Policy Formulation Research Articles

FOREX EFFICIENCY AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF INDIAN DEFENCE COMPANIES – EXAMINING CONNECTION

This study explores the impact of financial performance on forex efficiency of the selected Indian Defence companies. To meet this objective the sample of five companies selected from nifty defence index based on availability of data. This research uses a descriptive research design and the analysis spans over ten years from April 2014 to March 2024. The financial performance indicators, including profitability, liquidity, asset efficiency, and solvency are examined in relation to forex efficiency through correlation and panel regression analysis. This research aims to address two key questions: the overall relationship between financial performance and forex efficiency in selected Defence companies and the influence of selected financial indicators on forex efficiency. The previous studies have explored related themes but they have not specifically targeted the Defence sector or detailed how particular financial indicator impact forex efficiency. This study fills this gap by providing a meticulous analysis of how financial performance influences forex efficiency. This contributes in valuable insights for strategic financial management and policy formulation in the Defence industry.

Optimization and Application of Comprehensive Environmental-Economic Evaluation Indicator System in Sustainable Development Policies of Chinese Manufacturing Industry

This paper focuses on optimizing the comprehensive environmental-economic evaluation index system to enhance the sustainable development policy of China’s manufacturing industry. The current indicator system, while useful, has notable shortcomings that limit its effectiveness. To address these issues, the paper proposes the inclusion of crucial indicators such as green productivity, carbon footprint, and water footprint, which are essential for providing a more holistic evaluation. These additions aim to capture better the environmental impacts and resource efficiency within the manufacturing sector. The paper also discusses the challenges in data acquisition, emphasizing the need for a standardized national environmental data platform. Such a platform would facilitate the collection of accurate, reliable, and accessible data, thereby improving the precision of evaluations. To further refine the assessment process, dynamic evaluation models, like the system dynamics model, are introduced. These models are designed to provide a more nuanced understanding of the environmental impacts over time, allowing for more responsive and adaptive policy-making. The optimized indicator system is expected to have significant applications in policy formulation, enterprise management, and social oversight. By providing a scientific basis for decision-making, it will play a critical role in advancing the sustainable development of China’s manufacturing industry, ensuring that environmental considerations are fully integrated into economic planning and industrial practices.

A Foresight Framework for the Labor Market with Special Reference to Managerial Roles—Toward Diversified Skill Portfolios

This study introduces a methodology for labor market foresight through alternative futures. It discusses three alternative scenarios for managerial roles, each exploring varying levels of technological advancement and economic growth, to provide insights into the evolving demands for managerial roles. By drafting a diversified skill portfolio, it is argued that employability skills for managers concern providing education in a combination of areas, such as new technologies, trend analysis, and strategic foresight based on the sector in which the firm operates, negotiation skills and human resources management, contemporary sales techniques, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, including time management, creativity, public speaking skills, and foresight skills. Utilizing responses obtained through an online survey administered in Greece during 2024 to managers and employing principal component analysis (PCA), we establish correlations between skill portfolio composition preferences, foresight analysis, and design of diversified skill portfolios. Diversified skill portfolios are a holistic approach to training, reskilling, and upskilling, including an optimum combination of foundational, complex, digital, green, and always case-fit per occupation or sector of economic activity. Consequently, the insights derived from this study offer a microeconomic perspective regarding the optimal combination of skills for managerial occupations and a macroeconomic perspective concerning the formulation of future training policies for human capital development.

Analyzing the Phenomenon of Policy Support for the Education and Employment of Persons with Disabilities Based on the Groupthink Model--Take Hunan Province as an Example

In recent years, the Hunan Provincial government has adopted a series of support measures in the education and employment policies for the disabled. The study focused on the education and employment policy for the disabled in Hunan Province, and used the groupthink model. The study found that there are blind spots in the process of policy formulation and implementation, and the lack of attention to the overall needs of persons with disabilities, resulting in incomplete content and poor implementation. The internal differences and interaction of the disabled affect the support effect, the policy content is limited, the implementation of resistance, and the one-sided evaluation. Policy makers need to pay attention to diverse voices and practical needs, and avoid fixed thinking and prejudice. This study helps to reveal the negative impact of groupthinks on the formulation of education and employment policies for the disabled, provide warnings and reference for policy makers, promote policy innovation and improvement, and promote the inclusive and diverse development of social culture.

