Government Initiatives Research Articles

The impact of digital literacy on women’s economic empowerment: A study of Owerri municipal

Globally, digital literacy is emerging as a crucial tool for personal and societal development. In Nigeria, a nation grappling with various challenges, digital literacy offers a potential solution to empower women economically. This study investigates the impact of digital literacy on the economic empowerment of women in Owerri Municipal. By analyzing data from a survey of 255 women, the research found that women with digital skills exhibit greater economic success compared to those without. Key findings include: ● Enhanced Economic Performance: Digitally literate women demonstrate improved performance in various economic activities. ● Increased Opportunities: Digital literacy opens doors to new opportunities, particularly in entrepreneurship and online businesses. ● Improved Financial Management: Digital tools facilitate better financial planning and decision making. To maximize the potential of digital literacy, the following recommendations are proposed: ∙ Government Initiatives: The government should prioritize digital literacy programs for women, offering scholarships and incentives. ● Empowerment Opportunities: Women should actively seek opportunities to acquire digital skills and leverage them for economic advancement. ● Leadership Roles: Digitally literate women should be encouraged to assume leadership positions in both public and private sectors. By investing in digital literacy, Nigeria can empower women, drive economic growth, and create a more equitable society

Environmental attitudes among Serbian university students

This article aims to analyse the attitudes of Serbian university students towards environmental issues and risks, as it is crucial to understand these attitudes to shape future environmental policies and promote sustainability initiatives. The survey, which covered socio-demographic, economic, and environmental variables, gathered insights for gaining insights into environmental awareness and important factors promoting pro-environmental behaviour among youth. In total, 165 responses were obtained. A Chi-square test of independence and a logistic regression model was employed for analysis. The survey results show university students perceive inadequate recycling habits (65%) and limited green spaces (73%) in their cities. They consider the environmental risks considerable, possibly leading to migration (66%) and urban depopulation (47%). They advocate for increased awareness campaigns (66.7%) and greater use of renewable energy (64.2%), as well as stricter penalties for environmental violations (61.8%). The analysis revealed a significant relationship between self-assessed environmental awareness and actual environmental behaviour, with students who reported higher awareness being more likely to engage in environmentally friendly actions. Gender and family recycling habits were significant predictors of environmental behaviour, with females and students from the families with recycling practices more likely to exhibit pro-environmental behaviour. These results indicate that the surveyed university students have developed environmental habits and awareness. Supporting youth is central to tackling environmental issues and promoting sustainable behaviour. In addition to educational efforts in Serbia, this requires comprehensive government and civil society initiatives.

Building teacher knowledge and identity– career changers´ transition into teaching through a short teacher education programme

Building teacher knowledge and identity– career changers´ transition into teaching through a short teacher education programme

A prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive aspects in relation to sports related ocular injuries.

Ocular trauma, a major cause of visual morbidity and unilateral blindness globally, sees sports as a prominent contributor. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of preventive measures, combining health education and ocular protective devices, in reducing sports-induced ocular injuries over 5years. Conducted in a large military hospital in India, this prospective observational study spanned from January 2010 to December 2018. Preventive strategies included pre-participation eye examinations, health education targeting players, parents, and coaches, and the mandatory use of ocular protective gear. Ocular injuries were classified using The Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology. Over the study period, ocular injuries reduced significantly by more than 70%. The reduction was observed across various sports, with an 80% decrease in some. Notably, sports with compulsory ocular protection, such as swimming and squash, showed a 100% reduction in eye injuries (p < 0.01). This study underscores the success of a combined approach involving health education and mandatory use of ocular protective gear in preventing sports-related ocular injuries. The results highlight the need for continued efforts, including governmental initiatives, to achieve the ultimate goal of 90% prevention and alleviate the burden on healthcare resources.

The use of four-pillar regimen for heart failure management: results from the Jordanian Heart Failure Registry (JoHFR).

