bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monobromobimane occupies a distinct xenobiotic substrate site in glutathione S‐transferase π
Authors: Ralat Luis A. , Colman Roberta F.
Published: October 2003

Monobromobimane (mBBr), functions as a substrate of porcine glutathione S‐transferase π (GST π): The enzyme catalyzes the reaction of mBBr with glutathione. S‐(Hydroxyethyl)bimane, a nonreactive analog of monobromobimane, acts as a competitive inhibitor with respect to mBBr as substrate but does not affect the reaction of GST π with another substrate, 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (CDNB). In the absence of glutathione, monobromobimane inactivates GST π at pH 7.0 and 25°C as assayed using mBBr as substrate, with a lesser effect on the enzyme's use of CDNB as substrate. These results indicate that the sites occupied by CDNB and mBBr are not identical. Inactivation is proportional to the incorporation of 2 moles of bimane/mole of subunit. Modification of GST π with mBBr does not interfere with its binding of 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalene sulfonate, indicating that this hydrophobic site is not the target of monobromobimane. S‐Methylglutathione and S‐(hydroxyethyl)bimane each yield partial protection against inactivation and decrease reagent incorporation, while glutathionyl‐bimane protects completely against inactivation. Peptide analysis after trypsin digestion indicates that mBBr modifies Cys45and Cys99equally. Modification of Cys45is reduced in the presence of S‐methylglutathione, indicating that this residue is at or near the glutathione binding region. In contrast, modification of Cys99is reduced in the presence of S‐(hydroxyethyl)bimane, suggesting that this residue is at or near the mBBr xenobiotic substrate binding site. Modification of Cys99can best be understood by reaction with monobromobimane while it is bound to its xenobiotic substrate site in an alternate orientation. These results support the concept that glutathione S‐transferase accomplishes its ability to react with a diversity of substrates in part by harboring distinct xenobiotic substrate sites.
Subjective, Intersubjective, Objective
Authors: Glock Hans‐Johann
Published: October 2003

Books reviewed:

Donald Davidson, Subjective, Intersubjective, Objective
Authority and Estrangement: An Essay on Self‐Knowledge
Authors: Eldridge Richard
Published: October 2003

Richard Moran, Authority and Estrangement: An Essay on Self Knowledge
Regional and National Perspectives of China's Integration into the WTO: A CGE Inquiry with Emphasis on the Agricultural Sector
Authors: Diao Xinshen , Somwaru Agapi , Tuan Francis
Published: October 2003

China's integration in the World Trade Organization (WTO) is already on its fast track. Understanding the complexity of China's dynamic adjustment resulting from its membership in the WTO and the differential regional impacts within China is very important and poses crucial challenge in evaluating its impacts. In this study, we make an attempt to incorporate seven regional commodity‐detailed models into a dis‐aggregated multi‐sector and multi‐region China Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) framework. This framework has allowed us to evaluate the impacts of China's integration into the WTO at both national and regional levels and analyze the inter‐linkages between China's provincial agricultural markets. Using the framework and assumptions about factor mobility, we assess the impacts on China's agricultural and non‐agricultural sectors (regionally and nationally) by reduction of its trade policy distortions, such as tariffs rate changes and quantitative restrictions. We also evaluate the structural changes on China's national and regional production and trade as China implements its commitments and moves into the WTO.
The Impacts of Redesigning European Agricultural Support
Authors: Frandsen Søren E. , Gersfelt Birgitte , Jensen Hans G.
Published: October 2003

The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of decoupling at the individual member state level in the European Union and in non‐member regions of liberalizing domestic support in the EU. Three scenarios are analysed to illustrate the impacts of eliminating or decoupling the European agricultural support. We found that the existing domestic support payments in the EU are indeed coupled to production and hence affect production decisions and distort international trade with adverse effects on the export potential of developing countries as a consequence. Further, the value of this support is capitalised in significant higher land prices in Europe than would otherwise prevail. The scenarios illustrate the economic implications of transforming all domestic support payments (as well as other distorting policies) into a nationally homogenous and fully decoupled payment to all agricultural land, irrespective of a farmer's decision to crop or not. The analysis suggests that it is possible to convert the existing agricultural support into a fully decoupled payment which would not distort international trade and it indicates a way forward to offset the negative impact on land prices. Such a policy would also comply with the WTO rules (i.e. fall within the green box as decoupled income support). The analysis also suggests that such a policy reform could be achieved at somewhat lower budgetary costs as compared with the existing costs of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Building Small City and Town Sams and CGE Models
Authors: Schwarm Walter , Cutler Harvey
Published: October 2003

