Implementation Of Action Plan Research Articles

The role of public health services in implementing heat health action plans in Germany

Abstract Background The rise in extreme heat periods is a major public health challenge of climate change and the World Health Organization therefore recommends the implementation of heat health action plans (HHAPs). In Germany, HHAPs are not implemented in a comprehensive manner nor nationwide. Public health authorities have been identified as key actors with regards to heat and health. This study aims at assessing the role of public health services in the implementation of HHAPs in Germany. Methods First, a review of the scientific and grey literature on the role of public health services in heat adaptation in Europe was conducted. Second, a policy document analysis of the legislation of Germany's federal states for public health services and their potential role in the implementation of HHAPs was carried out. Finally, semi-structured interviews with selected experts from multiple sectors at the local, federal and national level on their perception of the role of public health services in the implementation of HHAPs in Germany were undertaken. Results Preliminary findings show that the legal framework for public health services in the different federal states addresses environmental health and civil protection to varying extents, but that climate change-specific health risks are barely mentioned. The expert interviews revealed perceived barriers for the public health services to implement HHAPs, notably with regards to personnel (e.g. competencies, time), organizational structures (e.g. financial resources, administrative structures, legal mandates) and competing other tasks (e.g. COVID-19 response). Facilitators included motivated individuals, funding opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration and political support. Conclusions The role of public health services in HHAP implementation in Germany varies widely between the different geographic settings and is influenced by several factors at the individual, organizational and political level. Key messages

Mitigating effects of desert dust storms in asthmatic children: health visitors’ perceptions, Cyprus

Abstract Background Countries of the Mediterranean basin such as Cyprus are experiencing frequent desert dust storm (DDS) events that adversely impact children with asthma. As school health visitors (SHVs) have important role in asthma management, we examined SHVs practices and perceptions on asthma management and their level of engagement in school-based interventions to mitigate DDS- health effects. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among SHVs across state schools in Cyprus via an anonymous questionnaire, which rated the importance of asthma management measures (10-point scale), current implementation of these practices (1=never - 5=always), and regulatory authorities’ preparedness to respond to DDS events (1-5 Likert scale). Results Responses from 78 of the 93 SHVs (84%), with an average work experience of 13.5 years (SD 7.3), revealed discordance between high perception of the importance of asthma management measures and their actual implementation, with poor scoring especially in assessment of asthma control (M = 2.4, SD = 1.5), tracking school absenteeism (M = 2.1, SD = 1.0) and monitoring of asthma triggers (M = 1.9, SD = 1.4). Any DDS-related measures (e.g. air quality real-time monitoring, warnings, recommendations, awareness campaigns, etc) were implemented very infrequently. Ratings of authorities’ preparedness were moderate (<3.5), and only slightly higher in the health versus the educational or other government services. SHVs who recognized the severity of DDS and potential impact on asthmatic children were more likely to support school-based interventions for DDS events (OR = 7.3, 95% CI: 2.1-25.3). Conclusions Asthma management practices in school settings in Cyprus are suboptimal and responses during DDS are fragmented. While SHV’s awareness and support for interventions is high, this is not reflected in current practices. A concerted effort is needed for adoption of policies and implementation of action plans for DDS within school settings. Key messages • Suboptimal asthma management policies and practices were found to be implemented in schools in Cyprus, a country highly exposed to dust events. • School health visitors recognize the health impact of desert dust on asthmatic children and support the plan for dust-mitigation programmes in schools, despite authorities’ low preparedness.

Systematic review of surveillance systems for AMR in Africa.

Surveillance is a useful tool for tracking antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends, patterns, therapeutic and policy interventions. Proper correlation of surveillance data gives meaningful insight into the underlying epidemiology and facilitates development of rational interventions. This comprehensive review aims to identify, classify and assess gaps in Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) reporting and national action plan (NAP) implementation in Africa. Articles published in English were searched across five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, AJOL and Cochrane) and grey literature. Articles were screened against inclusion/exclusion criteria and data from eligible studies were retrieved and analysed. This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 31 July 2020 under protocol CRD42020192165. Of the 4304 records found, only 32 met the initial inclusion criteria (4 peer reviews and 28 were grey literature). From these records, 41 surveillance systems were identified (30 national and 11 transnational). After final review of reported outcomes, only 23 national surveillance systems met the inclusion criteria. Indicators recorded from these systems shows lack of external quality assessment (EQA) in some systems and limited reporting of parameters such as infection origin, patient population and pathogen types. The outcome of the review shows that although AMR surveillance has been implemented in 23 out of the 47 countries in the region, a number of limitations exist in the surveillance methods and reporting protocols that can impair the usefulness, validity and trustworthiness of data generated from these surveillance systems.

