Government Recommendations Research Articles

Enablers and barriers to vaccine uptake and handwashing practices to prevent and control COVID-19 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania: a systematic review.

The global emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed unprecedented challenges, jeopardizing decades of progress in healthcare systems, education, and poverty eradication. While proven interventions such as handwashing and mass vaccination offer effective means of curbing COVID-19 spread, their uptake remains low, potentially undermining future pandemic control efforts. This systematic review synthesized available evidence of the factors influencing vaccine uptake and handwashing practices in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in the context of COVID-19 prevention and control. We conducted an extensive literature search across PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Out of 391 reviewed articles, 18 were eligible for inclusion. Some of the common barriers to handwashing in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania included lack of trust in the government's recommendations or messaging on the benefits of hand hygiene and lack of access to water, while some of the barriers to vaccine uptake included vaccine safety and efficacy concerns and inadequate awareness of vaccination sites and vaccine types. Enablers of handwashing practices encompassed hand hygiene programs and access to soap and water while those of COVID-19 vaccine uptake included improved access to vaccine knowledge and, socio-economic factors like a higher level of education. This review underscores the pivotal role of addressing these barriers while capitalizing on enablers to promote vaccination and handwashing practices. Stakeholders should employ awareness campaigns and community engagement, ensure vaccine and hygiene resources' accessibility, and leverage socio-economic incentives for effective COVID-19 prevention and control. Clinical trial registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD42023396303].

World Development Report: Agriculture for Development

As three out of every four people in developing countries dwell in rural areas today, agriculture continues to hold prime importance in the development and poverty reduction context. This 30th issue of the World Development Report (WDR) is divided into three parts and eleven chapters. The first part addresses the question of what agriculture can do for development while the second part shifts its focus towards the instruments that can be used to spur development through agriculture. Finally, the third section provides the policy recommendations for governments and other stakeholders on how the ‘agriculture for development’ agenda can be implemented in research and practice. The report focuses on two major regional challenges that require immediate attention. first in Sub-Saharan Africa, agricultural productivity growth is vital for generating overall economic growth. However in order to stimulate growth, small holder and subsistence farmers will need to adopt productivity enhancing practices which the report has discussed in detail. Secon, in Asia the report identifies the management of urban-rural income disparities as the most pressing challenge since “Asia’s fast growing economies remain home to over 600 million rural people living in extreme poverty”. In order to address this issue, the report proposes a mix of policies that can create high value agricultural jobs in rural areas, decentralise non farming economic activities to rural areas, and assist local people diversify into non-agricultural jobs. The report also discusses the issue of managing the scarcity of natural resources such as water and land and its relationship to agriculture and suggests ways of reducing agriculture’s environental footprint. The final section of the report is the pertinent discussion that brings at the fact that the above mentioned challenges can only be met if the required political will is present in the developing countries. The ultimate success will also depend on how well are the national governments able to collaborate with the international community and the local stakeholders.

Governing with public engagement: an anticipatory approach to human genome editing.

In response to calls for public engagement on human genome editing (HGE), which intensified after the 2018 He Jiankui scandal that resulted in the implantation of genetically modified embryos, we detail an anticipatory approach to the governance of HGE. By soliciting multidisciplinary experts' input on the drivers and uncertainties of HGE development, we developed a set of plausible future scenarios to ascertain publics values-specifically, their hopes and concerns regarding the novel technology and its applications. In turn, we gathered a subset of multidisciplinary experts to propose governance recommendations for HGE that incorporate identified publics' values. These recommendations include: (1) continued participatory public engagement; (2) international harmonization and transparency of multiple governance levers such as professional and scientific societies, funders, and regulators; and (3) development of a formal whistleblower framework.

STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES ON THE MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CAMPUS AUTONOMY IN TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY NEPAL: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Purpose: This study investigates stakeholder perspectives on the implementation of campus autonomy at Tribhuvan University. It aims to explore how stakeholders perceive campus autonomy, identify opportunities and challenges associated with it, and examine its benefits and drawbacks. Methodology: The study is based on a qualitative research method utilizing thematic analysis. It focuses on four main themes: structural challenges, institutional sustainability, governance and accountability, and collaboration and coordination. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and thematic analysis was employed to extract valuable insights from stakeholders. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal the complexities involved in autonomy implementation. It highlights the significance of strategic planning, capacity development, addressing disparities, upholding academic freedom, maintaining coordination, and striking a balance between autonomy and accountability to foster innovation and enhance educational outcomes. Conclusion: Implementing campus autonomy in Nepal's higher education system requires careful planning, capacity-building, good governance and accountability, and fostering collaboration and coordination to address challenges and stimulate innovation. Implication: The research provides valuable insights to stakeholders for improved decision-making, academic quality, governance, innovation, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations in developing a high-quality higher education system. Originality/Value: The research's originality lies in aligning its implementation with stakeholders' expectations for quality development in higher education through campus autonomy. Stakeholder insights and opinions offer valuable understanding of campus autonomy, including its benefits, challenges, and potential implications. These insights inform decision-makers and policymakers, aiding their efforts to enhance campus autonomy and improve educational systems.

Green marketing impact on youth purchasing: Bangladesh district-wise study on consumer intentions

Purpose: In this comprehensive project, the primary objectives revolve around crafting an intricate model and delving into the intricate dynamics among key elements: green product (GPR), green price (GPI), green place (GPL), green promotion (GPO), and green perceived value (GPV), and their impact on customer purchase intention (CPI). Research Methodology: This study was descriptive, and a convenience sampling technique was used to collect data. Primary and secondary data were used in this study. The empirical foundation is grounded in data collected from a robust sample of 235 young consumers. Rigorous analysis, employing SPSS version 26's descriptive, reliability, correlation, and multiple regression tools, was performed to extract meaningful insights. Results: The findings reveal a positive correlation between green product (GPR), green price (GPI), green place (GPL), green promotion (GPO), and green perceived value (GPV) and customer purchase intention. Limitations: It is worth noting that the study's demographic concentration in the Cumilla, Dhaka, and Chittagong districts may limit its generalizability to young consumers in Bangladesh. Contribution: This study offers valuable recommendations for businesses, NGOs, governments, and other stakeholders to bolster their competitive positions and contribute to a sustainable environment. Novelty: These insights underscore the need for nuanced strategies tailored to the diverse landscape of consumer behavior in Bangladesh.

COVID-19 and perceived risk: examining mortality salience and political decision-making during a pandemic

Four experiments were administered throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: April/May 2020 (n = 587), September/October 2020 (n = 279), March/April 2021 (n = 590), and September 2021 (n = 353) with a national sample of Americans. Using Terror Management Theory (TMT), these set of studies evaluated whether mortality salience impacted speaker credibility and behavioral intentions to follow government recommendations to stay safe from COVID-19, testing TMT. Results show that repeated reminders of mortality over time may have negated the desire for information from a trusted source. Implications for TMT and long-term awareness of death are discussed.

Assessing Growth, Productivity, Profitability and Yield Gaps of Spring Maize Using Site Specific Nutrient Management Approaches in Kailali

