Administrative Policies Research Articles

Benzodiazepine-Free Cardiac Anesthesia for Reduction of Postoperative Delirium: A Cluster Randomized Crossover Trial.

Delirium is common after cardiac surgery and associated with adverse outcomes. Intraoperative benzodiazepines may increase postoperative delirium but restricting intraoperative benzodiazepines has not yet been evaluated in a randomized trial. To determine whether an institutional policy of restricted intraoperative benzodiazepine administration reduced the incidence of postoperative delirium. This pragmatic, multiperiod, patient- and assessor-blinded, cluster randomized crossover trial took place at 20 North American cardiac surgical centers. All adults undergoing open cardiac surgery at participating centers during the trial period were included through a waiver of individual patient consent between November 2019 and December 2022. Institutional policies of restrictive vs liberal intraoperative benzodiazepine administration were compared. Hospitals (clusters) were randomized to cross between the restricted and liberal benzodiazepine policies 12 to 18 times over 4-week periods. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium within 72 hours of surgery as detected in routine clinical care, using either the Confusion Assessment Method-Intensive Care Unit or the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. Intraoperative awareness by patient report was assessed as an adverse event. During the trial, 19 768 patients (mean [SD] age, 65 [12] years; 14 528 [73.5%] male) underwent cardiac surgery, 9827 during restricted benzodiazepine periods and 9941 during liberal benzodiazepine periods. During restricted periods, clinicians adhered to assigned policy in 8928 patients (90.9%), compared to 9268 patients (93.2%) during liberal periods. Delirium occurred in 1373 patients (14.0%) during restricted periods and 1485 (14.9%) during liberal periods (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.84-1.01; P = .07). No patient spontaneously reported intraoperative awareness. In intention-to-treat analyses, restricting benzodiazepines during cardiac surgery did not reduce delirium incidence but was also not associated with an increase in the incidence of patient-reported intraoperative awareness. Given that smaller effect sizes cannot be ruled out, restriction of benzodiazepines during cardiac surgery may be considered. Research is required to determine whether restricting intraoperative benzodiazepines at the patient level can reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03928236.

Chinese International Students in the U.S. Higher Education: Underserved & Marginalized

Chinese international students have consistently constituted the largest international student body in the United States (U.S.) higher education for decades. Due to their prominence in U.S. higher education institutions, it is imperative to closely examine their lived experiences. Existing empirical research demonstrates that plenty of Chinese international students are underserved, coping with issues such as culture shock, linguistic barriers, educational disparities, racial discrimination, and mental health concerns. This systematic literature review aims to: 1) Explore whether Chinese international students face challenges in the U.S. higher education; 2) Categorize the challenges (if present) encountered by Chinese international students in the U.S. higher education; 3) Provide recommendations to key stakeholders in international education, empowering them to refine current administrative policies and teaching pedagogies to better support the well-being of Chinese international students in the U.S. higher education.

Availability of assistive technologies (ATs) to children with disabilities in Bulawayo central district (BCD) in Zimbabwe

Purpose: Availability of assistive technologies (ATs) to children with disabilities is a critical human right enshrined in United Nations (UN) treaties and frameworks such as the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the United Nations Conventions on Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ATs optimize functionality, independence, and enhance educational experiences of children with disabilities. The study explored availability of ATs to children with disabilities in Bulawayo Central District (BCD) in Zimbabwe. Materials and methods: The study was a predominantly qualitative inquiry but triangulated qualitative research with quantitative data sources and perspectives. Structured and semi- structured questionnaires and interviews were used to elicit data from a sample of 10 teachers, 5 Heads of schools, and 10 parents of children with disabilities. Data from questionnaires were analysed using frequencies and descriptive summaries while data from interviews were presented in narrative summaries and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: The study demonstrated that ATs are a human rights enabler which is fundamental for development, equalization, and inclusion of children with disabilities in education. Major barriers to availability of ATs include lack of awareness and knowledge of ATs among educators and other professionals, as well as parents of children with disabilities. In addition, inadequate clear and distinct disability-oriented policies and legislation were a challenge to the availability of ATs in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe government seems to have put in place administrative educational policies which guide inclusive education, but the implementation and availability of ATs remains elusive.

