Government Policy Research Articles

The Prevalence of Anemia Among Vietnamese Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

While anemia constitutes a prevalent health issue among children in Vietnam, comprehensive aggregate data remain scarce. Consequently, the objective of this meta-analysis is to establish the pooled prevalence of anemia in the pediatric population of Vietnam. A comprehensive systematic search of existing prevalence studies was conducted up until June 2022, encompassing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, as well as reference list analysis. Pooled prevalence estimates, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated using a random-effects model. Publication bias was assessed using the Egger regression test and funnel plot inspection. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify potential variations in anemia prevalence across study groups. The pooled prevalence estimate for anemia among children under 10-year-olds amounted to 35.5% (95% CI = [23.9, 49.1]). Notably, gender-specific analyses unveiled distinct prevalence rates, with 37.8% among males and 33.4% among females. Furthermore, variations in anemia prevalence among Vietnamese children were evident across different demographic strata, encompassing gender, age groups, and rural or poor rural residency. The calculated pooled prevalence of anemia among children in Vietnam revealed a significant burden. Addressing this issue necessitates targeted interventions within specific regions and the implementation of government policies aligned with global targets for the eradication of childhood anemia.

Aboriginal plant foods policy in Australia: a critical discourse analysis

ABSTRACT The Australian continent has over 6500 edible endemic plant species, fourteen of which have been certified for commercial consumption. This paper seeks to critically analyze select Australian Commonwealth Government policy relating to these Aboriginal plant foods. The aim is to purposefully examine the positioning of non-Indigenous people in Aboriginal plant foods policy discourse and reveal tacit settler colonial power relations. This is in response to a call to action from Indigenous scholars to examine how settler colonialism manifests in regulatory mechanisms, such as government policy. This paper offers a theoretically informed critical discourse analysis methodology for examining Australian Commonwealth Government policy relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs. Analysis comprised an explanation of the socio-political context of Aboriginal policymaking in Australia, textual analysis of policy texts related to Aboriginal plant foods and an interpretation of discourse practice to reveal how policy discourse tacitly promotes ideological agendas. This analysis revealed that Australian Commonwealth Government Aboriginal plant foods policy is framed according to settler terms and upholds neoliberal interests. Considerable rethinking is required about how power is exercised in Commonwealth Government policy relating to Aboriginal plant foods to ensure it does not replicate and perpetuate unjust settler colonial power relations.

Digital payments Impact on Indian Economy through Banking systems & Global Comparisons

India’s financial sector has witnessed a significant digital transformation, particularly in the realm of payments. The shift towards digital payment systems has reshaped transactional practices and contributed to financial inclusion. The adoption of digital payment systems like UPI and e-wallets has led to a surge in online transaction volumes, indicating a gradual move towards a cashless economy. Government initiatives and the COVID-19 pandemic have played crucial roles in promoting digital payments. However, challenges remain in achieving complete financial inclusion with approximately 190 million unbanked adults in India. Fintech companies are addressing this by providing a wide range of financial services and utilizing alternative data sources to evaluate creditworthiness. The key factors driving the adoption of digital payments in India include increased awareness, favorable government policies, quick onboarding and ease of use, smartphone proliferation and internet expansion, regulatory support, and improved technology. These factors, coupled with the enabling role of various entities and technologies, are shaping the future of digital payments in India. The rapid growth of digital payment systems, driven by a combination of technological advancements, government initiatives, and changing consumer preferences, is revolutionizing the financial landscape. As the fintech sector continues to evolve, it promises to bring about further innovations, making financial services more accessible and inclusive. The journey towards a digital economy is well underway, and with continued efforts, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in digital payments. The impact of this digital revolution extends beyond the financial sector, influencing various aspects of the economy and society, and paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient future.

The dynamics of language shifts in migrant communities: Implications for social integration and cultural preservation

