Extensive Policy Research Articles

Just tourism transitions? Sustainability policy interventions and implications on Boracay, Philippines

Policy interventions for tourism sustainability transitions are carried out in destinations worldwide. Yet, how decision-making processes and strategies could adversely affect communities and regions is an increasingly raised question, particularly following the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism destinations. Drawing on the transitions and justice literature, this paper explores what sustainability policies and rapid government interventions signify for impacted tourism communities. This paper uses Boracay island in the Philippines as a case study, a destination which has been subject to an extensive policy intervention ordered by the national government from 2018 onwards. The Boracay case indicates that a short and radical policy intervention did benefit the island, but that it could have been more societally beneficial if principles and policies of just transitions were more explicitly addressed. Key findings of this paper, based on an analysis of stakeholder views collected through interviews, questionnaires, and policy documents, reveal that the structural absence of dialogue and limited socio-economic support measures resulted in an island community that felt substantially ignored, unfairly treated, and sceptical about future actions. With the just transition lens, this paper offers practical and methodological guidance in reconciling tourism sustainability transitions with justice challenges. We conclude that the just transition lens provides important insights and lessons for transitioning tourism destinations towards environmentally sustainable futures in a socio-economically responsible way.

Assessing the Evolution of the Energy Mix Worldwide, with a Focus on the Renewable Energy Transition

Abstract In the current context, the focus on optimizing energy distribution is intensified by high-impact events such as resource scarcity, import dependence, war, inflation, or environmental threats. As a consequence, international agencies have built extensive policies and targets that will reflect directly into the general energy distribution. One of the most crucial would be the 65% share of electricity that is bound to be generated from renewables until 2030. To study the feasibility of that goal, we will analyze the evolution of the energy mix worldwide in the last two decades, identifying the shift towards alternative energy sources, while also pinpointing the agents of change in terms of the low-carbon transition. The methodology will consist of a bootstrap clustering algorithm that has been computed for 3 moments: 2000, 2010, and 2020, generating clear differences in terms of energy distribution. In the second part of the paper, we have employed an ARIMA model that aims to predict the share of renewable energy by 2030, with the worrying conclusion that if the current rhythm continues, the goal will not be met and the climate could face severe consequences. Therefore, the paper significantly contributes to the methodological void in terms of bootstrap clustering applicability, while also illustrating a complete energy picture from a geographical and time perspective.

FROM CRISIS TO RECOVERY: MALAYSIA’S POLICY RESPONSES TO COVID-19 AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

While Malaysia has taken drastic actions and initiatives to effectively address the COVID-19 pandemic issue, the country has also opted for a compliance strategy, particularly by imposing penalties for non-compliance with Malaysia's COVID-19 SOPs and the new norms. Following the government's extensive policy responses and initiatives to address the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, quantitative research was conducted among 2,074 respondents across the country via online and face-to-face survey. According to the findings of this study, three new norms (face mask, hand sanitiser, and physical distancing) have a significant relationship with "preventing the spread of COVID-19." However, "washing hands with water and soap" has no effect on COVID-19 transmission (p>0.050, p=0.138). Notably, "practising physical distance" was discovered to be the most influential factor (b=0.112, p<0.001) in "preventing COVID-19 spread" (p<0.001). In conclusion, all governments around the globe should prioritise voluntary compliance in the future by increasing self-awareness strategies with the goal of regulating their behaviours and engaging in self-improvement. Long-term self-awareness strategies will help the country and the world maintain positive behaviours for the sake of the entire human ecosystem.

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board announces changes in the recertification program.

The vision of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) is that nurse practitioners (NPs) meet the highest standards of excellence and competence to support quality care and optimal health outcomes. The highest standards of excellence require monitoring and improving our certification and recertification programs. After conducting a thorough review of the relevant literature and a series of surveys of our certificants, changes were made to the AANPCB recertification requirements that are consistent with continued competency. These changes are (1) maintaining a minimum of 1,000 advanced practice hours as an NP in the role of clinician, educator, administrator, and/or researcher plus obtaining 100 contact hours of qualified professional development credits; (2) allowing completion of the renewal criteria after the certification end date for individuals who have allowed their certification to expire; and (3) retiring the COVID temporary certification extension policy.

