The dynamics of university units as a multi-level process. Credibility cycles and resource dependencies

This paper presents an analysis of resource acquisition and profile development of institutional units within universities. We conceptualize resource acquisition as a two level nested process, where units compete for external resources based on their credibility, but at the same time are granted faculty positions from the larger units (department) to which they belong. Our model implies that the growth of university units is constrained by the decisions of their parent department on the allocation of professorial positions, which represent the critical resource for most units’ activities. In our field of study this allocation is largely based on educational activities, and therefore, units with high scientific credibility are not necessarily able to grow, despite an increasing reliance on external funds. Our paper therefore sheds light on the implications that the dual funding system of European universities has for the development of units, while taking into account the interaction between institutional funding and third-party funding

Health care utilisation under the 30-Baht Scheme among the urban poor in Mitrapap slum, Khon Kaen, Thailand: a cross-sectional study

Background: In 2001, the Government of Thailand introduced a universal coverage scheme with the aim of ensuring equitable health care access for even the poorest citizens. For a flat user fee of 30 Baht per consultation, or for free for those falling into exemption categories, every scheme participant may access registered health services. The exemption categories include children under 12 years of age, senior citizens aged 60 years and over, the very poor, and volunteer health workers. The functioning of these exemption mechanisms and the effect of the scheme on health service utilisation among the poor is controversial. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of 30-Baht Scheme registration and subsequent self-reported health service utilisation among an urban poor population in the Teparuk community within the Mitrapap slum in Khon Kaen city, northeastern Thailand. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the exemption mechanisms in reaching the very poor and the elderly was examined. Factors for users' choice of health facilities were identified. Results: Overall, the proportion of the Teparuk community enrolled with the 30-Baht Scheme was high at 86%, with over one quarter of these exempted from paying the consultation fee. User fee exemption was significantly more frequent among households with an above-poverty-line income (64.7%) compared to those below the poverty line (35.3%), χ2 (df) = 5.251 (1); p-value = 0.018. In addition, one third of respondents over 60 years of age were found to be still paying user fees. Self-reported use of registered medical facilities in case of illness was stated to be predominantly due to the service being available through the scheme, with service quality not a chief consideration. Overall consumer satisfaction was high, especially among those not required to pay the 30 Baht user fee. Conclusion: Whilst the 30-Baht Scheme seems to cover most of the poor population of Mitrapap slum in Khon Kaen, the user fee exemption mechanism only works partially with regard to reaching the poorest and exempting senior citizens. Service utilisation and satisfaction are highest amongst those who are fee-exempt. Service quality was not an important factor influencing choice of health facility. Ways should be sought to improve the effectiveness of the current exemption mechanisms.Sophie Coronini-Cronberg, Wongsa Laohasiriwong and Christian A Gerick

On Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, and Nanoproducts: Why Everyone Wants to Join This Game?

Do you remember the first time you encountered the idea that while the universe could be infinitely large, its basic building blocks are actually very small? These building blocks, the atoms and molecules comprising all matter, in effect make up the world of nanoscience. The basic fodder for nanotechnology, throughout our world's history, has always been at play. As described by Wilson et al. (2002), the alkali and the alkaline earth metals (Groups 1 and 2 from the Periodic Table of Elements), as well as the transition metals (Groups 3 to 12), due to their various electrical properties, make good providers of electrons, and good conductors, respectively, useful in nanotechnology. Further, carbon and silicon from Group 14 are important base materials for many nanomaterials. In other words, these atoms and various simple molecular combinations of these, not only are the building blocks of nanotechnology, but also of our world. Our understanding of this reality has developed relatively recently through the development of tools, in particular those that allow us to see (scanning probe and atomic force microscopes) and engage (lithography and masks enabling building up through deposits or chiseling away of various surfaces). Facilitated by the inert noble gases such as xenon and radon (Wilson et al., 2002), this has allowed humans to witness, and lately attempt to play with, the ongoing miracle of the composition and dynamics of matter operating at the nanoscale