Policy Approaches Research Articles

Coping strategies and food insecurity experiences: the case of female-headed agricultural households in Liberia

PurposeRealities of food insecurity are more pronounced with a specific focus on women in developing countries. The need to understand the varied food insecurity experiences among female-headed agricultural households in such contexts provided the rationale and motivation for this study.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quantitative cross-sectional approach, drawing on the binary logistic regression to determine the influence of socioeconomic status on household coping mechanisms in response to food insecurity in a stratified random sample of 509 female-headed agricultural households in Liberia.FindingsThe results revealed that most respondents experienced food insecurity reflected in inadequate food availability, an inability to eat nutritious food and the necessity to skip meals. In response, they employed coping strategies such as borrowing money, selling assets, and reducing health expenses, which were influenced by socioeconomic characteristics such as gender, education, and marital status.Practical implicationsThe study illustrates the multi-layered and complex context of food insecurity among women. From these findings, the study proposes the consideration of such dynamics to inform practical and relevant mitigatory policy approaches to the target demographic.Social implicationsWith food insecurity being a social problem, the study identifies its social impact by documenting the participants' lived experiences. Thus, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of food insecurity across different segments of society.Originality/valueThe study draws its originality from understanding how food insecurity impacts female-headed households, highlighting the often-ignored gender dynamics of food insecurity in developing nations and aggregating the coping strategies and food insecurity expenses.

Australian Reconciliation and the Enduring Invisibility of Whiteness

ABSTRACT ∞Reconciliation has emerged as one of the key goals of transitional justice and a favoured policy approach to address the racism, inequality and historical injustices experienced by Indigenous peoples in settler-colonial states. This article focuses on Australian reconciliation and argues that it has failed to critically engage with whiteness, limiting the potential of reconciliation to address the root causes of these issues. Drawing on critical whiteness studies and Aileen Moreton-Robinson’s concept of patriarchal white sovereignty, the article analyses the federal government’s push for constitutional recognition and demonstrates why reconciliation perpetuates the dispossession of Indigenous lands. The article also engages Michael Rothberg’s figure of the implicated subject to complicate the concept of whiteness and overcome the Indigenous/settler or victim/perpetrator binary. This article contributes to the field of transitional justice by advocating for a more explicit and critical examination of whiteness to advance justice in settler colonial contexts.

Structural Model Analysis of The Relationship Between Cross-National Trade, Use of Technology and Labor Costs

This research aims to quantify the costs of job mobility, emphasizing the differences in costs faced by workers with different qualifications. Our analysis uses the Ordinary Least Squares and Instrumental Variables. The impact of trade and technological reforms on workers' welfare is largely dependent on the level of economic flexibility. In this context, high labor mobility costs become an important factor in analyzing the impact of trade policies. Despite workers' high mobility between job sectors, traditional theory suggests that this flexibility may not be as strong due to the greater influence of non-financial factors. This suggests that there needs to be a different policy approach to managing the impact of trade and technology reforms to ensure worker well-being and overall economic stability. Trade and technology reforms often result in increased efficiency, but they also incur certain costs. The finding that unskilled workers have higher mobility costs than semi-skilled workers is interesting, as it suggests that there are greater barriers for unskilled workers to move between employment sectors. The impact of slow adjustments in the labor market due to high mobility costs is also important, as this indicates that the economy takes a long time to adapt to changes, both from trade and technological reforms. This has long-term implications for the well-being of negatively affected workers, depending on the particular model parameters. It is important to continue to deepen our understanding of the costs of mobility and labor market adjustment, as this will help in designing better policies to support workers impacted by economic reform and change.

Analysing district-level climate vulnerability pattern in Madhya Pradesh, India, based on agricultural and socio-economic indicators.