Evaluating Ecosystem Services Incorporation in River Policy: A Multidimensional Framework Applied to China's River Chief System

ABSTRACTThis study develops a comprehensive evaluation framework to assess the incorporation of river ecosystem services (ESs) into policy content, focusing on China's River Chief System (RCS) policy. The framework introduces a quantitative tool that bridges the gap between policy formulation evaluation and policy effect evaluation by integrating a hierarchical indicator system, reference values, and a method for quantifying ES incorporation. Key findings from 32 province‐level RCS policy documents revealed selective incorporation of certain ES indicators, significant mismatches between policy focus and the typical structure of river ESs, and notable regional disparities. Provisioning services (i.e., water supply) and regulating services (i.e., pollution mitigation) are prioritized, while critical regulating services (e.g., flood mitigation and habitat maintenance) and cultural services (e.g., education and science) are underrepresented. Stakeholder and relationship indicators are limited, primarily focusing on managers and spatial relationships, while the value of river ESs is largely ignored. Policy optimization should emphasize expanding the coverage of ESs, incorporating broader stakeholder involvement, and integrating financial incentives. Drawing on international river policies, policymakers could create a more flexible and adaptive river governance structure. While the study offers a quantitative framework for policy evaluation, it acknowledges limitations, including reliance on textual data and potential biases in the reference values. Future research should include stakeholder perspectives and dynamically adjust reference values as new data become available.

Do Emission Trading Systems, Green Technology, and Environmental Governance Matter for Environmental Quality? Evidence from the European Union

This study investigates how emission trading systems can diminish the ecological footprint in the European Union bloc by considering the contribution of eco-friendly technology and ecological governance through another market-based intervention (i.e., environmental tax). Using PQARDL in the 26 EU members for data during 2011–2021, the study demonstrates that carbon pricing emission trading systems successfully reduce emissions in medium and upper quantiles but have little influence on lower quantiles. As businesses and consumers face higher costs for carbon-intensive activities, they are encouraged to adopt cleaner technologies and more sustainable practices. Over time, this shift decreases overall carbon emissions and resource consumption, which helps lower ecological pressure. Additionally, Europe's robust regulatory framework and commitment to climate goals ensure that carbon pricing is enforced consistently, further amplifying its positive environmental impact. Eco-friendly technology innovation appears to be a powerful tool for achieving rapid environmental advantages, leading to a considerable reduction in environmental footprint across various levels. Climate-smart patents can significantly curb emissions within the ecosystem and help balance the economy and the environment. Environmental taxes work alongside carbon pricing and green patents to incentivize individuals and corporations to adopt more sustainable practices in the 26 EU members. By unraveling the multifaceted relationships underpinning emission trading systems, renewable energy, green patents, and environmental tax, this study provides actionable insights to guide strategic decisions and policy formulations to reduce the ecological footprint.

The data layer: the importance of sources critical appraisal

Abstract One of the main purposes of public health institute is to tracking the health status of its citizens and understanding its evolution over time. Given the absence of a singular, comprehensive data source, we developed a framework to select databases specific to each disease and outcome of interest. This process includes a thorough evaluation of the operational case definitions, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each database, with a particular focus on their sensitivity and specificity. These qualities are appraised following a dedicated scoring form into different categories (i.e., high, medium, low). The selection criteria for data sources hinge on several key questions: Is the database exhaustive or merely a sample? Does the case definition rely on direct medical diagnoses or proxies? Does the source capture all cases? Is the data collected at regional or national level? Are there mechanisms for yearly or periodic updates? To establish the most accurate national prevalence estimates for each outcome, we often need to adjust for data misclassification-applying corrections for biases such as self-reported data and interpolating for missing entries. In some instances, a pooled estimate from multiple data sources is developed. A specific case will be presented to illustrate our approach in practice. This critical evaluation is pivotal, as the quality of data underpins the entire health information pyramid. The integrity of our data directly influences our ability to convert data into actionable health wisdom, ultimately affecting public health decision-making and policy formulation.

