Policy Gaps Research Articles

A Review of Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: Technologies, Sustainability, and Open Issues

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are a widely used energy storage technology as they possess high energy density and are characterized by the reversible intercalation/deintercalation of Li ions between electrodes. The rapid development of LIBs has led to increased production efficiency and lower costs for manufacturers, resulting in a growing demand for batteries and their application across various industries, particularly in different types of vehicles. In order to meet the demand for LIBs while minimizing climate-impacting emissions, the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of LIBs is a critical step toward achieving a sustainable battery economy. This paper provides a comprehensive review of lithium-ion battery recycling, covering topics such as current recycling technologies, technological advancements, policy gaps, design strategies, funding for pilot projects, and a comprehensive strategy for battery recycling. Additionally, this paper emphasizes the challenges associated with developing LIB recycling and the opportunities arising from these challenges, such as the potential for innovation and the creation of a more sustainable and circular economy. The environmental implications of LIB recycling are also evaluated with methodologies able to provide a sustainability analysis of the selected technology. This paper aims to enhance the comprehension of these trade-offs and encourage discussion on determining the “best” recycling route when targets are in conflict.

Conducting a Comparative Analysis of Medical Negligence Laws in Ghana's Courts Act 1993 (Act 459) and Other African Common Law Countries Concerning Artificial Intelligence Systems

This comparative legal analysis examines gaps in medical negligence liability principles and healthcare AI governance policies across Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. Applying structured analytical frameworks, it maps longstanding laws focused on human provider standards of care against modern contexts of rising algorithmic and robotic assistance needing tailored accountability. By identifying jurisdictional deficiencies in adapting existing negligence rules to emerging technologies, targeted recommendations to update century-old statutes through enumerated amendments are proposed for aligning law with clinical disruption. This forward-looking modernization of reasonableness constructs and negligence duties represents an original jurisprudential contribution strengthening accountability in AI integration protecting patient welfare. Significance emerges for developers, policymakers and adopters in forming clear guidelines and statutory updates essential for responsible health AI innovation as Africa undergoes profound practice transformation. In conclusion, deliberate legal reforms affirm enduring human dignity commitments amidst technological upheaval through precision scaffolding, catalyzing ethical adoption rooted in regional values.

Overcoming policy gaps for effective plastic waste management: A case study of Dikkowita Fishery Harbour, Sri Lanka

This study focuses on plastic waste management in the Dikkowita fishery harbour in Sri Lanka. Plastic bottles and polythene packaging are identified as the primary sources of plastic waste accumulation. Inadequate waste disposal methods are also observed. The study reviews successful policy frameworks worldwide, including extended producer responsibility, plastic bag bans, and Pay-As-You-Throw systems. Insights from case studies in other harbours and ports are incorporated. The study explores implementing a circular economy approach, considering Sri Lanka's specific challenges. The recommendations aim to guide policymakers and stakeholders in effectively managing plastic waste, reducing its negative impacts, and promoting sustainable resource utilisation. Further details on the study methodology, key findings (such as specific amounts of plastic waste), and policy measures for improving plastic waste management in fishery harbours could be incorporated for a more comprehensive study presentation.

Expert opinion survey on Israel’s food system: implications for food and health policies

BackgroundWhile there has been increasing global recognition and impetus for action to transform food systems towards greater food security, sustainability and better health outcomes, Israel has only recently begun to focus on the diverse challenges of its food system and its potential for transformation.MethodsAn expert opinion survey (n = 50) on Israel’s food system was conducted as part of a larger study on the systemic features of Israel’s food system transition to understand its policy gaps and find strategies towards a healthy and sustainable food system. The survey ranks the relevance and importance of food system challenges and policy preferences. Policy implications are then examined by identifying potential priorities, gaps and dissensus.ResultsThe survey finds that there is a majority agreement (76%) that Israel’s food policies are lacking or severely lacking. Respondents relate strongly to both concepts of nutritional security (90% think that access to nutritious food is relevant or highly relevant) and national food security (more than 80% perceive food security as part of national security). Respondents overwhelmingly recognize the benefits of Israeli agriculture with 60–90% agreeing or strongly agreeing that it benefits food security, economic value and national identity. Top-ranked problems include overall systemic problems such as the lack of national goals, strategic planning, and integrated policymaking across ministries, and specific ones such as food waste, costly farming inputs, and food affordability. The most preferred policy actions include establishing a national strategy for food and agriculture, making food affordable for vulnerable households, and incentivising sustainable farming methods. The key policy gaps include the lack of resilience in agriculture and the food system, insufficient data and knowledge for policy action, inadequate attention to the regulation of the food industry for better health and inadequate food policy attention for minority groups.ConclusionsBuilding on this study's findings, further policy research and implementation areas to be covered include government responsibility for universal food security, strategic systemic policies for food systems, prevention and preparedness for future crises, and promoting resilience. The way forward may best be through an inter-ministerial committee with the responsibility, budgets, mandate and executive authority to plan data-driven policies for a sustainable food system for Israel’s future.

