Future Policy Research Articles

A Review on the Prevalence of Poor Mental Health in the Construction Industry.

A plethora of studies on the prevalence of poor mental health have been undertaken in the general population. Nevertheless, an understanding of the prevalence of poor mental health in the context of high-risk settings, such as construction, is missing. This is noteworthy as poor mental health is widespread in this context. Given that over 100 million people work in construction on a global scale, a better understanding of the burden of poor mental health in construction is needed. To this end, a review on the prevalence of key mental health-related conditions in construction was undertaken. Through this review, over 1000 papers were identified through PubMed and Google Scholar. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a final set of 19 documents were included. Results showed that anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as psychological distress, have a high burden in construction. Vulnerable population subgroups (e.g., women, minority ethnic groups) were identified. Construction is a high-risk setting and despite this, the burden of poor mental health in this context is not given the importance it deserves. This review sheds light on the prevalence of key conditions, which are linked to high humanistic and economic burden. This review provides a foundation and useful starting point for further investigations, and results from this review may be used to inform future research, workplace interventions, and policy.

교권 회복 및 보호에 대한 인식 연구

This study sought to find out the attitudes and perceptions of college students regarding the restoration and protection of their teaching rights and to make suggestions for establishing future policies and measures to protect their teaching rights. In the month of November 2023, a web-based survey, Google Questionnaire, was used to collect data with a total of 390 students in college located in "C"-do. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent sample t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used to determine the perception of restoration and protection of teaching rights, and the LSD method was used for post-test. Significance was set at p < 0.05.
 The questionnaire used as a measurement tool consisted of general characteristics of the research subjects (8 questions), student human rights ordinance and teacher rights (12 questions), strengthening of teacher rights and protection of educational activities (11 questions), and communication system between student’s parents and teachers (11 questions). It consisted of a total of 43 questions, and a 5-point Likert scale was used. To determine the reliability of the questionnaire items, Cronbach’s α coefficient was calculated. As a result, the Cronbach’s α coefficients of all subfactors ranged from .943 to .977.
 As a result of examining the level of awareness according to the general characteristics of the research subjects, excluding the presence or absence of a teacher in the family within the 4th degree, gender, affiliation(teacher's college student/non-pedagogical college student), grade(1st to 4th college students), whether kindergarten, elementary and middle school students have part-time jobs, and whether or not they have experienced school violence while attending elementary, middle, or high school. There appeared to be a statistical difference (p<.05). Overall, the awareness of the Student Human Rights Ordinance and teachers' rights was highest among teachers' students and students who experienced school violence while attending elementary, middle, and high school.
 As a result of examining the awareness of the restoration and protection of teaching rights by section of the questionnaire, the results showed that students in teachers' colleges, 3rd and 4th grade female college students, students in kindergartens, elementary and middle school students, students with experience working part-time, and students with a teacher in their family within the 4th degree of kinship. Students who experienced school violence while attending elementary, middle, or high school had a high level of awareness. Among students who experienced school violence, victims had a higher level of awareness of the restoration and protection of school rights than perpetrators.

Community engagement in local governance: A review of USA and African strategies

Community engagement in local governance is a crucial aspect of fostering inclusive and participatory decision-making processes. This paper explores and compares community engagement strategies in the United States and Africa, shedding light on the diverse approaches employed to enhance citizen involvement in local governance. In the United States, community engagement is deeply rooted in democratic principles, with a strong emphasis on transparency and collaboration between local governments and residents. Strategies such as town hall meetings, public forums, and online platforms are commonly used to facilitate dialogue and gather input from community members. The U.S. model also emphasizes the importance of community-based organizations, which play a vital role in advocating for the interests of local residents. This review delves into the effectiveness of these strategies, examining their impact on policy development and the overall governance landscape. In contrast, African countries exhibit a rich tapestry of community engagement strategies shaped by diverse cultural, social, and political contexts. Community assemblies, traditional councils, and community-based participatory approaches are often employed to integrate the voices of citizens into decision-making processes. The paper explores the challenges and opportunities associated with these strategies, considering factors such as cultural diversity, historical context, and the role of traditional leadership in African governance. Despite these regional differences, common themes emerge, emphasizing the importance of building trust, promoting inclusivity, and leveraging technology to enhance community engagement. Both the U.S. and African strategies face challenges such as overcoming socio-economic disparities, addressing power imbalances, and ensuring the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups. The paper examines innovative initiatives and best practices that have emerged from both contexts, providing valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars interested in strengthening community engagement in local governance. This review contributes to the understanding of community engagement in local governance by drawing on examples from the United States and Africa. By highlighting the diversity of strategies and identifying common principles, the paper aims to inform future research, policy development, and practical initiatives aimed at fostering robust and inclusive local governance worldwide.

