Institutional Framework Research Articles

Omission in Adoption: Whole of Systems Approach Applied to Case Study Analysis of Genetically Modifi ed (GM) Maize Adoption in Eastern Cape Province South Africa

This article critically explores the political economy of genetically modifi ed (GM) maize adoption in South Africa, focusing on its impact on smallholder farmers using the whole-of-systems approach. While South Africa has become a leader in GM maize production, the benefi ts have been unevenly distributed, particularly disadvantaging smallholders. Government eff orts to integrate smallholders into the GM maize value chain have faced signifi cant challenges, including structural inequalities, high input costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and resources. The article analyzes the broader political, economic, and environmental contexts, revealing how global trade policies, foreign investments, and domestic regulatory frameworks infl uence smallholder integration into the global maize value chain. A case study of the Eastern Cape province underscores the additional challenges smallholders face, such as climate change, labor shortages, and barriers to market access. Despite GM maize’s potential to improve food security and smallholder incomes, the article argues that current policies and institutional frameworks need substantial reforms to ensure equitable benefi ts. The research highlights the need for a multidimensional approach that addresses the socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors constraining smallholder participation in the GM maize sector, calling for targeted interventions to bridge the gap between large-scale commercial farms and smallholders.

Специфика физической подготовки студентов-мужчин к сдаче норматива ГТО в разделе «рывок гири» в образовательных организациях высшего образования

Physical fitness is an important component of the lives of students, especially men, and plays a key role in achieving academic success and beyond. Within the framework of higher educational institutions, special attention is paid to passing the Ready for Labor and Defense Standards, one of the main sections of which is the “kettlebell jerk”, which requires students to show strength, coordination and endurance. The analysis of the results of the conducted research on the preparation for the delivery of the Ready for Labor and Defense Standards complex “kettlebell jerk” is also presented. Male students of Vyatka State University took part in the study. They were divided into 2 groups: experimental and control. Both groups passed the Ready for Labor and Defense Standards “kettlebell jerk” complex, and then, for two months, the control group trained according to the rules of kettlebell lifting, and the experimental group trained the kettlebell jerk according to the rules of the army jerk. After that, the groups re-passed the same standard. The results obtained before and after the experiment were compared. In the course of the study, it was revealed that the kettlebell lifting specialists of the experimental group, who received a training complex based on the rules of the army kettlebell jerk, showed had higher indicators of hand strength and overall functional endurance in the competitive movement of the 16 kg kettlebell jerk compared with the group that performed exercises according to the rules of kettlebell lifting with one interception of the kettlebell when performing a jerk.

Evolution of Institutional Support for Agricultural Entrepreneurship in Benin

Agricultural entrepreneurship (AE) has been a viable development option promoted by Benin government. This study aims to analyze the institutional environment supporting AE with a focus on innovation within enterprises through laws, and implementation of programs and projects. The data was collected and analyzed using content analysis of documents such as program/project reports, narratives, decrees, orders, and policy documents from various ministries. The results indicate that the institutional framework of Benin did not place particular emphasis on supporting agricultural enterprises. Reforms were initiated lately in 2006 to provide specific support and ensure the emergence of small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises. Laws were enacted, and programs and projects were conducted during the implementation of the reforms. A thorough analysis of the actions regarding AE reveals that the government interventions primarily addressed components including the propensity to innovate and the practice of innovation of the agricultural enterprises. The propensity to innovate did not particularly interest the agricultural enterprises. Reflections led to the integration of the propensity to innovate into support actions because of the increasing failure rates of young agricultural enterprises. Support for innovation was not completed on one type of intervention. Building on the importance of the propensity to innovate, the capacity to innovate, and the practice of innovation, in entrepreneurial success, efforts should continue to be made to create a more favorable institutional environment. Policies will also aim to simultaneously target the three components of innovativeness to provide a better chance of survival for young AE. Case studies will help achieve this goal.

