Evaluating smoking control policies in the e-cigarette era: a modelling study

BackgroundIn jurisdictions in which electronic cigarettes are currently prohibited, policy makers must weigh the potentially lower risk compared with conventional cigarettes against the risk of initiation of e-cigarettes among non-smokers.MethodsWe simulated a synthetic population over a 50-year time horizon with an open cohort model using data from Singapore, a country where e-cigarettes are currently prohibited, and data from the USA, the UK and Japan. Using the smoking prevalence and the quality-adjusted life year gained calculated, we compared tobacco control policies without e-cigarettes—namely, raising the minimum legal age (MLA), introducing a smoke-free generation (SFG) and tax rises on tobacco consumption—with policies legalising e-cigarettes, either taking a laissez-faire approach or under some form of restriction. We also evaluated combinations of these policies.ResultsRegardless of the country informing the transition probabilities to and from e-cigarette use in Singapore, a laissez-faire e-cigarette policy could reduce the smoking prevalence in the short term, but it is not as effective as other policies in the long term. The most effective single policies evaluated were SFG and aggressive tax rises; the most effective combination of policies considered was MLA plus moderate tax rises and e-cigarettes on prescription.ConclusionPolicy makers in jurisdictions in which e-cigarettes are not yet established may be advised not to prioritise e-cigarettes in their tobacco end-game strategy, unless their use can be restricted to current smokers seeking to quit.

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Automatic enrolment to pension plans in small organisations: a research agenda

Employee Relations ◽

10.1108/er-06-2017-0138 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 142-157 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maureen Maloney ◽

Alma McCarthy

Keyword(s):

Firm Size ◽

Pension Plans ◽

Occupational Pension ◽

Pension Policy ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Research Attention ◽

Content Type ◽

The Usa ◽

The Uk ◽

Small Employers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how firm size impacts pension workforce coverage with a particular focus on automatic enrolment (AE) to pension plans in small organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the alignment of government AE interests with those of small employers, their employees and pension providers to better understand how firm size impacts pension workforce coverage.FindingsThe alignment of interests between stakeholders (government, pension providers, employers and employees) differs between large and small organisations, and empirical findings from large organisations cannot be assumed to apply in small organisations.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper calls attention to the need for future empirical research and identifies a number of research questions for further analysis to examine how AE impacts pension participation in small organisations and advance the field.Originality/valueThe policy of automatically enroling employees into occupational pension plans, recently legislated for all eligible workers in the UK and under consideration in the USA and Ireland, was developed from research conducted in a small number of large organisations. Pension coverage is particularly inadequate for the large number of employees working in small organisations (1–49 employees). However, little research attention has been focussed on pensions in small organisations with pension policy makers assuming that legislated AE will work as effectively in small organisations as it did in large organisations. This paper addresses this gap in the field.

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Theoretical aspects of insider trading regulation in Zimbabwe

Journal of Financial Crime ◽

10.1108/jfc-02-2021-0028 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Howard Chitimira

Keyword(s):

Insider Trading ◽

Original Research ◽

The European Union ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Content Type ◽

Qualitative Research Methodology ◽

The Usa ◽

Regulatory Bodies ◽

Trading Activities ◽

The Uk

Purpose Insider trading is treated as a punishable offence in many jurisdictions and countries. In relation to this, various theories were developed to justify and enhance the regulation of insider trading in such jurisdictions and countries. For instance, regulatory bodies and the relevant courts in jurisdictions such as the Commonwealth and the European Union as well as in countries such as the USA and the UK have to date developed and consistently applied theories such as the classical theory, misappropriation theory, fiduciary theory, unified theory and equal access theory in their quest to detect, prevent and combat insider trading activities. For the purposes of this article, the aforesaid theories are discussed so as to recommend possible measures that could be adopted by the policy makers to effectively curb insider trading activities in the Zimbabwean financial markets. It is against this background that some theoretical aspects of the insider trading regulation as adopted by the Zimbabwean policymakers, regulatory bodies and the relevant courts are scrutinised in this paper. This is done to, inter alia, investigate possible flaws and the rationale for such direct and indirect application of certain insider trading theorem in Zimbabwe. Thereafter, some recommendations in respect thereof are provided. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology is used in the entire paper. Findings It is hoped that the recommendations in the paper will be used by the relevant policymakers to enhance the curbing of insider trading in Zimbabwe. Research limitations/implications The paper does not use an empirical research. Practical implications It is hoped that the recommendations in this paper will be used by the relevant policymakers to enhance the curbing of insider trading in Zimbabwe. Social implications It is hoped that the recommendations in this paper will be used by the relevant policymakers to enhance the curbing of insider trading in Zimbabwe. Originality/value This paper is original research on the theoretical aspects of the regulation of insider trading in Zimbabwe.

