Policy Gaps Research Articles

Water resource management and policy evaluation in Middle Eastern countries: Achieving sustainable development goal 6

This study explores the challenges and management strategies of water resources in 15 Middle Eastern countries, framed within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6). This study used 123 water resource policies in Middle Eastern countries as data and employed a pre-trained large language model based on RoBERTa, trained on the SNLI and MNLI datasets, to perform text classification tasks. In combination with the TF-IDF algorithm for keyword extraction, this approach is used to systematically evaluate and compare the water resource policies of these countries. The results reveal that the region faces significant water stress, exacerbated by high population growth, climate variability, and political instability. While countries like Kuwait and the UAE utilize advanced desalination technologies to mitigate water scarcity, policy gaps in sanitation and transboundary cooperation persist. Jordan's innovative partnerships for water resource management highlight the potential of collaborative frameworks to enhance regional water security. The findings suggest that comprehensive water management strategies, including technological innovation and public-private partnerships, are essential for addressing the region's pressing water challenges. This research contributes to understanding the complexities of water governance in arid regions and offers practical implications for policymakers aiming to achieve sustainable water resource management.

A Multi-State Examination of School District Policies to Address Teen Dating Violence.

In 2021, 13.6% of United States (U.S.) high school students reported experiencing teen dating violence (TDV). Most states have at least one law for addressing TDV in high schools through policies and/or educational programs. Limited research has been done to analyze the content and variability of school district TDV policies across the U.S., and its association with TDV victimization. Twenty-three large urban school districts across the U.S. were included in the analysis. School district TDV policies were obtained through an online search and were coded for the presence or absence of information pertaining to the scope, prevention education, response to TDV, and implementation of the policy. Self-reported TDV victimization was also obtained for each school district from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Overall, 18 school districts had a written TDV policy available online, with 15 school districts defining TDV in the policy. In terms of prevention education, only two school districts used culturally responsive language for diverse populations in the policy. Although 17 school districts included disciplinary consequences for TDV perpetration in the policy, only 6 school districts specified the consequences. All school districts with a TDV policy designated a liaison for TDV coordination. Overall, the prevalence and odds of self-reported TDV victimization was higher in school districts without a TDV policy compared to school districts with a TDV policy. Although most of the school districts had a TDV policy, there was substantial variation in the content of these TDV policies. Identifying and addressing gaps in school district TDV policies can potentially lead schools to preventing and responding to TDV more comprehensively, ultimately creating safer school environments.

Nutritional Status of Children in Bangladesh: Changes and Challenges for Development

Despite suffering from widespread poverty, Bangladesh has made remarkable improvements in the nutritional status of children over the past three decades. This paper describes the trends in the nutritional status of children in Bangladesh by age groups, explores factors associated with these trends, and concludes with a description of future challenges for development in Bangladesh. The national-level survey (BDHS), national plan and policy paper, and literature were used for the study. It is remarkable for Bangladesh that stunting, underweight, and wasting among children under five years old has improved gradually. Children 12- 23 months of age are the most vulnerable. Living in a rural vs urban area, wealth status and maternal education are the main determinants linked to the nutritional status of children. Poverty reduction, improved water and sanitation, strengthened maternal and child health care, education and other policies linked to food and dietary practices and many other policies and programs could continue to improve nutritional levels in children in Bangladesh. Attention is also needed to under five mortality and the double burden of malnutrition. Addressing gaps in policies and programs to achieve the goals of national plans and SDG targets will pay health dividends for the entire population.

Providing Effective Support to All Children in the Aftermath of Disasters: A Persistent Gap in Research, Policy, and Practice

Providing Effective Support to All Children in the Aftermath of Disasters: A Persistent Gap in Research, Policy, and Practice

Leveraging machine learning to optimize renewable energy integration in developing economies