Key considerations for developing an equitable faculty teaching workload

PurposeFaculty teaching workload has become a focus for many academic institutions given the increasing amount of faculty burnout and need for equitable distribution of effort. Many gaps exist in faculty workload guidance which contribute to decreased faculty productivity, lack of appropriate recognition, faculty burnout, and subsequently, retention of faculty. A task force was created to develop teaching workload guidance and to outline minimum teaching expectations at our school of pharmacy. DescriptionThis manuscript highlights the need for clarity around the definition of roles of the contemporary educator and considerations when developing guidance around teaching workload expectations using the “What? So What? Now What?” reflection framework. Analysis/interpretationTeaching workload guidance first starts with establishing a definition of the contemporary roles of the educator. Challenges, considerations, and eight next steps are outlined that are critical to address before equitable teaching workload guidance is established. ConclusionsTeaching workload guidance should include transparency, clarity, credit, norms, context, and accountability. Additionally, solutions created to address the gaps in workload policies should be data driven. ImplicationsThe current traditional system of evaluating faculty workload has many gaps due to forces driving change in pharmacy education. Roles of the pharmacy educator should be valued and recognized across all mission centric learning programs.

Embedding masculinities within a gender conscious relational pedagogy to transform education with boys experiencing compounded educational disadvantage

ABSTRACT Responding to a persistent gap in policy and practice, this paper offers a new gender conscious relational pedagogy, directly informed by boys and educators who have participated in Ulster University’s longitudinal ‘Taking Boys Seriously’ research in Northern Ireland. The development of this pedagogy is grounded in the authentic voices of boys from disadvantaged communities whom despite encountering multiple models of masculinity within a contested society, are rarely provided with opportunities to explore and better understand these in relation to themselves and others. Transcending the boundaries of formal and informal education, we have found this gender conscious relational pedagogy to be highly significant in re-engaging boys in education, increasing their participation, confidence, emotional support, behavioural management, critical thinking, and reflexivity. Our work contributes to a gender-transformative research agenda (Keddie and Bartel 2021) committed to an emancipatory praxis that engages intentionally with boys and educators to examine gender socialisation processes with a focus on masculinities, re-shaping power relations within contextual educational communities, and improving educational experiences, opportunities, and outcomes for disenfranchised adolescent boys and ultimately all learners.

The challenges of harmonising anti-doping policy implementation

ABSTRACT The policy-implementation gap conceptualises how policy intentions and outcomes often differ due to a failure to consider the realities of implementation. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) directs Olympic anti-doping policy, seeking to harmonise anti-doping policy globally; however, the realisation of consistent implementation has proven challenging. A major cause of inconsistent policy implementation is inter-signatory variation, but the mechanisms of variation are poorly understood. WADA provides an excellent example to explore why policy gaps occur in international sport governance. Consequently, we aimed to analyse the different types of inter-signatory variation in anti-doping policy and identify practical solutions to address inter-signatory variation in anti-doping. Data were collected from the Regional Anti-Doping Programme (RADO), a group of organisations tasked with increasing the capacity of NADOs globally. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 RADO staff and board members who were sampled as key informants to discuss how inter-signatory variation affects anti-doping policy compliance. Following reflexive thematic analysis, we identified four thematic categories explaining inter-signatory variation in anti-doping implementation: (1) socio-geographic, (2) political, (3) organisational, and (4) human resources. Based on our analysis, we theorise why the policy-implementation gap occurs and provide recommendations to improve anti-doping policy implementation.