Ethical considerations in implementing generative AI for healthcare supply chain optimization: A cross-country analysis across India, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America

This review paper critically examines the ethical considerations involved in implementing generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare supply chain optimization across three distinct regions: India, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The study synthesizes findings from various case studies and academic research to highlight both common and unique ethical challenges faced in these countries. Key themes such as data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and equitable access to AI-driven healthcare solutions are explored, alongside the unique socio-cultural, legal, and regulatory challenges specific to each region. The paper proposes a set of best practices for incorporating ethical considerations into the deployment of generative AI in healthcare. These include the development of inclusive ethical frameworks, regular ethical audits, comprehensive training and education programs, public engagement initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The paper also delves into future research directions and policy development, emphasizing the need to address healthcare disparities, adapt legal and regulatory frameworks, enhance generative AI explainability, and evaluate long-term outcomes.The study concludes by underscoring the importance of ethical design and deployment of generative AI systems in healthcare, advocating for a balanced approach that aligns technological advancements with ethical standards and global healthcare needs. This comprehensive review aims to contribute to the discourse on ethical generative AI implementation, offering insights and recommendations for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and generative AI developers to foster responsible and beneficial use of generative AI in healthcare globally.

Blockchain in global supply chains: A comparative review of USA and African practices

In the contemporary landscape of international trade, the adoption of blockchain technology in global supply chains has garnered significant attention. This comparative review delves into the practices of the United States and African countries, examining the implementation, challenges, and potential benefits of blockchain in enhancing supply chain efficiency. The United States, as a global economic powerhouse, has been at the forefront of integrating blockchain into its supply chain processes. The American approach emphasizes transparency, traceability, and accountability. Blockchain technology provides a decentralized and immutable ledger, enabling seamless tracking of goods from their origin to the end consumer. The use of smart contracts automates and streamlines contractual agreements, reducing paperwork and minimizing delays. While the adoption in the USA is relatively widespread, challenges include the need for standardized protocols, regulatory frameworks, and overcoming resistance to change within established systems. In contrast, the African continent presents a diverse and evolving landscape in the adoption of blockchain within supply chains. Several African nations have recognized the potential of blockchain to address longstanding issues such as counterfeit goods, fraud, and inefficiencies in logistics. Blockchain offers a decentralized solution that can empower local producers and facilitate international trade. However, challenges in Africa include limited technological infrastructure, varying levels of regulatory frameworks, and the need for capacity building. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and international organizations are essential to overcoming these obstacles. Both the USA and African countries stand to benefit from blockchain adoption in global supply chains. Increased transparency reduces the risk of fraud and enhances trust between stakeholders. The immutable nature of blockchain records ensures data integrity, contributing to the overall resilience of the supply chain. However, successful implementation requires a nuanced understanding of local contexts, regulatory frameworks, and technological capacities. This comparative review serves as a foundation for future research and policy development, shedding light on the dynamic landscape of blockchain adoption in global supply chains across diverse socio-economic environments.

Sustainable IT practices in Nigerian banking: Environmental perspectives review

This review paper aims to critically analyze sustainable information technology (IT) practices in the Nigerian banking sector, focusing on environmental perspectives. The primary objective is to identify and evaluate the extent to which Nigerian banks have integrated sustainable IT practices and the impact of these practices on environmental sustainability. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, including academic journals, industry reports, and case studies, to gather insights into the current state of sustainable IT in Nigerian banking. Key findings reveal that while some Nigerian banks have begun to adopt green IT initiatives, such as paperless operations, energy-efficient data centers, and electronic banking services, the overall adoption rate is relatively low compared to global standards. The study identifies barriers to adoption, including lack of awareness, limited regulatory frameworks, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the paper highlights the potential benefits of sustainable IT practices, such as reduced carbon footprint, operational cost savings, and enhanced corporate reputation. The paper concludes that for Nigerian banks to fully embrace sustainable IT practices, there needs to be a concerted effort involving policy formulation, awareness campaigns, and investment in green technologies. It recommends that stakeholders, including government, regulatory bodies, and the banks themselves, collaborate to create an enabling environment for sustainable IT. This review contributes to the understanding of sustainable IT in the Nigerian banking sector and provides a foundation for future research and policy development in this area.

