Government Policy Research Articles

Linking Policies and Regulations to Sustainable finance for the promotion of urban agriculture: Evidence from Micro and Small Businesses

Urban agriculture is closely tied to several of the Sustainable Development Goals. It can play a critical role in helping to achieve these goals by promoting sustainable food production and consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating more sustainable cities. It is also considered a pathway for overcoming food security in urban areas. However, this needs to be integrated with policies and regulations supported by sustainable finance. Due to COVID-19, conflict, and lack of infrastructure in Ethiopia, several challenges must be addressed to promote urban agriculture to aid food security. Hence, this study is conducted to examine how government policies and regulations promote urban agriculture through sustainable finance in Ethiopia. The study employed both an explanatory research design and a mixed research approach. Multi-stage sampling techniques that include (Simple random sampling techniques and judgmental sampling were used. The data was collected from selected micro and small enterprises engaged in urban agriculture. The structural and measurement model is estimated with the help of smart-pls software version 4. The study's finding implies that government policies and regulations have an insignificant effect on urban agriculture. At the same time, the study finding implies that sustainable finance has an important mediating role between urban agriculture and government policies. Hence, the impact of government policies and regulations on urban agriculture is found to have an indirect effect. Based on the study's findings, the study recommends that all stakeholders promote innovation and entrepreneurship that promote urban agriculture through sustainable finance.

The Politics of the Gender Gap in COVID-19: Partisanship, Health Behavior, and Policy Preferences in the United States.

Several studies demonstrate gender and partisan differences among Americans in COVID-19 socioeconomic consequences, attitudes, and behaviors. The authors of this study use six waves of panel survey data to explore the intersection of gender and party across COVID-19 mitigation behaviors, concerns, and policy preferences. The authors observe small gender gaps on several measures; however, partisan differences are larger than gender differences when considering the interaction between gender and partisanship. Democratic women are more similar to Democratic men on these measures than to Republican women. On virtually all measures, Republican women report lower levels of mitigation behaviors, worries, and support for expansive government policies compared to Democratic women and men. Analyzing the interaction of gender and partisanship illuminates how individuals navigated the pandemic with respect to identity factors that often pull in different directions. These findings suggest that one's partisan identity is more consequential than gender when it comes to COVID behaviors, concerns, and policy preferences.

John Campbell’s Authorship of Reflections on the Rise and Progress of the British Constitution (London, 1761)

The unattributed pamphlet entitled Reflections on the Rise and Progress of the British Constitution (London, 1761) is the work of the mid-eighteenth-century historian, John Campbell (1708–75). In early 1761, Campbell wrote a series of articles in the London Evening Post, which he then expanded into a pamphlet, Reflections. The pamphlet paralleled the focus of Campbell’s previous works, which promoted government policy that addressed economic inequality between England and Scotland by emphasizing British interest. In his previous works and in Reflections, British interest was supported by drawing on Campbell’s ‘Old Whig,’ ‘Country’ principles, which encouraged independence, fiscal management, and a balanced constitution. This emphasis on British interest not only demonstrated his support for George III’s new reign but also defended the policies of the king’s favourite, John Stuart, 3rd earl of Bute, whose administration, the pamphlet implied, would secure a peace that would extend the benefits of commerce to all in Great Britain.

The Effect of Local Original Income (PAD), Transfer Funds (Balanced Funds), and Regional Economic Growth on the Regional Poverty Rate of West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB)

One of the primary goals of any municipality is human development when it comes to regional development. Reducing poverty and improving community welfare and human resources are the primary goals. The poverty rate in NTB Province has dropped dramatically, and the income and economic growth in the area have increased, thanks to the many regional development initiatives that the province has launched. Finding out how local original income, balancing funds, and economic development influence the poverty rate in NTB province is the main objective of this research. Using a battery of tests and regression analysis, we compile a dataset consisting of panel data from ten NTB Province regencies and cities covering the years 2012–2022. The results obtained from this study show that local original funding (PAD) has a significant impact on reducing poverty rates and balancing funds that significantly reduce poverty rates in the NTB province. However, economic growth impacts increasing the poverty rate in NTB province, although not significantly. This may happen because Indonesia's economic growth fluctuates, thus affecting the increase in poverty. Fluctuations occur due to factors such as national economic conditions, supply-demand, government policies, etc. This can affect the economic growth of NTB, and it also impacts the increasing poverty rate in NTB. In addition, the increasing population is one of the factors that contribute to economic fluctuations and the increase of poor people in NTB.

