Mobility and Address Freedom in AllNet

Mobile devices can be addressed through a variety of means. We propose that each device select its own addresses, we motivate this choice, and we describe mechanisms for deliv- ering data using these addresses. Hierarchical point-of-attachment addresses are not effec- tive with mobile devices. The network has to maintain a global mapping between addresses and locations whether or not the address is topological. Since this mapping is needed anyway, there is not much point in having the structure of the address encode device location. Instead, we have designed a network protocol, AllNet, to support self-selected address- ing. When data is transmitted over the Internet, a Distributed Hash Table (DHT) provides a connection between senders and and receivers. The advantages of self-selected addresses include the abil- ity of devices to join and form a network without any need for prior agreement, and the ability to choose a personal, memorable address. When multiple devices choose the same address another mechanism, such as signed and encrypted messages, provides the necessary disambiguation

The use of child health computing systems in primary preventive care: An evaluation

This study was undertaken in 10 districts, 5 in North East and 5 in North West Thames. The study subjects comprised a three month birth cohort (n=7841) born between January and March 1990 followed to age 19 to 21 months, and health visitors (n=340), child health managers (n=10) and computing system operating staff (n=68). The study 1) examined the quality of data available in the computing systems, 2) assessed the attitudes of health professionals to the computing systems and relevant aspects of child health services, and 3) evaluated the performance of pre-school immunisation and health surveillance programmes, using computing system data. In general, data in the computing system were considered accurate, up-to-date and (in terms of what was collected) complete. Certain problems were identified, especially regarding mobile children and families, where information was likely to be missing. As well as limitations in data transfer between localities/systems when children moved, poor standardisation of recording information was identified as a major shortcoming. Child health managers and system operating staff were satisfied with their presently used computing system in terms of facilitating the organisation of child health activities. However, most health visitors were more or less unsatisfied with the efficiency of the present system. Less than optimal communication between health professionals/localities, poor training of staff and incompatibilities between different computing systems were thought to be the most important factors affecting the performance of the child health systems. The results showed that running more health clinic sessions did not necessarily increase uptake of child health services. Uptake of immunisations had not met the 90% target in general for this three month birth cohort by the age of 19 to 21 months. Wide variation in uptake was found between groups of children, and cover rates were unacceptably low in certain sections of the child population. By and large, five risk factors were identified for low uptake of immunisations: living in a high deprived inner city district, being "allocated" to an immunisation location other than a general practitioner surgery, moving between districts, living with one parent and living in a larger family. Similar factors influenced surveillance uptake except that children registered to attend general practice were less likely to complete the programme. Variations were found across the study districts in terms of content of health checks at the two target surveillance ages, and the productivity of hearing assessments at six weeks and eight months was low. Child health computing systems are an important data source; although basically introduced for service, management and financial purposes they provide new epidemiological and research possibilities. Compared with those from "one-off' ad hoc epidemiological surveys, data stored in the systems are routinely collected, and therefore are available at no extra cost. The systems provide ongoing data allowing cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses and, particularly, if standardised and complete data variables can be collected routinely, provide opportunities for ongoing assessments of factors influencing uptake of services. Rapid feed back about the performance of preventive child health activities so allowing for rapid action can then be undertaken to improve uptake of child health services, so completing the research-audit-service loop

Is a universal income grant an appropriate social policy to alleviate poverty in Rwanda?

Masters of CommerceRwanda is characterised as a low-income country amongst the poorest on the African continent.Poverty in Rwanda has been persistent for a long period of time and it was made worse by the genocide that took place in 1994 and claimed over a million people. Although a variety of social policies, both home-grown and foreign, have been adopted since 1994 by the government of Rwanda to try and alleviate poverty, none has up to now succeeded to get rid of the povertyconflict trap, partly because they are all means tested. It should be noted here that Rwanda’s situation needs a universal approach in order to help ameliorate the current poverty level which is now at 60 percent, and the rising inequality. The researcher, when investigating a universal approach to use, suggested that a UIG could be the appropriate social policy option for Rwanda.Rwanda has set itself goals through its Vision 2020 and the EDPRS to have changed the country’s position by the year 2020 from being categorised as a low-income country into a middle-income country like South Africa. However, for this to be possible, economic growth must be robust. An annual growth rate of 7 percent needs to be maintained. It also means that the current per capita annual income of $290 needs to be increased to$900. The researcher concurs with these developmental goals but at the same time cautions policy makers that although growth is necessary, it should not crowd out redistributive justice.There seems to be a strong argument that development approaches which focus on income transfers are more prudent in attaining economic development and poverty reduction than those whose sole intention is to attain economic growth. Although policies that pursue economic growth usually lead to inequalities in the societies, governments should take it upon themselves to ensure that there are also counter measures that will reduce poverty at the same time.The researcher in this dissertation advocates for a universal income grant financed by an increase in indirect taxes supplemented by foreign aid as the best approach towards poverty alleviation in Rwanda. It must be noted that dependency on foreign aid is not sustainable in the long-term.There is a need to come up with measures of utilizing the already existing foreign aid in alleviating poverty and also to take care of future uncertainties when the foreign aid has been stopped.In order for Rwanda to break out of the poverty–conflict trap, it needs to adopt social policies that are geared towards alleviating poverty and assuring growth. A UIG was chosen as a social policy option that is capable of alleviating poverty.This research had three major aims. First of all it shows the possible impact of a universal income grant (UIG) in as far as the alleviation of poverty in Rwanda is concerned. Secondly it considers how a part of the existing foreign aid could be channelled into a UIG for all, with the funding effectively being recouped from those who do need support by an increase in the indirect taxes, e.g. in VAT. Thirdly develops a micro-simulation model which could show the impact of the combination of a UIG, partly being financed out of foreign aid and partly by the increases in indirect taxes, on poverty and income distribution in Rwanda. It is clear from the analysis that if the UIG is introduced in Rwanda it will have a multiplier effect when it develops social capital,stimulate aggregate spending, increase economic activity, bring investor confidence, promote economic growth and job creation and in the end alleviate poverty

Annual Diversity Report, February 3, 2011

This report consists of three sections – the Annual Affirmative Action Report, the Annual Report on the Regents Minority and Women Educators Enhancement Program, and the Affirmative Action Cost report. All three reports are required by the Iowa Code