A field experiment was conducted during spring season of 2023 at the sub-tropical climate of Tikapur, Kailali to evaluate the impact of site-specific nutrient management on growth, productivity, profitability and yield gaps of spring maize. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatment combinations and four replications. Maize seeds were sown in four different farms on 27 February, 2023 with different site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) approaches viz. with Nutrient Expert®-Maize recommended dose (T1), three omission plots i.e., Omission of Nitrogen (T2), Omission of Phosphorus (T3), Omission of Potassium (T4), Government Recommended Dose (T5), and Farmer’s Fertilizer Practices (T6). Using the Nutrient Expert® Maize model Computer Software, the SSNM+NE dose was recommended via a household survey in the respective farmer's field before the start-up of the experimentation. Various growth parameters, yield, yield attributing traits, and total cost of production of spring maize were recorded and subjected to analysis using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) in R-studio. The results revealed that the highest grain yield (3.71 t ha-1) was achieved with SSNM+NE, which was statistically at par with the Government Recommendation Dose (3.12 t ha-1). Moreover, SSNM+NE showed significantly higher thousand grains weight (442.75 g) and straw yield (6.81 t ha-1), respectively. Notably, the straw yield, grain yield, and thousand grain weight of SSNM+NE were statistically comparable to those obtained with the government recommendation. Economic analysis showed higher benefit-cost ratio as well as increased net and gross returns in SSNM+NE as compared to the other nutrient management practices. The SSNM+NE and Governmental Recommended Fertilizer based treatments were about 231% and 178% advantageous over the Farmer’s Fertilizer Practices. It could be suggested that SSNM+NE would the best approach for increasing the growth, productivity and profitability of spring maize in the sub-tropical terai of Far Western Nepal.

Opportunities and Countermeasures for the Development of Rural Cross-border E-commerce Under the Context of Digital Inclusive Finance

With the development of digital inclusive finance, rural cross-border e-commerce in China presents unique opportunities within the economic development framework. Using literature review and empirical analysis, this paper explores the opportunities and strategies for rural cross-border e-commerce under the backdrop of digital inclusive finance. It finds that digital inclusive finance can provide broader financial services to rural areas, reduce service costs, and promote the development of rural e-commerce and its related industries. The paper offers strategic recommendations for governments, financial institutions, and rural e-commerce enterprises to foster the healthy growth of rural cross-border e-commerce.

Examining the global influence of e-governance on corruption: a panel data analysis

This study analyzes the impact of e-governance on corruption using a panel dataset comprising 110 countries over the period from 2003 to 2021. The specific focus of the research is on the relationship between the E-government Development Index (EGDI) and its four components, namely the Online Service Index (OSI), Human Capital Index (HCI), Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII), and E-Participation Index (EPI), and their effects on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). To examine these relationships, the empirical analysis employs a fixed effect model, which is a suitable statistical approach for panel data analysis. The findings of the study reveal significant negative associations between the EGDI, OSI, HCI, and TII with corruption levels across countries worldwide. This implies that higher levels of e-government development, online service provision, human capital, and telecommunication infrastructure are associated with lower corruption perceptions. However, the EPI does not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship with the CPI. Based on these results, the paper provides recommendations for governments to prioritize two key areas. Firstly, governments should invest in the development of e-government infrastructure to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration, thereby reducing corruption. Secondly, initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness and understanding of e-governance should be prioritized, as they contribute to increased citizen engagement and participation, which can ultimately lead to improved governance practices and reduced corruption levels.

Women on corporate boards and firm financial performance: Empirical evidence from a multi‐country in Asia

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between board gender diversity in management teams and financial performance of Asian firms in the transportation and logistics industry. To fulfill the research objectives, a total of 444 firm‐year observations operating in various nations of the Asia region from 2017 to 2020 were used in this present study, which was done by adopting the panel data regression approach. Results from a study demonstrate that the presence of female board members in the management structure will have a positive effect on financial performance of Asian firms in the sector of transportation and logistics at a certain level. Finally, our findings contribute to proposing some governance recommendations to enhance the presence and role of women in management positions in a firm's organizational structure in particular, while also promoting firm performance in the transportation and logistics industry in general.