Disability epidemiology and health policy in Korea

Background: There are more than 1,000 million people with disability worldwide, about 15% of the global population. The prevalence of disability has been rising because of aging populations and the increase in people with chronic diseases. Even though it is well known that people with disability have an increased risk of chronic diseases and mortality at a younger age, health policies have not been developed correspondingly.Current Concepts: Disability epidemiology is a study of the patterns, distributions, determinants, and outcomes of disabling conditions. From the medical model perspective, people with disabilities are just ill or abnormal. To overcome the limitations of the medical model, the World Health Organization developed the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.Discussion and Conclusion: Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model based on a biopsychosocial framework, the healthcare community should work together to develop and implement action plans to improve the health of those with disabilities. These policies are essential to care for acute-stage disabilities, build an integrated care system, and provide a better environment for people with disability.

Result of low student enrolment on the sustainability of Seventh-Day Adventist secondary schools in Western Kenya

This study examines the effect of low student enrolment on the sustainability of SDA secondary schools in the West Kenya Conference of Seventh Day Adventist Church. The study was underpinned by the sustainability transformation in education theory which postulates the identification of sustainability strategies and action plans for implementation. Therefore, the mixed methods research approach was adopted in this study. This study utilised the descriptive research design and was conducted in WKUC of the SDA church, covering 15 out of 47 counties in Kenya. The test-retest and the split-half reliabilities of the questionnaires were ascertained by use of Cronbach Alpha Coefficient, and reliability of 0.7 and 0.65 was arrived at, respectively. Study findings revealed that student enrolment trends in SDA schools were on a downward trend, and this needs to be addressed as soon as possible. This study recommends that the church administration and schools' management should address issues that affect low student enrolments, such as the high fees charged by sourcing funds from other sources such as engaging in income generating activities or partnering with the government so that it can provide and pay the teachers in the schools.

Result of low student enrolment on the sustainability of Seventh-Day Adventist secondary schools in Western Kenya

This study examines the effect of low student enrolment on the sustainability of SDA secondary schools in the West Kenya Conference of Seventh Day Adventist Church. The study was underpinned by the sustainability transformation in education theory which postulates the identification of sustainability strategies and action plans for implementation. Therefore, the mixed methods research approach was adopted in this study. This study utilised the descriptive research design and was conducted in WKUC of the SDA church, covering 15 out of 47 counties in Kenya. The test-retest and the split-half reliabilities of the questionnaires were ascertained by use of Cronbach Alpha Coefficient, and reliability of 0.7 and 0.65 was arrived at, respectively. Study findings revealed that student enrolment trends in SDA schools were on a downward trend, and this needs to be addressed as soon as possible. This study recommends that the church administration and schools' management should address issues that affect low student enrolments, such as the high fees charged by sourcing funds from other sources such as engaging in income generating activities or partnering with the government so that it can provide and pay the teachers in the schools.

A conceptual model for energy management in the steel industry: A Soft System Methodology (SSM) approach

This paper aims to use Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to develop the steel industry's energy management framework. It proposes a soft system approach to analyze the complex situation of developing a support system for energy management. This approach consists of identifying the system scope, discovering underlying problems within, deriving a conceptual model from the complex situation, and identifying possible actors and activities to bring the conceptual model closer to reality. The identified activities could serve as a guideline for designing and developing an effective energy management framework in the steel industry. The result might also be further developed to drive the feasible, desirable changes into real implementation strategies and action plans. Currently, there is very limited SSM academic research in energy management. Hence the researchers sincerely hope that this study might help to drive the SSM methodology application in this field, in conjunction with the body of knowledge of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IISE).