From Valletta to Faro: Archaeological Heritage and Communities

The article discusses the changing trends in archaeological heritage conservation – from expertise-based heritage protection to the “democratisation of heritage”. This process is well represented by the Amersfoort Agenda, adopted by the The Europae Archaeologiae Consilium (EAC) in 2014, which seeks to integrate the principles of the Faro Convention into the practice of archaeological heritage protection developed by the Valletta Convention. More generalised heritage conservation processes and changes in public administration policies that promote participatory (interactive) governance also contribute to a stronger role for society in decision-making. It is in this aspect – the relationship between archaeology and society – that the paper presents contemporary trends in archaeological heritage conservation, as well as insights into local communities’ attitudes towards archaeological heritage in Lithuania.

The impacts of heat-power cogeneration on air pollution: An empirical study based on the measures for the administration of heat-power cogeneration policy in China

The impacts of heat-power cogeneration on air pollution: An empirical study based on the measures for the administration of heat-power cogeneration policy in China

«Fruit of Hope»: Recruitment of Kyiv Academy Students to the Hospital Schools in the Mid-18th Century Russian Empire

The article examines the choice of medical career as a way of social mobility by students of the Kyiv Academy, focusing on the first recruitment campaigns to hospital schools in Saint Petersburg and Moscow in the mid-eighteenth century. Researchers have long noted that students from the Hetmanate and Sloboda Ukraine were a valuable source for imperial domestic physicians. Lesser is known about possible motivations of the volunteers to study medicine in view of their social background. The article argues that a medical career was an active choice for social advancement made not only by clergy students, but Cossacks and commoners as well. Among those who wished to pursue a medical career were also towners. It was rarely attractive to representatives of the Cossack elite at the time under consideration. The article illustrates the process of educational integration of many students from the lower social ranks on their way to becoming participants in imperial project. First, the article examines how this trajectory of social advancement was shaped by the recruitment policy of the imperial medical administration, both declared and implemented. Then, it discusses the students’ travels to the capitals in light of the challenges they faced and the decisions they made on their way to join the medical ranks. The final part examines the social background of the students and their academic performance to understand what the choice of medical profession meant for different social groups and how inclusive this path of social mobility was.

Integrated Administrative Law to Sustainable Development Goals (Sdg 13 & 16) for a Greener Future in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: This study investigates the integration of Saudi's administrative law with the Sustainable Development Goals. It evaluates the effectiveness of legal frameworks and policies in fostering sustainable development, with a particular focus on environmental governance. The research aims to identify the alignment of these laws with Saudi's Vision-2030. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in theories of administrative law reform and sustainable development. It explores the intersection of legal frameworks and environmental governance in developing economies, focusing on how integrated law systems can support ecological and socio-economic priorities. Method: A comparative analysis of Saudi administrative law was undertaken, supported by a meta-empirical review of international best practices. The research incorporates both quantitative assessments of SDG implementation metrics and qualitative analyses of legal integration challenges. Results and Discussion: The findings highlight progress in water management, with effectiveness rising from 25% to 80%. Nonetheless, regulatory fragmentation and implementation hurdles persist, limiting the alignment of administrative processes with environmental objectives. Comparative insights suggest that improved legal integration could enhance SDG efficiency by up to 30%. Recommendations include refining administrative policies to bolster Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 priorities. Research Implications: This study provides actionable recommendations for administrative legal reforms, emphasizing the need for regulatory coherence and stakeholder engagement to advance sustainable development goals. Originality/Value: This research offers the first comprehensive framework for aligning Saudi administrative law with SDGs, contributing practical insights for achieving a balance between environmental preservation and economic development. It sets a benchmark for integrating legal and environmental strategies in developing economies.

Russian Ecclesiastical Policy in the Shida Kartli (19th C.)

In the given work we tried to show some aspects of the ecclesiastical-missionary and religious policy of the Tsar’s Russia in the nineteenth century which had contributed to the formation of the Georgian-Ossetian relations, the creation of new administrative borders and the transformation of toponyms. By the Russian authorities on the territory of Shida Kartli Highland in 1814-1818 ecclesiastical-administrative unit „Eparchy of Ossetia“ was established. At the same time, were opened a missionary society – „Ossetian Ecclesiastical Commission“. Establishing the „Eparchy of Ossetia“ marked the territory where the „Ossetian Ecclesiastical Commission“ had to carry out its missionary activity. Also the term „South Ossetia“ first occurred in the 60es of the nineteenth century in the reports of the missionary organisation _ „Society for the Restoration of Orthodox Christianity in the Caucasus“. Thus, the grounding for the establishment of the terms „Ossetia“, „Eparchia of Osetia“, and „South Ossetia“ was created by the Russian religious policy which was next firmed up by administrative policy.

