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Item The ‘inherent vulnerability’ of women on the move: A gendered analysis of Morocco’s migration reform(Oxford University Press, 2024) Norman, Kelsey P; Reiling, Carrie; Baker Institute for Public PolicyBeginning in the 1990s, Morocco increasingly became a de facto host country for sub-Saharan migrants and asylum seekers originally intending to reach Europe. While the government’s treatment toward these groups was characterized by informality and violence throughout the early 2000s, Morocco embarked on a reform process in 2013 that included a regularization process for irregular migrants. During the regularization process, the Moroccan government automatically granted all women applicants residency status due to their presumed ‘vulnerability’. This paper asks: What are the implications of assuming that women are ‘inherently vulnerable’? Drawing on in-person interviews and an analysis of policy documents, this article adds to the gendered migration and refugee literature by demonstrating that supposedly humanitarian policies toward women can also victimize them, stereotype male migrants and refugees as threatening, and strengthen the patriarchal role of the state and its ability to carry out violence in the name of protection.Item The determinants of nonprofit hospital CEO compensation(Public Library of Science, 2024) Jenkins, Derek; Short, Marah N.; Ho, Vivian; Baker Institute for Public PolicyHospital CEO salaries have grown quickly over the past two decades. We investigate correlates of rising nonprofit hospital CEO pay between 2012 and 2019 by merging compensation data from Candid’s IRS 990 forms with hospital data from the National Academy for State Health Policy Hospital Cost Tool. Almost half of the measured increase in CEO compensation (44.5%) accrued to a “base case” CEO, who was leading a non-teaching hospital system or independent hospital with fewer than 100 beds that earned 0 profits and provided no charity care. Another 28.5% of the measured salary increase resulted from changes in the generosity with which observable metrics were rewarded, particularly the reward for heading a system with 500 or more beds. The remaining 27% resulted mostly from hospital systems or single hospitals that increased their profits or bed size over time. The increase in CEO compensation associated with leading larger healthcare systems and earning greater profits may explain the increase in healthcare system consolidation which has occurred over the last several years.Item US state laws on medical freedom and investigational stem cell procedures: a call to focus on state-based legislation(Elsevier, 2024) Matthews, Kirstin R. W.; Lowe, Samantha J.; Master, Zubin; Baker InstituteThe premature marketing of investigational stem cell interventions (SCIs) is a growing market in the US. Several US states have passed legislation to permit and promote unproven and experimental SCIs for individuals with terminal or chronic diseases. These SCI medical freedom laws, which are largely based on right-to-try legislation, increase access to experimental SCIs with little to no oversight. They undermine federal regulatory authority and can compromise patient safety and informed decision-making. SCI medical freedom laws have gone largely unnoticed by scientific societies interested in the responsible translation of stem cell medicine. In this article, we analyze state SCI medical freedom laws and describe their detrimental impact on patients and society. We contend that scientific and medical societies are uniquely poised to advocate against state-based policy promoting unproven SCIs but recognize resource and other constraints to advocate for or against legislation in 50 states. We recommend societies establish coalitions and share resources to address state-based SCI medical freedom laws and other legislation surrounding unproven SCIs.Item Why should the U.S. Invest in Science, Technology, and Innovation?(Rice University, 2024) Sapkota, Aastha; Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy ProgramIn recent years, the United States' leadership in global R&D has shown signs of decline, raising urgent concerns about its future economic and technological competitiveness. A primary contributing factor to this trend is the pressing need for more investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields within the country. With an emphasis on the US position, this study examines how R&D outputs and expenditures are changing globally. A comparative analysis with China and other leading countries highlights how China's increasing investment in STEM fields might pose a challenge to America's position as the world leader in innovation and technology. Utilizing economic frameworks such as the Solow and Romer models, this study also examines how technological advancement facilitates sustained economic growth over the long term. This project explores whether the United States' future economic potential will be severely compromised by the country's present underfunding of STEM research programs, potentially leading to a significant loss of global competitiveness, a prospect that could shift American hegemony and tip the scales of Western economic power.Item Responsible Collaboration Through Appropriate Research Security: A Workshop To Discuss and Study the Emergent Discipline of Research on Research Security(James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy of Rice University, 2024) Dao, Tam K.; Evans, Kenneth M.; Shannon, Michael D.; Bronk, Christopher; Neuhauser, Claudia; Roberts, Evan; Haselkorn, Mark P.; Ribes, David; Shih, Tommy; Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy ProgramThis workshop report offers a summary of "Responsible Collaboration Through Appropriate Research Security" held at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy in May 2024. The report discusses challenges and opportunities