Heart failure (HF) is a complex cardiovascular disease. Effective management typically involves four main medications: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, along with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). The primary objective of this article is to assess and identify the utilization of four-pillar regimen for HF managment and explore the characteristics of the patients being on the four-pillar regimen in Jordan. Data from the Jordanian HF registry (JoHFR) was analyzed, encompassing records of HF patients treated in various cardiology centers from 2021 to 2023. The medical records of 2,151 patients with HF who were admitted to cardiology centers throughout Jordan were collected. Males comprised 58.0% of the included patients. Moreover, 71.0% of patients had chronic HF, whereas the rest, 29.0%, had acute HF. Of these, only 0.6% received the complete four-pillar treatment of HF. Beta-blockers were the most frequently used medication, prescribed to 74% of patients, while SGLT2i were the least common, used by only 9%. Notably, patients with type 2 diabetes were more likely to be on the four-pillar regimen (P-value = 0.016). Additionally, patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60 were more likely to be treated using the four-pillar (P-values = 0.044). The analysis revealed no significant difference in mortality rates between the two groups (P-value = 0.475). Our study demonstrated an overall low utilization of the four-pillar regimen for HF treatment in Jordan with several patients' characteristics associated with it. This highlight the need for enhanced collaborative effort and governmental initiatives to address the challenges of the low utilization of these medications.

Geographical health inequalities in India: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access and healthcare inequality

PurposeWith an emphasis on spatial health disparities, this study examines how COVID-19 has affected healthcare access and inequality in India. The study developed the Healthcare Access Index (HAI) and Healthcare Inequality Index (HII) to assess the pandemic’s effects on healthcare. The study addresses spatial health disparities in healthcare access and inequality, filling gaps in the literature. The final aim of the study is to offer policy suggestions to lessen healthcare inequities in India, particularly in the context of COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThe study incorporates secondary data from publicly accessible databases such as the National Family Health Survey, Niti-Ayog and Indian Census databases and employs a quantitative research design. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access and healthcare inequality in India is examined using the HAI and the HII. The five dimensions of healthcare access – availability, accessibility, accommodation, cost and acceptability – were used in developing the HAI. The study uses a panel data analysis methodology to examine the HAI and HII scores for 19 states over the pre-COVID-19 (2015) and post-COVID-19 (2020) periods. In order to investigate the connection between healthcare access, healthcare inequality and the COVID-19 pandemic, the analysis employs statistical tests such as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, factor analysis and visualization analysis.FindingsAccording to the study, COVID-19 impacted healthcare access and inequality in India, with notable regional inequalities between states. The pandemic has increased healthcare disparities by widening the gap between states with high and low HII ratings. Healthcare access is closely tied to healthcare inequality, with lower levels of access being associated with more significant levels of inequality. The report advises governmental initiatives to lessen healthcare disparities in India, such as raising healthcare spending, strengthening healthcare services in underperforming states and enhancing healthcare infrastructure.Practical implicationsFor Indian healthcare authorities and practitioners, the study has significant ramifications. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a main focus on addressing geographic gaps in healthcare access and inequality. The report suggests upgrading transportation infrastructure, lowering out-of-pocket costs, increasing health insurance coverage and enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services in underperforming states. The HAI and the HII are tools that policymakers can use to identify states needing immediate attention and appropriately spend resources. These doable recommendations provide a framework for lowering healthcare disparities in India and enhancing healthcare outcomes for all communities.Originality/valueThe study’s originality resides in establishing the HAI and HII indices, using panel data analysis and assessing healthcare inequality regarding geographic disparities. Policy choices targeted at lowering healthcare disparities and enhancing healthcare outcomes for all people in India can be informed by the study’s practical consequences.