사회경제적 지위가 정년에 의한 은퇴에 미치는 영향

The main purpose of this study is to provide an empirical analysis of the specific social classes affected by the mandatory retirement age system while the retirement age extension policy is actively being discussed. The analytical model was divided into two main categories. The first model analyzed socioeconomic status, which is determined by a combination of income, assets, educational level, occupational status, and housing type. The second model analyzed the impact of each socioeconomic status component on whether individuals are retired by the mandatory retirement age or not. To this end, this study was carried out on the using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), specifically from the 1st(2006) to 8th(2020) survey and using an independent T-test, Chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis. The main findings of this study are as follows. First, individuals with higher socioeconomic status were more likely to retire under the mandatory retirement age system than those with lower socioeconomic status. Secondly, as a result of isolating the socioeconomic status components, it was found that individuals with higher income, greater assets, and more consistent work schedules have a greater likelihood of retiring under the mandatory retirement age system. The suggestions of this study, based on the analysis results, are as follows. First, it is suggested that the mandatory retirement age system be based on industry or occupation. Secondly, it is recommended to gradually implement efforts aimed at ensuring a guaranteed retirement age system for non-standard workers. Finally, it is suggested to introduce sickness benefits or a family care system in order to deter early retirement.

Informal Caregiving Among Faculty at a Large Academic Health Sciences University in the United States: an Opportunity for Policy Changes.

This article aims to determine the prevalence of caregiving among faculty at a large academic health sciences institution, to examine the effect of gender and other demographic and professional covariates on caregiving status, and to explore caregiver-generated policy recommendations. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey was collected from June through August 2018. Participants were faculty within one of the institution's health professional schools (dentistry, medicine, nursing, or pharmacy) receiving at least 50% salary from the institution. In addition to demographic information, we collected academic series and rank, and assessed association between covariates on caregiving status using logistic regression. We analyzed open-ended responses using thematic analysis to identify themes in caregiver barriers and policy suggestions. Among 657 eligible respondents, 11.4% were informal caregivers. Women were more likely to be caregivers than men (aOR 2.53, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.78), as were older faculty. Caregivers identified unsupportive climate or unrealistic work expectations, concern about career advancement, insufficient information about policies, and concern about colleague burden as barriers to support. Suggestions for workplace support included improved leave policies, increased flexibility, caregiver resource support, improved clarity and dissemination of policy information, and financial support. Women faculty are more likely to be informal caregivers, exacerbating disparities within academic medicine for promotion and retention among women faculty. Institutions might include caregiving status in annual burnout surveys to guide the development of structural support and policies for extension of family leave beyond childbearing (or catastrophic leave), flexibility in work hours, and subsidized eldercare services.

식민통치 및 식민권력에 관한 연구 동향과 과제

Trends and challenges of research on colonial rule and colonial power were summarized, focusing on discussions in recent research since the 2000s. First, I briefly summarize the discussion on how to name the period from 1910 to 1945 and how to classify the period. In addition, Joseon Governor-General which was a colonial power, was examined with a focus on the status and authority of the Governor-General and the Director-General of Political Affairs, the classification of colonial officials, and the relationship with the home government. And the discussion on the national nature of colonial power was summarized. Research on colonial rule was organized into assimilation and difference(discrimination). Assimilation looked at the civilization theory and mainland extension policy, and difference looked at autonomyism and distinct characteristics of Joseon as its main contents.
 In-depth research on changes in ruling policy over time and a multifaceted approach to the ruling bloc, including colonial power and the private sector was raised as a future task. Additionally, it is necessary to determine what impact colonial rule had after liberation and whether the ultimate goal of colonial rule was complete assimilation or the existence of discrimination.

Off-Farm Employment, Outsourced Machinery Services, and Farmers’ Ratoon Rice Production Behavior: Evidence from Rice Farmers in Central China

Promoting ratoon rice is a critical measure for ensuring food security in China. Understanding the mechanism underlying farmers’ decision-making involving ratoon rice production may contribute to the design and implementation of extension policies. This study examined the impact of off-farm employment and outsourced machinery services on farmers’ ratoon rice production behavior. We used a representative household survey of 1752 rice farmers in Hubei province in central China and a multinomial endogenous treatment effect model to address potential self-selection biases from both observable and unobservable factors. Our estimates suggest that the probability of ratoon rice production decreases by 17.2% for farmers with off-farm employment, while the probability of ratoon rice production increases by 78.9% and 57% for farmers with outsourced machinery services and those with simultaneous off-farm employment and outsourced machinery services, respectively. Moreover, we found that outsourced machinery services can mitigate the negative impact of agricultural labor aging and feminization on ratoon rice production to some extent. Outsourced machinery services have regional heterogeneity effects as farmers in non-plain areas are more likely to engage in ratoon rice production.

