Policy-making Activities Research Articles

Minor mining, major influence: Economic implications and policy challenges of artisanal gold mining

This study presents an in-depth analysis of the economic policies and implications surrounding artisanal gold mining, reframing the discussion from geographical specifics to a broader policy and economic context. Utilizing advanced geospatial data from the Landsat image collection through “Google Earth Engine,” the research evaluates the economic impact and policy challenges posed by artisanal gold mining over a period from 2011 to 2021. The approach combines change detection methodologies with machine learning to quantify the economic repercussions of land cover changes due to mining. The analysis reveals significant economic transformations, with an average of 2700 ha of land affected annually, culminating in around 48,000 ha over the decade, highlighting a critical period from 2013 to 2020. Importantly, the study identifies policy gaps, especially in the management of protected areas where approximately 800 ha of mining occurred. The findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions to mitigate the adverse economic and environmental impacts of unregulated mining. The study contributes to a broader understanding of the economic ramifications of artisanal mining and serves as a call to action for policymakers to address the challenges of sustainable mining practices and economic development.

State legislator views on funding 21st century Transportation:Important problems, missed connections

This paper asks how legislative elites—lawmakers serving on statehouse committees with jurisdiction over transportation and energy—set transportation policy and funding agendas and what factors matter for compelling lawmaker policy action or explaining inaction. The role of legislatures in federalist systems has broader implications for the setting of transportation policy agendas, but in this study, we focus on U.S. state legislatures. We report on five focus group discussions conducted with 23 legislative representatives from 19 different states to reveal untapped insights into committee members' perceptions and the factors that drive their attention to certain issues in contemporary U.S. transportation policy. We find that these state-level political elites almost universally see funding as the most important issue and recognize the sector's broad fiscal reliance on motor fuel taxes as structurally unsound, given growing vehicle fuel efficiency and electric vehicle adoption. We find further that, with respect to their own policymaking activities, state lawmakers understand transportation policy and energy transition as distinct issues and appear unable to meet these known challenges by crossing committees to redesign policy. We also see implications of these results more broadly for subnational and provincial governments that, regardless of country setting, must often work across multiple layers of government to set policy agendas in the context of an evolving energy and transportation landscape and that warrant greater attention from policy scholars.

Cost-Driven Assessment of Technologies’ Potential to Reach Climate Neutrality in Energy-Intensive Industries

Efforts towards climate neutrality in Europe must prioritise manufacturing industries, particularly the energy-intensive industry (EII) subsectors. This work proposes a novel approach to assessing transformation options for EII subsectors. At the center of this approach we position a potential analysis of technologies’ impact on subsector decarbonisation—an approach only known so far from the investigation of renewable energy potentials. These so-called technical climate neutrality potentials, supplemented by a set of indicators taking into account energy consumption, capital and operational expenditures, and GHG taxation programs per technology and subsector, enable cross-sector comparisons. The indicators allow the reader to compare the impact on GHG emission mitigation, energy demand, and cost for every considered technology. At the same time, we keep an open mind regarding combinations of technological solutions in the overall energy system. This ensures that the technology pathways with the greatest climate neutrality potential are easily identified. These focal points can subsequently serve in, e.g., narrative-driven scenario analyses to define comprehensive guides for action for policymakers. A case study of Austria for the proposed potential analysis demonstrates that bio-CH4 and electrolysis-derived H2 are the most economical green gases, but GHG certificate costs will be necessary for cost-competitiveness in high-temperature applications. Electrification offers advantages over conventional technologies and CO2-neutral gas alternatives in low-to-mid temperature ranges. Under the given assumptions, including GHG emission certificate costs of 250 EUR/t CO2, alternative technologies in the identified climate neutrality pathways can operate at total annual costs comparable to conventional fossil-based equivalents.

