Comprehensive Reform Research Articles

The tone of the president's immigration rhetoric

AbstractWe examine the tone of the president's immigration policy speeches as a function of the political context, policy characteristics, and individual presidents in two ways. First, we describe the tone of the president's immigration rhetoric using DICTION software and its five global categories of tone. Second, we hypothesize that commonality and optimism, two categories of tone expressive of immigration policy, will co‐vary by political context, policy characteristics of immigration, and a president's approach to rhetoric. To test our expectations, we collected presidential mentions of immigration since 1953 from the Public Papers of the Presidents. Key variables, like the president's honeymoon and the post‐9/11 era, increase a president's commonality tone, and the president's approval ratings encourage greater optimism. Individual presidents also shape presidential rhetoric, indicating the importance of presidential style to immigration tone, especially for optimism. We conclude with implications of our work for the systematic study of presidential tone and the prospects for comprehensive immigration reform.

Integrating intelligent and sustainable transportation systems in Jeddah: a multidimensional approach for urban mobility enhancement

Abstract This research examines the transportation system in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, specifically focusing on integrating intelligent and sustainable practices to address its current and emerging challenges. Central to these challenges are the city’s heavy reliance on private vehicles, an underdeveloped public transportation network, and the unique climatic conditions that pose additional complexities. This study adopts a multidimensional approach. It analyzes various factors, including technological advancements in transportation, sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, and the cultural and policy landscapes that shape transportation systems. It draws parallels and contrasts with transportation systems in urban settings similar to Jeddah, such as Dubai and Riyadh, to understand the potential and applicability of various solutions. One of the critical areas explored is the potential for intelligent transportation systems to revolutionize traffic management and enhance the efficiency and safety of the transportation network in Jeddah. The study also delves into the prospects of developing a sustainable public transit system that can reduce the city’s dependence on private vehicles and contribute to environmental conservation. Moreover, the research acknowledges the critical role of cultural influences in shaping transportation preferences and practices in Jeddah. It highlights the importance of culturally sensitive urban planning and policy making, ensuring that the proposed transportation solutions are not only technologically sound and environmentally sustainable but also aligned with the social and cultural fabric of the city. The study’s findings agree that a successful overhaul of Jeddah’s transportation system will require a synergistic blend of technological innovation, comprehensive policy reform, and a deep understanding of cultural nuances. The research underscores the necessity of this integrated approach as a blueprint for transforming urban transportation in Jeddah, setting a precedent for other cities with similar challenges.

“Three-Wide Education” Reform, Innovation, and Practice in Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology

The comprehensive reform of “three-wide education” is important to achieve inheritance and innovation in ideological education in colleges and universities. The Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology aims to address the practical problems of a weak ideological education team, incomplete system and mechanism, and insufficient resource mobilization in “three-wide education.” It actively explores the “three-wide education” based on the university’s existing foundation and advantages. Comprehensive, innovative ideas for reform, practice, and promotion of unique practices and paths are necessary, to continuously deepen education reforms and strive to build a new “three-wide education” work pattern to help the country’s modern talent cultivation work.

Innovation and traffic safety: analysis of four Norwegian county authorities

This study examines the relationships between traffic safety innovations, innovation culture, and safety culture in four Norwegian county authorities three years after a comprehensive structural reform. Following the reform, the county authorities had to establish new organisations, routines, and systems. The study is based on qualitative interviews (N = 42) and a quantitative survey (n = 392) among people who work with traffic safety and/or mobility in the county authorities. The qualitative results show in particular that the respondents have gained new perspectives on traffic safety as a result of being co-organised with new professional groups. Additionally, we see examples of new methods and new forms of collaboration in traffic safety being implemented. The survey results show statistically significant differences between the county authorities' scores on an index for traffic safety innovations. County authorities' scores on this index is predicted by the county authorities' innovation culture, which in turn is predicted by safety culture. This indicates that innovation culture should be understood as an aspect of a learning safety culture. We find statistically significant differences between county authorities with respect to how demanding the organizational changes related to the regional reform have been for the county authorities studied. The results from this study can also be useful for change processes in other organisations.

