Is there a trade-off between income inequality and corruption? Evidence from Latin America

Conventional economic thinking says corruption and income inequality are positively related. In contrast, this study finds that lower corruption is associated with higher income inequality. The finding of a trade-off is not unexpected in the context of Latin America, for two reasons. First, Latin America has a large informal sector and corruption-reducing polices impose a transaction cost on this sector whose members are among the poorest. Second, redistributive measures, promoted by corrupt elements in society, are often cut back with institutional reform and this serves to worsen inequality. The results imply that corruption-reducing policies aimed at lowering inequality may be misguided.corruption, Latin America, income inequality, instrumental variables, panel data.

Is there club convergence in Latin America?

Previous studies of the income convergence hypothesis for Latin American economies indicate that almost all are not systematically closing their income gap with developed nations. The few studies to consider whether they instead exhibit club convergence—i.e., convergence to a steady-state equilibrium significantly inferior to that of the developed economies—offer little convincing evidence of this either. We argue that this reflects the limitations of their measure of relative income (which includes their sample’s average income) and/or the assumptions underlying the discrete-break unit-root tests they employ. By avoiding these limitations, we obtain evidence of two Latin American convergence clubs

Is there an openness Kuznets curve? Evidence from Latin America

Numerous studies have examined the relationship between income inequality and trade openness. This paper departs from previous work by considering a possible non-linear relationship between trade openness and inequality. The evidence is consistent with the idea of a Kuznets curve: inequality increases until a critical level of openness is reached after which inequality begins to fall. The finding of a non-linear relationship between trade openness and inequality implies that governments in Latin America should introduce redistribution policies, alongside trade liberalisation measures, so as to ease the adverse effects of trade liberalisation.

Is Corruption Really Bad for Inequality? Evidence from Latin America

This paper presents new evidence on the relationship between corruption and income inequality. Using a panel data methodology, we find that lower corruption is associated with higher income inequality in Latin America. This result is in contrast to other empirical studies but it makes sense in Latin America for a number of reasons. The finding of an inverse relationship between inequality and corruption suggests that institutional reform policies by themselves may be misguided.Corruption, Inequality, Latin America

Inflation persistence: Implication for a monetary union in the Caribbean

In this paper we aim to shed some light on the potential for creating a monetary union in the Caribbean. We analyse the inflation rates for twelve countries using various time series methods. The results show that the inflation rates are mean reverting processes and that there is evidence of a convergence club in inflation rates within the area, which contradicts previous studies. Our contribution implies good news for the creation of a common central bank in the Caribbean.Caribbean, inflation persistence, monetary union and unit roots

Anglo-American Nursing: A Historical Timeline of the Field from the Renaissance to World War II

This timeline stands as an extensive- although not comprehensive- review of the evolution of Anglo-American nursing as a profession, but it will also explore the contributions of other nations where it is appropriate. It seeks to summarize the field and its limitations from the early 15th century to World War II, as well as the capability for upward movement within an existing hierarchy while also considering the education required of a nurse during the selected time period in order to provide context for current nursing students

Homeward Navigation in Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Harvester Ants

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of known sources of navigational information for invertebrates in Pogonomyrmex occidentalis ants. The seemingly simple question of how animals find their way home leads to the study of complicated interactions between sensory abilities of animals and their potential for solving problems. Complex animal behavior can be difficult to study and explain because scientists cannot make inferences about the thoughts or motives behind a given behavior, but only analyze concrete observations. To address this problem, simple animals can be used as model systems. Understanding what processes underlie common behaviors in small-brained creatures provides insight about the evolution of complex behavior. This type of “bottom up” study of navigation contributes to the overall understanding of spatial cognition and may help explain more complicated navigation behaviors such as map-reading and complex route memorization. This study analyzes the relative importance of polarized light patterns, landmarks, and panoramic cues on the ability of Pogonomyrmex ants to orient homeward during foraging. When an ant is displaced from its original location to a new spot around the nest, it initially walks in the direction its nest would have been, had the ant not been moved. However, when a wall was placed behind the nest while an ant was navigating homeward, it became disoriented, walked in random directions, and took more time to find its nest. This result suggests that the Pogonomyrmex rely on panoramic images of scenery, rather than the other tested navigation methods