Indian agriculture transitioned from a food deficit sector to a food surplus following the Green Revolution. However, the continued progress of Indian agriculture has been hampered by climate change. This research explores the district-wise vulnerability in Madhya Pradesh, India, to climate change by assessing the composite vulnerability index using the agricultural vulnerability index (AVI) and socio-economic vulnerability index (SEVI). The study seeks to understand how agricultural and socio-economic factors lead to variations in vulnerability across districts and influence targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies. The trend analysis results present declining rainfall and inclining temperature from 1951 to 2021 in Madhya Pradesh, directly affecting the agricultural sector and human livelihood. The composite vulnerability index (CVI) results revealed that districts with low values (< 0.394), such as Burhanpur and Balaghat, demonstrate reduced susceptibility due to limited cultivation, low reliance on rainfall, lower drought susceptibility, and decreased population density. Districts such as Panna and Bhopal show moderate vulnerability (0.394-0.423), with lower fallow land, reduced rainfed agriculture, and socio-economic vulnerability. Extensive agriculture and marginalised workers' presence influence high vulnerability (0.423 to 0.456) in districts such as Tikamgarh and Indore. Districts like Barwani and Jhabua have the highest CVI values (> 0.456), indicating substantial susceptibility to climate impacts. The cluster analysis validates the results of the vulnerability index. The findings highlight the urgent need for tailored adaptation strategies to address the diverse agricultural and socio-economic indicators creating vulnerability in Madhya Pradesh. The study helps understand regional vulnerability patterns and provides evidence-based policy approaches for resilience to climate change effects.

Exploring policy coherence to understand limited progress of gender and social inclusion in the energy sector: The case of Nepal

Goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030 but securing universal access to energy supplies remains a challenge worldwide. There is increased recognition that gender and social inclusion (GESI) is critical for the transition towards low-carbon energy.Nepal's inclusive 2015 Constitution, and its 2021 federal-level Gender Equality Policy translate this commitment. Likewise, Nepal is committed to SDG 7. Yet energy policy includes only limited provisions for ensuring energy access by marginalized groups and women. This paper focuses on energy policy coherence to identify cohesion between policies and policy instruments at different levels of governance to identify bottlenecks to GESI. Using a policy coherence and feminist policy approach within an energy justice context, it traces the coherence of GESI policy through time and in relation to overall GESI policy objectives. Horizontal and internal coherence are assessed through the parallels/disjoints between energy-related periodic plans, policies, budgets, and GESI aims. The evolution of GESI in energy investments has been slow in part because of a narrow conceptualization of the policy problem and a lack of coherence and synchronization across documents, which undermines implementation of the GESI agenda.

Intra-Party Rules: Rebuilding the Chinese Communist Party’s Political Ecology

This article offers an in-depth analysis of intra-party rules development within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since the Eighteenth Party Congress in 2012. Through examining fifty-three major intra-party rules, leaders’ speeches, media articles, and 9,412 punishment verdicts, the study uncovers a three-stage process aimed at revitalising the CCP and constructing a “political ecology.” The analysis identifies three stages of intra-party rules development, characterised by nascent attempts to define political–moral and organisational norms, the tension between expansion and centralisation from 2016 onwards, and a period of deepening and advancement coupled with increasing arbitrariness in enforcement. This investigation enriches our comprehension of the intricate interplay between organisation, morality, and punishment within the CCP under Xi Jinping, shedding light on broader ramifications for China's societal structure, governance, and foreign policy approach.

Changing the narrative: The future we want to see. Insights from older generations

Demographic change, a prominent trend in our societies, impacts the labour market, pensions, and the health and care sectors, among others. Concurrently, ageing brings opportunities, as older people actively contribute to society through work, caregiving and knowledge sharing. When looking at demographic change, it is important to consider its intersections with other global trends, such as inequality, climate change and technological advancements, and how this interconnectedness impacts people's daily lives across their lifespan. This article delves into recent European policy approaches and research on demographic change, pinpointing shortcomings and suggesting initiatives to reshape perceptions of ageing and revise the current narrative of old age. Drawing on insights from AGE Platform Europe, the European advocacy organisation of and for older people, this article highlights the collective advocacy efforts at the European and international levels. These efforts aim to truly embody the European motto ‘United in Diversity’ and to foster fairer and more resilient societies.

SOCIAL POLICY REGARDING VETERANS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND OTHER VULNERABLE POPULATION GROUPS

