Adjustment Policies Research Articles

Construction of Long-Term Grid-Scale Decoupling Model: A Case Study of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region

Against the backdrop of rapid global economic development, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, a pivotal economic hub and environmentally sensitive area in China, faces significant challenges in sustaining its landscape ecosystem. Given the region’s strategic importance and vulnerability to environmental pressures, this study investigated the intricate relationships between landscape ecological risk, urban expansion, and economic growth (EG) in the BTH region. Utilizing the landscape as the focal point, we constructed a decoupling model at the grid scale to explore the decoupling relationship between the landscape ecological risk index (ERI), construction area growth (CAG), and EG. The results showed that (1) distinct stages and regional disparities were observed in the trends of ERI, CAG, and EG within the BTH region. The hot and cold spot patterns for these factors did not align consistently. (2) From 1995 to 2019, the coupling relationship between ERI, CAG, and EG in the BTH region underwent a fluctuating transition, initially moving from an undesirable state to an ideal state, and subsequently reverting to an undesirable state. Although the overall trends in these relationships showed some convergence, there were notable spatial distribution differences. (3) The spatial heterogeneity of the two decoupling relationships in the BTH region was relatively poor. Further analysis revealed that the evolution of these decoupling relationships was closely intertwined with regional policy shifts and adjustments.

How the Soybean Producer Subsidy Policy affects crop planting structure: evidence from Chinese county-level data

PurposeThe Soybean Producer Subsidy Policy (SPSP), an agricultural support policy enacted in China within the past few years, is designed to optimise crop planting structure. This study analyses the impact of SPSP on the crop planting structure in terms of absolute and comparative incomes and elucidates the mechanisms involved.Design/methodology/approachUtilising balanced county-level panel data from 966 counties in China’s major soybean-producing regions, spanning from 2008 to 2021, we investigate the impacts of SPSP on crop planting structure by applying a difference-in-difference (DID) model.FindingsThe findings reveal several crucial insights. First, SPSP optimises the crop planting structure in Northeast China, primarily through an expansion in the area sown to soybeans and a simultaneous reduction in the area sown to maize. Second, the impacts of SPSP gradually strengthen over time but begin to weaken by 2021. Third, heterogeneity analysis indicates that the effects of SPSP are most pronounced in Eastern Inner Mongolia, followed by Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning. Finally, SPSP incentivises farmers to expand soybean sown areas by improving absolute rather than comparative incomes from soybean cultivation.Practical implicationsAddressing structural contradictions within China’s food supply chain necessitates the adjustment of support policies for different crops to mitigate market distortions. Establishing a holistic agricultural support system encompassing various crops could promote sustainable agricultural practices in the future.Originality/valueOur findings are valuable for policy makers in China and globally who aim to establish support systems for regional linkages that include a variety of crops.

The Public and Private Dimensions of Chinese Women's Bodies—From Reproductive Policies to Bodily

This study examines the impact of China’s evolving reproductive policies and the recently implemented "cooling-off period" for divorce, underscoring how these shifts implicitly discipline women’s reproductive and marital autonomy. Despite the transition from the "One-Child Policy" to the "Three-Child Policy" appearing to offer increased reproductive choice, women’s decisions are still heavily influenced by family expectations, including pressure to bear male children, the demands of multiple births, and constraints on birthing choices. Such interventions not only intensify psychological pressures but also contribute to social issues like postpartum depression, suicide, and marital instability. By analyzing policies and relevant data, this paper reveals the combined influence of state and family on women’s reproductive behaviors and explores approaches to balance competing interests among the state, family, and individuals. Key recommendations include strengthening legal protections, expanding social support systems, and promoting cultural change to respect women’s autonomy over their reproductive choices. The broader implications of these policy adjustments emphasize the critical role of reproductive autonomy in achieving gender equality and sustaining social development. This issue transcends national borders, positioning it within the broader global movement for gender autonomy.

