Agency Policy Research Articles

The impact of socioeconomic status on parental agency in family language policy for English language learning in China

ABSTRACT This study investigates how Chinese parents of different socioeconomic status (SES) exercise their agency in family language policies (FLP) for English language learning amid educational reforms and sociocultural dynamics. Drawing on Spolsky’s language policy framework and Bourdieu’s, concept of capital, this study analysed 40 interviews with parents from different regions of China. The findings reveal that parents’ ideologies, management strategies, and practices in children’s English learning at home vary across SES groups, influenced by differences in access to economic, social, cultural and linguistic capital. High-SES parents perceive English as vital for global opportunities and set ambitious educational goals, employing resource-intensive support to encourage early bilingualism. Conversely, low-SES parents, constrained by limited resources, prioritise English primarily for school success and locally-based careers and employ adaptive strategies. Practices across SES groups vary from immersive activities in high-SES families to more passive exposure and basic academic support in low-SES families. The study demonstrates that SES, mediated by capital, affects parental agency in FLP. By illustrating the disparities across SES groups, this study contributes to a broader discourse in FLP, demonstrating how parents manifest resilience and adaptability in optimising resources for language learning through dynamic interactions with macro- and micro-level contexts.

Working in the gap: empowering local educators in Taiwan’s bilingual education policy

ABSTRACT Focusing on Taiwan’s bilingual education policy, this study explores the complex relationship between top-down policy and local educators' agency. It highlights the role of a professional development (PD) program for bilingual teachers in shaping the interpretation and implementation of bilingual education policy through a case study at an Elementary School in southern Taiwan. This study draws on Hornberger and Johnson’s (2007, 2011) ethnographic conceptualization of language policy. Through semi-structured and focus group interviews with bilingual teachers, it investigates how the PD program acts as a catalyst in shaping participants’ language ideologies, language use, and pedagogical practices. The research also explores the tensions and challenges faced by local educators in bilingual education. The findings underscore the significant role of language policy arbiters, including the PD program and the local educators, in addressing the conceptual gap in Taiwan’s bilingual education policy and carving out the ideological and implementational space for an inclusive approach to bilingual education. They also demonstrate the agency of local educators in interpreting and appropriating bilingual education policy. Overall, this study provides insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers in the field of bilingual education, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between policy and practice in non-English speaking contexts.

Students’ Agency in a Foreign Language Policy in Colombian Higher Education

This qualitative ethnographic study investigates students’ agency of a language policy in a Colombian public university. Participants were 85 undergraduate students, and data collection involved document analysis, non-participatory observation, a questionnaire, and a portfolio. Three categories emerged from the analysis: acceptance, rejection, and ignoring. Regarding acceptance, the findings suggest that some students agreed with including English in the curriculum. Some other students expressed rejection related to the English class, the methodology, the evaluation proposal, and the course material. Other students ignored elements regarding their own role in the program, extra-class activities, and participation and attendance in class. Conclusions indicate that students are not passive recipients of language policies because they exercise agency differently at the micro level.

Relationship between mental health and substance abuse on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in youth: A mixed methods longitudinal cohort study.

Mental health and substance use challenges are highly correlated in youth and have been speculated to be associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Literature has also suggested that mental health challenges in youth have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the longitudinal relationship between mental health challenges in youth and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is not well established. We examined the relationship between mental health, substance use and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth ages 14 to 29-years participated in a longitudinal survey study. Participants provided sociodemographic, mental health, and substance use data, as well as qualitative and quantitative information on their vaccine perspectives every two months between February 2021 to August 2021, and on February 2022. Generalized estimating equation logistic regression models were used to analyze the effect of mental health and substance use on vaccine hesitancy over time. Qualitative content area analyses were used to identify trends in vaccine attitudes. Mental health challenges and substance use frequency were associated with vaccine hesitancy, and significantly increased the odds of vaccine hesitancy over time. Additionally, mental health challenges were associated with decreases in vaccine hesitancy (OR: 0.80 (95% CI 0.66, 0.97)) when vaccines first began to emerge, but increases in vaccine hesitancy (OR: 1.72 (95% CI 1.32, 2.26)) one year later. Participants reported perceptions regarding vaccine safety and efficacy were the primary determinants influencing hesitant, uncertain, and acceptant vaccine attitudes. Additionally, changes in vaccine attitudes over time for some participants, were associated with changes in mental health. Increases in mental health challenges and substance use were associated with increases in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in youth over the COVID-19 pandemic. Health policy agencies should be aware of the potential impact of mental health challenges and substance use in youth, when developing vaccine policy and programs.