A Comparative Study on the International Competitiveness of Digital Trade between China and Malaysia: A Diamond Model Approach

This study examines the international competitiveness of digital trade between China and Malaysia using Michael Porter's Diamond Model. The Diamond Model, which focuses on four key determinants—factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and firm strategy, structure, and rivalry—serves as the analytical framework for this comparative analysis. In assessing factor conditions, the study evaluates the digital infrastructure, human capital, and technological innovation capabilities in both countries. Demand conditions are analyzed through consumer behaviors, market size, and the growth rate of the digital economy. The presence and strength of related and supporting industries, such as e-commerce platforms, fintech, and ICT services, are considered to understand their role in enhancing digital trade competitiveness. The study also examines firm strategies, government policies, and the competitive environment that shape the digital trade landscape in China and Malaysia. Findings suggest that China demonstrates a higher level of competitiveness in digital trade, driven by its advanced digital infrastructure, robust innovation ecosystem, and large, tech-savvy consumer base. Malaysia, while showing significant progress, particularly in regulatory frameworks and digital adoption, faces challenges related to scale and innovation intensity. The study highlights the need for Malaysia to invest in digital skills development and innovation to enhance its competitiveness. The comparative insights derived from this study aim to inform policymakers and business leaders on strategic initiatives to bolster digital trade capabilities and foster sustainable economic growth in the digital era.

Assessing the Key Factors Influencing Renewable Energy Generation in Mozambique: A Structural Equation Modelling Analysis

Structural equation modelling analysis was performed to identify various variables that influence the growth of Renewable Energy Production (REG) in Mozambique. The study revealed that the government's policies regarding renewable energy generation in Mozambique are of moderate quality. However, by implementing skillfully crafted policies and plans, there is a possibility for additional progress and growth. The progress of renewable energy initiatives in Mozambique is significantly influenced by the investment climate for such projects. Although the government has established a favourable environment for investors, it primarily caters to foreign investors rather than local and private investors. Environmental considerations significantly influence the growth of renewable energy generation (REG) in Mozambique. This study highlighted the need to consider environmental issues throughout the planning and execution of REG projects. The lack of technical and managerial proficiency in a particular area can be resolved by importing foreign specialists, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Concurrent with the global goal of shifting to clean energy-producing technologies, this study attempts to identify and assess the variables that influence the growth and development of renewable energy businesses in Mozambique. Setting priorities for energy efficiency can uncover several economic prospects, fostering the growth of a market for innovative solutions and facilitating the construction of specialized firms in this field. Consequently, this will entice investment from both domestic business owners and investors from other countries.

Blackmailing and Identity Profiling? The Behaviour of Populist Radical Right Governments in EU Development Policy

EU development policy has in recent years become more contested and politicised. One key factor driving this trend is the increasing influence of populist radical right parties (PRRPs). Previous studies have focused on PRRPs as opposition parties. This contribution breaks new ground by exploring the behaviour of PRRP-led governments in EU development policy. More specifically, the article analyses how and to what extent this behaviour is characterised by “unpolitics,” an approach to undermining EU policymaking. We define “cross-policy blackmailing” and “identity profiling” as two potential strategies of unpolitics in EU development policy and probe these in two case studies. The first case concerns the New European Consensus on Development and the second is the EU’s positioning in the negotiations and signing of the Samoa Agreement. In the first case, we find that PRRP-led governments fundamentally rejected the decision-making rules as well as the norms on migration, gender, and sexual and reproductive health rights, using a strategy of identity profiling. In the second case, PRRP-led governments significantly stalled the conclusion of the agreement by combining cross-policy blackmailing and identity profiling. Based on this analysis, we generalise on the scope conditions of unpolitics in EU development policy.

Effects of governmental supportive policies on waste management for two substitutable products made of virgin and waste materials: A game-theoretic approach.