The integration of renewable energy sources into power grids is a critical challenge for developing economies, where infrastructure limitations, unpredictable energy demand, and policy gaps hinder effective energy transitions. Machine learning (ML) offers transformative potential in addressing these challenges, enabling more efficient and reliable energy systems through advanced data analytics, predictive modeling, and real-time decision-making. This review explores how ML can optimize renewable energy integration by improving forecasting accuracy, enhancing grid stability, and optimizing resource allocation in solar, wind, and hydropower systems. Machine learning algorithms are particularly effective in predicting energy demand and renewable resource availability, allowing for better alignment between energy supply and consumption patterns. By leveraging ML-based predictive models, grid operators can mitigate the risks of energy shortages or oversupply, improve grid stability, and reduce operational costs. Furthermore, the application of ML in renewable energy systems provides opportunities for developing economies to leapfrog traditional energy infrastructure limitations by adopting smart grids that integrate real-time data to enhance decision-making and efficiency. This review also reviews case studies from Africa and Latin America, highlighting successful implementations of ML in renewable energy systems. These examples underscore the potential for ML to accelerate the deployment of sustainable energy solutions, while also addressing technical, economic, and policy barriers that exist in developing contexts. With continued advancements in machine learning, combined with supportive regulatory frameworks and investment in digital infrastructure, developing economies have the potential to realize substantial gains in renewable energy integration. This review concludes by discussing future trends, challenges, and opportunities for leveraging machine learning to optimize renewable energy integration, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and energy security in emerging markets.

The Challenges for EU User Testing Policies for Patient Information Leaflets.

Patient information leaflets (PILs) are essential tools in healthcare, providing crucial information about medication use. In the European Union, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) oversees the regulation and standardisation of PILs to ensure their readability and accessibility. However, challenges persist in ensuring these documents are comprehensible and user-friendly. This study employs a qualitative analytical approach, reviewing existing literature and regulatory documents to identify gaps in the EU user testing policies for PILs. It focuses on the diversity of participant samples, the independence of the testing process, and the robustness of user testing protocols. Findings indicate that current user testing practices often lack diversity and may be biased when pharmaceutical companies conduct their own tests. Additionally, there is a lack of user testing protocols for translated PILs, potentially compromising their accuracy and cultural relevance. To improve the efficacy of PILs, it is essential to include diverse and representative samples in user testing, mandate independent third-party evaluations, implement protocols for user testing on translated PILs, and ensure continuous updates to guidelines based on the latest best practices in health communication. These measures will enhance patient safety and understanding of medication information.

Bangladesh's national education policy for English teaching: Policy direction and gaps over the last decade

This study aims to demonstrate the perceived differences between the direction and the gaps in the execution of Bangladesh's National Education Policy (NEP) for English Teachers. It specifically examines the changing requirements of English teachers over the past decade by enhancing their proficiency and teaching methodologies. In this study, we show that communicative language teaching (CLT) approaches significantly modify the existing structure of educational policy in Bangladesh. The present study is grounded in the constructivist research paradigm and utilized a qualitative case study approach from diverse sources. The data was gathered via document analysis, classroom observations, and interviews with six secondary school English teachers from a pool of educators representing four schools in different areas of Bangladesh. The data was analyzed using theme analysis via NVivo 11 software. The findings indicate several areas where the objectives of Bangladesh's NEP could be better aligned with their practical execution. These areas include reforming elementary and secondary schools and restructuring school leadership, teacher education, teacher status, and classroom pedagogy. Furthermore, this study is a valuable contribution toward advancing a more robust and efficient education policy at the national level, which can effectively improve the standard of education for all to provide quality teaching.

Improving contraceptive care for minors in Israel: practice, policy, and training gaps among OBGYNs

BackgroundSexually active adolescents sometimes seek contraceptives without parental consent, posing challenges due to minors' confidentiality and consent regulations. This is especially the case under the un-nuanced Israeli legal scheme regarding adolescents' care.MethodsIsraeli OBGYNs were contacted through mailing lists and social media groups and asked to fill an online questionnaire regarding their experience and protocols concerning prescription of contraceptives to minors. They were also asked about their comprehension of the relevant legal obligations, the importance they ascribe to different ethical interests and considerations, as well as their training.ResultsOf the 177 responding gynecologists, 132 (74.58%) consulted minors about contraceptives during the past year, regardless of a vast lack of training on providing care to minors. More than a third of respondents believed that there is no legal requirement to involve parents in the process, and only 8% assumed a legal obligation for parental involvement in all minors under the age of 18. Three quarters would "almost always" prescribe contraceptives without parental knowledge, if requested, while 20% never would. No correlation was found between respondents' practices and their perception of the relevant legal obligations. Participants agreed that the risk to the health of the minor as a result of having sex without contraceptives is of utmost importance. Yet, those willing to prescribe gave greater weight to this consideration, while those who do not prescribe were more concerned with the legal ramifications of such an act. The majority identified the age of 15 as the threshold for consistently prescribing contraceptives to minors without parental involvement.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant gaps in both the legal framework and the training of Israeli OBGYNs, and further supports confidential prescription of contraceptives to minors 15 years and older, via Article 6 of the Israeli Legal Competence and Guardianship Law. Legislative reform, professional guidelines and education and training programs are all needed to ensure consistent and legally sound practices, that safeguard the health and rights of minors. It is imperative to guide healthcare providers, including OBGYNs prescribing contraceptives to minors, on managing the care of minors refusing parental involvement, clarifying the legal framework and ethical considerations involved.