Empowering Women through Skill-Based Education in Pakistan: A Narrative Review

This qualitative systematic review focuses on the effectiveness and limitations of skill-based education for enhancing women's rights in Pakistan with an understanding that the solution lies in addressing organizational, economic, and structural constraints that hamper the enforcement of such policies. These include gender norms, poverty, and inadequate technical and vocational education and training that do not empower women's education. However, possibilities are opening, such as government and non-government skill-building initiatives and e-learning and e-business business and education portals for rural women. Skill-based education is characteristic because it economically impacts women's social rights and empowers them. The review underscores the need for policies, institutional support, and sector desegregation to minimize educational gender differences. These include social connectedness, advanced digital learning, and government policies supporting training. All the above steps are essential for GM, WEE, and improving Pakistan's socio-economic fabric.

Local Sustainability Assessment of the Wonogiri Multipurpose Reservoir Catchment Area in Central Java Province, Indonesia

The sustainability of watershed management is a crucial issue that must be addressed to guarantee the persistence of watershed services including agriculture, food production, and energy supply. This issue has also been addressed in Presidential Regulation No. 18/2020 concerning the National Medium-Term Development Plans for 2020–2024, which stipulate the restoration of priority watersheds, including the Upstream Bengawan Solo Watershed. This study seeks to address this information gap by assessing the local sustainability of the watershed from a temporal dynamics perspective by calculating the Local Sustainability Index (LSI), Local Moran Index, and spatial associations. Measuring sustainable development indices locally is essential because each location has different characteristics, and using specific indicators at the local level is rarely done. The enactment of the national law on village autonomy in Indonesia necessitates the formulation of sustainable development indicators at the village level. These indicators serve as the metrics and frameworks for local government policies and initiatives. Our results show that village sustainability in the social and economic dimensions has increased from 2007 to 2021, especially in urban activity center areas that serve social and economic facilities. This seems different in the environmental dimension, where the sustainability value decreased from 2007 to 2021. The concentration of low sustainability values on ecological conditions occurred in pocket areas. Environmental problems were indicated by land-use conversion and disaster areas.

Officers’ Perceptions on Inf luence of Selected Factors on General Service Unit’s Capacity to Contain Terrorism in Kenya

Terrorist attacks have lately been on the increase with security officers being the main target. Despite the preparations that the GSU are undergoing, the intensity of terrorist attacks has continued pointing to the need to investigate the perceptions of officers regarding the various factors that influence their capacity to combat terrorism in Kenya, amid ongoing threats from groups such as Al Shabab. This study was carried out at G.S.U Training School Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya. Utilizing theory of contingencies, despite various governmental initiatives, Kenya has faced persistent terrorist attacks, prompting a need to explore underlying issues that hinder effective counterterrorism efforts. The study specifically aimed to examine how intra and inter-institutional coordination and intelligence sharing affect the GSU’s operational readiness and response to terrorism. Employing a descriptive research design, data was gathered through questionnaires distributed to a stratified random sample of 120 GSU officers at the GSU Training School in Embakasi, Nairobi, supplemented by secondary sources. The analysis utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods, employing descriptive statistics and thematic narratives to present findings. Results revealed significant lapses in coordination and cooperation in information sharing among national security agencies, which impede the GSU’s effectiveness against terrorist threats. The study underscores the necessity for enhanced strategic intelligence and collaborative frameworks to improve counterterrorism operations in Kenya. Recommendations for developing a more robust counterterrorism strategy for the GSU are provided based on the findings.

Opportunities and challenges associated with the launch of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) in British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study to explore community pharmacists' perspectives.