How wealthy in natural resource leads environmental sustainability in developing economies? An empirical investigation

This study investigates the impact of income generated from natural resources on environmental sustainability and analyses the moderating role of institutional quality in carbon emissions function. An extensive dataset from 61 developing nations covering the years 2000–2018 has been taken, which uses a dynamic heterogeneous panel data model. Our study follows a rigorous methodology by applying the pooled mean group estimator. An extensive examination of the impacts over the short run and long run is possible using this method. This study reveals multifaceted findings: in the short run, the effect of institutional quality and natural resources revenues on carbon emissions is insignificant, implying that such factors have a relatively minor impact. The long-term examination reveals that income derived from natural resources causes a spike in carbon emissions, which causes environmental deterioration and climate change. Strong institutional quality can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of correlation between revenues from natural resources and carbon emissions, which have been observed. The study's moderating effect of natural resources richness, which gradually reduces institutional quality's ability to reduce carbon emissions, is a crucial finding. Our study significantly advances the field of environmental economics, especially when discussing sustainable development in emerging nations with abundant natural resources. It emphasizes the delicate balance that must be struck between preserving efficient environmental governance and maximizing the richness of natural resources. Our findings underscore the crucial need for developing nations to strengthen their institutional frameworks and capacities and have substantial policy implications. These steps are essential to ensuring that the use of natural resources is in line with environmental sustainability objectives, turning resource curses into blessings for long-term development and environmental preservation. This research opens the door to sector-specific impacts and personalized policy interventions in resource-rich developing economies.

Review of foreign experience of professional adaptation of war veterans

Problem setting. After the end of the war, most of the veterans will be an economically active stratum of the population, who will need active support from the state when reintegrating into civilian life, but in return will be able to benefit the country by remaining active subjects of the national economy. The preservation and development of this potential is critically important both for the post-war recovery of Ukraine and for the establishment of social justice in relation to defenders. The study of foreign experiences is an important step in order to learn effective practices that can be adapted and applied to the Ukrainian context. Despite the fact that the experience of other countries does not always fully correspond to Ukrainian realities, it contains useful lessons and methods that can be modified to solve the specific challenges that Ukraine faces. Analysis of recent researches and publications. Such domestic researchers as V.P. Kokhan, A.S. Kolisnyk, O.V. Shapovalova, V.I. Sheverdina, T. Zakharina, V.K. Malolitneva, R.A. Jabrailov. M. Bazaeva studied foreign experience using the example of the USA. At the same time, there is no comprehensive overview of foreign policy regarding the support of veterans and their reintegration into civilian life in domestic works. Purpose of research is to carry out a general review of foreign experience in issues of support for veterans using the example of the USA, EU, Germany, France and Great Britain. Article`s main body. The article examines the issue of professional adaptation of veterans as a key element in the successful reintegration of military personnel into civilian life. It outlines the experiences of the United States, the European Union, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to identify effective veteran support practices that could be adapted to the Ukrainian context. The focus is on the legal and organizational aspects of veteran policies, including legislative support and the involvement of both governmental and non-governmental organizations in the outlined area. The article concludes that the United States has a well-developed system of veteran support, primarily driven by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Special attention is given to the functioning of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). It is suggested that the establishment of a similar specialized judicial body could be an important step for Ukraine to effectively protect veterans’ rights in the post-war period. The article highlights the absence of unified legislation on veterans within the European Union. Nevertheless, it emphasizes the role of pan-European non-governmental organizations in this field, such as the European Confederation of Veterans. The legal and institutional framework for veteran policies in specific EU member states, particularly Germany and France, is also discussed. Special attention is given to the experience of the United Kingdom, which aspires to have the most advanced veteran support system. It is noted that the strategic approach to veteran policy, particularly through the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan 2022-2024, provides long-term legal certainty for veterans and enhances the effectiveness of state policy. Conclusions and prospects for the development. The article underlines that professional adaptation of veterans is a critical precondition for successful post-war recovery in Ukraine and the preservation of veterans’ economic activity. The use of foreign experience, particularly the creation of specialized judicial bodies, the development of national veteran support strategies, and the active involvement of non-governmental organizations, could become a subject of further discussion aimed at finding the optimal path for building an effective veteran support system in Ukraine.