Theoretical foundations and practical implementation of monitoring the accessibility state of ­facilities and services in the field of health care

Background.By decision of the Commission under the President of the Russian Federation for the Disabled, the Ministry of Labor of Russia was entrusted with monitoring the implementation of federal and regional action plans road maps to increase the accessibility of facilities to people with disabilities.
 Aim.Monitoring the implementation by state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federationof action plans (road maps) to increase the values of accessibility indicators for disabled people in healthcare facilities.
 Material and methods.The indicators of accessibility for disabled people of facilities in the healthcare system based on the results of implementation of action plans by executive authorities of 85constituent entities of the Russian Federation in the field of healthcare, obtained as a result of monitoring the achieved values in the indicators of accessibility for disabled people of facilities in 2019 and 2020, were analyzed. The availability of facilities was calculated on the basis of information from the state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Labor of Russia, using the analysis and generalization of the received materials, using the method of comparing absolute and relative indicators.
 Results.The accessibility of medical organizations for the disabled is created in two ways from the standpoint of universal design (inclusion of measures to organize the accessibility of facilities and services for the disabled when designing and building new facilities, as well as during reconstruction and major repairs) and using the principle of reasonable accommodation for existing facilities (before their overhaul and reconstruction). Ranking the indicators of the e150domain (design, nature of design, construction and arrangement of buildings for public use) on the basis of a unified assessment scale of the International Classification of the Functioning of Disabilities and Health made it possible to identify regions of the Russian Federation with varying degrees of accessibility of healthcare facilities: absolutely accessible in 10(11.8%) regions of the country; with a significant levelof accessibility in 53(62.4%) regions; with a moderate level of accessibility in 8(9.4%) regions; with a low or insignificant level of accessibility in 9(10.6%) regions of the Russian Federation; with a very low levelof accessibility of healthcare facilities in 5(5.8%) regions of the Russian Federation, respectively.
 Conclusion.According to the monitoring of the state of accessibility of facilities for the disabled in the healthcare sector in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the level of accessibility varied from 100% to 0.5%. The planned indicators of increasing the availability of facilities in the healthcare sector have reached 100% in 52constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Preparedness for Matching into an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency: Student Perspectives as a Model for Institutional Progression

Objective With the increasingly competitive nature of matching into an orthopaedic surgery residency, there is an opportunity for medical schools and orthopaedic faculty to enhance their students’ candidacy. In this study, we aim to evaluate medical students’ satisfaction with our institution’s provision of resources, identify areas of strengths and weaknesses within our department, and use these findings to implement action plans for institutional advancement. Design This is a prospective, cross-sectional survey study of alumni from our institution, an allopathic medical school affiliated with a tertiary-care university teaching-hospital, who successfully matched into an orthopaedic surgery residency program between 2006 and 2021. Setting Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New Brunswick, NJ Participants The survey was distributed to 83 matched alumni from our institution, 45 (54.2%) responded to the survey. Results Forty-four (97.8%) survey respondents successfully matched into a PGY-1 orthopaedic surgery residency position on their first attempt. Nearly 70.0% of survey respondents matched into their top 3 ranked residency program while ~90.0% matched into their top 5 ranked residency program. Survey respondents reported that board exam scores (33.3%), performance on away rotations (28.9%), and letters of recommendation (15.6%) were their greatest strengths, while research experience (53.3%), lack of inclusion in AOA (17.8%), and board exam scores (15.6%) were their greatest weaknesses. On survey responses evaluated using a 1-5 Likert scale, survey respondents reported that their sub-internship at our home institution adequately prepared them to excel on away rotations (4.38 ± 0.912). Conversely, survey respondents from our institution rated faculty and resident’s receptiveness to students seeking research opportunities the lowest (3.38 ± 1.007). Conclusions An internal assessment of orthopaedic departments at medical institutions, utilizing student perspectives, can be a useful tool for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a program’s ability to prepare students to successfully match into an orthopaedic residency. After identification, programs must be able to hone strengths and mitigate weaknesses by setting objectives for improvement and implementing action plans to ensure deficiencies are adequately addressed.