Analysing Food Safety Compliance in Toronto: Identifying Current Hazards and Challenge

Abstract. This research conducts an in-depth investigation into the current state of food safety compliance in Toronto, thoroughly examining the present condition of food safety in the city. By utilizing a comprehensive dataset that includes a wide variety of dining establishments and their respective inspection results, the study employs advanced statistical methods for both analysis and visualization. These methods include the development of logistic regression models to identify significant patterns and trends. The goal is to highlight areas that require immediate attention or policy adjustments through a detailed examination of inspection reports, types of violations, violation frequencies, inspection dates, and the nature of the violations. Finally, the findings of the study strongly suggest that the government should increase the frequency of inspections, particularly during certain seasons, across various types of food businesses, and for specific types of violations, to enhance local food safety and protect the health of every Toronto resident.

Does morphological polycentric spatial structure improve subjective well-being? – Evidence from China based on the moderating perspective of the urban-rural income inequality

This paper reveals the mechanisms by which the spatial structure of morphological polycentricity (MP) affects the subjective well-being (SWB) in China, focusing on the distribution of economic activities. Using panel data for 21 provinces in China from 2010 to 2020, we compare the effects of dynamic MP, measured using nighttime light data, and static MP, measured using demographic data, on SWB. Our findings reveal that, as regional economic benefits enhance and megacities form, the adjustment of MP spatial policy becomes increasingly significant in improving SWB. Notably, dynamic changes in MP exhibit a more pronounced effect on the satisfaction and confidence aspects of SWB. Moreover, increased urban-rural income inequality moderates this relationship, diminishing the positive impact of MP on SWB among rural households. Regional analysis indicates that in economically advancing areas and emerging megacities, adjustments in MP spatial policy are increasingly crucial for improving SWB. Central regions experiencing economic growth exhibit a greater need to balance economic agglomeration with population dispersion to optimize well-being outcomes. The empirical evidence provided suggests the potential benefits of adopting harmonized development strategies and indicates that incorporating the socio-economic context into spatial planning may contribute to the optimization of well-being.

Modeling the co-adoption dynamics of PV and heat pumps in Swiss residential buildings: Implications for policy and sustainability goals

The Swiss energy system is facing a paradigm shift as it strives to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, as well as phase out nuclear electricity production. This entails significant changes in the country’s energy landscape, including increased adoption of renewable energy technologies in the residential sector. To facilitate informed decision-making and planning by policymakers, this study introduces a system-dynamics model for the long-term adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) and heat pump (HP) technologies in Swiss residential buildings. Unlike conventional approaches, this framework considers the feedback loops and correlations between PV and HP adoption, while also accounting for building heterogeneity. Through scenario analyses, the model evaluates the impact of regulatory and financial policy interventions on the transition of the residential energy system. The results highlight the significant influence of policy measures on technology deployment rates, energy demand, and greenhouse gas emissions. They demonstrate that slight adjustments in current policy and regulatory framework could allow to safely reach PV deployment targets, but strong modifications are necessary to completely decarbonize the residential sector. This study contributes to advancing our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping residential energy transitions and offers valuable insights to support the formulation and implementation of effective energy strategies.

From legislation to actual health service: evaluation of health provisions in the disability law of Ghana by adolescents with mobility and visual impairments and their families

BackgroundDespite Ghana’s Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) making provisions for access to healthcare services for adolescents with disabilities and their families, a corpus of literature has reported that persons with disabilities continue to face challenges in accessing healthcare services. However, the voices of adolescents with disabilities and their families are very scarce in such discourse. This study explored the experiences of adolescents with disabilities and their families in accessing healthcare services as per the provisions described in Ghana’s Act 715.MethodsThis study involved 45 participants, including 25 adolescents with disabilities and 20 family members from a municipality in Ghana. Employing a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted which was then analyzed thematically and interpreted using Critical Disability Theory.ResultsThe study identified two major categories of barriers to healthcare access: environmental (socio-economic difficulties, poor built environment, unavailability of rehabilitation services) and systemic (cultural beliefs, poor support at healthcare facilities and inadequate healthcare legislative provisions for families of children with disabilities). Despite legal provisions for free healthcare, participants faced significant financial barriers, with specialist services often not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.ConclusionsThe study calls for policy adjustments to fully cover specialist care under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme, establishment of local-level health assessment and resource centers, educational campaigns to change cultural perceptions, and training of healthcare workers to promote quality access to healthcare.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Structural Market Changes on the Greek Stock Market: An Empirical Analysis