Perceived Financial Value and the Adoption of the Cashless Payment System in the Matatu Transport Sector in Nairobi County, Kenya

Cashless payment systems have emerged as a transformative force in the global financial landscape, offering convenience and efficiency in transactions. Despite their widespread development, the adoption of these systems has been uneven, with only a select number of companies in specific countries making notable progress. This research investigated the correlation between perceived financial value and the adoption of cashless payment systems in Nairobi's Matatu sector. The central question was how perceived financial value influences this adoption. This research was grounded on institutional theory, the study used an explanatory research design with a target population of 1,176 Matatu SACCO managers and staff, from which a sample of 289 was selected using stratified and simple random sampling. Data was collected via a questionnaire, with validity assessed through Pearson Moment Correlation and reliability through the test-retest method. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS. The findings revealed a significant impact of perceived financial value on cashless payment adoption (β=0.534, t=10.744, p<0.05) and a 67.9% positive correlation. The study concluded that a suitable legal and institutional framework is needed, requiring collaboration between the private and public sectors to support technological adoption among Matatu operators in Nairobi. In light of the study's findings, the researchers recommended that the lack of a suitable legal and institutional framework for e-payments necessitates a joint effort from both the private and public sectors to establish the necessary legal and institutional structures, thereby fostering an environment conducive to technology integration among Matatu operators in Nairobi and beyond.

Challenges experienced by caregivers working in institutions for children. A case of four children’s homes in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Institutional care is one of the child care strategies used to provide secure family environments to children at risk. In this vein, institutions provide care through caregivers who look after children round the clock. These caregivers are trained and expected to provide high-quality services. However, in so doing, the caregivers face several challenges. This paper is based on a qualitative study that collected data from 24 caregivers working at four childcare institutions in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study employed a multiple case study design that was embedded in a phenomenological design. Findings from the study revealed that challenges experienced by caregivers include high caseloads and lack of resources, regulations which do not promote proper child development, inadequate training for caregivers, and nonexistence of a representative body for caregivers and the existence of multiple reporting systems for children. Noteworthy, is the fact that these challenges result in the provision of inappropriate services to children in institutions culminating in dilution of quality-of-care services’ provision to children. To this end, the author suggests a redress of caregivers’ roles and revision of institutional care framework; to address the challenges faced by caregivers.

Procurement Ethics and Corruption: An Examination of Italy and Zimbabwe

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the procurement ethics and corruption: an examination of Italy and Zimbabwe. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study on procurement ethics and corruption in Italy and Zimbabwe reveals significant contrasts between the two countries. In Italy, procurement processes are more structured, with stringent regulations aimed at curbing corruption, yet challenges persist, particularly in the enforcement of these regulations. In contrast, Zimbabwe faces more profound issues with systemic corruption deeply embedded in its procurement practices, exacerbated by weaker institutional frameworks and lack of transparency. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Principal-agent theory, institutional theory & ethical decision-making theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the procurement ethics and corruption: an examination of Italy and Zimbabwe. Organizations in both Italy and Zimbabwe should implement robust ethical training programs for procurement officials to promote integrity and accountability. Policymakers in Italy and Zimbabwe should collaborate to develop comprehensive anti-corruption frameworks that address the unique challenges faced in each country’s procurement landscape.

