Inform Government Policy Research Articles

Habitus and labeling of at-risk school dropout children at the high school level in Lamongan Regency

Children who are at risk of dropping out of school are a social problem in the field of education. This study aimed to determine the habitus and labeling of at-risk school dropout children at senior high schools in the Lamongan Regency. The theoretical framework used was the Habitus theory proposed by Pierre Bourdieu and the Labeling theory by George Herbert Mead. This study employed qualitative methods. The informants in this study were high school students or equivalent. This study found that habitus among at-risk school dropout children leads to deviant behavior and labeling. This can encourage children to drop out of school. In addition, fields and capital also do not support children in studying. Children’s problems are also seen in the deviations committed both in the social and educational environment. That is what makes children have a label or nickname in society and their peer environment. This study can be used to inform government policies in the field of education, particularly in dealing with children prone to dropping out of school. In this case, the involvement of schools, teachers, parents, and the community is also essential.

Structural Changes and Growth of the Indonesian Fishery, 1975-2010: an Input-Output Perspective

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the growth and structural changes of fishery industry in the Indonesian economy. Theoretical framework: The growth of the fishery industry output and the exchange rate of Indonesian fishermen has increase, indicating that there has been a structural change in this industry. Design/methodology/approach: Structural growth and change are analyzed from the perspective of inputs and outputs of the fishery industry, which include: (1) growth and structural changes of the fishery industry from the demand side; (2) growth and changes in the structure of domestic and imported inputs used by the fishery sector; and (3) fishery industry interlinkage. Findings: By employing Input-Output analysis on 8 table series along 1975-2010 of Indonesian economy, this study shows that Indonesian fishery industry is growing year by year, with improved domestic sectoral support and decrease import dependence, as well as analysis of structural changes related to economic growth in very different circumstances of the 1970s and 2000s. Research, Practical & Social implications: The research provides valuable insights into the structural changes and growth of the Indonesian fishery sector over a period of 35 years. This analysis can inform future research on the fishery sector in Indonesia and other similar contexts. The research findings can inform government policies and decision-making related to the fishery sector in Indonesia. The growth of the fishery sector can have a positive impact on the employment and income of people working in the sector, and in the communities dependent on the sector. Originality/value: This study finds that some technology coefficients (direct input coefficient) of fisheries sectors have declining trends, implying that direct backward linkage of fisheries on these industries becomes weakening. These fisheries supporting input among others are: trade, fishery, manufacture of transport equipment and its repair, road transportation.

Multiple urban resilience evaluation of resource-based cities’ sustainable transformation effect

Improving urban resilience is a key goal in the transformation of resource-based cities. This study examines the impact of sustainable development transitions in resource-based cities on urban ecology, economy, infrastructure, and social resilience. We measure the resilience of 285 prefecture-level cities in China by using the entropy weight method. In particular, we estimate the transformation effects of 121 resource-based cities from multiple resilience perspectives. The main empirical results show that all sub-resilience shows an obvious upward trend. Moreover, the economic, social, and infrastructure resilience have a spatial aggregation effect. Transitions towards sustainable development can make significant positive contributions to ecological resilience in resource-based cities, but it can also negatively impact social resilience. Therefore, governments need to address the social issues that can arise during transitions. This study provides a theoretical basis to inform government policy adjustments.

Critical Determinants of the Competitiveness of the Ghanaian Construction Industry

Construction industry’s contribution to the development of nations has been well documented in the literature. Some authors argue that the construction industry offers one of the most significant avenues through which infrastructure is provided for almost every sector of economy. Yet, studies focusing on the development of the construction industry are replete with problems regarding the numerous competitiveness determinants to consider, not only from where and whom to collect the data but also the type and range of data. This study investigates the essential factors influencing the competitiveness of the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI) using Michael Porter’s Diamond Model. Factor analysis revealed four underlying constructs that determine the competitiveness of the GCI. These include industrial resources availability, construction business strategies and project management, stakeholders’ demands and performance and government role and industry development policy. The study highlights that more emphasis should be placed on macro-variables of GCIs at the national level and senior managers in GCI should integrate advanced management processes and techniques in construction business management to improve upon their performances. In addition, the results from the current study may help inform and direct government policies towards repositioning and engendering the competitiveness of the GCI, while providing international construction firms entering the GCI with first-hand information about the performance of the GCI.

Exploring phronesis in cyber security, management and resilience

The aim of this paper is to introduce phronesis and fractal knowledge to present a practical approach that can help a local public service to contextually understand the information assurance (IA) and cyber journey in a holistic way, by considering the various components that integrate information governance strategy, policy and assurance. It goes on to present a case study and ideas for further research. The fields of cyber security, information security and governance have a number of overlapping domains and spheres of interest. Within a local authority (LA), resources are sparce, with one person often having to oversee the entire security process, which is often regarded as an integral part of the information and communications technology (ICT) function.