Lawmaking and Presidential Attributes in the Chilean Constitution: What’s the Urgency?

In 2019, Chile was struck by an uprising that shook its political structure to the core. Mobilization was so overwhelming that political elites decided—against what they had defended vigorously during past decades—to allow for a comprehensive reform of the Constitution enacted in 1980. Because constitutions allocate decision rights and define their political system as they do so, the process reopened the debate regarding the country’s imbalanced presidential design. This article contributes to the debate on checks and balances in the Chilean political system by examining a specific procedure that promotes imbalance: the urgency prerogative.

Challenges Of Population Services Through Population Administration Information Systems In Jakarta Buffering Area

The role of the population in driving economic growth and development is fundamental, functioning as an active consumer and contributor. An important foundation for informed policymaking and fostering smart citizens lies in the quality of human resources and the availability of accurate population data. The study addresses specific challenges within Jakarta's densely populated Buffer Area, particularly the urgent need for an updated population database. To address this problem, we propose a comprehensive Population Information System that integrates data from three provinces and nine districts/cities in the Greater Jakarta area, which includes geographic and demographic information. This integrated approach ensures the availability of real-time data for quick responses to population-related matters. The significance of our study is rooted in the constitutional mandate to regulate matters concerning Citizens and Residents, emphasizing the state's role in protecting human rights and providing legal certainty in Population Administration. We also emphasize important laws, including Law Number 24 of 2013 concerning Population Administration, protecting personal and legal status while facilitating data collection and utilization. Examining the various challenges facing population services in Jakarta's buffer city districts, focusing on local government initiatives and the Population and Civil Registration Office, is essential. Understanding these challenges and proposed solutions is critical to improving population services and promoting informed policymaking in this critical region. In addition, our findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Disdukcapil services, including addressing issues such as bribery and using the services of brokers who persist in administrative practices.

Strengthening secured creditors: Implications on debt financing and investment

This paper investigates the effects of a comprehensive insolvency regulation reform in Colombia, focusing on strengthening secured creditor rights, expanding the collateral menu, and establishing a national collateral registry. Leveraging a difference-in-difference design, the study examines the impact on firms with varying levels of movable assets. The reform significantly increased debt usage for firms with high movable assets, indicating a positive effect on financing. The national collateral registry played a pivotal role, benefiting firms in less financially developed regions. Furthermore, the analysis reveals nuanced interactions between the reform, firm size, and movable assets, suggesting differential effects on large and small enterprises. The study extends the Law and Finance literature, offering firm-level insights into the intricate dynamics between institutional changes and access to debt financing.

Responsabilidade por produtos defeituosos na era da IA — Proposta de uma solução de “duas vias”

In 1985 the Council of the European Communities adopted the Directive 85/374/EEC to harmonise product liability within Europe. In 2024, this directive will most likely be replaced by a new Product Liability Directive designed to reflect the technical developments of the last 40 years. The new Directive contains some significant changes. However, regarding the overarching concept of product liability, it remains faithful to the old Directive: Manufacturers are still not liable for all damage caused by their products, but only for damage caused by a “defect” in a product. This defect-based approach is problematic. When it comes to new digital technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence, it is difficult for courts to assess a product’s defectiveness. Moreover, in many cases, the defect-based approach is insufficient to provide liability solutions that are both efficient and fair. This paper seeks to lay the foundations for a more comprehensive reform: The current product liability for defective products should be complemented by a second “track” of product liability. In the case of particularly dangerous products, such as autonomous cars and medical devices, manufacturers should compensate victims regardless of whether their products are defective or not. Such “truly” strict liability could partially relieve courts of the burden of assessing a product’s defectiveness and would lead to fair and efficient prevention and distribution of damages. Damage costs would be allocated to manufacturers as the cheapest cost avoiders. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of dangerous products would be more evenly distributed among manufacturers, users, consumers and “innocent bystanders”. However, to avoid over-deterrence and stifling of innovations strict liability should be limited to particularly dangerous products. Legislators should introduce a general clause of truly strict liability, which would allow courts to assess whether a product is particularly dangerous or not. A general clause is preferable to a list of particularly dangerous products because it would provide for the flexibility needed to deal with rapidly developing technologies.