Patients’ perceptions on reluctance to undergo cataract surgery in Sedibeng district hospital, Gauteng province

Background: Over 50 million people are blind, and 135 million people suffer from severe visual impairments, with cataracts contributing to 51% of global blindness cases. Despite efforts to promote cataract surgery (CS), many patients remain hesitant, underscoring the importance of understanding their perspectives.Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe patients’ perceptions regarding reluctance to undergo CS to improve awareness and increase surgery uptake.Setting: The research was conducted in the Sedibeng District, Gauteng province, South Africa.Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed to capture the lived experiences of patients through face-to-face, individual semi-structured interviews with 15 patients aged 38 – 72 years prior to their CS. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, and Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis was used for data analysis.Results: The findings highlight several barriers perceived by participants, including long waiting times; fear; lack of knowledge; limited financial, material and human resources; power outages; uncontrolled blood sugar levels; and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions. Nevertheless, some view it positively as a means to avert blindness and enhance vision.Conclusion: To address the challenges, the study recommends boosting the number of eye health care professionals, prioritising budget allocation, addressing electricity interruptions and conducting community outreach educational programmes to improve access to CS in the district.Contribution: The insights gained from this study can help health care providers and policymakers optimise care and support for CS patients through policy formulation and education. Addressing these knowledge gaps will likely increase surgery uptake and improve patients’ quality of life.

Policies and programs on children’s health promotion in the EU in the context of the JA Health4EUKids

Abstract Background Overweight and obesity prevalence are a global public health challenge. The prevalence is rapidly increasing, with significant health risks such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Objectives To describe the state of the art of policies and programs (PPs) on children’s health promotion and responsive parenthood (children 0-12 years) in the EU, and to identify their gaps. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out through an online survey, as part of the Health4EUKids Joint Action (JA) (HADEA n.101082462), between October and December 2023, targeting all EU member states (MSs) involved. Results The survey collected information about 74 PPs from 11 EU MSs of the JA. The PPs are primarily focused on healthcare (62.1%), education (24.1%), and social sectors (10.3%), with a focus on children aged 6-11 years. The settings for PPs include primary schools, communities, secondary schools, and healthcare services. The PPs are characterized by different degrees of innovation, controversy, equity, transferability, and sustainability, although the structural or systemic impact and public visibility appear to be lower among other characteristics. The formulation and design of PPs include problem analysis (73%), based on national or local data and on stakeholder consultation. As for implementation, most PPs are implemented upon release, but recommended action and allocated human resources are not fully adequate. Regular monitoring and evaluation (47.3%) are based on defined outcomes, standards, and indicators (63.5%). The results are disseminated to decision-makers and stakeholders (37.8%), through media, and to the general population (32.4%). Conclusions Most PPs are variable and context-dependent. It is necessary to align the policies with the implementation, in all its aspects, and to strengthen monitoring, evaluation, and communication with the relevant stakeholders, which currently appear to be the most lacking aspects. Key messages • Most European policies and programs are context-dependent, mainly in healthcare. Yet, a cross-sectoral trend involving health, education, and social sectors emerges. • The study stresses the need for better alignment between policy formulation and implementation to enhance the effectiveness of EU children’s health programs.