Social Economic Barriers to Information Communication Technology (ICT) Access for Persons with Disabilities in Africa: Literature Review

The 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, (PWDs) enacted in May 2008, has been instrumental in championing the rights of people with disabilities. A significant aspect of the Convention is information communication technology (ICT) accessibility. Article 9 specifically calls for signatories to “promote access for persons with disabilities to new ICTs and systems, including the Internet” and to “promote the design, development, production, and supply of available ICTs and systems at a premature stage, so that these technologies and systems become accessible at an affordable price. ICT access is important for social economic incorporation of (PWDs) in Africa, with computer technology and the Internet significantly enhancing their independence. A report from the High-Level Meeting on Disability and Development at the United Nations in September 2013 underscores the importance of ICTs for the inclusion of PWDs. While inaccessible ICT designs can create barriers, innovative technologies offer unprecedented support: text-to-speech technology enables millions to access digital versions of otherwise inaccessible print documents, and new tools like GPS, image recognition, near-field communications, and Internet connectivity provide solutions for independent living. However, several socioeconomic barriers impede access to these technologies, exacerbating existing inequalities and limiting participation in the digital age. This article explores the multifaceted challenges PWDs face in accessing ICT in Africa, emphasizing the intersections of disability with poverty, education, infrastructure, and policy. It investigates the financial constraints that make assistive technologies and Internet services unaffordable, the educational barriers affecting digital literacy among PWDs, and infrastructural challenges such as inadequate ICT facilities and the lack of accessibility features in existing technologies. The article also addresses policy and regulatory gaps that fail to prioritize the needs of PWDs in national ICT strategies. By identifying these barriers, the article advocates for inclusive policies and targeted interventions to enhance ICT accessibility for PWDs in Africa. The discussion is informed by a review of relevant literature and data from various African countries. Ultimately, the article highlights the necessity of implementing policies related to ICT access and a collaborative approach involving governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to bridge the digital divide and promote the social and economic empowerment of PWDs

Cattle supply chain fidelity in the Brazilian Amazon: key considerations for deforestation monitoring

Abstract Supply chain governance (SCG) is an increasingly important approach to man- age environmental protection and human rights in agricultural systems across the tropics. SCG helps relay the preferences of international consumers to producers and fills environmental policy gaps. Brazil’s Zero-Deforestation Cattle Agreements (CA) are one of the longest-standing examples of SCG but shortcomings in implementation have reduced their conservation impacts. Chief among the reasons for their limited effect is that slaughterhouses monitor only the suppliers they buy from directly. This does not account for the complex supply network upstream of the direct sale, whose dynamics are also poorly understood. We provide the first comprehensive characterization of the strength and duration of cattle supply chain relationships based on animal transaction records from across the Brazilian Amazon. Whereas direct supply relationships (from ranchers to slaughterhouses) are relatively few and long-lasting, upstream relationships between ranchers are numerous and short-lived. Expanding monitoring to include these upstream sup- pliers increases the number of monitored transactions by an order of magnitude. However, 1% of the largest direct suppliers sell nearly half of cattle to CA slaughterhouses. More comprehensive upstream monitoring of only these prolific suppliers could greatly increase coverage at a fraction of the cost. While it may be challenging to monitor the entire supply network, significant advancements are within reach.

Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems

Sustainable intensification of smallholder farming systems has emerged as a crucial strategy for addressing the dual challenges of food security and environmental sustainability in developing regions. This approach seeks to increase agricultural productivity on existing farmland while minimizing negative environmental impacts and ensuring the social and economic well-being of smallholder farmers. This article explores the principles, practices, and potential benefits of sustainable intensification within smallholder farming systems. By integrating improved agricultural techniques, such as agroecology, precision farming, and integrated pest management, with local knowledge and resources, sustainable intensification aims to enhance crop yields, soil health, and resource efficiency. The study also examines the barriers to adopting these practices, including limited access to technology, market constraints, and policy gaps, while highlighting the role of community engagement, education, and supportive policies in overcoming these challenges. Furthermore, the article discusses the implications of sustainable intensification for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing its potential to contribute to global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. The findings suggest that with the right support and adaptation to local conditions, sustainable intensification can play a vital role in transforming smallholder farming systems into more productive, resilient, and sustainable sources of food and livelihoods.

