Enforcing fire safety in the catering industry : an economic analysis

What is an effective and efficient enforcement policy for fire safety in the catering industry? When and why is an informal, cooperative enforcement style through warnings, persuasion and advice (a so called compliance strategy) effective in inducing compliance with the fire safety regulation? The standard economic model of enforcement stresses the importance of immediately punishing individuals and firms for non-compliance (a deterrence strategy). Part I of this thesis analyzes the economic literature to discuss whether and when a compliance strategy can be beneficial. It discusses which enforcement method (private, administrative or criminal) is effective and efficient to enforce safety standards. Part II of this thesis analyzes the optimal enforcement policy for the case of fire safety in the catering industry in the Netherlands. Enforcement officials have been interviewed to examine the use of a compliance strategy in practice. The benefits and costs of the enforcement efforts of the past years are estimated to see whether these efforts have been a desirable investment. Also, the compensation of the victims of the Volendam disaster is investigated to analyze the incentive to take precautions. Finally, a simulation of different enforcement policies in a representative municipality examines which policy is efficient.Hervorming Sociale Regelgevin

Een beginselplicht tot handhaving: liever regels dan discretionaire vrijheid

FDR Het institutionele en rechtsstatelijke kader van de rechtspleging - ou

Brandveiligheid in de horeca. Toepassing van kosten-batenanalyse op justitieel terrein

Onderzoekschool Maatschappelijke Veilighei

Doelmatigheid in de rechtshuishouding : een beschouwing naar aanleiding van het WRR-rapport over de nationale rechtsstaat

FdR – Publicaties niet-programma gebonde

Vergoeding van affectieschade. Te weinig met het oog op de daders en te veel met het oog op de slachtoffers

FDR Het institutionele en rechtsstatelijke kader van de rechtspleging - ou

Een beginselplicht tot handhaving: liever regels dan discretionaire vrijheid

FDR Dynamiek van criminaliteit en regelovertreding -- ou

Neuroinflammation, Mast Cells, and Glia: Dangerous Liaisons

The perspective of neuroinflammation as an epiphenomenon following neuron damage is being replaced by the awareness of glia and their importance in neural functions and disorders. Systemic inflammation generates signals that communicate with the brain and leads to changes in metabolism and behavior, with microglia assuming a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Identification of potential peripheral-to-central cellular links is thus a critical step in designing effective therapeutics. Mast cells may fulfill such a role. These resident immune cells are found close to and within peripheral nerves and in brain parenchyma/meninges, where they exercise a key role in orchestrating the inflammatory process from initiation through chronic activation. Mast cells and glia engage in crosstalk that contributes to accelerate disease progression; such interactions become exaggerated with aging and increased cell sensitivity to stress. Emerging evidence for oligodendrocytes, independent of myelin and support of axonal integrity, points to their having strong immune functions, innate immune receptor expression, and production/response to chemokines and cytokines that modulate immune responses in the central nervous system while engaging in crosstalk with microglia and astrocytes. In this review, we summarize the findings related to our understanding of the biology and cellular signaling mechanisms of neuroinflammation, with emphasis on mast cell-glia interactions

Design of a prospective cohort study to assess ethnic inequalities in patient safety in hospital care using mixed methods

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>While US studies show a higher risk of adverse events (AEs) for ethnic minorities in hospital care, in Europe ethnic inequalities in patient safety have never been analysed. Based on existing literature and exploratory research, our research group developed a conceptual model and empirical study to increase our understanding of the role ethnicity plays in patient safety. Our study is designed to (1) assess the risk of AEs for hospitalised patients of non-Western ethnic origin in comparison to ethnic Dutch patients; (2) analyse what patient-related determinants affect the risk of AEs; (3) explore the mechanisms of patient-provider interactions that may increase the risk of AEs; and (4) explore possible strategies to prevent inequalities in patient safety.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We are conducting a prospective mixed methods cohort study in four Dutch hospitals, which began in 2010 and is running until 2013. 2000 patients (1000 ethnic Dutch and 1000 of non-Western ethnic origin, ranging in age from 45-75 years) are included. Survey data are collected to capture patients’ explanatory variables (e.g., Dutch language proficiency, health literacy, socio-economic status (SES)-indicators, and religion) during hospital admission. After discharge, a two-stage medical record review using a standardized instrument is conducted by experienced reviewers to determine the incidence of AEs. Data will be analysed using multilevel multivariable logistic regression. Qualitative interviews with providers and patients will provide insight into the mechanisms of AEs and potential prevention strategies.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study uses a robust study plan to quantify the risk difference of AEs between ethnic minority and Dutch patients in hospital care. In addition we are developing an in-depth description of the mechanisms of excess risk for some groups compared to others, while identifying opportunities for more equitable distributions of patient safety for all.</p