Government Mandates Research Articles

משפטי התעמולה של אצ"ל בתקופת המרד, 1948-1944

In February 1944, the Irgun issued a ‘proclamation of revolt’ that ushered in a new era in the organization's attitude toward the mandatory government. In its publications, the Irgun called for a revolt against the mandatory laws, but in its directives to members, it was more moderate and measured. The legal defense in the weapons trials was centralized and managed by the legal organization of the Irgun, which functioned in conjunction with the law firms of Seligman, whom they considered trustworthy, and with Levitsky. Unable to engage in active warfare, the imprisoned members of the Irgun decided to turn the trial into a propaganda arena as the focus of an alternative struggle. A recommended line of defense was offered after their personal situation had been checked out and their legal status verified by the lawyers. The same considerations that led the Irgun to craft a political line of defense in many of the weapon’s trials led to a legal line of defense for the vast majority of the propaganda trials. The understanding that the propaganda trials did not attract a high degree of resonance in the media, the extreme youth of the defendants, and the possibility of getting them acquitted or at least of largely reducing their sentences, tipped the scales in favor of the decision to adopt a legal line of defense. The decision to continue delegating authority for the propaganda trials to the legal departments of the district was in keeping with the preference for a legal line of defense that did not require centralized and coordinated management. The Irgun's approach in the legal arena was graduated, complex and measured, ranging from adherence to its intrinsic goals and objectives to a concern for the life and freedom of its fighters.

Shaping the Acre region in Mandatory Palestine 1917–1948: environmental conditions and conflicting colonial interests

This article examines the formative impact of environmental conditions on spatial policies in the Palestine of the British Mandate government. The article focuses on the Bay area extending from Acre to Haifa, whose southern part was a centre of Mandatory and Zionist economic and urban development, while its northern part, the city of Acre and its environs, was a target of limited urban development and attention from the Mandatory authorities. Moving away from common national dichotomies in the study of modern Palestine’s history, this article identifies the environmental conditions and conflicting interests pursued by the various agencies that played key roles in the Mandatory government’s urban and rural development policy considerations.

The Treaty of Berlin 1878: Implications for Muslims Migration in Bosnia-Herzegovina Before World War 1

The intervention of the great powers in the Bosnian-Herzegovina conflict of 1875-1878 led the Turkish government to sign the Treaty of Berlin of 1878. One of the terms of the Treaty of Berlin was to put the administration of Bosnian-Herzegovina under the auspices of the mandate of the Austrian-Hungarian government. From this point onwards, the migration process in Bosnia-Herzegovina is reflected in its population, especially Muslims. This article examines the implications of the Treaty of Berlin on issues that led to the emigration of Muslims from Bosnia-Herzegovina to other regions of the Turkish Empire before the outbreak of World War 1. The analysis of primary data was used on the British records from its embassy in Bosnia- Herzegovina. The study found that religious issue was a crucial factor in the migration process happened in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The migration process intensified after Bosnia-Herzegovina was formally announced to be put under the Austrian-Hungarian administration in 1908.

Multi-criteria analysis of barriers to building information modeling (BIM) adoption for SMEs in New Zealand construction industry

PurposeBuilding information modeling (BIM) is a prominent concept to digitalize data collection and analysis processes. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for a considerable percentage of the works performed in the construction industry. The adoption rate of BIM by SMEs is still, however, not at the desired level in the New Zealand construction industry. This study aims to evaluate barriers to BIM implementation for SMEs in the New Zealand construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted four-step methodology to evaluate barriers to BIM adoption for SMEs. First, a comprehensive literature review, followed by a focus group discussion was performed to identify barriers to BIM adoption. Then, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to assess identified barriers. Finally, experts’ agreements (both internal and external) were ensured by consistency analysis and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (Kendall’s W) tests.FindingsThe findings indicate that (1) interoperability between software platforms, (2) lack of government mandate on BIM usage at project level, (3) high cost of acquiring the software and licensing required to use BIM and (4) lack of client demand for adopting BIM were the most significant barriers in terms of technological, governmental, resource and cultural categories, respectively. Further investigation of the expert evaluation showed strong consistencies (each expert separately) and agreements (among experts) in each AHP matrix.Practical implicationsPrimary focus should be training of local market (particularly SMEs) professionals as the shortage in qualified professionals makes the country-wide adoption challenging. The publicity in the local market can help SMEs understand how BIM is leveraged for further improvements in project performance.Originality/valueOverall, this research not only provides a roadmap for the widespread adoption of BIM within SMEs in New Zealand through analysis of the barriers encountered but also highlights the power that policymakers hold over the mass adoption of BIM within SMEs.