Low quality of maternal and child nutritional care at the primary care in Mexico: an urgent call to action for policymakers and stakeholders

BackgroundMaternal and child malnutrition represents a public health problem in Mexico Primary care (PC) is responsible for introducing women and children under five to the health system, detecting diseases on time, and providing medical services, including pharmacological treatment if necessary. Providing these services with quality is essential to improve maternal and child health. This study evaluated the quality of nutritional care during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, infancy, and preschool age at the PC health units across six Mexican states between 2020 and 2021.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with a mixed approach in units of the Secretary of Health to assess the quality of nutritional care during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, childhood, and preschool age. The level of quality was calculated by the percentage of compliance with 16 indicators that integrated a Quality Index of Maternal and Child Nutritional Care (ICANMI, by its Spanish acronym). Compliance by indicator, by life stage, and overall was categorized using the following cut-off points: poor quality (≤ 70%), insufficient quality (71-89%), and good quality (≥ 90%). The perceptions of the barriers and facilitators that affect maternal and child nutrition were evaluated through semi-structured interviews with health professionals (HP) and users. All qualitative instruments were developed with a gender and intercultural perspective.ResultsConsidering the whole sample studied, maternal and child nutritional care quality during the five life stages evaluated was bad (compliance: ≤12%), reflected in the ICANMI, which had a compliance of 8.3%. Principal barriers identified to providing high-quality nutritional care were the lack of knowledge and training of health professionals, shortages of equipment, medicine, personnel, and materials, the disappearance of the social cash transfer program Prospera, the absence of local indigenous language translators to support communication between doctor and patient, and the persistence of machismo and other practices of control over women.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the need for initiatives to improve the quality of nutritional care in PC facilities across Chihuahua, State of Mexico, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Yucatan. It is necessary for government and health authorities, along with various stakeholders, to collaboratively devise, implement, and assess intercultural and gender-oriented policies and programs geared towards ensuring the health infrastructure and enhancing the training of health professionals to diagnose and treat the prevalence and occurrence of diverse forms of malnutrition in both maternal and child populations.

Global nutrition challenges: A public health review of dietary risks and interventions

This public health review addresses the intricate challenges posed by global nutrition and examines the impact of dietary risks on the well-being of populations worldwide. In an era marked by diverse dietary patterns, the prevalence of both undernutrition and overnutrition presents a complex public health landscape. This paper encapsulates the key aspects explored in the comprehensive analysis, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions. The review delves into the multifaceted nature of global nutrition challenges, considering factors such as food insecurity, inadequate dietary diversity, and the rising prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases. Highlighting the interconnectedness of nutrition and public health, the document scrutinizes the disparities in nutritional outcomes across different regions, socioeconomic groups, and age categories. Moreover, the paper outlines evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing these challenges. These interventions encompass policy initiatives, community-based programs, and educational campaigns designed to promote healthier dietary choices. Special emphasis is placed on the role of stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and the food industry, in fostering a supportive environment for improved nutrition. The paper concludes by emphasizing the urgency of a concerted global effort to tackle nutrition challenges comprehensively. It underscores the significance of adopting a multifaceted approach that integrates preventive measures, policy changes, and community engagement to foster a sustainable and equitable impact on global nutrition. The insights presented in this review serve as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and public health advocates to collaborate in mitigating the adverse effects of dietary risks and building a healthier, more resilient global population.

Exploring Body Image Dissatisfaction and Psychiatric Co-morbidities in Rural India: A Comprehensive Review.

This comprehensive review examines the intricate landscape of body image dissatisfaction (BID) in rural India, shedding light on the multifaceted factors influencing individual perceptions and societal expectations. Delving into cultural nuances, economic disparities, and gender-specific experiences, the study highlights the pervasive nature of BID across diverse age groups. Unveiling the complex interplay between BID and psychiatric co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety, underscores the urgency of integrated mental health interventions. The review concludes with a resounding call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities. It advocates for culturally sensitive mental health policies, targeted healthcare training, and community-driven initiatives to foster environments conducive to positive body image and mental well-being. By acknowledging these challenges and committing to collaborative solutions, this review aims to contribute to developing comprehensive strategies that address BID in rural India and pave the way for healthier and more resilient communities.

Heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water: evaluating antibiotic resistance and the presence of virulence genes.

Heterotrophic bacteria, impacting those with infections or compromised immunity, pose heightened health risks when resistant to antibiotics. This study investigates heterotrophic plate count bacteria in water from North West-C (NWC) and North West-G (NWG) facilities, revealing prevalent β-hemolysis (NWC 82.5%, NWG 86.7%), enzyme production (98%), and antibiotic resistance, especially in NWC. NWG exhibits variations in hemolysin (P = 0.013), lipase (P = 0.009), and DNase activity (P = 0.006). Antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, persist throughout treatment, with high resistance to β-lactams and trimethoprim (47%-100%), predominantly in NWC. Multiple antibiotic resistance index indicates that 90% of values exceed 0.20, signifying isolates from high antibiotic usage sources. Whole genome sequencing reveals diverse antibiotic resistance genes in heterotrophic strains, emphasizing their prevalence and health risks in water.IMPORTANCEThis study's findings are a stark reminder of a significant health concern: our water sources harbor antibiotic-resistant heterotrophic bacteria, which can potentially cause illness, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying infections. Antibiotic resistance among these bacteria is deeply concerning, as it threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics, critical for treating various infections. Moreover, detecting virulence factors in a notable proportion of these bacteria highlights their elevated risk to public health. This research underscores the immediate need for enhanced water treatment processes, rigorous water quality monitoring, and the development of strategies to combat antibiotic resistance in the environment. Safeguarding the safety of our drinking water is imperative to protect public health and mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, making these findings a compelling call to action for policymakers and public health authorities alike.

Getting in Touch with the Out of Reach: Fieldwork Strategies in Research on Women and Politics (South-West of Nigeria)

Researching women’s political representation in legislative policymaking provides an interesting lens to understand women’s struggle for political inclusion. Factors which could impede a systematic study of this subject include limited access to politicians who often become almost invisible once they get elected to public office on the one hand, and poor record-keeping culture of legislative assemblies which could restrict the traceability of past events and transparency of the current decision-making process on the other hand. In this article, I analyse the study of three sub-national legislative assemblies in the South-West of Nigeria, namely: Ekiti State House of Assembly (EKSHA), Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) and Ogun State House of Assembly (OGSHA). I give an account of how both formal and informal entries helped facilitate the gathering of data for the understanding of women’s struggle for power and their legislative policymaking activities in Nigeria. I begin by presenting my positionality as a male graduate student from a working-class background researching gender/women issues and the implication of this situation on the type of data I generate. Thereafter, I provide insights into how I navigated these assemblies to gain access to these lawmakers by articulating the kind of information I had hoped to get and what I eventually got. Then, I discuss women’s struggle for political inclusion, agency and their activities in legislative policymaking. I conclude by reflecting on the complementary roles of both formal and informal entries and how they shaped and enhanced the data gathering process.

The Adaptation of Digital Health Solutions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hungary: A Scoping Review.

Before the pandemic, digital health was merely a potential alternative to established systems of healthcare provision in Hungary. The technology was available but there was no governmental strategy regarding digital health use and development. The legal framework for digital solutions in healthcare was fragmented. COVID-19 created conditions in which digital solutions became the most feasible form of healthcare provision. We present the legislative and policy-making activities of the Hungarian government during the pandemic aimed at enhancing the organised and systematic use of these technologies. The core method used in our research is a review of legislation using the principles and methods of a systematic literature review. We searched the National Legislation Database for digital health related legislation for the period January 31, 2020 - June 1, 2022. To provide the context for the analysis, other relevant documents were identified through desk research. Although established in 2017, the electronic health records (EHRs) were only widely used after the onset of the pandemic. Hungary used temporary state of emergency regulations to facilitate an increase in the number of teleconsultations. Our search identified 7 pieces of legislation that enabled healthcare providers to put digital solutions to instant use. They defined the conditions healthcare providers must meet for teleconsultations, set what interventions may be done, what can be reimbursed and dealt with security issues. The National Health Informatics Strategy of July 2021 is complex but mainly deals with technical issues. The three basic principles of the strategy are people centeredness, digital transformation and integrated care. Hungarian digital health solutions and policies fare well in international comparison. This is due to the intensive legislative activity of the pandemic period. The National Health Informatics Strategy ensures that the digital health solutions implemented during the pandemic outlive COVID-19.