Gender-specific impact of COVID-19 in the UAE: Analyzing gender disparities in health and well-being

Abstract Background Understanding gender disparities in health impacts during pandemics is crucial. While early observations of the COVID-19 pandemic suggested higher severity and mortality rates among males, subsequent studies hinted at a disproportionate impact on females’ health and well-being. This study aimed to explore gender-specific differences related to COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods Data from four independent surveys were analyzed to assess gender differences in knowledge about available vaccines, vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 severity, admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), anxiety among healthcare workers (HCWs), and psychological health of healthcare workers and the general population. Gender gaps were calculated as the absolute difference between males and females. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were performed to test the association between gender, age, and selected outcome variables. Results Males had a significantly higher risk of moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms (71%) compared to females (63%). The gender gap in symptom severity was smallest among those aged 55+ and highest among adults aged 35-54. Post-discharge, 22% more females reported multiple conditions than males. Among HCWs, females showed lower knowledge (19% gap) and higher vaccine hesitancy (20% gap), with larger gaps among older age groups. Females also experienced more anxiety and psychological stress, especially in the 35-54 age group. Logistic regression confirmed higher odds for females in reporting vaccine hesitancy, long COVID-19 symptoms, and anxiety, even after adjusting for demographic factors. Conclusions This study highlights unequal health outcomes and burdens experienced by women and men during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE. The distinct challenges faced by women, including higher mental health burdens and persistent post-recovery symptoms, suggest systemic gender disparities that require targeted attention in healthcare policies and practices. Key messages • Gender disparities in COVID-19 were evident in the UAE with males experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms, while females experienced post-recovery symptons, vaccine hesitancy, and stress. • Urgent action is required to address gender disparities in COVID-19 impacts, emphasizing mental health support and post-recovery care in policy formulation.

Al-Azhar University's Indonesian Student Alumni Strategic Role Analysis in Influencing the Politics of Indonesia-Egypt Foreign Policy

Al-Azhar University has a crucial role in shaping Indonesia's domestic politics and foreign policy, especially in its relations with Egypt. The university's Indonesian alums have significantly contributed to this process, occupying strategic positions in government and religious institutions. This research aims to analyze the impact of these alumni on Indonesia-Egypt diplomatic relations through their roles in policy formulation. This study employs a qualitative research method, utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach. Data was collected through secondary sources, including relevant documents and literature, and analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques. The results demonstrate that Indonesian alums of Al-Azhar University have substantially influenced Indonesia's foreign policy towards Egypt, particularly in promoting moderate Islamic values and diplomacy. Their involvement has strengthened bilateral relations, as evidenced by increased educational cooperation and diplomatic initiatives. The findings emphasize the strategic role of these alumni in bridging the diplomatic gap between Indonesia and Egypt through soft power diplomacy.

Understanding and monitoring vulnerability during pregnancy at population-level

Abstract Background Detecting and addressing vulnerability during pregnancy is important to optimize the first thousands days of children’s lives and prevent health inequities. We aimed to gain insight into vulnerability during pregnancy and determine the best data to predict vulnerability. Methods In the Netherlands, two studies were done using nationwide routinely collected data and self-reported Public Health Monitor-data. The first study utilized all data to identify classes of vulnerability among 4172 pregnant women through Latent Class Analysis. The second study predicted multidimensional vulnerability at population-level using solely routinely collected data first, and step-by-step incorporating self-reported data. Random Forest (RF) analysis was employed, and model performance was assessed using Area Under the Curve (AUC) and F1-measure. Results Five vulnerability-classes were found: ‘healthy and socioeconomically stable’, ‘high care utilization’, ‘socioeconomic vulnerability’, ‘psychosocial vulnerability’, and ‘multidimensional vulnerability’. Women in the ‘multidimensional vulnerability’-class shared multiple risk factors across domains and lacked protective factors. They more often had adverse outcomes such as premature birth. In the next study, the initial RF-model achieved an AUC of 0.98 in distinguishing multidimensional vulnerability, with an F1-measure of 0.70. Adding self-reported data improved model performance. Strong predictors were self-reported health, socioeconomic characteristics and healthcare utilization. Conclusions Several vulnerability classes can be distinguished among pregnant women. The co-existence of risk factors and lack of protective factors leads to more adverse outcomes. Effective public health strategies should include both medical and social care and support. Next, it seems possible to predict multidimensional vulnerability using data that is readily available, providing a foundation for longitudinal monitoring and policy formulation. Key messages • Considering the combination of both social risk and protective factors related to vulnerability during pregnancy is necessary. • Routinely collected data could provide insight in the prevalence, geographical distribution and trends in multidimensional vulnerability during pregnancy at population-level.