Adaptation and accountability: Examining changes in filing technical violations and motions to revoke during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for probation and parole agencies across the United States. As a result, the daily work of probation and parole officers (PPOs) was disrupted. Studies have revealed substantial obstacles in holding non-compliant individuals accountable. Few studies examined the pattern of violation and revocation processes throughout the pandemic. The current study seeks to address this gap by examining trends and predictors of changes in the filing of technical violations and motions to revoke over time. Using survey data collected from three time points during the pandemic, we identified a possible cumulative effect of the pandemic over time on the frequency of filing technical violations and motions to revoke. Jail population rate was associated with the frequency of filing both technical violations and motions to revoke. The number of COVID-19 policies implemented, and incoming court cases was associated with the frequency of filing technical violations, while the average caseload size was associated with the frequency of filing motions to revoke. Findings have implications for agency policies, particularly surrounding the reliance on external agencies to hold individuals under supervision accountable.

Shaping the future of pharmacoepidemiology in France: Recommendations from the SFPT Pharmacoepidemiology Working Group.

The drug authorization process is shifting towards a policy aimed at shortening time-to-market. While this policy facilitates early access to new treatments, it can also result in potentially insufficient knowledge of both efficacy and safety at the time of marketing. The latter is particularly true for long-term outcomes or in specific populations (e.g., children and the elderly). Yet, French pharmacoepidemiology is currently not designed to address these challenges, despite recognized expertise. In this context, we aim: (i) to define a strategy for strengthening pharmacoepidemiology in France; and (ii) to identify the associated human, technical, and financial requirements to ensure its success. In this paper, we present the French Pharmacoepidemiology Initiative (https://frenchpharmacoepi.org/), i.e. a network of independent academic teams to complement existing institutions. It will provide coordinated expertise and a workforce to meet national and regional needs for pharmacoepidemiological monitoring and drug-related decision-making. Leveraging the existing expertise of university hospital pharmacoepidemiology units would enable rapid operational deployment to inform the decisions and policies of national regulatory agencies.

Child agency in early language development and learning: introduction to special issue

ABSTRACT This introductory paper seeks to demonstrate how the articles in this volume enhance our understanding of child agency in both language development at home and language learning in educational environments. The four contributions in this Special Issue address various aspects of child agency in early childhood. The volume aims to strengthen this emerging field by bringing together areas such as agency, family language policy, educational language policy in preschool settings, and methodologies for researching with and about children in early language learning contexts. The introduction focuses on five themes relevant to our discussion of what is novel in this special issue: (1) child agency, (2) issues in research in early language learning, (3) the symbiotic relationship between child agency and family language policy, (4) the role of educational context in child agency development, and (5) the ecological approach toward child agency.

The values dimension of policy success and failure: Considering two Australian rural adjustment policies

AbstractIn 1992, Australia introduced a National Drought Policy comprising a number of policies each focused on achieving a common goal of a self‐reliant, productive farm sector capable of managing the challenges of climate variability. This paper considers two of these policies, one of which has been an acknowledged success and the other that is generally regarded as a failure. The paper assesses these schemes against the criteria proposed by Luetjens et al. and concludes that analysing policies in values terms is a more effective way of understanding, and potentially predicting, policy success and failure.Points for practitioners Policy is more likely to succeed if there is an alignment between the purpose underpinning a policy agency and the nature of the policy problem. Policy can fail where the values of the agency and the target population for the policy differ. Policy success is more likely where there is a single, clear goal embodying a single value priority rather than multiple values that are in conflict.