How to Keep Balance When Taking a Sharp Turn

In the 1980-1990s, the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China carried out deep and comprehensive reforms. However, the result turned out to be the exact opposite. Center–regions relations were a key factor responsible for the different outcome of the reforms.

HIGHER EDUCATION IN UKRAINE UNDER MARTIAL LAW: CHALLENGES AND WAYS OF RECOVERY

The article discusses the challenging situation in higher education in Ukraine caused by the war and destruction resulting from the actions of the Russian Federation. The estimated educational losses exceed USD 9 billion. More than 6 million people, including students and educators, were forced to leave the country. Those who remained report a deterioration in their psychological state, which negatively affects the learning and teaching process. The article analyses data on the number of scientific, research, and teaching staff, revealing a clear and rapid decline. It also includes a comparative analysis of the number of higher education institutions and students in different forms of education. To address these issues, comprehensive reforms are necessary to restore and improve education, resume research activities, and provide psychological support to educators and students. Only by following this approach can Ukraine overcome the consequences of the armed conflict and achieve sustainable development in the future.

A123: Research Progress and Review of Key Competencies of Physical Education Curriculum in China

Purpose: The introduction of the "Opinions on Comprehensively Deepening Curriculum Reform and Implementing the Fundamental Task of Establishing Virtues and Cultivating People" marked the initiation of comprehensive curriculum reform across all disciplines in our country, with a particular emphasis on key competencies. Among these competencies, those integral to the Physical Education (PE) curriculum have garnered increasing attention from scholars. Building upon this foundation, this paper systematically reviews and analyzes pertinent research on the key competencies within the PE curriculum. The exploration covers the development process, current research hotspots, and future prospects in this field, aiming to serve as a reference for future research on key competencies within the PE curriculum in our country. Methods: Employing CNKI as the database, the search keywords included "key competencies of PE curriculum," "key competencies of PE and health," "key competencies of students' PE," and "key competencies of PE teachers." Literature sources were sourced from SCI, SSCI, and the Peking University Core. A total of 130 relevant literatures were identified and subsequently analyzed using CiteSpace software. Results: The key competencies of PE curriculum have experienced three stages of development. The two research peaks are in 2018 and 2022, which’s closely related to Compulsory Education Curriculum Standards for PE and Health(2022) and High School Curriculum Standards for PE and Health(2017) in recent years. The promulgation of physical education (PE) curriculum standards in basic education not only provides a guiding framework for schools in the future but also serves as a crucial foundation for scholars to conduct in-depth research. The exploration of key competencies within the PE curriculum encompasses various aspects, including its fundamental meaning, constituent elements, training mechanisms, evaluation systems, developmental challenges, and practical approaches. Given that the key competencies of the PE curriculum are still in the early stages of development, they draw inspiration from the commendable experiences of foreign PE curricula. Furthermore, the assessment and training mechanisms and systems for these key competencies remain imperfect, and empirical research in this domain is still insufficient. Conclusion: It remains essential to explore the theoretical foundations of key competencies within the PE curriculum from diverse perspectives to ensure their firm establishment. Simultaneously, there is a commitment to prioritize the development of key competencies among PE teachers. Innovative approaches, such as cultivating models and evaluation systems for key competencies tailored to students at different levels or for PE teachers, will be implemented to facilitate further empirical research. This effort aims to genuinely achieve the vision of creating "sports-oriented individuals" and collectively build a promising future for school physical education.

