=163.550, and adjusted R2=0.779. This indicated that the regression model was statistically significant and resettlement implementations contribute to variation in project outcomes. In examining the individual variables most of the participants disagreed or strongly disagreed they were satisfied with the process of resettlement. The paper proposed policy change, adequate multi-stakeholder engagement and harmonization of valuation for fair compensation of land acquired during projects and livelihood restoration.

Concentration of spending and share of specialty drug spending in Medicare Part D over a 10-year period.

In 2021, Medicare Part D gross prescription drug spending amounted to $216 billion, a number that has more than doubled over the last 10 years. Spending in Medicare Part D is concentrated on a small number of drugs, and spending on specialty drugs has increased in recent years. However, the extent to which concentration in Part D spending has changed over time and the drivers of this change have not been described. To quantify the time trends in Medicare Part D spending and utilization, the concentration of spending, and the share of spending accounted for by specialty drugs from 2012 to 2021. In this repeated cross-sectional study, we used data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Part D Drug Spending Dashboard to investigate the time trends in total gross spending, prescriptions claims, and the average cost of a prescription claim for Part D drugs. We assessed the concentration based on the share of total gross spending and prescriptions by the drugs with the top 1%, 5%, and 10% of the highest spending and Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients. In addition, we stratified our analyses by specialty and nonspecialty drugs. Over the last 10 years, total gross drug spending in Medicare Part D increased by 103.5%, with a compounded annual growth rate of 8.2%. This change was driven by both increases in prescription claims and price increases of existing drugs to a similar degree. The concentration of spending intensified, with the top 1% of drugs accounting for an escalating share of total spending (from 31.4% to 41.1%). Over the 10-year study period, these top-spending drugs accounted for 5.6% of prescriptions but 34.6% of spending. Lorenz curves and increased Gini coefficients similarly showed that a smaller number of drugs accounted for increased spending over the study period. Specialty drug spending increased by 566.5%, with a compounded annual growth rate of 23.5%. The share of total spending on specialty drugs increased from 21.7% in 2012 to 71.1% in 2021. In 2021, specialty drugs accounted for 6.2% of prescriptions but 71.1% of total spending. Medicare Part D gross drug spending became increasingly more concentrated from 2012 to 2021, which was especially pronounced for specialty drugs. Increases in prices for specialty and other brand-name drugs will likely continue to drive gross spending upward. Although the Inflation Reduction Act provisions will likely reduce net spending on selected drugs, other policy changes may be warranted.

Decadal trends of black carbon and heavy metal accumulation in a lake sediment core from central China: A historical perspective

Black carbon (BC) and heavy metal are vital indicators of historical human activities. This study investigates the historical pollution trends of BC, char, soot, and heavy metals in lake sediments from Yinjia Lake (YJL). BC, char, and soot concentrations exhibit similar historical trends, with average values of 1.59, 1.27, and 0.32 mg/g, respectively. Char, constituting 67.25–85.85 % of BC, indicates a dominant fraction in the lake. A notable increase in BC, char, and soot was observed post-1955, peaking in 2005, followed by a decline, reflecting local economic development and anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals, including Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, and Mn, also displayed a significant increase post-1950, with Cd showing an exceptionally high concentration. The average deposition fluxes of BC, char, and soot were consistent with their concentrations, peaking in 2005. The correlations between BC, char, soot, and heavy metals suggest BC’s role as a metal carrier, influenced by industrial and anthropogenic emissions. The char/soot ratio analysis indicates predominant biomass burning pre-1950 and increased fossil fuel combustion post-1950, with regional variations observed. The study highlights the impact of industrialization, urbanization, and policy changes on pollution trends in YJL.

Implementing Primary Care Reform in France: Bargaining, Policy Adaptation, and the Maisons de Santé Pluriprofessionnelles

Context: The organization of primary care in France has long remained a secondary issue on the political agenda. The government began to address the difficulties of care access and coordination in the 2000s, when a seemingly viable solution emerged from the field: the maisons de santé pluriprofessionnelles (MSPs). In a corporatist system and a predominantly private sector, the government chose an incentive-based contractual policy to encourage providers to join these structures. This article analyzes the implementation of this policy, which depends on private providers’ commitment. Methods: The article offers a comparative case study of six MSPs. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, observation sessions, and document analysis. Findings: First, the article shows that the emergence of MSPs has only been possible thanks to an unprecedented alliance between general practitioners, the state, and the health insurance fund. Second, it argues that MSP policy implementation relies on a complex bargaining process between private providers and public authorities that enables the former to shape it to their local needs. Conclusions: MSP implementation experiences raise questions both about the understanding of medical corporatism in France and the assimilation of policy changes and local variation through policy implementation.

Does relaxing household credit constraints hurt small business lending? Evidence from a policy change in Texas

This paper studies the relationship between household credit and small business loans using the 1997 liberalization of home equity lending in Texas. First, we build a closed economy general equilibrium model that examines two opposing channels: a negative crowding out effect and a positive collateral effect. Our analysis shows that, following a household credit expansion, the crowding out effect dominates and leads to an overall decline in firm borrowing. We test this result empirically by exploiting the liberalization of home equity loans in Texas. The exogenous increase in household credit brought on by the liberalization results in a crowding out of business lending, as small business loan growth declines by roughly 20 percentage points. This negative effect is dampened in counties that experienced stronger house price growth, providing evidence of a subsidiary collateral effect. We further explore the bank-level factors that could influence the strength of the crowding out effect and find that the effect is weaker for banks with easier access to funding and a specialization in business lending.