Leveraging Governance Performance to Enhance Climate Resilience

AbstractEnhancing the resilience of complex social‐ecological systems (SES) to climate change requires transformative changes. Yet, there are knowledge gaps on how best to achieve transformation. In this study, we present an approach for assessing governance performance in SES and identifying leverage points to ultimately enhance climate resilience. The approach combines three different methods including a capital approach framework, fuzzy cognitive mapping, and a leverage points analysis. Using a coastal case‐study in Algoa Bay, South Africa, the performance of governance processes contributing to different forms of capital is assessed. Subsequently, leverage points ‐ where a small shift may lead to transformative changes in the system as a whole ‐ are identified based on measures of centrality and performance. Results suggest that a range of leverage points can improve governance performance and therefore climate resilience in the case‐study. Leverage points include improving (a) support from the provincial government; (b) priority given to climate change in the integrated development plan; (c) frequency of collaborations; (d) participation in the implementation of climate action plans; (e) allocation of funding to climate change actions; (f) the overall level of preparedness in terms of staff with relevant expertise; (g) public awareness and understanding of climate change. The approach can also be used to analyze and model the relations and interactions between capitals. The study advances methodological and theoretical knowledge on the identification of leverage points for enabling transformations toward climate resilience and broader sustainability goals in SES.

Informing Practice Through Professional Development: An Interstate Urban Programming Study Tour

Southeast Pennsylvania 4-H Extension educators identified a need for professional development in order to further develop current urban 4-H programs. The expectation was that increased awareness and knowledge would lead to increased skills competency in planning, implementing, and evaluating urban 4-H youth development programs. An interstate professional development program was developed to inform practitioners on positive youth development in urban communities. The 2-day program included on-site observations of urban programs and professional development on best practices. The event was scheduled as a study tour that involved intentional focus on practical applications of research theory for informal education. The Penn State Extension 4-H Urban Study Tour included on-site observations, program development, and networking leading to the successful development of action plans for local implementation. The program was evaluated for impact using pre- and post-tour survey tools. Results suggest that the participants gained value from the professional development study tour, thus similar opportunities may be warranted.

Factors impacting—stillbirth and neonatal death audit in Malawi: a qualitative study

BackgroundOver one million babies are stillborn or die within the first 28 days of life each year due to preventable causes and poor-quality care in resource-constrained countries. Death audit may be a valuable tool for improving quality of care and decreasing mortality. However, challenges in implementing audit and their subsequent action plans have been reported, with few successfully implemented and sustained. This study aimed to identify factors that affect stillbirth and neonatal death audit at the facility level in the southern region of Malawi.MethodsThirty-eight semi-structured interviews and seven focus group discussions with death audit committee members were conducted. Thematic analysis was guided by a conceptual framework applied deductively, combined with inductive line-by-line coding to identify additional emerging themes.ResultsThe factors that affected audit at individual, facility and national level were related to training, staff motivation, power dynamics and autonomy, audit organisation and data support. We found that factors were linked because they informed each other. Inadequate staff training was caused by a lack of financial allocation at the facility level and donor-driven approaches to training at the national level, with training taking place only with support from funders. Staff motivation was affected by the institutional norms of reliance on monetary incentives during meetings, gazetted at the national level so that audits happened only if such incentives were available. This overshadowed other benefits and non-monetary incentives which were not promoted at the facility level. Inadequate resources to support audit were informed by limited facility-level autonomy and decision-making powers which remained controlled at the national level despite decentralisation. Action plan implementation challenges after audit meetings resulted from inadequate support at the facility level and inadequate audit policy and guidelines at the national level. Poor documentation affected audit processes informed by inadequate supervision and promotion of data usage at both facility and national levels.ConclusionsGiven that the factors that facilitate or inhibit audits are interconnected, implementers, policymakers and managers need to be aware that addressing barriers is likely to require a whole health systems approach targeting all system levels. This will require behavioural and complex intervention approaches.