In this paper we attempt to describe both the data sources and organizational methods that allow for effective and easily created SAMs and regional computable general equilibrium (CGE) models. Small cities of around 100,000 people will face very different constraints than a town of 2000 people. Unfortunately, most CGE models typically describe relatively large geographical areas and are therefore not able to capture the uniqueness of individual cities within the region. An illustrative example using these methods demonstrates that the economic impacts vary substantially over different municipalities to the same economic shock.
Regional Economic Impacts of Traffic Regulation on Tourism: The Case of Denmark
Authors: Madsen Bjarne , Jensen‐Butler Chris , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2003

The paper presents an interregional computable general equilibrium model, LINE, which is used to analyze the regional economic effects of changes in road pricing as they affect and work though the Danish tourism sector. These effects include changes in demand, income and employment by region. The form of road pricing examined in the paper is tolls across a major fixed link. The consequences of changes in these substantial tolls are examined using the modeling framework. The basic modeling approach in LINE is presented, including its tourism sub‐model, and empirical results for Denmark are examined.
Differences between European and American IPO Markets
Authors: Ritter Jay R.
Published: October 2003

This brief survey discusses recent developments in the European initial public offering (IPO) market. The spectacular rise and fall of the Euro NM markets and the growth of bookbuilding as a procedure for pricing and allocating IPOs are two important patterns. Gross spreads are lower and less clustered than in the USA. Unlike the USA, some European IPOs, especially those in Germany, have when‐issued trading prior to the final setting of the offer price. Current research includes empirical studies on the valuation of IPOs and both theoretical and empirical work on the determinants of short‐run underpricing.
Choice of Selling Mechanism at the IPO: the Case of the French Second Market
Authors: Vandemaele Sigrid
Published: October 2003

This study examines the choice of flotation mechanism within the framework of the French Second Market. Between 1983 and 1996, a firm that opted for a quotation on the Second Market, had the choice between (i) an auction‐like procedure (there were two variants) and (ii) a fixed‐price introduction procedure. Several interesting results are presented. First, the choice for an auction‐like procedure appears to be positively related to firm valuation uncertainty at the IPO. Second, the likelihood of opting for an auction‐like procedure decreases as the reputation of the investment bank guiding the flotation increases. Third, the likelihood of opting for an auction is increasing in the number of secondary shares sold by venture capitalists and investment banks.
Privatisation Initial Public Offerings: the Polish Experience
Authors: Jelic Ranko , Briston Richard
Published: October 2003

The Polish government has preferred gradual direct sales to privatisation initial public offerings (PIPOs) by a 2.8 to 1 margin. Evidence suggests that the government has attempted to manage the timing of PIPOs. We, however, find no evidence of underpricing of PIPOs to a greater degree than that found for issues in the private sector. Both domestic and international investors in PIPOs earned predominantly positive buy‐and‐hold returns up to 36 months after listing. The difference between PIPOs and private sector IPOs average returns is statistically significant only for international investors.
Takeover Defences and IPO Firm Value in the Netherlands
Authors: Roosenboom Peter , Van Der Goot Tjalling
Published: October 2003

The central question of this study involves the relation between the use of takeover defences and IPO firm value. We report that management frequently uses takeover defences before taking the firm public. The use of takeover defences is primarily motivated by managerial entrenchment. IPO investors anticipate potential conflict of interests with management and reduce the price they pay for the IPO shares if takeover defences are adopted. Although managers internalise this cost of takeover defences to the degree they own pre‐IPO stock, they are likely to gain through private control benefits. Non‐management pre‐IPO owners lose. Their shares are worth less, but different from managers, they do not get offsetting private control benefits. We infer that managers use takeover defences to protect private control benefits at non‐management pre‐IPO owners’ expense.
Should Firms Going Public Enjoy Tax Benefits? An Analysis of the Italian Experience in the 1990s
Authors: Giudici Giancarlo , Paleari Stefano
Published: October 2003

In Italy tax benefits are granted to firms going public. However, does such tax relief really reduce the corporate tax burden? In this study we tackle the issue by considering 21 industrial firms that were listed on the Italian Exchange from 1995 to 1997 and enjoyed a temporary tax rate cut‐off. We find that the increase in the taxable income reported by these firms largely counterbalances the effect of the tax relief. We conclude that a tax rate cut‐off may not necessarily provoke a reduction in the tax burden for newly listed firms, since in the short term they report larger earnings compared with privately‐owned companies. We claim that this ‘induced’ effect is mainly due to: the significant improvement of operating performance in the year of the listing; the reduction of the debt tax shield; an increase in investment and more accounting transparency. Our findings suggest that tax relief for IPO firms does not necessarily mean a loss of revenue for the government.
John Colet, preaching and reform at St. Paul's cathedral, 1505–19*
Authors: Arnold Jonathan
Published: October 2003

