Why stagnant? Behind the scenes in Indonesia's reformed state asset management policies

This study seeks to answer the question of “why is policy innovation in Indonesia, in particular reformed state asset management laws and regulations, stagnant?” through an empirical and qualitative approach, identifying and exploring potential impeding influences to the full and equal implementation of said laws and regulations. The policies and regulations governing the practice of state asset management has emerged as an urgent question among many countries worldwide (Conway, 2006; Dow, Gillies, Nichols, & Polen, 2006; Kaganova, McKellar, & Peterson, 2006; McKellar, 2006b) for there is heightened awareness of the complex and crucial role that state assets play in public service provision. Indonesia is an example of such country, introducing a ‘big-bang’ reform in state asset management laws, policies, regulations, and technical guidelines. Two main reasons propelled said policy innovation: a) world-wide common challenges in state asset management practices - such as incomplete information system, accountability, and governance adherence/conceptualisation (Kaganova, McKellar and Peterson 2006); and b) unfavourable state assets audit results in all regional governments across Indonesia. The latter reasoning is emphasised, as the Indonesian government admits to past neglect in ensuring efficiency and best practice in its state asset management practices. Prior to reform there was euphoria of building and developing state assets and public infrastructure to support government programs of the day. Although this euphoria resulted in high growth within Indonesia, there seems to be little attention paid to how state assets bought/built is managed. Up until 2003-2004 state asset management is considered to be minimal; inventory of assets is done manually, there is incomplete public sector accounting standards, and incomplete financial reporting standards (Hadiyanto 2009). During that time transparency, accountability, and maintenance state assets was not the main focus, be it by the government or the society itself (Hadiyanto 2009). Indonesia exemplified its enthusiasm in reforming state asset management policies and practices through the establishment of the Directorate General of State Assets in 2006. The Directorate General of State Assets have stressed the new direction that it is taking state asset management laws and policies through the introduction of Republic of Indonesia Law Number 38 Year 2008, which is an amended regulation overruling Republic of Indonesia Law Number 6 Year 2006 on Central/Regional Government State Asset Management (Hadiyanto, 2009c). Law number 38/2008 aims to further exemplify good governance principles and puts forward a ‘the highest and best use of assets’ principle in state asset management (Hadiyanto, 2009a). The methodology of this study is that of qualitative case study approach, with a triangulated data collection method of document analysis (all relevant state asset management laws, regulations, policies, technical guidelines, and external audit reports), semi-structured interviews, and on-site observation. Empirical data of this study involved a sample of four Indonesian regional governments and 70 interviews, performed during January-July 2010. The analytical approach of this study is that of thematic analysis, in an effort to identify common influences and/or challenges to policy innovation within Indonesia. Based on the empirical data of this study specific impeding influences to state asset management reform is explored, answering the question why innovative policy implementation is stagnant. An in-depth analysis of each influencing factors to state asset management reform, and the attached interviewee’s opinions for each factor, suggests the potential of an ‘excuse rhetoric’; whereby the influencing factors identified are a smoke-screen, or are myths that public policy makers and implementers believe in; as a means to explain innovative policy stagnancy. This study offers insights to Indonesian policy makers interested in ensuring the conceptualisation and full implementation of innovative policies, particularly, although not limited to, within the context of state asset management practices

G20 2014: the G20 Brisbane Summit, inequality, energy and anti-corruption

The 12th edition of the G20 monitor contains an overview from John Lipsky on the G20’s role in global governance after the global financial crisis; a paper by Geoff Weir on the G20, Thomas Piketty, and inequality; thoughts from Hugh Jorgensen and Christian Downie on multilateral energy governance; and a piece by Charles Sampford on integrity and anti-corruption. Key findings Lipsky suggests the Brisbane Summit is a critical moment for the G20, if it does not restore a sense of political momentum to the process, the G20’s relevance will wane Ever-growing inequality is inconsistent with the maintenance of an inclusive, democratic system of governance. The G20 should consider a combination of taxation, education and health reforms to reduce inequality. The world needs better multilateral energy governance. Whether the conditions exist for the G20 to remedy this problem is unclear, but members should pursue energy governance mechanisms that promote trust

Novel expanded ring N-heterocyclic carbenes; coordination and application in catalysis