INFORMATION DISSEMINATION STRATEGIES TO FACILITATE THE EXAMINATION PROCESS: A CASE STUDY OF FSPPP EXAM KIT

The development of the Internet led to the development of various communication mediums such as websites, mobile phones, and social networking systems. The physical limitations and constraints of conventional media in conveying information can be overcome with the emergence of digital media technology. Thus, the research has been carried out to examine the effectiveness of a new examination information dissemination approach, which is also known as the FSPPP Exam Kit. The study examines the student perception of the kit and assesses the outcome of the kit implementation. This includes disciplinary issues such as cheating, improper dress code, missing examination slips, and late/absenteeism for examination. This study uses a quantitative approach and a questionnaire to collect information. The study population includes students from the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Seremban, as many as 2000 students. The sample size involved 322 systematic randomly selected respondents. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The study results found that most students have widely accepted this kit, and it helps reduce examination disciplinary issues. Moreover, a significant negative relationship exists between kit effectiveness and disciplinary cases. The kit can be an alternative to the faculty's formal communication tool with appropriate improvements. The kit helps them get information, interact with each other, and improve their knowledge about the examination procedures. This study reveals the importance of websites and new media in delivering information to university stakeholders.

Ethnicity and Representation

AbstractThose Germans who remained in Hungary after the Second World War faced complex political, economic, and social difficulties. In cultural terms, the diverse self-definitions of the Germans living in Hungary at that time precluded national cohesion, despite the use by the authorities of the unifying definition “German.” This national minority was bound together primarily by shared trauma. Individuals and communities alike were searching for their place amidst the changed circumstances, and it was the umbrella organization known as the Democratic Association of Germans in Hungary (Magyarországi Németek Demokratikus Szövetsége) that sought to bring them together. It was not until the 1970s that the association began to professionalize its activities and to conduct ethnographic research in cooperation with qualified specialists. During this process, the village of Harta, which was already famous for its folk art, came to their attention. It was specifically the economic potential of this settlement in Bács-Kiskun County, and its character as an ethnic and confessional enclave, that laid the foundations for the uniform objects and motifs of this local center of furniture painting. After the Second World War, the county administration's cultural policy was relatively accepting of the furniture-making tradition here, and the local intelligentsia showed a supportive attitude towards the settlement's German heritage. In the 1970s, there was still a furniture painter living in Harta, who won the most prestigious folk-art award, regularly participated in exhibitions and gala events, and even produced painted furniture in the cooperative's subsidiary branch at the initiative of the local council president. This ensured that painted furniture from Harta came to represent not only the traditionalist aspirations of the German Association, but also national cultural policy. Harta furniture emerged as the most iconic style of minority painted furniture and as the shared heritage of the German community in Hungary.

United States in Global Exports at the Beginning of the Third Decade

The article contributes to the discussion of the United States’ role in the international trade developments, focusing on its position in global merchandise exports under new geopolitical and economic conditions, as well as the export policy of Washington's administration. It highlights the latest trends in international trade, including America’s trade balance. While trade growth after the COVID-19 pandemic has been positive (both merchandise trade and services have exceeded pre-pandemic levels), this trend and its outlook remain unstable due to a number of risks including sanctions, geopolitical tensions. The transformation of the United States’ position in global exports at the beginning of the third decade occurring amid the formation of a new world order. While tensions between United States and China as the world's two largest trade partners remain, the United States is actively diversifying its trade partnerships. The effects of the U.S. export policy at the beginning of the third decade are not only short term but also long term, posing new challenges to international relations.