Econometrics Modelling Approach to Examine the Effect of STEM Policy Changes on Asian Student’s Enrollment Decision in USA

Academic research has shown significant interest in international student mobility, with previous literature primarily focusing on the migration industry from a political and public policy perspective. For many countries, international student mobility plays a crucial role in bolstering their economies through financial gains and attracting skilled immigrants. While previous studies have explored the determinants of mobility and country economic policies, only a few have examined the impact of policy changes on mobility trends. In this study, the researchers investigate the influence of immigration policy changes, particularly the optional practical training (OPT) extension on STEM programs, on Asian students' preference for enrolling in STEM majors at universities. The study utilizes observational data and employs a quasi-experimental design, analysing the information using the difference-in-difference technique. The findings of the research indicate that the implementation of the STEM extension policy in 2008 has a significant effect on Asian students' decisions to enroll in a STEM major. Additionally, the study highlights the noteworthy role of individual factors such as the specific STEM major, terminal degree pursued, and gender in influencing Asian students' enrollment decisions.

Education and Economic Growth: Evidence from the EUROMED Countries

The Mediterranean Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development (MSESD) Report reveals that the Mediterranean is an exceptional eco-region not only due to its geographical characteristics, but also its heterogeneous economic structure, in which education is regarded as a key driver of sustainable development. Given this importance, this study attempts to investigate the impact of education as a channel for human capital accumulation on two different growth concepts in a panel group of eight Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EUROMED) countries. We utilize an endogenous growth model using annual observations spanning from 2000 to 2017 by employing the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimator. Empirical results obtained from the Augmented Mean Group estimator indicate a positive impact of education, regardless of the growth proxy. In addition, empirical findings reveal that the impact of education on inclusive growth is five times higher than that on output growth. We also find that capital is the main driver of growth while inclusive growth is primarily triggered by education. One of the main policy implications raised in this study is that education reforms that attempt to improve educational quality will assist policymakers to achieve sustainable development goals. Extensive policy discussions related to the experiential findings are also provided.

Smallholder satisfaction with the quality of agricultural information, and their preferences among the sources: Empirical evidence from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Potentially, smallholder agriculture remains a significant sector in the South African economy because of its central role in developing a healthy economy in terms of improving poor people's earnings, employment opportunities, and protecting natural resources. However, access to agricultural information that informs smallholder farmers’ decisions remains important bottleneck to this sector. Recognizing the scarcity of empirical evidence on the quality of information supplied to smallholder farmers, this study seeks to assess farmers’ satisfaction with the content of agricultural information and their preferences among the various sources. Ordered probit model was employed using data from 458 smallholder irrigation farmers around four irrigation schemes in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The results revealed that the decision to use different information channels is affected by institutional factors and farmers’ attributes. The key factors behind their satisfaction with the quality of agricultural information include gender, occupation, group membership, access to credit, community meetings, and influence from fellow farmers. It is recommended that relevant partners and stakeholders should make concerted efforts to improve the delivery, access, and use of up to date and relevant agricultural information. Moreover, farmers should be encouraged to be members of local informal groups as it is found to enhance their access to information. Finally, extension policies, strategies, and programs should be designed accounting for farmers’ information needs and preferences.

Indigenous crop diversity maintained despite the introduction of major global crops in an African centre of agrobiodiversity

Societal Impact StatementThe global success and expansion of a small pool of major crops, including rice, wheat and maize, risks homogenising global agriculture. Focusing on the agriculturally diverse Ethiopian Highlands, this study tested whether farm diversity tends to be lower among farmers who grow more introduced crops. Surprisingly, it was found that farmers have successfully integrated introduced crops, resulting in more diverse and heterogenous farms without negatively impacting indigenous crop diversity. This is encouraging because diverse farms, comprising indigenous agricultural systems supplemented by introduced crops, may help address global challenges such as food insecurity.Summary The global expansion of a handful of major crops risks eroding indigenous crop diversity and homogenising agroecosystems, with significant consequences for sustainable and resilient food systems. Here, we investigate the farm‐scale impact of introduced crops on indigenous agroecosystems. We surveyed 1369 subsistence farms stratified across climate gradients in the Ethiopian Highlands, a hotspot of agrobiodiversity, to characterise the richness and cultivated area of the 83 edible crops they contained. We further categorise these crops as being indigenous to Ethiopia, or introduced across three different eras. We apply non‐metric multidimensional scaling and mixed effects modelling to characterise agroecosystem composition across farms with different proportions of introduced crops. Crops from different periods do not differ significantly in frequency or abundance across farms. Among geographically matched pairs of farms, those with higher proportions of modern introduced crops had significantly higher overall crop richness. Furthermore, farms with a high proportion of modern introduced crops showed higher heterogeneity in crop composition. An analysis of socio‐economic drivers indicated that poverty is negatively associated with the cultivated area of introduced crops. In our Ethiopian case study, global patterns of major crop expansion are not necessarily associated with agrobiodiversity loss at the farm scale or higher homogeneity across indigenous agricultural systems. Importantly, socioeconomic factors may influence farmers' propensity to adopt novel species, suggesting targets for agricultural extension policies. Given the rapid climatic, economic and demographic changes impacting global food systems and the threats to food security these entail, robust indigenous agricultural systems enriched with diverse introduced crops may help maintain resilience.

