The impact of the Barnett formula on the Scottish economy: endogenous population and variable formula proportions

The Barnett formula is the official basis upon which increments to public funds are allocated to the devolved regions of the UK for those parts of the budget that are administered locally. There is considerable controversy surrounding the implications of its strict application for the relevant regions. The existing literature focuses primarily on the equity of the spatial changes to government per capita expenditure that would accompany such a change. In contrast, in this paper we attempt to quantify the system-wide economic consequences-the real, relative resource squeeze that accompanies the financial relative squeeze-on one devolved region, Scotland. The analysis uses a multisectoral regional computable general equilibrium modelling approach. We highlight the importance of population endogeneity, particularly since the population proportions used in the formula are now regularly updated

EFFECTS OF AMLODIPINE, FOSINOPRIL AND METOPROLOL ON HEMODYNAMICS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Aim. To assess an efficacy of antihypertensive therapy with calcium antagonist, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and β-blocker in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) taking into account influence on central and peripheral hemodynamics.Material and methods. 60 patients with AH of I-II stage, 1-2 grade were studied. They were split in 3 groups. Patients of the first group received amlodipine (Tenox), 5-10 mg/d, the second group – fosinopril (Monopril), 10-20 mg/d and the third group – metoprolol (Metocard), 50-200 mg/d.Diuretics were added when necessary. Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, echocardiography, ultrasound investigation of brachiocephalic and main cerebral arteries, test on reactive hyperemia and nitroglycerine were conducted before and after 6 months of therapy.Results. Amlodipine, fosinopril and metoprolol had similar antihypertensive effect. Amlodipine was more effective in comparison with fosinopril and metoprolol in reduction of left ventricular (LV) myocardial mass and improving of LV diastolic function. Amlodipine and fosinopril had positive effect on vascular remodeling. Metoprolol reduced in BP morning elevation and heart rate, but had no effect on systolic BP variability.Conclusion. Amlodipine, fosinopril and metoprolol have similar antihypertensive effect but different influence on the heart, arteries, BP variability and hemodinamics.</p