Adventure-based mindsets helped maintain psychological well-being during COVID-19

ObjectivesResearch conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the value of physical activity and nature for psychological well-being in the general population when people’s mobility and activities are restricted due to government mandates. Since restrictions may thwart the psychological benefits reported from participation in adventure recreation (e.g., rock-climbing, white-water kayaking), it is important to understand the psychological well-being of people who previously benefited from adventure opportunities. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experiences and psychological well-being of adventure recreation participants during COVID-19 restrictions. DesignA descriptive phenomenological approach was used. MethodParticipants were fifteen men, four women, and one non-binary person who engaged in a variety of adventure recreation activities that included ski-mountaineering, free-diving, rock-climbing, white-water kayaking, back-country skiing, skydiving, SCUBA diving, BASE jumping, and mountaineering. Participants had an average of 11.7 years of experience in at least one of their preferred adventure recreation activities. Participants were invited to take part in a visual and audio-recorded semi-structured interview on Zoom. Interviews lasted on average 69.3 min. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken inductively. ResultsOverall, participants discussed a range of nuanced impacts that COVID-19 restrictions had on their psychological well-being. Participants discussed how negative affect resulted from restricted opportunities for physical and mental challenges, emotion regulation, connections to nature and people, and excitement. However, participants also benefited from several silver linings, such as reflecting on past adventures, a reduced need to compare themselves socially, and opportunities to spend quality time with others. Participants also explained how ‘adventure-based mindsets’ (e.g., resilience, focusing on controllable elements, humility) were protective strategies they used to limit the ill-being impacts of COVID-19 restrictions. ConclusionsThis study extends the alternative sport and exercise literature by illustrating how participation in adventure has the potential to enhance participants’ resilience and their ability to maintain psychological well-being across diverse and novel contexts (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic).

Impact of local mask mandates upon COVID-19 case rates in Oklahoma.

Use of face coverings has been shown to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Despite encouragements from the CDC and other public health entities, resistance to usage of masks remains, forcing government entities to create mandates to compel use. The state of Oklahoma did not create a state-wide mask mandate, but numerous municipalities within the state did. This study compares case rates in communities with mandates to those without mandates, at the same time and in the same state (thus keeping other mitigation approaches similar). Diagnosed cases of COVID-19 were extracted from the Oklahoma State Department of Health reportable disease database. Daily case rates were established based upon listed city of residence. The daily case rate difference between each locality with a mask mandate were compared to rates for the portions of the state without a mandate. All differences were then set to a d0 point of reference (date of mandate implementation). Piecewise linear regression analysis of the difference in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates between mandated and non-mandated populations before and after adoption of mask mandates was then done. Prior to adopting mask mandates, those municipalities that eventually adopted mandates had higher transmission rates than the rest of the state, with the mean case rate difference per 100,000 people increasing by 0.32 cases per day (slope of difference = 0.32; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.51). For the post-mandate time period, the differences are decreasing (slope of -0.24; 95% CI -0.32 to -0.15). The pre- and post- mandate slopes differed significantly (p<0.001). The change in slope direction (-0.59; 95% CI -0.80 to -0.37) shows a move toward reconvergence in new case diagnoses between the two populations. Compared to rates in communities without mask mandates, transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2 slowed notably in those communities that adopted a mask mandate. This study suggests that government mandates may play a role in reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and other infectious respiratory conditions.

Identification of Forest Fire Vulnerable Forest Types and Suitable Areas for Forest Restoration in Sri Lanka