ІНСТИТУЦІЙНЕ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ УПРАВЛІННЯ ПОБУТОВИМИ ВІДХОДАМИ

The article examines the main results of the legislative reform in Ukraineʼs municipal waste management sector. It identifies key issues hindering the effective implementation of new legislative norms, such as bureaucratic obstacles, insufficient funding, and the ongoing war. The roles of the national, regional, and local levels of government in the municipal waste management process are analyzed, highlighting the necessity of their interaction. The importance of coordinating actions among all stakeholders to ensure sustainable development and effective municipal waste management is emphasized. Ukraine’s Constitution, adopted in 1996, laid the foundation for a legal state and established fundamental principles of environmental safety, including the right to a safe environment and the state’s duty to maintain ecological balance. However, the previous Waste Management Law, despite being in effect for over 20 years, was ineffective due to a lack of systematic approach, poor coordination, and outdated infrastructure. In response to these challenges, the government initiated a comprehensive legislative reform to align with European standards and improve coordination. The new Waste Management Law, adopted in 2023, aims to address these issues. However, many necessary changes are still in progress, delayed by bureaucratic obstacles and the ongoing war, which has shifted government priorities towards national security. A critical challenge remains the coordination of actions between different levels of government and waste management entities. Effective waste management requires close interaction between national, regional, and local levels, encompassing infrastructure development, waste collection, transportation, and resource allocation. Such coordination is crucial for achieving sustainable development and environmental safety in Ukraine. The article underscores the need for special procedures to accelerate the approval of critically important environmental legislation. While international organizations often push necessary decisions, aligning national strategies with European integration and funding conditions, the active role of national, regional, and local authorities is essential. Improved cooperation and communication among all levels of government and stakeholders can significantly enhance the efficiency of municipal waste management systems in Ukraine.

Exploring how early childhood exclusionary practices persist for multiply marginalized children

The purpose of this study was to critically examine 14 early educators’ descriptions of their classroom discipline policies and procedures. A DisCrit lens was utilized to investigate if and how multiply marginalized young children may still experience exclusion. Participants described the use of discipline policies and procedures that were exclusionary, such as suspensions and ‘soft’ expulsions. Teachers also reported that they continued to be overwhelmed and frustrated by students’ behavior they found challenging, and felt they needed additional supports to effectively meet children's needs. These findings help us understand the need for more comprehensive policy reform, and continued support for teachers so that as we work to eliminate exclusionary practices, we provide teachers with a toolkit of inclusive, anti-biased, proactive, and preventative strategies they can use in its place to promote social emotional competence and prevent 'challenging' behavior.

Filling the Gap: The Case for Driver's Licenses as a Lifeline to Opportunity for Undocumented Immigrants Where the Federal Government Fails to Act on Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Filling the Gap: The Case for Driver's Licenses as a Lifeline to Opportunity for Undocumented Immigrants Where the Federal Government Fails to Act on Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Government Assurances in Zambia: An Analysis of Implementation and Challenges

