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Se analizó la convergencia económica y social interestatal en las 32 entidades federativas de México durante el periodo 2005-2019. Se probó si existe convergencia económica absoluta a través del ingreso real y del ingreso laboral real promedio e ingreso laboral real por hora promedio. Para probar si existe convergencia social absoluta se utilizaron las variables de esperanza de vida, tasa de supervivencia, tasa de supervivencia infantil y nivel educativo de los trabajadores. También mediante la técnica de dependencia espacial, el I de Moran, se encontró que las variables económicas relacionadas con el ingreso laboral presentan una alta correlación espacial. En cambio, sólo las variables sociales como esperanza de vida y el nivel educativo de los trabajadores presentan correlación espacial.

El objetivo de este trabajo es brindar evidencia sobre la hipótesis de convergencia en México a través de una prueba relativamente novedosa, la prueba de s-convergencia débil aplicada no sólo a todo el periodo analizado sino también a distintos periodos, los cuales dependen de donde se ubique el año de ruptura que representa la apertura comercial ya sea 1986 o 1995 así como a distintos grupos clasificados de acuerdo a los terciles como de ingreso alto, medio y bajo. Los resultados muestran que únicamente en el primer periodo encontramos evidencia de este tipo de convergencia para la totalidad de las entidades federativas, independientemente de donde se ubique el año de quiebre, mientras que tanto para el segundo periodo como para todo el periodo en su conjunto no encontramos evidencia de s-convergencia débil. De igual forma, encontramos evidencia de sigma-convergencia débil en ambos periodos para los grupos de ingresos alto y medio pero no para los de bajo ingreso, lo cual sugiere que los resultados encontrados para la totalidad de las entidades federativas puede atribuirse al comportamiento que las entidades de bajo ingreso muestran en este último periodo. Adicionalmente, estos resultados son consistentes con el análisis de sigma-convergencia tradicional., The objective of this paper is to provide evidence on the convergence hypothesis in Mexico through a relatively novel test, the weak σ-convergence test applied not only to the whole period analyzed but also to different periods, which depend on the location of the break year representing trade liberalization, either 1986 or 1995, as well as to different groups classified according to terciles such as high, middle and low income. The results show that only in the first period we find evidence of this type of convergence for all the states, regardless of where the break year is located, while for the second period and for the whole period as a whole we find no evidence of weak σ-convergence, however, we find evidence of weak sigma-convergence in both periods for the high and middle income groups but not for the low income groups, which suggests that the results found for all the states can be attributed to the behavior that the low income states show in this last period. Additionally, these results are consistent with the traditional sigma-convergence analysis.

This paper aims to evaluate the fiscal policy implemented by the USMCA economies to deal with the COVID-19 economic crisis. We estimate the economic capacity (potential output) and the Cyclical Primary Balance as a percentage of GDP (CPB) of each of the scrutinized economies. Then we obtain the Cyclical Adjusted Primary Balance as a percentage of GDP (CAPB) as the difference between the Primary Balance (PB) and the CPB. Unlike previous CPB estimations, we obtain the potential output reference as the Economic Capacity methodology (Shaikh and Moudud, 2004), which overcome some alternative methodologies problems. According to our empirical analysis, an asymmetric fiscal policy stands across USMCA economies. Canada and the United States are using a countercyclical fiscal policy, while Mexico uses a procyclical one. Mexico should abandon its current fiscal policy, implement an alternative to support households and firms during crisis periods, and execute a progressive fiscal reform. Our paper's limitation is that we use PB and not its components to estimate the CPB; however, we use a more extended time series, contributing to obtaining more robust results.

En este artículo analizamos la relación entre el crecimiento económico, el déficit fiscal y la inflación en México, considerando el periodo en que ha estado vigente la autonomía del Banco de México respecto del gobierno. Estimamos dos modelos CVAR para demostrar que si el gasto de gobierno es endógeno al crecimiento económico, entonces el déficit fiscal no es necesariamente la única causa de la inflación. Nuestros resultados muestran que, aún sin causalidad en el sentido de Granger, existe una relación negativa de largo plazo entre el gasto de gobierno y la inflación. De manera conjunta, ambos modelos revelan que a mayor crecimiento económico, mayor gasto fiscal y menor inflación. FISCAL DEFICIT, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INFLATION, AN EXOGENOUS RELATIONSHIP?ABSTRACTThis paper deals with the relationship between output growth, fiscal deficit and the rate of inflation in Mexico for the period of the independence of Banco de México. A couple of CVAR models are estimated with the aim of testing whether the government expenditure is endogenous to economic growth, in which case the fiscal deficit will not necessarily be the sole source of inflation. According to our empirical results, it is shown that there is a long-run negative relationship between government spending and inflation, without involving a Granger causality. Both models jointly reveal that the higher the economic growth rate, the larger government expenditure and the lower the rate of inflation.