Challenges and opportunities in decarbonizing the U.S. energy system

The United States has pledged to develop a 100% carbon-free electric power system by 2035 and a net-zero-emissions economy by 2050. While important advancements have been made in the scale, performance, and economics of clean energy technologies, meeting the nation's ambitious goals will not only require their deployment at scale, but also additional innovation and effective integration of different solutions. Technological developments across the broad suite of low-carbon energy solutions are advancing rapidly, with ongoing innovations in renewable electricity generation, industrial processes, and energy-saving technologies and services, including LED lighting, induction heating, electric vehicles, energy storage solutions, and mobility as a service, plus smart devices, controls, and more efficient and smart buildings. Combining renewable electricity with biotic and abiotic pathways to produce chemicals, fuels, and materials promises to deliver new solutions. Grid-interactive buildings and communities, integrating transportation infrastructure and vehicles, are likely to be significant components of any zero-carbon energy strategy. Low-carbon industrial manufacturing will also make strong contributions to a net-zero economy. While the technical prospects appear promising, variations in the state of infrastructure, jurisdictional and social equity, pollution, economic and socio-cultural constraints, energy resource availability, and supply chain dynamics found in different locations present a range of challenges and demand customized solutions. This paper provides a critical review and offers new insights into the technical, infrastructure, analytic, political, and economic challenges faced in translating the nation's ambitious net-zero-emissions goals into feasible and reliable implementation action plans.

Temporal and spatial evolution of short-term exposure to ozone pollution: Its health impacts in China based on a meta-analysis

Increased ozone pollution has greatly negative impact on human health. This study aimed to update evidence on the effects of short-term ozone exposure on three major health endpoints in China: all-cause, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. The specific epidemiological study in a single city or a typical region cannot fully describe the health risk of ozone pollution all over China. Therefore, this study used the results (relative risks) from a meta-analysis based on the epidemiological studies conducted in China for quantitative health burden analysis from 2014 to 2020. In 2013–2017, the implementation of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan policy responsible for the increase of ozone concentration during the warm season (i.e., April–September) from 157.9 ± 43.9 μg m−3 to 172.8 ± 32.3 μg m−3. Whereas during the implementation of the Three-Year Action Plan for Blue Sky Defense War (2018–2020) policy, ozone concentration decreased and its value was 157.8 ± 26.2 μg m−3 in 2020. In this study, we found that the premature mortality attributable to short-term exposure to the 4th highest annual daily maximum 8 h ozone concentration in 2020 that was equal to 218.9 (95% CI: 187.3, 255.2), 136.4 (95% CI: 116.5, 154.0) and 24.4 (95% CI: 15.3, 33.3) thousand, increased by 8.73%, 10.40%, and 3.27%, for all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, respectively compared to 2014. At the province-level, Shandong province has the highest number of all-cause mortalities, accounting for 9.42% in 2020, followed by Henan (7.54%), Hebei (7.52%), Guangdong (6.39%) and Jiangsu (6.30%). This study presents a robust assessment based upon a meta-analysis and further provides important insights into new public health research fields. These results of this study provide a scientific reference for optimizing the division of air pollution prevention and control areas and the design of pollutant emission reduction strategies at different time periods.

Effect of dust accumulation on Quercus cerris L. leaves in the Ezer forest, Lebanon

Air pollution arising from different sources represents a serious environmental threat to all living organisms, including vegetation. Monitoring air contamination levels is necessary to detect pollution levels, regulate atmospheric pollution, and ultimately improve ambient air quality. The current study evaluated the effects of air pollutants with a focus on dust and some biochemical and physiological properties of Quercus cerris L., which is growing in Lebanon’s Ezer forest, threatened by the presence of a public road on its northern side. The studied parameters include leaf extract pH, stomatal conductance, relative water content, hydrogen peroxide, proline, carotenoids, and air pollution tolerance index. These parameters can provide reliable information about the tolerance status of plants towards pollutants. Three sites with different exposure to vehicular activities were used to conduct this study, including a control site (unpolluted) and two polluted sites (S1 and S2). The results showed a significant reduction in stomatal conductance and relative water content at polluted sites compared with the control site. Hydrogen peroxide, proline, and carotenoids showed the highest levels at the S2 site, which is indicative of the fact that Quercus cerris undergoes established physiological and biochemical changes in response to environmental stress. Based on the air pollution tolerance index (4.97-9.85) Quercus cerris is categorized as a sensitive species that can be used as a biological monitor of environmental pollution. Thus, the development and implementation of efficient environmental action plans based on biomonitoring should be considered for protecting the forests.