City-level livestock methane emissions in China from 2010 to 2020

Livestock constitute the world’s largest anthropogenic source of methane (CH4), providing high-protein food to humans but also causing notable climate risks. With rapid urbanization and increasing income levels in China, the livestock sector will face even higher emission pressures, which could jeopardize China’s carbon neutrality target. To formulate targeted methane reduction measures, it is crucial to estimate historical and current emissions on fine geographical scales, considering the high spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability of livestock emissions. However, there is currently a lack of time-series data on city-level livestock methane emissions in China, despite the flourishing livestock industry and large amount of meat consumed. In this study, we constructed a city-level livestock methane emission inventory with dynamic spatial-temporal emission factors considering biological, management, and environmental factors from 2010 to 2020 in China. This inventory could serve as a basic database for related research and future methane mitigation policy formulation, given the population boom and dietary changes.

Technology in community development: A comparative review of USA and African Projects

This paper conducts a comprehensive comparative review of technology-driven community development initiatives in the United States and various regions across Africa. The study aims to shed light on the diverse approaches and outcomes of projects leveraging technology to empower communities in different socio-cultural and economic contexts. The review begins by examining the landscape of community development in both the USA and Africa, emphasizing the challenges faced by urban and rural communities alike. It establishes a foundation for understanding the increasing role of technology in addressing these challenges, framing it as a dynamic and evolving field with vast potential for positive impact. Key findings from the comparative analysis are distilled, emphasizing the importance of context-specific approaches in technology-driven community development. Projects that demonstrate a nuanced understanding of local needs, cultural dynamics, and infrastructural realities exhibit greater success. The review underscores that successful implementation requires more than the transfer of technology; it demands a deep integration into the fabric of community life. The paper also touches upon overarching insights, highlighting the transformative power of technology when thoughtfully applied to community development. It acknowledges the significance of community engagement, adaptability, and a holistic understanding of local nuances as critical factors influencing project success. In concluding remarks, the paper encourages continued research and collaboration. It recognizes the ongoing journey towards harnessing technology's potential for global community empowerment and emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Ultimately, the paper seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on technology in community development, offering insights that can inform future projects, policies, and academic pursuits in this dynamic field.

Urban community development: Reviewing non-profit impact in the USA and Africa

Urban community development: Reviewing non-profit impact in the USA and Africa

Water-energy nexus: A review of policy and practice in Africa and the USA

This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between water and energy in the contexts of Africa and the United States, shedding light on the evolving policies and practices that shape the Water-Energy Nexus (WEN). As the demand for both water and energy intensifies globally, understanding the interdependencies and synergies between these critical resources becomes imperative for sustainable development. In Africa, the WEN presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The region grapples with water scarcity, unreliable energy access, and the impacts of climate change. This review assesses the diverse policy frameworks implemented across African nations to address the WEN, examining their effectiveness and identifying gaps for improvement. Furthermore, it highlights innovative practices and successful interventions that have emerged within the African context, contributing valuable insights for sustainable water and energy management. Contrastingly, the United States, with its matured infrastructure and advanced technologies, navigates the complexities of the WEN with a different set of dynamics. The review delves into the multifaceted policy landscape in the U.S., analyzing federal, state, and local initiatives aimed at optimizing the interplay between water and energy resources. Lessons learned from the American experience offer valuable benchmarks for other regions striving to enhance resource efficiency, resilience, and environmental sustainability. Key themes addressed in this review include integrated planning, technological innovations, regulatory frameworks, and community engagement. The synthesis of experiences from Africa and the USA provides a nuanced understanding of the global challenges associated with the WEN and offers a foundation for future research and policy development. Ultimately, this review underscores the importance of holistic approaches that transcend geographical boundaries, encouraging collaborative efforts to address the pressing issues at the intersection of water and energy.

Post-hospitalization Care Transition Strategies for Patients with Substance Use Disorders: A Narrative Review and Taxonomy.