As a Christian humanist, Colet attempted clerical reform partly by means of preaching. Evidence from Colet's ecclesiastical life as dean of St. Paul's suggests that his success was limited by the inappropriate expression of his idealistic ecclesiology, which demanded perfection. Although Colet's passion for preaching was shared and admired by humanist colleagues, his sermons received negative reactions from his cathedral clergy, the bishop of London and Henry VIII. The intellectual basis for Colet's ecclesiology was a combination of Pauline theology and Dionysian spirituality, which created a vision of Church perfection by means of purification and illumination. However, Colet sought a spiritual and moral revival, not a fundamental change to the structure of the Catholic Church. Colet's humanist success was achieved mainly outside the ecclesiastical world.
‘Abandon Hibernicisation’: priests, Ribbonmen and an Irish street fight in the north-east of England in 1858*
Authors: MacRaild Donald M.
Published: October 2003

This article seeks to contextualize a rare piece of evidence of the Catholic Church's attempts to control nationalist political expression among Irish migrants. The evidence, a letter from a priest to his bishop in Darlington, was generated by an investigation of a street riot in Sunderland in 1858. A detailed statement of such controlling influences is uncommon, even though historians have occasionally uncovered fleeting examples that are similar in nature. The discussion which follows seeks to fit this evidence, and its immediate context, into a wider historiography concerning the interplay of social Catholicism and the political involvement of Irish migrants. This document portrays the English priest as a kind of politico-religious policeman, and explains the lengths to which the Church was willing to go in ensuring that strict adherence to Catholic practice was not affected by the demands of clandestine political organizations. Although the events discussed here are very specific, in both period and place, the article seeks to contribute to an understanding of parish life where politics and faith became entwined.
Does “Smarter” Lead to Safer? An Assessment of the US Border Accords with Canada and Mexico
Authors: Meyers Deborah Waller
Published: October 2003

The terrorist attacks of September 11 and their immediate aftermath along the US‐Canadian and US‐Mexican borders focused attention on border management strategies in ways previously unimaginable. Suddenly confronted by the fact that existing systems and processes were not particularly effective either at protecting security or facilitating legitimate traffic, the United States, in conjunction with the Canadian and Mexican Governments, demonstrated an uncharacteristic willingness to reconceptualize its approach to physical borders.

While initiating a series of internal policy adjustments to secure themselves against terrorist threats, the US, Canadian, and Mexican Governments also signed two bilateral agreements — the 12 December 2001 United States‐Canada Smart Border Declaration and the 22 March 2002 United States‐Mexico Border Partnership Agreement. These agreements represent an important development in the US's relationship with each of its North American neighbours, acknowledging not only the deep economic, social, and cultural ties, but also the new reality that the United States cannot attain the additional security it desires through unilateral actions alone. Thus, while September 11 forced a reassessment of vulnerabilities, it simultaneously provided the United States an opportunity to work more systematically with its contiguous neighbours for security benefits, a realization likely to flow into other areas where the benefits of cooperation eclipse those of unilateralism.

This paper analyses the first year of the two border accords, tracking their implementation and evaluating their successes and failures. Most importantly, the paper outlines outstanding challenges, highlights steps that the governments should take to achieve additional border security and efficiency, and draws conclusions regarding factors likely to make their efforts more, or less, successful.
A Survival Analysis of Timing of Entry into Prostitution: The Differential Impact of Race, Educational Level, and Childhood/Adolescent Risk Factors
Authors: Kramer Lisa A. , Berg Ellen C.
Published: October 2003

Using survey data obtained from 309 women working in street‐level prostitution in Phoenix, Arizona, this investigation examines the influence of minority status, educational level, and the experience of risk factors in an individual's childhood or adolescence on the hazard rate for age of entry into prostitution. Findings of this study show that women engaging in prostitution have limited educational backgrounds and often do not complete high school. Results indicate that both white and minority women engaging in prostitution experienced high rates of physical and sexual abuse in childhood, as well as parental substance abuse. When compared to minority women, white women are more likely to have experienced any one of these three risk factors thought to influence entry into prostitution, yet event‐history analysis indicates that minority women consistently experience significantly higher hazard rates for entry into prostitution. Findings suggest the need for future research to better assess the impact of race—in the form of socioeconomic and social disadvantages associated with minority status—as it relates to entry into the sex trade.
The Social Construction of Local School Violence Threats by the News Media and Professional Organizations
Authors: Herda‐Rapp Ann
Published: October 2003