This study examines the dual impact of COVID-19 and structural market changes on the Greek stock market, specifically the Athens stock exchange (ASE). Quantitative data analysis, granger causality models, and Hsiao’s approach to granger causality were employed to investigate the causalities between COVID-19 pandemic measures and ASE returns. Our findings reveal that pandemic-related variables, including lockdown measures and mobility restrictions, significantly negatively affected the ASE by disrupting economic activities and diminishing investor confidence. Conversely, the study also highlights the positive impact of monetary policy interest rates on the market, which helped stabilize the financial environment by lowering borrowing costs and stimulating investment. These results underscore the intricate dynamics between crisis-induced restrictions and monetary policy adjustments, offering valuable insights for policymakers and investors navigating economic uncertainties.

The Impact and Guarantee of Policy Changes to Migrant Children on Educational Equity in Guangzhou

In 2018, Guangzhou announced that it would adjust the policy on the advancement of the high school entrance examination in other places in 2021 and relax the restrictions on the advancement of children who have migrated with their parents to Guangzhou. It is of great significance to the migrant children who are educated in Guangzhou and take the Guangzhou high school entrance examination. However, there is a lack of adequate investigation into the impact of this change on the migrant children as individuals. This study will conduct interviews with a certain number of samples based on the method of qualitative research, taking Guangzhou as the scale, to explore the subjective feelings of the migrant children about the policy changes, and analyze the impact of the policy relaxation on the academic performance of the migrant children based on their personal family background and school experience. The results show that the relaxation of the policy has a positive and encouraging effect on the academic performance which is not only beneficial to the migrant children, but also ensures a certain degree of educational equity, and also has certain reference significance for the adjustment of education policy.

Self-determination and self-affirmative paths of trans* and gender diverse people in Portugal: Diverse identities and healthcare

Abstract Background Trans* and gender diverse (TGD) people are very heterogeneous. While legal contexts and healthcare practices have been growingly endorsing self-determination and consent for gender affirmative care in some countries, gender affirmation trajectories need to be understood as unique and fluid processes, constructed and negotiated by each individual in a given social and cultural context. This study aimed to characterize diverse profiles of TGD people in Portugal, regarding individual choices and trajectories in social, legal, and medical gender affirmative processes. Methods A questionnaire, first developed in France and used in Brazil, Italy, Norway, and Chile, was adapted to the Portuguese context. The conducted survey is comprised of 120 questions, organized into six sections: 1) sociodemographic variables; 2) gender affirmation processes and medical and psychological care; 3) general health and sexual health; 4) mental health; 5) sexuality and sexual concerns; 6) experiences of discrimination and gender identity. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 115 adults who identified as TGD. Content analysis was performed on the written responses, and later categorized. Results Approximately 21% of people identified as men, 17% as trans men, 7% as women, 12% as trans women, 26% as non-binary persons, and 17% as agender or other identifications. Differences were calculated among profiles of TGD participants and their choices for affirmative care, social, and legal transition, revealing an association between the way people self-identify and the request for legal recognition of gender identity, as well as the choices of procedures (or aspirations) for medical affirmation (i.e., hormonal treatments, top surgery, bottom surgery). Conclusions The provision of health care practices consistent with the principles of self-determination requires training of health care professionals and adjustment of public policies, to allow for unique trajectories and profiles.