Corrigendum to: Evolution of non-fatal burden estimates for cardiovascular disease in Australia: a comparison of national and state-wide methodology of burden of disease.

Objective Burden of disease studies measure the impact of disease at the population level;however, methods and data sources for estimates of prevalence vary. Using a selection of cardiovascular diseases, we aimed to describe the implications of using different disease models and linked administrative data on prevalence estimation within three Australian burden of disease studies. Methods Three different methods (A = 2011 Australian Burden of Disease Study; B = 2015 Australian Burden of Disease Study; C = 2015 Western Australian Burden of Disease Study), which used linked data, were used to compare prevalence estimates of stroke, aortic aneurysm, rheumatic valvular heart disease (VHD) and non-rheumatic VHD. We applied these methods to 2015 Western Australian data, and calculated crude overall and age-specific prevalence for each condition. Results Overall, Method C produced estimates of cardiovascular prevalence that were lower than the other methods, excluding non-rheumatic VHD. Prevalence of acute and chronic stroke was up to one-third higher in Method A and B compared to Method C. Aortic aneurysms had the largest change in prevalence, with Method A producing an eight-fold higher estimate compared to Method C, but Method B was 10-20% lower. Estimates of VHD varied dramatically, with an up to six-fold change in prevalence in Method C due to substantial changes to disease models and the use of linked data. Conclusions Prevalence estimates require the best available data sources, updated disease models and constant review to inform government policy and health reform. Availability of nation-wide linked data will markedly improve future burden estimates.

The calming effects of conflict: The impact of partisan conflict on market volatility

In recent decades, an increasing divide in political ideologies between Republicans and Democrats has had a notable impact on financial markets. In this paper, we investigate the effect of political conflict, as measured by the partisan conflict index (PCI), on both market and industry-level volatility. We find that PCI has a significant negative impact on market volatility, robust to different regression models. We provide evidence that such impact is not driven by dramatic political events, namely wars and presidential elections, or by presidential party. When controlling for market cycles, we show that PCI reduces volatility during expansionary periods but increases volatility during recessions. Furthermore, at the industry level, we find that PCI decreases volatility overall. We also find that PCI decreases the volatility of politically-sensitive industries significantly more that it does with other industries. These results can inform government policy makers, analysts, investors, and academics alike.

SA43 Rapid Evidence Publication in the COVID-19 Era: Impact on Study Quality and Study Identification

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a rapidly changing research evidence dissemination landscape. Our aims were to assess database yield to evaluate the optimal source combination and contribution of preprint servers in a systematic review (SR) of post-COVID syndrome. Additionally, we examined whether the recent surge in the publication of preprints and non-peer reviewed research has impacted study quality. Six databases were searched to identify eligible studies for a SR of post-COVID syndrome. Unique contribution (%), precision, recall, proportion of preprints, and numbers needed to read (NNR) were calculated for each database, as was the optimal combination of databases to identify all the included studies. Quality assessment of included studies was carried out using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Of 37 included studies, 11 were preprints at searching (03/22), and 8 remained preprints at data extraction (06/22). Embase retrieved 70% of the included studies, whereas Medline Daily Update/Epubs Ahead-of-Print and Europe PMC retrieved the lowest yield (9%). WHO COVID-19 database contributed the greatest number of unique references (n=9) and all preprints (n=11). The most effective combination of databases was Embase and WHO COVID-19 with 96% recall (NNR 95). Adding handsearching increased recall to 100%. Overall mean study quality was lower in the preprints than the accepted publications, however this difference was not significant (p=0.078). Study results published during the COVID-19 pandemic were used to inform government policy in many countries. The rapid availability of preprints via non-profit online servers, at the expense of peer review, became the norm. Preprint servers make a valuable contribution to SRs of post-COVID symptoms. Whilst WHO COVID-19 database provided the most comprehensive results, handsearching and reference checking continue to play an important role in evidence identification. We found there was no significant difference in study quality between preprints versus peer-reviewed articles.

Topical Review: Contact Lens Eye Health and Safety Considerations in Government Policy Development.