In recent years, the concept of sustainability has attracted a great amount of attention, due to increasing energy resources scarceness. Waste recycling is known as an efficient approach to improve sustainability and save energy. In this view, a sustainable supply chain is established in the current study to investigate the effects of waste recycling on sustainable development. The considered supply chain consists of the government, two manufacturers, a supplier, a waste depot, and a recycler. Under this structure, two substitutable products are made of the virgin and recyclable waste materials. The supplier provides the virgin materials for the first product. The waste depot collects the non-recycled waste, whereas the recycler recycles it and supplies the recycled waste for the second product. Also, the government supports the second product to provide an incentive for its members to collect and recycle more waste. Then, the game theory is applied to make decisions under the considered structure. Finally, the results are revealed and some managerial insights are provided. It is derived that the governmental supportive policies play a significant role in resources conservation and energy storage. Moreover, increasing the quality of the product made of the recyclable waste improves the government's utility.

Study on influencing factors of college students entering new professional farmers from the perspective of rural revitalization

The cultivation of new professional farmers is conducive to the development of agricultural production and the promotion of rural revitalization. The key to realize rural revitalization lies in the cultivation of talents. College students have information quality and strong learning ability. Guiding college students to work as new professional farmers is of great significance to ease the employment pressure of college students and activate the vitality of rural areas. However, in the process of guiding college students into the new professional farmers, there are many difficulties, such as low vocational attraction, lack of integration of production and education, imperfect cultivation system, and incomplete college employment guidance courses. In order to improve the problems encountered by college students entering the new professional farmers, help can be given in media publicity, government policies, improvement of training methods, and strengthening employment guidance in colleges and universities.

Infrastructure Development in Ethiopia and Its Impact on Economic Diplomacy With China

Economic Diplomacy between Ethiopia and China: A Focus on Infrastructure Development" explores the intricate dynamics of the economic partnership between Ethiopia and China, specifically emphasizing infrastructure development. This comprehensive analysis examines the alignment of Chinese government policies with Ethiopia's development goals, evaluates key infrastructure agreements and projects supported by China, and assesses the impact of Chinese government involvement on bilateral relations and economic diplomacy.Evidence of strategic alignment between Chinese government policies and Ethiopia's development objectives is observed across sectors such as infrastructure, industrialization, and poverty alleviation. Notable projects like the Eastern Industry Zone, Hawassa Industrial Park, and the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway illustrate coordinated efforts to advance Ethiopia's industrialization agenda and bolster connectivity and regional trade.Moreover, the article delves into broader implications of the partnership, extending beyond individual projects to encompass comprehensive collaboration in transportation, energy, and industrial zones. It underscores China's significant influence and expertise in these sectors, facilitating Ethiopia's emergence as a regional trade hub and alignment with its geopolitical and economic aspirations.Methodologically, the research employs a qualitative approach involving purposive sampling and thematic analysis of primary and secondary data sources. Primary data sources include interviews and discussions with key stakeholders, while secondary sources encompass policy documents, agreements, and scholarly literature. Thematic analysis is utilized to identify recurring themes and patterns, providing insights into the motivations and implications of Chinese involvement in Ethiopian infrastructure development.In conclusion, the study highlights the transformative potential of infrastructure development in enhancing diplomatic relations and projecting economic influence. China's contributions exemplify the evolving landscape of international economic diplomacy, shaping collaborative narratives in the 21st century. The rigorous qualitative methodology employed strengthens the credibility and reliability of the findings, offering deeper insights into the nuances of economic diplomacy between Ethiopia and China.