RESUMENEl objetivo de este artículo es analizar el debate Bernanke-Gertler (2000, 2001) versus Cecchetti et al. (2000, 2002) sobre si el banco central debe incluir la inflación de los activos financieros en su regla de política monetaria. La hipótesis de investigación es que la regla monetaria convencional de la Reserva Federal de los Estados Unidos, que garantiza la estabilidad de precios, no necesariamente conduce a la estabilidad financiera. En parte esto implica que la dinámica de los precios de los activos contiene información que esta regla soslaya. Los resultados econométricos del análisis empírico sugieren que, contrario a las dos posiciones del debate referido, la inflación de los activos no es inocua. No obstante, su inclusión en la regla antes mencionada provocaría un sobreajuste de la tasa de interés que podría desestabilizar a la macroeconomía. SHOULD THE FED REACT TO FINANCIAL BUBBLES?ABSTRACTThe debate between Bernanke-Gertler (2000, 2001) versus Cecchetti et al. (2000, 2002) on whether the Central Bank should react to price asset inflation trends is dealt with in the present paper. It is argued that the US Federal Reserve’s conventional monetary policy rule may well guarantee price stability, but does not necessarily simultaneously lead to financial stability. This signals that asset price dynamics convey some relevant information not captured by the Fed’s rule. Contrary to the conclusions reached by both positions in the aforementioned debate, the paper’s econometric results suggest that, while financial assets inflation is not innocuous, its eventual incorporation in the monetary policy rule would trigger an excessive adjustment of the (interest rate) policy instrument and, thereby, a potential macroeconomic instability.

Little is known about how menstruation is managed in low-income settings and whether existing sanitation systems meet women's needs. Using the 'Photovoice' method with 21 women in participatory workshops and in-depth interviews, we collected data on menstrual hygiene management in three sites in Durban, South Africa. All women reported using disposable sanitary pads. Although they were aware that disposable pads were nonbiodegradable, incompatible with waterborne flush systems, and fill up pit latrines, they had little experience with reusable products. Considerable energy was devoted to concealing and containing 'menstrual waste,' and women expressed concern about inadequate privacy during menstruation. All sites lacked discreet disposal options and reliable water access, while outdoor sanitation facilities were considered unsafe. Findings highlight the need for advocacy to improve safety and privacy of facilities for women in this setting.

This study looked at the effects of select behavior change interventions on the purchase and the correct and consistent use of a locally fabricated top-lit updraft (TLUD) stove in Uganda. Behavior change interventions included training of community sales agents and village health team volunteers on household air pollution and correct use, referral of interested community members to sales agents, community cooking demonstrations, information flyers, and direct sales of TLUDs and processed wood. Qualitative and quantitative research methods shaped interventions and were used to understand attitudes and practices related to TLUD stove acquisition and use. Results showed that TLUDs were appreciated because they use wood efficiently, cook quickly, reduce smoke, and produce charcoal. However, the substantial purchase price barrier, combined with the cost of processed wood, effectively eliminated the cost savings from its significant fuel efficiency. This made it difficult for the TLUD to be a meaningful part of most households' cooking practices.

Since the 1990s, rapid consolidation in the hospital sector has resulted in the vast majority of hospitals joining systems that already had a considerable presence within their markets. We refer to these important local and regional systems as "clusters." To determine whether hospital clusters have taken measurable steps aimed at improving the quality of care-specifically, by concentrating low-volume, high-complexity services within selected "lead" facilities-this study examined within-cluster concentrations of high-risk cases for seven surgical procedures. We found that lead hospitals on average performed fairly high percentages of the procedures per cluster, ranging from 59 percent for esophagectomy to 87 percent for aortic valve replacement. The numbers indicate that hospitals might need to work with rival facilities outside their cluster to concentrate cases for the lowest-volume procedures, such as esophagectomies, whereas coordination among cluster members might be sufficient for higher-volume procedures. The results imply that policy makers should focus on clusters' potential for restructuring care and further coordinating services across hospitals in local areas.