Hospitalizations represent important opportunities to engage individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) in treatment. For those who engage with SUD treatment in the hospital setting, tailored supports during post-discharge transitions to longitudinal care settings may improve care linkages, retention, and treatment outcomes. We updated a recent systematic review search on post-hospitalization SUD care transitions through a structured review of published literature from January 2020 through June 2023. We then added novel sources including a gray literature search and key informant interviews to develop a taxonomy of post-hospitalization care transition models for patients with SUD. Our updated literature search generated 956 abstracts not included in the original systematic review. We selected and reviewed 89 full-text articles, which yielded six new references added to 26 relevant articles from the original review. Our search of five gray literature sources yielded four additional references. Using a thematic analysis approach, we extracted themes from semi-structured interviews with 10 key informants. From these results, we constructed a taxonomy consisting of 10 unique SUD care transition models in three overarching domains (inpatient-focused, transitional, outpatient-focused). These models include (1) training and protocol implementation; (2) screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment; (3) hospital-based interdisciplinary consult team; (4) continuity-enhanced interdisciplinary consult team; (5) peer navigation; (6) transitional care management; (7) outpatient in-reach; (8) post-discharge outreach; (9) incentivizing follow-up; and (10) bridge clinic. For each model, we describe design, scope, approach, and implementation strategies. Our taxonomy highlights emerging models of post-hospitalization care transitions for patients with SUD. An established taxonomy provides a framework for future research, implementation efforts, and policy in this understudied, but critically important, aspect of SUD care.

Digital advance care planning with severe mental illness: a retrospective observational cohort analysis of the use of an electronic palliative care coordination system

BackgroundPeople living with severe mental illness (SMI) face significant health inequalities, including in palliative care. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is widely recommended by palliative care experts and could reduce inequalities. However, implementing ACP with this group is challenging. Electronic Palliative Care Coordination Systems such as Coordinate my Care (CMC) have been introduced to support documentation and sharing of ACP records with relevant healthcare providers. This study explores the use of CMC amongst those with SMI and aims to describe how those with a primary diagnosis of SMI who have used CMC for ACP, and makes recommendations for future research and policy.MethodA retrospective observational cohort analysis was completed of CMC records created 01/01/2010–31/09/2021 where the service user had a primary diagnosis of SMI, with no exclusions based on comorbidities. Descriptive statistics were used to report on characteristics including: age, diagnosis, individual prognosis and resuscitation status. Thematic analysis was used to report on the content of patients’ statements of preference.Results1826 records were identified. Of this sample most (60.1%) had capacity to make treatment decisions, 47.8% were aged under 70, 86.7% were given a prognosis of ‘years’ and most (63.1%) remained for full cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in the event of cardio-pulmonary arrest. Records with completed statements of preferences (20.3%) contained information about preferences for physical and mental health treatment care as well as information about patient presentation and capacity, although most were brief and lacked expression of patient voice.DiscussionCompared to usual CMC users, the cohort of interest are relatively able, younger people using CMC to make long-term plans for active physical and mental health treatment. ADM is a service user-driven process, and so it was expected that authentic patient voice would be expressed within statements of preference, however this was mostly not achieved.ConclusionsThis digital tool is being used by people with SMI but to plan for more than palliative care. This cohort and supporting professionals have used CMC to plan for longer term physical and mental healthcare. Future research and policy should focus on development of tailored digital tools for people with SMI to plan for palliative, physical and mental healthcare and support expression of patient voice.

GOVERNMENT VERSUS COMMUNITIES: PROVISION OF LOW-INCOME COMMUNITY HOUSING IN DAERAH ISTIMEWA YOGYAKARTA

Post-pandemic recovery in various sectors makes state and regional budget allocations unreliable for developing the housing sector. Even though the public's needs for housing continue to increase, coupled with the issue of limited land availability. To overcome that, the government began working to develop alternative financing for the housing sector through non-government funding, with the main target being the low-income community. Non-government funding is a non-conventional financing mechanism for infrastructure procurement through stakeholder collaboration. Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta faces several issues regarding housing provisions for low-income communities. This research explores the prospects of implementing non-government schemes for low-income housing development through a comparative analysis between the community's willingness and ability and the policy stakeholder's capacity, potential trends, and future policy direction. The approach used in this research is deductive mixed methods, employing data collection through questionnaires to assess the willingness and ability of the community, as well as the Delphi method through expert interviews. This study reveals several disparities between the community's willingness and ability and the government's capacity as a provider. On the other hand, non- government funding for low-income housing is prospective in the long term, with specific considerations and preconditions. The result of this research is that by improving coordination between the community and the government, coupled with efforts to enhance mutual understanding and more effective communication between the two parties, holds the potential to advance the funding prospects for low-income housing development in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. However, it requires a considerable amount of time under specific conditions.