The research presented here examines the social construction of local school violence threats in the context of national claims‐making about school violence, particularly school shootings. In light of the news media glare surrounding other school shootings, school and police officials in Burlington, Wisconsin assessed the threat posed by five high‐school youth who allegedly plotted to carry out a school attack in November 1998. Social constructionist scholarship has shown that claims made about a problem and the way it is framed in the news media and other informational contexts shape an audience's perception of a social problem's seriousness, prevalence, setting, and causes. But as William Gamson and others have pointed out, “readers” are not passive recipients of media messages; rather, they actively interact with those messages to construct meaning. This research project involved two components: (1) content analysis of the print media (in two periods 1992–1993 and 1997–1998) and law enforcement and school administrator publications and conference materials; and (2) in‐depth, semistructured interviews with 13 respondents, including the 11 Burlington school and police officials who assessed and acted on this case. In this paper, I examine how the(Racine) Journal Timesand professional organizations constructed (and reconstructed) school violence and how local decision‐makers interpreted their own school violence threat in the context of the news media's and professional organizations’ constructions.
Poverty, Delinquency, and Educational Attainment: Cumulative Disadvantage or Disadvantage Saturation?
Authors: Hannon Lance
Published: October 2003

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) were analyzed to test two competing hypotheses regarding how poverty affects the relationship between delinquency and educational attainment. The cumulative‐disadvantage perspective argues that poor youth suffer greater consequences for their involvement in delinquency than middle‐ and upper‐class youth in terms of their educational attainment. Contrary to this perspective, the disadvantage‐saturation thesis predicts that delinquency is less con‐sequential for the educational attainment of poor youth than it is for nonpoor youth. Results from ordinary least squares and logistic regression analyses support the latter hypothesis. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
The Airport and Airway Trust Fund: A Continuing Controversy
Authors: Zorn C. Kurt
Published: October 2003

Despite calls for increased outlays from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to help finance improvements in the nation's air transportation system, the fund's surplus continued to grow during the Reagan years. It becomes readily apparent, when the issues surrounding the trust fund and its surplus are analyzed, that placing the blame solely on deficit considerations is too simplistic. Instead, partisan politics, the congressional budget process, delays in technology development, and budget pressures are responsible for the growing surplus.
State Debt Management Policy: A National Survey
Authors: Hackbart Merl M. , Leigland James
Published: October 2003

The amount of outstanding, long‐term, tax‐exempt state debt has grown precipitously over the last decade, from $87 billion in 1977 to $264 billion in 1987. But there have been few attempts to carry out broad studies of basic state debt management policies, using comparative state data. As a result, policy‐makers lack guidance as they attempt to adjust policies and procedures to meet the rapidly evolving requirements associated with public borrowing. This paper reports on a national survey of state debt manage ment policies ‐ policies devoted to the planning, preparation, sale, and repayment of debt for which states consider themselves responsible.
A User's Guide to State Revenue Forecasting
Authors: Shkurti William J.
Published: October 2003

One of the most difficult tasks in preparing a state budget is forecasting available revenues. An overly optimistic forecast may subsequently require unpopular budget cuts, tax increases, or both. A pessimistic forecast may trigger a political controversy over the size of the budget surplus, or may encourage additional spending that cannot be sustained in the future. Forecasters have always informally shared their experience with each other. Only in recent years, however have scholars begun to document those experiences.

A forecast user is an elected official, program manager, reporter or private citizen involved in the budget process who uses a forecast prepared by someone else as a basis for making or influencing policy decisions about state taxes and spending levels. __ While the objectives of these forecast users may vary depending on their role in the budget process, they all share one need in common: a sound forecast which provides them with the information they need to participate in the budget process. The first part of this article briefly reviews the status of revenue forecasting in the states. The second part reviews five specific forecasting issues. The third section, discusses limits of revenue forecasting. The concluding section is a summary and checklist of good revenue forecasting practices.
Information Resources Management Expenditures in the States: A Case for Integrating Accounting and Budgeting Systems
Authors: Thurmaier Kurt
Published: October 2003

A recent national study has found that states may be spending $20 billion on information resources management (IRM) in FY1989. The significant findings of the study regarding financial management are highlighted to show the dimensions of the IRM expenditures in the states. The second part of the paper examines how well the states' accounting systems are able to provide data on IRM expenditures for budgetary decisions. The article expands upon an important issue raised in the study's findings: the need for better integration of accounting and budgeting systems to improve management of information resources. An Information Object Classification Scheme, first suggested by the Commission on Federal Paperwork, is proposed as an important step in helping states improve their information resources management.
The President's Fiscal Year 1992 Budget: Almost Quiet on the Budgetary Front
Authors: Meyers Roy T.
Published: October 2003

The Fiscal Year 1992 Budget was prepared under unusual conditions. The Persian Gulf War, the piesident's disinterest in domestic issues, the bitter debate over the fiscal year 1991 budget, and the upcoming re‐apportionment all combined to make this year atypical The result is a document in which the most substantial change is the cover—a patriotic red, white, and blue Inside, it uses the “one book” format of fiscal year 1991 The budget examines different interpretations of the budget deficit, implements major changes in budgetary accounting, and outlines assumptions made in preparing the budget. Overall, the budget document consolidates the gains made in 1990
Multi‐Year Forecasting and Municipal Budgeting
Authors: Forrester John P.
Published: October 2003