The work presented in this thesis is concerned with the synthesis, characterisation, and application in catalysis of mono- and bis-expanded ring (including bicyclics) Nheterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) with emphasis on their coordination to palladium, silver, rhodium, gold, copper, and nickel. Chapter two provides the synthesis and characterisation of a series of bis-expanded ring NHC precursors along with the attempted synthesis of mixed 5- and 6-membered types. The attempted coordination of the bis-NHC precursors to palladium did not produce the desired complexes rather a rearrangement occurred to give nitrogen coordinated species through elimination of the linking group between the two heterocycles. Chapter three explores the synthesis and characterisation of a range of novel alkylated bicyclic NHC precursors including the dimethyl, diethyl, and diisopropyl derivatives, and their coordination to rhodium(I). The increased steric demand (iPr > Et > Me) of the exocyclic substituent leads to a larger NCN angle across the series. The rhodium complexes exist as a mixture of two isomers (syn-alkene and syn-chloride) in a 2:1 ratio resulting from restricted rotation about the Rh-CNHC bond. The complexes are active for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones with conversions up to 37 %. Chapter four discusses the coordination chemistry of monocyclic expanded-ring and bicyclic NHCs with copper(I). The expanded ring NHC copper(I) complexes of the type [Cu(NHC)X] show typical Ccarbene-Cu-X bond angles of around 180 °. However, the related complex of the mesityl bicyclic NHC shows an apparent non covalent interaction between the metal and the mesityl ring causing a deviation of the Ccarbene-Cu-X bond away from linearity. The catalytic activity of the expanded ring copper(I) halide complexes for hydrosilylation was explored but were shown to be inactive. Chapter five concerns gold(I) complexes of expanded-ring and bicyclic NHCs. A small crystallographic library of complexes enabled the percentage buried volumes to be determined. As expected, these were large for the aromatic substituted expanded ring complexes of type [Au(NHC)X] but appreciably smaller (more akin to the common 5- membered NHCs) for the bicyclic systems and the alkylated expanded ring systems. The catalytic activity of the complexes in the hydration of alkynes was explored with iv conversions of up to 100 % being observed. Selectivities were noticeably better than those reported for the [Au(6-DIPP)Cl] and [Au(7-DIPP)Cl] with values of around 30:70. Chapter six moves into the coordination and characterisation of a series of highly sensitive expanded ring nickel(I) complexes. Due to the paramagnetic nature of these compounds analysis using EPR was achieved. This showed that the nickel(I) complexes all exhibited orthorhombic g values

Effectiveness of eHealth weight management interventions in overweight and obese adults from low socioeconomic groups: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with increased rates of overweight and obesity. Proponents of electronic health (eHealth) hypothesise that its inclusion in weight management interventions can improve efficacy by mitigating typical barriers associated with low SES. OBJECTIVES: To establish the scope of eHealth weight management interventions for people with overweight and obesity from a low SES. Secondary objectives were to determine the efficacy of eHealth interventions in facilitating weight loss, physical activity and fitness improvements. METHODS: Four databases and grey literature were systematically searched to identify eligible studies published in English from inception to May 2021. Studies examining an eHealth intervention with low SES participants were included. Outcomes included temporal change in weight and BMI, anthropometry, physiological measures and physical activity levels. The number and heterogeneity of studies precluded any meta-analyses; thus, a narrative review was undertaken. RESULTS: Four experimental studies with low risk of bias were reviewed. There was variance in how SES was defined. Study aims and eHealth media also varied and included reducing/maintaining weight or increasing physical activity using interactive websites or voice responses, periodic communication and discourse via telephone, social media, text messaging or eNewsletters. Irrespectively, all studies reported short-term weight loss. eHealth interventions also increased short-term physical activity levels where it was assessed, but did not change anthropometry or physiological measures. None reported any effect on physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS: This review revealed short-term effects of eHealth interventions on weight loss and increased physical activity levels for low SES participants. Evidence was limited to a small number of studies, with small to moderate sample sizes. Inter-study comparison is challenging because of considerable variability. Future work should prioritise how to utilise eHealth in the longer term either as a supportive public health measure or by determining its long-term efficacy in engendering volitional health behaviour changes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021243973