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the implementation of government assurances in Zambia, with a focus on the key sectors of finance, energy, water development, and education. Government assurances represent formal commitments made by government officials in response to parliamentary queries and serve as critical tools for ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. The study primarily examines the 2023 Action-Taken Report (ATR) presented to the National Assembly of Zambia, which details the progress made in fulfilling these assurances. Drawing on Public Accountability Theory, the paper explores how parliamentary oversight mechanisms influence the implementation of public policy, particularly in developing contexts. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing secondary data from the ATR, supplemented by relevant academic literature and government publications. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and recurring themes related to the implementation process, such as financial constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and weak inter-ministerial coordination. Through this method, the study seeks to answer key research questions, including the extent to which government assurances have been implemented, the challenges hindering their execution, and potential strategies for improving the effectiveness of public policy in Zambia. The findings reveal that while progress has been made in some areas—such as the Zambia Growth Opportunities Programme and the Lusaka Sanitation Programme—significant barriers remain. Financial limitations due to Zambia’s debt burden, coupled with delays in international funding, have constrained the government’s ability to allocate sufficient resources for public projects. Additionally, bureaucratic inefficiencies, particularly in procurement processes and inter-ministerial coordination, have led to delays in project implementation, particularly in rural electrification and infrastructure development. In response to these challenges, the paper proposes several recommendations aimed at improving the implementation of government assurances. These include enhancing domestic revenue mobilization to reduce reliance on external funding, strengthening inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms, and reforming procurement processes to improve efficiency. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of developing robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems to ensure timely tracking of project progress and to improve public accountability. By contributing to the broader discourse on governance and public policy in Zambia, this paper offers valuable insights for policymakers, government officials, and scholars interested in improving the effectiveness of government assurances in developing contexts. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive public sector reform and suggests pathways to strengthen the capacity of government institutions to deliver on their promises, ultimately improving service delivery and fostering public trust in government institutions.

From Powerholders to Stakeholders: State-Building with Elite Compensation in Early Medieval China

How to soften resistance to state-building efforts by reform losers? This paper highlights a strategy of compensation via the bureaucracy, in which the ruler offers meaningful government offices in exchange for elites’ acceptance of state-building reforms. We empirically explore this strategy in the context of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 - 534 AD), which terminated an era of state weakness in early medieval China that initially resulted from entrenched landowning interests and fragile barbarian kingdoms. Our unique dataset combines geocoded family background and career histories of around 2,600 elites with information on medieval Chinese strongholds, which we use to infer state weakness. Leveraging a comprehensive state-building reform in the late 5\textsuperscript{th} century, difference-in-differences estimates document that the reform led to a sustained, substantial increase in the total number of powerful aristocrats from localities with strongholds recruited into the imperial bureaucracy. Subsequent estimates provide evidence for three mechanisms through which compensation facilitates state-building. First, offices taken by these elites came with direct benefits of power and prestige. Second, by transforming these aristocrats from local powerfuls into national stakeholders, these offices potentially induced the realignment of their interests toward those of the dynasty. Third, bureaucracy provided the regime with institutional tools of power-sharing to mitigate credible commitment problems. Findings in this paper shed light on the causes of the ``First Great Divergence,’’ where similar barbarian invasions at similar times led to political fragmentation in Europe but further state consolidation in China.

Integrating mental health literacy into Chinese college student mental health education in the post-COVID-19 era.

This study investigates the influence of COVID-19 on the mental health of Chinese college students and evaluates the current status of mental health literacy (MHL) education. With mental health issues among students becoming increasingly prominent due to the pandemic and rapid social changes, enhancing MHL is critical. The research highlights the necessity of integrating mental health education with MHL to foster resilience and effective coping strategies. It proposes a model combining online and offline education to maximize accessibility and engagement. By examining both domestic and international perspectives, the study underscores the importance of comprehensive mental health education reform in the post-pandemic era. This integrated approach aims to improve students' mental well-being, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more supportive campus environment.

Unpacking the dynamics of educational access and teacher wellbeing in Ghana's free senior high school policy

There have been relentless efforts across varied context to increase the quality of education and make it as accessible as possible. In Ghana, these efforts have seen the emergence of many educational policies and initiatives, the most recent being the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy. While existing studies have explored the policy's relevance, effects, and sustainability, our study uniquely addresses its overlooked impact on teachers' well-being. The study adopted a purely qualitative approach involving 44 participants who were purposively sampled through a maximum variation purposive sampling technique. Primary data were gathered through personal interviews and focus group discussion. The analysis of the data revealed that the implementation of the policy led to higher enrolments which translated into higher workload for teachers prompting higher physical, psychological and mental stress among teachers. The study also found that teachers were not just neglected in the processes leading to the formulation and implementation of the policy but were also structurally barred from expressing their views on how the policy was being implemented.The findings highlight the vital necessity for educational policies, aspiring to enhance educational access and outcomes, to inherently prioritise and integrate considerations for the well-being of teachers, thereby fostering a more comprehensive and sustainable educational reform.