1.L. Scientific session: Public Health data in support of healthy ageing policies

Abstract As Europe grapples with an ageing population, the imperative of health policies that promote healthy ageing is increasingly critical. This workshop aims to explore the significant role of public health data in shaping and supporting such policies. By integrating insights from administrative records to sophisticated research infrastructures, we will highlight the multifaceted uses of data in public health, particularly in the realms of non-communicable diseases and health-related behaviours in older populations. The session will open by examining how administrative records have been utilised within Lombardy’s regional health system to understand the epidemiology and access to care for people living with dementia. The discussion will then cover the advantages and challenges associated with integrating health data from diverse sources, emphasising the importance of quality, privacy, and the potential for real-time surveillance and response systems in healthcare. Following this, the focus will shift to the determinants of good health among older adults, presenting findings from a comprehensive cross-sectional study that identifies key factors contributing to what can be termed as “superhero” health status: seniors who maintain excellent physical and mental health. This analysis will delve into socioeconomic, behavioural, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes in the elderly, providing evidence-based recommendations for public health interventions and highlighting the potentialities of ad hoc surveys in examining health outcomes during emergencies. Thirdly, the workshop will also address the impact of significant life transitions on health behaviours, specifically the transition to retirement and its effects on alcohol consumption. Leveraging longitudinal data from a pan-European multidisciplinary research infrastructure, it will be demonstrated how retirement affects daily habits and lifestyles, including changes in alcohol consumption patterns. This segment will explore the implications of these findings for public health planning and policy formulation. In conclusion, there will be a discussion about healthcare system policies that support healthy ageing and the global impact of ageing on economics and health economics. These discussions will draw from the presented data sources and studies to suggest ways in which public health policies can be designed to reduce disparities and improve overall health outcomes among the elderly. This workshop is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of how data-driven insights can inform effective public health strategies and interventions to support an ageing society. By exploring various aspects of health data application, from individual behaviour to systemic policy adjustments, the session aims to highlight the critical role of data in promoting sustainable health and well-being in older adults, especially in the context of increasing life expectancy and prolonged retirement periods. Key messages • Harnessing data from diverse sources is crucial for understanding and enhancing healthy ageing processes. • Utilising longitudinal studies and robust data to design informed public health policies is essential for effective ageing interventions.

Regional energy consumption policy practice to promote low-carbon economy

IntroductionEnergy is the fundamental driving force for world economic and social development. However, the growth of carbon dioxide emissions and increasing environmental challenges are becoming increasingly problematic, limiting the pace of economic development.MethodsTo optimize the energy consumption structure and promote the development of low-carbon economy, this study took Shaanxi Province as an example to analyze the impact of low-carbon economy policy variables on the energy consumption structure dominated by coal. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of policy variables on the evolution of energy consumption structure by constructing a system dynamics model. In addition, this study will explore policy optimization issues.ResultsThe error of simulation results was within ±10%. The consumption of non-fossil energy increased from 2,196,400 tons of standard coal in 2009 to 22.578 million tons in 2030, which is in line with the development trend. Under these four policy combinations, the share of coal will fall to 57.8 percent by 2030. In addition, the share of non-fossil energy sources will increase to 21 percent and the share of natural gas will reach 16 percent.DiscussionThe policy suggestions put forward in this paper are of great significance to the optimization of energy structure led by coal. The model constructed can be effectively applied to practical policy simulation and adjustment, and can provide reference for the development of low-carbon economic policies in other regions.

COVID-19 and South Asia: an overview

The article explores the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its severe effects on health systems, economies, and poverty levels. With an estimated 6.9 million deaths worldwide and the deepest recession since World War II, the pandemic had diverse regional impacts. South Asia, for example, experienced varying degrees of health and economic challenges; India faced over 500,000 deaths and a sharp economic downturn, while other nations in the region were less severely affected. The pandemic’s relatively brief duration, aided by global responses like lockdowns, social distancing, and rapid vaccine distribution, facilitated a quicker economic recovery, bolstered by unprecedented counter-cyclical policies. The article also examines South Asian case studies, including regional trade integration, the economic benefits of vaccination, and the socio-economic impacts on women in Bangladesh. It further discusses Pakistan’s response, Sri Lanka’s populist policies, and Indonesia’s monetary policy adjustments, offering valuable lessons for managing global health crises and economic downturns.

