Development Of Policy Recommendations Research Articles

How does terrorism hollow out the sustainable economic growth in Big Ten Countries?

PurposeThe main objective of this research is to investigate if there is a long-term relationship between “terrorism” and sustainable “economic growth” in Big Ten Countries.Design/methodology/approachThe data was tested via Panel ARDL Analysis. The growth rate (GR) is the dependent variable, and the “Global Terror Index (GTI)” is the independent variable as the terror indicator. The ratio of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the ratio of External Balance (EB) to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are included in the model as the control variables due to their effect on the growth rate. A Panel ARDL analysis is conducted to examine the existence of long-term co-integration between terror and the economy. The planning of the study, the formation of its theoretical and conceptual framework, and the literature research were carried out in 2 months, and the collection of data, the creation of the methodology and the analysis of the analyzes were carried out in 2 months, the interpretation of the findings and the development of policy recommendations were carried out within a period of 1 month. The entire study was completed in a total of 5 months.FindingsResults showed that “Terror” has a negative impact on “Growth Rate” in the long term while “External Balance” and “Foreign Direct Investment” positively affect the Growth Rate. The coefficients for the short term are not statistically significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is only limited to Big Ten including China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Poland and South Africa. The period for annual data collection covers the years between 2002 and 2019 and due to the unavailability of data.Practical implicationsConsidering the risks and the mutual negative effect that turns into a vicious circle between terrorism and the economy, it is necessary to eliminate the problems that cause terrorism in the mentioned countries, on the one hand, and to develop policies that will improve economic performance on the other.Social implicationsTrustful law enforcement bodies have to be established and supported by all technological means to prevent terror. The conditions causing terror have to be investigated carefully and the problems causing terror or internal conflict have to be solved. International cooperation against terrorism has to be strengthened and partnerships, information, experience sharing have to be supported at the maximum levels.Originality/valueIt is certain that terror might have a negative influence on the performance of economies. But the limited number of studies within this vein and the small size of their sample groups mostly including single-country case studies require conducting a study by using a larger sample group of countries. Big Ten here represents at least half of the population of the world and different regions of the Globe.

Beyond Silos: A Call to Include Hospital Support Staff in Cultural Competency Training

Context: Patient populations are becoming more diverse. As a result, the “one-size fits all” approach to healthcare delivery is no longer sufficient. Today, quality of care is highly influenced by the cultural competency (CC) of healthcare providers (HCPs). HCPs, however, are not the only members of hospital staff who influence quality of care. Another group, hospital support staff (HSS), also play a critical role in the healthcare delivery process. Yet, HSS remain under-recognized and have been left out of hospital-led CC training.Aim: This policy brief offers a novel perspective, advocating for the inclusion of HSS in hospital-led CC training, as it has been acknowledged by previous research that increasing the CC of healthcare staff is an appropriate strategy to improve the quality of care for patients.Methods: To gain more insight, interviews and surveys were conducted (October 2022) among a group of HSS at the Ronald McDonald House (RDMH). These HSS include volunteers and managers who enable Family Centred Care (FCC) for Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+). A non-systematic literature review on the topic of cultural competency development was also conducted.Results: To develop policy recommendations, options were first assessed using a pre-established framework for developing organisational CC by Castillo & Guo (10). In addition, a stakeholder analysis was completed. Together with the survey responses and interviews, this confirmed HSS, need and want to be culturally competent. These results feed into the development of policy recommendations. Recommendations:Thus, three policy recommendations are made: (1) formalise CC training at MUMC+; (2) include HSS in such a CC training; and (3) develop and monitor training with Participatory Action Research (PAR).