Why there are more species in several small patches versus few large patches: A multispecies modelling approach

Abstract As global biodiversity is rapidly declining due to habitat loss, it is important to determine how to protect it. The policies of many conservation agencies are still prioritizing the preservation of a single large habitat area (SL) versus several small areas of the same size (SS), despite empirical support favouring SS. However, to date, while many studies have explored this issue using model communities, the results are mixed. In competitive community models, fragmentation has a negative effect at low habitat amounts, whereas neutral community models suggest positive effects. This work aims to explore spatial multispecies models to verify the SS > SL pattern and determine its causes. We used three types of models: a classical neutral, neutral with habitat selection and a competitive hierarchical model. All models have three parameters, namely extinction, reproduction and dispersal distance. In the classical neutral model, species are equivalent and have the same parameters; when there is a reproduction event, they send the propagule to a surrounding patch blindly, and if the patch is already occupied, the propagule dies. In the neutral with habitat selection model, the propagules select an empty patch, so their survival is ensured. In the hierarchical model, species have competitive dominance and more dominant ones can replace the less dominant with a replacement rate parameter. We use 100 species and start simulating the colonization of an empty area; then, we destroy a fixed amount of habitat using different regular patch sizes. The results for all models are almost always that SS retains more species than SL. The extinction of species in patches depends on the quotient between reproduction and extinction rates in relation to patch size. The only case when SL > SS is when dispersal is insufficient to connect patches, and patch size is smaller than the minimum to prevent extinction. If patch size is above the critical size to maintain local populations, the SS > SL pattern is due to the sampling effect of aggregated species distribution combined with the reduction of dispersal ability of species. High‐dispersal rates produce the homogenization of species distribution and a reduction of species richness and this is why habitat fragmentation by habitat loss retains more species when patches are smaller. The model predicts that if a set of species have more dispersal capabilities, the SS effect would be lower than for species with less dispersal. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Eyes on the Truth: Assessing the Use of the Body-Worn Cameras in South Cotabato Provincial Police Office

The use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with the aim of enhancing accountability, improving police-community relations, and providing valuable evidence for investigations. This study assessed the use of body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices by South Cotabato Provincial Police Office personnel. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews with selected officers in the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office. The findings revealed that the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office had fully implemented the use of body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices in the execution of warrants and other planned police operations. There are only other police units and police personnel doing routine police activities who do not wear body-worn cameras or alternative recording devices. The PNP personnel also highly complied with the rules on the use of body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices during encounters with a suspect or accused, and their rights were highly observed by the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office. There is a need to provide more budget in the PNP organization to equip all police personnel in the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office with body- worn cameras intended for overt and covert operations. This research study made several contributions to the existing body of knowledge on the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement agencies in the Philippines. It provides empirical evidence on the implementation and compliance of the South Cotabato Provincial Police personnel, offering valuable insights into the perspectives of police officers. By adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research captured a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, benefits, and opportunities associated with the deployment of this technology in a specific regional setting. The research findings also had direct policy implications, highlighting the need to align the policies of agencies and branches of government, comprehensive training programs, robust data management protocols, and the allocation of a bigger budget for law enforcement programs. Finally, this research adds to the limited body of literature on the use of body-worn cameras in developing countries, where the implementation and evaluation of such technologies may face distinct challenges and opportunities compared to more established contexts. The insights and lessons learned from the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office case study can inform future research and the global discourse on the role of technology in policing and public safety.

How improvements in US FDA regulatory process and procedures led to the drug approval for first ever treatment of a common liver disease.