The Impact of Economic Inequality on Social Disparities: A Quantitative Analysis

This quantitative study examines the complex relationship between economic inequality and social inequities, focusing on educational attainment. The study examines how Gini coefficient-measured economic disparity affects educational attainment in hypothetical countries. This study uses a linear regression model to examine how economic inequality affects social outcomes. A statistically substantial positive correlation exists between the Gini coefficient and educational attainment discrepancy. Educational attainment disparity increases by 2.5 years per unit rise in the Gini coefficient, according to the calculated coefficient. This supports the idea that economic inequality increases education gaps, prolonging cycles of disadvantage for vulnerable populations. The study underlines the intricacy of these processes by conceding that regression analysis cannot prove causation. Economic inequality affects educational attainment disparity through policy frameworks, institutional structures, and cultural norms. This highlights the necessity for extensive policy responses to address these issues. The policy ramifications of this study are significant. The findings emphasize the need for fair access to quality education, especially for disadvantaged communities. Targeted actions are needed to reduce economic inequality's impact on education and promote inclusivity. This study examined educational attainment, but its approach and findings are important. The association between economic inequality and social differences is multifaceted, begging for further study. This study adds to the debate between economic inequality and social inequality. This study emphasizes the need for educated and context-sensitive strategies to reduce gaps, enhance social mobility, and create more equitable society as societies face inequality.

Bordering human rights: displaced peoples’ experiences of containment and human rights violations

ABSTRACT Contributing to debates in human rights and critical migration and border studies, this article focuses on how certain bordering practices limit displaced people from accessing universally recognised human rights. Specifically, it draws attention to some key bordering practices that restrict the physical mobility of displaced people in Turkey and Mexico. These two countries have become responsible for offering protection to many displaced people while simultaneously containing their mobility towards desired destinations. The analysis draws on extensive policy, program, and scholarly documents, and the testimonials of displaced people in these two regions. We contend that human rights violations are not merely an outcome of protection gaps for non-citizens in the international human rights regime; they can also result from deliberate containment and regulatory practices rooted in historic and contemporary hostile attitudes towards displaced people. We coin these practices ‘bordering human rights’. We further argue that these practices normalise the exclusion of displaced people from avenues of permanent protection in countries that migrants view as having the potential to provide them with safety and access to social services.

Youths as recipients and providers of agriculture information – the vertical vegetable gardening case in Busia County, Kenya

The intent of this study was to assess the feasibility of engaging youths in secondary schools in disseminating agricultural information among smallholder farmers using a five-month vertical vegetable gardening technology case in Busia County, Kenya. The research employed mixed research design targeting smallholder farmers and youths in secondary schools. A sample of 132 smallholder farmers and 132 youths in their first, second, and third years of study were selected to participate in the study at the baseline survey, during the intervention, and at the closure survey. The baseline survey was used to identify gaps, followed by participatory training intervention on the mound bed, primary tower, and second wall, to create awareness about vertical vegetable gardening through young farmers' clubs, and a closure survey to assess the change caused by the intervention and the feasibility of the approach. The study used kales, black nightshade, swiss chard, capsicum and carrots as examples of vegetables suitable for vertical gardens. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon sign-rank test at p0.05 level of significance, thematic and descriptive analysis. The results showed that there was a significant change in access and use of vertical gardening information by smallholder farmers. At P = 0.000, 22% of the smallholder farmers appreciated the use of vertical vegetable gardening at the closure survey, compared to 1% at the baseline survey. The dissemination of information through secondary school youths allowed for multiple delivery channels, was a good technology result demonstration approach for technology replication, and had sufficient agricultural extension activity learning scope. Significant change in the level of technology acceptance offer practical implications for policy makers to support the role of youths in agricultural extension. Future studies are needed to examine suitable agricultural extension policies and strategies to increase the successful implementation of agricultural extension through secondary schools.