REVIEW OF WATER POLICY AND MANAGEMENT: COMPARING THE USA AND AFRICA

This research paper conducts a comparative analysis of water policies and management in the United States (USA) and Africa, aiming to distill insights, challenges, and recommendations for global water governance. Examining both regions' historical development, institutional frameworks, and critical challenges reveals diverse approaches to water scarcity, infrastructure, and climate change. The USA's well-established institutions and regulatory frameworks contrast Africa's complex governance landscape, highlighting the need for context-specific solutions. Recommendations emphasize strengthening governance, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and climate change resilience. Recognizing the importance of international collaboration, the paper proposes knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives. Ultimately, this research contributes valuable lessons for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities worldwide, fostering a collaborative vision for sustainable water futures.
 Keywords: Water Policies, Water Management, Comparative Analysis, Governance, International Collaboration.

Public participation in human genome editing research governance: what do scientists think?

Within the numerous policy and governance recommendations for human genome editing research, anticipatory public engagement seems universally agreed upon as a vital endeavor. Yet it is unclear whether and how scientists whose research involves genome editing see value in engaging the public in discussions of genome editing research governance. To address this question, we interviewed 81 international scientists who use genome editing in their research. The views of our scientist interviewees about public engagement occupied a broad spectrum from enthusiastic support to strong skepticism. But most scientists' views landed somewhere in the middle, seeing public engagement as merely informing the public about the science of genome editing. We argue that such a stance reflects the traditional "knowledge-deficit model." Beyond addressing the operational difficulties of public engagement, many scientists' adherence to the deficit model is a deeper barrier that needs to be addressed if public engagement is to occur and be successful.

Correlation among components of the Indonesian industry readiness index 4.0 and its implementation on socioeconomic along with the demographic aspects

PurposeThis study aims to analyze how ready a firm is to transform into Industry 4.0 using the Readiness Index (INDI 4.0) assessment. It also investigates the differences (before and after) of the program “Making Indonesia 4.0” in 2018 in socioeconomic and demographic aspects.Design/methodology/approachThe INDI 4.0 assessment involved a self-evaluation by 622 companies across 13 industry sectors, subsequently verified by the Ministry of Industry. This study incorporates discussions with industry experts to enhance the interpretation of the analytical findings.FindingsThis study explores the interrelation among the components of INDI 4.0 across different levels, assessing the readiness of each sector for Industry 4.0. The findings reveal the diverse impact of implementing Industry 4.0 in Indonesia on socioeconomic and demographic aspects. Furthermore, the study proposes several policy recommendations for the Indonesian government’s consideration.Research limitations/implicationsThis study’s scope is confined to the industrial context of Indonesia, as the assessment components are tailored to the specific characteristics and culture of the country’s industry. Subsequent research endeavors can leverage this study as a foundational reference, adapting the components to align with the particular interests of other nations.Practical implicationsBusinesses, especially those in Indonesia, can employ these findings to evaluate their position in the context of Industry 4.0 transformation compared to their industry. Simultaneously, the Indonesian government can use these results as a starting point to evaluate and potentially enhance their policies related to Industry 4.0. We recommend five policy proposals for the Indonesian government: diversifying measurement models, shifting terminology, emphasizing soft skills, promoting continuous learning and implementing Center of Digital Industry Indonesia 4.0 (PIDI 4.0) initiatives.Social implicationsThis study offers a broad impact of Industry 4.0 implementation in socioeconomic and demographic aspects in Indonesia, such as income, job-shifting, age, educational background and gender.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, no prior research has explored the repercussions of industrial implementation on socioeconomic and demographic facets.

Evolutionary Game Analysis of Ecological Governance Strategies in the Yangtze River Delta Region, China

Under integrated ecological and green development in the Yangtze River Delta, the regional ecology is adversely affected by ineffective synergistic governance. Regional environmental governance is a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders and mutual engagement, with each participant pursuing their interests and common goals simultaneously. This study employed stakeholder theory. A tripartite evolutionary game model of the public, enterprises, and local governments was constructed to analyze the behavioral strategies and influencing factors for the parties involved, and the impacts of key factors on the stability of the evolutionary game system were evaluated. The results indicate that ecological environmental governance in the Yangtze River Delta region is a complex and evolving system involving multiple stakeholders, within which system stability is influenced by stakeholders’ behavioral strategies. The interests of each party are affected by the cost of public involvement in ecological environment governance and the benefits and subsidies that enterprises receive for active environmental governance. The costs and penalties paid by local governments for lax regulations impact their behavioral strategies. This study provides policy recommendations for ecological governance in the study region, including the government–enterprise co-construction of liquid regulatory funds, government–enterprise–public partnerships in low-cost regulatory models, and the sharing of high-quality regulatory outcomes.