The “black hole” of budget theory still is, after 50 years, budget preparation—much effort goes in but little seems to come out. This article examines municipal forecasting as a means of reforming this first stage of the budgetary process. Drawing on evidence from a cross‐sectional study, we find that forecasting is likely to be within the cognitive limits of most municipal budget directors Moreover, budgetary forecasting can be structured to reflect previous and current political concerns.
Church Stewardship Evaluation Information Requirements: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jordan Robert E. , Thompson James H. , Malley John C.
Published: October 2003

There is a potential for financial abuse in church organizations. Large amounts of money are collected, performance is difficult to measure, and financial records and controls are often not as strong as in other not‐for‐profit organizations. Members/ donors of church organizations must be able to judge the financial stewardship of the organizations. Thus, financial statements for churches must include usable information and be in an understandable format. This study examines the appropriateness of two different types of financial statements: the GAAP format and a specialized church format.
Educational Characteristics of Budget Office Personnel and State Budgetary Processes
Authors: Lee Robert D.
Published: October 2003

Although the importance of budget office personnel to the performance of state budget systems seems to be self‐evident, few studies have been conducted of this important subject. Using data from state budget office surveys, this study reviews changes in the educational characteristics of budget office staff between 1970 and 1990. Educational characteristics are examined as possible predictors of how budget systems operate. Topics of concern are the use of program information, the use of program analysis, and the exercise of accounting control. Consideration is given to the implications of current trends for future personnel requirements of budget offices.
Issues in Program Budgeting
Authors: Jefferys Marcie , Kelly Anne
Published: October 2003

Funding arrangements for human service programs are often complex, particularly when intergovernmental financing is involved. There are two financial arrangements used by human services administrators to assure that money budgeted is spent as intended. Reallocation of unspent funds among jurisdictions and carryover to the following year of unspent balances are examined in this article based on examples drawn from two programs in Minnesota.
State Sales Tax Policy in a Changing Economy: Balancing Political and Economic Logic Against Revenue Needs
Authors: Mikesell John L.
Published: October 2003

Soon after implementation in the 1930s, the general sales taxes emerged as the largest state tax source. In 1990, income taxes produced nearly as much state revenue as did sales taxes. Although income tax revenue have increased significantly, the sales tax is not in jeopardy of being replaced in the immediate future. The sales tax still remains a vital state fiscal concern, particularly to those states without a broad individual income tax.
Socioeconomic Investment Practices of State Pension Funds: The Results of a National Survey
Authors: Leigland James
Published: October 2003

State pension fund managers appear to be under increasing pressure to promote social, ethical, or economic development goals with at least some of their investments. This article offers a conceptual framework for considering socioeconomic investing by these funds, and uses it in a national survey of state pension fund investment practices. True “social” investing, involving the expected sacrifice of market average rates of return for social or ethical goals, appears to be much less widespread than expected. However, the survey also suggests that policies and procedures designed to insure the prudence and accountability of fund managers with regard to socioeconomic investing may not be in place in many states.
The Use of Executive Guidance in State Budget Preparation
Authors: Lee Robert D.
Published: October 2003

The method by which a state budget is developed is critical to the policy‐making process. A longitudinal study of states finds an increasing use of budget guidance techniques that control how agencies may propose policy changes and request funds to support those changes. The article examines whether the use of budget guidance is associated with several factors, including regions of the United States, state socio‐economic characteristics, state government characteristics, various aspects of state budgeting (such as the use of policy analysis by the executive), and the educational characteristics of the professional staffs in state budget offices.
Tax Expenditure Reporting: The Utilization of an Innovation
Authors: Harris J.E. , Hicks S.A.
Published: October 2003

Central to this article is the question, “Are tax expenditure reports used?” State legislators serving on tax committees in ten states were surveyed regarding their use and their perceptions of others' use of tax expenditure report information. Responses indicate (1) strong acceptance and broad use of report information; (2) purposes and policy stages of use characteristic of technical information use; and (3) use focused predominantly on resource acquisition (revenue) policy rather than resource allocation (budget) policy. Thus it appears that tax expenditure reporting does not operate to secure budgetary control over tax expenditures, and consequently tax expenditures continue largely to escape budget scrutiny.
Financial Management Development in Spain: Who is Playing Sancho Panza?
Authors: Goñi Eduardo Zapico
Published: October 2003

“What giants?” said Sancho Panza.

“Those thou seest there,” answered his master, “with the long arms, and some have them nearly two leagues long.”

“Look, your worship,” said Sancho, “what we see there are not giants but windmills, and what seem to be their arms are the sails that turned by the wind make the millstone go.”