Exploring the Challenges of Reintegrating Ex-Offenders into Society

The objective of this study was to explore the challenges faced by ex-offenders in reintegrating into society. The research aimed to identify the barriers in employment, social integration, psychological well-being, and legal and bureaucratic systems that hinder successful reintegration. The study also sought to highlight supportive factors and potential areas for intervention to facilitate smoother transitions for ex-offenders. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews to collect data from 33 ex-offenders who had been released from prison within the past five years. Theoretical saturation was reached after interviewing 25 participants, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the issues. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software to identify key themes and patterns. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly adhered to throughout the research process. The study identified several major themes regarding the challenges of reintegration. Employment challenges included discrimination by employers, lack of job skills, unstable work history, and limited job opportunities. Social integration issues involved stigmatization, social exclusion, and the need for community and family support. Psychological challenges highlighted mental health issues, coping mechanisms, and access to psychological services. Legal and bureaucratic barriers included navigating parole conditions, housing challenges, financial stability, and access to social services. Supportive employment programs and community organizations were found to be crucial in aiding reintegration. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of the reintegration process for ex-offenders. Addressing employment discrimination, enhancing social support systems, improving access to mental health services, and simplifying legal and bureaucratic processes are essential for successful reintegration. The study highlights the need for comprehensive interventions and policy reforms to support ex-offenders in rebuilding their lives and reducing recidivism, ultimately contributing to a safer and more inclusive society.

ПАРЛАМЕНТСЬКІ ВИБОРИ У ВЕЛИКІЙ БРИТАНІЇ 1945 РОКУ: АНАЛІЗ ПОРАЗКИ КОНСЕРВАТИВНОЇ ПАРТІЇ В КОНТЕКСТІ ЗМІНИ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ ПОТРЕБ СУСПІЛЬСТВА ПІСЛЯ ДРУГОЇ СВІТОВОЇ ВІЙНИ

The article covers an analysis of the 1945 parliamentary elections in Great Britain as a pivotal moment in the country’s development following World War II. It offers a detailed examination of the historical context preceding the elections, considering the socio-political situation marked by post-war reconstruction and shifting social paradigms. The article analyzes the strategies and programs of key political parties, revealing their contrasting visions for post-war Britain. Additionally, it examines societal attitudes and changing public expectations, which significantly influenced electoral outcomes, highlighting a growing demand from voters for comprehensive social reforms and economic stability. Central to the article is the analysis of the Conservative Party’s defeat, which is explained by several factors, including their perception of societal needs, leadership dynamics, and demographic changes among voters. The article thoroughly explores the Conservatives’ response to the challenges of the post-war period, comparing it with the Labour Party’s agenda focused on social welfare policy and economic reconstruction. The article discusses the outcomes of the 1945 parliamentary elections in Great Britain and their impact on the nation’s social needs post-war. The loss of seats by the Conservatives and the rise in Labour representation signify a shift in the political landscape and societal attitudes. The article examines the underestimation of social needs, which led to the Conservative Party’s defeat. Post-war, destroyed cities and economic difficulties created radical changes in social needs, particularly in housing policy and social protection. The Conservative approach was less socially oriented compared to Labour’s programs. Furthermore, the insufficient emphasis by the Conservatives on economic stability and social protection, which did not align with voters’ demands, is noted. The public image of the Conservatives no longer matched the requirements of the time, and the gap between elites and ordinary citizens became a problem. The impact of leadership and the public image of party leaders on the results of the 1945 elections is also analyzed, noting that the leadership of Winston Churchill was based on wartime merits but was not able to effectively respond to social and economic changes.