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Educating Students for E-Entrepreneurship in the UK, the USA and China

Industry and Higher Education ◽

10.5367/000000009788640224 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 243-252 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Cindy Millman ◽

Wang-Chan Wong ◽

Zhengwei Li ◽

Harry Matlay

Keyword(s):

Entrepreneurship Education ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Rigorous Research ◽

Growing Body ◽

The Usa ◽

Political Conditions ◽

Set Up ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

A growing body of research evaluates various aspects of entrepreneurship education (such as curriculum, delivery and assessment) and links it to outcomes in terms of both the number and quality of entrepreneurs entering an economy. There is, however, a marked paucity of empirically rigorous research appraising the impact of entrepreneurship education on graduates' intentions and perceived ability to set up Internet-based e-enterprises that can operate across temporal and geographical boundaries. This paper provides a comparative overview of entrepreneurship education in the UK, the USA and China with a focus on IT and non-IT students' e-entrepreneurship intentions, perceptions and outcomes. The research on which the paper is based was carried out in two distinct phases: first, focus groups were used to design, pilot and develop a comprehensive research questionnaire for use in a wider, multi-country survey; second, questionnaires were then distributed to students in IT and non-IT related disciplines in the UK, the USA and China. The preliminary results show that most respondents were slow to conceptualize and contextualize e-entrepreneurship in the prevailing socio-economic and political conditions of their countries of origin. There were no significant differences between students of IT and non-IT disciplines in their perceptions of the viability and practicality of engaging in e-entrepreneurship. Generic support initiatives appear to neglect the vast portfolio of skills needs for graduates engaging in Internet trading. The authors recommend that entrepreneurship education providers should engage with emergent models of e-entrepreneurship and that policy makers should provide innovative initiatives to cater for the specific needs of e-entrepreneurs.

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Quality Control Framework for Statutory Audit of Financial Statements: A Comparative Study of USA, UK and India

Indian Journal of Corporate Governance ◽

10.1177/0974686216668458 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 186-211 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Siddhartha Sankar Saha ◽

Mitrendu Narayan Roy

Keyword(s):

Quality Control ◽

The United States ◽

International Standards ◽

Control Policies ◽

Accounting Firms ◽

Quality Control Standard ◽

Policies And Procedures ◽

Control Framework ◽

The Usa ◽

The Uk

Quality control of audit procedure has become extremely important in today’s corporate environment in the backdrop of accounting irregularities and audit failures leading to corporate demise. Accounting firms control the quality of audit procedure with the help of the quality control standard (QCS) and specific auditing standard. These standards provide reasonable assurance of compliance with applicable regulation and issuance of the appropriate report by the engagement team. After discussing the international scenario of quality control framework, in this study a comparative analysis of quality control policies and procedures at firm and engagement in three select countries has been presented. The countries selected are the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK) and India. The study finds that the QCS and the auditing standard in all three countries are designed in line with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and International Standards on Quality Control (ISQC)-1. Naturally, quality control policies and procedures in three countries are comparable barring few minor differences. Based on these differences, it can be concluded that the quality control framework in the UK and India is more stringent as compared to the USA.

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Inferential results for a new measure of inequality

Econometrics Journal ◽

10.1093/ectj/utz004 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 153-172

Author(s):

Youri Davydov ◽

Francesca Greselin

Keyword(s):

Real Data ◽

Inequality Index ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Income Distributions ◽

Empirical Estimator ◽

Empirical Estimators ◽

The Usa ◽

Left And Right ◽

Consistency And Asymptotic Normality ◽

The Uk

Summary In recent decades, substantial changes have been observed in the left and right tails of income distributions in countries like the USA, Germany, the UK, and France. These changes are a major concern for policy makers. Here, we derive inferential results for a new inequality index that is specifically designed for capturing such significant shifts. We propose two empirical estimators for the index and show that they are asymptotically equivalent. Afterward, we adopt one estimator and prove its consistency and asymptotic normality. Finally, we introduce an empirical estimator for its variance and provide conditions for its consistency. An analysis of real data from the Bank of Italy Survey of Income and Wealth is also presented on the basis of the obtained inferential results.

