Effective Policymaking Research Articles

Analyzing crop production statistics of the Philippines using the newcomb-benford law

The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the Philippines, contributing significantly to its food security and economic growth. However, the sector faces various challenges that hinder its productivity and growth. To address these challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices, accurate and reliable crop production statistics are essential for informed decision-making and resource allocation. The Newcomb-Benford Law (NBL) provides a statistical distribution pattern for leading digits in numerical datasets, offering insights into data reliability. In this research study, we applied the NBL to analyze crop production statistics for major crops (rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, banana, cassava, and pineapple) in the Philippines. We assessed the conformity of the datasets to NBL expectations and identified significant deviations, indicating potential data accuracy issues, collection method discrepancies, or reporting irregularities. Although these deviations do not conclusively suggest fraud, they underscore the need for meticulous data validation. The first two-digit test further strengthened the findings, providing a comprehensive understanding of dataset conformity. Transparent data collection and validation processes are crucial for trustworthy agricultural statistics, supporting effective policy-making and resource allocation. Future research should investigate the root causes of the deviations, explore data processing errors, and implement stringent data validation procedures. Additionally, expanding the analysis to include other crops and conducting comparative studies between regions and time periods would enhance data integrity and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and food security in the Philippines.

Social determinants of adherence to social distancing measures among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose Understanding the factors that influence individuals’ adherence to social distancing is critical to effective policymaking in respiratory pandemics such as COVID-19. This study aims to explore the role of social factors in relation to social distancing measures. Design/methodology/approach Stratified convenience sampling was used in this survey research, involving 450 adults residing in both rural and urban areas of Aligodarz County, Lorestan, Iran. Findings The findings showed that approximately 14% of participants did not adhere to any of the assessed social distancing behaviors, while only around 30% adhered to all four assessed behaviors. On average, participants reported having 5.13 (SD = 3.60) close physical contact within the 24 h prior to completing the questionnaire. Bridging social capital and gender emerged as the most frequently observed predictors across the assessed social distancing measures. Additionally, age, employment status and residential setting were identified as influential factors for some of the evaluated measures. Originality/value This study contributes to the field by highlighting that the likelihood of non-adherence to social distancing measures tends to increase among male participants, those aged above 60, employed individuals, urban residents and those with a higher level of bridging social capital.

Agricultural and resource economy of Ukraine and problems for economic growth

Ukraine’s economy is highly dependent on the agricultural sector; it is the main component of the country’s international specialisation in the international arena and is one of the main representatives of budget revenues. Thus, its research remains relevant, as does the investigation of historical prerequisites and prospects for this. The purpose of the study was to assess the latest trends in the development of the industry and, based on them, form recommendations for the development of the country, in particular, in wartime conditions. The main methods used in the study were analysis, historical analysis, forecasting, and abstraction. Within the framework of the study, some statistical data describing the latest trends in the development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine were analysed, including international trade in industry products, the amount of land planted with agricultural crops, the amount of livestock products produced. It was found that there were positive trends in the development of agriculture in the country, especially in the field of crop production. However, the events of 2014 and 2022 have led to political and economic instability in the country, resulting in stagnation (in the case of animal husbandry) and a decrease in growth rates (for crop production). Considering the difficulties that exist for the development of crop production in war conditions, separate recommendations were proposed for the development of national policy. These include minimising the negative impact of corruption (developing institutions), promoting innovation, and attracting investment. Although some such actions are already being implemented by the state in the form of various support measures, they are still not enough to solve all the problems of development in the sector. The paper brings new knowledge to the field of research in the agricultural sector, in particular in Ukraine. This knowledge will allow for more effective policy-making for both public sector representatives and entrepreneurs

Teaching framework of basic sciences in medical curriculum: A literature review

Objectives: The quantity, quantity, and timing of basic sciences teaching in the context of clinical learning have been a debatable issue for a long time. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate the teaching framework of basic sciences in undergraduate medical education. Materials and Methods: The publications were collected through online searches according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three reviewers analysed the data and arrived at a conclusion to select 90 publications. These publications were analysed thoroughly to classify them into ten categories of basic sciences teaching frameworks. Content analysis of these publications was done for comparison across publications. Results: The reviewer’s rate of agreement for their conclusions varied between 89 and 94% for different phases of analysis. The most common category was ‘Integration’ (29%), followed by ‘Problem-based/Case base learning’ (18%) and ‘Mixed-methods approach’ (14%). The strategies being used in basic sciences teaching were mostly learner centred (68.9%). Conclusion: The review of basic sciences teaching frameworks in our study indicates that various frameworks of basic sciences teaching are being used in various medical schools throughout the world. The pattern of these frameworks can contribute to effective policy-making for improving basic sciences teaching.