SIGNIFICANCEAs new federal or state policies are introduced in the United States to shape the evolving contact lens market, it has never been more important to amplify the importance of patient health and safety during contact lens wear and promote the value of the eye care professional–patient relationship.Within the United States, contact lenses are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as class II or III medical devices that require additional regulatory and professional oversight to keep consumers safe. The contact lens market and broader eye health landscape are rapidly changing. Recently, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission finalized its 10-year review of the Contact Lens Rule, implementing new policies that will shape the contact lens market in the United States for years to come. The purpose of this clinical perspective was to compile and review key data regarding contact lens–related adverse events, including their economic impact on the health care system, to inform government policy development. Although contact lenses provide many benefits to the wearer, a variety of complications can occur ranging from asymptomatic events or mild discomfort to severe sight-threatening adverse events such as microbial keratitis. Patients who do not routinely visit their eye care professional or do not receive the lenses prescribed to them are at a greater risk of contact lens–related adverse events. Nearly 1 million people in the United States experience ocular infections or inflammation annually, resulting in significant health care costs. The economic burden of contact lens–related microbial keratitis in the United States has been estimated to be approximately $175 million annually. The importance of eye care professional oversight of contact lens wear cannot be emphasized enough to key stakeholders, including lawmakers, government regulators, contact lens manufacturers and distributors, and the broader eye health community.

Multiperspective Analysis of Pandemic Impacts on U.S. Import Trade: What Happened, and Why?

U.S. container ports have experienced unpresented congestion since mid-2020. The congestion is generally attributed to import surges triggered by heavy spending on consumer goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Port congestion has been compounded by the inability of importers to retrieve, receive, and process all the inbound goods they have ordered, resulting in supply chain shortfalls and economic disruption. How can the shipping industry and government organizations predict the end of the current surge and anticipate future surges? Expected seasonal variations in import volume are associated with peak holiday shopping periods; nonseasonal import surges are signaled by other factors. The research goes beyond transportation data sources to examine broader connections between import volume and indicators of economic and retail industry conditions. The strongest and most useful relationship appears to be between retail inventory indicators and containerized import growth. From January 2018 through July 2021, there was a relatively strong negative correlation between retail inventory- and import TEU indices with a 4-month lag (corresponding roughly to the time between import orders and -arrival). In the 2020 to 2021 pandemic period the negative correlation was stronger, again with a 4-month lag. These findings suggest that observers might anticipate import surges after marked, nonseasonal drops in retail inventories, and that import surges are likely to last until target inventory levels are restored. In a broader sense, an awareness of the linkages between consumer demand, retail chain responses, and containerized import volumes could better inform port, freight transportation, and government planning and policy choices.

Evolution of non-fatal burden estimates for cardiovascular disease in Australia: a comparison of national and state-wide methodology of burden of disease.

Objective Burden of disease studies measure the impact of disease at the population level;however, methods and data sources for estimates of prevalence vary. Using a selection of cardiovascular diseases, we aimed to describe the implications of using different disease models and linked administrative data on prevalence estimation within three Australian burden of disease studies. Methods Three different methods (A = 2011 Australian Burden of Disease Study; B = 2015 Australian Burden of Disease Study; C = 2015 Western Australian Burden of Disease Study), which used linked data, were used to compare prevalence estimates of stroke, aortic aneurysm, rheumatic valvular heart disease (VHD) and non-rheumatic VHD. We applied these methods to 2015 Western Australian data, and calculated crude overall and age-specific prevalence for each condition. Results Overall, Method C produced estimates of cardiovascular prevalence that were lower than the other methods, excluding non-rheumatic VHD. Prevalence of acute and chronic stroke was up to one-third higher in Method A and B compared to Method C. Aortic aneurysms had the largest change in prevalence, with Method A producing an eight-fold higher estimate compared to Method C, but Method B was 10-20% lower. Estimates of VHD varied dramatically, with an up to six-fold change in prevalence in Method C due to substantial changes to disease models and the use of linked data. Conclusions Prevalence estimates require the best available data sources, updated disease models and constant review to inform government policy and health reform. Availability of nation-wide linked data will markedly improve future burden estimates.

Equality and diversity in health governance systems: are we getting it right and are there lessons from COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted major challenges in governance and inequalities particularly among those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups. This paper focuses on the BAME community and explores this through a governance lens, with particular reference to the representation and functioning of boards involved in healthcare and building a transparent culture. To illustrate this, the paper utilises a series of structured reflective questions with model answers termed Right Question, Right Answer and links to the Centre for Quality in Governance (CQG) Maturity Matrix. This article highlights the need to improve diversity and accountability of health and care organisations to their staff and local population. For governance to be effective, it must be aligned and comply with healthcare system regulations to ensure improvement of legislative acts and standards. The paper aims to inform government policy by moving from rhetoric, or merely describing challenges, to action and change by increasing accountability.

The effectiveness of Non-pharmaceutical interventions in reducing the COVID-19 contagion in the UK, an observational and modelling study.