The effect of standardized advertising, managerial ties and born global orientation on export performance

PurposeGiven the contradictory findings of standardization/adaptation of marketing strategy in explaining export performance in the extant research, this study aims to examine the contingent effects of managerial ties and born global orientation in the standardized advertising-export performance conceptualization.Design/methodology/approachThe study used two-respondent method in the survey research by a sample of 155 exporting firms operating in the industrial marketing based in Australia and New Zealand and applied hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that standardized advertising has a significant effect on export performance and this relationship is positively moderated by business ties. Such effect is particularly enhanced for born global firms (than nonborn global firms). However, political ties negatively influence the impact of standardized advertising on performance and such effect is stronger for born global firms.Research limitations/implicationsA broader perspective of contingent variables should be included to examine the underlying relationship between standardized advertising and export performance in capturing the dynamism in international marketing contexts, such as institutional frameworks or sociocultural environments in host countries.Practical implicationsStandardized advertising is critical for born global firms’ export performance as it can increase efficiency and speed up internationalization processes. Such positive impact of standardized advertising on export performance is further enhanced if born global firms allocate resources to develop strong business ties with host country partners instead of building political ties with host country governments, because smooth business networking can facilitate standardized advertising on industrial marketing, yet justifiable political relations require intricate negotiations that often prolong internationalization progress.Originality/valueThis study incorporates managerial ties and born global orientation as contingent factors in fixing the theoretic interlock between standardization advertising strategy and export firm performance.

Constraints to Green and Digital Transition in the Greek Agri-Food Sector

The European Union's Green Deal and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda are key strategic frameworks that aim to transform all nations towards a climate-neutral continent. At the heart of achieving this ambitious goal is the need for greater policy coherence, particularly concerning the digital Green Deal. The adoption of digital technologies in green sustainability initiatives requires a comprehensive update of existing policies to properly exploit all the opportunities offered by digitalisation. This study focuses on identifying constraints to environmental and digital advancement in the agri-food sector. In particular, it examines existing policies and those that need to be implemented to facilitate the green and digital transition of agri-food enterprises. The research methodology comprises in-depth, semi-structured interviews with fifteen (15) policymakers at the national, regional, and local levels in Greece, all of whom are responsible for decision-making in the agri-food sector. The findings underline the need for a substantial reform of the current institutional framework to make it more favourable to agri-food enterprises, especially for very small enteprises and SMEs, for whom the barriers are even greater. Improving access to financial support is also highlighted as a critical need. To ensure a smooth twin transition towards environmental sustainability and digitalisation, the study advocates improving the educational background and promoting digital literacy among stakeholders. These measures are considered necessary to increase the competitiveness of agri-food enterprises in today's global landscape. The study essentially highlights the central role of a strong policy framework for the environmental and digital transition of the agri-food sector. By addressing the barriers identified in the study through the implementation of appropriate policies, agri-food entrepreneurs can adopt sustainable practices and harness the transformative potential of digital technologies.

Albania’s European Integration and Civil Society Impact

This paper aims to investigate and propose strategies for the effective involvement and support of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the European integration process. The primary focus is to understand the challenges faced by CSOs, explore collaborative approaches, and present recommendations for policymakers to foster a more inclusive and transparent integration process. The main approach involves undertaking a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies, and interviews with key stakeholders, including representatives from CSOs, government officials, and experts in European integration. The study seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamics between CSOs and the broader institutional framework through this multi-faceted approach. In conclusion, this paper provides a holistic overview of the challenges and opportunities in enhancing CSO participation in European integration.

Adolescent core literacy cultivation and institutional framework development

The core literacy of adolescents is the starting point and the ultimate goal of education, serving as a touchstone for assessing the quality of talent and the level of education, and also as a guiding compass for the development, reform, and construction of education. Countries around the world attach great importance to the core literacy of adolescents, showing characteristics of macro cognitive consistency, diversified element selection, and specific operational aspects. To achieve the goals of core literacy for our country's adolescents, it is necessary to influence the attitudes, concepts, behavioral habits, and interactive relationships of participants and stakeholders in the educational process, including the government, schools, enterprises, families, and students. It is also necessary to improve the literacy monitoring mechanism, reform the educational examination system, transform the educational evaluation methods, improve the employer's employment orientation, optimize the social education environment, innovate the educational supply mode, and strive to build a modern educational system to create a good atmosphere for enhancing the core literacy of adolescents.