Air quality improvement and cognitive function benefit: Insight from clean air action in China

IntroductionEpidemiological evidence suggests associations between long-term exposure to air pollution and accelerated cognitive decline. China implemented a strict clean air action plan in 2013; however, it is unclear whether the improvement of air quality has alleviated cognitive impairment in the population. MethodsFrom the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 8536 Chinese adults were enrolled in 2011 and followed up in 2015. Satellite-based spatiotemporal models were used to estimate exposure to air pollutants (including particles with diameters ≤1.0 μm [PM1], ≤2.5 μm [PM2.5], ≤10 μm [PM10], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], and ozone [O3]). Cognitive function was evaluated using a structured questionnaire in three dimensions: episodic memory, orientation and attention, and visuoconstruction. The associations between changes in the levels of air pollutants and cognitive function were elucidated by a logistic model. The Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) model was applied to evaluate the cumulative effect of air pollutants. ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) age of all participants was 58.6 (8.7) years. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) between the highest and the lowest quartile of PM1 exposure reduction for cognitive impairment was 0.46 (0.41, 0.53) after adjusting for confounders. Similar protective effects of cognitive function were observed with the decrease in the level of PM2.5 (0.34 [0.30, 0.39]), PM10 (0.54 [0.48, 0.62]), and NO2 (0.59 [0.51, 0.67]), while the reduction in O3 appeared to be less related to changes in cognitive function (OR: 0.97 [0.85, 1.10]). The protective association of PM1 reduction was stronger in males than in females. Decreased in PM2.5 dominate the cognitive function benefit relative to PM1, PM10, NO2. ConclusionsThe implementation of the clean air action plan led to a significant reduction in PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, which could slow the decline of cognitive function, while a reduction in O3 may not.

O4-1 A scoping study of the international implementation of the World Health Organisation's global physical activity action plan

BackgroundPublished in 2018, the World Health Organisation's Global Action Plan for Physical Activity (GAPPA) sets out 20 actions across 4 objectives (Active Societies, Active Environments, Active People, Active Systems) to reduce global inactivity by 15% by 2030. GAPPA takes a whole-systems approach (WSA), calling for cross-sectoral collaboration to address physical inactivity levels. This study sought to explore implementation to date, highlighting progress made and areas that require further focus.MethodsA desk-based scoping study, using a systematic, but flexible approach, identified sites and personnel implementing GAPPA or a WSA. Methods of collection included a review of existing literature, snowball sampling of key individuals and internet searches. These methods identified a range of academics and practitioners who were subsequently contacted and interviewed on their use of GAPPA to date.ResultsPreliminary findings suggest that GAPPA's implementation currently varies greatly internationally. Some nations, including Finland and Scotland have embraced a WSA, taking steps to actively map their PA system. Elsewhere, countries such as Ireland and Australia are exploring practical approaches to implementing a WSA. GAPPA was only published in June 2018 and thus, where action is taking place, these countries offer important implementation evidence and opportunities for transferable learning. Regarding GAPPA's objectives, our review concludes that in nations that have embraced GAPPA, the Active Societies and Active Environments objectives are being actioned or have plans in development for action, while progress towards behaviour and system change objectives (Active People and Active Systems) appear less evident.ConclusionsThere is some promising evidence drawn from GAPPA's early implementation, although we conclude that if WHO targets are to be reached, wider adoption is needed. It appears that the nations who have best applied GAPPA, are those who arguably have pre-existing cross-sectoral networks in PA and public health. Therefore, perhaps a crucial first step in nationally implementing GAPPA is the establishment of these networks, laying foundations for collaborative action. Furthermore, the generation and dissemination of research by some of the early adopters is crucial to both reinforce knowledge transfer and guide others towards a whole-systems approach.

S10 Developing and Monitoring National Physical Activity Policy: A Global Challenge that Must be Addressed with a Global Response