The quantifying, mapping, and risk analysis of human-related stressors in the high seas.

Objectives: Marine biodiversity and ecosystem services in the high seas are threatened by numerous stress factors caused by human activities, including global shipping, high-sea fishing, marine plastic pollution, and anthropogenic climate change. Socioeconomic factors are one of the criteria for the establishment of area-based management tools in the high seas for marine biodiversity conservation beyond national jurisdiction. The aim of the work is to propose a spatiotemporal approach to identify risks from marine human activities and recommendations for high seas governance. Methods: Data related to human activities from 2014 to 2022 were used to calculate the distribution and changes of human-related stressors, and the risk to marine biodiversity in the high seas caused by human activities. Results: The North Atlantic, Philippine Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and East Central Atlantic show high and increasing intensities of human-related stressors, and are therefore particularly at need for the protection and conservation of marine biodiversity. Risks from human activities vary within the marine areas that are prioritized for biodiversity protection. The study recommends that the designation of high seas protected areas should take into account the types of risks to which the different marine areas are exposed, and that the high seas protected areas should be established gradually. At the same time, appropriate management measures should be formulated according to the intensity of human activities in the different marine areas. Conclusions: Quantifying and classifying the risk from human-related stressors could help identify solution for the protection and conservation and facilitate the marine spatial planning, establishment area based management tools, including marine protected areas in the high seas.

Kapabilitas sumber daya transformasi industri 4.0 dan pengaruhnya terhadap industri mikro kuliner berkelanjutan dan ekonomi sirkular kawasan metropolitan

Industrial Revolution 4.0 (I4.0) is a major trend in various sectors, including IMK, which is very important in Indonesia. I4.0 supports sustainable development and sustainable business while minimizing environmental impact. This study aims to identify key resources for the adoption of Industry 4.0 and its impact on the sustainable business and circular economy of the Jakarta culinary IMK. This study uses mixed methods (mixed methodology) with exploratory analysis (Explanatory Factor Analysis/EFA) and modeling-based hypothesis testing. The initial stage involved a PRISMA-based systematic literature review (SLR) to form a theoretical model. Model testing uses structural equation modeling with partial least squares (SEM PLS). Data was obtained from field questionnaires given to 293 culinary micro- and small-industry (IMK) players in the Jakarta metropolitan area. The research results found that production system management, HR leadership, and green business operations influence the adoption of I4.0 and sustainable culinary production systems. The use of information technology as an important key also supports the adoption of Industry 4.0 and the sustainable production system of Jakarta metropolitan culinary IMK. In the end, both the adoption of Industry 4.0 and sustainable culinary production systems have a significant impact on circular economy capabilities and sustainable business. This study provides recommendations for local governments to facilitate technology adoption, provide financial support, and have adequate IT infrastructure. The government can also start integrating sustainable circularity rules into the requirements for IMK Culinary to enter the consumer goods procurement market on the government's agenda. The IMK Association can promote collaboration and education, as well as advocacy for circular IMK business. Academics can provide training and innovation research related to technology adoption and sustainable practices at culinary IMKs in Jakarta.