Sustainable development goals implementation in a post‐colonial African State: Any future for the African Continental Free Trade Area?

AbstractThis paper examined the prospect of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement in the context of the SDGs. It took its bearing from the contemporary structure of most African states, arguing that the reality of the continent's postcolonial condition could impede the implementation of the AfCFTA. Its refrain is that studies on how Nigeria and South Africa, as regional powers, have used their economic and political influence to advance the SDGs' implementation throughout Africa, using different South–South development frameworks are few. In other words, the institutionalization of a strategic collaboration agenda through a Nigeria‐South Africa‐coordinated African response to the new powers, in the area of timely implementation of the SDGs is lacking. This study affirms that for the AfCFTA to be successful, it is incumbent on the regional hegemons to build a suitable institutional framework and governance structure that upholds the rule of law and encourages harmonization, consistency, and predictability.

Abstract C008: Patient-derived organoids and precision medicine: Insights from the PASS-01 clinical trial in PDAC

Abstract Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is challenging as most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage with limited treatment options. Tailoring therapies for individual patients is paramount due to the aggressive nature of the disease. Our work explores patient- derived organoids (PDOs) as in vitro tumor models to dissect molecular signatures and conduct pharmacotyping, aiming to enhance precision medicine. Methods: In the PASS-01 stage IV PDAC clinical trial, biopsies were collected for molecular correlatives, including establishment of PDO models. Tissue samples were collected from patients at six institutes across the United States and Canada, highlighting our ability to integrate PDO models into a robust, multi- institutional clinical framework. Most biopsies were collected from liver metastases, followed by primary pancreas tumors, peritoneal, omental, lymph node, lung, and brain metastases. KRAS mutation status by ddPCR was used to validate neoplastic cells in the organoid cultures and identify pseudonormal outgrowth. Established PDO lines were subjected to high throughput drug screening for 120+ compounds, comprising both standard-of-care (as monotherapy and in combination therapies) and experimental agents. Subsequently, validated PDO lines were expanded, biobanked and harvested for RNA and DNA sequencing. Results: During the trial, 186 biopsies from 183 enrolled patients were shipped to CSHL for PDO establishment. The overall malignant PDO establishment rate was 50% across all biopsy sites and patients. Interestingly, PDOs could be generated more often from patients that rapidly progressed on therapy (p = 0.03). Furthermore, by comparing the characteristics of the primary biopsies to the established PDO, PDOs were more frequently generated from Moffitt subtype classical (64% establishment) compared to basal (35%), and from those with a KRASminor imbalance (67% establishment) compared with KRAS wild-type (36%), balanced (58%), and KRASmajor imbalance (52%). The average time from tissue receipt to first drug screen data was 65 days, with six PDOs screened in under 30 days. This turnaround time enabled PDO therapeutic data to be presented at monthly molecular tumor boards. Consequently, these data were considered alongside other clinical trial correlates to aid in selection of second-line therapies when patients progressed. Conclusions: The PASS-01 trial facilitated the real-time generation of PDO models and reporting of therapeutic results. We identified correlations between PDO establishment and patient characteristics, and improved the methods to detect pseudonormal outgrowth. PDO pharmacoptyping identified sensitivity that correlated with patient outcomes on GnP, while also highlighting challenges of using empiric drug testing for chemotherapy sensitivity. Moving forward we aim to continue incorporation of PDOs and tumor molecular profiling to aid in patient therapy selection. We anticipate this work to be crucial as targeted therapies, including KRAS inhibitors, become mainstream in PDAC care. Citation Format: Amber N. Habowski, Dennis Plenker, Hardik Patel, Caitlin Tsang, Luce St. Surin, Fatim Kouassi, Deepthi Budagavi, Grainne M O'Kane, Stephanie Ramotar, Kenneth H Yu, Faiyaz Notta, Andrew Aguirre, Brian Wolpin, Dan Laheru, Daniel A King, Elizabeth M Jaffee, Jennifer J Knox, David A Tuveson. Patient-derived organoids and precision medicine: Insights from the PASS-01 clinical trial in PDAC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 15-18; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C008.