In February 2022, a novel antiviral for the treatment of COVID-19, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid), was approved by Health Canada and made available to patients in British Columbia (BC). BC community pharmacists did not prescribe nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, but dispensing involved a detailed assessment with close attention to drug-drug interactions and patient monitoring. As the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir service was unique in BC, and not all pharmacists participated in the program, it is important to evaluate the perspectives of all the pharmacists who were affected so that lessons learned from the program can inform future pandemic planning and government initiatives. A qualitative research study using key informant semistructured interviews was conducted. Community pharmacists with varying degrees of experience with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir were recruited using multiple methods of recruitment through e-mail and fax invitations and social media posts. Open-ended questions explored pharmacists' experiences with the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir program, including barriers and facilitators to dispensing it, and recommendations for future pharmacy initiatives. Forty-three community pharmacists participated in the study. Most participants were between the ages of 30 and 39 years and had practiced for less than 10 years. Thematic analysis yielded 36 codes that were organized into 3 overarching themes related to the following: learning; in-process experiences, supports, difficulties; and perceptions about the expanded scope of practice. The following strategies may be helpful to consider including in future initiatives: preprinted forms, a hotline for peer support, slower rollouts, a single source for communicating changes, a patient portal, addressing the divisions between dispensary and clinical work, and having specialized positions to support future rollouts. Lessons learned from the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir service included a slower approach to program initiation with additional training opportunities and more streamlined prescription options. Pharmacists also wished for better communication support and involvement in the planning of future initiatives.

EXPLORING INTELLECTUAL AND EDUCATIONAL MIGRATION IN KAZAKHSTAN: DOCUMENTARY ANALYSIS

Background: Addressing brain drain and fostering human capital development are critical for sustaining a nation's long-term economic growth, innovation capacity, and global competitiveness. Kazakhstan has faced significant brain drain, particularly following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, as many skilled professionals sought better opportunities abroad. Despite government efforts to retain talent, the country continues to experience a negative migration balance, with a substantial portion of emigrants being highly educated and skilled. This study examines the challenges posed by brain drain and evaluates Kazakhstan's current policy initiatives aimed at addressing intellectual migration and fostering human capital development. Methods: The study employs a qualitative research approach using documentary analysis to explore intellectual and educational migration in Kazakhstan. The methodology involves systematically reviewing key government policy documents and reports, such as the Concept of Migration Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023-2027. Documentary analysis was selected for its ability to provide in-depth insights into government initiatives and policy frameworks, enabling an assessment of their long-term effectiveness. Content analysis was applied to identify recurring themes and policy shifts related to human capital development and brain drain. Results and conclusions: The findings highlight the government’s efforts to attract skilled professionals, retain domestic talent, and foster international collaboration through streamlined visa processes, academic partnerships, and the establishment of international branch campuses. The analysis highlights educational immigration as a core component of Kazakhstan's migration strategy, shaped by regional factors and geopolitical considerations. Despite these efforts, the study identifies ongoing challenges in creating attractive domestic career opportunities and competitive research environments, which are crucial for the longterm retention of talent. By leveraging international best practices and fostering collaboration between the government, academia, and industry, Kazakhstan can enhance its position in the global knowledge economy while addressing demographic and economic challenges. The paper concludes by discussing the potential policy implications and recommendations for sustaining Kazakhstan’s human capital development in the context of global intellectual migration trends.

Evaluar para avanzar: resultados de una estrategia nacional de evaluación formativa

Evaluar para Avanzar 3.o a 11.o is an initiative of the Colombian national government for supporting teaching and learning in primary, secondary and high school level, through a set of tools for formative assessment. We present the results of a study intended to identify the results of the implementation of Evaluar para Avanzar during the years 2020 and 2021. For this, we approximate the perception and experiences of the teachers, school principals and students through focal groups and interviews, whose analysis reveals the need to improve the appropriation of the objectives of the strategy and the use of the tools it offers, so that it fulfills its purpose of contributing to the improvement of pedagogical strategies based on the monitoring of students’ learning, their emotional needs and those of their environment; impacting educational quality in the long term.