“It is easy to see,” replied Don Quixote, “that thou are not used to this business of adventures; those are giants; and if thou art afraid, away with thee out of this and betake thyself to prayer while I engage them in fierce and unequal combat.”

So saying, he gave the spur to his steed Rocinante, heedless of the cries his squire Sancho sent after him, warning him that most certainly they were windmills and not giants he was going to attack. He, however, was so positive they were giants that he neither heard the cries of Sancho nor perceived, near as he was, what they were, but made at them shouting.
The Clinton Budget for FY 1994: Taking Aim At The Deficit
Authors: O'Lessker Karl
Published: October 2003

President Clinton's budget for FY 1994 takes a high‐risk approach to deficit reduction. By calling for the largest peace‐time tax increase in American history as the centerpiece of his five‐year economic plan, Clinton invited the possibility of either an outright defeat, unwelcome compromise in Congress, or a “victory” that might severely impair the prospects for economic growth. His willingness to accept such risks may be taken as strong evidence that reducing the deficit was the new administration's top priority.
Living With A Deficit: Indio, California
Authors: Kemmet Lyndee
Published: October 2003

This article is a case study of the California city of Indio which has been deficit spending for the past five years. The article explores the causes of Indio's deficit, the resulting coping policies, and the effects on, and expectations of, Indio's citizens. The article suggests that Indio's problems are indicative of fiscal problems in many similar cities; the suggested solutions for Indio may be instructive for similar cities.
Federal Infrastructure Grants‐In‐Aid: An Ad Hoc Infrastructure Strategy
Authors: Man Joyce Y. , Bell Michael E.
Published: October 2003

This article analyzes the trends and implications of recent federal aid to state and local government for infrastructure purposes. The first section describes general trends for federal infrastructure and the second section examines identified characteristics in the context of fiscal federalism theory. The authors identify an ad hoc trend in the federal infrastructure grant policy and a trend focusing on maximizing the efficiency of infrastructure grants
Auditor Tenure, Fixed Fee Contracts, and the Supply of Substandard Single Audits
Authors: Copley Paul A. , Doucet Mary S.
Published: October 2003

Our purpose is to provide empirical evidence of the relations between the quality of governmental audit services and auditor tenure and between quality and fixed fee audit contracts. Audit quality is assessed by Offices of Regional Inspectors General and is based on a review of the audit reports and supporting working papers. We test a model of quality supplied on a sample of audit engagements selected from a population of audited federal assistance programs. The empirical analysis finds that the probability of receiving a substandard audit increases with the length of the auditor‐client relationship. Our analysis finds a positive relation between fixed fee contracts and the incidence of violations of professional standards among audits of federal assistance programs. Additionally, we provide evidence that the incidence of noncom‐pliance with professional standards is significantly lower when the audit contract contains a provision for administrative and/or legal remedies in the event of substandard performance.
Comments on ‘Dynamics of income distribution’
Authors: Gong Liutang
Published: October 2003

Abstract.  Using the Ramsey‐Cass‐Koopmans model with heterogeneous agents, this note presents the explicit relationship between the individual's asset holding and the aggregate capital stock. With the aid of this relationship, is examined the dynamics of income distribution as the economy expands. Finally, some examples are presented, contrary to the conjecture made in Li, Xie, and Zou (2000), showing that the income can still improve over time, even when the aggregate production function is convex. JEL classification: D3, O1, O4

Commentaires sur « Dynamique de la distribution du revenu ». A l’aide d’un modèle de type Ramsey‐Cass‐Koopmans avec des agents hétérogènes, cette note présente la relation explicite entre le stock d’actif détenu par l’individu et le stock de capital agrégé. A l’aide de cette relation, on examine la dynamique de la distribution du revenu à proportion que l’économie croît. Enfin certains exemples sont présentés qui contredisent la conjecture proposée par Li, Xie et Zou (2000)à savoir que le revenu peut s’accroître dans le temps même quand la fonction de production agrégée est convexe.
Identification, weak instruments, and statistical inference in econometrics
Authors: Dufour Jean‐Marie
Published: October 2003

Abstract.  We discuss statistical inference problems associated with identification and testability in econometrics. We consider inference in non‐parametric models and weakly identified structural models (weak instruments). We point out that many ill‐defined statistical problems, such as non‐testable hypotheses, occur in these areas and are typically associated with asymptotic approximations. In non‐parametric models, such problems include testing moments and inference under heteroscedasticity or serial dependence of unknown form. For weakly identified structural models, difficulties are typically associated with improper pivots, and we review recent developments aimed at proposing more reliable procedures, including alternative proposed statistics, bounds, projection, split‐sampling, conditioning, Monte Carlo tests. JEL classification: C1, C12, C14, C15, C3, C5
Growth theory and industrial revolutions in Britain and America
Authors: Harley Knick
Published: October 2003