1.L. Scientific session: Public Health data in support of healthy ageing policies

Abstract As Europe grapples with an ageing population, the imperative of health policies that promote healthy ageing is increasingly critical. This workshop aims to explore the significant role of public health data in shaping and supporting such policies. By integrating insights from administrative records to sophisticated research infrastructures, we will highlight the multifaceted uses of data in public health, particularly in the realms of non-communicable diseases and health-related behaviours in older populations. The session will open by examining how administrative records have been utilised within Lombardy’s regional health system to understand the epidemiology and access to care for people living with dementia. The discussion will then cover the advantages and challenges associated with integrating health data from diverse sources, emphasising the importance of quality, privacy, and the potential for real-time surveillance and response systems in healthcare. Following this, the focus will shift to the determinants of good health among older adults, presenting findings from a comprehensive cross-sectional study that identifies key factors contributing to what can be termed as “superhero” health status: seniors who maintain excellent physical and mental health. This analysis will delve into socioeconomic, behavioural, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes in the elderly, providing evidence-based recommendations for public health interventions and highlighting the potentialities of ad hoc surveys in examining health outcomes during emergencies. Thirdly, the workshop will also address the impact of significant life transitions on health behaviours, specifically the transition to retirement and its effects on alcohol consumption. Leveraging longitudinal data from a pan-European multidisciplinary research infrastructure, it will be demonstrated how retirement affects daily habits and lifestyles, including changes in alcohol consumption patterns. This segment will explore the implications of these findings for public health planning and policy formulation. In conclusion, there will be a discussion about healthcare system policies that support healthy ageing and the global impact of ageing on economics and health economics. These discussions will draw from the presented data sources and studies to suggest ways in which public health policies can be designed to reduce disparities and improve overall health outcomes among the elderly. This workshop is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of how data-driven insights can inform effective public health strategies and interventions to support an ageing society. By exploring various aspects of health data application, from individual behaviour to systemic policy adjustments, the session aims to highlight the critical role of data in promoting sustainable health and well-being in older adults, especially in the context of increasing life expectancy and prolonged retirement periods. Key messages • Harnessing data from diverse sources is crucial for understanding and enhancing healthy ageing processes. • Utilising longitudinal studies and robust data to design informed public health policies is essential for effective ageing interventions.

Coupling Coordination Relationships Between Ecosystems and Economic Development in Qinghai and Tibet

The coordinated development of ecological protection and socioeconomics in the Tibetan Plateau is of great significance. This study examines the coupling coordination of urban ecosystems and economic development across 15 municipal administrative units in Qinghai Province and the Tibet Autonomous Region, the core areas of the Tibetan Plateau. The findings reveal that a larger proportion of the Qinghai and Tibet ecosystems are classified above the medium vulnerability level, primarily due to inherent natural geographic conditions. Additionally, the area of the two provinces and regions below the medium development level is larger, which is mainly influenced by indicators of economic strength and industrial structure. The degree of coupling coordination between the ecosystem and economic system in Qinghai and Tibet is predominantly driven by economic factors. Given the existing natural environmental conditions, the eastern regions of Qinghai and Tibet still possess certain development potential, while the economic development in the western areas is somewhat constrained by the natural environment. Based on this, further policy recommendations have been proposed to adjust and upgrade the industrial structure, aligning ecological protection with economic development in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. These recommendations aim to facilitate the formulation of strategies and policies for sustainable urban construction and social development in such high-ecological-value regions as the Tibetan Plateau.