Determining the Changing Irrigation Demands of Maize Production in the Cukurova Plain under Climate Change Scenarios with the CROPWAT Model

This study delves into the critical issue of climate change and its impact on maize cultivation, focusing on irrigation water requirements (IWR) and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) values over three distinct time periods: 1971–2000 (RF), 2025–2054 (P1), and 2069–2098 (P2), under the climate scenarios of RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in the AR5 of the IPCC via the CROPWAT model. The research reveals significant increases in mean temperatures, particularly during summers, in both scenarios, signifying the substantial influence of climate change on the Cukurova Region’s climate. Daily average evapotranspiration (ETo) values for the study periods demonstrate noteworthy increases, with the most pronounced rise observed in July for P2 under RCP8.5, emphasizing the seasonality and magnitude of the change. Moreover, the study underscores a consistent escalation in irrigation water requirements from RF to P2 periods for both scenarios, highlighting the pressing need for water resource management strategies in agriculture. Under RCP4.5, the study found that average simulated ETc increased by 9.2% for P1 and 11.7% for P2 compared to the RF period. In the harsher RCP8.5 scenario, ETc values displayed a substantial 20.0% increase for P2 and exhibited a wide range of variation across the study periods. In the light of these escalating climate change impacts, this study underscores the imperative of understanding and addressing the challenges encountered in maize cultivation. The findings emphasize the consistent rise in temperature and irrigation demands, underscoring the necessity for proactive adaptive strategies to ensure the sustainability of agricultural practices and long-term food security. As climate change continues to exert its influence, this research serves as a call to action for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and researchers to prioritize adaptation efforts to safeguard the future of maize production and the global food supply.

Preface

Urban and regional planning is closely related to spatial analysis to be able to fully describe changes in the physical conditions of the earth’s surface in the planning area. Rapid population growth, urban expansion, and various changes as a form of anthropogenic processes make it necessary for planners to develop spatial analysis tools. It gives rise to connections and discussions between sciences and multi-disciplines such as spatial planning, geography, geomatics, and various scientific disciplines that utilize spatial analysis.In the last decade, the development of spatial analysis for urban and regional planning, especially applied geomatics, has been very rapid during the pandemic. The pandemic has forced people to be able to use tools that can analyze scientific phenomena without having to come into contact with the planning object. Furthermore, spatial big data technologies, location-based API, and open data mobility continue to develop during the pandemic. The development of this technology makes it easier to improve urban services, so it is the beginning of a historical milestone for the emergence of smart city ideas and concepts, especially in Indonesia.Seeing the importance of exchanging ideas and thoughts regarding geomatics technology such as GIS and Remote Sensing to support the smart city concept, it is necessary to hold the 5th Geoplanning-International Conference of Geomatics and Planning with the main topic “GIS and Remote Sensing Applications for Smart City and Regional Development in the Post-Pandemic Era.” To detail the discussion, we invited experts such as Prof. Josaphat Tetuko, Ph.D. (Chiba University, Japan), Dr. Soheil Sabri (University of Orlando, USA), Dr. Khayrul Hisyam (University of Technology Malaysia, Malaysia), and Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Imam Buchori (Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia). They will enrich the ideas for developing spatial analysis with GIS and Remote sensing in the post-pandemic era.With this seminar, policies will emerge specifically to initiate post-pandemic future steps in using geomatics applications in spatial analysis. This seminar is an essential step for communication and expanding international networks so that the development of spatial analysis tools and methods can be more comprehensive and synergize various aspects of development. Apart from academic development needs, this step also supports the activities of practitioners and policymakers so that the results of this seminar can enrich the concept of decision-support systems and development policies.For that reason, this seminar will become a forum for effective communication from academics, practitioners, and policy-making actors. We would also like to thank the Organizing Committee and all parties who supported the realization of this seminar. Firstly, for Universitas Diponegoro through World Class University Program and our primary partner, the Regional Research and Innovation Agency of Central Java province (BRIDA) who contributed significantly to the seminar. Furthermore, we would also like to express our thanks to the sponsors who have helped us, such as Podomoro University, PT INDIS (Spatial Digital Innovation), IAP Central Java Chapter, Geomatics and Planning Laboratory, and the Cluster Members of Geomatics Application for Sustainable Development (CEGAS). Hopefully, this seminar will bridge knowledge in applied spatial analysis, GIS, and Remote Sensing from various parts of the world.Kindly Regards,Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anang Wahyu SejatiThe Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 5th Geoplanning International ConferenceList of Conference Committees are available in the pdf.