Examining the Intervention of Religion in Indian Politics Through Hindutva Under the Modi Regime

This review article analyses the wide-ranging influence of Hindutva in Indian politics over the decade of Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister of India. The study analyses the survival, reproduction, and development of Hindutva in conflict with modernisation processes in India despite the country’s secular constitutional democracy. This is achieved by examining the developments in the Indian political landscape and policy administration through the prism of the symbiotic relationship between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), signalling the fusion of political power and Hindu religious principles. By contributing to the literature on religion and politics, through a comprehensive examination of political rhetoric, policy shifts, and societal attitudes, this review article examines the role of Hindutva in shaping the trajectory of governance and politics in India during Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Navigating Resistance: The Minangkabau Indigenous Community's Opposition to the Land Certification Program in West Sumatra, Indonesia

The customary land certification program, launched in 2016 by Indonesia’s National Land Agency, continues to encounter resistance from certain indigenous communities. This study aims to explore the forms of resistance, the underlying drivers of this opposition, and strategies to address these challenges. Adopting a qualitative descriptive research design and employing a case study methodology, data were collected through in-depth interviews with thirteen informants, field observations, and analysis of relevant documents. The findings highlight three key insights. First, indigenous communities resist the program by refraining from participating, driven by concerns over the privatization of communal land. Second, this resistance is exacerbated by violations of customary practices, particularly the buying and selling of communal land following the issuance of ownership certificates. Third, mitigating this resistance requires a strategic revision of regulations governing the issuance of customary land certificates. The active involvement of local authorities and the integration of indigenous cultural values are critical for ensuring the program's success and fostering broader acceptance of land administration policies. This study underscores the importance of culturally sensitive policy frameworks and collaborative governance in addressing indigenous land rights, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable land administration in multicultural societies.

Costos de transacción en los proyectos ambientales

It is based on the need to analyze the scope of transaction costs (TC) in the development and use of instruments in environmental policies, as well as their effects on social welfare. Investigating the causes of TK and their dimensions is essential for the design, selection and evaluation of environmental policies. Studying the influence of TK throughout the development, implementation and administration of environmental policies, as well as their distribution among different stakeholders, provides a deeper understanding to environmental policymakers, enabling them to more efficiently manage environmental resources and public goods. Lack of knowledge about TK limits the information available to environmental policy decision-makers, affecting their ability to address ex ante and ex post issues in relation to environmental projects.

Going Above and Beyond: Bridging the Gap Between Equitable Outcomes and Procedural Fairness in Health Policy Administration.

Public health administrators are entrusted to oversee the fair and efficient implementation of public health policy. Professional standards rooted in social justice add an additional ethical standard beyond what is required by procedural equality, reinforcing a service culture of creativity and doing more with less when resources are restrictive. This study explores this phenomenon within the context of government-subsidized opioid use disorder programming in Pennsylvania. Twenty-three agencies responsible for opioid treatment referrals in Pennsylvania were surveyed about the effects of meeting social equity needs on their operational and procedural outcomes. Univariate frequencies, cross-tabulations, and percentage comparisons were employed in a descriptive-analytic induction approach to analyze the online survey responses. The survey results showed that 91.4% of administrators identified transportation equity as an important programmatic concern, with 91.3% developing transportation support for their clients although not required or funded by the grant program. Equity-focused interventions necessitated operational creativity and sacrifice to maintain compliance while meeting the unique needs of populations, especially when taking geographical differences into account.

The specifics and peculiarities of the confessional policy of the Russian Empire in Ossetia in the late XVIII – first half of the XIX centuries

This article is devoted to the study of the characteristic features of the confessional policy of the Russian administration of the North Caucasus on the territory of Ossetia in the late XVIII and the first half of the XIX centuries. The study analyzes the specifi cs of the spread of the Islamic religion in the Ossetian environment, the complex of external factors that contributed to this process, as well as the nature of interaction between Muslim and Christian Alan communities. In this paper, the features of the policy of the Russian authorities in relation to the Islamic and Orthodox communities of Ossetia are investigated. Moreover, the research disclose the role of the personal factor expressed in the various approaches of the governors of the North Caucasus such as A.P. Ermolov and M.S. Vorontsov to the scientifi c problem under consideration.

Der Zolltarif als Trumpfkarte

Abstract The trade policies of the new Trump Administration will lead to job losses and higher consumer prices. Moreover, the emphasis on bilateral trade balances is likely to be restrictive. The current protectionist tide is due to the lack of an honest public debate about the potential benefits of free trade. Referendums could reveal voters’ preferences between tariffs and alternative sources of income. Data-driven policymaking would be a counterweight to politically motivated protectionism and could pave the way for a new wave of globalisation.