What Can Support Cross-Border Cooperation in the Blue Economy? Lessons from Blue Sector Performance Analysis in Estonia and Finland

Cross-border cooperation creates possibilities for improving the economic performance of the economies of different countries and allows for the efficient use of resources by considering sector-specific conditions for cooperation. The objective of this paper is to provide a methodological framework for analysing the economic performance of selected blue sectors, suggesting additional information for the development of cross-border cooperation in two neighbouring countries: Estonia and Finland. The analysis of the economic performance of the selected blue sectors relies on the Amadeus database for both countries, the implementation of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), and the calculation of partial productivity measures. The results of the study show that, on average, blue sectors report good performance indicators in coastal regions, but there are also some signs of imperfect efficiency. The common pattern of imperfectly efficient blue sectors in both countries is due to an excess of some fixed assets, which convey extra costs for business activities and, to some extent, generate excessive environmental pressures. The special nature of a shared blue economic area between Estonia and Finland stipulates close cross-border cooperation as an important tool to improve the performance of the imperfectly efficient sectors through shared “best practice” operations, technologies, and infrastructures. However, the lack of appropriate cross-border statistical data restricts analytical opportunities and the development of policy recommendations.

The online sexual offender: what we know to date.

INTRODUCTION Online grooming is an active communicative entrapment network involving a wide range of techniques. The interactions that groomers have with minors online are complex. The purpose of the present literature review was to contribute to the existing knowledge base regarding online sex offender typologies, predatory tactics and techniques. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We conducted a review of the current literature by an initial database research of papers published since 1990. Three independent reviewers selected relevant articles, initially based on title and abstract analysis, then by full text in order to make a final determination. After the final selection, a total of 21 articles were reviewed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Overall, abundant data describing both groomer characteristics and grooming strategies are available in the literature, with authors attempting to analyze and adapt these to ever-complex models. However, the various models often feel redundant, determining a certain difficulty in understanding which would be the most suitable model to apply, making comparing data from different studies oftentimes troublesome. CONCLUSIONS In our opinion, it would be desirable to reach a consensus on fewer univocally-interpretable models that would be easier to adopt as preventive tools against online grooming, in combination with other strategies. The present study may provide parents and guardians with information useful for keeping their youth safer while online, as well as data that may assist in the development of policy recommendations and prevention strategies, overall aiming to reduce the phenomenon of online grooming.

Chinese Industrial Policy: A Challenge for the European Union amid the Global Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered lockdowns in Europe and around the world, had a major effect on European Union (EU) industries. Multiple supply chains in a variety of industries were disrupted, especially at the start of the crisis, and particularly in internationalized and complex value chains. Unparalleled policy responses have been undertaken in Europe and the world to mitigate the impact of this economic shock and help recovery. However, the pandemic has also created a wide spectrum of opportunities in many sectors of the global economy, as consumers and businesses have changed radically their behavior. Under this context, superpowers such as the People’s Republic of China have taken constructive steps to facilitate the digital transformation of their industry leaving behind United States and the European Union. The purpose of this policy brief is the provision of an overview of China’s national strategic plan titled “Made in China 2025” and its fundamental pillars as well as the development of policy recommendations regarding strengthening European Union’s industrial policy amid the global pandemic.

Does ethnicity count when contextualizing the low proportion of women in STEM in Serbia?

PurposeThe aim of this article is to explore the perceptions of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields in two ethnic groups (majority Serb and minority Hungarian) in a multiethnic region – Vojvodina, in Serbia – from an intersectional perspective.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study was implemented, capitalizing on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with university faculty members from two ethnic groups working in a multiethnic region of Serbia (Vojvodina) in the STEM field of studies. Intersectionality as a theoretical approach was applied to reveal the interconnectedness between gender, ethnicity and field of studies.FindingsThe intersectional analysis indicates that minority Hungarian women are more conservative and less inclusive toward other women in STEM, thus they continue to build and enforce gender-based stereotypes. Their lack of inclusiveness is due to having had to overcome a situation of “double jeopardy” (Almquist, 1975) when building a career in STEM, being both members of an ethnic minority and women in STEM. Majority Serb women have adopted masculine patterns of behavior, try to blend in, and become “one of the boys” (Powell and Sang, 2015) in order to diminish the gender penalty and be seen as equal to men. Both minority and majority women agreed that deeply rooted gender stereotypes prevent women from choosing a career in STEM and identified the need for more inclusive education programs at all levels and for more female role models in STEM.Originality/valueThe study contributes by increasing understanding of ethnic minority and majority women's issues in STEM studies in Serbia from an intersectional perspective. It may be relevant to policy makers and contribute to the development of policy recommendations that steer more women in general and ethnic minority women specifically toward STEM, with the ultimate goal of enabling Serbia to develop not only socially but also economically. The paper contributes to the limited research on the STEM-related career experiences of ethnic minority Hungarian women and majority Serb women in Serbia and in the Western Balkans in general.