Quality assessment of paediatric randomized controlled trials published in China from 1999 to 2022: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) are usually the basis of evidence-based medicine, but whether the results of RCTs can be correctly translated into clinical practice depends on the quality of the literature reported. In this study, we evaluated the general characteristics and quality of paediatric RCTs published in China to provide evidence for the reporting of paediatric RCTs and their application in clinical practice.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional observational study of paediatric RCTs published in paediatric journals in China between January 1, 1999, and December 30, 2022. All RCTs that included children (younger than 18 years old) were retrieved, and the general characteristics of the RCTs were extracted and analysed. The quality of the RCTs was assessed by the Cochrane quality assessment protocol.ResultsAfter screening 20 available paediatric journals, 3545 RCTs were included for analysis. The average annual growth rate of the number of published paediatric RCTs from 1999 to 2022 was 7.8% (P = 0.005, R2 = 0.311). Most of the studies were carried out in East China [1148 (32.4%]; the centres of the RCTs were mainly single-centre [3453 (97.4%], and the interventions were mainly medication [2442 (68.9%)]. Comparing RCTs published in 2017–2022 with RCTs published in 1999–2004, the quality of RCTs significantly improved in terms of random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding participants and personnel, incomplete outcome data and selective outcome reporting. RCTs published in multiple centres from the Chinese Science Citation Database were identified, and the approval of the ethics committee was of better quality for all the analysed risk of bias items.ConclusionThe number and quality of paediatric RCTs reported in China have improved in recent years, but the overall quality was relatively low. Special attention should be given to allocation concealment and blinding outcome assessment, and dropouts, adverse effects and sample size calculations should be reported. Promoting government policies, strengthening the standardization of journal publishing and advancing the registration of clinical trials are feasible measures.

Resilience and sustainability: Engineering solutions in disaster‐affected real estate markets

AbstractNatural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and so on, have a profound influence on real estate. It often results in fluctuations in property values, demand dynamics, and development patterns within affected regions. Reconstruction efforts following natural disasters are critical for restoring property values in affected areas. This study aims to analyze the complex relationship between natural disasters and their effects on real estate trends and examines the role of engineering practices in post‐disaster reconstructions. The data for this investigation was gathered from 411 participants including disaster management experts, real estate professionals, and engineers, and SPSS was exploited to analyze it. The findings identified that natural disasters strongly affect the trends in the real estate market and lead to modifications in the values, demand, and development patterns of properties. The analysis reveals that the use of engineering practices in reconstruction efforts leads to improved structural resilience and long‐term sustainability in disaster‐affected real estate. The novelty of this study lies in the exploration of how natural disasters impact real estate trends and the innovative engineering practices employed in post‐disaster reconstructions, providing insight into crucial strategies for disaster‐resilient real estate development. The result identified that the use of engineering practices in reconstruction positively affects property demand as buyers seek resilient and safe real estate options. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that stringent government policies promote disaster‐resilient real estate development and reconstruction.

Unraveling Forest Practice Policies in China: Subnational Comparisons through Policy Prescriptiveness Framework

Forest policy classification is critical to conducting comparisons and understanding performance variations across cases. Chinese-style forest policy has been in a black box to many outsiders, who tend to assume a decentralization policy model due to a great diversity of forest and socio-economic conditions in China. To test this hypothesis, we used the policy prescriptiveness framework to classify on-the-ground forest practice policies in central government and eight provinces, covering extensive territorial variations. We found that the eight subnational cases that implemented local policies appeared to be consistent with central policies, but there were also subtle differences within them. Our findings show that China utilized centralized and top-down policy models.

Hospital and out-of-hospital services provided by public geriatric medicine departments in Australia and New Zealand.

To describe the types of hospital and out-of-hospital services provided by public geriatric medicine departments in Australia and New Zealand, and to explore head of department (HOD) views on issues in current and future service provision. An electronic survey was sent to HODs of public geriatric medicine departments. Seventy-six (89%) of 85 identified HODs completed the survey. Seventy-one (93%) departments admit inpatients and 51 (67%) admit acute inpatients, with variable admission criteria. Sixty-four (84%) have hospitals with an inpatient general medicine service, and 58 (91%) of these admit older patients with acute geriatric issues. Sixty (79%) departments provide inpatient rehabilitation. Forty (53%) have beds for behavioural symptoms of dementia and/or delirium. Seventy (92%) provide a proactive orthogeriatric service. In terms of out-of-hospital services, 74 (97%) departments have outpatient clinics, 59 (78%) have telehealth and 68 (89%) perform home visits. Forty-five (59%) provide an inreach/outreach service to nursing homes. The most frequent gaps in service provision identified by HODs were acute geriatrics, surgical liaison, a designated dementia/delirium behavioural management unit, geriatricians in Emergency, outreach/inreach to residential care and shared care with some medical specialities. Increasing staff numbers and government policy change were the most frequently identified ways to address these gaps. Geriatric medicine service provision is variable across Australia and New Zealand, with key gaps identified. These findings will inform future directions in implementation of geriatric medicine models of care and discussions with various levels of government about the ongoing development of geriatric medicine services.