Subnational estimates of maternal mortality in Nigeria: Secondary Data Analysis of female siblings' survivorship histories.

High Maternal Mortality (MM) in Nigeria is complicated by the absence of reliable estimates at subnational levels. Obtaining accurate data at the state and geopolitical region levels is crucial for effective policy-making and targeted interventions. This study employs novel small area estimation techniques to derive plausible estimates of Maternal Mortality rates and ratios for Nigerian states and geopolitical regions. Data from 293,769 female siblings, provided by 114,154 women in the Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys of 2008, 2013, and 2018, are used. Empirical Bayesian technique and the James-Stein estimator are applied to estimate MM Rates and Ratios, respectively. Maternal Mortality Ratio is highest in rural areas, Northern Nigeria states, and regions. While the South West exhibits lower MMRatio, the Northern regions, particularly the North-East, show consistently higher ratios. Mortality trends have decreased in the North West and South East regions but increased in the South West from 2008 to 2018. Addressing these disparities is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and improving maternal health in Nigeria.

Virtual Workshops as an Effective and Engaging Policy Implementation Strategy: Lessons From the National Youth Sports Strategy.

Implementation is an important piece of effective policymaking, but connecting local organizations with federal policy can be challenging. A virtual workshop structure can help engage implementation partners, especially when in-person events are not possible. The workshops described here leveraged virtual outreach and facilitation methods to foster community engagement, forge connections, and build relationships at the regional, state, and local levels. This article focuses on five virtual workshops. The planning phase consisted of selecting the geographic scope of each workshop, developing outreach and facilitation materials, and supporting event logistics. The execution and summary phase included tailoring materials, hosting the events, and producing follow-up materials. Networking, resource sharing, collaboration, and active facilitation were employed to promote engagement. Registration for the virtual workshops included 223 individuals representing organizations in 28 states. Participants shared 133 resources. In a post-event evaluation, 93% of respondents indicated they could identify at least one new resource to support their efforts to increase youth sports participation in their community, and 94% indicated they plan to follow up and explore potential partnerships/collaborations with others they met or heard from at the workshop. Networking and resource sharing were identified as the most useful aspects of the workshops. With careful planning and collaboration, virtual workshops represent a useful community engagement mechanism to bring policy into practice. Creating events focused on the participant experience supports health promotion professionals, engages communities, and takes a policy off the page and out to the people.

Equivalent impacts of logging and beaver activities on aboveground carbon stock loss in the southernmost forest on Earth

The conservation of forest landscapes is crucial for global climate strategies, and the forest in Tierra del Fuego, located in Patagonia, represents the southernmost example on Earth. These ecosystems are critical for Chile’s roadmap toward carbon neutrality. Unfortunately, these ecosystems have been impacted by logging and beaver activities. Currently, the precise contribution of each driver to forest cover and carbon stock loss remains insufficiently quantified, impeding effective policymaking and the implementation of strategies to safeguard and enhance carbon stocks in these ecosystems. In this study, we conducted an assessment of forest carbon stock loss resulting from both logging and beaver activities in Chilean Tierra del Fuego from 1986 to 2019. While beavers have received significant attention for their substantial contribution to forest cover loss (56.1% forest cover, ≈ 1.4 MtC), our findings suggest that logging has nearly equally contributed to carbon stock depletion (43.8% forest cover, ≈ 1.2 MtC). Consequently, the prevailing focus on beavers has obscured the ongoing logging-induced carbon stock loss. The implications of our study highlight the urgency for comprehensive consideration of both drivers in Chile’s climate strategy to fulfill the country’s mitigation commitments.

Designing comprehensive and politically feasible food environment policy: the promise of packaging