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National prevalence, perceptions, and determinants of tobacco consumption in Saudi Arabia

Food and Drug Regulatory Science Journal ◽

10.32868/rsj.v2i2.33 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Aljoharah M Algabbani ◽

Nora A Althumiri ◽

Abdulrahman M. Almarshad ◽

Nasser F. BinDhim

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Tobacco Use ◽

Health Risks ◽

Smoking Prevalence ◽

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Tobacco Consumption ◽

Tobacco Product ◽

Former Smokers ◽

National Prevalence

Introduction Tobacco use has been associated with many health risks that can lead to premature death. This study aims to assess the national prevalence of tobacco consumption and the associated determinants in Saudi Arabia. Methods The study involved a cross-sectional national survey of 5175 individuals conducted across the 13 official regions of Saudi Arabia. The sample included individuals aged 18 years and above from both genders recruited using a quota sampling technique. Data collection was carried out between September 2018 and May 2019 through Web-based computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATIs). Participants were asked to report their current consumption of tobacco products including cigarettes, shisha (waterpipe), smokeless tobacco, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes/vaping. Knowledge of specific health risks associated with smoking and public perceptions of the smoking phenomenon were also assessed among never smokers, smokers, and former smokers. Results The national prevalence of tobacco consumption was 24.02% (1120/5175). Cigarettes were the most prevalent tobacco product consumed (16.18%; 95% CI: 14.5881–17.7663), and daily cigarette smoking prevalence was the highest (14.12%; 95% CI: 12.6433–15.5924). Shisha smoking prevalence was 8.12% (95% CI: 6.8054–9.4352). E-cigarette use prevalence was 2.22% (95% CI: 1.5770–2.8711). The most common tobacco product used among males was cigarettes (15.13%; 95% CI: 13.58–16.67), while shisha was commonly used among females (1.57%; 95% CI: 1.11–2.04). Cigarette smoking prevalence was the highest in the Aljawf region (21.12%; 95% CI: 17.07–25.18), shisha smoking prevalence was the highest in the Makkah region (12.41%; 95% CI: 8.64–16.17), whereas smokeless tobacco use was prevalent in the Najran region (4.75%; 95% CI: 2.81–6.70). Males (AOR: 8.17; 95% CI: 5.98–11.71; P < 0.0001), young adults below 45 years of age (AOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.50–2.98; P < 0.0001), and those with below a bachelor’s degree (AOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.01–1.77; P = 0.0396) were more likely to consume tobacco compared with others. The population mean knowledge scores of health risks associated with smoking among smokers was 1.91 ± 1.72 (Range: 0–10), with the highest knowledge scores (2.16 ± 1.68) among former smokers. Only 46.53% (95% CI: 44.30–48.75) of the population are bothered “to very large extent” by smoking health consequences. Conclusions Tobacco consumption is prevalent in Saudi Arabia. Different forms of tobacco use were reported, and the most common was cigarettes, followed by shisha and then electronic cigarettes. Tobacco use remains one of the major threats to the health of the population in Saudi Arabia.

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The effects of tobacco control policies on retailer sales to minors in the USA, 2015

Tobacco Control ◽

10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053408 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 258-260 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Hongying Dai ◽

Jianqiang Hao

Keyword(s):