to the field of research on research security (RoRS), and provides recommendations to guide the National Science Foundation's new RoRS program.Item Leveraging Selective State Capacity: Understanding Changing Responses to Migration and Refugees(Oxford University Press, 2024) Norman, Kelsey P; Baker Institute for Public PolicyState capacity is seen as one of the central elements determining whether countries have “strong” or “weak” systems of immigration and asylum. An underlying assumption of the global refugee regime is that countries of the Global South—thought to have less state capacity—do not have the ability to respond and host asylum seekers and refugees and must be financially supported by countries of the Global North in order to do so. But how can we understand “strong” migration responses from an otherwise “weak” state, as well as responses that change over time without corresponding alterations to underlying state capacity? This paper analyzes the case of Egypt, which, over the course of a decade, alternated between three types of migration policies requiring a range of state resources. Drawing on more than 70 in-person interviews and an analysis of public documents, this paper presents a theory of selective state capacity and argues that infrastructural weakness does not imply a lack of strategic decision-making in the field of migration, or an unwillingness to expend state resources, when the political incentives are in place.Item Patient Perspectives on Using Telemedicine During In-Center Hemodialysis: A Qualitative Study(Elsevier, 2024) Haltom, Trenton M.; Lew, Susie Q.; Winkelmayer, Wolfgang C.; Chertow, Glenn M.; Jaure, Allison; Erickson, Kevin F.; Baker Institute for Public PolicyRationale & Objective In the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the United States federal government expanded originating telemedicine sites to include outpatient dialysis units. For the first time, nephrology practitioners across the United States could replace face-to-face visits with telemedicine for patients receiving in-center hemodialysis. This study describes patients’ perspectives on the use of telemedicine during in-center hemodialysis. Study Design A qualitative study. Setting & Participants Thirty-two patients from underserved populations (older, less educated, unemployed, persons of color) receiving in-center hemodialysis who used telemedicine with their nephrologist during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analytical Approach Telephone semistructured interviews were conducted in English or Spanish. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results We identified 6 themes with subthemes: adapting to telemedicine (gaining familiarity and confidence, overcoming and resolving technical difficulties, and relying on staff for communication); ensuring availability of the physician (enabling an immediate response to urgent medical needs, providing peace of mind, addressing patient needs adequately, and enhanced attention and contact from physicians); safeguarding against infection (limiting COVID-19 exposures and decreasing use); straining communication and physical interactions (loss of personalized touch, limited physical examination, and unable to reapproach physicians about forgotten issues); maintaining privacy (enhancing privacy and projecting voice enables others to hear); and supporting confidence in telemedicine (requiring established rapport with physicians, clinical stabilty of health, and ability to have in-person visits when necessary). Limitations Interviews were conducted later in the pandemic when some nephrology care providers were using telemedicine infrequently. Conclusions Patients receiving in-center hemodialysis adapted to telemedicine visits by their nephrologists in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and observed its benefits. However, further considerations regarding communication, privacy, and physical assessments are necessary. Integrating telemedicine into future in-center hemodialysis care using a hybrid approach could potentially build trust, optimize communication, and augment care. Plain-Language Summary This study describes patients’ perspectives on the use of telemedicine while receiving in-center hemodialysis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Data are derived from semistructured interviews with thirty-two patients from underserved populations (older, less educated, unemployed, persons of color). We identified 6 major themes including adapting to telemedicine, ensuring availability of the physicians, safeguarding against infection, straining communication and physical interactions, maintaining privacy, and supporting confidence in telemedicine. These findings suggest that patients receiving in-center hemodialysis adapted to telemedicine visits by their nephrologists in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and observed its benefits. However, further considerations regarding communication, privacy, and physical assessments are necessary. Integrating telemedicine into future in-center hemodialysis care using a hybrid approach could potentially build trust, optimize communication, and augment care.Item Report on RSI-CNES Workshop: Sustainable Space Exploration(James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy of Rice University, 2023) Alexander, David; Jernigan, Mark; Mbezal, Hugues; Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy ProgramThis report documents a workshop between the Rice Space Institute (RSI) and Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES) held at the Rice Global Paris Center on December 4 - 6, 2023. The workshop centered on addressing the technical and policy challenges facing a sustainable human presence in space and identifying the various government and commercial demand signals that drive the technology needs and timeline, as well as considering the policy, ethical and regulatory