Accessibility Criteria Research Articles

Geographical perspective of modeling primary healthcare accessibility

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure the spatial accessibility of primary healthcare facility in Ghanaian rural areas, by determining the barriers to healthcare accessibilities in the Amansie Central District.Design/methodology/approachBoth network and proximity analyses were performed on the digitized data such as road networks, settlements, population, district boundary, natural resources (rivers, streams and forest) and site location (health facilities). To quantify the population who have access to healthcare the authors used the Ghana Health Service access criteria that health facility should be accessible to an estimated population within 8 km radius from the facility.FindingsThe overall mean distance to the nearest health facility in the district was 8.9 km. Fiankoma sub-district recorded the highest mean distance whereas Tweapease sub-district recorded the least. In general, 31.2 percent of the district population has no access to healthcare facility. Transportation was identified to be one of the major hindrances to healthcare accessibility and this was as a result of poor road network in the district.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was restricted to the Amansie Central District of Ghana. This limits the extent of generalization of results.Originality/valueThe study proposed additional sites for siting new health facilities base on criteria such as population, distance, centrality and existing infrastructural development. This will consequently improve healthcare accessibility and utilization by increasing total coverage closer to 100 percent.

The formulation of the National Forest Programme in the Czech Republic: A qualitative survey

National Forest Programme (NFP) is a comprehensive social and political framework to achieve an effective sustainable forest management developing a spirit of cooperation among national and sub-national social actors. In this study, the participatory process adopted in the formulation of the second NFP in Czech Republic (NFPII) was analysed considering four aspects: (1) structure of the participatory process; (2) level of participation and social actors involved; (3) role of facilitator; (4) skills and knowledge of participants. The data were collected through in-depth interviews to a sample of stakeholders (44% of total stakeholders involved in the decision-making process). The results of this study show that the participatory process for Czech NFPII was designed considering representativeness, early involvement, independency, influence, transparency, and resource accessibility criterion. The participatory process was structured in two stages: in the first stage the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of the Environment identified 17 experts to involve in the definition of a first draft of NFPII; in the second stage the two Ministries identified and involved 18 organized groups of stakeholders in order to discuss the key issues previously identified by experts. The main weakness of participatory process in the formulation of NFPII in Czech Republic is the low level of participation of citizens and the different level of skills and knowledge among participants.

Evaluation models and criteria of the quality of hospital websites: a systematic review study.

IntroductionHospital websites are important tools in establishing communication and exchanging information between patients and staff, and thus should enjoy an acceptable level of quality. The aim of this study was to identify proper models and criteria to evaluate the quality of hospital websites.MethodsThis research was a systematic review study. The international databases such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed, Proquest, Ovid, Elsevier, Springer, and EBSCO together with regional database such as Magiran, Scientific Information Database, Persian Journal Citation Report (PJCR) and IranMedex were searched. Suitable keywords including website, evaluation, and quality of website were used. Full text papers related to the research were included. The criteria and sub criteria of the evaluation of website quality were extracted and classified.ResultsTo evaluate the quality of the websites, various models and criteria were presented. The WEB-Q-IM, Mile, Minerva, Seruni Luci, and Web-Qual models were the designed models. The criteria of accessibility, content and apparent features of the websites, the design procedure, the graphics applied in the website, and the page’s attractions have been mentioned in the majority of studies.ConclusionThe criteria of accessibility, content, design method, security, and confidentiality of personal information are the essential criteria in the evaluation of all websites. It is suggested that the ease of use, graphics, attractiveness and other apparent properties of websites are considered as the user-friendliness sub criteria. Further, the criteria of speed and accessibility of the website should be considered as sub criterion of efficiency. When determining the evaluation criteria of the quality of websites, attention to major differences in the specific features of any website is essential.

