Policy Changes Research Articles

Responsive nor responsible? Politicians’ climate change policy preferences and public opinion perceptions

ABSTRACT This study addresses the lack of sufficient climate action by examining politicians’ opinions and their perceptions of public opinion about climate change mitigation policies. After all, scholarly work on democratic representation has shown that two key drivers of political decision-making are the policy preferences of elected representatives and their perceptions of citizens’ preferences. Drawing on surveys with local elected representatives and citizens in Belgium, we find that they overall hold rather similar preferences on climate policies – though politicians are slightly less supportive of most policies than citizens. Interestingly, legislators underestimate support for climate policies among the broader public, which may lead to less climate action than would be expected from a representational view. Finally, we show that politicians’ own preferences influence their public opinion perceptions.

Modeling the dynamic effects of tariffs on economic variables and trade policies

Tariffs, a key instrument of trade policy, are often viewed as tools to correct trade imbalances or protect domestic industries. However, their effects on an economy extend beyond immediate price changes, triggering complex feedback loops that unfold over time. This study explores tariffs as a feedback control mechanism within an economic system, emphasizing their role in influencing key variables such as inflation, trade balances, consumption, and monetary policy. By modeling these interactions using delayed differential equations (DDEs), the research demonstrates how time lags in economic adjustments — such as the delayed effects of tariffs on inflation and trade volume can amplify or attenuate the initial impact of policy changes. The feedback loop suggests that tariffs, while raising prices and reducing trade volume in the short term, also lead to inflationary pressures, which may prompt central bank responses, such as interest rate adjustments. These adjustments, in turn, affect investment and consumption, further influencing the economy. The research provides both a theoretical and practical framework for understanding the dynamic and delayed nature of tariffinduced economic changes, with insights into how policymakers can better anticipate and manage the consequences of trade policies. This model offers a comprehensive understanding of the broader economic adjustments and the role of time lags in shaping the long-term impact of tariffs on global trade and national economies.

Unpacking policy developments in marine natural product research: a scientist's guide to DSI and BBNJ.

Covering: 2014 up to February 2025Since the Nagoya Protocol came into force in 2014, scientists working with genetic resources have integrated compliance with Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) legislation at international and national levels into their research practices. However, two key gaps left by the Nagoya Protocol are being addressed, introducing new obligations for marine natural product scientists: under the auspices of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a compromise agreement was reached in November 2024 that regulates the use of Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on Genetic Resources. Within the next few years, the 2023 Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement is expected to take effect. This treaty covers the access to and use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction for research and development. In a time when genetic research and marine biodiversity are key to scientific advancement, these evolving policies affect how genetic information is stored, shared, and used, raising emerging questions for the scientific community about their direct impact and the complexities of compliance. Despite continuous developments and scientific community involvement, there remains a notable gap in communication between policy changes and their accessible dissemination to researchers. Addressing this gap is crucial for the continuation of research and the effective use of relevant resources. The main goal of this viewpoint article is to provide a concise guide to recent policy developments relevant to natural product researchers that should be incorporated and harmonized into ongoing scientific activities.

Analysis of Majelis Ulama Indonesia Fatwa on Deforestation: Implications and Relevance in the Context of Environmental Conservation

The Fatwa of Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) on deforestation has significant implications in the context of environmental protection in Indonesia. In this abstract, an analysis of the background, content, implications, and relevance of the MUI fatwa is conducted. The background of this fatwa is influenced by the trend of increasing deforestation in Indonesia, the influence of Islamic cultural values, community demand, ulama consensus, and global environmental concerns. The MUI fatwa states that actions harming the environment and contributing to the climate crisis are considered forbidden, including uncontrolled deforestation and forest burning that damage natural ecosystems. Implications of the MUI fatwa include changes in government policies, influence on industrial practices, strengthening public awareness, and collaboration among institutions to achieve environmental protection goals. However, challenges in implementing and adhering to this fatwa include diverse interpretations, resource limitations, alignment with existing policies and practices, behavioral and habit changes, adaptation to local conditions, and education and awareness of the public. To effectively and sustainably address deforestation, measures such as the strict implementation of forest and land management policies, promotion of sustainable agriculture, and increasing public awareness through education and outreach campaigns are necessary. With solid cooperation among the government, civil society, private sector, and religious institutions like the MUI, we can preserve Indonesia’s natural environment for future generations.