The study focuses on evaluating and analyzing social policies designed to enhance the quality of life for veterans, disabled individuals, and other vulnerable population groups. Emphasis is placed on the effectiveness and adaptability of existing programs and initiatives, along with identifying potential directions for further development of social support for the mentioned citizen categories. The research adopts a comprehensive approach, incorporating the analysis of legislative frameworks, examination of statistical data, and conducting empirical investigations. Comparative analysis methods, surveys, and interviews with representatives of vulnerable groups and experts in social policy are employed. The social policy directed towards veterans, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable population groups is an integral component of the structure of modern society. Providing support to these categories of citizens holds significant humanitarian importance, as it reflects universal values and contributes to addressing issues of social justice. Systematic efforts to create equal opportunities for vulnerable groups foster inclusive development, promoting the construction of a more just and balanced society. The work not only addresses existing challenges in the realm of social support for veterans, disabled individuals, and other vulnerable groups but also proposes specific recommendations for improving assistance programs. This includes exploring opportunities to enhance the accessibility of social services and stimulate the integration of these groups into society. The findings of the research underscore the necessity for actively implementing innovative approaches in social policy, taking into account the individual needs and capabilities of vulnerable groups. The proposed recommendations can serve as a foundation for future policy decisions and improvements in the social support system for relevant population categories. Special attention is given to the development of professional rehabilitation and training programs aimed at integrating individuals into the workforce. In the context of vulnerable population groups, there is a highlighted necessity to expand social protection for the elderly, single parents, and individuals with disabilities. The recommendations also aim to improve mechanisms of civic participation and partnerships between the government, civil society, and businesses to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of social programs. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of revisiting and improving social policy in response to contemporary challenges and the diverse needs of different population groups. The developed recommendations can serve as a basis for strategic planning and enhancing the overall social system.

Lessons learnt from daily oral PrEP delivery to inform national planning for PrEP ring introduction for women in low-income and middle-income countries: a qualitative inquiry of international stakeholders

IntroductionSome African countries plan to introduce and scale-up new long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis methods (LA-PrEP), like the monthly dapivirine vaginal ring (PrEP ring) and injectable cabotegravir. National costed implementation plans, roadmaps...

Approaching the SDG targets with sustained political commitment: drivers of the notable decline in maternal and neonatal mortality in Morocco

BackgroundBetween 2000 and 2017/2018, Morocco reduced its maternal mortality ratio by 68% and its neonatal mortality rate by 52%—a higher improvement than other North African countries. We conducted the Exemplars...

Fiscal Devolution and Healthcare Accessibility A Case Study of Homa Bay County

Fiscal devolution has gained prominence as a policy approach in many developing countries, aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility. This study focused on the influence of Fiscal devolution on healthcare accessibility in Homabay County. The study employed a mixed-methods approach to assess the impact of fiscal devolution on public sector efficiency, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative observations. With an emphasis on metrics like service quality, punctuality, and accessibility, quantitative data were gathered via questionnaires and administrative records. Key stakeholders, such as representatives of the local government, prominent members of the community, and recipients of services, were interviewed in-depth and participated in focus groups to get qualitative data. The data were analyzed using appropriate SPSS version 27 statistical techniques and thematic analysis to identify patterns and relationships. Results showed that fiscal devolution had both positive as well as negative effects on healthcare accessibility in Homabay County, underlining the importance of effective local government and resource allocation processes. Preliminary data indicate that fiscal devolution in Homabay County has had a mixed effect on healthcare accessibility. On one hand, decentralization has empowered local authorities to make decisions tailored to local needs, resulting in improved service responsiveness and community engagement. On the other hand, challenges related to inadequate financial resources, capacity constraints, and intergovernmental coordination have hindered the efficient delivery of public services. Effectiveness of fiscal devolution largely depends on the presence of effective local governance structures, transparent resource allocation mechanisms, and capacity building initiatives.

E-commerce and foreign direct investment: pioneering a new era of trade strategies

This study explores the dynamic interplay between foreign direct investment, e-commerce, and China’s export growth from 2005 to 2022 against the backdrop of the rapidly evolving global economy. Utilizing advanced analytical models that combine province- and year-fixed effects with fully modified ordinary least squares and dynamic ordinary least-squares methodologies, we delve into how foreign direct investment and e-commerce collectively boost China’s export capabilities. Our findings highlight a significant alignment between China’s export expansion and the global sustainable development agenda. We observe that China’s export growth transcends mere international investment and digital market engagement, incorporating sustainable practices such as effective utilization of local labor resources and an emphasis on technological advancements. This study also uncovers how knowledge capital and educational attainment positively impact export figures. A notable regional disparity is observed, with the eastern regions of China being more responsive to foreign direct investment and e-commerce influences on export trade compared to their western counterparts. This disparity underscores the need for region-specific policy approaches and sustainable strategies to evenly distribute the benefits of foreign direct investment and e-commerce. The study concludes that while foreign direct investment and e-commerce are crucial for China’s export growth, the underlying theme is sustainable development, with technological innovation and human capital being key to ongoing export success. The findings advocate for policies that balance economic drivers with sustainable development goals, ensuring both economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.