A Critical Analysis Of Legal And Institutional Framework Of Natural Resource Conservation In Kabale, Uganda

Natural resource conservation in Kabale, Uganda, presents a critical challenge given the district's ecological significance and socio-economic dynamics. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal and institutional frameworks governing natural resource management in Kabale. It examines the effectiveness and limitations of existing policies, regulations, and institutional structures in achieving conservation goals amidst growing pressures from population growth and economic activities. While there are notable legislative efforts and institutional commitments to resource conservation, issues such as inadequate enforcement, limited institutional capacity, and conflicts between conservation and local economic interests undermine the effectiveness of these measures. The analysis highlights the need for a more integrated approach that enhances legal enforcement, strengthens institutional capacities, and addresses socio-economic challenges. Recommendations are provided for policy improvements and strategic interventions aimed at fostering more effective natural resource conservation practices in Kabale. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development by offering actionable insights into optimizing legal and institutional mechanisms for resource management in similar contexts.

The Interplay of Dietary Habits, Economic Factors, and Globalization: Assessing the Role of Institutional Quality.

Dietary habits are pivotal for population health and well-being, yet remain a pressing global issue, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where economic instability and institutional challenges exacerbate dietary problems. Despite extensive research, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the direct and interactive effects of institutional quality and inflationary shocks on dietary habits. This study delves into these complex interplays across 44 SSA nations from 2002 to 2022. Employing an innovative entropy method (EM) and the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) modeling, the study introduces an inclusive institutional quality index and an inflationary shock predictor as crucial determinants of dietary habits in the literature. The results from the panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) method and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) model reveal that per capita GDP, school enrollment rate, government expenditures, globalization index, and urbanization are positively associated with population dietary habits, while inflationary shock, food insecurity, and unemployment rate exert negative influences. Notably, institutional quality acts as a catalyst, amplifying the positive effects of the former group and absorbing the negative impacts of the latter on population dietary habits. Additionally, a dynamic panel causality analysis confirms a bidirectional causality nexus between population dietary habits and all variables, except for inflationary shocks, which demonstrate a unidirectional causality link. These findings carry significant policy implications, underscoring the complex dynamics between institutional quality, inflationary shocks, and dietary habits in the region. The bidirectional causality highlights the need for holistic interventions that address economic, social, and institutional factors simultaneously. Moreover, the unidirectional causality of inflationary shocks on dietary habits suggests that stabilizing inflation is critical to protecting dietary habits. These results provide critical insights for policymakers to design targeted interventions aimed at improving nutrition, bolstering institutional frameworks, and ensuring public health resilience in the face of economic and social shocks.

Advocacy and credibility of land tenure in Ethiopia: Mitigating conflicts and threats

Social inequality resulting from war, exploitation, and land property is very evident in Ethiopia, which has a significant influence on the economic, social, and political situation of various groups of people. As a result, the primary objective of this study was to assess the significance of the Credibility Thesis in resolving land conflicts via the Formal, Actual, and Targeted (FAT) Institutional Framework. Moreover, this study was conducted to identify the key features and the role of credibility analysis in mitigating land conflicts by employing the Credibility Scales and Intervention (CSI) Checklist. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive literature review including land tenure studies from 1979 to 2020 was conducted. This review used original databases to ensure a comprehensive and extensive exploration of relevant scientific works. The results showed that the land problem in Ethiopia is not only related to the dynamics of social change and inequality at different global, regional, national, and transnational levels, but also provides access to land resources, the foundations of authority, livelihood, property, and citizenship. Furthermore, the lack of land security for non-indigenous minorities contributes to substantial ambiguity for land rights. Therefore, measures to increase land security and transfer land tenure can have an important influence on productivity and should be prioritized by policymakers. These measures may include elements from active land certification initiatives, but they should also specify the legal credit of certifications issued in the system and how to execute them.