Navigating land use after managed retreat: decisions facing local governments in the post-buyout environment

ABSTRACT Five years following the Quebec Spring 2019 floods in Canada, the City of Gatineau is grappling with questions on how to move forward with municipal land use plans that integrate provincial flood protection policies. This longitudinal study analyses the policy changes in the Province of Quebec’s flood management regime and assesses the post-buyout land use decision making process. Using mixed methods, we explore the evolution of buyout policies, assess the challenges in maintaining both occupied and vacant lots, and document potential post-buyout land use options that would reconcile the benefits of floodplain restoration and provide recreational spaces for the community. The results indicate the institutional alignment of provincial buyout policies and regulatory tools, such as the special intervention zone that support the relocation of residents whilst acknowledging that some areas are no longer viable and prohibiting future redevelopment. This Canadian case study illustrates a municipality that has developed a community master plan though a lack of funding and direction from senior governments continues to hinder the city’s progress indicating that flood risk management is challenging to implement without the adequate coordination of responsibility and elimination of fragmentation between different levels of government.

In quest of an authentic identity – an exploratory study of mental health assessment of gender incongruence in urban India

Last decade in India has seen increasing visibility and dialogue on trans health including gender affirmative interventions. This has been enabled by growing mobilisation and assertion from trans communities and a range of legal and policy changes supporting trans inclusion. In this paper, we focus on mental health assessment of gender dysphoria/ incongruence that is the first and an essential step for a transgender person in the Indian context to be able to access medical and surgical gender affirmative interventions. We discuss findings of a mixed-method, exploratory study conducted with 165 mental health professionals (MHPs) in three cities of India. In this paper we primarily present qualitative data on MHPs’ understanding of gender incongruence, their practice of assessment, rationale for the same and ways in which they end up gatekeeping access to medical and surgical gender affirmative interventions. Concepts such as biological determinism of gender, trans normativity, pathologisation of trans and gender diversity, mental stability and capacity are used to critically discuss findings.

Seventy Years of Dutch Regional Unemployment from a Spatiotemporal Perspective

Abstract This paper examines serial and both local and global cross-sectional dependence of regional unemployment rates in the Netherlands from 1950 to 2021, using a common factor spatial panel data model. A structural break test applied to this model provides significant empirical evidence that after the period 1980–1984 the half-life of an unemployment shock decreased, Dutch provinces became more locally integrated, regional unemployment rates moved more in line with the national unemployment rate and regional disparities in unemployment decreased. This break is attributed to wage restraint and work sharing laid down in the Wassenaar Agreement. This break and the further development of regional unemployment rates since then are set in the context of a number of important developments, including the government’s austerity policy changes and social security reforms, changes in unemployment measurement methods, the transition of employment from agriculture and industry to the service sector and the increased spatial flexibility of the labor force due to the reduction of travel times.

Enhancing patient safety: identifying fall risks during patient transfers in operating rooms

BackgroundTransfers within operating rooms present significant risks to patient safety, with falls potentially leading to serious consequences for both patients and staff. The aim of this study is to explore the factors contributing to falls during transfers and strategies to enhance patient safety in operating rooms.MethodsThis is a qualitative study conducted using semi-structured interviews with fifteen operating room staff including nurse (n = 7), anaesthesia technician (n = 7) and scrub person (n = 1). Their ages ranged from 28 to 39 years, with experience years in the operating room ranging from two to ten years. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach based on the grounded theory.ResultsThe thematic analysis identified six key factors contributing to falls during patient transfers: human error, team coordination, patient condition, staffing challenges, equipment issues, and inadequate training. Participants recommended improving team collaboration, pre-operative patient education, better infrastructure (e.g., private elevators), hands-on training, and increased staffing. Additionally, policy changes to limit complex outpatient transfers were suggested to reduce risks.ConclusionsThis study provides valuable insights into the risk factors and potential prevention strategies regarding falls during patient transfers in operating rooms. Future research should incorporate multidisciplinary observational studies involving human factors to provide deeper insights. It is recommended to create systems for anonymous incident reporting and implement comprehensive training programs.