DETERMINANTS OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION AMONG SMALL FARMERS IN MEXICO. AN ECONOMETRIC APPLICATION OF THE TOBIT MODEL

Understanding agricultural innovation is crucial as it involves establishing conditions for productivity growth in the agrifood sector through strategies and public policies that improve farmers’ production, profitability, and management practices. The objective of this article was to measure agricultural innovation among small farmers and to identify the factors that determine it. A Tobit-type econometric model was used to identify the characteristics of the producers, the economic and productive profile of the farms, and the size of the extension groups, all of which influence innovation. Information on rural extension policy beneficiaries in Mexico for the period 2014-2017 was integrated. The statistical population was 2976 farmers. The findings reveal that higher education levels and a younger age of producers had a positive effect; producers with small farms were more likely to adopt technological practices. On the other hand, factors negatively affecting innovation were higher on-farm and off-farm incomes. The article concludes with public policy recommendations to promote agricultural innovation in Mexico.

Elicitation of Prior Knowledge: A Vital First Step for Engaging Pupils in Training

The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding the prior knowledge of trainees as a pre-requisite for designing an effective training programme. Data on prior knowledge of trainees and their attitude towards extension services were elicited from 153 extension service providers (ESPs) of varied disciplines using a semi-structured interview schedule. The interview focussed on the extension advisory services and the agriculture extension policy in India. The results show that ESPs carried misconceptions and stereotyped opinions towards various aspects of the extension system. An effort was done by the researcher to address the popular misconceptions, debunk myths with truth and persuading the trainees towards delivering effective extension services well within the recommended resource availability.

Correlates of smallholder poultry farmers extension and marketing information needs: Evidence from north-eastern South Africa

This study investigated the extension and marketing information needs of poultry farmers in Nkomazi, South Africa. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews from 91 randomly sampled smallholder poultry farmers in the area. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) analysis was used to analyse the correlates of the extension and marketing information needs of the poultry farmers. The results revealed that information on optimal production, disease management, feeding and water management are prominent areas where information and advisory services were highly needed by the farmers. Also, areas of high marketing information need by the poultry farmers were on product promotion and advertisement, record keeping and market outlet and strategies. Farmer's income, membership of farmer groups, and access to extension visits were significant correlates of the farmers extension and marketing information needs. The study recommended a need to improve on the implementation of the National Extension Policy by extension organisations through scaling-up their level of reach to poultry farmers in the area and ensure that the prominent areas of extension and marketing information needs highlighted are focused on when rendering extension and advisory services to the farmers.

Comprehension of the EU Political and Legal Development

The dynamic change in the role of the European institutional integration in the joint development of continental Europe, as well as its consequences arises some issues for discussion. The purpose of the research is to offer alternative options for the development of the EU to avoid a perforce change in European integration. Currently, the transition from a narrow economic model of delegation to a broader model of demarcation continues. The EU sees itself as an indispensable tool for implementation of the common interests of states and citizens in different spheres, energy and finances in particular. From the legal point of view, European politicians have grounds for the rule implementation concerning various areas of life, not limited to the economic sphere, and taking the established rule of EU law into account. At the same time, problems arise regarding the understanding of this supremacy. Since the essence of the European Union as an integration association and an international organization is unusual given the independence from the Member States EU policy, the institutions themselves often pursue an aggressive policy to bring national practices on certain issues in line with the Union law. Uncertainty about the further development of Europe has arisen because some states and the EU initially pursued different goals within the framework of the Union. The EU’s approach is increasingly focusing on the creation of common good and search for justice. By these means, the Union seeks to replace the functions of the state. At the same time, guided by the legal point of view and the fact that EU policies do not always suit the nation and its citizens, it may be necessary to rethink the role of EU institutions. It should no longer imply the adoption of binding decisions by the Member States regarding issues of social security and equality of rights of various groups. Otherwise, cases of conflict within the EU will lead to a perforce reduction in the organization’s functions. The article reviews the latest trends concerning the harsh response of several European states to EU extensive policy aimed not only at economic regulation, but also at changing society and the principles of its existence as a whole. The authors believe that in order to force the transfer of powers to the EU level Russia is deemed an eminent factor. The methods of research include both theoretical (analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, analogy) and special legal methods of cognition (formal legal and comparative legal).

Mixed H2/H∞-Policy Learning Synthesis

A robustly stabilizing optimal control policy in a model-free mixed H2/H∞-control setting is here put forward for counterbalancing the slow convergence and non-robustness of traditional high-variance policy optimization (and by extension policy gradient) algorithms. Leveraging Itô’s stochastic differential calculus, we iteratively solve the system's continuous-time (closed-loop) generalized algebraic Riccati equation(GARE) whilst updating its admissible controllers in a two-player, zero-sum differential game setting. Our new results are illustrated by learning-enabled control systems which gather previously disseminated results in this field in one holistic data-driven presentation with greater simplification, improvement, and clarity.