Abstract Policy packaging has been identified as a promising approach to increase public support for effective and comprehensive policymaking by bundling measures that are unpopular from a behavioral and/or fiscal perspective with those that are popular; however, this potential has yet to be examined for improving food environments to promote healthy diets. We examine public preferences for a policy packaging approach amongst eligible voters in Germany (N. 1,200), as well as which policy design and voter characteristics underpin said preferences, via a survey-embedded conjoint experiment. Policy package attributes are drawn from recommended measures for improving food environments in Germany based on the INFORMAS Food-EPI assessment. We examine three inclinations towards policy packaging: those who are (1) resistant, (2) inclined, but sensitive to the design, and (3) enthusiastic, irrespective of design. We use linear and logistic regression models to examine the effect of policy design attributes and voter characteristics on policy package support inclinations. Most voters (73%) were inclined towards policy packaging, but sensitive to package design. We found that ‘costly’ measures - I.e., those that restricted or disincentivized unhealthy behaviors - were generally less popular than ‘compensatory’ ones - I.e., those that enabled or incentivized healthy behaviors - in policy packages; however, most participants preferred some combination of both. Participant beliefs regarding the topic of food environment policymaking predicted packaging preferences more so than any socio-demographic, political, or health characteristic. Packaging policy measures together, particularly those with counteracting effects across behavioral and fiscal axes, allows for more comprehensive and politically feasible policymaking to improve food environments. Enhancing science communication on environmental drivers of food choices is vital to bolster support for food environment policy packages. . Key messages • There is an appetite amongst voters for improving food environments that extends beyond the adoption of single measures, and rather towards a policy packaging approach. • Communication that fosters a paradigm shift towards acknowledging environmental influences on diet and health would be vital for fostering support for comprehensive food environment policy packages.

10.I. Skills building seminar: A seat at the table: Engaging patients and citizens in public health policy-making

Abstract Patient and citizen engagement is an essential element of effective healthcare delivery and policy-making, leading towards patient-centred care and improving health outcomes. An important shift is taking place from paternalistic and deficit models towards a more participatory approach. Notably, patients provide valuable input on the ethics, acceptability, trustworthiness and effectiveness of policy initiatives based on their preferences, values and experiences. This is particularly relevant in the area of cancer prevention and treatment, where patient and citizen involvement plays an important part in the European Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) and EU4Health programme. Cancer care is a societal challenge that raises many issues such as reimbursement of and timely access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, the use of genomic data, behaviour modification, surveillance, data protection, the integration of therapeutics and research. This challenge is relevant for the population as a whole as everyone is vulnerable to the disease and everyone is impacted by screening, immunization, and preventative initiatives. As such, there is a need for a long-term plan to systematically and actively involve patients and citizens in policy and decision-making. The Belgian Cancer Centre of Sciensano is organising a workshop to improve patient and citizen engagement in policy-making. In this emerging field, no clear quality standards, accepted methods or even recommendations for when to involve certain publics on what topics exist. This workshop will offer an overview of the current state of play and provide practical tools and recommendations for future implementation. During the workshop, participants will learn about the theoretical background, practical implications and potential benefits of public engagement. The workshop will focus on three types of engagement (large scale, targeted and structural), offer concrete examples and discuss risks and benefits of different methodological approaches. In the second part of the workshop, a hypothetical citizen engagement project about the implementation of risk-stratified cancer prevention will be designed, using a co-creative approach involving all participants. The participants will be guided through the process of formulating appropriate questions, setting up a suitable design and preparing implementation of outcomes. Key messages • Engagement of patients and citizens is a crucial component of efficient healthcare delivery and policy development. • The booming field of patient and citizen engagement offers a lot of different methods and strategies. It is important to use the appropriate tool in all circumstances. Speakers/Panelists Wannes Van Hoof Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium Louise Mathieu Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium

Setting Research Priorities for Effective Climate Change Management and Policymaking: A Delphi Study in Bolivia and Paraguay

Over the last few years, increased research has been carried out on climate change. Part of this research has been based on foresight methodologies to gain time in the fight against climate change and identify planning and development policies that may be effective in the future. However, more research is needed, and it is essential to continue working to determine the appropriate strategies to chart the right path in the fight against climate change. Particularly scarce attention has been given to Latin American countries and, more specifically, to collaboration between countries in identifying priority research lines in this area. In this context, this study is innovative in presenting an articulated and cooperative work between Bolivia and Paraguay in identifying strategic lines of investigation linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that might have a more significant impact on climate change management. The application of the Delphi technique within a group of experts allowed the consolidation of different perspectives and knowledge on climate change and allowed us to identify, within the SDGs, the priority lines that should be addressed to manage climate change impacts. The results identify specific priority research lines for Bolivia and Paraguay related to the genetic diversity of food crops (SDG 2), new or reemerging human viruses (SDG 3), sustainable freshwater extraction and supply (SDG 6), cleaner fossil fuel technology (SDG 7), sustainable transport (SDG 9), local impact of climate-related hazards and disasters (SDG 13), and terrestrial biodiversity (SDG 15). These research lines should not be seen as exclusive but as the priority research lines that might have the most significant impact and should be addressed in the short term.