The COVID-19 pandemic and domestic violence: A case of African Christian women in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe

Countries, including Zimbabwe, have been battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by enacting measures such as national quarantines, border closures, online work and school closures to reduce the speed of transmission. These lockdown policies tend to increase the occurrence of domestic violence because of isolation, coupled with economic and psychological stress. Cultural and patriarchal systems have also fuelled violence against women. The present study sought to assess the nature of domestic violence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among African Christian women in the Gwanda district. The study adopted a qualitative methodological approach, utilising a case study research design. The African Christian women participants were purposively selected. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were the research instruments used to collect data. The findings revealed intensified physical and sexual violence against African Christian women in Gwanda district since the outbreak of COVID-19. There was an increase in calls reporting domestic violence cases using helplines. Sexual harassment and other forms of violence against women continued to occur in homes, on streets, in public spaces and online. Survivors faced limited information and challenges in accessing support services. The study concluded that all types of violence against women intensified during COVID- 19 pandemic lockdowns. Policy changes and strategies are needed to reduce domestic violence among African Christian women during the turbulent times.Contribution: This article aligns with the theme of African women, pandemics and religion. Understanding the types of domestic violence can assist policy makers in addressing this issue in the society.

Diving deep into legal layers: institutional grammar's insight into Iran's groundwater laws

ABSTRACT Groundwater management in Iran is complex, challenged by exacerbating water scarcity and groundwater depletion. Despite changes in the country's water policies and laws, groundwater depletion has intensified. This study analyses two key groundwater laws – the Equitable Distribution of Water Resources Law (1983) and the Ta'een Taklif Law (2010) – to systematically identify the challenges embedded in these laws that may contribute to accelerating groundwater depletion. Using Institutional Grammar, the laws were analyzed according to ADICO components: Attribute, Deontic, aIm, Condition, and Or else. The analysis reveals that the predominant nature of both laws is norm-based, with minimal use of formal sanctions for enforcement. The Attribute components reveal a government-centric approach, making the government the primary actor and well-users passive. The aIm components indicate that unauthorized wells, being part of the current problematic situation, may eventually be legalized. The Condition components are vague and contradictory, hindering effective enforcement. Both laws state what should or should not be done (Deontic), but lack specified penalties (Or else) for non-compliance. The paper concludes with the need for a comprehensive change in water policy leading to laws that maintain a balanced integration of norms and rules to create a robust groundwater management.

Disparities in heart transplant survival and graft rejection outcomes persist in the modern era: a call to race towards a more equitable future.

Racial and ethnic disparities remain an ongoing challenge in healthcare. Such inequities have been reported in heart transplantation (HTx), however, there is limited data within the modern era. Additionally, there is scarce information on outcomes besides death, such as graft rejection. Therefore, our investigation aims to add further data on contemporary racial and ethnic disparities on post-transplant outcomes. Adult isolated HTx recipients who were transplanted between 1/2000-9/2023 were analyzed using the UNOS database. Inclusion criteria included "White", "Black", "Hispanic", and "Asian" recipients. Two primary outcomes of interest were analyzed: mortality and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Survival was assessed using a cause-specific model, whereas CAV analysis utilized a competing-risk approach. Subgroup survival analysis was conducted for patients listed in the years prior to (11/2013-10/2018) and after (10/2018-9/2023) the 2018 heart allocation policy (HAP) changes. A total of 50,243 patients were included in our analysis. Black recipients were the only group found to have an increased overall (HR = 1.30, p < 0.001) and post-HAP (HR = 1.36, p < 0.001) mortality risk. Asian (HR = 1.19, p = 0.001) and Hispanic (HR = 1.15, p < 0.001) recipients had elevated risks of CAV, whereas Black patients had similar risk (HR = 1.00, p = 0.864) as White recipients. Our investigation suggests that disparities continue to exist for minority groups after heart transplantation. Notably, the 2018 allocation changes may have introduced or exacerbated such inequities for Black recipients.

Demystifying an Idiosyncratic Political Movement and Its Legacy: Portrayal of the Young Turks in the British Press, 1908–1914

This article addresses a paradox about a political movement in the late Ottoman period, which left a distinctive political legacy behind. The study quantitatively analyzes the data collected from two leading newspapers of the British press between 1908 and 1914 (N = 151) to present empirical evidence concerning the change in the portrayal of the movement. Later, the data were triangulated with qualitative findings to provide insight and confirmability. The research findings shed light on the drastic policy and discourse changes within one of the most tumultuous periods and offer a historical account of the efforts for equal citizenship in today's most volatile regions. Besides, the study findings support the media conformity approach and give a detailed analysis of the usage of the press as an instrument of foreign policy.