Nano or Na-No? Ukraine’s crisis of opportunity in nanotechnology education

This opinion piece delves into the intricate challenges facing higher education in nanotechnology, particularly in Ukraine, a country currently embroiled in geopolitical unrest. Through a reflective lens, the article examines the complexities of preparing graduates for an uncertain job market while also considering the pressing national imperatives that demand specialized expertise. Beyond the Ukrainian context, the article escalates the discussion to a global scale, calling for an immediate yet thoughtful reassessment of how we approach specialized education in a rapidly changing world. The piece confronts uncomfortable questions and proposes calls to action for policymakers, educators, and the global community. By framing Ukraine’s struggle as indicative of a broader global challenge, it aims to catalyze meaningful discussions and reforms in how specialized higher education is approached and implemented worldwide.

Socio-behavioral assessment of household solid waste management: The case of Barangay Calicanto, Philippines

The cycle of waste generation, segregation, disposal, and recovery is highly dependent on varying human activities and their awareness towards solid waste management (SWM). This study presents the first reported socio-behavioral assessment focusing on the households in a city in the Philippines to bridge the intention-action gap of SWM stakeholders by imploring socio-behavioral change communication activities through the trials of improved practices (TIPs). Findings reveal the significant contribution of women in household waste management responsibilities, highlighting their active participation in SWM initiatives. Analysis of short-term and long-term committed and accomplished actions demonstrated the willingness of the households to adopt sustainable waste management practices. Collective action of policymakers, waste management authorities, and stakeholders should consider the dynamics within households including their financial capacities, provide education and support, develop waste management infrastructures and systems, and create conducive conditions for behavioral change.

Investigating and stimulating sustainable dairy consumption behavior: An exploratory study in Vietnam

Responsible consumption and production patterns have been defined as a stand-alone Sustainable Development Goal, hence ensuring its achievement sits high on national and international policy agendas. Getting a better understanding of food consumer behavior towards sustainable patterns could help achieve this goal. This study aims to address this issue by exploring drivers and barriers to sustainable dairy consumption in Vietnam. It also identifies potential policy interventions that could promote more sustainable dairy consumption. To achieve these, the research carried out five focus groups and adopted the Capability–Opportunity–Motivation Behavior model and the Behavior Change Wheel. The analysis explores 32 drivers and 14 barriers influencing sustainable dairy consumption behavior. Health, brand and product quality, family, and promotion are the most prominent drivers, while price, habits, and taste are the most prominent barriers. The findings show that though the awareness and level of sustainable dairy consumption are still low, there is a positive trend toward sustainable dairy consumption in Vietnam. The study also identifies several intervention actions for policymakers, firm managers, and other supply chain decision-makers. These are related to building capability, increasing motivation, and promoting opportunities. Vietnam's results are similar to the findings of other research conducted in Europe, hence reinforcing the existing literature on sustainable food consumption. While consolidating the current state of the art, the study is particularly relevant to decision-makers and practitioners in Vietnam in achieving food sustainability policy goals.

Implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention policies: The study in Bali Province, Indonesia

This paper presents an overview of the policies and efforts of the Provincial Government of Bali, Indonesia, to tackle the development of HIV/AIDS. This study considers the socio-cultural context and analyzes the factors that are most likely to influence its spread, the response of the community, and the local government’s efforts to form Provincial AIDS commission whose movement is supported by the village government and the community to suppress the spread of HIV/AIDS. The authors observe the micro factors that most determine this program, such as attitudes, behaviors, and desires of policy-making actors, stakeholders, implementing organizations, adequacy of human resources, financial funds, information, education, communication, advocacy, regional languages, the role of students, and field workers, and local culture in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this research does not focus on just one dimension in efforts to deal with this outbreak. Following the application of the public policy theory, all potential contributing elements must be addressed simultaneously. This requires a truly interdisciplinary and multisectoral approach that requires to be comprehended by policymakers in other provinces where the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is quite high. This effort also requires commitment and strong political will from levels of government.

Prediction of high-risk bus drivers characterized by aggressive driving behavior

Identification of driving behavior is a fundamental to developing effective treatments to address various traffic-related problems. In particular, the driving behavior of city bus drivers is of great interest because the crash severity can become much higher than any other vehicle types due to the larger number of passengers on board. However, there is a lack of effective policy preparation to prevent crashes because of limitations associated with identifying intrinsic factors underlying the cause of traffic crashes based on driving behavior analysis. This study aims to develop a methodology to predict high-risk bus drivers, which can be a baseline in establishing effective bus safety policies. An in-depth questionnaire survey was conducted to collect wellness data to represent intrinsic characteristics used for inputs of the proposed prediction methodology in addition to the aggressive driving behavior data obtained from in-vehicle data recorders. Bus drivers were classified into two groups, normal drivers and risky drivers, based on aggressive driving behavior. The priority of intrinsic factors was determined by a gradient boosting method and further utilized to derive input features of the proposed method. Deep-learning-based neural network models were evaluated to predict risky bus drivers in this study. A model with variables up to 11th priority as inputs was selected as the best model. A classification accuracy of 85% was achievable with the proposed model. The outcome of this study would be valuable in supporting policymaking activities to prevent aggressive driving behavior.

Integrating equity frameworks into surgical quality improvement and health administrative databases: A narrative review

Ensuring safe, timely, and effective surgery is critical for high-quality healthcare and is the goal of surgical quality monitoring systems. At the heart of these systems are health administrative databases which house patient clinico-demographic information, healthcare processes and outcomes. Through analysis of monitoring systems outputs, we can identify gaps within healthcare delivery, patient experience, and surgical outcomes. However, gaps in our healthcare can only be measured by the variables we collect.Equity stratifiers are sociodemographic descriptors that can identify patient populations who experience differences in health and healthcare that may be considered unjust or unfair. They include age, education, gender, geographic location, income, Indigenous identity, racialized group, and sex at birth. These equity stratifiers represent measurable components of the social determinants of health housed within health administrative databases and allow for standardized analysis and reporting of health inequity. However, not all databases collect these stratifiers – making granular analysis of patient subgroups who may experience health inequity impossible to measure. Moreover, in databases that do collect this information, a wide range in the classification systems used makes for comparisons across jurisdictions challenging.The focus of this narrative review will be to apply the principles of the equity stratifier framework to examine what measures are collected in surgical quality improvement databases, cancer monitoring systems and provincial/state health administrative databases in the United States of America and Canada. The goal of this narrative review is to 1) inform researchers, surgeons, and policymakers of the current landscape of social variables collected within common health administrative databases. 2) Outline the pros and cons of the current collection system. 3) Issue a call to action for policymakers to incorporate health equity frameworks into the collection and reporting of data.

Site suitability analysis for sanitary landfills using geospatial methods in a part of southern Peninsular Malaysia.