Development and Countermeasures of China's New Energy Vehicles within the Great Power Game

Abstract: In light of contemporary developments, fostering advancements in renewable energies has assumed paramount importance. New energy vehicles (NEVs) have progressively emerged as primary modes for transportation worldwide; their proliferation serves as a barometer reflecting each nations overall capabilities. The evolution trajectory for electric vehicles (EVs) in China has been riddled with challenges amid global power dynamics at play. It is imperative to delve into recent trends shaping this sector comprehensively to gain deeper insights into its trajectory over time. This study encapsulates how EVs in China have evolved within an overarching framework emphasizing conservation efforts alongside emission reductions. Furthermore, it scrutinizes persisting technical hurdles faced by Chinese NEVs, such as uneven charging infrastructure deployment, as well as limitations related to range anxiety due to suboptimal battery performance. Intense market competition among domestic EV manufacturers has inadvertently precipitated quality concerns impacting consumer loyalty adversely. The article also delves into the remedial measures being taken by Chinese NEV companies, including pioneering research efforts focused on improving the safety features of lithium-ion battery technology. On this basis, this paper discusses the government initiatives such as "plan-pilot-promotion-subsidy-development" aimed at supporting the NEV industry in China.

Enterprise Architecture As An Enabler Of Digital Transformation In The Government Sector: Success Factors And Maturity Evaluation Methodology

Enterprise Architecture (EA) plays an important role as an enabler of digital transformation with strategic objectives, especially in digital government initiatives. Despite its potential, EA implementation in the public sector faces challenges such as complex organizational structures, diverse stakeholder interests, and regulatory constraints. This study aims to systematically review the literature to identify critical success factors that influence the success of EA implementation in government and propose a comprehensive maturity evaluation methodology. Using a systematic literature review of 48 studies published between 2018 and 2024, this research identifies key factors such as strategic alignment, governance, human resource capabilities, and stakeholder engagement as critical to achieving effective EA implementation. It also introduces an EA maturity evaluation model designed for the public sector to assess and improve EA practices. The citizen-centric aspect is the novelty of this research where the factors in this aspect characterize the implementation of EA in the digital government sector. The findings provide insights and academic contributions in expanding the study of EA in the public sector as well as providing practical guidance for government agencies to improve their EA maturity so that accelerated digital transformation can be achieved

Data Integration of Health Financing Systems as a Critical Enabler for Objective-Oriented Health System Reform: A Scoping Review from India

ABSTRACT Health financing fragmentation poses a challenge to reforms intended to address system-wide objectives vis-à-vis universal health coverage (UHC). India’s experience with publicly subsidized health insurance schemes (PSHIs), such as Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and its state adaptations, testify to the challenges inherent in effecting objective-oriented health systems reforms, particularly owing to wide variation in programmatic and operational design. Recent efforts to defragment PSHIs under the aegis of a new government initiative called Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) using, inter alia, a unified information and communication technology (ICT) interface provide important policy lessons. This paper presents a theory of change for the role that ICT systems can play in promoting the objectives of UHC and highlights the early effects of ICT reforms in India on UHC. Holistic and defragmented ICT systems have a positive effect on the processes and operations of government health programs, according to the literature reviewed. Streamlined ICT systems promote equity through the introduction of portability modules, which increase access to services and facilitate stronger transparency and accountability measures by using big data and machine learning for fraud detection. Although reliability issues persist on certain fronts, India’s experience with homegrown, incremental reforms to defragment ICT systems for health financing have proven of paramount importance for progressing toward UHC.

Empowering Youth through Open Data: Map-Based Storytelling of Croatian vs. European Youth

Abstract. In the digital age, open data has become a critical asset for fostering transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. However, the widespread availability of data has outpaced citizens' ability to effectively utilize it, underscoring the need for data literacy skills, especially among youth. This paper addresses the gap in data literacy by proposing an innovative teaching approach that leverages map-based storytelling to engage young people and enhance their data literacy. By integrating real-world open datasets into interactive visual narratives, this approach aims to captivate young audiences, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a deeper understanding of socio-economic issues. Through a case study of a Datathon project titled “Croatian Youth vs. EU: Who has it better?”, this research demonstrates the efficacy of combining data visualization and storytelling to promote data literacy and civic engagement. The findings highlight the potential of open data initiatives and open-source technologies in empowering youth and enhancing their participation in open government initiatives and policy-making processes.