Interventions to promote the health and well-being of children under 5s experiencing homelessness in high-income countries: a scoping review

ObjectivesHomelessness among families with children under 5 residing in temporary accommodation is a growing global concern, especially in high-income countries (HICs). Despite significant impacts on health and development, these ‘invisible’...

Regulatory and Policy Framework for Social Housing in Latvia: Current State and Future Directions

Abstract This study examines the regulatory and policy framework for social housing in Latvia, focusing on its current state and future directions. Through comprehensive policy analysis and document review, the research traces the historical development of social housing policies, evaluates the existing regulatory landscape, and compares Latvian approaches with EU best practices. The study reveals significant challenges in Latvia’s social housing sector, including limited stock, inadequate funding mechanisms, and policy gaps in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Despite these challenges, recent initiatives and proposed reforms indicate a growing recognition of the importance of social housing in addressing demographic shifts and economic disparities. The findings highlight the need for a more robust and adaptive policy framework that aligns with EU standards while addressing Latvia’s unique socio-economic context. The study proposes policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the accessibility, affordability, and quality of social housing, with a particular emphasis on age-friendly housing solutions. By identifying key areas for improvement and potential innovative approaches, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on social housing policy in Latvia and offers insights for policymakers, urban planners, and housing stakeholders.

Exploring essential soft skills for maximizing employability of english graduates in Bangladesh

Soft skills, absolute knowledge, various skills, positive attitudes, values, beliefs, and habit are vital for graduates' professional, social, and personal success. Many graduate and postgraduate students struggle to adapt their learning to their daily lives and work. Thus, Bangladeshi graduates face substantial unemployment. Knowing and practicing soft skills during school helps them meet workplace needs. Therefore, soft skills training must be included in the curriculum to help students use soft skills gleaned from English literature in real life. This study assesses the soft skills needed for employment by English graduates of tertiary colleges affiliated with Bangladesh's National University (NU). The study reviewed national and international government documents, published and unpublished studies, online resources, and researchers' experiences and observations. The outcomes were categorized thematically to determine the most essential soft skills for English graduates' employability. Finally, drawing from lessons learned from national and international perspectives, some policy gaps have been explored in Bangladesh, and some policy suggestions have been made to implement soft skills training in the curriculum of English language and literature courses at NU-affiliated colleges. The findings suggest studying instructional methodologies, classroom management, question sets, teacher preparation, assessment systems, soft skills instruction, mentorship, and counseling. After reviewing the literature, the researcher finds that English graduates need 49 sub-skills in twelve soft skills: Communications, interpersonal, self-management, people management, collaboration, emotional intelligence, time management, problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, leadership, and creativity. Upon evaluating the literature, the study found that while soft skills can be improved in the English curriculum, the instruction for implementation is unclear.

Ghosts in the Machine: The Past, Present, and Future of India’sCyber Security

The article "Ghosts in the Machine: The Past, Present, and Future of India’s Cyber Security" byShashank Yadav provides a comprehensive review of India's cybersecurity journey, from its earlydays of electronic communications under British rule to the present-day challenges. It traces theevolution of cybersecurity policies, highlighting key historical milestones and policy gaps. The articlecritically examines the 2013 National Cybersecurity Policy, identifying its shortcomings inaddressing modern threats, such as advanced persistent threats (APTs) and the role of AI andautomation. The paper emphasizes the need for a robust, forward-looking cybersecurity strategy thatintegrates human factors, operational constructs, and technological advancements to ensure nationalresilience in cyberspace. The article also delves into the human dimension of cybersecurity,emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and the vulnerabilities posed by reliance ontechnology. It argues that the current cybersecurity policy framework in India lacks the necessarydepth and foresight to tackle emerging threats, particularly in the context of international cyberoperations and the evolving landscape of cyber warfare. The author calls for a more integrated andproactive approach to cybersecurity, one that aligns with national security objectives and addressesthe challenges of the digital age.