Metabolic-associated liver disease is a growing public health crisis, with phenotypes from fatty liver to steatohepatitis, previously known as NASH (Non-Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis) and currently rebranded as MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-Associated SteatoHepatitis). Dysfunction in liver metabolism can progress to liver fibrosis, end stage cirrhosis and death. MASH (NASH) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, elevation in serum lipids and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. There is now a US-approved drug to treat patients with NASH (MASH) under the FDA Accelerated Approval Pathway, which requires follow-up outcome studies to confirm clinical benefit or risk drug withdrawal by the agency. Despite extra-hepatic factors that contribute to MASH and complicate clinical trial design, reorganization of the FDA drug premarket review divisions, improvements to agency policies and procedures, as well as updates to the US Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) upon which FDA regulation is based, have provided new agency tools that facilitated such a drug approval to address the profound unmet medical need for patients with this metabolic-based liver disease. There is reason for hope that continued evolution of the regulatory process will lead to additional drug approvals, as well as the ability for clinical trial endpoints studying MASH treatments to include both liver-based and traditional metabolic measures, independent of the specific FDA review division. This initial NASH/MASH FDA approval has also opened the door for initiation of Combination Clinical Trials, where the approved drug is paired with an experimental drug with a different mechanism of action, to increase overall efficacy and potentially minimize risks. It is envisioned that future treatment of NASH/MASH will mirror what is currently observed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus practice patterns, where multiple drugs with different mechanisms of actions are used to optimize treatment benefit/risk in the selected patient populations.

The Complexity of Funding International Research Collaboration. An Analysis of Partnership and Rivalry Between the EU and China

In recent years, increased rivalry between China and the EU has been seen as a threat to cooperation, including in the field of higher education and scientific research. We explore how cooperation in research between China and the EU has developed over time via a bibliometric analysis of international co-authorships within four different funding agencies (CAS, MOST, JRC, and ESA). Our findings suggest that EU-China cooperation has continued to strengthen, despite a new options for “rivalry to increase between these two parties”. We suggest that this is explained by the benefits that both the EU and China receive from collaboration, albeit such benefits differ in type. Possibly, our findings are also a byproduct of adjustments triggered initially by the US “China Initiative”. The dilemma of whether to collaborate or not is likely to become more pressing, as the policies of some funding agencies have implications for national defense and security.

Implementation of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority Agency's (BPOM) Health Service Policy on the Sale of Non- Prescribed Prescription Drugs at Pharmacies in Makassar

Implementation of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority Agency's (BPOM) Health Service Policy on the Sale of Non- Prescribed Prescription Drugs at Pharmacies in Makassar

Law Enforcement Agency Practices and Policies for the Investigation of Child Sex Trafficking: Are Agencies Using Victim-Centered Approaches?

AbstractOver the past decade, efforts have been made to reform the way in which law enforcement responds to child sex trafficking (CST). Law enforcement agencies are being urged or required to use victim-centered approaches that provide exploited youth with support and services. However, researchers have yet to empirically examine law enforcement’s recognition of CST at the agency-level, their arrest practices, or the services that are being offered to CST victims. We have little information about the utilization and effectiveness of various law enforcement agency policies, practices and training programs related to CST. The National Law Enforcement Agency Child Sex Trafficking (LEA-CST) Study aimed to address these gaps through a national survey of law enforcement agencies around the U.S. The current study reports on mail survey data collected from a sample of 1,306 agencies that provided feedback on the use of up to nine victim-centered approaches to CST at their agency. Data were analyzed along with information about whether their agency investigated at least one case of CST in the year 2021. Almost all agencies (97.5%) said they used or had access to at least one victim-centered approach to CST investigations, with larger agencies reporting a greater number of approaches. Two policies were significantly related to a greater likelihood of investigating at least one case of CST in 2021: Access to a CST-specific task force and access to a CST-specific victim service agency. Findings document a growing orientation to these cases by law enforcement that recognizes youth victimization, with innovative approaches to identification and support. Community collaboration appears to be critical to helping to identify, support and provide justice to CST victims.Research Summary This study examined law enforcement’s recognition of CST at the agency-level, their arrest practices, and the services that are being offered to CST victims. Among 1,306 agencies across the United States, almost all (97.5%) said they used or had access to at least one victim-centered approach to CST investigations, with larger agencies reporting a greater number of approaches. Two policies were significantly related to a greater likelihood of investigating at least one CST case in 2021: Access to a CST-specific task force and access to a CST-specific victim service agency.Policy Implications Findings from the current study underscore the importance of victim-centered approaches to CST that feature connections and collaborations across communities. These collaborations champion the wellness of youth who have experienced this unique and egregious form of sexual victimization while simultaneously allowing for criminal investigations to proceed, ideally with minimal re-traumatization of the victim.