Balancing Bioethics and Legal Frontiers: А Case Study of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court Decision on Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Background. The present work focuses on the need to protect prenatal life, which is intricately entwined with delineating the precise biological and legal juncture marking an embryo’s transition into personhood. Drawing upon bioethical insights from domestic frameworks and international jurisprudence, we compare diverse perspectives on the moral and legal standing of the embryo, including its right to life, and invoking legal principles in the context of cellular and regenerative medicine.Aim. The goal of this article is to investigate the various biosafety policy approaches governing embryonic stem cell research, ranging from outright prohibition to authorization solely for therapeutic or scientific ends. Through our analysis, we focus on the unique national context of Brazil to scrutinize the underlying rationale behind a specific legal challenge questioning the constitutionality of the BiosafetyLaw. This law, which permits the utilization of human embryonic cells for research and therapeutic purposes, raises concerns about potential infringement upon the inviolability of the right to life.Methodology. The research is based on deductive reasoning alongside formal-legal methodologies, including textual interpretation and comparative-legal analysis. The research process involved documentary, bibliographic, and virtual analytical inquiries utilizing a variety of resources such as legislative texts, monographs, academic articles, databases, and online libraries. Results. Through our examination in a distinct national context, we delineate the theoretical-philosophical and normative-ethical foundations underpinning the stances of Brazilian Supreme Court justices concerning the utilization of embryonic stem cells. Their arguments predominantly invoked significant constitutional liberties such as freedom of family planning, scientific research, and academic pursuits, intertwined with considerations of human dignity and the sanctity of life. Additionally, some justices cautioned against the potential hazards inherent in genetic manipulation.Implications. The legal and ethical ramifications of Brazil’s approach to biosafety legislation concerning embryo rights invoke the necessity for conducting neutral, unfettered scientific inquiry and regenerative therapies according to specific operational parameters. These include safeguarding the integrity of genetic inheritance, preemptive evaluation of potential risks and benefits (adherence to the precautionary principle), and ensuring informed consent for treatments. A significant hurdle consists in the need to establish robust mechanisms for overseeing research involving human embryos within the domains of biomedicine and regenerative cell therapy

“Eco-Innovation Policies for Food Waste Management: A European Union-ASEAN Comparison”

This study investigates the impact of eco-innovation policies on the reduction of food waste in the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Eco-innovations are a range of new technologies and practices that aim to tackle the global food waste crisis. These innovations not only promote economic growth but also contribute to sustainability and social well-being. Guided by circular economy principles, governments play a critical role in fostering eco-innovation. This study compares policy approaches in five developed nations from EU (Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland) and five developing nations from ASEAN (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam). These countries were chosen due to their diverse economic profiles and varied food waste management strategies. Documentary analysis and PESTEL analysis of policies reveals that both regions leverage regulations, incentives, and awareness campaigns to encourage eco-innovation within the food sector. However, challenges remain in areas such as infrastructure and consumer behavior. This research emphasizes the potential of eco-innovation policies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to food systems, highlighting the value of knowledge sharing and collaboration between the EU and ASEAN to address this urgent global issue.

Evaluating and enhancing natural resource asset management efficiency in China: A data envelopment analysis study

The efficiency of China's natural resource asset management system significantly influences the sustainable utilization of resources and the promotion of an environmentally sustainable economy. In this research, we employ a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to assess and analyze the efficiency and dynamic changes within China's natural resource asset management system. Our analysis is based on panel data collected from 30 provinces spanning the years 2007–2019. Our findings reveal that only three provinces demonstrated DEA effectiveness in managing natural resource assets, highlighting substantial regional disparities in efficiency. The presence of multiple institutions operating independently has led to a situation of overlapping responsibilities, resulting in critical issues related to redundant management. Inadequate resource tax collection intensity and a low tax utilization rate have contributed to the insufficiency in resource tax utilization. Local industrial structures and government priorities have hindered the active involvement of industrial enterprises in natural resource asset management in certain regions. We categorize changes in the efficiency of system operations in non-DEA-effective regions into three types: a temporary increase followed by a continuous decline, a gradual increase with overall low efficiency, and a rapid increase with relatively high overall efficiency. Consequently, this study offers policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the efficiency of natural resource asset management: (1) Clarify the ownership of natural resource assets and establish a well-defined hierarchical proxy system along with an integrated supervision framework. (2) Allocate resource tax revenue reasonably and promote collaborative coordination between resource taxes and other policy measures. (3) Strengthen the government's commitment to natural resource asset management, draw insights from advanced regions' experiences, and tailor policy approaches to the specific conditions of different regions to effectively balance economic development and environmental protection.