Forest fire is the main driver on deforestation that severely impact for the forest resources annually. As per the past records of forest fires and according to the Forest Department data, annually about 100 ha to 1,000 ha of forest and forest plantation were destroyed due to forest fire in Sri Lanka. According to the current government mandate called “Vistas of Prosperity of Splendors”, percentage of forest cover of Sri Lanka will be increased from 29.7% to 30% at the end of 2025. In order to achieve this target, forest degradation and deforestation need to reduce while improving the forest restoration activities. On the other hand, still, the Forest Department does not have proper forest fire vulnerable area maps to identify the threaten forest resources for forest fires. In order to achieve the forest cover enhancement target in Sri Lanka the Forest Department need to be identify the forest fire impacted forest types and proper land areas for forest restoration activities. In this study shape file like forest cover, population density, forest fire ignition points, temperature and rainfall data from 2000 to 2020, slope and elevation data were used to analysis. Using several GIS tools such as special joints, intersect tools forest fire vulnerable forest type maps was created by using ArcGIS Pro software. Multi-criterial analysis technique was used to perform to identification of site suitability for replanting activities. Findings clearly indicated that dry monsoon forests are having high vulnerability for the forest fires followed by the forest plantation. The forested areas that are having canopy cover equal of less than 15% are the area which are more suitable for forest cover enhancement programs. These forest types are open and sparse forest lands, scrublands, and savanna lands. On the other hand, dry monsoon forested areas are also having some potential for replanting activities that cover 2/3 of the total forest lands. High elevation forested lands are normally not suitable for forest restoration being having high operation and maintenance costs as well as high canopy cover. Scrubland, open and sparse forested areas that are located in Rathnapura and Kaluthara districts are the best forested areas that can be highly recommended for forest restoration activities. On the other hand, open and sparse forest, savanah, and scrubland forested land areas in Monagarala, Hambanthota, Ampara, and Batticaloa districts can be used for the forest restoration activities.&#x0D; Keywords: Forest fire, Multi-criterial factors, Weighted overlay, Forest restoration, Dry monsoon forest

Needs in an era of COVID-19: a preliminary investigation of self-reported needs of families who experienced rapid return as a result of government mandates

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has led some governments to mandate the rapid return of children in residential care to families. Constrained timelines and limited support lead to wellbeing risks for children and families in this situation. The goal of the present study was to better stand the needs of the families, as perceived by the children and families themselves. This can inform targeted service provision. Participants were 131 families who had experienced government-mandated rapid return in five nations. Using a qualitative design, results examined child and family perception of needs. Data revealed that children and families experiencing rapid return experienced several immediate needs. Four themes emerged: 1) basic needs, 2) security needs, 3) relational needs, and 4) educational needs. Based on the findings, four recommendations were made for service providers working with vulnerable children and families experiencing government-mandated rapid return.

Shared decision-making in Canada: Update on integration of evidence in health decisions and patient-centred care government mandates

In Canada, government mandates for patient-centred care (PCC) vary across the 10 provinces and three territories. Although basic medical and hospital services are provided for all, health care options for patients also depend on having private insurance. Thus, the current design of the Canadian healthcare system has several implications for PCC and shared decision-making (SDM). Since 2007, this is our fourth update on SDM in Canada. The aim of this paper is to provide an update on the current state of SDM and patient and public involvement in Canada. Overall, we still observed the difficulty of implementing any sort of national strategy partly because of the decentralized nature of the healthcare system. Second, national professional education programs are complicated by licensure and scope of practice variations across jurisdictions. Third, there are variations in the availability of different options covered by universal healthcare.Canada has experienced some favorable development as PCC is now explicitly articulated in the policies of most provinces and territories and there are increased efforts to give patients more access to their electronic health records. However, patient and public engagement (PPE) reform in health programs and governance remains an exception, and continuing centralization of governance structures may reduce their responsiveness to patient priorities.In a 2018 survey, 47.2% of respondents reported that they were not told by their health professional that they had a choice about treatment. Nonetheless, decision aids and decision coaching are increasingly available for health-related decisions and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute’s decision aid inventory has ensured continued leadership in this area. Diverse jurisdictions are starting to embed decision aids into care pathways, with some decision aids being included in clinical practice guidelines. The COVID-19 pandemic may have had a negative impact on SDM by removing decision choices due to emergency public health mandates, but stimulated new research and decision aids. Canada continues to assign health research funding to SDM and PCC, and a program dedicated to patient-oriented research is central to this effort. Guides and frameworks are increasingly available for planning and evaluating PPE. Finally, various initiatives are attempting to involve and empower Indigenous peoples through PPE and SDM.

Effects of trust, risk perception, and health behavior on COVID-19 disease burden: Evidence from a multi-state US survey.