The Promise and Perils of Diversity Action Plans for Clinical Trials

This Viewpoint discusses the US Food and Drug Administration’s authority to require drug and device sponsors to submit diversity action plans and policy gaps that limit the organization’s ability to achieve demographic representation in clinical trials.

Urban heat transitions policy; Zooming in on Dutch natural gas-free neighbourhoods

Heating transitions, where residential and industrial heating demand transitions away from fossil fuels, are an essential part of sustainability transitions. Thus far, the focus on heating transitions is neglected in policy studies, even though policy interventions are not only understood as essential, but also difficult to implement. In this article we seek to understand how policy can support the heating transition in countries with high distribution of natural gas in household consumption. By aligning transition typologies, consisting of a discussion of transition paths and innovation frames, with policy intervention points to existing literature on policy studies of heating transitions, we identify lessons learned and factors necessary for rapid heating transitions. This allows us to understand which type of transition is best stimulated through which intervention point. We then applied this framework to the Dutch natural gas phase out package, to test and validate the framework, as well as identify policy gaps and failures for the Dutch context. Here we were able to highlight important policy gaps and identified potential failures for policy effectiveness. This framework may be used in future studies and by policymakers to understand policy gaps and potential failures, supporting the (re)design of policy packages.

Diversity and Distribution of Fungal Infections in Rwanda: High Risk and Gaps in Knowledge, Policy, and Interventions.

Fungal infections (FIs) are spreading globally, raising a significant public health concern. However, its documentation remains sparse in Africa, particularly in Rwanda. This report provides a comprehensive review of FIs in Rwanda based on a systematic review of reports published between 1972 and 2022. The findings reveal a rich diversity of fungal pathogens, including Blastomyces, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Microsporum, Pneumocystis, Rhinosporidium, and Trichophyton caused human infections. Candida infections predominantly affect the vagina mucosa, while Histoplasma duboisi was linked to disseminated infections. Other pathogens, such as Blastomyces dermatitidis and Rhinosporidium seeberi, were associated with cerebellar and nasal mucosa infections, respectively. The widespread observation of soilborne fungi affecting bean crops highlights the pathogens' threat to agricultural productivity, food security, and socioeconomic stability, as well as potential health impacts on humans, animals, and the environment. Of particular importance is that there is no information about FIs among animals in the country. Moreover, the analysis underscores significant limitations in the detection, reporting, and healthcare services related to FIs in the country, indicating gaps in diagnostic capacity and surveillance systems. This is underscored by the predominant use of traditional diagnostic techniques, including culture, cytology, and histopathology in the absence of integrating more sensitive and specific molecular tools in investigating FIs. Developing the diagnostic capacities and national surveillance systems are urgently needed to improve the health of crops, animals, and humans, as well as food security and socioeconomic stability in Rwanda. Also, it is important to indicate severe gaps in the evidence to inform policymaking, guide strategic planning, and improve healthcare and public health services, underscoring the urgent need to build national capacity in fungal diagnosis, surveillance, and research. Raising awareness among the public, scientific community, healthcare providers, and policymakers remains crucial. Furthermore, this report reveals the threats of FIs on public health and food insecurity in Rwanda. A multisectoral one health strategy is essential in research and intervention to determine and reduce the health and safety impacts of fungal pathogens on humans, animals, and the environment.

A Critical Review of India’s Latest Groundwater Policy: Impacts on Groundwater Resource Planning and Management

Abstract Groundwater policy is widely considered an essential element for building effective groundwater use and carrying out the country’s groundwater resources planning and management. This review first of its kind which gives extensive information about groundwater policy at the national and state level in India. This review focuses on the new national-level groundwater policy of India and discusses the salient features of groundwater policy for selected countries. Based on the ongoing challenges of groundwater issues in India, the benefits and drawbacks are described, making the future decision-making process easier and more efficient when contemplating regulation and known groundwater challenges. Considering the new provisions and the ongoing challenges, this paper discusses gaps in policy and its effects on the overall sustainability of groundwater resources. Our findings provide insight into the new national-level groundwater policy and outline limitations in areas such as the agricultural sector, land subsidence, cross-border conditions, climate change, information dissemination, groundwater and surface water connectivity, etc. that need urgent attention.