Policy Analysis on Clean Cooking in Malawi: Case of Improved Cookstoves

Transition from cooking with traditional biomass to clean cooking is a persistent challenge in Malawi. The underlying technologies in clean cooking are improved cookstove. Improved cook stoves are designed to reduce fuel consumption per meal and to curb smoke emissions experienced in traditional three-stone cookstove. However, promotion adoption and utilisation of clean cooking requires coordinated policy and regulatory framework. This study analysed the Malawi policy regulatory framework on clean cooking by benchmarking with relevant literature. The following policy gaps were identified: (i) the lack of clear cookstove rating by Malawi Bureau of Standards; (ii) uncomplimentary policies and regulations in the energy and forestry sectors on clean cooking fuels and technologies; (iii) the lack of empirical data on adoption and utilisation of clean cooking technologies and fuels in Malawi; (iv) predicaments in adopting and using international standards for testing cookstoves; and (v) the value chain of improved cookstoves and other forms of clean cooking fuels and technologies that is not adequately analysed. Coordinated development and harmonious implementation of clean cooking regulations in the key sectors of energy and forestry can promote adoption and utilisation of clean cooking methods and technologies in Malawi.

Conceptual basis of gun policy

Gun violence has reignited academic and public debate about support for restrictive gun policies, the need for stronger gun control, and countering school shooting. The article analyzes the national and foreign guns policies. Unlike most comparative legal studies on the problems of guns control, built on comparison and identification of features, the analysis of differences, this study was aimed at identifying the essential grounds, the nature of state control relations over the circulation of guns. We aimed to synthesise evidence identifying effective interventions and policies that influence the social determinants of gun violence. The paper widely uses the literature review method in combination with classical methods of studying legal phenomena, which made it possible to identify Legal model of gunpolicies that exist in the world, determine the legal means of implementing the guns policy, its principles. We systematically searched legal databases (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), “Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States — Gun Laws for the 50 States”, databases of Federal Ministry of Justice Germany, database provisioning legislative activity of Russia). The study revealed gaps in the Russian guns policy and the organization of guns control and supervisory activities of law enforcement agencies, including the problem of restricting access to guns for certain categories of persons — members of extremist and terrorist organizations, as well as persons who have committed crimes who have received a criminal procedure the status of a suspect or accused. We conclude that a promising strategy for reducing gun violence is to make guns a legal liability to criminals, a goal that can be furthered through a variety of both regulatory and law-enforcement tactics. Changes to the legislation on guns and criminal procedure legislation aimed at strengthening guns control are proposed.

Gravidez na adolescência no Espírito Santo: planejando a assistência à saúde materno-infantil

The present study corresponds to a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective epidemiological research, with a quantitative approach. The general objective is to describe the clinical epidemiological profile of teenage pregnancy in the state of Espírito Santo in the years 2010 to 2019. The research was carried out using data obtained from the DATASUS platform, through the SINASC program. This study is relevant in making it possible to better understand the population served and identify more precisely the gaps in public policies that can be improved or created. It was found that in 2015, 56,941 live births were registered in the general population, the highest rate recorded between the years 2010-2019. Of these, 16.7% (9,543) were born to mothers aged between 10 and 19 years. Corroborating the analysis, the highest pregnancy rate in the adolescent population was recorded in 2013, when 18% (9,764) of pregnancies in the state of Espírito Santo were among adolescents. It was also evident that 8.4% (7,485) of babies were born weighing 2,499g or less and that 0.6% of newborns were diagnosed with some congenital anomaly. It can therefore be concluded that high rates of teenage pregnancy denote flawed strategies, impacting the growth of healthier generations in the present and future in all aspects, including economic, making it essential to know the data collected for planning maternal and child care.

Charting the Course: Bridging Health Policy, Operations, and Leadership Gaps in Medical Education

Charting the Course: Bridging Health Policy, Operations, and Leadership Gaps in Medical Education

Zoonotic spillover and viral mutations from low and middle-income countries: improving prevention strategies and bridging policy gaps.