Economic Institution, Religion, and Economic Development: Confucianism and Economy in Vietnam after The Implementation of the Doi Moi Policy

Among the three borderline Mainland Southeast Asian countries, located in the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam has the best economic performance, compared to Laos and Cambodia. The GDP per capita of Vietnam reached US$4,163 in 2022, which was two times higher than Laos and Cambodia. While economic reform policies, political and economic institutions, and colonial history, are similar in all three countries, why does Vietnam have better economic development? Researchers pointed out the economic factors, specifically the positive effects of economic reforms on economic performance. Nonetheless, it is not convincing, while the economic reform in all three countries emphasized property rights, and encouraged decentralization, privatization, and marketization. This study suggested the religious factor of Confucianism in Vietnam that reinforce the effects of economic institutions on economic development, which leads to greater economic performance. The Confucian characteristics of emphasis on saving, education, and following the government's instruction and policies, support the government’s economic reform, which is conducive to economic development.

A comprehensive review on anaerobic digestion with focus on potential feedstocks, limitations associated and recent advances for biogas production.

With the escalating energy demand to accommodate the growing population and its needs along with the responsibility to mitigate climate change and its consequences, anaerobic digestion (AD) has become the potential approach to sustainably fulfil our demands and tackle environmental issues. Notably, a lot of attention has been drawn in recent years towards the production of biogas around the world in waste-to-energy perspective. Nevertheless, the progress of AD is hindered by several factors such as operating parameters, designing and the performance of AD reactors. Furthermore, the full potential of this approach is not fully realised yet due the dependence on people's acceptance and government policies. This article focuses on the different types of feedstocks and their biogas production potential. The feedstock selection is the basic and most important step for accessing the biogas yield. Furthermore, different stages of the AD process, design and the configuration of the biogas digester/reactors have been discussed to get better insight into process. The important aspect to talk about this process is its limitations associated which have been focused upon in detail. Biogas is considered to attain the sustainable development goals (SDG) proposed by United Nations. Therefore, the huge focus should be drawn towards its improvements to counter the limitation and makes it available to all the rural communities in developing countries and set-up the pilot scale AD plants in both developing and developed countries. In this regard, this article talks about the improvements and futures perspective related to the AD process and biogas enhancement.

Fluctuation Price Sell Palm Farmers and Impact Socioeconomic Society Farmer Palm Oil in Rokan Hilir Regency Province Riau

Oil palm is the prima donna commodity of plantation crops in this area. Based on data from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, in 2023, Riau Province was recorded as having an oil palm plantation area of 2.87 million hectares or 20.68 per cent of the total area of oil palm plantations spread across 26 provinces in Indonesia. Riau Province occupies the first position as the province in Indonesia which has the largest area of oil palm plantations in Indonesia. In the 11 year period (2011-2021), the area of oil palm plantations in Riau Province increased by 49.07%. This research discusses the impact of fluctuations in the selling price of palm fruit on the socio-economic conditions of palm oil farming communities in Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau Province. The research was conducted using primary data and secondary data, as well as descriptive analysis methods. The research results show that fluctuations in the selling price of palm fruit have a significant impact on income, employment and social conditions of the community. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the Government can provide offers and encourage the development of derivative products from palm oil to maintain the stability of farmers' selling prices for palm oil. This research provides important insights for government policy in improving the welfare of oil palm farming communities in the region.