The Extent of Participation and Empowerment of Rural Women in Lac Cultivation in Koderma District of Jharkhand, India

Lac cultivation in Koderma District, Jharkhand, offers a unique pathway for empowering rural women, serving as a significant source of income and socio-economic upliftment. This review examines the depth of women’s participation in various stages of lac production, from inoculation to processing, and how their involvement translates into empowerment. Despite facing challenges like gender discrimination, limited access to resources, and market constraints, women in Koderma have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Lac cultivation has provided them with financial independence and enhanced social recognition and decision-making power within their households and communities. Initiatives by the government and NGOs have played a critical role in facilitating this shift, offering training, market access, and financial support to enable women to break socio-cultural barriers. However, for sustained empowerment, addressing the existing gaps in technology access, market linkage, and equitable resource distribution is essential. This article aims to explore lac cultivation's role in empowering rural women in Koderma District, Jharkhand, by examining their participation in the production process and its impact on their socio-economic upliftment (Pal G., 2011). It aims to highlight women's challenges, the contributions of government and NGO initiatives, and the need for improved policies, technology, and market access to ensure sustained empowerment and equitable participation in the lac industry.

Adoption and User Behaviour Towards Digital Payments by Millennial

The rapid adoption of digital payment systems has transformed the financial landscape, particularly among millennials, who are at the forefront of this technological shift. This study explores the adoption and user behaviour of digital payment methods among millennials in India. The research aims to identify the key factors influencing the decision to use digital payments, including convenience, security, trust, and government initiatives. Additionally, it examines how socio-cultural influences, mobile payment applications, and peer networks impact the payment choices of this demographic. Through a survey of 250 millennials, the study reveals that ease of use, trust in security features, and promotional incentives are the primary drivers of digital payment adoption. It also identifies challenges such as concerns over data privacy and digital literacy. The findings suggest that while millennials are increasingly adopting digital payment systems, their behaviour is shaped by a complex interplay of technological, economic, and social factors. The study provides insights into strategies for improving the digital payment ecosystem and encourages further research into the evolving behaviour of young consumers.

Strong or thin digital democracy? The democratic implications of Taiwan's open government data policy in the 2010s

What kind of “democracy” do new government-led digital initiatives facilitate? This paper discusses the issue by investigating the open government data policy in Taiwan in the 2010s, asking whether the policy encouraged “strong democracy.” Using interviews, written records, and an analysis of platform design, I argue that the implementation of Taiwan's open data policy has not institutionalized the engagement of civil society groups or ordinary citizens in government decision-making processes, which is at odds with the claims that open government data encourages “strong democracy.” Instead, open government data in Taiwan has facilitated monitorial democracy, which presupposes watchful but not active citizens, and neoliberal democracy, which presupposes profit-pursuing citizens. Both are more in line with “thin democracy,” which focuses more on individual rights and private interests than on participation and political community. The finding sheds light on why conservative governments around the world often embrace open government initiatives.

A Brief Study on Indian Startups- Analytic Research on the Success and Failure Factors of Swiggy, Boat, Doodhwala, And Shopx

India’s startup ecosystem has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, emerging as one of the most dynamic and fast-paced environments globally. This research paper examines the primary factors leading to the high failure rate of Indian startups, focusing on familiar challenges such as inadequate business models, poor product-market fit, cash flow problems, regulatory hurdles, and inefficient management. Through case studies of successful ventures like Swiggy, and BoAT, this paper highlights critical success factors that have enabled these companies to thrive, including data-driven decision-making, customer-centric strategies, adaptability, and strong strategic partnerships. The study also explores the pivotal role of venture capitalists (VCs) in shaping startup trajectories, from early seed funding to advanced growth stages. Additionally, the paper delves into the influence of Indian government initiatives, such as Startup India and the Atal Innovation Mission, in fostering a supportive ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. Keywords: Entrepreneur, Start-up, Economy, Future market, Challenges