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This paper explores a single-parameter generalization of the Gini inequality measure. Taking the starting point to be the Borda-type social welfare function, which is known to generate the standard Gini measure, in which incomes (in ascending order) are weighted by their inverse rank, the generalisation uses a class of non-linear functions. These are based on the so-called 'metallic sequences' of number theory, of which the Fibonacci sequence is the best-known. The value judgements implicit in the measures are explored in detail. Comparisons with other well-known Gini measures, along with the Atkinson measure, are made. These are examined within the context of the famous 'leaky bucket' thought experiment, which concerns the maximum leak that a judge is prepared to tolerate, when making an income transfer from a richer to a poorer person. Inequality aversion is thus viewed in terms of being an increasing function of the leakage that is regarded as acceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until their conceptual, systemic and substantive reform in the 1990s, preschool institutions in Slovenia were recognised predominantly as care institutions, on the one hand, and as “preparatory institutions” for school or pre-primary school, on the other. This paper presents an analysis of preschool education in Slovenia based on theoretical starting points, international comparative analyses of quality indicators for preschool education and curricular documents, as well as the results of Slovenian and foreign empirical research on early child development and learning. The analysis was conducted from the viewpoint of conceptual, systemic and curricular solutions. In particular, we emphasise the need to update the Curriculum for Preschool and resolve any professional dilemmas related to the efficiency and equity of preschool. In conclusion, we specifically highlight certain possibilities for improvements in Slovenian preschool education.

A control scheme for the multi-gated perimeter traffic flow control problem of monocentric cities is presented. The proposed scheme determines feasible and optimally distributed input flows for various gates located at the periphery of a protected network area. A parsimonious model is employed to describe the traffic dynamics of the protected network. To describe traffic dynamics outside of the protected area, the basic state-space model is augmented with additional state variables to account for vehicle queues at store-and-forward origin links at the periphery. The multi-gated perimeter flow control problem is formulated as a convex optimisation problem with finite horizon, and constrained control and state variables. This scheme aims to equalise the relative queues at origin links and to maintain the vehicle accumulation in the protected network around a desired set point, while the system's throughput is maximised. For real-time control, the optimal control problem is embedded in a rolling-horizon scheme using the current state of the whole system as the initial state as well as predicted demand flows at origin/entrance links. Furthermore, practical flow allocation policies for single-region perimeter control strategies without explicitly considering entrance link dynamics are presented. These policies allocate a global perimeter-ordered flow to a number of candidate gates at the periphery of a protected network area by taking into account the different geometric characteristics of origin links. The proposed flow allocation policies are then benchmarked against the multi-gated perimeter flow control. A meticulous study is carried out for a 2.5 square mile protected network area of San Francisco, CA, including fifteen gates of different geometric characteristics. The results showed that the proposed approach is able to manage excessive queues outside of the protected network area and to optimally distribute the input flows, which confirms its efficiency and equity properties. Similar policies are expected to be utilised for dynamic routing and road pricing. • Fair allocation of perimeter control flows by considering entrance link dynamics. • Practical flow allocation policies for single-region perimeter control strategies. • Efficiency and equity analysis for a protected network area of San Francisco, CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many low‐ and middle‐income countries, including Zambia, stockouts of life‐saving medicines threaten the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); it is therefore vital to reduce stockouts through the use of improved inventory control policies. The associated medicine distribution problem is challenging because it involves seasonality and uncertainty in both demand and lead times, heterogeneous delivery locations, and lost demand. Besides service level and inventory costs, equity across delivery locations must also be considered. This empirical study is based on an independently validated simulation model constructed from extensive field data, and addresses the lack of rigorous recommendations of inventory policies in this context. It compares the current base‐stock and other policies proposed in the practitioner's literature with an optimization‐based policy adapted from research on industrial settings. Although the optimization‐based policy may need more implementation efforts, it generally outperforms the other evaluated policies. Our results also suggest that the prevalent proportional inventory rationing rules may lead to substantial service level discrepancies between facilities. Finally, the performance metrics of service level and distribution equity can be at odds, prompting non‐trivial design trade‐offs and considerations. This work motivated the development of a digital distribution information system involving smartphones with barcode scanners deployed in 60 health centers, posts, and district hospitals in Zambia until 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of New Architecture is the property of New Architecture Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cross-regional allocation is necessary for the rational utilization and optimal allocation of resources. It is also the key to effective and sustainable disaster relief. Existing research, however, generally centers on emergency resource allocation only within territories or regions. This article proposes a multiperiod allocation optimization model for emergency resources based on regional self-rescue and cross-regional collaborative rescue efforts. The model targets the shortest delivery time and lowest allocation costs as its efficiency goals and the maximum coverage rate of resource allocation in the disaster-affected locations as its equity goal. An objective weighting fuzzy algorithm based on two-dimensional Euclidean distance is designed to solve the proposed model. A case study based on the Wenchuan Earthquake of 12 May 2008 was conducted to validate the proposed model. The results indicate that our proposed model allows for optimal, multiperiod cross-regional resource allocation by combining interterritorial and nearby allocation principles. Cross-regional relief makes resource allocation more equitable, minimizes dissatisfaction, and prevents losses. Different decision preferences appear to significantly affect the choice of resource allocation scheme employed, which provides flexibility for decision making in different emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of CEPS Journal is the property of University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article analyses efficiency and equity trade-off in education in observed countries in South East Europe countries. Efficiency relates to how well an economy allocates scarce resources to meet the needs and wants of consumers, while equity deals with the distribution of resources and is related to fairness and social justice. The aim is to identify those circumstances under which equity and efficiency may not trade-off against each other. At least in theory, education is a means by which democracies attempt to equalize opportunities among citizens for economic success. Education and training policies could have a significant positive impact on economic and social outcomes, including sustainable development and social cohesion. It is commonly thought that opportunity equalization, in that dimension, is implemented by the provision of equal access to public resources to all citizens. However, very often this is not the case and often existing public services - like education systems - reproduce or even increase existing inequities.