changes/approaches required to tackle these needs.Item Navigating a stable transition to the age of intelligence: A mental wealth perspective(Elsevier, 2024) Occhipinti, Jo-An; Prodan, Ante; Hynes, William; Eyre, Harris A.; Schulze, Alex; Ujdur, Goran; Tanner, Marcel; Baker Institute for Public PolicyIn the grand narrative of technological evolution, we are transitioning from the “Age of Information” to the “Age of Intelligence.” Rapid advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI) are set to reshape society, revolutionize industries, and change the nature of work, challenging our traditional understanding of the dynamics of the economy and its relationship with human productivity and societal prosperity. As we brace for this transformative shift, promising advancements in healthcare, education, productivity, and more, there are concerns of large-scale job loss, mental health repercussions, and risks to social stability and democracy. This paper proposes the concept of Mental Wealth as an action framework that supports nations to proactively position themselves for a smooth transition to the Age of Intelligence while fostering economic and societal prosperity.Item C60 - A Model for the Future(James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy of Rice University, 2010) Lo, Nathan; Calhoun, Kara; Liou, David; Evans, Kenneth; Matthews, Kirstin; Lane, Neal; Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy ProgramThis précis describes the lives and Nobel Prize-winning discovery of C60 by Robert F. Curl Jr., Sir Harold Kroto, and Richard Smalley.Item NASA's Relationship with Nanotechnology: Past, Present, and Future Challenges(James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, 2012) Matthews, Kirstin R.W.; Carey, Brent J.; Evans, Kenneth M.; Moloney, Padraig G.; Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy ProgramThis report reviews the history of nanotechnology research and development at NASA over the past 15 years. Nanotechnology is used to illustrate how NASA has guided new technology development at its own research facilities and through collaborations with university scientists and laboratories. We demonstrate that nanotechnology is representative of NASA's long struggle to translate research projects into viable technologies.Item Language Matters: Effective Communication and Connections for Firearm Injury Prevention(Elsevier, 2024) McKay, Sandra; Aitken, Mary E.; Baker Institute for Public PolicyItem Building and Employing New Digital Resources for the Study of US Scientific Advisors(Rice University, 2024) Von Arx, Devin; Traylor, Jordan; Evans, Kenneth; Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy ProgramPolicymakers in the United States executive branch increasingly rely on scientific data and analysis to make decisions on a wide range of public policy challenges, from improving public health and strengthening the national economy to nuclear nonproliferation and advancing global diplomacy. This poster outlines the creation of a relational database that enables systemic analysis of the role and impact of individual scientific advisors and advisory bodies involved in U.S. national science, technology, and innovation policymaking across time.Item A trivalent protein-based pan-Betacoronavirus vaccine elicits cross-neutralizing antibodies against a panel of coronavirus pseudoviruses(Springer Nature, 2024) Thimmiraju, Syamala Rani; Adhikari, Rakesh; Redd, JeAnna R.; Villar, Maria Jose; Lee, Jungsoon; Liu, Zhuyun; Chen, Yi-Lin; Sharma, Suman; Kaur, Amandeep; Uzcategui, Nestor L.; Ronca, Shannon E.; Chen, Wen-Hsiang; Kimata, Jason T.; Zhan, Bin; Strych, Ulrich; Bottazzi, Maria Elena; Hotez, Peter J.; Pollet, JeroenThe development of broad-spectrum coronavirus vaccines is essential to prepare for future respiratory virus pandemics. We demonstrated broad neutralization by a trivalent subunit vaccine, formulating the receptor-binding domains of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 with Alum and CpG55.2. Vaccinated mice produced cross-neutralizing antibodies against all three human Betacoronaviruses and others currently exclusive to bats, indicating the epitope preservation of the individual antigens during co-formulation and the potential for epitope broadening.Item Electricity grids and geopolitics: A game-theoretic analysis of the synchronization of the Baltic States’ electricity networks with Continental Europe(Elsevier, 2024) Fang, Songying; Jaffe, Amy Myers; Loch-Temzelides, Ted; Lo Prete, Chiara; Baker Institute for Public PolicyCan supply of electricity be used as an energy weapon? This question rises in importance as more countries trade electricity across borders to smooth out grid stability issues and improve cost-efficient dispatching across large geographic areas. In the context of the Baltics’ disentanglement from the BRELL (Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) electricity grid and synchronization with Europe, we develop a game-theoretic model and examine the strategies of the involved parties in light of the potential for electricity trade to be used as a geopolitical weapon. We conceptualize the process of the synchronization project as a sequential-move game between three actors (Russia, the Baltic states, and the EU-U.S.). Our findings suggest that, in large part due to reputational concerns, Russia is unlikely to cooperate in the synchronization process. Instead, our model predicts that Russia will not wait for the Baltic states to complete their synchronization with the European grid before disconnecting them from the BRELL system. Direct Russian cyberattacks against Baltic grids are not implemented and the Baltics do not have to make concessions, provided that Western allies signal a strong likelihood of deterrent retaliation. We offer policy recommendations for Europe, Russia and the Baltic states.Item Navigating a stable transition to the age of intelligence: A mental