Tobacco Control ◽

Smoking Prevalence ◽

State Level ◽

Smoking Prevention ◽

Social Characteristics ◽

Tobacco Prevention ◽

Youth Smoking ◽

Control Policies ◽

The Usa ◽

Inspection Data

BackgroundUnder the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been routinely inspecting tobacco retailers' compliance with under-age sales laws. We seek to identify factors associated with Retail Violation Rate for sale to minors (RVRm).MethodsWe collected the tobacco retailer inspection data for 2015 from the FDA compliance check database. RVRm was calculated at the census tract level and overlaid with tobacco regulations and youth smoking prevalence at the state level. Multi-level spatial analysis was performed to examine the impacts of tobacco jurisdiction variations, youth smoking rates and neighbourhood social characteristics on RVRm.ResultsA total of 136 816 compliance checks involving minors conducted by the FDA in 2015 were analysed. A higher RVRm was associated with higher youth smoking prevalence (aRR=1.04, p<0.0001). Tobacco regulations show significant relationships with RVRm. For every one dollar increase in cigarette tax per pack, the likelihood of retail violations was reduced by 2% (aRR=0.98, p=0.03). For every 10% increase in tobacco prevention spending towards Centers for Disease Control recommended funding targets, the likelihood of retail violations was reduced by 1% (aRR=0.99, p=0.01). RVRm increased in states that enacted stronger smoke-free air policies (aRR=1.08, p<0.0001).ConclusionWe observed associations of tobacco regulations and neighbourhood social characteristics with tobacco retailers’ compliance with under-age sales laws. This study provides evidence to support stronger tobacco regulations and control policies in reducing youth access to tobacco products.

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Projecting the effects of tobacco control policies in the USA through microsimulation: a study protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019169 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. e019169 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Jamie Tam ◽

David T Levy ◽

Jihyoun Jeon ◽

John Clarke ◽

Scott Gilkeson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tobacco Control ◽

Computational Models ◽

Smoking Prevalence ◽

Smoking Initiation ◽

Control Programme ◽

Smoking History ◽

Control Policies ◽

Tobacco Control Policies ◽

Life Years ◽

The Usa

IntroductionSmoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the USA but can be reduced through policy interventions. Computational models of smoking can provide estimates of the projected impact of tobacco control policies and can be used to inform public health decision making. We outline a protocol for simulating the effects of tobacco policies on population health outcomes.Methods and analysisWe extend the Smoking History Generator (SHG), a microsimulation model based on data from the National Health Interview Surveys, to evaluate the effects of tobacco control policies on projections of smoking prevalence and mortality in the USA. The SHG simulates individual life trajectories including smoking initiation, cessation and mortality. We illustrate the application of the SHG policy module for four types of tobacco control policies at the national and state levels: smoke-free air laws, cigarette taxes, increasing tobacco control programme expenditures and raising the minimum age of legal access to tobacco. Smoking initiation and cessation rates are modified by age, birth cohort, gender and years since policy implementation. Initiation and cessation rate modifiers are adjusted for differences across age groups and the level of existing policy coverage. Smoking prevalence, the number of population deaths avoided, and life-years gained are calculated for each policy scenario at the national and state levels. The model only considers direct individual benefits through reduced smoking and does not consider benefits through reduced exposure to secondhand smoke.Ethics and disseminationA web-based interface is being developed to integrate the results of the simulations into a format that allows the user to explore the projected effects of tobacco control policies in the USA. Usability testing is being conducted in which experts provide feedback on the interface. Development of this tool is under way, and a publicly accessible website is available athttp://www.tobaccopolicyeffects.org.

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An early mainstream economist from Hungary: István Varga (1897–1962)

Acta Oeconomica ◽

10.1556/aoecon.53.2003.2.4 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 53 (2) ◽

pp. 195-213 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

K. Majoros

Keyword(s):

Austrian Economic ◽

National Income ◽

Anglo Saxon ◽

Turbulent Times ◽

The Usa ◽

New Ideas ◽

Modern Economic ◽

The Uk ◽

Economic Thinking ◽

Lasting Influence

The study introduces a Hungarian economic thinker, István Varga*, whose valuable activity has remained unexplored up to now. He became an economic thinker during the 1920s, in a country that had not long before become independent of Austria. The role played by Austria in the modern economic thinking of that time was a form of competition with the thought adhered to by the UK and the USA. Hungarian economists mainly interpreted and commented on German and Austrian theories, reasons for this being that, for example, the majority of Hungarian economists had studied at German and Austrian universities, while at Hungarian universities principally German and Austrian economic theories were taught. István Varga was familiar not only with contemporary German economics but with the new ideas of Anglo-Saxon economics as well — and he introduced these ideas into Hungarian economic thinking. He lived and worked in turbulent times, and historians have only been able to appreciate his activity in a limited manner. The work of this excellent economist has all but been forgotten, although he was of international stature. After a brief summary of Varga’s profile the study will demonstrate the lasting influence he has had in four areas — namely, business cycle research and national income estimations, the 1946 Hungarian stabilisation program, corporate profit, and consumption economics — and will go on to summarise his most important achievements.

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