Pattern Recognition of Food Security in Indonesia Using Biclustering Plaid Model

Biclustering come in various algorithms, selecting the most suitable biclustering algorithm can be a challenging task. The performance of algorithms can vary significantly depending on the specific data characteristics. The Plaid model is one of popular biclustering algorithms, has gained recognition for its efficiency and versatility across various applications, including food security. Indonesia deals with complex food security challenges. The nation's unique geographic and socioeconomic diversity demands region-specific food security solutions. Identifying province-specific food security patterns is crucial for effective policymaking and resource allocation, ultimately promoting food sufficiency and stability at the regional level. This study assesses the performance of the Plaid model in identifying food security patterns at the provincial level in Indonesia. To optimize biclusters, we explore various parameter tuning scenarios (the choice of model, the number of layers, and the threshold value for row and column releases). The selection criteria are based on the change ratio of the initial matrix's mean square residue to the mean square residue of the Plaid model, the average mean square residue, and the number of biclusters. The constant column model was selected with a mean square residue change ratio of 0.52, an average mean square plaid model residue of 4.81, and it generates 6 overlapping biclusters. The results show each bicluster has unique characteristics. Notably, Bicluster 1 that consist of 2 provinces, exhibits the lowest food security levels, marked by variables X1, X2, X4, and X7. Furthermore, the variables X1, X4, and X7 consistently appear across several biclusters. This highlights the importance of prioritizing these three variables to improve the food security status of the regions.

Towards a unified definition of local food

Despite the growing popularity of local food, there is still no unified definition used across the board. The lack of unified definition of local food can prevent effective marketing, policymaking, and research efforts. Given the inconsistencies on local food definitions, we sought to fill this gap by surveying consumers’ understanding of local food in North Carolina (NC, USA) departing from three categories of definitions found in the literature; local food defined in terms of: (1) market outlet (e.g., food bought directly from the farmer); (2) locality or political boundaries (e.g., food produced within the country); and (3) distance (e.g., food produced within 100 miles of commercialization). Informed by our study results, we propose defining local food in terms of the specific locality where is produced (e.g., county or state) as opposed to defining local food in terms of distance or market outlet. While the meaning of local food will remain contested among activists, governmental entities, and researchers, this study confirms that a shared meaning among consumers is emerging that should be incorporated across policy making, marketing, and research efforts.

Assessing the Influence of Renewable Energy Sources on CO2 Emissions: New Insights from Pakistan

In today's global landscape, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in developing nations such as Pakistan. This knowledge is vital in informing effective policymaking and promoting sustainable development. This study investigates the impact of renewable energy (RE) on environmental degradation in Pakistan from 1990 to 2021. This study utilized the renowned ARDL econometrics to analyze the impact of renewable energy consumption (REC), economic growth (EG), trade (TR), financial development (FD), energy consumption (EC) and FDI on carbon emission. The study's findings confirm the presence of a hypothesis in the case of Pakistan. Additionally, the results indicate that certain factors have a negative impact on carbon emissions while others have a positive impact. The study's findings indicate that embracing renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and enacting legislative measures to decrease CO2 emissions are the most effective strategies for tackling climate change. Additionally, the study proposed that policymakers should prioritize encouraging and supporting using renewable energy sources in Pakistan. This involves establishing a conducive environment for investment in renewable energy projects, providing financial support, and promoting research and development in the renewable energy sector.

Accumulation and exposure classifications of plastics in the different coastal habitats in the western Philippine archipelago

Studies consistently ranked the Philippines as one of the top contributors of plastic wastes leaking into the ocean. However, most of these were based on probabilities and estimates due to lack of comprehensive ground-truth data, resulting also in the limited understanding of the contributing factors and drivers of local pollution. This makes it challenging to develop science-driven and locally-contextualized policies and interventions to mitigate the problem. Here, 56 sites from different coastal habitats in the western Philippine archipelago were surveyed for macroplastics standing stock, representing geographic regions with varying demography and economic activities. Clustering of sites revealed three potential influencing factors to plastic accumulation: population density, wind and oceanic transport, and habitat type. Notably, the amount and types of dominant plastics per geographic region varied significantly. Single-use plastics (food packaging and sachets) were the most abundant in sites adjacent to densely populated and highly urbanized areas (Manila Bay and eastern Palawan), while fishing-related materials dominated in less populated and fishing-dominated communities (western Palawan and Bolinao), suggesting the local industries significantly contributing to the mismanaged plastics in the surveyed sites. Meanwhile, isolated areas such as islands were characterized by the abundance of buoyant materials (drinking bottles and hygiene product containers), emphasizing the role of oceanic transport and strong connectivity in the oceans. Exposure assessment also identified single-use and fishing-related plastics to be of “high exposure (Type 4)” due to their high abundance and high occurrence. These increase their chances of encountering and interacting with organisms and habitats, thus, resulting into more potential harm. This study is the first comprehensive work done in western Philippines, and results will help contextualize local pollution, facilitating more effective management and policymaking.