Reforming Nursing Education to Support Nursing Leadership

Abstract This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) examines the lack of effective education to support the development of nursing leadership amongst nurses in a Canadian province. The nursing profession represents a substantial portion of the health-care workforce in this specific Canadian province, and nurses play a central role in patient care as primary providers and by advocating for patients. Nursing care is a critical component of the overall patient experience and has the potential to be one of the most important contributors to positive patient outcomes. Accordingly, it is critical to ensure that nurses develop the leadership mindset required to contribute effectively to take the lead in transforming patient-care experiences. This OIP analyzes data from many sources, which highlight the lack of education to support nursing leadership, and discusses the importance of providing nurses with effective education focused on improving nursing leadership. This OIP primarily examines and addresses the issue from the perspective of Organization X, the nursing regulatory body for the Canadian province. In examining the issue, this OIP draws from multiple theories, models, and perspectives, including the functionalist paradigm and structural theory. This OIP utilizes Deming’s Plan, Do, Study Act (PDSA) model to support change and sets out a multifaceted plan which promotes collaboration and draws on transformational, adaptive, and team leadership approaches. This OIP sets out a comprehensive examination of the issue and current evidence, promotes a shared understanding of the importance of nursing leadership, and proposes strategies for educating nurses on effective approaches to nursing leadership. Keywords: nursing leadership, nursing leadership courses, nursing regulation, transformational leadership, adaptive leadership, team leadershi

A study of efficacy and professional development among alternatively-certified teachers in Arizona

The purpose of this descriptive and comparative study was to investigate the self-assessed efficacy levels of alternatively-certified teachers in Arizona. More specifically, this study examined the teachers\u27 perceived ability to influence student learning and the extent to which, if at all, their self-reported efficacy levels differed based on the following professional development experiences: attendance in an intensive preparation program prior to teaching, participation in a district-sponsored induction program, and assignment of a mentor. This quantitative non-experimental and cross-sectional study collected original data from single groups of interns who hold a 2009-2010 Arizona Teaching Intern Certificate. A total of 164 teaching interns participated in the two-part survey, referred to as the Arizona Teaching Intern Survey. Part one documented the levels of Arizona intern credentialed teachers\u27 efficacy to influence student learning using an acknowledged and reputable survey titled the Teachers\u27 Sense of Efficacy Scale. Part two of the survey instrument collected data pertaining to the teaching interns\u27 professional development experiences. The findings of this study led to the conclusion that new teacher efficacy is not necessarily tied to a specific certification pathway; in fact, the life experiences of new teachers\u27 are more influential on their classroom management than their route to certification. Furthermore, it was determined that professional development is of particular importance for teaching interns in an alternative certification program as they tend not to have the pedagogical preparation of their traditionally prepared peers. Lastly, it was concluded that year-one teaching interns and year-two teaching interns have distinct needs and concerns; each year requiring specific avenues of support, collaboration, and development. Because there is limited time with which to influence teachers\u27 efficacy levels, and in turn their effectiveness and performance, a targeted two-phase professional development plan is recommended that would require: mentors for all year-one teaching interns; addressing their need for individual support and attention, and participation in a district- sponsored induction program for all year-two teaching interns; addressing their need to feel part of a connected, supportive community of peers

Corruption, privatisation and the distribution of income in Latin America

This paper presents new evidence on income inequality in Latin America over the period 1981-2000. Using a panel data methodology, we find that a reduction in corruption is associated with a rise in inequality. This counterintuitive result can be explained by privatisation. Privatisation removes industries from government influence (and corruption) and worsens income inequality as new owners strive for efficiency and profits. The paper argues that structural reform policies aimed primarily at achieving positive and increasing growth rates do not adequately address the income distribution problem.Corruption, Latin America, Income inequality, Instrumental variables, Panel data, Privatisation.