Currency Internationalization, payment infrastructures and central banks: An institutional analysis of renminbi internationalization

This study explores the role of central banks in designing cross-border payment infrastructure as part of a broader agenda of currency internationalization, focusing on the Chinese experience from 2008 to 2023. Based on primary data- including descriptive statistics and interviews with senior officials from the People's Bank of China and staff from Chinese commercial banks – and triangulating information from secondary literature and official documents, the article traces the evolution of the renminbi's cross-border payment network comparing these developments with the early internationalization stages of the U.S. dollar. China's strategy is characterized as 'imitate and innovate,' where the renminbi's payment network development mirrors, to some extent, the institutional frameworks underpinning the dollar's global use. However, it also exhibits notable differences in public sector involvement and pace of development. This comparison indicates that, for late- industrializers, central bank plays a more pronounced role in jumpstarting a currency internationalization process. Moreover, this article also contributes to the international currency literature by demonstrating how payment infrastructures can aid in enhancing a country's external resilience through currency internationalization, without necessitating the complete liberalization of the capital account.

Charting sustainable waters: Governance challenges and opportunities for fisheries and coastal beach resources in a West African country

Marine fisheries and beaches (i.e., backshore, foreshore and shoreface) are essential for providing ecosystem services globally, with coastal states being at the forefront of this benefit. Consequently, several policies, legislations, and governance processes must be formulated to ensure their sustainable use due to the impact of anthropogenic and natural pressures. This study aims to analyse the legal and institutional frameworks for the management of marine fisheries and beach resources (such as flora (coconut), fauna (ghost crabs), dunes, and rocky components) under key international laws and conventions, using Ghana as a case study. The study identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) within resource management, as well as their impact on the country’s progress in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Union Agenda 2063. Data was collected through interviews with fishers, coastal residents, and other relevant stakeholders, as well as a review of secondary data. The results unveil a distinctive contrast in the regulatory landscape between fisheries and beach resources. While numerous policies have been formulated to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries, the same level of attention and commitment has not been extended to beach resources. The SWOT analysis revealed that some of the strengths in the governance of marine fisheries and beach resources rest on the availability of institutions and laws. The weakness lies in inadequate enforcement and data gathering and analyses to inform decision making. This study provides as an illuminating exploration into the legal and institutional underpinnings of marine fisheries and beach resource management in Ghana, shedding light on the critical junctures where improvements are needed.

Appraisal of the Relevant Laws, Health Care Policies, and Legal and Institutional Frameworks for the Health Care Support of Intimate Partner Violence Survivors in Nigeria

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains a significant public health and human rights issue in Nigeria, yet the adequacy of existing legal frameworks to support survivors is a critical but underexplored area. This article examines the extent to which Nigerian laws address the healthcare needs of IPV survivors, evaluating both statutory and policy provisions. Through a comprehensive analysis of relevant legislation, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP), the Child Rights Act, and various state-specific laws, alongside healthcare policies and protocols, this study assesses the effectiveness and gaps in the legal infrastructure. Findings indicate that while there are progressive laws aimed at preventing and addressing IPV, substantial gaps persist in their implementation, particularly regarding the integration of healthcare support services for survivors. The article highlights the need for a more coordinated approach that aligns legal provisions with healthcare practices, ensuring that IPV survivors receive comprehensive support. Recommendations are provided to strengthen the legal framework and enhance inter-sectoral collaboration to better meet the needs of survivors in Nigeria. Keywords: Health care Support, IPV, Legal Framework, Survivors