Spillover Analysis of Carbon Market, Crude Oil Market, and Coal Market based on BEKK-GARCH

Global warming has become an urgent issue for all mankind, and climate change caused by carbon dioxide emissions is a growing concern. China, as a major global energy consumer, has set "carbon neutrality" as its vision for 2035. This study aims to explore the impact of carbon neutral policy on the volatility of the energy market, and through a comprehensive analysis of the historical data of the carbon market, crude oil market, and power coal market returns, we aim to reveal the volatility spillover effect among markets. In this study, we determine the distribution trend of yield receipts as t-distribution by performing statistical tests, ADF analysis on the yield historical data of the three markets. Under this premise, ARCH model, GARCH model and EGARCH model are further used to carry out the preliminary validation of the yield series of each market, and under the premise of ensuring the existence of volatility benefits in the data of each market, BEKK-GARCH model is used to carry out the analysis of multi-market spillover benefits, and the significance of the results is ensured by the WALD test. Finally, the results of the study are linked to actual policies and market operations to provide relevant recommendations for governments, investors, enterprises and carbon trading platforms. This study provides in-depth market perspectives and policy support for addressing the challenge of climate warming, and provides strong data support and decision-making reference for achieving the goal of carbon neutrality.

The Americans with Disabilities Act and Equal Access to Public Spaces.

Since the passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the United States federal government, states, and localities have passed laws and created policies intended to ensure that people with disabilities had full and equal access to public spaces. Nevertheless, more than three decades after the ADA, people with disabilities continue to face architectural and other barriers to community inclusion and participation. This article describes laws, policies, and initiatives that are implemented in the United States at the federal, state, and local levels to address these barriers, examines their effectiveness, and describes the views of advocates working in furtherance of the rights of people with disabilities and the inclusiveness of public spaces. We conclude by providing brief recommendations for ways federal, state, and local governments may ensure people with disabilities have full and equal access to public spaces.

The Effectiveness of Governmental Assistance Policies for the Tourism Industry in the Context of Pandemic

Based on the far-reaching Consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on the global tourism sector and the urgent need for government assistance policies, this study primarily focuses on the tourism industry in China. Employing methods such as historical data analysis, evaluation of government policies, and future trend forecasting, this paper provides a comprehensive exposition and analysis of the Consequences of the viral outbreak on the tourism industry, necessity and effectiveness of government relief policies, and the future outlook for the tourism sector. Through the utilization of econometric models and multiple indicators, the research findings indicate a significant decline in tourism industry revenue and its contribution to GDP as a direct consequence of the pandemic. Moreover, the positive effects of government relief policies and encouraging signs of recovery in the tourism industry are observed. Based on these findings, this study concludes that the tourism industry is poised for a robust recovery post-pandemic and highlights the practical implications for governments and businesses in terms of facilitating recovery and fostering future growth. However, it is important to acknowledge certain limitations such as data scope, methodological constraints, and regional disparities. Therefore, this research proposes future research directions and potential enhancements to provide more precise and in-depth insights and recommendations for governments, businesses, and the academic community.

The “Gray Zone” Conflicts in China- U.S. Relations: From a Geopolitical Perspective

The “gray zone”, referring to actions below the threshold of war, is also known to as hybrid threats, sharp power, political warfare, malign influence, irregular warfare, and modern deterrence. Recently, there has been a good deal of discussion about China- U.S. “gray zone” conflicts. These conflicts can be best characterized as activity that is coercive and aggressive in nature, but that is deliberately designed to beyond conventional military conflict and open interstate war. Although the United States and China are highly interconnected in many ways, the U.S. government has deployed extensive and diverse gray zone tactics against China, seriously infringing upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States’ position on the South China Sea, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Japan and South Korea are best understood as a gray zone conflicts. These conflicts heavily undermine strategic stability, disrupt policy-making, and cause unintended escalation, causing “gray zone challenges” to both China and the United States. However, these challenges are difficult for the two government to address in today’s complex and competitive international environment. Through a geopolitical perspective, this paper aims to offer a deep understanding of the complex gray zone conflicts within China-U.S. relations and provide feasible recommendations for Chinese government to counter U.S. gray zone aggression.