Scoping Existing National Policy Recognition of Future Generations: Prospects for Future Global Climate Justice

ABSTRACTClimate change impacts are increasing globally. A climate justice perspective highlights that impacts are unevenly felt, with vulnerable groups and future generations facing significantly greater impacts even if current goals are met. Recognition of future generations in policy is attracting increasing attention internationally, with the United Nations General Assembly adopting a resolution on the Pact for the Future in September 2024. However, there has been little research into the current state of existing future generations policy around the world, and how these existing policies might support or hinder climate action. The aim of this article is to compare and contrast national legislation and policies that consider future generations and relate these to key climate change policy areas. Targeted website searches located 59 national constitutions and 44 national and international policy documents that acknowledged future generations. Analysis of the context in which future generations are mentioned shows that it is commonly linked to natural resource and environmental issues that are aligned with the human system impacts highlighted by the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report. The results suggest that greater focus on future generations could support a climate justice and greater climate action.

Creating a culture of coaching: examining clinical teachers' coaching behaviors through a behavior change lens.

Despite the integral role that clinical teachers' coaching behaviors play in shaping residents' learning experiences, these behaviors are not always enacted. To better understand the behavioral determinants of coaching, the objectives of this study were to (a) identify barriers and facilitators of engaging in coaching behaviors using behavior change theories (Behavior Change Wheel, BCW; Theoretical Domains Framework, TDF), and (b) propose relevant interventions and policy changes to facilitate the engagement in coaching behaviors. Using a social constructionist approach, we interviewed 13 clinical teachers with relevant lived coaching experiences. We first used reflexive thematic analysis to analyze the data inductively. Second, we deductively mapped the themes onto the BCW and TDF to identify the behavioral determinants of coaching, relevant interventions, and applicable policy changes. Participants' perceptions of coaching behaviors were captured in six themes pertaining to clinical teachers' capability (a self-directed journey; a balancing act), opportunity (the show must go on; setting the stage), and motivation (call me coach; an audience for coaching). Although clinical teachers had the necessary coaching knowledge and skills, social and environmental constraints limited the practical implementation of these behaviors. This work supports applying behavior change theories in medical education research. Recommendations include shifting interventions beyond targeting individual-level knowledge to fostering coaching-supportive environments, including focusing on training, modelling, and enablement and developing policy-level supports such as guidelines, planning, services, and regulation.

Study to See the Impact of Alcohol and Drug Abuse on Health

Substance abuse, including addiction to alcohol and drugs, is a major threat to the person, social stability, and economic productivity. We will review the use of alcohol and drugs and their effects on various aspects of physical and mental health, with a specific focus on the long-range effects of the abuse of substances on well-being. It synthesizes and standardizes existing literature, theoretical frameworks, and empirical findings to assess the direct and indirect effects of atmospheric exposure — such as organ damage, neurological conditions and psychological health — on the Down syndrome population. The patterns of substance abuse and their effects may be analysed by using a stepwise methodology that uses both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Long-term substance use and chemical dependence correspond with an increased risk of multiple systemic diseases similar to these findings, advocating the need for effective prevention, policy change, and rehabilitation programs. The paper also describes limitations and suggests for future studies to continue exploring ways to implement strategies to mitigate substance dependency. Keywords— Alcohol abuse, drug addiction, health impact, mental disorders, substance dependency, rehabilitation, public health policy.

Geographical Variation in COVID-19 Transmission Potential and Case Burden, West Virginia, 2020-2023.

Substate-level analysis reveals geographical variation in COVID-19 epidemiology and facilitates improvement of prevention efforts with greater granularity. We analyzed daily confirmed COVID-19 case count in West Virginia and its 9 regions (March 19, 2020-March 9, 2023). Nonparametric bootstrapping and a Poisson-distributed multiplier of 4 were applied to account for irregular and under-reporting. We used the R package EpiEstim to estimate the time-varying reproduction number Rt with 7-day-sliding-windows (2020-2023) and non-overlapping-time-windows between 5 policy changes (2020 only). Poisson regression was used to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) between each region and West Virginia (2020, 2021, and 2022). Statewide Rt fluctuated over the study period, with the highest in March 2020 (close to 2) and the lowest Rt (<1) seen in June 2020. The Stay-at-home Order, Face Mask Mandate, and Virtual Learning Resumes saw 38.7% (95% credible interval [CrI]: 21.9%-57.5%), 10.6% (95% CrI, 3.2%-18.9%), and 9.4% (95% CrI, 3.2%-15.4%) corresponding decreases in Rt statewide. All regions experienced incidence rates different from the state. The IRRs ranged from 0.32 (95% CI, 0.32-0.33) (Northern region) to 1.90 (95% CI, 1.87-1.94) (Wood-Jackson region) in 2020. Policies reducing human contacts, e.g., Stay-at-home Order and Virtual Learning Resumes, effectively reduced transmission statewide.