Multidisciplinary Care Models for Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis

ObjetiveTo describe (structure, processes) of the multidisciplinary care models in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Spain, as well as barriers and facilitators of their implementation. MethodsA qualitative study was performed following structured interviews with 24 professionals (12 rheumatologists, 12 dermatologists who provide multidisciplinary care for patients with PsA). We collected data related to the hospital, department, population and multidisciplinary care model (type, physical and human resources, professional requirements, objectives, referral criteria, agendas, protocols, responsibilities, decision-making, research and education, clinical sessions, development and planning of the model, advantages and disadvantages of the model, barriers and facilitators in the implementation of the model). The models characteristics are described. ResultsWe analyzed 12 multidisciplinary care models in PsA, with at least 1–2 years of experience, and 3 subtypes of models, face-to-face, parallel, and preferential circuit. All are adapted to the hospital and professionals characteristics. A proper implementation planning is essential. The involvement and empathy between professionals and an access and well-defined referral criteria are important facilitators in the implementation of a model. The management of agendas and data collection to measure the multidisciplinary care models health outcomes are the main barriers. ConclusionsThere are different multidisciplinary care models in PsA that can improve patient outcomes, system efficiency and collaboration between specialists.

Breast reconstruction post mastectomy- Let's Google it. Accessibility, readability and quality of online information

IntroductionThis study evaluated the readability, accessibility and quality of information pertaining to breast reconstruction post mastectomy on the Internet in the English language. MethodsUsing the Google© search engine the keywords “Breast reconstruction post mastectomy” were searched for. We analyzed the top 75 sites. The Flesch Reading Ease Score and Gunning Fog Index were calculated to assess readability. Web site quality was assessed objectively using the University of Michigan Consumer Health Web site Evaluation Checklist. Accessibility was determined using an automated accessibility tool. In addition, the country of origin, type of organisation producing the site and presence of Health on the Net (HoN) Certification status was recorded. ResultsThe Web sites were difficult to read and comprehend. The mean Flesch Reading Ease scores were 55.5. The mean Gunning Fog Index scores was 8.6. The mean Michigan score was 34.8 indicating weak quality of websites. Websites with HoN certification ranked higher in the search results (p = 0.007). Website quality was influenced by organisation type (p < 0.0001) with academic/healthcare, not for profit and government sites having higher Michigan scores. 20% of sites met the minimum accessibility criteria. ConclusionsInternet information on breast reconstruction post mastectomy and procedures is poorly written and we suggest that Webpages providing information must be made more readable and accessible. We suggest that health professionals should recommend Web sites that are easy to read and contain high-quality surgical information. Medical information on the Internet should be readable, accessible, reliable and of a consistent quality.

Institutional change in Chinese cross-border finance: foreign investors, the party-state and power resources

ABSTRACTThis paper is the first to investigate the changes in criteria for market access under China's Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) Programmes. By combining insights on institutional change and Chinese elite politics, it demonstrates that the evolution of access criteria can be explained by interdependent bargaining between Chinese party leaders, administrative authorities and corporate interests. The 2008 global financial crisis triggered fundamental shifts in resource interdependencies that altered the bargaining dynamics between these agents. The changes in internal and external conditions are decisive for understanding how the QFII programmes evolved. The analysis draws on an original data-set coupling 91 multi-stakeholder interviews, database analysis and internal government records. The findings show that institutional change in China's cross-border investment programmes is a negotiated economic outcome bridging interdependent state and market agents. These results have important implications for the study of globalisation and institutional change in non-Western contexts. They challenge existing narratives of an all-pervasive Chinese party-state that is resistant to change.

Republic of Poland: Arrangement Under the Flexible Credit Line and Cancellation of the Current Arrangement-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director and Alternate Executive Director for the Republic of Poland

This paper discusses Poland’s Arrangement Under the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) and Cancellation of the Current Arrangement. The FCL arrangements since 2009 have served Poland well, providing valuable insurance against external shocks. With the support of the consecutive FCL arrangements, Poland has weathered bouts of market turbulence well, and remains an attractive investment destination. The authorities intend to continue treating the FCL as precautionary and consider it a temporary supplement to reserves. In IMF staff’s view, Poland continues to meet the qualification criteria for continued access to the FCL.