Globally, around 1.3 billion tonnes of waste are generated annually, and solid waste management has thus become a major concern worldwide. There are projections of a 70% increase in waste generation from 2016 to 2050 owing to urbanization and the rapid growth of the global population. Estimates indicate that around 38,200 tonnes of waste are generated per day in Malaysia, and this volume of waste is significantly shortening the planned life spans of operating sanitary landfills in the country. Batu Pahat is a district in the state of Johor, Malaysia, with a relatively large population of 495,000 and with no record of an operational sanitary landfill. This study was conducted to identify and classify the most suitable sites for sanitary landfill developments in southern Peninsular Malaysia by means of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is recognized as a competent technique for multicriteria decision-making. The resulting landfill site suitability index map established 33.88 km2 of area coverage as very highly suitable for landfill development, while 353.86 km2 of area coverage was classified as unsuitable. Sites 1-6 were identified as the most suitable for landfill activities. Sites 1-5 are situated in agricultural land areas, while site 6 is in a forested land area; this implies public participation and the adoption of compensatory measures in the event of landfill development in these areas, given their socioeconomic importance. The six suitable sites are all at least 2000m from rivers: 2000-3000m for sites 1, 3, and 5 and > 3000m for sites 2, 4, and 6. The six sites are all > 3000m from fault zones and > 1000m from flood-prone areas, meaning that occurrences such as fault movements and flooding will have minimal impact on the operational activities of landfills at these sites. The selection of sites 1-6 as very suitable for landfill development was associated with an overall accuracy rating of 93.33% and kappa coefficient score of 0.92 based on accuracy assessment analysis of all sites. This study will guide the actions of policymakers, city planners, and local authorities toward sustainable and environment-friendly landfill development and operation in Batu Pahat and other districts in the state of Johor.

Societal Interest in The Policy Making Process: Study of Singapore’s Political Institutions Under Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

This study will discuss the mainstreaming of public interest in economic policy making under the government of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). Policy making, especially in making political-economic policies, is very unified and interesting, namely the public choice method, where the government or policy-making actors collect ideas that are used as national and international political economy policies based on the interests of the community through interaction with the political institutions of the People’s Action Party as a party that has been in power in Singapore since 1959. Multiracial political policies provide a change in perspective on the differences between the minority and the majority in making economic policies that tend to have no differences or barriers. The method used in this detailed study uses a systematic literature review. This research uses descriptive qualitative research method. The results show that the mainstreaming of public interest in Singapore’s economic policy making has a positive impact on the Singaporean economy. Significant economic growth is supported by the development of good public education. Keywords: Society Interest; Political Institution; Economic Policy; People’s Action Party

STATUS OF CLIMATE VULNERABILLIES, HUMAN RESPONCIBILLIES AND CHALLENGES

As global climate change continues to manifest in various forms, the urgency to comprehensively assess its implications for human societies is paramount. This article presents a thorough examination of climate vulnerabilities and their imminent consequences, highlighting the critical role of human responsibility in addressing these challenges. The study synthesizes a wide range of empirical evidence and expert insights to provide an integrated assessment of the multifaceted impacts of climate change on various sectors, including ecosystems, health, agriculture, migration, and socio-economic equity. Drawing from a substantial body of literature, including reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other reputable sources, this article underscores the complexity and interconnectedness of climate vulnerabilities. It delves into the consequences of rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events on ecosystems and biodiversity, underscoring the pressing need for conservation efforts. It’s elucidates the pronounced impacts of climate change on human health, infectious diseases, and food security, emphasizing the importance of adaptive strategies and policy interventions. The article also examines the intricate relationship between climate change and human migration, exploring how environmental stressors amplify societal vulnerabilities and raise ethical considerations. In sum, this article provides a comprehensive assessment of climate vulnerabilities and emphasizes the shared responsibility of human society in tackling these challenges. By recognizing the intricate web of consequences that climate change presents, this study serves as a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and individuals alike, urging coordinated efforts to safeguard our planet’s future.