Agency Authority Research Articles

An Oasis or a mirage? How dynamic pricing is assessed under UK competition and consumer protection law

This article explains the consumer protection and competition law rules that apply to dynamic pricing in the United Kingdom. It describes the framework for assessing dynamic pricing under current and incoming UK legislation (including the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act 2024). It explains what dynamic pricing is, and how this has to date been regarded by the Competition and Markets Authority and other agencies. It then provides a summary of potentially applicable competition and consumer rules. Finally, it sets out a list of recommendations for businesses considering dynamic pricing strategies.

Violence, Volition, and Volatility: The Embodied Subjectivity of Women in Cults

This paper explores the embodied experience of 25 women who are former cult members. By delving into the stories of three protagonists, we examine how these women engaged with and possibly redefined the cult's socially constructed notion of womanhood. Building on Elizabeth Grosz's theory of subjective embodiment, we demonstrate how these feminine subjectivities were born at the convergence of three distinct forms of authority: charismatic leadership, the influence of Jewish tradition, and the principles of New Age spirituality. Through these lenses, these women formed their own ideals of motherhood and 'maternal instincts, thus subverting the corporal and symbolic norms dictated by the cult. This multi‐faceted approach illuminates how former cult members navigate and resist prescribed roles, ultimately fostering a nuanced understanding of the interplay between authority, tradition, and personal agency in their experiences.

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

PENGETAHUAN REMAJA TERHADAP PERLINDUNGAN JENAYAH SCAM DI MALAYSIA

Abstract: Scams are systematically executed crimes. Criminal tactics are organized based on the targeted victims, timing, and technological advances. Various approaches have been implemented by authorities to educate and raise awareness among the public regarding the modus operandi and methods of self-protection against these crimes. Therefore, this study aims to identify the level of knowledge and behaviour on self protection against scam crimes among teenagers in Malaysia. A total of 482 teenagers aged 16 to 19 participated in this study. The survey instrument involved five constructs and 29 items formulated based on guidelines, campaigns, and promotional materials implemented by various authoritative agencies in Malaysia. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis in the form of frequency, percentage, and cross tabs analysis. While the inference analysis used was the multiple regression analysis to analyze the influence of each variable toward respondents’ behaviour. The analysis results found that the scores of teenagers’ knowledge for two constructs were high (data information, data security), and three constructs were moderate (communication, digital content, problem-solving). Whereas the finding of multiple regression analysis indicated that all variables were significant in influencing respondents’ behaviour except for the digital content variable. Overall, this study proved that the protective actions taken by authorities against scam crimes were effective. However, these efforts need to be continued to ensure that these preventive elements can still be practiced in the future. Keywords: Scam; Teenagers; Communication; Digital Content; Problem-solving; Data Security; Data Information

Penguatan Kewenangan BPJPH dalam Pengawasan Sertifikasi Halal di Sektor Pariwisata: Analisis Hukum Terhadap Implikasi Penundaan Kewajiban Sertifikasi Halal 2024-2026

This study explores the legal implications of the postponement of the halal certification requirement in Indonesia's tourism sector until 2026, focusing on strengthening the authority of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) in supervising and enforcing halal standards. This postponement creates significant challenges in the application of the Lex Superior Derogat Legi Inferiori principle and results in a legal vacuum (rechtsvacuum) that could undermine legal certainty. The study employs a descriptive approach with qualitative analysis involving in-depth interviews with BPJPH officials and constitutional law academics, as well as a review of documents related to halal regulations. The findings indicate that the postponement of halal certification negatively impacts regulatory compliance, damages Indonesia's image as a halal tourism destination, and necessitates strict legal measures to address the legal vacuum and strengthen BPJPH's authority. Practical recommendations are provided to enhance oversight and law enforcement to maintain the integrity of halal standards in Indonesia during this postponement period.