Trends in Medicare Utilization and Reimbursement for Traumatic Brain Injury: 2003–2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health issue among Medicare beneficiaries, with many specialties reporting consistent annual decreases in utilization and reimbursement. This study investigates the trends in Medicare utilization and rates of reimbursement for neurosurgical procedures related to TBI from 2003 to 2021, aiming to provide insights into the economic aspects of TBI care. Utilizing the Medicare Part B National Summary Data files, we analyzed 14 neurosurgical procedures over the 18-year period, assessing the changes in procedural volume and mean reimbursement per procedure, adjusted for inflation to the 2021 USD using the Consumer Price Index. From 2003 to 2021, TBI-related neurosurgical interventions showed a total percent change of −15.39% in procedural volume and −3.11% in inflation-adjusted mean reimbursement per procedure. Linear regression analyses indicated a significant downward trend in the overall procedural volume (p < 0.001) but no significant trend in the inflation-adjusted mean reimbursement rates (p = 0.585). Subgroup analyses did not reveal significant changes in the reimbursement rates for decompressive craniotomy/craniectomy, cranioplasty, intracranial pressure management, and traumatic fracture/penetration procedures. Our study indicates a significant decrease in neurosurgical TBI procedural volumes, while reimbursement rates remained stable when adjusted for inflation, highlighting the need for policy adjustments to ensure adequate resources for TBI care.

Modeling of methane emissions from waste disposal sites at selected Egyptian governorates and potential energy production from waste-to-energy projects

Waste and energy sectors have significant contributions to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused primarily by the population expansion. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) is introduced to address the issue raised by both sectors simultaneously through utilization of the potential energy stored in municipal solid waste (MSW) as well as offsetting GHG emissions. Limited research have been conducted in Egypt to assess the current situation of MSW management and associated methane emissions. The current study focused on estimating the baseline methane emissions for six Egyptian governorates and determining the energy production potential from WtE projects. To achieve this aim, three scenarios have been assessed: Baseline, Landfill Gas to Energy (LFGE), and Incineration scenarios. Key results revealed that a total of 3.7 million tonnes of methane would be emitted from all studied governorates generated over 50 years. Incineration also found to be more favorable in all governorates in terms of energy production, quantity of avoided GHG emissions, and in terms of economic viability over LFGE. Implementing incineration in all governorates would generate about 5.6 TWh energy annually and could avoid about 5 Mt CO2 eq annually in comparison to LFGE that would generate about 0.6 TWh annually and could avoid about 2.5 Mt CO2 eq annually. In terms of economic viability of WtE projects, while they were generally not economically viable under the assumptions made in the current study, incineration technology deemed promising, but policy adjustments, such as competitive Feed-in Tariff (FiT) rates and the inclusion of gate fees, are necessary. Specific minimum gate fees and FiT were identified for each governorate, providing essential guidance for decision makers to ensure the viability of WtE implementation. This study would support the decision makers in assessing technically and financially feasible options for WtE technologies in the selected governorates.

Road through a broken place: the BRI in post-coup Myanmar

In the wake of the 2021 coup, Myanmar experienced a renewed civil war that has fragmented the country along a myriad of old and new conflict lines. Despite the high-intensity violence across many regions of the country, China is still pursuing an ambitious connectivity project under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) is meant to connect Myanmar to the Chinese market and boost Myanmar’s industrial development. However, the challenging post-coup environment has required significant changes in China’s approach to local infrastructure development and empowered a new set of subnational actors on both sides of the border. This article analyzes how CMEC has fared since the coup, and how the fragmentation of Myanmar has gone hand in hand with that of Chinese agency in the country. Contrary to prevailing descriptions of the BRI as a coherent, strategic, and top-down project, we argue that the case of Myanmar exposes the degree to which it is shaped by local interests and circumstances, and the limits of centralized BRI implementation. Finally, it is likely that adjustments in Chinese policy triggered by the situation in Myanmar will have more long-term consequences for the future of the BRI, specifically a more direct involvement in local security efforts and greater engagement with local authorities beyond the central government.