Early public health strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the United States relied on non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) as vaccines and therapeutic treatments were not yet available. Implementation of NPIs, primarily social distancing and mask wearing, varied widely between communities within the US due to variable government mandates, as well as differences in attitudes and opinions. To understand the interplay of trust, risk perception, behavioral intention, and disease burden, we developed a survey instrument to study attitudes concerning COVID-19 and pandemic behavioral change in three states: Idaho, Texas, and Vermont. We designed our survey (n = 1034) to detect whether these relationships were significantly different in rural populations. The best fitting structural equation models show that trust indirectly affects protective pandemic behaviors via health and economic risk perception. We explore two different variations of this social cognitive model: the first assumes behavioral intention affects future disease burden while the second assumes that observed disease burden affects behavioral intention. In our models we include several exogenous variables to control for demographic and geographic effects. Notably, political ideology is the only exogenous variable which significantly affects all aspects of the social cognitive model (trust, risk perception, and behavioral intention). While there is a direct negative effect associated with rurality on disease burden, likely due to the protective effect of low population density in the early pandemic waves, we found a marginally significant, positive, indirect effect of rurality on disease burden via decreased trust (p = 0.095). This trust deficit creates additional vulnerabilities to COVID-19 in rural communities which also have reduced healthcare capacity. Increasing trust by methods such as in-group messaging could potentially remove some of the disparities inferred by our models and increase NPI effectiveness.

Variations in Definitions of Evidence-Based Interventions for Behavioral Health in Eight Selected U.S. States.

U.S. state legislatures fill a vital role in supporting the use of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) through statutes and regulations (mandates). The study determined the terms used by selected states to describe EBIs and how those terms are defined in mandates. The mandates of eight purposely selected states were accessed and coded using the Westlaw Legal Research Database. Considerable variation was found in the terms used by states to describe EBIs. Although "evidence-based" was the most frequently utilized term (60% of mandates), an additional 29 alternative terms appeared with varying frequencies. Most terms were simply mentioned, with no further definition or elaboration. When terms were further defined or elaborated, the majority were defined using numerous and different types of external sources or references. Three approaches were found in the mandates defining EBIs: "single definition," "hierarchies of evidence levels," and "best available evidence"; the states differed considerably in the approaches used in their mandates. The variations in EBI-related terminology across states and within states, coupled with a lack of elaboration on the meaning of important terms and the predominant use of external rather than internal guidelines, may be a source of confusion for behavioral health provider agencies that seek direction about what constitutes an EBI. Prior studies indicate that many agencies may lack staff with the technical ability to adequately evaluate what constitutes an EBI. Thus, lack of clear guidance from official state government mandates may impede the implementation of EBIs within states.

Boundary making in the formative years of Tel Aviv Township, 1920–1923

AbstractBoundaries are defined and maintained to establish and preserve cultural, societal and political integrity. Boundaries change as territorial structures and their related meanings change over time, reflecting the transformation of economic, political, administrative and cultural practices and discourses, and inherent relations of power. The Israeli metropolis of Tel Aviv is no different in this context. The end of World War I and establishment of a British Mandate regime in Palestine resulted in the transformation of political, economic, social and cultural structures. The British Mandate afforded the rise of and development of Tel Aviv from Jaffa's Jewish garden suburb into a separate urban entity. Different internal and external factors affected the delineation of the urban bounds of Tel Aviv following its declaration by the British Mandate government as an autonomous township.

Variation in communication and family visiting policies in intensive care within and between countries during the Covid-19 pandemic: The COVISIT international survey.

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, intensive care units (ICU) introduced restrictions to in-person family visiting to safeguard patients, healthcare personnel, and visitors.MethodsWe conducted a web-based survey (March–July 2021) investigating ICU visiting practices before the pandemic, at peak COVID-19 ICU admissions, and at the time of survey response. We sought data on visiting policies and communication modes including use of virtual visiting (videoconferencing).ResultsWe obtained 667 valid responses representing ICUs in all continents. Before the pandemic, 20% (106/525) had unrestricted visiting hours; 6% (30/525) did not allow in-person visiting. At peak, 84% (558/667) did not allow in-person visiting for patients with COVID-19; 66% for patients without COVID-19. This proportion had decreased to 55% (369/667) at time of survey reporting. A government mandate to restrict hospital visiting was reported by 53% (354/646). Most ICUs (55%, 353/615) used regular telephone updates; 50% (306/667) used telephone for formal meetings and discussions regarding prognosis or end-of-life. Virtual visiting was available in 63% (418/667) at time of survey.ConclusionsHighly restrictive visiting policies were introduced at the initial pandemic peaks, were subsequently liberalized, but without returning to pre-pandemic practices. Telephone became the primary communication mode in most ICUs, supplemented with virtual visits.