VP163 Patient Involvement In The Development Of Multi-Criteria Decision Tool

INTRODUCTION:Healthcare organizations should assess the relevance of both existing and new practices. Involving patients in decisions regarding which health technologies and interventions should be prioritized could favor a better fit between strategic choices and patients needs.METHODS:Following a systematic review of existing multi-criteria decision support tools and a consultation with hospital clinicians and managers, a set of potentially relevant criteria was identified. A three-round modified Delphi study was then conducted among four groups (hospital managers, heads of department, clinicians, and patient representatives) in order to reach consensus on criteria that should be considered in the tool.RESULTS:In total, seventy-four participants completed the third round of the Delphi study. Consensus was obtained on twelve criteria. There were some significant differences between groups in priority scores given to criteria. Patient representatives differed significantly from other groups on two criteria. Their ranking of the accessibility criteria was higher, and their ranking of the organizational aspect criteria was lower than for the other groups.CONCLUSIONS:Patient representatives can be involved in the development of a multi-criteria decision support tool to identify, evaluate and prioritize high value-added health technologies and interventions in order to enhancing clinical appropriateness The fact that accessibility aspects were more important for patient representatives calls for specific attention to these criteria when prioritizing health technologies or interventions. Furthermore, we need to ensure that the decisions made regarding the relevance of these technologies and interventions also reflect patients’ preferences.

PP128 Regional Guidance On Spinal Cord Stimulation For Chronic Pain

INTRODUCTION:Chronic Pain (CP) is the uncontrolled pain that affects patients for a long time. CP can be caused by many conditions, sometimes still poorly understood, and its levels can vary from moderate to intense. The management of resistant CP requires a stepwise approach and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) could be considered an extreme strategy. With the aim of ensuring the economic sustainability, the Veneto Region usually establishes rigorous access criteria to high-cost medical devices through its Regional Technical Committee on Medical Devices (CTRDM) and a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) procedure.METHODS:The Regional Health Technology Assessment Unit (CRUF) conducted through Pubmed a literature review of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analysis on SCS published from March 2006 to February 2016. International and national clinical guidelines were included in the analysis as well. The regional multidisciplinary Working Group on CP, which involved local clinicians, pharmacists, clinical engineer and health economist, discussed the collected evidence by consensus. Final recommendations on the appropriate use were submitted to the CTRDM for final approval.RESULTS:The regional guidance describes the type of pain that can be treated with spinal neurostimulators and the criteria which determine the success of the test procedure. A comparative analysis of spinal neurostimulators available on the market and related patients eligibility criteria have been also included. Moreover, the guidelines stated a list of compulsory requirements in order to become a regional center authorized in performing spinal neurostimulation procedure. Finally, the document describes some indicators for appropriateness monitoring. The CTRDM approved the final version in October 2016.CONCLUSIONS:The regional guidance on SCS aims at ensuring the appropriate use of neurostimulators in patients affected by resistant CP. The strict monitoring of agreed indicators is essential for appropriateness and consequently the sustainability of medical devices expenditure throughout the Regional Health Service.

Access policies in biobank research: what criteria do they include and how publicly available are they? A cross-sectional study.

Access policies of biobanks specify the governance of sample and data sharing. Basic guidance on relevant access criteria exists, but so far little is known about their public availability and what criteria for access and prioritization they actually include. Access policies were gathered by hand searching the websites of biobanks identified via registries (eg, BBMRI and P3G), and by additional search strategies. Criteria for access and prioritization were synthesized by thematic analysis. Of 523 biobank websites screened, 9% included a publicly available access policy. With all applied search strategies, we finally retrieved 74 access policies. Thematic analysis resulted in 62 different access criteria in three main categories: (a) scientific quality, (b) value and (c) ethical soundness. 'Scientific quality' criteria were mentioned in 70% of all policies, 'value' criteria in 33% and 'ethical soundness' criteria in 73%. Criteria for prioritization were specified in 27% of all policies. Access policies differed broadly in number, specification and operationalization of the included access criteria. In order to make biobank research more effective, efficient and trustworthy, access policies should be more available to the public. Furthermore, access policies should aim for precise and more harmonized wording of access criteria. From a public and governance perspective, the issue of how to prioritize access to scarce samples should form part of access policies.

FORMY POMOCY UNIJNEJ DLA MAŁYCH GOSPODARSTW ROLNYCH W POLSCE

Forms of EU Assistance for Small Farms in PolandSummary The latest CAP reform has pointed out the need to maintain the vitality and development of small farms. The basic principle of the reform is for these farms to perform an important role in the multifunctional development of rural areas throughout the whole EU. Alongside their traditional farming activities these farms have a unique favourable impact on the natural environment by maintaining its biodiversity. They also support the rich European traditions and customs in food production. They are producers of good, healthy food; they provide millions of jobs, thereby reducing unemployment, not only in rural areas. In appreciation of these assets, the new EU financial perspective envisages many forms of support, especially financial support for small farms, within both pillars of the CAP. This article gives a favourable preliminary assessment of these forms of assistance. But there are drawbacks as well. One is the small extent of the assistance, expressed by the relatively low amount of expenditure planned for the financing of the assistance. Another drawback is too strict criteria for access to certain forms of financial supports, which could be used by small farms, provided in the Rural Development Programme for the years 2014-2020. This will cause that a large group of small farms do not benefit from the aid provided there.