Exploring Open Science practices at a national and research library in Central Europe

The paradigm of Open Science (OS) is increasingly pivotal in contemporary scholarly research, promoting transparency, accessibility, and collaboration. This study, conducted as part of an Erasmus+ internship by a trainee at the National Széchényi Library of Hungary (OSZK) assesses the level of Open Science awareness among its researchers and contributes to the formulation of an Open Science-compliant Data Management Plan policy. By examining researchers' perspectives and current practices, the survey identifies some gaps and areas for improvement in data management and sharing. These insights are instrumental in developing strategic initiatives to enhance Open Science practices within the OSZK researchers. Furthermore, the findings have prompted the Office for GLAM Standards at NSL to develop a specialized Open Science course for OSZK researchers. This study not only supports the advancement of a more open and collaborative research culture within Hungary but also aligns with global efforts to democratize scientific knowledge.

Mortality in migrants with dementia living in the Lazio region, Italy

Abstract Background Dementia is a major cause of disability and death among older people. Older migrants living in Italy are increasing and the prevalence of dementia is expected to rise in this population. Nevertheless, there is lack of real-world information concerning their health outcomes. The aim of this work was to analyse mortality in migrants with dementia living in Lazio, Italy (IMMIDEM project, GR-2021-12372081) Methods In a retrospective cohort study, people with dementia aged ≥50 living in Lazio on 31st December 2018 were selected using Health Information Systems (HIS) and followed-up for 5 years. The migrant status was defined according to the Country of birth as native Italians, people from High Migratory Pressure Countries (HMPC) or Highly Developed Countries (HDC). Age-standardized mortality rate (SMR) was estimated overall and by migrant status. Time to event analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and multivariate Cox regression. Results On 31st December 2018, 38,835 individuals with dementia were living in Lazio, 2.1% from HMPC and 0.9% from HDC. Natives and HDC were older than HPMC, while migrants showed a higher proportion of female. The SMR was lower in migrants from HPMC (42.2%; CI95% 37.0%-48.1%) and from HDC (33.2%; CI95% 25.4%-43.4%) than among natives (52.4%; CI95% 50.7%-54.1%). The age-adjusted mortality hazard ratio (HR) was lower in migrants (HDCs HR = 0.76, CI95%:0.66-0.89; HMPC HR = 0.88, CI95%:0.80-0.97) than natives. Conclusions The study showed a lower mortality rate among migrants with dementia compared to native Italians. Under-diagnosis, the “salmon bias”, and the “‘healthy migrant effect” could explain this apparent paradox, consistently with available literature. In addition, following-up migrants in the HIS may be difficult and underestimation may occur. Enhancing the comprehension of this phenomenon could allow the formulation of more effective, diversity-sensitive policies and practices for the management of dementia. Key messages • The mortality rate among migrants with dementia was found lower than that among native Italians. • Understanding the morbidity and mortality patterns in migrants with dementia is important to develop practice to adequately respond to their health needs and diversity-sensitive polices.

Accelerated surface brightening in China: The decisive role of reduced anthropogenic aerosol emissions

A profound comprehension of the key determinants behind the fluctuations in surface solar radiation (SSR) over decadal timescales is essential for advancing the fields of energy meteorology, climatology, and solar resources. While there is a general agreement among prior research on the significant impact of aerosols on SSR, a granular understanding of the specific influence that varying aerosol types exert on SSR remains elusive. This investigation delves into the respective impacts of aerosols and cloud radiative effects across China, utilizing data from the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES). It further dissects the distinct impacts of different aerosol types on the decadal-scale variations in SSR, employing spectral aerosol optical depths derived from the MODIS aerosol products. The findings reveal a predominantly positive trend in SSR, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 W/m2/yr between the years 2011 and 2022 for the majority of China's regions. However, certain areas within Northeast and Western China exhibit a decline in SSR exceeding −1 W/m2/yr. Notably, in Eastern China, a downward trend in aerosol radiative effect is observed, with a pronounced reduction of approximately −2 W/m2/yr noted specifically during the summer in Northern China. The study infers that the reduction in urban industrial emissions and biomass burning aerosols is linked to the acceleration of the brightening phenomenon in China. Our results underscore that stringent regulation of anthropogenic emissions could yield dual benefits: environmental amelioration and an upsurge in solar resource. These insights merit serious contemplation in the formulation of future policy and decision-making frameworks.