This study examines language shifts within migrant communities, focusing on the social and cultural implications of adopting a new dominant language while maintaining heritage languages. It explores the impact of these dynamics on community cohesion, identity, and intergenerational communication. The paper also discusses the role of educational and social policies in supporting multilingualism and cultural diversity as assets in the integration process. This paper delves into the multifaceted dynamics of language shifts within migrant populations and examines their profound implications for social integration and cultural preservation. Migrant communities undergo a complex linguistic adaptation process influenced by various factors, including historical contexts, socio-economic conditions, and government policies. The phenomenon of language shift, wherein migrants gradually adopt the dominant language of the host country while potentially losing proficiency in their native language, represents a fundamental aspect of this adaptation process. This paper explores the nuanced interplay between linguistic assimilation and cultural retention among migrants, highlighting the intricate mechanisms through which language shapes their sense of belonging and cultural identity. Language is a gateway to social integration, facilitating interactions with the host society and enhancing access to employment, education, and public services. However, the pursuit of linguistic assimilation often entails challenges such as discrimination, linguistic barriers, and feelings of alienation, posing significant obstacles to migrants' integration efforts. Moreover, the erosion of native languages within migrant communities can engender a sense of loss and disconnection from cultural heritage, raising concerns about preserving linguistic diversity and intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge. This paper examines the role of language policies and educational initiatives in shaping language dynamics within migrant communities. Government interventions, ranging from language proficiency requirements for citizenship to bilingual education programs, profoundly influence migrants' linguistic trajectories and cultural adaptation experiences. Keywords: Language, Communities, Social Integration, Cultural Preservation, Policies, Multiculturalism.

Cucumber under Controlled Environment Polyhouse: A Step Forward to Enhance Farmers Income

Present study was conducted to see profitability of cucumber crop when grown under polyhouse. Controlled environment crops have greater consistency and production is more reliable than uncontrolled open field crops. Technology is used to manage and manipulate the growing conditions to reduce uncertainty and optimise crop growth. Particularly, cucumber crop was uneconomical when grown under open field conditions due to its climate sensitiveness. Present study was conducted in cucumber which was being cultivated in environment-controlled poly house. The cost return analysis showed that the total cost of cultivation per 1000 m2 area was Rs. 307746 with an output value of Rs.888960 resulted in Benefit Cost Ratio of 2.89. As the poly house involves initial establishment costs besides maintenance costs every year. This component was amortized to be included in Total Fixed Cost component (TFC) of cost analysis. Similarly, the bed prepared for cucumber sowing also amortized as it lasts for five years once prepared. As most of the farmers were facing initial capital issues for establishing polyhouse, majority of farming fraternity till unable tap the full benefits of cucumber crop. By utilizing the policies of government, cucumber cultivation under poly house is economically beneficial.

Factors influencing farmers’ adoption of solar water-pumping systems in Gujarat

Abstract Agriculture has played an important role in the growth of the Indian economy. Water and electricity are essential inputs for agriculture today. India produces the third-largest amount of electricity in the world, behind China and the USA. As an incentive to increase production, most states provide free electricity to farmers. Free electricity has decreased groundwater levels and increased electricity consumption. The objective of this study was to find out the factors that influenced farmers to adopt a solar water-pumping system in Gujarat. The samples were randomly selected. This study examined the entire state of Gujarat. One hundred and fifty farmers who adopted solar water-pumping systems were interviewed, including 50 banana farmers, 50 cotton farmers and 50 groundnut farmers. Primary data were collected through an interview. The adoption of solar water-pumping systems by farmers was identified using factor analysis. SPSS software was used to analyse the data collected. In this study, only two factors contributed to the variance of 59.469%. The adoption of solar water pumps by farmers was influenced by government policy and economic benefits. An economic benefit variance of 33.20% was found, while a government policy variance was 26.27%. A solar water-pumping system has low initial costs, flexible credit policies motivate adoption, solar water-pumping systems can save electricity, and maintenance and repair costs are affordable. Government policy that includes solar water-pumping systems is motivated by awareness, subsidies for adoption and a fair price to sell energy surpluses. Farmers are recommended to adopt a solar water-pumping system in conjunction with a drip irrigation system to receive additional income. The successful scheme will be recommended to other states in India for implementation.

Cooperative Vehicle Infrastructure System or Autonomous Driving System? From the Perspective of Evolutionary Game Theory

In this paper, we explore the trade-offs between public and private investment in autonomous driving technologies. Utilizing an evolutionary game model, we delve into the complex interaction mechanisms between governments and auto manufacturers, focusing on how strategic decisions impact overall outcomes. Specifically, we predict that governments may opt for strategies such as constructing and maintaining infrastructure for Roadside Infrastructure-based Vehicles (RIVs) or subsidizing high-level Autonomous Driving Vehicles (ADVs) without additional road infrastructure. Manufacturers’ choices involve deciding whether to invest in RIVs or ADVs, depending on governmental policies and market conditions. Our simulation results, based on scenarios derived from existing economic data and forecasts on technology development costs, suggest that government subsidy policies need to dynamically adjust in response to manufacturers’ shifting strategies and market behavior. This dynamic adjustment is crucial as it addresses the evolving economic environment and technological advancements, ensuring that subsidies effectively incentivize the desired outcomes in autonomous vehicle development. The findings of this paper could serve as valuable decision-making tools for governments and auto manufacturers, guiding investment strategies that align with the dynamic landscape of autonomous driving technology.