The 1000 Genomes Project: Prediction of Known and Novel Blood Group Continental Distribution By Next Generation Sequencing

▪Background:The 1000 Genomes Project provides a database of over 80 million genomic variants found across 2504 individuals from 26 populations. A current priority of the genomics field is to design information systems to translate this knowledge into clinical significance and patient care. The applications and advantages of red blood cell (RBC) antigen prediction through genotyping are widely accepted in transfusion medicine. Current technologies address a limited number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 12 blood group genes, and our background knowledge of RBC phenotype distribution is often limited to a few populations. We analyzed the 1000 Genomes database with 4 objectives: 1) determine allele distributions of 46 blood group-related genes across the 5 genotyped superpopulations: Africa, East Asia, Europe, South Asia and the Americas; 2) identify possible new blood group alleles and their geographic association; 3) determine the feasibility of blood group genotyping by NGS; and 4) establish a scaffold of chromosomal coordinates to interpret NGS output files into a predicted RBC phenotype.Results:From the initial list of 46 blood group-related genes, we eliminated the five genes with known rearrangements and focused only on regions that met the strict criteria for accessibility through short, paired-end NGS reads (77% of 80.4kb). We mapped over 800 known alleles in coding and non-coding regions, and documented the 80 variants that were both present in the 1000 Genomes database and met the strict accessibility criteria. Sixty-four of these 80 variants are not addressed by current RBC genotyping technology. All 80 variants, including the ACKR1 promoter silencing mutation, are located within exon pull-down boundaries. The average low-coverage sequencing depth was 18,424x, with exome-sequencing confirmation at 65.7x depth. Twenty-three alleles had at least one novel population distribution, such as documentation of the Kpaallele for the first time in Africa and South Asia. From a total of 30 novel blood group continental frequencies, 14 correspond to a newfound presence in South Asia.1000 Genomes identified a total of 926 missense mutations in blood group genes that met strict NGS mapping criteria, as well as multiple deletions. Two novel missense mutations in ERMAP and SLC14A1 are classified as likely antigenic, since they target the same amino acids responsible for the SCER- and Cr(a-) alleles. Six novel deletions involving the Lewis, H, Cromer, Indian and OK systems are also classified as likely-deleterious after careful analysis. For example, a novel in-frame 24bp deletion in SLC14A1 eliminates part of the intracytoplasmic tail, which is required for membrane localization and includes the 28G residue that defines JK*01W.03. Thus, this novel deletion is predicted to alter Kidd protein expression. The 8 novel alleles are distributed throughout the five superpopulations but are most frequently found in Africa. Four standard bioinformatics programs named SIFT, PolyPhen-2, Mutation Taster, and Mutation Assessor failed to detect half of the control known blood group alleles and thus are not adequate for the analysis of novel blood group variants in the transfusion medicine context.Conclusions:NGS can allow comprehensive, fast, and high-throughput RBC antigen prediction. All queried blood group alleles are amenable to targeted exome sequencing, and 77% of blood group coding sequences can be addressed with a short, paired-end NGS strategy. Based on 1000 Genomes, we created a database of the worldwide distribution of 80 known and 8 novel blood group variants, along with their chromosomal coordinates in the hg19 and GRCh38 assemblies. This database is the scaffold for the creation of a new transfusion medicine bioinformatics pipeline that will translate NGS .vcf output files into a predicted RBC phenotype. New algorithms that focus on exposed peptides and antigenicity are required for the analysis of novel variants identified by NGS in the immunohematology context. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Análise de critérios e requisitos para o acesso a Obras Raras em bibliotecas digitais – um estudo longitudinal

Coleções de Obras Raras são de suma importância para o conhecimento histórico humano. Ao longo dos anos a digitalização desse tipo de coleção e sua disponibilização na internet vêm se mostrando como uma alternativa eficaz ao seu acesso diante dos avanços da preservação digital e da curadoria digital. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar os critérios e requisitos de acesso a obras raras digitalizadas em dez bibliotecas digitais do Brasil e do mundo, dotado de uma natureza longitudinal e partindo de uma metodologia mista, com coletas de dados realizadas em 2010 e 2015 dentro da amostra selecionada. Os resultados mostram que houve uma evolução na qualidade do acesso e do tratamento das Obras Raras digitalizadas presentes na amostra, de modo a concluir, que a digitalização de Obras Raras obteve um acréscimo de qualidade, sendo feita de forma mais coesa e com requisitos mais padronizados.

Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Training Results in Physician-Level Success for Emergency Department Technicians.

To report our success and complication rates with emergency department (ED) technician-performed ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter placement and to compare our results to similar studies in the literature. We conducted a retrospective review of a prospective database of patients who underwent US-guided peripheral IV catheter placement attempts for clinical care in the ED. All patients meeting difficult IV access criteria who had a US-guided peripheral IV catheter placement attempted by a trained ED technician were included. Average attempts per success and overall success rates were compared to similar published studies. There were 830 participants, with an overall success rate of ED technician- performed US-guided peripheral IV catheter placement of 97.5%. Clinicians categorized 82.6% of participants as having difficult IV access and reported that in 46.5%, a central venous catheter would have been necessary if the US-guided peripheral IV catheter failed. Of successful catheter attempts, 86.8% were placed on the first attempt; 11.6% were placed on the second attempt; and 1.6% were placed on the third attempt. For this study, the average number of attempts per success was 1.15 (95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.18), which was lower than in 6 other published studies, ranging from 1.27 to 1.70. The overall success rate of our ED technician-performed attempts was 0.970 (95% confidence interval, 0.956-0.983), which was higher than that reported in previous ED technician studies (0.79-0.80), and closer to that reported for physicians or nurses (0.87-0.97). The arterial puncture complication rate was 0.8%, which was also lower than in other published studies (1.25%-9.80%). With brief but comprehensive training, ED technicians can successfully obtain US-guided peripheral IV catheter access in patients with difficult IV access.

Health Assessment and the Right to Health in Sweden: Asylum Seekers' Perspectives.

BackgroundSwedish law entitles asylum seekers to a voluntary health assessment and to “health care that cannot be postponed”. The last expression suggests, however, restrictions on the entitlement, and what it may or may not include remains ultimately a decision for health professionals in the specific case. Indeed, the health assessment constitutes the sole active effort from Swedish authorities to fulfill this right. This study was therefore aimed at assessing how the information, procedures and services related to the health assessment are accessible and acceptable to fulfill the right to health of asylum seekers, from their own perspective.MethodsThe study has a cross-sectional design. A questionnaire was administrated in 16 language schools for immigrants, in four counties of Sweden. Three hundred eighty-six individuals fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The frequency of their answers was tabulated to estimate how the information, procedures and services related to the health assessment correspond to the criteria for accessibility and acceptability regarding the right to health.FindingsForty-eight (12.4%) respondents did not undergo the health assessment. Thirty-one of them did not even receive the invitation letter. They said they lost the opportunity to know their health status, to obtain treatment for or advice about their health problems. Additionally, 55.2% of those who attended the health assessment indicated that their needs were overlooked, particularly when these were of a psychological nature. Two in three participants also considered the health assessment to be a communicable disease control, rather than an effort to take care of their health needs. Nevertheless, the respondents had a positive attitude towards the health assessment as such.ConclusionsAlthough being an important contribution, the health assessment does not suffice to fulfill the right to health of asylum seekers because there are shortcomings regarding the accessibility and acceptability of the information, procedures and services that it includes.

A case study on shopping malls attributes for young consumers

Purpose This study aims to determine the mall criteria that are the most crucial for the youth market by determining the winning brand in comparison to other offerings to understand what is required to gain a competitive advantage and to differentiate a mall from its rivals. Design/methodology/approach This study chose the Stochastic Multicriteria Acceptability Analysis-2 method to evaluate the mall preferences of young people. By using this method, the various criteria were evaluated for more than one alternative to find the best solution. JSMA program was used to analyze the data. The survey was administered using the mall intercept method to reduce sample bias. Findings The study identifies that the criteria that have the highest impact on the mall preferences of young people are the mall campaigns for loyal customers; the traffic in the mall locality and the mall’s parking facilities; the mall’s facilities for disabled people; the quality of the mall locality; and the quality of the people visiting the mall. The study reveals that a mall’s physical features, its facilities and the criteria related to employees have a very low impact on the mall choices of young people. The study further finds that the youth market has very low satisfaction levels for all of the identified criteria. This study reveals that this macro accessibility criterion is less relevant for the youth market than for the general population. Originality/value Despite the importance of this market, there is insufficient research on the shopping behavior of young people. They have a considerable impact on the purchasing decisions of their families, significant disposable income and constitute the future market for the sector. This study uniquely enables the sequential ordering of customers’ decision-making criteria and determines the effectiveness or impact of these criteria in the mall sector.