Abstract.  Long‐run economic growth has again become a major focus of economic theory. A perception of technological change as an economic process with externalities has motivated the development of aggregate models that generate different steady‐state growth paths. Economic history has also long been interested in long‐run economic growth. Here, a dialogue is presented between growth theory and the historical literature on the industrial revolution in Britain and America's surge to international economic leadership in the late nineteenth century. In conclusion, economists’ recent thinking about the microeconomics of technological change has provided fruitful material for the economic historian of growth. Unfortunately, the models of endogenous growth, on the other hand, present too aggregated a view of the economy to prove helpful when confronted with the details of economic history. JEL Classification: N0, N1.1

Théorie de la croissance et révolutions industrielles en Grande Bretagne et en Amérique.  La croissance économique à long terme est redevenue un point d’intérêt majeur pour la théorie économique. Une perception du changement technologique comme processus économique porteur d’externalités a engendré le développement de modèles agrégés qui génèrent différents sentiers de croissance en régime permanent. L’histoire économique s’intéresse depuis longtemps à la croissance économique à long terme. Ce texte engage le dialogue entre la théorie de la croissance et la littérature historique à propos de la révolution industrielle en Grande Bretagne et de l’émergence de l’Amérique au statut de leader international à la fin du dix‐neuvième siècle. On en arrive à la conclusion que les récents développements dans la pensée économique à propos de la micro‐économie du changement technologique ont produit des résultats utiles pour l’histoire économique de la croissance. Malheureusement, d’autre part, les modèles de croissance endogène présente une vue trop agrégée de l’économie pour s’avérer utile dans l’examen des détails de l’histoire économique.
International aspects of public infrastructure investment
Authors: Bougheas Spiros , Demetriades Panicos O. , Morgenroth Edgar L.W.
Published: October 2003

Abstract. Modelling infrastructure as an international public good in a two‐country model of trade where each country's social planner behaves strategically, we show that, in general, the equilibrium levels of infrastructure are not optimal from a global perspective. Utilizing an appropriate econometric framework and data from 16 European countries over the period 1987–95, we find evidence that is consistent with the predictions of our model. JEL Classification: F10, F42, H42

Aspects internationaux de l’investissement public dans les infrastructures. Les auteurs présentent un modèle de commerce international entre deux pays dans lequel (1) les planificateurs des deux pays ont un comportement stratégique et (2) les infrastructures sont un bien public international. Ils montrent que, en général, les niveaux d’équilibre des investissements en infrastructure ne sont pas optimaux d’un point de vue global. A l’aide d’un cadre économétrique approprié, et de données pour 16 pays européens entre 1987 et 1995, ils valident les prédictions de leur modèle.
Optimal redistribution when different workers are indistinguishable
Authors: Marchand Maurice , Pestieau Pierre , Racionero María
Published: October 2003

Abstract.  Using the standard non linear income and commodity taxation framework, we examine the optimal policy to be adopted when the same labour disutility can receive two opposite interpretations: taste for leisure and activity limitation. In the absence of complete information about individual characteristics, an income tax does not allow distinguishing lazy from handicapped individuals. One may rely, however, on a combination of commodity and income taxes to redistribute from the former to the latter when they differ in their preferences for commodities. JEL Classification: H21, H41

Redistribution optimale quand les divers travailleurs sont indistincts.  A l’aide du cadre d’analyse conventionnel de fiscalité non linéaire sur les revenus et les biens, ce mémoire examine la politique optimale à adopter quand le même niveau de désutilité du travail peut être interprété de deux manières opposées : goût pour le loisir et souffrance attribuable à une infirmité. En l’absence de renseignements complets à propos des caractéristiques des individus, un impôt sur le revenu ne permet pas de distinguer les individus paresseux de ceux qui sont handicapés. On peut cependant compter sur une combinaison de taxes sur les revenus et les biens pour redistribuer du premier groupe vers le second quand leurs préférences pour les biens diffèrent.
Is There Life After Policy Streams, Advocacy Coalitions, and Punctuations: Using Evolutionary Theory to Explain Policy Change?
Authors: John Peter
Published: October 2003

This article reviews the current state of public policy theory to find out if researchers are ready to readdress the research agenda set by the classic works of Baumgartner and Jones (1993), Kingdon (1984) and Sabatier and Jenkins‐Smith (1993). After reviewing the influences of institutional, rational choice, network, socio‐economic and ideational approaches, the article pays tribute to the policy streams, punctuated equilibrium and policy advocacy coalition frameworks whilst also suggesting that future theory and research could identify more precisely the causal mechanisms driving policy change. The article argues that evolutionary theory may usefully uncover the micro‐level processes at work, particularly as some the three frameworks refer to dymamic models and methods. After reviewing some evolutionary game theory and the study of memes, the article suggests that the benefits of evolutionary theory in extending policy theories need to be balanced by its limitations.
“New Governance” and Associative Pluralism: The Case of Drug Policy in Swiss Cities
Authors: Wälti Sonja , Kübler Daniel
Published: October 2003