The online sexual offender: what we know to date.

Online grooming is an active communicative entrapment network involving a wide range of techniques. The interactions that groomers have with minors online are complex. The purpose of the present literature review was to contribute to the existing knowledge base regarding online sex offender typologies, predatory tactics and techniques. We conducted a review of the current literature by an initial database research of papers published since 1990. Three independent reviewers selected relevant articles, initially based on title and abstract analysis, then by full text in order to make a final determination. After the final selection, a total of 21 articles were reviewed. Overall, abundant data describing both groomer characteristics and grooming strategies are available in the literature, with authors attempting to analyze and adapt these to ever-complex models. However, the various models often feel redundant, determining a certain difficulty in understanding which would be the most suitable model to apply, making comparing data from different studies oftentimes troublesome. In our opinion, it would be desirable to reach a consensus on fewer univocally-interpretable models that would be easier to adopt as preventive tools against online grooming, in combination with other strategies. The present study may provide parents and guardians with information useful for keeping their youth safer while online, as well as data that may assist in the development of policy recommendations and prevention strategies, overall aiming to reduce the phenomenon of online grooming.

Economic Performance Analysis of Selected Blue Economy Sectors in Estonia and Finland

The study aims to assess productivity and efficiency of selected blue economy sectors in two neighbouring countries: Estonia and Finland. The analysis relies on the Amadeus database for both countries, implementing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and calculating partial productivity measures. The results of the study show that, on average, blue sectors report high performance indicators in coastal regions of the countries, the only exceptions being the tourism and bio and subsea activities sectors in Estonia and marine (cargo) transportation in Finland. The common pattern of imperfectly efficient blue sectors in both countries is a substantial excess of fixed assets, which convey extra costs for business activities and, to some extent, generate excessive environmental pressures. The special nature of a shared blue economic area of Estonia and Finland stipulates close cross-border cooperation as a major tool to improve performance of the imperfectly efficient sectors through shared “best practice” operations, technologies and infrastructures. However, the lack of appropriate cross-border statistical data restricts analytical opportunities and development of policy recommendations.

Fostering Inquiry and Creativity in Early Years STEM Education: Policy Recommendations from the <i>Creative Little Scientists</i> Project

Creative Little Scientists was a 30-month (2011-2014) EU/FP7-funded research project focusing on the synergies between early years science and mathematics education and the development of children’s creativity, in response to increasing interest in these areas in European educational policy. Using a variety of methods, including desk research, a teacher survey and classroom-based fieldwork, the research provided insights into whether and how children’s creativity is fostered and appropriate learning outcomes, including children’s interest, emerge. Based on these and ongoing collaboration and dialogue with participants and other stakeholders the project proposed recommendations for policy and teacher education. This paper presents these recommendations and the research on which they were based. Throughout the study, mixed methods were employed, combining quantitative approaches used in surveys of policy and teachers’ views based on a list of factors, alongside qualitative approaches employed in case studies of classroom practice. A strong conceptual framework developed at the start of the project guided data collection and analysis, as well as the presentation of findings and the development of policy recommendations, thus ensuring the latter’s strong and consistent relationship with the relevant theoretical knowledge, the comparative research, analysis of classroom practices and the production of guidelines for teacher education.