Policy instruments for implementing the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+) mechanism operate within an orchestra of policy mixes that affect the forest and other land sectors. How will policymakers choose between the myriad of options for distributing REDD+ benefits, and be able to evaluate its potential effectiveness, efficiency and equity (3Es)? This is a pressing issue given the results-based aspect of REDD+. We present here a three-element assessment framework for evaluating the outcomes and performance of REDD+ benefit sharing mechanisms, using the criteria of effectiveness, efficiency and equity: (1) the structures (objective and policies) of a REDD+ benefit sharing mechanism; (2) the broader institutional and policy contexts underlying forest governance; (3) outcomes of REDD+ including emission reductions, ecosystem service provision and poverty alleviation. A strength of the assessment framework is its flexible design to incorporate indicators relevant to different contexts; this helps to generate a shared working understanding of what is to be evaluated in the different REDD+ benefit sharing mechanisms (BSMs) across complex socio-political contexts. In applying the framework to case studies, the assessment highlights trade-offs among the 3Es, and the need to better manage access to information, monitoring and evaluation, consideration of local perceptions of equity and inclusive decisionmaking processes. The framework does not aim to simplify complexity, but rather serves to identify actionable ways forward towards a more efficient, effective and equitable implementation and re-evaluation of REDD+ BSMs as part of reflexive policymaking. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German government plans to introduce a kilometre charge on motorways for heavy duty vehicles >12t, beginning in the year 2003. According to an EU Directive the charge has to be orientated to the average infrastructure costs and can be differentiated according to the environmental performance (“EURO Standard”) of the vehicles. Based on the possible differentiation of the user charge this paper analyses the probable impacts on the transport market and on basic environmental indicators. Three scenarios are constructed: first, a modest user charge only on motorways; second, a higher user charge on the whole network of federal roads with a given level of service of the railways; and third, the previous scenario combined with an improved level of service of the railways. The result is that only in the case of the third scenario the hope of environmental policy is realistic that road transport can be reduced and environmental quality significantly improved through a road user charging scheme.

Under the premise that the total emissions of PM (particulate matter) of air pollution is established, the allocation of PM emission rights in various provinces of China is the feasible way to governance the ash haze. In this paper, a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model that takes into account the objectives of efficiency and equity is constructed. On the basis of evaluating the PM emission performance of various provinces in China, the corresponding allocation steps are put forward. Then, the results of the DEA model and information entropy are compared. The research shows that: (1) under the same constraint conditions, the emission right of PM is allocated with DEA model, which leads to lower cost, less fluctuation of distribution amount and higher overall national performance. (2) the population Gini coefficient method is used to evaluate and it is found that the Gini coefficient value is smaller according to the distribution results of DEA model, indicating that the PM emission right amount is more fairly distributed among provinces. The functions of this paper are as follows: (1) a new double-objective DEA model is constructed, which is suitable for multi-agent performance evaluation with multiple objectives; (2) a scheme to allocate PM among provinces is proposed, which can provide reference for the practice of haze reduction in China [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]