Evolution of suicide in the Guardia Civil over a 39-year period (1982–2020): a retrospective case-control cohort study

IntroductionThere is a discussion whether military and police corps show increased suicide rates, as the line of work is characterised by both protective and risk factors for suicidality. To examine...

Private Investment in Education: Household Response to a Policy Change in English as a Second Language

English language, a lingua franca in the former British colony India, bears additional importance in labor market and generates skill premiums. Using a change in English Language policy in government schools as a source of exogenous variation, we study its impact on private investments in education in West Bengal, India. We find the likelihood of enrolling in private school is 4 percentage points higher on average for the affected cohort who could study English as a second language only from secondary grades. Preference for private schools is stronger among the economically better-off affected cohorts, who could substitute the almost free public schools. The ones who stayed back in government schools spend more on private coaching. While attempting to encourage higher participation of the disadvantaged, it may have inadvertently disincentivised public school enrollment among wealthier families, with considerable heterogeneity across gender and caste groups.

Ethical and equity challenges in employment: Perspectives of international nursing graduates.

BackgroundAustralia faces a critical shortage of nurses, yet international nursing graduates (INGs) encounter significant barriers to securing employment after graduation. Current policies often prioritize domestic graduates, creating systemic disadvantages for INGs, particularly those on temporary visas. This inequity raises ethical concerns and undermines Australia's ability to fully utilize its nursing workforce, potentially compromising the quality of healthcare services.AimThis study explores the lived experiences of INGs regarding employment challenges in Australia, critically examining the ethical and equity implications of existing practices.Research Design A qualitative study employing a combined phenomenological and exploratory approach was conducted. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis framework.Participants and Research ContextTwelve international nursing students in their final semester of the Bachelor of Nursing program at two metropolitan universities in Australia participated in semi-structured interviews.Ethical ConsiderationsEthical approval was obtained from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC-44400) and the University of Technology Sydney (ETH24-10028). Informed consent was obtained from all participants, who were assured of their right to confidentiality and to withdraw from the study at any time.ResultsFive overarching themes emerged: (1) Economic Disparity and Ethical Considerations, (2) Systemic Discrimination and Inequality, (3) Mental Health and Well-being, (4) Policy and Regulatory Barriers, and (5) Lack of Cultural Inclusion and a Sense of (Un)Belongingness.ConclusionsThe findings highlight urgent ethical concerns and equity challenges that demand comprehensive reforms to create a more inclusive and ethically sound environment for INGs in Australia. These reforms necessitate policy changes to address discriminatory practices and visa restrictions, enhanced institutional support to facilitate INGs' transition into the workforce, and a commitment to cultural competence and inclusion at all levels of the healthcare system. Addressing these systemic barriers is not only a matter of fairness and justice but is also crucial for ensuring a robust and ethically sustainable healthcare workforce in Australia.

Subnational policy entrepreneurs in action: a systematic quantitative review

Abstract There is a prominent literature explaining how policy entrepreneurs, as active agents, promote policy changes. However, most existing studies focus on policy entrepreneurship at the national level, with limited attention paid to the vibrant dynamics of numerous local government innovations typically driven by entrepreneurial individuals. This systematic review seeks to take stock of the empirical literature on subnational policy entrepreneurship, in order to consolidate scholarly knowledge, identify generalizable patterns, and inform future research. Following a well-established review protocol, we collected 64 articles through a thorough literature search, with 122 sets of individual entrepreneurs reported in the sample, and coded all cases based on individual-level attributes and processual characteristics. Remarkable diversity is noted in terms of (1) the policy sector; (2) forms of entrepreneurship; (3) policy change outcomes; (4) level of jurisdiction; and (5) key characteristics of the individual entrepreneurs. We find salient patterns in the entrepreneurial motivations and strategies used.