Social perception on the integration of children with special educational needs in mainstream education

The inclusion of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) within the general education system is a complex and persistent issue, considering that although educational policies and national legislation affirm support for the principle of inclusion, it is often implemented only at a declarative level. In the theoretical part, the evolution and progress of inclusive education at the international level was addressed, emphasizing the significant contribution of the United Nations Organization and various international conferences in promoting the individual rights of people with special needs. Another aspect considered the integration of students with special educational needs into the mainstream educational system, highlighting the crucial role and support offered to them. It is also emphasized the importance of the continuous professional development of teachers and the active involvement of parents in the educational process, as central pillars in the promotion of effective inclusive education. The methodology applied in the study regarding the integration of students with SEN in the Romanian educational system has as its main objectives the identification and analysis of teachers' perceptions and attitudes towards the integration process, the differences found between teaching staff from urban and rural environments, as well as examining the correlation between teachers' optimism and their perspectives on inclusion. Another important goal of the research is to identify barriers to the effective implementation of current and future public policies related to inclusive education. The research instruments used include an original questionnaire, entitled „Teachers' Beliefs and Attitudes about the Integration of Students with SEN”, intended to assess teachers' perceptions of inclusion, and an optimism measuring instrument, composed of 48 items, used to assess the level of optimism of the respondents. The sample of the study was made up of 60 teaching staff, aged between 25 and 45, divided into two groups, depending on the environment of origin (rural/urban). The analysis of the collected data indicates a greater predisposition towards acceptance and positive attitudes towards inclusion on the part of teachers from the urban environment, compared to their counterparts from the rural environment. Also, the results emphasize the existence of a positive correlation between the level of teachers' optimism and their attitude towards the inclusion of students with SEN. In conclusion, the findings of this research emphasize the significance of increasing the professionalism of teachers in supporting inclusive education and reveal notable disparities between rural and urban teachers in terms of the integration of students with special educational needs.

Ambiguities in Preventing Infections in Nursing Homes: Care Workers Experiences and Implications for Future Policies

ABSTRACT Preventing infections in nursing homes is highly challenging, given the ambiguous nature of nursing homes as care institutions and places to live. Yet, little is known about how care workers experience preventing infections in this context. Understanding the ambiguities experienced by care workers in nursing homes when enacting infection prevention is crucial to preparing for future health crises. This study investigates and identifies the ambiguities care workers faced and experienced when preventing infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews and observations were combined to capture narratives and behaviors related to infection prevention and care work. By using thematic analysis, three types of ambiguity were identified: (a) an Ambiguous sense of purpose, (b) Environmental ambiguity, and (c) Information ambiguity. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of the ambiguities care workers face and experience in nursing homes when preventing infections and indicate that such ambiguities impact their behaviors and attitudes. From this study, it is possible to conclude that policymakers must consider nursing homes’ ambiguous characteristics in infection prevention programs.

Eco-innovation and financial performance nexus: Does company size matter?

Nowadays, there is an increasing recognition of the value of eco-innovation in both academic and practical spheres. Establishing the connection between eco-innovation and corporate performance is highly important. This paper aimed to analyze the correlation between eco-innovation, corporate performance, and company size. To accomplish this goal, the paper collected unique data from 383 global non-financial companies using the Refinitiv Eikon database from 2013 to 2022. This paper uses fixed effect and (generalized method of moment) GMM techniques to overcome possible endogeneity concerns. The strong empirical results display a positive relationship between eco-innovation and corporate performance. Importantly, this paper discovered that the size of companies significantly magnifies the effect of eco-innovation on corporate performance. Our findings are still robust to endogeneity concerns. The results confirm that prioritizing eco-innovation can benefit larger companies in multiple ways, including boosting productivity, avoiding penalties, expanding into new markets, improving green image, and gaining a competitive edge, all of which ultimately enhance corporate performance. Additionally, the extensive evaluation by stakeholders enables these larger corporations to generate increased profits. This paper aims to contribute the innovation literature by exploring an under-explored topic using extensive panel data and offering practical guidance for non-financial firm stakeholders. The implications of the findings have various impacts on future research and policy development. Furthermore, this paper aims to assist policymakers in establishing impactful mechanisms and guidelines that foster ecologically conscious attitudes. The conclusion assists managers in grasping the importance of context-based eco-innovation.