The increasing frequency of zoonotic spillover events and viral mutations in low and middle-income countries presents a critical global health challenge. Contributing factors encompass cultural practices like bushmeat consumption, wildlife trade for traditional medicine, habitat disruption, and the encroachment of impoverished settlements onto natural habitats. The existing "vaccine gap" in many developing countries exacerbates the situation by allowing unchecked viral replication and the emergence of novel mutant viruses. Despite global health policies addressing the root causes of zoonotic disease emergence, there is a significant absence of concrete prevention-oriented initiatives, posing a potential risk to vulnerable populations. This article is targeted at policymakers, public health professionals, researchers, and global health stakeholders, particularly those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention and control in low and middle-income countries. The article underscores the importance of assessing potential zoonotic diseases at the animal-human interface and comprehending historical factors contributing to spillover events. To bridge policy gaps, comprehensive strategies are proposed that include education, collaborations, specialized task forces, environmental sampling, and the establishment of integrated diagnostic laboratories. These strategies advocate simplicity and unity, breaking down barriers, and placing humanity at the forefront of addressing global health challenges. Such a strategic and mental shift is crucial for constructing a more resilient and equitable world in the face of emerging zoonotic threats.

A policy scan related to assisted migration as a climate change adaptation tactic in Canada reveals major policy gaps

Assisted migration is increasingly being considered as a potential climate change adaptation tactic even though it also comes with potential risk to ecosystems and society. When implementing conservation actions that involve risk, it is prudent to have policies and guidelines to ensure that such actions are conducted in ways that conform to regional standards and consider risks. Here, we report on a policy scan focused on assisted migration in the context of climate change adaptation originally as a protected areas tactic only, but then broadened to ecosystems in Canada beyond those boundaries. Policy scans are a useful strategy for understanding the evolving policy and regulatory landscape for a given topic and can guide the development of such policies in other jurisdictions. Our scan focused on Canada, where multi-scalar governance systems exist relevant to biodiversity and environmental management. Our comprehensive policy scan (involving scans of legislation, policies, and guidelines found online and through direct inquiries with government bodies) revealed major gaps in the assisted migration policy landscape with very few provincial/territorial or federal policies in Canada. A more rudimentary scan in the United States revealed a similar pattern. There was evidence that some jurisdictions anticipated need for such policies and even a few examples of very specific policies (e.g., seeds) that had already been developed, but there were not comprehensive policies or frameworks. Governments and other relevant bodies/organizations may wish to consider working collaboratively toward the development of robust, evidence-based policies for assisted migration given that we anticipate this conservation intervention becoming more popular as climate change impacts on ecosystems become more evident and dire.

Policy Discourse on Electric Mobility in Nepal

In recent years, electric vehicles have become an increasingly appealing alternative due to rising fuel prices and commitment of governments from all over the world to reduce pollution and global greenhouse gas emissions. This paper intends to explore the complex network of existing policy barriers that governments at all levels must overcome in order to develop a sustainable and long-term e-mobility strategy. The study not only examines the existing gaps but also uncovers the shortcomings in policies enacted by state and provincial governments of Nepal to promote electric mobility in the country. A lack of top-level commitment, policy coherence issues, and undefined targets for addressing EV challenges are discussed in the paper. Furthermore, this research brings in a global perspective by showcasing impressive instances from nearby countries and world leaders in this field. This analysis may offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance existing policy gaps.

Kerja Perempuan dan Kebijakan Negara: Kontestasi Perawatan Berbayar dan Tidak Berbayar

Paid and unpaid care work has regained prominence in national and international forums as a pivotal issue affecting the low participation of women in development. Despite being predominantly carried out by women, care work remains inadequately recognized and undervalued, especially at the policy level. This paper delves into the reasons behind the lack of attention to care work issues at the national level. It explores the extent of gender ideology implications on state policies related to care work. The research employs desk review and self-reflection based on the author’s experience facilitating discussions on care work issues. The analysis reveals a policy gap in Indonesia concerning care work, influenced by the ambiguity of the state’s gender ideology. Consequently, gender transformation has not been a central focus in care policies, and the legitimacy of women’s roles in unpaid work tends to be reinforced.

Bridging Gaps in Aging Research and Policy: Microbiome, Sex, and Nutrition Perspectives

Bridging Gaps in Aging Research and Policy: Microbiome, Sex, and Nutrition Perspectives