En este artículo analizamos la forma en que la Reserva Federal de los Estados Unidos (Fed) ajusta la tasa de interés (i) en una economía con oferta monetaria endógena, tasa de interés exógena y objetivos de inflación. Sostenemos la hipótesis de que la Fed manipula la base monetaria (H) para realizar los movimientos de la tasa de interés de los fondos federales. Este problema no ha sido suficientemente explorado en la literatura relevante y consideramos que representa la aportación fundamental de este estudio. Para documentar nuestra hipótesis, realizamos un análisis empírico con datos de la economía de los Estados Unidos para el periodo 1990-2017. Los resultados muestran que existe una relación de largo plazo entre las fluctuaciones de H e i. Además, se observa que la volatilidad de H influye significativamente en el comportamiento de i.

Multiple-use nozzle jet injectors (MUNJIs), a type of needle-free injector, use a high-pressure stream to penetrate skin and deliver medicament. Concerns for their potential to transmit blood borne pathogens led to development of a hybrid MUNJI for use in mass immunizations. The HSI-500, referred to here as a protector cap needle-free injector (PCNFI), utilizes a disposable cap as a shield between the reusable injector nozzle and the skin to reduce the risk of contamination. This study aimed to determine the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) contamination in post-injection ("next person") samples immediately following injection in HBV-carrier adults. Tolerability and pain were also assessed. The study ended early because the PCNFI failed to prevent contamination in the first batch tested (8.2% failure rate). The injections were very well tolerated, with most followed by no bleeding (81.2%) or mild bleeding (7.8%). 55.2% of participants experienced no pain while 42.3% experienced mild pain following injection.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the use of a manually operated needle remover on sharps-waste management practices in clinical settings in India - specifically, evaluating its acceptability and performance. Thirty-one Balcan Mini-Destructor needle removers were introduced into seven health facilities in two cities in India - Delhi and Jaipur. One hundred and nineteen health workers, including auxiliary nurse midwives, nurses, and laboratory staff, used the device. Data were prospectively collected by observation and interview on device usage, malfunction and acceptability over a 23-week period. Focus group discussions on current practices were conducted prior to study initiation and, after completion, on device acceptability and performance. The manual needle remover was well accepted. Devices were seen as easy to use and durable. In total, 88,719 needles were removed. In conclusion, the needle-remover device was considered an acceptable method of preventing needle reuse and isolating infectious sharps waste in clinical settings.

Disposable absorbent products are widely used in inpatient care settings and in the community to manage adult urinary and fecal incontinence, but few product standards exist to help guide their production or optimal use. Increasing costs and reduced revenues have caused a number of states to evaluate absorbent product use among persons who receive care at home with the assistance of the Medicaid Waiver Program, further increasing concerns about the lack of product performance standards. To address these issues, the National Association For Continence (NAFC) formed a council of experts and key stakeholders with the objective of establishing national, independent quality performance standards for disposable absorbent products provided by states to Waiver Program recipients. The Council consisted of representatives from five purposefully selected states, technical directors from six nonwoven product manufacturers, an officer of the nonwoven manufactures trade association, a delegate from an academic nursing program and professional societies, a family caregiver, and a patient representative. Following a consensus method and guidelines for use, nine specific recommendations were developed, posted for public comment, and further refined. Final recommendations for product performance assessment include: rewet rate (a measure of a product's ability to withstand multiple incontinent episodes between changes), rate of acquisition (a measure of the speed at which urine is drawn away from the skin by a product, product retention capacity (a measure of a product's capacity to hold fluid without rewetting the skin), sizing options, absorbency levels, product safety, closure technology, breathable zones (a measure of the air permeability across a textile-like fabric at a controlled differential pressure), and elasticity. The Council also set values for and recommended four quantifiable parameters, and the testing methodology associated with each, to help consumers and states evaluate absorbent products (medium adult size): Maximum Rewet Rate:1.0-2.0 g for briefs and0.5-1.0 g for underwear; Maximum Rate of Acquisition:50-60 seconds for briefs and35-45 seconds for underwear; Minimum Retention Capacity:250 g for standard briefs or underwear and400 g for premium briefs or underwear; and Breathability of Zones: Minimum of100 cubic feet per minute. As these recommendations are implemented, research is needed to evaluate the impact on both cost and quality of care for further refinement and modifications, particularly as technology and knowledge is advanced.