Female-led teams produce more innovative ideas yet receive less scientific impact

Abstract Despite longstanding concerns about gender bias in science, there remains a lack of understanding regarding the performance of female scientists as team leaders compared to their male counterparts. This study explores differences between female-led and male-led teams in terms of scientific impact, novelty, and disruption, utilizing a comprehensive dataset of journal articles spanning from 1980 to 2016 across STEM fields. We employed Coarsened Exact Matching (CEM) to match female and male scientists based on their characteristics. Subsequently, we applied multivariable logistic regression models to compare the outcomes of journal articles produced by female-led and male-led teams. Our analysis reveals that female-led teams generate more novel and disruptive ideas. However, they tend to produce articles with fewer scientific impact compared to their male-led counterparts. This suggests a systemic undervaluation of the contributions of female scientists. Further analysis indicates that this gender bias intensifies in later career stages and with larger team sizes. Additionally, significant field-specific heterogeneity is observed, with the most pronounced bias found in Biology and Medicine. These findings highlight the urgent need for policy adjustments to address these biases and promote a more equitable evaluation system in scientific research. Peer Review https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway/wos/peer-review/10.1162/qss_a_00335

Bridging the Knowledge–Practice Gap: Assessing Climate Change Literacy Among Science Teachers

This research aimed to investigate the knowledge levels and teaching practices of Saudi science teachers regarding climate change, focusing on exploring the correlation between these aspects. The cross-sectional descriptive survey included teachers at middle and high school levels in public schools. The questionnaire study comprised three sections: collecting demographic data, assessing teachers’ understanding of climate change through factual inquiries, and evaluating teaching practices related to climate change. The findings reveal a promising degree of awareness among teachers, with a majority correctly identifying crucial elements of climate change while also exposing misconceptions and knowledge gaps. While a notable portion of teachers reported teaching climate change-related aspects, some indicated minimal involvement in extracurricular activities linked to climate change. The correlation analysis between science teachers’ climate change knowledge and practices indicates a weak connection between the two variables, suggesting that teachers’ knowledge might not substantially impact their actual teaching practices regarding climate change concepts. Limitations included reliance on self-reported data and a sample size that could impact result generalizability. Future research recommendations include combining quantitative data with qualitative methods, comparing knowledge and practices across regions or demographics, and conducting longitudinal studies. This study’s implications stress the importance of targeted professional development, advocating for climate change education integration into formal curricula, and policy adjustments mandating climate change education.

Dividend policy adjustments under bankruptcy law: Insights from distressed firms

This paper investigates the impact of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) on the dividend policy of financially distressed Indian firms. Utilizing a dataset of 33,820 firm-year observations from 2003 to 2023, we employ a difference-in-difference framework to examine how the introduction of IBC influences dividend payouts. Our findings reveal that distressed firms pay more dividends post IBC than non distressed firms, primarily benefiting underlevered distressed firms by enhancing their access to credit. Conversely, overlevered distressed firms experience a reduction in dividend payouts post-IBC. Additionally, the study highlights that standalone distressed firms are more likely to increase dividend payouts post-IBC compared to their business group-affiliated counterparts, due to the latter's access to internal capital markets. These insights contribute to the understanding of how bankruptcy reforms impact the financial strategies of distressed firms and provide valuable implications for policymakers and stakeholders in emerging economies.

Future Development Analysis Based on the Price Reduction Trend of Tesla

The electric vehicle (EV) market is developing rapidly, while the complexity of the market is growing along with the growing prosperity of the market, continuous technology innovation, and frequent policy adjustments. As a leading pioneer in the electric vehicle market, Tesla's development trends have had a significant impact on the market and other companies in the market. Tesla's price cut may especially affect the brand positioning of other companies in the industry, and they follow its price cut strategy, leading to a price war in the whole market. It urges them to adjust their strategies to maintain their market position and profitability. Therefore, the paper elaborates and focuses on Tesla's financial data from 2021 to 2023 and price reduction strategies, and uses key financial indicators, such as revenue growth, cash flow, and return on investment, to predict the future development trajectory of Tesla. This paper, through Tesla's financial analysis and future trends, provides reference and guidance for investors, markets, or companies seeking to follow suit.