Psychological, social and technical factors influencing electronic medical records systems adoption by United States physicians: a systematic model

BackgroundWide adoption of electronic medical records (EMR) systems in the United States can lead to better-quality medical care at lower cost. Despite the laws and financial subsidies by the United States government for service providers and suppliers, interoperability still lags. An understanding of the drivers of EMR adoption for physicians and the role of policy-making can translate into increased adoption and enhanced information sharing between medical care providers.MethodsPhysicians across the United States were surveyed to gather primary data on their psychological, social and technical perceptions towards EMR systems. This quantitative study builds on the theory of planned behaviour, the technology acceptance model and the diffusion of innovation theory to propose, test and validate an innovation adoption model for the healthcare industry. A total of 382 responses were collected, and data were analysed via linear regression to uncover the effects of 12 variables on the intention to adopt EMR systems.ResultsRegression model testing uncovered that government policy-making or mandates and other social factors have little or negligible effect on physicians’ intention to adopt an innovation. Rather, physicians are directly driven by their attitudes and ability to control, and indirectly motivated by their knowledge of the innovation, the financial ability to acquire the system, the holistic benefits to their industry and the relative advancement of the system compared to others.ConclusionsIdentifying physicians’ needs regarding EMR systems and providing programmes that meet them can increase the potential for reaching the goal of nationwide interoperable medical records. Government, healthcare associations and EMR system vendors can benefit from our findings by working towards increasing physicians’ knowledge of the proposed innovation, socializing how medical care providers and the overall industry can benefit from EMR system adoption, and solving for the financial burden of system implementation and sustainment.

THE EFFECT OF MANDATORY EXPENDITURES ON BASIC SERVICES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON GROSS PER CAPITA REGIONAL DOMESTIC PRODUCTS IN EAST JAVA PROVINCE

In Law Number 23 of 2014, government affairs are divided into three categories that are absolute, concurrent, and general government affairs. Decentralization of mandatory government affairs was expected to fulfill the state and local government goals, one of which is increasing welfare measured by income per capita. Government expenditure in mandatory government affairs was utilized to accomplish this. This study examined the effect of education, health, and social security expenditures on the gross regional domestic product (GRDP) per capita. The research sample was regency and city governments in East Java Province from 2014 to 2016. The research method was quantitative research methods. The results showed that education and social security expenditures negatively impacted GRDP per capita, while health expenditure positively impacted GRDP per capita. Local governments should reform the spending policies to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the budget used. The central government, authorities, and the public should also adequately monitor the local government.

Disseminating good practices for patient safety: the experience of the Italian National Observatory

&#x0D; Background: The objective of this paper is to discuss how national, collaborative programs based on the dissemination of good practices could effectively improve patient safety and be sustainable. The paper also aims at identifying some cross-system characteristics that would allow for a “safe practice program” to run successfully.&#x0D; Methods: The quality and safety of the healthcare services provided by the Italian healthcare system to its citizens are very heterogeneous. Therefore, a public agency – by government mandate – instituted a national program to improve patient safety. The model applied relies on a cyclic scheme for collecting, classifying and promoting the active dissemination of evidence-based safe practices throughout the network of healthcare providers.&#x0D; Results: The Italian program has been reviewed by the OECD as a key action to improve patient safety as the results are very encouraging in terms of both effectiveness and sustainability.&#x0D; Conclusion: In this paper we use the experience of the Italian Observatory on Good Practices for Patient Safety to corroborate and enrich the literature about improvement programs based on good practices. If specific conditions of responsiveness and accountability are met at all levels, these programs can be successful and sustainable. Furthermore, such programs could be easily adapted to other health care systems.&#x0D;

The incidence and prevalence of early-onset scoliosis: a regional multicenter epidemiological study