Throughout the 1990s, hierarchical administrative governance structures have been replaced by self‐governing networks for various motives, one of which is to improve the authenticity and democratic quality of public decisions. Thus, “new governance” has been praised for its propensity to provide a plurality of civil society organizations with access to the decision process. This article explores these claims based on the case of drug policy in Swiss cities. We show that self‐governing networks indeed seem to have increased the involvement of civil society organizations in the policy process. However, we also find evidence that self‐governing networks may in the longer run induce state control over civil society organizations, thus ultimately reducing associative pluralism. They do so either by imposing a policy paradigm or by excluding actors who do not comply with the dominant paradigm from the networks. We conclude by arguing that self‐organizing networks should not be dismissed, given that former hierarchical bureaucratic approaches to drug‐related problems have failed even worse. Rather, their long‐term effects should be subject to further examination aimed at developing adequate responses to their shortcomings.
Stakeholder Involvement in the Design of U.S. Voluntary Environmental Programs: Does Sponsorship Matter?
Authors: Carmin JoAnn , Darnall Nicole , Mil‐Homens Joao
Published: October 2003

Voluntary environmental programs (VEPs) promise to provide firms and facilities additional flexibility in managing their environmental affairs while increasing internal efficiencies and improving their public image. Although stakeholder input is thought to improve program development, little is known about the extent that stakeholders are involved in the VEP design process. Based on a survey of 61 program managers, this research distinguishes between the intensity and diversity of stakeholder involvement and uses these two concepts to assess VEP development relative to government, industry, and third‐party sponsorship. Even in the absence of a mandate, all three sponsors include a variety of stakeholders in program design. Although there is evidence that collaborative relationships are developing between sponsors and a range of stakeholder groups, variations in the intensity of involvement among sponsors suggest that some stakeholders may have disproportionate levels of influence in the design of VEPs.
Welfare and the Discriminating Public: Evaluating Entitlement Attitudes in Post‐Communist Europe
Authors: Lipsmeyer Christine S.
Published: October 2003

Although post‐communist Europe retains elements of its socialist past, public opinion shows discernment in its welfare preferences. This analysis of post‐communist social welfare attitudes finds that post‐communist societies are selective in their support for social policies. First, welfare preferences center on two underlying realms: government responsibility and government spending; and second, welfare opinions and beliefs are not uniform across several social policies. Although many of the conclusions highlight the selective nature of these preferences, the example of the support for unemployment benefits points to how the transition from communist‐era welfare states to capitalist‐led assistance continues to influence public opinion in these countries.
Public School Search Policies and the “Politics of Sin”
Authors: Blankenau Joe , Leeper Mark
Published: October 2003

In recent years, high school students have been subjected to greater levels of drug searching and surveillance on school grounds. The effect of such searching is potentially wide‐ranging, because public schools “play an important role in socializing students according to the norms and mores of society” (Vergari, 2000). Using the “morality politics” framework, this study reports and analyzes the presence of random, suspicionless drug searches in the Nebraska public schools. Whereas most studies of morality policy have focused on the state as the unit of analysis, we consider the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of principals in regards to drug policies in schools. Our findings, based on a survey of 181 high school principals, reflect several features of morality policy. There has been a significant rise in the number of random drug searches, despite the principals’ observation that these measures neither lessen drug use nor catch perpetrators. The most important predictors of drug policy are pressure from local sources, perception of the problem within the community (but not the schools), and the racial composition of schools. Principals articulate limited concern for student rights, and students largely accept searches without resistance. In the discussion, we consider these findings in light of recent court rulings and introduce the potential ramifications of waging the drug war in our nation's classrooms and hallways.
Employment and Training Alternatives for Non‐College Women: Do Redistributive Policies Really Redistribute?
Authors: Mastracci Sharon H.
Published: October 2003

Employment and training programs aimed at women and men without 4‐year college degrees address the needs of the majority of the working population. Noncollege women tend to hold lower‐paying jobs with fewer opportunities for advancement, compared with the opportunities noncollege men have. One type of policy seeks to increase the numbers of women in occupations where men hold most of the positions, or “nontraditional occupations for women” (NTOs). Since many NTOs require a college education, do such policies improve noncollege women's economic self‐efficacy? Is there a link between holding a nontraditional occupation and earning significantly higher wages? This study establishes that, indeed, these programs provide access to jobs that are linked to higher earnings. Such policies redistribute earnings opportunities to noncollege women successfully, and therefore improve the economic efficacy of noncollege women.