Advances and gaps in policy, practice, and research in transition for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities across four countries

Advances and gaps in policy, practice, and research in transition for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities across four countries

Factors Affecting Health Service Utilization for Chronic Conditions: A Bibliometric Review of Primary Health Care

ABSTRACT Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer are significant global health challenges, particularly in developing countries. Understanding healthcare utilization for NCDs is critical to improving healthcare outcomes and patient quality of life. This study aims to analyze trends and identify research gaps in healthcare utilization for NCDs through bibliometric analysis. With this approach, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of research developments in this field and identify areas that require further attention. This study used bibliometric analysis with the Publish or Perish app and a Google Scholar search using the keywords "factors," "influences," "health service utilization," "non-communicable diseases," and "basic health services." From the search results, the top 50 journals from 2017 to 2024 were selected for analysis. The data were classified by year of publication, journal type, number of citations, and researcher country, and analyzed using VOSviewer to identify research patterns and gaps. The analysis showed that research was concentrated in highly ranked journals and developed countries, with key terms such as "non-communicable disease," "factor," "use," and "health." This research identifies gaps in implementation policies, innovative approaches, and healthcare utilization factors that are not yet fully understood. Understanding research trends and gaps can guide future research and policy development efforts to improve the effectiveness of interventions and policies in the management of NCDs globally. Keywords: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Health Service Utilization, Primary Health Care, Health Influencing Factors

BEYOND READING AND NUMERACY: EXAMINING HOLISTIC EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF PAKISTAN’S FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING POLICY

This paper analyses Pakistan Federal Foundational Learning Policy (FFLP) 2024 in light of holistic education. While enhancing the literacy abilities of children is a notable objective of this policy, this study examines policy in terms of its potential for the student’s education as a whole. In this paper, critical discourse analysis was employed by Mullet, focusing on language, the text structure, and the suggested measures of implementation of policy. This study shows that though FFLP 2024 ensures that gaps in foundational learning are filled, it might downplay other elements necessary for early childhood, namely socio-emotional development, creativity, and cultural competence. This policy gap may impose limitations on school’s curriculum and teaching strategies as it centers on quantifiable results & standardized tests. The findings drawn from the analysis of the policy have questioned its suitability for different regions and its effect on the teachers’ professionals’ autonomy. The study proposed that a balanced approach that incorporates basic skills and general goals is needed for inclusive student development. The study provides valuable suggestions for a broader strategy towards the foundational learning.

Regulatory challenges and policy gaps for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing technologies

In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) technologies provide incredible opportunities to improve space exploration by giving space assets longer lives, enabling the creation of space objects that are too large to launch from Earth, and allowing space technology to be built using materials sourced from other celestial bodies. However, ISAM technologies also pose legal and regulatory challenges. There are some ongoing challenges with satellite regulations that also apply to ISAM technologies, like spectrum allocation and enforcement, and some difficulties that are unique to ISAM, like mission authorization and continuing supervision. This paper explores how ISAM technologies fit within current space policy framework and the current efforts to regulate ISAM. Additionally, it identifies policy gaps and future work to be done to ensure the safe and sustainable use of ISAM technology.

Integrated health services for refugee and host populations in Uganda: A qualitative study of stakeholder's perspectives.

Integration has emerged as a key strategy for promoting equitable access to health services for refugees and host populations. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders on the integration of health services for refugees and host populations in two purposefully selected refugee-hosting districts of Adjumani and Obongi in the West Nile region, Uganda. This study used a case study design. Key informant interviews were conducted with 28 purposefully selected respondents. Data were analysed thematically. Quirkos software was used to manage and analyse data. Respondents indicated that integration is enhancing health services, providing an opportunity to strengthen them and improve coverage and access for refugees and host populations. Factors affecting integration include gaps in policy and implementation, ineffective systems and structures for service delivery, inadequate coordination and management and inadequate funding. At the service level challenges including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of health workers and stock out of medicines and essential supplies affect the integration of health services. Overall, structural and systemic issues continue to affect the integration of health services. It is important to strengthen policy implementation and build the capacity of districts to support the integration of health services.