Design and structural analysis of high payload C1 container

Abstract To meet the need of storing the nuclear facility dismantling wastes in Taiwan, National Atomic Research Institute (NARI) plans to develop a new type of low-level radioactive waste container based on the exterior specifications of the existing C1 container but with higher payload. Currently, the design of this container has been finished, and the associated structural analyses specified in the regulations have also been done. In this article, it summarizes what NARI has performed and what NARI plans to do for the development of this container. It includes not only the information of C1 container and its actual applications but also the design specifications and the associated numerical analyses of the container under development. Based on the analysis results, the container under development satisfies the requirements of the low-level radioactive waste storage container and the industrial package type 2. Currently, NARI has entrusted a local vendor to fabricate the prototypes of this container and perform the specified tests in the second half of 2024. The usage permit application of this container will be submitted to the authority agency in the first half of 2025. Hopefully, the usage permit could be granted in 2026.

Inside out: Exploring edible biocatalytic biosensors for health monitoring

Edible biosensors can measure a wide range of physiological and biochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, gases, gastrointestinal biomarkers, enzymes, hormones, glucose, and drug levels, providing real-time data. Edible biocatalytic biosensors represent a new frontier within healthcare technology available for remote medical diagnosis. The main challenges to develop edible biosensors are: i) finding edible materials (i.e. redox mediators, conductive materials, binders and biorecognition elements such as enzymes) complying with Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Medicines Agency (EMEA) regulations; ii) developing bioelectronics able to operate in extreme working conditions such as low pH (∼pH 1.5 gastric fluids etc.), body temperature (between 37 °C and 40 °C) and highly viscous bodily fluids that may cause surface biofouling issues. Nowadays, advanced printing techniques can revolutionize the design and manufacturing of edible biocatalytic biosensors.This review outlines recent research on biomaterials suitable for creating edible biocatalytic biosensors, focusing on their electrochemical properties such as electrical conductivity and redox potential. It also examines biomaterials as substrates for printing and discusses various printing methods, highlighting challenges and perspectives for edible biocatalytic biosensors.

The Automated Administrative State: A Crisis of Legitimacy

The legitimacy of the administrative state is premised on our faith in agency expertise. Despite their extra-constitutional structure, administrative agencies have been on firm footing for a long time in reverence to their critical role in governing a complex, evolving society. They are delegated enormous power because they respond expertly and nimbly to evolving conditions. In recent decades, state and federal agencies have embraced a novel mode of operation: automation. Agencies rely more and more on software and algorithms in carrying out their delegated responsibilities. The automated administrative state, however, is demonstrably riddled with concerns. Legal challenges regarding the denial of benefits and rights—from travel to disability—have revealed a pernicious pattern of bizarre and unintelligible outcomes. Scholarship to date has explored the pitfalls of automation with a particular frame, asking how we might ensure that automation honors existing legal commitments such as due process. Missing from the conversation are broader, structural critiques of the legitimacy of agencies that automate. Automation abdicates the expertise and nimbleness that justify the administrative state, undermining the very case for the existence and authority of agencies. Yet the answer is not to deny agencies access to technology that other twenty-first century institutions rely upon. This Article points toward a positive vision of the administrative state that adopts tools only when they enhance, rather than undermine, the underpinnings of agency legitimacy.

Policy responsiveness and its administrative organisation in China

Scholarly literature on effective policy responsiveness and its administrative organisation in China remains scant. To address this gap, this article explores the administrative elements that impact policy responsiveness, with particular emphasis on the role of response agencies. The authors propose a theoretical framework that underscores two essential dimensions: political authority and interest homogeneity of response agencies. Using online petition data and fiscal expenditure records, the article demonstrates that local governments effectively address public demands, especially concerning environmental issues. Specifically, policy responsiveness significantly improves when government response agencies demonstrate a high level of political authority and share homogeneous interests with citizens. These conclusions emphasise the need to incorporate administrative perspectives when examining policy responsiveness.