BACKGROUND CONTEXTDespite the many advances in understanding and treating early-onset scoliosis, the incidence and prevalence of this disease in the population remains unknown. Such knowledge is important for guiding clinical practice, directing research and raising awareness. PURPOSETo identify the incidence and prevalence of early-onset scoliosis, including all categories, within the population. STUDY DESIGNA regional multicenter retrospective cohort study PATIENT SAMPLEAll patients diagnosed with early-onset scoliosis in the region, who were followed-up between January 2000 and December 2020. OUTCOME MEASURESFrequency distributions for early-onset scoliosis subtypes, demographics, curve patterns and progression statuses. METHODSRelevant population data, for children under 10 years old, was extracted from the official government census for the years 2000 to 2020. Identification of cases was carried out by pediatricians at mandatory government funded regular child wellness check-up visits. Outpatient records were reviewed for all included patients, with extraction of the following: Medical identifier, date of birth, date of initial visit, sex, primary diagnosis, length of follow-up, curve pattern, initial cobb angle, and final cobb angle. Incidence and prevalence values were calculated using population figures and case numbers. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Log-rank testing was performed on curve progression data. RESULTSThe regional population of children, under the age of 10 years, included a total of 2,295,929 children, 1,170,149 (51.0%) males and 1,125,780 (49.0%) females, between the years 2000 and 2020. Early-onset scoliosis cases followed within the same timeframe, totaled 469 patients, 227 (48.4%) males and 242 (51.6%) females. The annual incidence of early-onset scoliosis was found to be 0.019% (95% CI: 0.015%–0.023%), and the prevalence was 0.077% (95% CI: 0.059%–0.096%). The most common age at first presentation was 6 years old. More females (51.6%) than males (48.4%) were observed, and more left-sided curves (54.2%) than right-sided curves (45.8%) were encountered, with the majority being single thoracic curves (38.2%). Scoliosis curves did not progress in 44.3% of cases, while they progressed in 38% of them. Follow-up was inadequate to determine progression status in 17.7% of cases. Neuromuscular etiologies were the most common, at 40.1%, of which 83.5% had cerebral palsy. CONCLUSIONSBased on the regional population included in this study, the annual incidence of early-onset scoliosis in children under 10 years old was calculated to be 0.019%, while the prevalence of early-onset scoliosis in children under 10 years old was found to be 0.077%.

Scope of Nursing Practice as Perceived by Nurses Working in Saudi Arabia.

The absence of scope of practice guidelines may lead to role ambiguity and legal consequences in nursing practice. This study measures the scope of practice of nurses in Saudi Arabia. The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design using an electronic version of the Arabic Actual Scope of Nursing Practice (A-ASCOP) questionnaire among 928 nurses. Descriptive analysis was followed by a t-test and an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significance was assured through the Bonferroni test; the effect size was measured through partial η2 when appropriate. The A-ASCOP mean score of each dimension ranged from 4.29 to 4.72 (overall mean = 4.59). Significant overall ASCOP score variations were evident, with higher ASCOP among expatriate nurses, females, Hospital Operation Program (HOP) nurses, and nurses with postgraduate qualifications. Partial η2 showed a small effect of <0.016. Low-complexity nursing tasks showed insignificant differences no matter the nurse’s position, but were less practiced by Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and advanced-degree nurses than by those with a diploma education. High complexity of ASCOP was practiced significantly more often by postgraduate-prepared nurses than by diploma-educated nurses. The study showed that there is a range of variation in nursing practice, but that the lack of internal regulations (nursing scope of practice) has no effect on nursing duties. In a country such as Saudi Arabia, where massive national improvement initiatives are frequent, clearly defining the scope of practice for nurses is essential and needs to be done through government mandates. Further studies are essential to define what the scope of practice should include.

Decentralization of South Eastern Nigeria’s Local Governments and Achievement of Mandates Enshrined in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution

In recent times, there has been sustained interest in how local governments in Nigeria can satisfactorily provide the critical needs of the people within their jurisdiction as stipulated in the 1999 constitution. Decentralization is enshrined in the constitution as a means of realizing these needs yet local governments have not been able to satisfactorily achieve them. This study examines the extent local governments apply the three components of decentralization; namely, political, bureaucratic, and fiscal. Relying on cross-sectional survey, the researchers obtained data, using adapted decentralization tool kit from World Bank Group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test. We found that the three components of decentralization are not completely applied toward achieving local government mandates.

PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT THE USAGE OF MEDICINAL HERBS FOUND IN THE KITCHEN AND THEIR POTENTIAL AGAINST COVID-19 DISEASE

For the past two years, the globe has been in deep despair as a result of the fast spread of the new Coronavirus, SARS CoV-2, and several of its variations such as Delta, Omicron, and others. This pandemic has caused widespread rumours and misconceptions, wreaking havoc on the worldwide health-care system. Due to the periodic outbreaks of this infectious disease, along with the administration of effective antiviral vaccines and adherence to mandatory government protocols, every human being's recourse has been to strengthen their immunity to resist this infectious disease using kitchen ingredients like herbs and spices with medicinal properties and other home remedies. The results showed that there was a significant rise in the usage of kitchen pharmacy and the application of traditional knowledge, compared to the pre-pandemic times, owing to its immunity boosting properties. Along with increase in usage of kitchen pharmacy, there was also a surge observed in usage of ayurveda, other home remedies and yoga, in comparison with allopathy. The statistical analysis showed that 40.9% of the respondents showed marked recovery after the continual usage of home remedies.