wealth perspective(Elsevier, 2024) Occhipinti, Jo-An; Prodan, Ante; Hynes, William; Eyre, Harris A.; Schulze, Alex; Ujdur, Goran; Tanner, MarcelIn the grand narrative of technological evolution, we are transitioning from the “Age of Information” to the “Age of Intelligence.” Rapid advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI) are set to reshape society, revolutionize industries, and change the nature of work, challenging our traditional understanding of the dynamics of the economy and its relationship with human productivity and societal prosperity. As we brace for this transformative shift, promising advancements in healthcare, education, productivity, and more, there are concerns of large-scale job loss, mental health repercussions, and risks to social stability and democracy. This paper proposes the concept of Mental Wealth as an action framework that supports nations to proactively position themselves for a smooth transition to the Age of Intelligence while fostering economic and societal prosperity.Item US state laws on medical freedom and investigational stem cell procedures: a call to focus on state-based legislation(Elsevier, 2024) Matthews, Kirstin R. W.; Lowe, Samantha J.; Master, ZubinThe premature marketing of investigational stem cell interventions (SCIs) is a growing market in the US. Several US states have passed legislation to permit and promote unproven and experimental SCIs for individuals with terminal or chronic diseases. These SCI medical freedom laws, which are largely based on right-to-try legislation, increase access to experimental SCIs with little to no oversight. They undermine federal regulatory authority and can compromise patient safety and informed decision-making. SCI medical freedom laws have gone largely unnoticed by scientific societies interested in the responsible translation of stem cell medicine. In this article, we analyze state SCI medical freedom laws and describe their detrimental impact on patients and society. We contend that scientific and medical societies are uniquely poised to advocate against state-based policy promoting unproven SCIs but recognize resource and other constraints to advocate for or against legislation in 50 states. We recommend societies establish coalitions and share resources to address state-based SCI medical freedom laws and other legislation surrounding unproven SCIs.Item The influence of economic policies on social environments and mental health(World Health Organization, 2024) Occhipinti, Jo-An; Skinner, Adam; Doraiswamy, P. Murali; Saxena, Shekhar; Eyre, Harris A.; Hynes, William; Geli, Patricia; Jeste, Dilip V.; Graham, Carol; Song, Christine; Prodan, Ante; Ujdur, Goran; Buchanan, John; Rosenberg, Sebastian; Crosland, Paul; Hickie, Ian B.Despite increased advocacy and investments in mental health systems globally, there has been limited progress in reducing mental disorder prevalence. In this paper, we argue that meaningful advancements in population mental health necessitate addressing the fundamental sources of shared distress. Using a systems perspective, economic structures and policies are identified as the potential cause of causes of mental ill-health. Neoliberal ideologies, prioritizing economic optimization and continuous growth, contribute to the promotion of individualism, job insecurity, increasing demands on workers, parental stress, social disconnection and a broad range of manifestations well-recognized to erode mental health. We emphasize the need for mental health researchers and advocates to increasingly engage with the economic policy discourse to draw attention to mental health and well-being implications. We call for a shift towards a well-being economy to better align commercial interests with collective well-being and social prosperity. The involvement of individuals with lived mental ill-health experiences, practitioners and researchers is needed to mobilize communities for change and influence economic policies to safeguard well-being. Additionally, we call for the establishment of national mental wealth observatories to inform coordinated health, social and economic policies and realize the transition to a more sustainable well-being economy that offers promise for progress on population mental health outcomes.Item Representing science: diversity on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology(Oxford University Press, 2024) Evans, Kenneth M.; Matthews, Kirstin R.W.; Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy ProgramFederal advisory committees related to science and technology are important mechanisms for connecting policy-makers with independent experts and the broader public. The balance of represented expertise and viewpoints shapes a committee’s intended advisory role, consensus building processes, and the quality and impact of its policy recommendations. This paper presents the first historical analysis of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and examines its changing balance of social and p rofessional perspectives from 1990 to 2023. We demonstrate that PCAST’s balance has shifted to be more inclusive of different social groups and professional backgrounds over time, particularly under President Biden. We conclude with recommendations for future WhiteHouse science policy advisory bodies to ensure they are adequately representative of the diversity of perspectives in the US research enterprise and the overall US population.Item The Perils of Complacency: America at a Tipping Point in Science & Engineering(American Academy of Arts & Sciences, 2020) American Academy of Arts & Sciences; Baker Institute for Public PolicyThis consensus report jointly published by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy examines current and historical challenges to America's leadership in scientific research and development and makes recommendations for improving the U.S. science, technology, and innovation policy.