Valuation of marine areas for merchant shipping: an attempt at shipping spatial rent valuation based on Polish Marine Areas

As part of the progressive process of extending spatial plans to cover an increasing number of marine areas, with the aim of objectively balancing the interests of various users of the marine area, it has become necessary to establish the value of marine areas as a yardstick or determinant of the user group for which a given marine area is of greater value. This study seeks to fill a research gap by attempting to develop a method to calculate the value of marine areas for the commercial shipping industry. This is done to make it possible in the future to prepare the ground for policy regulating the spatial rent of the sea, whose most important users are shipowners and their ships. We use the homogeneous basin of the Polish Marine Areas (PMA) in the Baltic Sea. Based on a literature review, we conclude that such a method does not exist, posing a significant challenge in the process of marine/maritime spatial planning (MSP) and maritime policy formulation. Conducting an in-depth analysis of 2020 data on ship traffic in the basin noted above, combined with a financial analysis of shipowners’ operating costs and profitability indicators, we can determine the value of marine areas both in aggregate for all shipping in the studied basin and for each of the five segments of shipping – the bulk cargo, ro-ro cargo, container, tanker, and passenger segments. In addition, through a dynamic analysis of ship traffic, it is possible to determine the value of sea area in Polish seawaters per unit of area (1 km²) at the average level and for the five specified market segments. The obtained values show that the total profits of shipowners in the Polish Marine Areas, which are at the level of more than EUR 103 million per year, and the average value of profits per 1 km² of marine area used by a ship provide future decision-makers with an objective point of reference to shape future policies for the fiscalization of public space, including the sea.

Views of Nigerian civil servants about compulsory COVID-19 vaccination: A qualitative study.

COVID-19 caused unforeseen global burden, although vaccine strategy rapidly stalled transmission and protected those at risk. Many governments made vaccination mandatory for public space access. This study aimed to elucidate perception of Nigerian civil servants towards mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and elicited their recommendations. This study was conducted in twelve purposively selected states in the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Relevant ministries, departments and agencies were selected within the study sites. It was a qualitative study that interviewed consenting civil servants. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Health Research Ethics Committee. Interviews were conducted in person, following a pre-test. Data was analysed using NVivo software version 12. Most participants were willing to take the vaccine if their safety was assured. However, enforcement to do so was a hindrance. Most participants commended the government for the effort to curb COVID-19 transmission and create awareness but were displeased with planning and handling of misconceptions. They recommended a more committed approach to vaccine production and funding by the government. Participants were willing to take the COVID-19 vaccines because the gains of protection outweighed the risks. They suggested a less involuntary approach through reinforcing awareness creation and avoiding threats.Contribution:There is limited qualitative research on perception of Nigerian civil servants regarding mandatory COVID-19 vaccination. Being the main driving force of Nigeria's public service, their views are invaluable. Findings could contribute to future policies in times of emergency.

A systematic evaluation of physical activity and diet policies in Scotland: results from the 2021 Active Healthy Kids Report Card.

Policymaking regarding physical activity (PA) and diet plays an important role in childhood health promotion. This study provides a detailed examination of Scottish government and policy for child and adolescent PA and diet and discusses strengths and areas for improvement. Scottish policy documents (n=18 [PA]; n=10 [diet])-published in 2011-20-were reviewed for grading using an adapted version of the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool Version 2. There is clear evidence of leadership and commitment to improving PA and diet and tackling obesity in children and adolescents. The allocation of funds and resources for policy implementation has increased substantially over the past decade. Progress through early key stages of public policymaking-policy agenda and formation-has improved. However, there is limited information on later key stages, including policy monitoring and evaluation. Childhood PA and diet are a clear priority in Scotland, and PA and diet policies clearly support the desire to achieve other goals, including reducing inequalities and increasing active travel in Scotland. Nonetheless, future policies should be further strengthened through clear(er) plans of implementation, and monitoring and evaluation to support their societal impact.

Bicycles and micromobility for disaster response and recovery

Bicycles and other forms of micromobility have been anecdotally used in past disasters to help save lives and improve community recovery. However, research and practice are scarce on this resilient transportation strategy, which limits its usefulness and possible benefits. To fill this gap, our paper investigates the potential role bicycles and micromobility in facilitating (or limiting) disaster response and recovery. Given the lack of exploration on the topic, we convened an online workshop where we conducted brainstorming and focus group discussions with disaster experts from various government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, academia, and policy groups. We present a synthesis of that discussion, along with a review of the existing literature. We conclude there is strong potential for bicycles and micromobility for different disaster phases, hazard types, and groups of people. However, multiple barriers exist related to implementation and safety, suggesting a need for future research and policy in the transportation and emergency management fields and practices.