Outcomes Following eHealth Weight Management Interventions in Adults With Overweight and Obesity From Low Socioeconomic Groups: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a complex health condition with multiple associated comorbidities and increased economic costs. People from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds are more likely to be overweight and obese and are less successful in traditional weight management programs. It is possible that eHealth interventions may be more successful in reaching people from low SES groups than traditional face-to-face models, by overcoming certain barriers associated with traditional interventions. It is not yet known, however, if eHealth weight management interventions are effective in people living with overweight and obesity from a low SES background. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of eHealth weight management interventions for people with overweight and obesity from low SES groups. METHODS: A systematic review on relevant electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, and CINAHL) will be undertaken to identify eligible studies published in English up until May 2021. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement to guide the systematic review, two reviewers will independently screen, select, and extract data and complete a risk of bias assessment of search results according to predefined criteria. Studies that have investigated an eHealth weight management intervention within a low SES population will be included. Primary outcomes include weight, BMI, and percentage weight change compared at baseline and at least one other time point. Secondary outcomes may include a range of anthropometric and physical fitness and activity measures. If sufficient studies are homogeneous, then we will pool results of individual outcomes using meta-analysis. RESULTS: Searches have been completed, resulting in 2256 studies identified. Once duplicates were removed, 1545 studies remained for title and abstract review. CONCLUSIONS: The use of eHealth in weight management programs has increased significantly in recent years and will continue to do so; however, it is uncertain if eHealth weight management programs are effective in a low SES population. The results of this systematic review will therefore provide a summary of the evidence for interventions using eHealth for people living with overweight and obesity and from a low SES background. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42021243973; https://tinyurl.com/2p8fxtnw. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/34546

The Specific Allocation Fund (Dak): Mechanisms and Uses

Research team smeru: syaikhu usman, m. sulton mawardi, adri poesoro, asep suryahadi griffith university: charles sampford translator: kate weatherley editor: budhi adrianto abstract this study aims to analyze the management of the specific allocation fund (dak). the three largest dak-recipient sectors are the focus of the study: education, health, and roads infrastructure. the study sample areas are four districts. this paper was compiled based on the results of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with various stakeholders as well as analysis of dak policy and secondary data. the main objective of dak is to reduce interregional inequalities in public services. we came across policies in dire need of national uniformity but that still allow variation on some aspects. conversely, we found some enforced national uniformity in policies that should have provided rooms for variations to accommodate regional specific conditions. in practice, regional governments have become passive recipients of dak grants. the attitudes of regional government towards the dak allocation process indicate a general feeling that the central government is not transparent. furthermore, it is evident that coordination and communication surrounding dak management between agencies are still limited. based on the above findings, we recommend a new paradigm where the central government is suggested to decentralize the authority for the allocation, coordination, and monitoring of district/city use of dak to provincial governments. keywords: specific allocation fund, education, health, roads infrastructure, new paradig

'Education, education, education' : legal, moral and clinical

This article brings together Professor Donald Nicolson's intellectual interest in professional legal ethics and his long-standing involvement with law clinics both as an advisor at the University of Cape Town and Director of the University of Bristol Law Clinic and the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic. In this article he looks at how legal education may help start this process of character development, arguing that the best means is through student involvement in voluntary law clinics. And here he builds upon his recent article which argues for voluntary, community service oriented law clinics over those which emphasise the education of students

Testing abundance-range size relationships in European carabid beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae).

between abundance and range size (the sampling artifact, phylogenetic non-independence, range position and resource breadth hypotheses) were tested by using atlas data for carabid beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. A positive relationship between abundance and partial range size was found in all three countries, and the variation in abundance was lower for widespread species. Analysis of the data did not support three of the proposed hypotheses, but did support the resource breadth hypothesis (species having broader environmental tolerances and being able to use a wider range or resources will have higher local densities and be more widely distributed than more specialised species). Examination of species’ characteristics revealed that widespread species are generally large bodied, generalists (species with wide niche breadths occurring in a variety of habitat types) and are little influenced by human-altered landscapes, while species with restricted distributions are smaller bodied, specialists (species with small niche breadths occurring in only one or two habitat types), and favour natural habitat. Landscape alteration may be an important factor influencing carabid abundance and range size in these three countries with a long history of human-induced environmental changes