The Role of Digital Marketing as a Strategy in Improving Wonosobo MSME Product Marketing

T Karangsari Village, Sapuran District, Kaabupaten Wonosobo is one of the villages in Wonosobo Regency that has the potential of a Tourism Village. With the increasing number of tourist visitors, it will increase the potential income for local village communities. Wonosobo Regency typical products have been widely known by the public, but since the occurrence of Covid 19 has caused a lack of tourist visitors visiting tourist sites in Karangsari Village, Sapuran District, Wonosobo Regency. This condition also has an impact on the quiet sales turnover of MSME products, especially in Karangsari Village, Sapuran District, Wonosobo Regency. One of the contributing factors is caused by the marketing model that is still carried out traditionally, so that when the Covid 19 pandemic occurred, it was very difficult for local entrepreneurs to survive running their businesses. Digital marketing is a business strategy that can be used when there are government policies related to social restrictions of the community. The purpose of this community service is to develop products and increase online sales, in order to increase marketing reach. The methods carried out are by: (1) providing training and socialization about the concept of Digital Marketing and its usefulness in business strategies, (2) utilizing digital marketing through social media.

Future Direction of Teaching and Learning Module in Nepal

This paper studies shift of physical class adopting Information and Communication Technology in teaching and learning activities in Nepal. Integration of ICT in academic activities changes the traditional teaching model ignoring teacher centered method into effective student-centered method. It as qualitative research employed semi-structured online interviews with secondary students, teachers and parents through Facebook messenger, telephone call, personal interview and Zoom class observation. Documentary analysis provided a ground for the analysis of data gathered through interviews and observations. This paper reports on how online mode of learning would be effective pointing out collaborating learning environment, easy access to materials and in terms of time saving. Moreover, use of ICT in academic activities changes teacher-centered teaching and learning environment into student-centered environment. ICT skills of teachers, poor ICT infrastructure and government policies have been pointed out as hurdles for virtual classes. However, integration of ICT in academic activities is demand of the time. Findings suggest that the use of ICT in academic activities will be effective way of teaching and learning activities in coming days in Nepal. Moreover, online classes can benefit students who are from marginalized, disadvantaged communities and who have no easy access to schools.

Challenges to Alzheimer Care in Pakistan

Madam, Alzheimer's, the prime culprit behind Dementia, is a neurodegenerative disorder that gradually erases memory and cognition, affecting daily tasks 1. Symptoms often emerge in later years, and in Pakistan, where a rising aging population and middle-income status prevail, the risk amplifies. By 2030, global dementia cases can soar to 1.3 million from 850,000 in 2015, surging to 3.6 million by 2050 without preventive action 2. Urgent attention beckons. Yet, challenges abound. With Pakistan’s depleting literacy rate currently of 58.9% in 2023, misconceptions are likely 3. Stigma, cultural norms, and language barriers shroud the path to treatment. Moreover, mental health issues like depression, an Alzheimer’s symptom, are seen as taboo, deterring help-seeking. Till date, the lack of national databases stifles research progress, and a shortage of neurologists-just less than 150 for millions of people-worsens with scarce training programs4. Private caretakers in this developing country may be limited. As this chronic Alzheimer's has no cure, high drug costs hinder adherence, while the affordability of the new "Leqembi" drug, if approved, raises concerns. Additionally, access to MRI and CT scanning equipment in Pakistan is not widespread and their procurement along with testing entail significant costs. Furthermore, government policies and funding for Alzheimer's treatment and research might be insufficient with the rising aging population. NGOs in Pakistan related to Alzheimers are very limited- “Alzheimers Pakistan” the one and only centered in just three regions across this vast country. Solutions for these challenges emerge as vibrant threads. How can we aid patients and families in Alzheimer education? Imagine engaging workshops and media partnerships with prominent figures like the UNICEF Goodwill ambassadors thereby igniting a good community-healthcare bond, and envision ‘Alzheimer homes’ for patients lacking caregivers. Besides, a national database involving stakeholders, from NGOs to healthcare providers, can not only pave the way for easy data accessibility but also to proper treatment plans and protocols. Engaging these stakeholders could also lead to initiatives for more affordable medicines. For the shortage of neurologists, medical tourism initiatives that attract foreign neurologists to work temporarily in the country, sharing their expertise and contributing to healthcare delivery can be deployed. Targeted training for healthcare professionals and collaborating with international organizations for increased research, clinical trial participation and even in machinery purchase hold a promise to resolving this issue. Conclusively, emphasizing these concerns holds utmost significance in the pursuit of discovering effective interventions for this incurable ailment.