Intention to Use Leucorrheea Self-Test Innovation Kit and Collection Data through Mobile Application in Bangkok

Leukorrhea, or abnormal vaginal discharge (fungi, bacteria, and protozoa), can be indicated bacterial vaginosis or STIs. If not treated, these infections may lead to complications impacted fertility such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Therefore, the goal is to develop a self-test kit for vaginal discharge detecting all three pathogens in one device. This study examines the acceptance of innovative technologies and factors affecting the intention to self-administered leucorrhoea test kits (SALTK) with results presentation and data transmission via mobile phones. Factors influencing such intention included technology acceptance (Technology Acceptance Model: TAM), facilitating conditions, social influence, and perceived privacy risk. The data were collected using an online Google Form questionnaire. A total of 450 valid questionnaires were used for analysis. The descriptive statistics employed in this study included percentage, means, and standard deviation, and the hypothesis was tested using multiple regression analysis. It was found that the factors impacting the intention to use SALTK with a statistical significance level of .05 were facilitating condition, social influence, perceived privacy risk, and three key technology acceptance components, namely perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and attitude toward using, respectively. SALTK modulates the beneficial for public health policies in Thailand and government agencies, the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Disease Control, establishing prevention to reach the international standards.

EMS Clinicians in the West Texas Area Frequently Encounter Firearms During Patient Assessments with Limited Gun Safety Training

Introduction - Firearms are commonly encountered in the prehospital setting, sometimes with devastating consequences. However, the frequency with which EMS workers find and handle firearms when evaluating patients in the field and the firearm safety training they have received remains largely unstudied. Objectives - We sought to answer the following questions: 1) How frequently do EMS personnel in West Texas and Southern New Mexico USA encounter and handle firearms when caring for patients? 2) How many of these clinicians are aware of agency policy or have received agency training in the safe handling of firearms? 3) Do these clinicians support integrating firearm training into the EMS curriculum? Methods - In this observational, cross-sectional study, a survey evaluating weapon and firearm encounters, confidence handling firearms, and formal firearms training was distributed to EMS providers in West Texas and Southern New Mexico between July 1, 2022, and January 1, 2023. Results - Two hundred forty-seven out of a potential 609 EMS clinicians completed the online survey, representing a 41% response rate. Among respondents, 61% reported encountering firearms at least once per year. These firearms were handled by EMS personnel over a quarter of the time. Sixty-eight percent of prehospital providers were unaware of any agency policy regarding handling firearms. Despite broad personal experience with firearms, 90% of respondents received no agency training in gun safety. Eighty-seven percent of providers reported they would attend an agency training course on firearm safety, and 95% indicated that this topic should be added to the EMS curriculum. Conclusion - EMS personnel in West Texas and Southern New Mexico routinely encounter and handle guns despite minimal agency firearm safety training. This initial study may demonstrate a potential need for introducing firearm safety didactics and training into the EMS curriculum, and the need for additional research.

Evaluation of a Counselling Service for the Elderly

An evaluation of WellElder, a counselling service for the elderly, was conducted using four years of accumulated client information and counselling outcome data. This information was collated, analysed, and compared with the New Zealand literature and with information from other countries on counselling the elderly. Findings showed that there was considerable similarity between clients using the WellElder service and clients of all ages at other community-based services in New Zealand and abroad. In addition, outcome data demonstrated that the large majority of clients were receiving brief counselling, fewer than six sessions, and that the counselling being offered to clients was effective in meeting their needs. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to agency policy and development.