Urban Community Participation In Dealing With The Covid-19 Pandemic Through Environment-Based On Covid-19 Handling Policies In The City Of Mataram

The city of Mataram is an area that has a high number of Covid-19 cases in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Covid-19 has seriously impacted all aspects of life, from health, economy, society, culture, and tourism to religious rituals. This study aims to analyze the policies for handling Covid-19 in Mataram City. Second, analyze the form of community participation in efforts to deal with Covid-19 in Mataram City. This study uses the participation theory of Cohen and Uphoff as an analytical tool. This research is qualitative research with a descriptive approach. In- depth interviews, observation, and documentation employed data collection techniques. The results of this study indicate that this environment-based policy for handling Covid-19 effectively suppresses the spread of Covid-19 in Mataram City. This policy is implemented by involving the participation of all elements of government, local leaders, and the community. Community participation in handling Covid-19 starts with high public awareness of Covid-19, then implementing health protocols. Community participation is also seen in the formulation of policies for handling Covid-19, the movement to join a Task Force (Satgas), carrying out self- help movements to help each other, and being involved in evaluating the handling of Covid-19 in the City of Mataram.

Determinants of health prevention behaviors in Portugal

Abstract Background One of the main causes of death in developed societies are chronic non-communicable diseases, often originated by risky behaviors as tobacco consumption, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity. Changing lifestyles can thus lead to a reduction in chronic diseases and in their economic costs. The objective of this study is to understand what the main factors associated with health behaviors are. Methods We used the data collected through the Portuguese National Health Surveys from 2014 and 2019. The sample analyzed was composed of individuals aged 15 or more years old living in the national territory at the time the surveys were conducted. Data on demographics, socio-economic variables and health related variables was used. A maximum likelihood estimation was performed using a multivariate probit model, by using health behaviors (weekly exercise, healthy diet, non-smoking, and prudent alcohol consumption) as the outcomes of the analysis. Results The results point to a strong association between social class and health behaviors, particularly between higher income and healthy diet. It is important to highlight that having an appointment with a General Practitioner is positively associated with all healthy behaviors. For all behaviors but healthy diet, the coefficients are statistically significant at a 5% significance level and non-smoking displays the highest one (0.135). Conclusions This study presents the first step to understand the determinants of health prevention behaviors, which is important to design policies targeting lifestyles. One of its main conclusions indicates that social class (income and education) and GP appointments are associated with health behaviors. Further research would be needed to study the underlying mechanisms through which some of these factors impact behaviors. This presentation was supported by National Funds through FCT, I.P., within CINTESIS, R&D Unit (reference UIDB/4255/2020). Key messages • This study is an important step in the formulation of policies targeting lifestyles since it allows us to understand which factors are associated with health behaviors. • From this study one can conclude that social class characteristics, particularly income, and access to GP appointments are associated positively with health behaviors.

Digital development and rural financial inclusion: Evidence from China

Digital technology has profoundly influenced the development of the financial sector and is of great importance to financial inclusion. This paper employs sub-provincial panel data from 2005 to 2019 to analyse the impact mechanisms of digital economy development on rural finance, exploring the impact of digitalization and overall digital literacy on rural finance. Our findings verify that digitalization has a positive contribution to rural finance, while digital literacy has a significant inhibitory effect on rural finance. This still holds after a series of robustness tests. Subsequent mechanism analysis reveals that digital technology benefits rural finance by optimizing industrial structure and promoting technological progress, while digital literacy accelerates urbanization, leading to the loss of rural labor and thus inhibiting rural finance. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the role of the digital economy in rural inclusive finance is more pronounced in the eastern and central regions. Additionally, higher levels of human capital, economic development, entrepreneurship, and digitalization will further enhance the impact of the digital economy on rural inclusive finance. This study offers a new pathway for the realization of financial inclusion and a theoretical reference for financial development in rural areas. Our empirical analysis also provides new perspectives and insights for the formulation of policies and measures to coordinate the development of various elements of digital finance and cope with the impact of the digital economy on rural finance.