Pop-Up Ads Legal, Illegal, and The Role of The Financial Services Authority

Pop-up ads are notifications on the smartphone window when opening a website or application, which are useful for attracting users when crossing the web. Legal and illegal online loans also utilize this feature in marketing their services. The Financial Services Authority has a vital role in eradicating these pop-up ads so as not to cause unrest in the community. The aim is to find out how the role of the Financial Services Authority in controlling the circulation of online loan pop-up ads and what the consequences are. This literature study research uses normative juridical research methods. The data combines primary, secondary, and tertiary legal sources, then processed through descriptive analysis to obtain detailed and structured results. The results show that pop-up ads for online loans, especially illegal ones, can bring unrest to the community. Therefore, people can be easily tempted to take out loans and end up badly when they cannot repay them. The reasons behind a person making a loan vary, such as attractive advertisements or urgent economic circumstances. The Financial Services Authority and other government agencies are working together to eradicate illegal online loans, one of which is blocking them so that only verified online loan pop-up ads remain. The hope is that the public does not need to worry about accessing online loans through pop-up ads because it can be ascertained that these loans are legal. This research concludes that online loan pop-up ads are still so troubling that the role of the Financial Services Authority and other government agencies needs to be improved. The Financial Services Authority must not be careless in eradicating them to create a healthy and safe economic environment for the community.

Authority of the Environmental Service in Combating Pollution Due to Burning of Waste in Tangerang City

Tangerang City Regional Regulation Number 2 Year 2022 on Waste Management contains technical regulations on waste management and a prohibition on burning waste that is not in accordance with the technical requirements of waste management. This research focuses on: How is the Implementation of the Authority of the Tangerang City Environment Agency over waste management that affects pollution caused by waste burning based on Tangerang City Regional Regulation Number 2 Year 2022? How are the Obstacles and Solutions of the Tangerang City Environmental Agency in overcoming pollution caused by waste burning in Tangerang City? The theories used are Authority Theory and Law Enforcement Theory. The method used is the empirical juridical approach method so that the author uses a qualitative and descriptive type of research. The results obtained are that the Tangerang City Environmental Agency is responsible for managing waste by inviting the community to participate in the waste bank and waste alms program and supervising and enforcing the law on this waste burning case. There are obstacles, namely the difficulty of monitoring the waste burning area, illegal trash bins, lack of public awareness. The suggestion is to conduct an analysis in the implementation of the regulation, increase supervision at points where waste burning often occurs, eradicate illegal trash bins, improve waste management by cooperating with organizations regarding the development of waste banks, inviting the public to participate in socialization and conduct waste alms

Quantitative research on China's virtual power plant policies: Effectiveness evaluation and frontier trends

Virtual power plants (VPP) aim to enhance the electricity system's stability, adaptability, and efficiency while promoting the scale-up of renewable energy. It is worth noting that VPP policy is crucial to promoting the development of VPP and providing solid guarantees. However, there is a lack of quantitative evaluation of the VPP policy to understand its advantages and potential value and identify policy deficiencies when amalgamated with the VPP's future growth. This study innovatively constructs a multidimensional quantitative evaluation framework for VPP policy based on the text mining (TM) method and the Policy Modelling Consistency Index (PMC-Index) model, filling a gap in the quantitative evaluation of VPP policy and providing new perspectives for subsequent research. It was found that among the ten representative VPP policies selected, one exhibits good consistency, eight exhibit acceptable consistency, and one exhibits low consistency. VPP policies with broad content and comprehensive coverage have higher PMC-Index scores, while with limited implementation, more targeted ones have lower PMC-Index scores. The primary reasons for the concave PMC-Surface of ten policies are the low policy level (X2) and policy timeliness (X4) scores. These results suggest that VPP policies still have significant room for improvement concerning the authority of policy-issuing agencies and the development of short--, medium---, and long-term plans. Accordingly, CiteSpace is used to analyze the research hotspots and cutting-edge trends of VPP and explore the direction of future policy formulation. Based on the research findings, specific and actionable suggestions are proposed for subsequent formulation and modification of VPP policies in terms of enhanced integration and interoperability, data management and information security, innovation and improvement of market mechanisms, policy support and incentives, and training and education.