Pesticide exposure patterns in honey bees during migratory pollination

Monitoring pesticide exposures in honey bees provides fundamental risk information that informs efforts to improve regulatory policy, pesticide use, and beekeeping management so pollinators are protected in realistic field conditions. We investigated pesticide exposures to bee colonies while colonies moved along commercial migratory routes in 2022 and 2023 to pollinate multiple pollinator-dependent, high-value U.S. specialty crops (e.g., almonds in California and apples and cherries in Washington). We found evident pesticide exposure patterns, including increasing exposures (both levels and number of pesticides) to fungicides during almond pollination, higher exposures to insecticides and persistent exposures to fungicides during springtime fruit pollination, and declining exposures in summer. Exposure risk assessment by risk quotient (RQ) model based on residues in bee bread indicates no concern of acute toxicity to adult honey bees during pollination, however, during colony inspections we found severe brood mortality in fields associated with high exposure to buprofezin, an insect growth regulator (IGR) thought to be safe for adult bees, which is permitted for use any time across the season. Our results suggest a need to improve compliance with insecticide label requirements during tree fruit pollination and a need for further research into the negative impacts of IGR on colony health especially on immature bees to inform potential policy changes.

Analysis of Qatar's electricity landscape: Insights from load profiling, clustering, and policy recommendations

Demand side management (DSM) is an important strategy for promoting sustainable consumption in resource-rich countries with high purchasing power and subsidized tariffs. Global energy and environmental resource consumption have increased rapidly due to advances in production and transportation, leading to inefficient and wasteful use of resources. DSM aims to address these issues by promoting efficiency. To implement appropriate DSM strategies, a greater understanding of consumer behavior is needed. To do so, load profiling and load clustering are two popular methods that can be used. This paper aims to i) summarize the most recent global load profiling and clustering works ii) use official smart meter data to understand key electricity consumption trends in Qatar, such as temperature-demand correlation, weekend vs. weekday, and public holiday consumption patterns, and iii) perform load clustering to propose policies that would help manage the electricity load in Qatar for its green growth. This study provides insights into the electricity consumption trends of various sectors in Qatar, including commercial, government, hospitality, and residential sectors. It was found that among all the sectors there were only two usage periods of the same time. There is naturally a strong correlation between temperature and electricity consumption throughout the sectors. Furthermore, it was observed that the consumption of the sectors is highly similar which leads to multiple sectors being present in the same cluster. Finally, policy changes are proposed based on the results to encourage demand response programs in Qatar.

Mitigating the costs of failure: NSFAS challenges and the need for an undergraduate grade reform in South African universities

This paper examines the financial and psychological impacts of the current grade system in South African universities, particularly on students funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The system, designed to enhance the quality of education by ensuring students grasp core concepts before advancing, often extends the duration of study for student. This extension leads to significant financial burdens, including additional tuition fees, accommodation costs, and subsistence expenses. The rigid structure of grading can prevent students from progressing in their programs, as failing a core module often disqualifies them from taking multiple subsequent modules. The literature review highlights international practices and the unique socio-economic context of South Africa. Findings reveal that the system contributes to high dropout rates, increased student debt, and psychological distress. This paper argues for a reform in the grading system, suggesting a cap at 40% pass, instead of 50% pass for progression at undergraduate level, which would alleviate some of these pressures. Discussions focus on the potential benefits of such a reform, including reduced financial strain on NSFAS, improved student retention, and better mental health outcomes. The conclusion reiterates the necessity of policy changes to create a more equitable and sustainable higher education system. By addressing these challenges, South African universities can ensure that more students complete their degrees in a timely manner, benefiting both the students and the broader economy.

Privacy during pandemics: Attitudes to public use of personal data

In this paper we investigate people’s attitudes to privacy and sharing of personal data when used to help society combat a contagious disease, such as COVID-19. Through a two-wave survey, we investigate the role of personal characteristics, and the effect of information, in shaping privacy attitudes. By conducting the survey in Norway and Sweden, which adopted very different strategies to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyze potential differences in privacy attitudes due to policy changes. We find that privacy concern is negatively correlated with allowing public use of personal data. Trust in the entity collecting data and collectivist preferences are positively correlated with this type of data usage. Providing more information about the public benefit of sharing personal data makes respondents more positive to the use of their data, while providing additional information about the costs associated with data sharing does not change attitudes. The analysis suggests that stating a clear purpose and benefit for the data collection makes respondents more positive about sharing. Despite very different policy approaches, we do not find any major differences in privacy attitudes between Norway and Sweden. Findings are also similar between the two survey waves, suggesting a minor role for contextual changes.

Up in smoke. The unravelling of world-leading policy changes in Smokefree legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand

Up in smoke. The unravelling of world-leading policy changes in Smokefree legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand

Law-Abiding Immigrants: The Incarceration Gap between Immigrants and the US-Born, 1870–2020

We provide the first nationally representative long-run series (1870–2020) of incarceration rates for immigrants and the US-born. As a group, immigrants have had lower incarceration rates than the US-born for 150 years. Moreover, relative to the US-born, immigrants’ incarceration rates have declined since 1960: immigrants today are 60 percent less likely to be incarcerated (30 percent relative to US-born Whites). This relative decline occurred among immigrants from all regions and cannot be explained by changes in observable characteristics or immigration policy. Instead, the decline is part of a broader divergence of outcomes between less-educated immigrants and their US-born counterparts. (JEL J15, K37, K42, N31, N32, N41, N42)