Do adaptive policy adjustments deliver ecosystem-agriculture-economy co-benefits in land degradation neutrality efforts? Evidence from southeast coast of China.

Ecosystem restoration projects (ERPs) facilitate land degradation neutrality (LDN). However, the response dynamics and interactions of sectors within ecosystem-agriculture-economy nexus (EAEN) have not been sufficiently explored, which constrains the coordinated efficacy of LDN efforts. To bridge the knowledge gaps, the present study selected a land restoration hotspot in southeastern China as a case to investigate the simultaneous responses of the EAEN sectors to ERPs from a novel social-ecological system (SES)-based LDN perspective. Various biophysical models and Manne-Kendall trend test as well as multi-source spatially explicit data and socioeconomic statistics were applied to quantify the co-evolution of natural and socioeconomic indicators. ERPs converting cropland to woodland and grassland promoted vegetation restoration, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced carbon sequestration. However, cropland loss initially resulted in a decline in grain productivity. Policy adjustments and improvements in ecosystem restoration efforts and agricultural production conditions improved food security and increased agricultural production capacity. Effective policymaking and favorable resident engagement accelerated the transformation from a grain-production-based agriculture to diversified industries and, by extension, economic output, income, and population. The success of socioeconomic development under the SES framework for LDN demonstrated that this strategy could achieve the desired environmental, agricultural, and economic targets. EAEN under the SES conceptual framework provides an inclusive, comprehensive LDN perspective and improves ERP efficacy. The findings of the present work might be applicable to other land restoration areas challenged by the complex interactions among multidimensional factors. Comparably successful implementation of these ERPs could be realized if individual environmental and socioeconomic conditions are thoroughly considered during the formulation of coordinated development policies.

Memprediksi Penerima Bantuan Langsung Tunai (BLT) Di Desa Tumbang Langkai

Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) is a government program aimed at helping people who are classified as financially disadvantaged. However, in implementing it, there are challenges in accurately identifying BLT receipts that meet the set criteria. Therefore this study aims to develop a prediction model using data mining techniques to more effectively predict BLT receipts in Tumbang Langkai Village. In this study, we collected data on the population of Tumbang Langkai Village, including demographic information, education level, age, marital status, income, occupation, and history of receiving BLT previously. What we can do is process data such as correcting incomplete or valid data by conducting data analysis, then classification algorithms such as Naive Bayes, Decision Tree, or Support Vector Machines (SVM) are applied to train predictive models based on relevant attributes. It is hoped that the results of this study can contribute to the development of an efficient system for determining BLT beneficiaries. With an accurate prediction model, the government can optimize the allocation of funds and ensure that BLT assistance is on target This research can also provide insight into the factors that contribute to receiving social assistance in Tumbang Langkai Villagewhich can be the basis for more effective policy-making in supporting people's welfare

Decarbonisation: A Case Study of Malaysia

Limiting global warming to well below 2°C demands an urgent acceleration of decarbonization efforts, posing challenges in multiple sectors like transportation, energy efficiency, and steel production. The feasibility of achieving these targets, akin to the transformation seen during the collapse of the Soviet Union, is being questioned. Yet, hope lies in leveraging tipping points within complex systems for rapid change. Internal carbon pricing (ICP) emerges as a pivotal tool in this endeavor, enabling companies to assess investments, manage risks, and align strategies towards a low-carbon future (Riedel et al., 2021; Trinks et al., 2022). ICP drives decarbonization across industries and influences capital investment decisions by estimating carbon costs. Companies like LG Electronics, Microsoft, and Royal Dutch Shell have adopted ICP, further reinforcing its value in transitioning to sustainability. Major economies have implemented carbon pricing policies, yielding significant emissions reductions. In China, aggressive carbon pricing strategies could drive notable energy consumption reductions (Fan et al., 2014). Meanwhile, Malaysia faces a challenge in reducing carbon emissions, with strategies like renewable energy integration, energy efficiency enhancement, and sustainable transportation promotion (Farabi et al., 2019). This study focuses on Malaysia's decarbonization efforts, aiming to illuminate factors influencing corporate decarbonization in alignment with national climate targets. Addressing gaps in sector-specific decarbonization studies and exploring strategies that make decarbonization a competitive advantage will provide critical insights for effective policymaking and sustainable practices, contributing to global climate action. Keywords: Decarbonization, Malaysia, Net-zero emissions, corporate practices.