Quantitative Analysis of Green H2 Production Costs: A Comparison between Domestic Developed and Imported Electrolyzers

This study aims to present a quantitative cost analysis of hydrogen utilizing a developed alkaline electrolyzer, a similar-capacity imported alkaline electrolyzer, and a similar-capacity PEM electrolyzer.The research also finds the key parameters that can reduce or increase the production cost. One of the subjected electrolyzers is a locally developed Alkaline Electrolyzer (AE); the other two are similar-capacity imported AE and Polymer Electrolytic Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. The study uses the Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software for estimating the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) method for hydrogen production cost estimation. Results show that the imported electrolyzers have higher production costs due to import duty, fees, and taxes. The estimated cost is 88.4% (AE) and 110.3% (PEM), higher than the locally developed electrolyzer. The economic changes also significantly impact production costs. Government policies can reduce the cost by rescheduling the hydrogen components taxes.

Impact of Climate Change on Wheat Yields in Australia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of climate change on wheat yields in Australia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on climate change's impact on wheat yields in Australia reveals significant challenges: Rising temperatures reduce yields by accelerating crop maturation (Thompson, 2019). Variability in precipitation and extreme weather further destabilize yields (Foster & Ryan, 2020). While increased CO2 can enhance growth, it also worsens outcomes under heat and drought (Lee & Kumar, 2021). Regional differences necessitate tailored adaptation strategies (Patel, 2022). Advanced technologies like AI offer potential for adapting cultivation practices to changing conditions (Zhang, 2024). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental determinism, resource dependence theory & ecological modernization theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the impact of climate change on wheat yields in Australia. Training programs and technical support should also be increased to ensure farmers can effectively utilize these advanced technologies. Government policies should include increased investment in agricultural research, particularly in the development of new wheat varieties that are resilient to extreme weather conditions.

Operationalising University Excellence in Doctoral Education: The Case of Top-Ranked Russian Universities

AbstractNumerous countries have implemented excellence initiatives designed to establish world-class universities, boost research productivity, build up staff capacity, and thereby reform doctoral education systems as part of this agenda. To date, the relationship between excellence-driven initiatives and leading universities’ doctoral education enhancement remains understudied in Russia. This study seeks to examine how seven top-ranked Russian universities responded to the Excellence Initiatives (5-100 Project and Priority 2030) at the institutional strategy level from 2012 till 24 February 2022. To explore this relationship and change in research education, documentary research was applied to a corpus of institutional strategies for excellence accompanied with governmental texts. Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was adopted and complemented with analytical lenses to understand and examine how university excellence is recontextualised and operationalised in doctoral education structures across these strategies. This CDA was enhanced with theoretical lenses to research how multiple forces behind governmental policies for globalisation, innovation, and international competitiveness shape this change in Russian doctoral education in relation to global trends, national priorities, and local needs. The paper presents and discusses emergent processes (with mechanisms and practices) and the universities’ meaning-making behind the normative and performative ‘enhancement’ in doctoral education constructed with the state’s dominant understandings of university excellence.

Analysis of Government Policies on Rice Production in Thailand: A Policy Evaluation Study

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the analysis of government policies on rice production in Thailand: a policy evaluation study. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The analysis of government policies on rice production in Thailand revealed that while price support policies have effectively stabilized farmers' incomes in the short term, they have also increased dependency on government subsidies, potentially stifling innovation in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the study found that water management and technological adoption policies were beneficial in improving yields and sustainability, but their implementation was uneven across different regions. Recommendations from the study emphasized the need for a more balanced approach that reduces dependency on subsidies, enhances farmers' access to markets, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Public Choice Theory, Policy Feedback Theory & Institutionalism may be used to anchor future studies on analysis of government policies on rice production in Thailand: a policy evaluation study. By implementing these practices, stakeholders can achieve more sustainable, productive, and economically viable outcomes for rice farmers and the broader agricultural community. The policy contributions of these recommendations are aimed at creating a more robust, effective, and sustainable framework for rice production in Thailand.