METAPHORICAL CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE UNITY (BASED ON THE NATION ADDRESSES OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN KASSYM-JOMART TOKAYEV)

This research delves into the intricacies of metaphorical conceptualization, focusing on the linguistic and cognitive dimensions within political discourse, with a specific emphasis on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's recurring theme of "UNITY" in his Nation Addresses. The study navigates the evolution of metaphor theory from its rhetorical origins to the cognitive approach, particularly within the framework of Lakoff and Johnson. It explores how metaphor, as a cognitive tool, structures abstractconcepts and shapes our understanding of the world.The primary aim is to scrutinize the metaphorical conceptualization of "UNITY" in the Nation Addresses, discerning structural-semantic and functional attributes. The research sheds light on metaphorical models such as "UNITY IS STRENGTH OR POWER," "UNITY IS A SOLID FOUNDATION," and others, unravelling their linguistic expressions and pragmatic significance. The chosen corpus comprises six Nation Addresses, each providing a unique perspective on the President's vision and policy articulation.The study employs a descriptive methodology, combining contextual analysis and continuous sampling to identify metaphorical expressions linked with the concept of "UNITY." Lingua-cognitive and quantitative analyses unveil coherent metaphorical models, contributing to the theoretical understanding of conceptual metaphor theory. The metaphorical modelling method by Lakoff and Johnson, refined by scholars like Baranov and Fouconnier, is applied to categorize and examine the most frequently utilized metaphorical model, "NATION IS A FAMILY."Theoretical significance lies in contributing to the field of conceptual metaphor theory, expanding its application to political discourse. The practical significance is evident in unravelling the rhetorical functions of metaphors in shaping political narratives and public opinion. Overall, the research provides insights into the linguistic intricacies of President Tokayev's addresses, offering a nuanced understanding of the metaphorical language employed and its implications for Kazakhstan's political landscape.

A mini review of recent advances in environmentally friendly microplastic removal technologies in water systems.

The current increase in microplastic (MP) occurrence worldwide is predicted to cause severe environmental crises in the future. Therefore, it is imperative to develop innovative MP removal technologies that can effectively mitigate MP emissions in any given scenario. This review discusses recent environmentally friendly advances in MP removal technologies that aim to overcome the limitations of current technologies, prevent secondary pollution, and utilize low energy. It also explores the potential applicability of these technologies under the current environmental conditions in South Korea. The core principles of these technologies, such as adsorption or flocculation, focus on minimizing the energy required to initiate and sustain these processes and on reducing the usage of adsorbents and flocculants. Employing microalgae as flocculants and triboelectricity for electrophoresis are identified as promising technologies. Incinerating MP-adsorbed materials from the process could be a viable disposal method, potentially serving as a source of heat energy. Consequently, technologies based on biochar or microalgae are especially advantageous in this context. The location where these technologies are applied plays a crucial role in their overall energy consumption. Ideally, implementation should occur as close as possible to points where MPs are found or within wastewater treatment plants. Froth flotation, microalgae flocculation, and triboelectricity-based electrophoresis are suitable methods in this regard. Establishing and enforcing administrative systems, laws, and policies globally to prevent MP occurrence remains critical. However, while these measures are vital, the most effective method for reducing MP occurrence is lowering plastic consumption alongside implementing stringent segregation and collection procedures.

Relationships between the public and private sectors in the strategic process of the NRRP: A state of the art on interest representation and future perspectives

The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) is Italy's strategic response to the economic and health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This essay provides an overview of the existing literature on theories on the strategic public policy process and the role of interest representation in policy formulation and the NRRP. Through an analysis of the main theories and context of the NRRP, the essay highlights the complex dynamics that characterize the interaction between public and private actors. In addition, the main implications of lobbying and its effects on public policy and public administration are analyzed. The essay's conclusions summarize the main concepts of the work and pave the way for future research that could systematically analyze external influences on the Plan and investigate whether or not a specific law on interest representation is needed in Italy. The work can contribute to building a specific theoretical valuable framework for future studies concerning interest representation in the formulation phase of the NRRP.