Identifying critical gaps in research to advance global surgery by 2030: a systematic mapping review

Progress on surgical system strengthening has been slow due to a disconnect between evidence generation and the information required for effective policymaking. This systematic mapping review sought to assess critical research gaps in the field of global surgery guided by the World Health Organisation Health Systems building block framework, analysis of authorship and funding patterns, and an exploration of emerging research partnership networks. Literature was systematically mapped to identify, screen, and synthesize results of publications in the global surgery field between 2015 and March 2022. We searched four databases and included literature published in seven languages. A social network analysis determined the network attributes of research institutions and their transient relationships in shaping the global surgery research agenda. We identified 2,298 relevant studies out of 92,720 unique articles searched. Research output increased from 453 in 2015-16 to 552 in 2021-22, largely due to literature on Covid-19 impacts on surgery. Sub-Saharan Africa (792/2298) and South Asia (331/2298) were the most studied regions, although high-income countries represented a disproportionate number of first (42%) and last (43%) authors. Service delivery received the most attention, including the surgical burden and quality and safety of services, followed by capacity-building efforts in low- and middle-income countries. Critical research in economics and financing, essential infrastructure and supplies, and surgical leadership necessary to guide policy decisions at the country level were lacking. Global surgical systems remain largely under-researched. Knowledge diffusion requires an emphasis on developing sustainable research partnerships and capacity across low- and middle-income countries. A renewed focus must be given to equipping countries with tools for effective decision-making to enhance investments in high-quality surgical services.

Observation-based data-gathering method to support the assessment of the use of cultural ecosystem services in urban green spaces

Urban green spaces (UGS), such as parks, gardens, forests, and green infrastructure, supply numerous regulating, provisioning and cultural ecosystem services to urban communities, which is key for their wellbeing. To effectively plan and design UGS, it is crucial to understand how people use them and the factors that influence their usage. The diverse range of factors includes cultural, socioeconomic, demographic, seasonal, and spatial aspects, which present a challenge for studying these areas. Data collection methods based on observation enable capturing of high-quality data that reflect the behaviours in UGS, providing valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers. Standardised protocols and frameworks facilitate knowledge gathering, allowing researchers and practitioners to build upon evidence for effective urban planning and policymaking. This work aims to develop a method based on a mobile app to collect observation-based data on UGS usage efficiently.•Mobile app to collect georeferenced information on observed activities, basic sociodemographic characteristics, time and seasonal factors, and park characteristics, including the spatial distribution of park recreational equipment.•App optimised for fast and accurate data collection.•Focused on cultural ecosystem services.

Co-creating socio-technical scenarios for net-zero emission pathways: Comparison of five national case studies

The extent to which modelled future pathways support effective policymaking for sustainability transitions has been questioned for a long time, with one major issue being the insufficient integration with the perspectives of policymakers and other stakeholders. One proposal to address this issue has been to set up facilitative dialogues with stakeholders to extend model-based pathways to socio-technical scenarios. This paper presents the results of a first series of such co-creation workshops, where stakeholders discussed bottlenecks for model-based decarbonisation pathways and ways to overcome these bottlenecks through tailored policy mixes. The workshops took place in five countries: Brazil, Canada, Greece, Germany, and the UK, each with a specific sector focus. In all five workshops, it became clear that substantial tensions exist between the “ideal” modelled decarbonisation pathways and the real-world situation on the ground. Also, adverse political framework conditions, uncertainty of future policies and resistance of powerful actors were emphasised as overarching bottlenecks in most workshops. At the same time, in several instances stakeholders pointed out important aspects of transformative trajectories that are not covered by the models. Some challenges and solutions stand out in all countries in spite of the strong diversity of contexts: allocation of capital towards massive investments into low-carbon solutions; infrastructure development for generation and transport of hydrogen, capture and use of CO2 as well as electricity grid and storage adapted to renewable energy solutions; stakeholder and citizen dialogues, where agreement is reached on cornerstones of long-term decarbonisation trajectories; and demand-side measures complementing investments into low-carbon processes.