The Competitiveness of the Italian Manufacturing Industry: an Attempt of Measurement

The economical crisis affected in particular regions focused on manufacturing specializations. Considering the important role played by Italy in this industry, this paper aims at providing a measure of the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry at regional level, focusing on positioning of Piedmont, a manufacturing vocation region. Despite the important role played by Italian manufacturing, literature concerning the creation of a synthetic regional index of this type of competitiveness is practically nonexistent. The paper bridges this gap throughout the development of a global index of regional competitiveness of the manufacturing industry. Methodology consists in a systematic analysis of drivers supported by literature at the base of the competitiveness of the regional manufacturing industry and in the validation of results by means of three focus groups composed of 30 stakeholders belonging to different organizations in two phases (Delphi method). Results show a system of measure based on eight competitive drivers, and its application to the Italian and Piedmont system highlights a strong heterogeneity among regions; this shows how Italian manufacturing industry depends on a few highly competitive regional systems and emphasizes the first position of Piedmont in this field. The creation of a ranking of the Italian regional systems on the base of the competitiveness of their manufacturing industry allows to draw important developing strategies. Main limits of this research involve the level of exhaustiveness of drivers and indices, chosen throughout criteria of relevance, transferability, and accessibility.

Repositorios de publicaciones digitales de libre acceso en Europa: análisis y valoración de la accesibilidad, posicionamiento web y calidad del código

This work presents the results of a study of web sites of 230 OA digital repositories in 16 European countries. The analysis addresses the extent to which these repositories fulfil display characteristics of quality sites, over and above the quality of their content. The objective of this study is to verify whether web sites specifically committed to free access to information satisfy the quality criteria of accessibility, web positioning and quality of the source code. The results obtained find that accessibility must be improved upon, source code quality is merely acceptable, and web positioning is good. In short, bad practices were observed that should not occur in sites whose objective is to facilitate the free access to information.

Modelling the Evolution of Social Structure.

Although simple social structures are more common in animal societies, some taxa (mainly mammals) have complex, multi-level social systems, in which the levels reflect differential association. We develop a simulation model to explore the conditions under which multi-level social systems of this kind evolve. Our model focuses on the evolutionary trade-offs between foraging and social interaction, and explores the impact of alternative strategies for distributing social interaction, with fitness criteria for wellbeing, alliance formation, risk, stress and access to food resources that reward social strategies differentially. The results suggest that multi-level social structures characterised by a few strong relationships, more medium ties and large numbers of weak ties emerge only in a small part of the overall fitness landscape, namely where there are significant fitness benefits from wellbeing and alliance formation and there are high levels of social interaction. In contrast, ‘favour-the-few’ strategies are more competitive under a wide range of fitness conditions, including those producing homogeneous, single-level societies of the kind found in many birds and mammals. The simulations suggest that the development of complex, multi-level social structures of the kind found in many primates (including humans) depends on a capacity for high investment in social time, preferential social interaction strategies, high mortality risk and/or differential reproduction. These conditions are characteristic of only a few mammalian taxa.

Popular Financial Reports as Fiscal Transparency Mechanisms: An Assessment Using the Fiscal Transparency Index for the Citizen User

ABSTRACTPopular financial reports (PFRs) are intended to increase transparency by providing financial information to a non-technical, citizen audience. We examine the extent to which PFRs are meeting the goal of transparency by developing a 23-criteria fiscal transparency index for the citizen user (FTI-CU) and applying it to a sample of PFRs (popular annual financial reports and citizen-centric reports) issued by local governments in the U.S. These criteria are organized into five areas: comprehension, access, financials, appearance, and community-focused. The analysis finds that, while there are areas for improvement, the PFRs rated the highest in the access and appearance criteria.