노인의 죽음 준비 잠재유형과 웰다잉 인식

Although social awareness of the importance of well-dying has increased, empirical evidence for well-dying policies and programs is very scarce. Additionally, there is limited research examining whether perceptions about dying well vary by the types of end-of-life preparation. Accordingly, this study sought to classify the end-of-life preparation among older Korean adults and verify differences in perceptions about well-dying according to subgroups. For this, older Korean adults aged 65 and above who participated in ‘2020 National Survey of Older Koreans’ were analyzed by dividing them into three groups: 5,977 young-old adults (65-74 years old), 3,333 old-old adults (75-84 years old), and 610 oldest-old adults (85 years old and above). End-of-life preparation was measured by four questions in the ritual aspect (e.g., preparing shrouds or funeral portraits), two questions in the psycho-social aspect (e.g., attending educational programs and writing a will), and two questions in the medical aspect (e.g., writing advance directives and pledging to donate organs). Perceptions about well-dying were measured using four items, assessing the importance of dying autonomously, without pain, in the company of family and acquaintances, and without burdening those around them. For statistical analysis, a three-stage latent class analysis and difference test which accounted for classification errors were conducted. As a result of the analysis, the young-old adults were classified into the ‘active preparation’ group, which showed a relatively active level of preparation, and the ‘no preparation’ group, which lacked preparation for end-of-life in all dimen sion s. The old-old and oldest-old adults were classified into the ‘active preparation’ group and the ‘passive preparation’ group, which was limited to end-of-life preparation only in the ritual aspect. In particular, the proportion of the ‘active preparation’ group in all generations was very low, ranging from 3 to 6%. The results of the difference test on perceptions of well-dying showed that among the young-old an d old-old adults classified into the ‘active preparation’ group, the scores for the importance of each item were significantly lower compared to those of the ‘no preparation’ or the ‘passive preparation’ groups. Among the oldest-old adults, the ‘active preparation’ group regarded end-of-life companionship with family and acquaintances as less important than the ‘passive preparation’ group. The results of this study suggest that the level of end-of-life preparation among older adults in Korea, from young-old to oldest-old, remains low and is predominantly focused on the ritual aspect. Furthermore, perceptions about well-dying vary according to the types of end-of-life preparation. The findings of this study underscore the need for tailored approaches in well-dying policies and programs, such as end-of-life preparation education, that consider the heterogeneity within the older population.

Supporting the COVID Response with Solutions from Science

January 2023 marks the 36th month following the World Health Organization’s declaration of COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern. Recent and upcoming events show how far the Philippines has come in terms of its response: emerging from what has been referred to as the world’s longest lockdown1, crowds converging in public spacesand participating in mass gatherings demonstrate how people are adapting to COVID-19 as a reality of daily life. The journey to this milestone has not been simple nor straightforward. In addition to the thousands of health care workers who provide frontline services, a multi-disciplinary group of scientists continues to work tirelessly in the background, dedicating their efforts to gain a better understanding of COVID, particularly in the Philippine context. For example:1. The Philippines has contributed over 12,000 sequences to the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID) platform.2 This resource provides open access to genomic data on coronavirus and allows real-time surveillance to monitor the emergence of new COVID-19 variants globally.2. The FASSSTER (Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance Using Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Modeler) team of computer and data scientists, mathematical and economics modelers, public health and epidemiological experts provides scenario-based projections for COVID-19 using a disease surveillance and modeling platform.3The platform outputs guide decision making by national and local government agencies for interventions such as community quarantines, granular lockdowns, and vaccination targets.3. The Department of Science and Technology is supporting more than 60 projects and studies through its ARCHER (Addressing and Responding to COVID-19 Through Health Research) program. Aside from the usual focus on diagnosis, treatment and prevention, work is also being done on a broad range of topics, such as AI/ICT-driven prediction models and COVID behavior studies.4 Even as scientists struggled to provide information and technology solutions to guide a rational response, governments followed their advice to varying degrees, sometimes resulting in confusing messages. The pandemic has truly highlighted the “synergies as well as the tensions between science and policy.”5Yin and colleagues explored the connection between science and policy in their 2021 paper published in Science. Matching the scientific references in policy documents obtained from a large-scale database with another publication and citation database provided the team with a “distinct opportunity to examine the role of science in the global policy responseto COVID-19.” They found that policy documents in the COVID-19 pandemic substantially access recent, peer-reviewed, and highimpact science. However, national policy approaches have varied greatly, with some countries being actively antagonistic to scientific advice.6 In a perfect world, science and government should work closely together to formulate evidence-based policy. Bicchieri et al. found the largest gaps between trust in science and trust in government in Colombia and Mexico; in contrast, the smallest were in Germany and South Korea, where policy and science were more aligned. They note that “country-level trust in science, and not in government, becomes a strong predictor of compliance.”7 According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the pandemic response requires a more collaborative relationship between scientists and policymakers. Their recommendations include strengthened use of science in policy, ensuring “open science,” universal access to solutions, and a faster response to scientific findings. Of note, the need for building public trust in science is also emphasized.8 For science to be able to provide solutions to support the COVID response, it must communicate, and it must be heard.

Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreens on Coral Reefs: Proposed Policy Approaches

Sunscreen was developed to combat the harmful effects of skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation, but organic UV filters like oxybenzone pose a threat to coral reefs by promoting bleaching incidents, damaging coral DNA, and interfering with coral larvae. Oxybenzone has also been found to cause a wide range of reproductive and developmental harm within other marine organisms, like fish and invertebrates. While there are alternative sunscreens that are less detrimental to coral such as mineral-based products, toxic oxybenzone-based sunscreens are still popular among cosmetic companies and consumers. Scientific findings in the past decade have demonstrated a connection between high concentrations of chemical UV filters and the destruction of marine ecosystems. This knowledge has prompted some governments in coastal regions to pass legislation aiming to limit the use of sunscreens containing these chemicals. These regulations provide beneficial case studies that can be used to develop further effective policies to federally ban these products in the United States. The jurisdictions of Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, and Key West are model examples of successful implementation of such laws domestically. Based on efforts from such coastal communities, our suggested best practices to eliminate the threat posed by harmful sunscreens are to promote alternative sunscreen use, to define ‘reef-safe’ within the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides, and to impose a nationwide ban on oxybenzone. These recommendations provide a comprehensive plan to protect the United States’ fragile marine ecosystems.

Extended residual learning with one-shot imitation learning for robotic assembly in semi-structured environment

IntroductionRobotic assembly tasks require precise manipulation and coordination, often necessitating advanced learning techniques to achieve efficient and effective performance. While residual reinforcement learning with a base policy has shown promise in this domain, existing base policy approaches often rely on hand-designed full-state features and policies or extensive demonstrations, limiting their applicability in semi-structured environments.MethodsIn this study, we propose an innovative Object-Embodiment-Centric Imitation and Residual Reinforcement Learning (OEC-IRRL) approach that leverages an object-embodiment-centric (OEC) task representation to integrate vision models with imitation and residual learning. By utilizing a single demonstration and minimizing interactions with the environment, our method aims to enhance learning efficiency and effectiveness. The proposed method involves three key steps: creating an object-embodiment-centric task representation, employing imitation learning for a base policy using via-point movement primitives for generalization to different settings, and utilizing residual RL for uncertainty-aware policy refinement during the assembly phase.ResultsThrough a series of comprehensive experiments, we investigate the impact of the OEC task representation on base and residual policy learning and demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in semi-structured environments. Our results indicate that the approach, requiring only a single demonstration and less than 1.2 h of interaction, improves success rates by 46% and reduces assembly time by 25%.DiscussionThis research presents a promising avenue for robotic assembly tasks, providing a viable solution without the need for specialized expertise or custom fixtures.

A Common Ground Gun Violence Prevention Policy Package.

In 2022 we conducted a literature review, surveyed 1078 gun owners, and conducted post-survey focus groups and interviews of gun owners and non-gun owners, to determine a common ground gun violence prevention (GVP) policy package. This allowed us to see policies that would save lives and be widely accepted: (1) violent misdemeanor laws, (2) state permit laws, combined with universal background checks; (3) red flag laws. Based on our review of relevant research, we conservatively estimate that in states without any of the policy package components, implementing this package would result in a 27.9% reduction in firearm deaths. We believe that polarization between firearm owners and non-firearm owners, which has thwarted a widely supported response to the problem of gun violence, is largely a harmful myth that can be overcome by including gun owners in the process of fashioning an effective policy approach.