Response to an unusual outbreak in a high-risk situation.

In 2010, a series of lead poisoning outbreaks linked to artisanal gold processing killed at least 400 young children in Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria. There were several efforts to respond to the outbreaks as they occurred. Subsequent recurrence of lead poisoning outbreaks within Zamfara and beyond suggested that there were no efforts to mitigate the outbreaks as recommended for disaster management. This case study, to be completed within 3 hours, is suitable for senior level public health officials and those training for such positions. It enables participants to review and apply epidemiological principles for managing disasters and suggest steps toward development of policy recommendations based on the context of environmental lead exposure. It will serve as a generic training module for managers/responders of other natural (floods, heat stroke) and man-made disasters (civil strife, conflict, insurgency) based on the general/standard principle of the complete disaster management cycle.

Opportunities in public policy to support infant and early childhood mental health: The role of psychologists and policymakers.

Infant and early childhood mental health practices can be supported by policies and professional standards of care that foster the healthy development of young children. Policies that support infants and toddlers include those that strengthen their families to provide a family environment that promotes mental wellness. Policy issues for infants, toddlers, and young children have come to the forefront of thinking as children need a "voice" to advocate for their support and care. This article (a) highlights several important policy areas that support the social-emotional development of very young children and (b) gives examples of current policy accomplishments and challenges. The article offers a policy agenda to promote the mental health of infants and young children and suggests ways that psychologists can engage with policymakers to promote policies that foster infant mental health, including contributing to the knowledge base that informs policy decisions, educating the public and policymakers about early childhood development and mental wellness, forming community partnerships to identify and address infant mental health risks, and participating in the development of policy recommendations that improve access to evidence-based practices in infant mental health.

Conducting surveys on forestry attitudes and practices in Leyte communities, Philippines: Experiences and lessons learnt

A survey of forestry practices and attitudes was undertaken in four communities in Leyte, the Philippines, to improve understanding of the social and economic factors affecting small-scale forestry development. The survey had three main data collection activities — initial focus group discussions (FGDs), household interviews, and reporting and validation FGDs. A team of enumerators was selected for household interviews which consisted of both males and females, to avoid potential problems of unwillingness of people to talk with those of the opposite gender. The interviewers were also required to be able to speak local dialects (Cebuano and Waray Waray), the survey questionnaires being administered in these dialects. Various methods were used to gain the support and assistance of local government units and barangay captains. Some difficulty was experienced by the survey team in the first community due to barangay elections at the time of the survey, and the requirement by the University of Queensland Ethics Committee that respondents sign a consent form. This requirement was found to be not culturally appropriate for the Leyte smallholder communities. Offering goods at the end of the interview was found to be of limited value for encouraging participation in the survey. Provision of food and drinks were found to encourage FGD participants to express their views, but too much alcohol had a negative effect. The importance of providing comprehensive feedback to respondents and involving them and other stakeholders in development of policy recommendations was apparent. These survey experiences provide valuable insights which are not generally available in textbooks on sample surveys, and provide lessons for planning and conducting smallholder community survey into natural resource management issues.

The World's Savannas. Economic Driving Forces, Ecological Constraints, and Policy Options for Sustainable Land Use

In this book, natural and social scientists examine savanna land use within a policy perspective. The text assesses the ecological, social, and economic constraints to savanna development and identifies the nature of policy changes necessary to enhance prospects for economic growth and development throughout the savanna regions. The book emphasizes development of policy recommendations at a national and international level.

Seattle City Light Urban Tree Replacement

In the spring of 1988 Seattle City Light developed a Citizens' Advisory Forum on Tree Replacement comprised of representatives of its distribution service area. The forum was charged with the development of policy recommendations for removal and replacement of trees that interfere with power lines. On April 6, 1989, the Tree Replacement Forum submitted its recommendations to the Utility. Since that time, the Utility has been developing those recommendations into a workable program that will enhance the environment for our customers, communities, and other interested entities within our distribution system.