Inter-agency coordination and digital platform regulation: lessons from the Whatsapp case in Brazil

ABSTRACT This article examines the drivers and obstacles behind the first large-scale cross-agency coordination in digital platform regulation in Brazil. Drawing on elite semi-structured interviews and document analysis, it investigates how the Brazilian National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) and other federal agencies worked together to scrutinize the legal implications of WhatsApp’s privacy policy and terms of service changes announced in January 2021, including concerns regarding transparency, legitimate interest, and consent. The study reveals that while formal institutional arrangements such as cooperation agreements existed, informal factors like personal relationships played a significant role in facilitating coordination. However, capacity and autonomy issues within the involved bodies hindered more substantive coordination and may explain divergences in the interpretation of data protection legislation. The findings emphasize the importance of enhancing mechanisms for inter-agency coordination in digital platform regulation, especially considering capacity and autonomy issues within and across regulatory ecosystems, offering insights to other jurisdictions, particularly for developing countries facing public governance constraints similar to those experienced in Brazil.

A propensity score matched analysis of COVID-19 ongoing symptoms in primary medical staff members with different levels of stress in Jiangsu Province, China

ObjectiveOngoing symptoms which originated from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections threaten the health of a broad population of patients. With recent changes in COVID-19 control measures in China, medical staff members are currently experiencing a high level of stress. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 and explore the potential association between stress and ongoing COVID symptoms. MethodsFrom January 17th to February 2, 2023, primary medical staff members in Jiangsu Province were surveyed using a self-designed questionnaire. Univariate multinomial logistic analysis was used to illustrate the relationship between stress and ongoing symptoms after matching the low- and high-stress groups in a 1:1 ratio based on propensity scores. ResultsAnalysis revealed that 14.83 % (3785/25,516) of primary medical staff members infected with COVID-19 experienced ongoing symptoms, the most common of which included cough (9.51 %), dyspnea (9.51 %), sleep problems (4.40 %), anxiety (2.29 %), and reproductive system symptoms (1.89 %). In matched patients, higher stress levels were associated with a greater risk of ongoing symptoms than in patients without ongoing symptoms for 14 of the 15 reported symptoms in this study (odds ratios [ORs] > 1 and P < 0.05). Moreover, higher levels of stress were associated with a greater risk of more ongoing symptoms, and the overall ORs increased with the number of symptoms (ORs >1 and P < 0.05). ConclusionTo mitigate the possibility of experiencing ongoing symptoms, healthcare organizations and local authority agencies should institute helpful measures to decrease stress levels such as medical staff augmentation and enabling all staff to have a reasonable work-life balance.

Merging Worlds: Place, Politics, and Play in Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman

Martin McDonagh’s transition from his regional Leenane Trilogy (1996-1997) and Aran Island plays (1996-2001) to The Pillowman (2003) marks a significant departure in his dramaturgical approach. The absence of a specified geographical location in The Pillowman challenges traditional notions of place in theatre. While space is fundamental in constructing meaning, Anne Ubersfeld suggests that plays offer socio-cultural coordinates rather than literal representations. In The Pillowman, McDonagh explores power dynamics within an unspecified totalitarian state, highlighting the tensions between official authority and individual agency. Thus, while the play lacks a specific dramatic locale, the politics of place still shape the narrative and character interactions.

An investigation of the genotoxic potential of a well-characterized yerba mate extract

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is historically used as a beverage and its extracts are considered traditional medicine in South America. Extract use has been expanding to North American and European markets and the currently available genetic toxicology literature indicate discrepancies in genotoxicity findings for yerba mate. As botanical extract use expands, assumption in safety should be made with caution assuring a good understanding of the test material characterization. Authoritative agencies suggest a two-step paradigm to investigate genotoxicity, and this was implemented to evaluate the safety of yerba mate hydroxycinnamic acid extract. Four OECD compliant assays were employed: bacterial reverse mutation, in vitro micronucleus and a parallel in vivo micronucleus, and comet assay. No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in the in vitro Ames assay, but the results of an in vitro micronucleus study were inconclusive. However, oral gavage treatment of rats for the in vivo micronucleus and comet assays demonstrated negative findings. The results from this battery of tests, supports that this yerba mate hydroxycinnamic acid extract is not anticipated to pose genotoxicity concerns. A high-level comparison of results to other available genotoxicity literature on yerba mate is presented with emphasis on the importance of identity when drawing conclusions on botanicals.