Enhancing employability through university-industry linkages: Omani engineering students’ perspectives of the Eidaad internship programme

Like many Middle East and North Africa countries, one of the main socio-economic challenges facing Oman is the creation of meaningful graduate employment opportunities. A combination of factors that include the gap between the expertise and skills acquired in higher education and workforce requirements means many students struggle to find suitable jobs upon graduation. Consequently, providing quality education and developing national talents are key objectives of the country’s Vision 2040 development roadmap. Higher levels of cooperation between tertiary institutions and industry within the framework of government policy are necessary to achieve these outcomes. This study explores undergraduate engineering student perceptions of one example of this collaboration – the Eidaad internship programme. To better understand interns’ perceptions of the programme’s personal and professional benefit across targeted areas and means for further improvement, a three-part on-line questionnaire was administered to current and former programme participants. Results indicate overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the programme, including in terms of enhancing interns’ teamwork skills, workplace participation, communication skills, clarity of career plans and objectives, and so on. Participant suggestions for improvement include the creation of concrete employment pathways and the provision of further on-the-job training opportunities. Implications for the Eidaad and similar internship programmes are discussed.

Impact of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises on Women's Empowerment in Nigeria

This study examines the impact of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on women's empowerment in Oyo state. A cluster sampling procedure was used to select 283 respondents for this study. Data for this study was sourced using primary sources. The questionnaire was administered to elicit information from the study respondents. Data obtained were measured using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics using binary logistic regression. The results showed that 43.1% of the respondents were between the ages of 41-50years, 48.8% of the respondents had NCE/OND qualification, most (57.6%) of the respondents were divorced, 32.9% of the respondents were engaged in agriculture, most (66.4%) of the respondents were sole proprietorship, 43.8% of the respondents have 10-20year of operation. Furthermore, the majority (77.0%) of the respondents agreed that involvement in SMEs has positively impacted their personal empowerment or financial stability, 98.6% of the respondents believe that government policies and support systems adequately promote women's empowerment through SMEs in Oyo State, most (67.8%) of the respondent thought SMEs enhance financial literacy. Also, the majority (93.6%) of the respondents agreed that involvement in SMEs has empowered them economically and socially.

Examining the drivers and barriers to adoption of e-government services in Saudi Arabia

PurposeThis study investigates the factors influencing citizen attitudes toward e-government services and their effects on the adoption of e-government services in Saudi Arabia. It sheds light on the moderating role of citizen motivation in the relationship between factors influencing citizen attitudes in favor of e-government services and their adoption and usage behavior in the Saudi Arabian context. The study analyzes both the drivers propelling the uptake and the barriers impeding it.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive research design was employed in this study, which surveyed 487 respondents from Jeddah and Madina cities and the surrounding region. The research identifies key drivers, including cultural factors, digital literacy, government policy and interventions, privacy and security, technical infrastructure, support services and citizen trust, alongside barriers such as concerns about data security and digital literacy.FindingsThe findings reveal the complex interplay of these factors in shaping citizen attitudes toward e-government services and their effects on adoption in Saudi Arabia. The study indicates that citizen motivation toward e-government services moderates the relationship between, adoption and usage behavior.Originality/valueThis study contributes valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners by offering a nuanced perspective on e-government service adoption in the Saudi Arabian context. It enhances our understanding of the factors influencing citizen attitudes and their impact on e-government adoption, highlighting the importance of citizen motivation as a moderating factor in this relationship.

Shaping the Future of Healthcare: Integrating Ecology and Digital Innovation

The concept of sustainable healthcare is the subject of an increasingly intense, captivating, forward-looking, yet sometimes still overly theoretical debate. The aim of this contribution is to analyze the current scenarios of ecological and digital transition in the healthcare sector, considering its high energy consumption. In particular, we adopt a holistic and convergent vision of the energy mix and its infrastructure, moving beyond the ideological dichotomy of energy sources. Renewable sources, digital innovations, and the circular economy are seen as playing key roles in the future of the energy sector. In this research, a mixed methodology was employed, combining a questionnaire consisting of 31 questions with semi-structured interviews conducted with the top management of a major player in the private healthcare sector located in southern Italy in 2023. Consequently, we examine the main macro-guidelines of technological development, encompassing enabling technologies, new business models, roles, and professional skills. Based on the analyses conducted, we provide some insights to inform governmental policies and industrial strategies in the near future. Digitalization represents an opportunity to enhance the efficiency of healthcare services, reducing waste and ensuring quality. For instance, digital healthcare solutions enable personalized care on a global scale and offer decision support systems that can enhance overall healthcare performance. However, to maximize the benefits of digital transformation, it is essential to integrate new technologies effectively and sustainably into the existing healthcare ecosystem. A promising example is telemedicine, which can help reduce carbon emissions by decreasing healthcare workers’ travel.