Abstract Goals Describe the progress of developing and monitoring global physical activity policy from the 1990s through the release and implementation of Global Action Plan for Physical Activity-GAPPA; Present findings of a systematic review of instruments for physical activity policy analysis; Describe the methods and progress after 1-year implementation of the Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! physical activity policy inventory; Present the preliminary findings and lessons learned after 1-year implementation of the Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! physical activity policy inventory. Issue/problem Physical inactivity is one of the most important factors contributing to global morbidity and mortality, but despite both importance and the recent launch of a WHO action plan, public health policy around physical activity remains poorly developed and monitored. Description of the problem Physical inactivity accounts for as many as 5 million deaths per year globally but has yet to be addressed effectively by most governments or the World Health Organization(WHO). Many efforts led by WHO, national governments, networks, and academics from the 1990s to the present have tried to turn physical activity into a public health priority. Since its launch in 2015, the Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! has monitored the progress of national physical activity surveillance, policy and research. The GoPA! Policy Inventory created in 2017, contributes to physical activity policy monitoring and aims to collect data worldwide. Results In this symposium we will address several key questions about physical activity policy by examining different initiatives such as GAPPA and the experience of monitoring policy globally with the GoPA! policy inventory. We will examine whether it is feasible to track physical activity policy at the global and country levels, if the existence of ?good? physical activity policy is associated with less physical inactivity and how policy indicators may be used for advocacy and guidance in the coming years. Lessons Findings show that PA policy monitoring has and still varies substantially by geographic area and country income group. Effectiveness and implementation of PA policies remains challenging worldwide. PA policy indicators can enhance understanding of the links between policy and population levels of PA. Main messages GoPA! is committed to continue improving PA policy monitoring for informing and encouraging policy to address physical inactivity worldwide. Agenda and Presenters Introduction: Michael Pratt (10-minutes) Talk 1: Developing and monitoring physical activity policy: 1990 to today – Michael Pratt (15-minutes) Talk 2: Instruments for the analysis of national-level physical activity and sedentary behaviour policies: a systematic review – Željko Pedišić (15-minutes) Talk 3: The GoPA! Policy Inventory: Progress and methods - Andrea Ramirez (15-minutes) Talk 4: The GoPA! Policy Inventory: preliminary findings and lessons learned – Željko Pedišić (15-minutes) Q&A from the audience Conclusion by discussant Adrian Bauman (20-minutes)

Mitigating the barriers to green procurement adoption: An exploratory study of the Indian construction industry

The construction sector in India is in the government's intense focus on creating a world-class infrastructure balancing environmental conservation. Adopting green procurement practices by mitigating adoption barriers is necessary for Indian construction firms to achieve the goal. However, none of the existing research identified the comprehensive list of barriers, analysed their impacts on green procurement adoption, prioritized the barriers and formulated the solution strategies to mitigate them and maximize green procurement adoption for the Indian construction sector. To bridge this gap, this study has identified barriers, analysed their impact, prioritized the criticality, and developed the solution strategies to alleviate them. Questionnaire surveys and descriptive statistics are first performed for data analysis of the firms based on the firm's size and domain of expertise. Later, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed and identified the significant differences in the impact of the barriers on Indian construction firms having different sizes or domains of expertise. The fuzzy best-worst method (FBWM) is then used to identify the most significant barriers as “reduced commitment from higher management”, “lack of management support”, and “perception of higher cost for adhering to green procurement”. Finally, the Delphi technique and assessment of various portals of the Government of India (GOI) have been carried out to identify the solutions to mitigate the barriers. The research results in an original and unique approach to identifying and analysing the critical barriers to green procurement adoption and their impact on different categories of Indian construction firms. It has identified the topmost barriers and then the solution strategies Indian construction firms and GOI need to focus on to embrace green procurement. The procurement managers can identify the top-rated barriers derived from the present study to closely focus and make strategies to eliminate them, helping their organisations adopt green procurement practices. The solution strategies derived from the study may be ready to implement action plans for construction and infrastructure companies of India, environmental and social development of the country, and assisting the GOI in developing and implementing the policy of green procurement for the Indian construction industry.

Environmental management system implementation in a wood and aluminum company in Eastern Morocco

The present work concerns the implementation of an environmental management system in a company that specializes in wood and aluminum carpentry in Eastern Morocco in the city of Oujda. The implementation of this system was based on the latest version of the ISO 14,001 standard (environmental management) published in 2015. Therefore, the chosen approach was the PDCA approach: plan, do, check, act. The implementation of action plans established from the analysis of the environmental aspects of the company's activities allowed the decrease in energy consumption, such as electricity consumption, which decreased by 5% in the first five months of the year 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. In addition, the implementation of action plans led to more efficient waste management, particularly by waste sorting, which led to a 14 % increase in valorized waste through its reuse in just the first five months of the current year (2022).