Mapping trade opportunities in Central and South Asia: an exploration through trade indices and metrics

Purpose This study aims to explore the possibilities for regional (intra and inter) trade between Central Asia and South Asia (CASA) by examining several frameworks that impact the economic integration of these regions. Design/methodology/approach The study uses five indices, specifically the export diversification index, export survival rates, export sophistication, revealed comparative advantage and intra-industry trade index in South and Central Asia, from 2005 to 2021. Findings The findings show a twofold increase in the potential trade value between the two regions compared to the actual level. The intra-regional trade in Central Asia accounts for less than 5% of trade with all countries, whereas the intra-regional trade in South Asia accounts for 1.5%, and the inter-regional trade accounts for between 0.2 and 4% of total trade to all destinations. The intensity of trade measurements shows that inter-regional trade flows are modest because they make up a relatively small percentage of the entire trade volume, which includes all destinations, ranging from 0.2 to 4 %. Research limitations/implications These findings have a significant impact on the successful implementation of trading-related measures, initiatives and institutional mechanisms for encouraging improved trade between and within both regions. Practical implications Export diversification initiatives aim to provide favourable outcomes for all parties involved, focusing on expanding the range of goods and services exchanged. CASA countries with higher diversification have shown more favourable outcomes than those relying on a restricted range of products. The authors expect policies promoting a broader array of exports to boost market shares, while maintaining a narrow focus may hinder new export prospects. In addition, regional value chains and policy initiatives promoting trade and investment could lead to increased value additions to exports, technological transfers and job creation. Social implications The study emphasises the significance of trade-related policies, programmes and institutional mechanisms in promoting trade between CASA. It emphasises the need for policies that support investment and trade, adopt new requirements of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation and promote diversity and latency. Originality/value Based on economic analysis, the study offers practical insights and strategies for businesses in the CASA regions. It also provides analytical tools for academics and decision makers, as well as policy and programme recommendations for government agencies, development partners, researchers and individuals interested in trade dynamics in these regions.

CDC Program Evaluation Framework, 2024.

Program evaluation is a critical tool for understanding and improving organizational activities and systems. This report updates the 1999 CDC Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health (CDC. Framework for program evaluation in public health. MMWR Recomm Rep 1999;48[No. RR-11];1-40) by integrating major advancements in the fields of evaluation and public health, lessons learned from practical applications of the original framework, and current Federal agency policies and practices. A practical, nonprescriptive tool, the updated 2024 framework is designed to summarize and organize essential elements of program evaluation, and can be applied at any level from individual programs to broader systems by novices and experts for planning and implementing an evaluation. Although many of the key aspects from the 1999 framework remain, certain key differences exist. For example, this updated framework also includes six steps that describe the general process of evaluation planning and implementation, but some content and step names have changed (e.g., the first step has been renamed Assess context). The standards for high-quality evaluation remain central to the framework, although they have been updated to the five Federal evaluation standards. The most substantial change from the 1999 framework is the addition of three cross-cutting actions that are core tenets to incorporate within each evaluation step: engage collaboratively, advance equity, and learn from and use insights. The 2024 framework provides a guide for designing and conducting evaluation across many topics within and outside of public health that anyone involved in program evaluation efforts can use alone or in conjunction with other evaluation approaches, tools, or methods to build evidence, understand programs, and refine evidence-based decision-making to improve all program outcomes.

Gender equity analysis in the maritime and port industry in Chile

The underrepresentation of women in the maritime and port industry is a critical concern. Despite efforts to recognize the relevance of gender equity and increase awareness of its importance, comprehensive studies on gender disparities within the industry are lacking. This article addresses this issue by conducting an exploratory study to assess gender gaps in the maritime and port industry. We employ a methodological framework involving an online survey targeted at several port stakeholders in Chile and statistical and econometric methods for the analysis. We identify and quantify gender gaps in three dimensions: wages, working conditions, and perceptions of gender initiatives in the workplace. The results indicate that women earn, on average, approximately 7 % less than men do, even after controlling for socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Moreover, we find that women, compared with men, are at a disadvantage in terms of working conditions, and they perceive a lower degree of implementation of gender initiatives. Consequently, gender gaps are prevalent within the maritime and port industry. Closing these gaps requires the implementation of practices and policies in both private organizations and public agencies to ensure equitable opportunities for all genders.