Do Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions Significantly Influence Green Tax Levels in European Countries?

In this article, we analyze the correlation between GDP/capita variation, primary and renewable energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions on the one hand, and green taxes on the other. Green taxes are the main instruments used to limit activities that have a negative impact on the environment. These consist of taxes paid by producers and/or consumers for any activity that generates pollution. The results of dynamic regressions, validated by the applied robustness tests, indicate a significant and positive correlation between primary energy consumption and total environmental taxes, respectively energy taxes. At the same time, this shows that variation in GDP/capita significantly and positively influences transport taxes and pollution taxes. In contrast, net greenhouse gas emissions and the supply, transformation and consumption of renewable sources and waste do not significantly influence the total green taxes and their components. This finding is useful to both academic research and government policies for the realistic substantiation of the levels of green tax revenues and for establishing appropriate measures meant to reduce CO2 emissions.

Legal Protection for Citizens Affected by The Termination of Access Policy of Unregistered Private Scope Electronic System Operators

Legal Protection for Citizens Affected by The Termination of Access Policy of Unregistered Private Scope Electronic System Operators

ANALYZING TRENDS AND FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INDIAN STOCK MARKET”

ANALYZING TRENDS AND FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INDIAN STOCK MARKET”

Electric Grid of Japan before the Great Depression: A Comparison with Germany

Japan is one of the most successfully electrified countries in the world, but it does not have a unified national electric power grid: the country is divided into two zones with different standards for alternating current (50 and 60 Hz). To explore the root of Japan's split grid, this essay adopts technology historian Thomas Hughes’ socio-technical system frameworks and compares the history of national grid formation in Germany and Japan in the 1920s. In both countries, foresighted engineers and entrepreneurs noticed the necessity of a unified national grid—something we see from the case study of Matsunaga Yasuzaemon and Arthur Koepchen. However, government policy in Japan regarding frequency unification was inconsistent, whereas the German provincial governments set up clear visions for grid construction. Moreover, Japanese ideology of the day preferred market competition, whereas in Germany electric utilities coordinated with each other. For Germany, the 1920s heralded the beginning of a European grid, whereas Japan's bifurcated frequency standard hindered the formation of a unified national grid. And Japan's split grid can even result in the electric power system's fragility in the face of natural disasters such as the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011.

Housing-industry transformation development and rural revitalization path based on complex adaptive system in Three Gorges Reservoir Area of China

The core of dual circulation in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) and the greening Yangtze River is sustainable development. Reservoir housing-industry coordinate sustainable is extremely important to ensuring a more sustainable TGRA. Here, we investigate the overall characteristics of housing-industry transformation development and rural revitalization path in the TGRA at microscopic perspective. Taking Wutu village (WTV), a historical and cultural rural in the TGRA, as case study area, we also analyze the evolution, stage characteristics, and trends of housing-industry system (HIS) using theoretical analysis and empirical research from the perspective of spatio-temporal-development and complex adaptability system model. The findings reveal that: (1) In the traditional housing-industry separation stage(1978–1998), the development of villagers' self-organization and the positive and correct leadership of the village party branch are the dominant forces for the evolution of HIS in WTV. The adaptive behavior of the main body and the strength of the housing-industry effect are limited, and the evolution of the HIS is in the accumulation stage of quantitative change. (2) In the stage of cooperative transformation of housing-industry (1999–2018), the positive and correct leadership of the village party branch is the dominant force of the evolution of HIS in WTV, and the government's policy support is the main force of the evolution of HIS in WTV. (3) In the stage of modern housing-industry integration (2019 to present), the interaction of multiple subjects is the dominant force in the evolution of HIS in WTV. Multiple entities further adapt to various changes in the external environment, and the system structure and level have taken a qualitative leap. Overall, the evolution of HIS in WTV is a dynamic and continuous process. Based on the evolution stage and driving mechanism of HIS, it is necessary to improve the self-organization and adaptive response and ability of the complex adaptive system in WTV, adapt to the general law of system evolution, and effectively regulate the transformation and upgrading of HIS in WTV. Our research outcomes offer valuable insights for fostering rural transformation, enhancing the housing-industry environment, and ultimately propelling the TGRA towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.