An Ideal Concept of Ad Hoc General Election Supervisors to Handle The Code of Ethics

It is crucial to establish a code of ethics for ad hoc General Election observers in order to guarantee the integrity, fairness, and transparency of the democratic process. The objective of this research is to identify and examine the optimal approach for addressing infractions of the Code of Ethics for Ad Hoc General Voter Supervisors. The research employed normative legal research methodology, specifically utilizing a statutory and conceptual approach. An effective approach to addressing violations of the code of ethics for ad hoc general voter supervisors is to withdraw the authority of The General Election Supervisory Agency in handling such violations. This is in accordance with Article 10 of DKPP Regulation Number 3 of 2017, which has been recently amended through Election Organizer Ethics Council (DKPP) Regulation Number 1 of 2021. The amendment establishes a Regional Audit Team at the Regency/City level to conduct inspections and address code of ethics violations committed by ad hoc general voter supervisors.

Police Authority In Handling Corruption Crimes Under Law No. 2 Of 2002 Concerning State Police Of The Republic Of Indonesia

The criminal act of corruption is a latent danger for Indonesia because the negative impacts and the causes are very dangerous for the economy and social order. This research aims to determine the regulation of the authority of law enforcement agencies in handling criminal acts of corruption in the legal system in Indonesia and how the authority of the police in handling criminal acts of corruption in Indonesia. As normative legal research, the research examines laws and regulations related to criminal acts of corruption.Research results: Regulation of criminal acts of corruption in Indonesia is regulated in the Corruption Eradication Law Number 20 of 2001, and Law Number 8 of 1981 concerning the Criminal Procedure Code. The Criminal Procedure Code only recognizes 2 institutions or agencies that have the authority to handle criminal acts, namely the Police and the Prosecutor's Office. In Law Number 20 of 2001, the investigative authority is contained in the institutions that have the authority to handle criminal acts of corruption, namely the Police, Prosecutor's Office and the Corruption Eradication Commission. Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia, aims to strengthen the position and role of the police as an integral part of overall reform efforts. The development and progress of society as well as the emergence of the supremacy of law, globalization, transparency and accountability have given rise to a new perspective on the duties, functions, authority and responsibilities of the police which has led to the growth of various demands and expectations from the public regarding the implementation of police duties oriented towards the interests of the community.

Beyond the aspirational: creating the future of health care in Australia.

The context of health care in Australia is shifting very rapidly; more chronic diseases, budgetary stress and the constant threat of the next pandemic and climate change mean that patterns of disease and care are changing, and the workforce is under pressure. Health systems have learned to respond as best they can, but there are many challenges and opportunities for the Australian health care system to plan and implement an evidence-based and sustainable approach to health care delivery in the next decade. To support this approach, many peak bodies and authoritative agencies, such as the Australian government in their 2022 Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report, have described laudable visions for health care, but no one has laid out a tangible blueprint for whole-of-system change. Here, we outline nine strategies that span principles of integrated, value-based care, with a focus on prevention and quality, the development of a skilled workforce and health-literate population and the use of emerging technologies such as genomics and artificial intelligence. These strategies form a potential path for the Australian health care system to meet the changing requirements of the current decade and take the aspirational visions of the future of health care into an improved, patient-based health system that delivers care in line with best practices.

Personalised human albumin in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: design and rationale for the ALB-TRIAL - a randomised clinical biomarker validation trial

IntroductionHuman albumin is used in the treatment of complications of cirrhosis. However, the use of long-term human albumin administration is costly and resource demanding for both patients and healthcare systems....