Epidemiological models used to inform government policies aimed to reduce the contagion of COVID-19, assume that the reproduction number is reduced through Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) leading to physical distancing. Available data in the UK show an increase in physical distancing before the NPIs were implemented and a fall soon after implementation. We aimed to estimate the effect of people's behaviour on the epidemic curve and the effect of NPIs taking into account this behavioural component. We have estimated the effects of confirmed daily cases on physical distancing and we used this insight to design a behavioural SEIR model (BeSEIR), simulated different scenaria regarding NPIs and compared the results to the standard SEIR. Taking into account behavioural insights improves the description of the contagion dynamics of the epidemic significantly. The BeSEIR predictions regarding the number of infections without NPIs were several orders of magnitude less than the SEIR. However, the BeSEIR prediction showed that early measures would still have an important influence in the reduction of infections. The BeSEIR model shows that even with no intervention the percentage of the cumulative infections within a year will not be enough for the epidemic to resolve due to a herd immunity effect. On the other hand, a standard SEIR model significantly overestimates the effectiveness of measures. Without taking into account the behavioural component, the epidemic is predicted to be resolved much sooner than when taking it into account and the effectiveness of measures are significantly overestimated.

Understanding the Key Determinants of Residential Firewood Consumption in Australia: A Nationwide Household Survey

A range of energy sources are used by households across the globe, including electricity, gas, solar, and wood. While there is a large body of international research aimed at understanding household energy use in general, very few studies have focused on the specific topic of residential firewood consumption. In Australia, empirical research to investigate and quantify residential firewood consumption is scarce and outdated, despite the importance of such research for better understanding overall household energy costs and carbon emissions. Unlike other power sources, such as electricity, gas and solar, firewood consumption is not systematically monitored or measured in an objective way, thereby making it difficult to obtain accurate data on the amount of firewood consumed in the residential sector. To address this data gap, the current study used survey data from a sample of 4844 households (including 1168 firewood users) to explore what socio-demographic, dwelling-related and behavioural factors were important for predicting the amount of firewood consumed by Australian households. The results revealed that a range of variables—including geographical location, dwelling type, the number of wood-fired appliances per household, and behavioural factors such as the purpose, timing, frequency, and duration of firewood use—were key determinants of residential firewood consumption in Australia, as self-reported by households. Together, these findings underscore the value of measuring not only geographical and location-based factors in household surveys, but also a range of socio-demographic, dwelling-related, and behavioural variables. By doing so, self-report data collected through surveys is likely to better predict the amount of residential firewood consumption reported (or estimated) by households. Overall, this study makes an important and timely contribution to the literature by demonstrating how social science methods such as household surveys can help improve current estimates of residential firewood consumption used to inform government policy, planning, and decision-making for the future.

Neighbourhood environment walkability and the independence of older people: A comment on the 30-year plan for greater Adelaide

ABSTRACT With more than 80% of older Australians living independently in the community, the role of the built environment in enabling ageing in place, physical activity and social connectedness are informing government policy on health and aged services. Driven by the World Health Organization’s healthy ageing policy framework, spatial planners are prioritising neighbourhood environment as an important urban strategy for maintaining independent living. A recognition that environmental inclusion enhances social inclusion, supports interdependent functioning and service non-utilisation, and contributes to the long-term sustainability of cities. With South Australia's ageing population demographic where one in four people will be aged 65 years or older by 2045, the targets in the 30-year plan for greater Adelaide will not achieve the anticipated benefits for the fastest growing segment of the population.

Genomics, social media and mobile phone data enable mapping of SARS-CoV-2 lineages to inform health policy in Bangladesh

Genomics, combined with population mobility data, used to map importation and spatial spread of SARS-CoV-2 in high-income countries has enabled the implementation of local control measures. Here, to track the spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Bangladesh at the national level, we analysed outbreak trajectory and variant emergence using genomics, Facebook ‘Data for Good’ and data from three mobile phone operators. We sequenced the complete genomes of 67 SARS-CoV-2 samples (collected by the IEDCR in Bangladesh between March and July 2020) and combined these data with 324 publicly available Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Bangladesh at that time. We found that most (85%) of the sequenced isolates were Pango lineage B.1.1.25 (58%), B.1.1 (19%) or B.1.36 (8%) in early-mid 2020. Bayesian time-scaled phylogenetic analysis predicted that SARS-CoV-2 first emerged during mid-February in Bangladesh, from abroad, with the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reported on 8 March 2020. At the end of March 2020, three discrete lineages expanded and spread clonally across Bangladesh. The shifting pattern of viral diversity in Bangladesh, combined with the mobility data, revealed that the mass migration of people from cities to rural areas at the end of March, followed by frequent travel between Dhaka (the capital of Bangladesh) and the rest of the country, disseminated three dominant viral lineages. Further analysis of an additional 85 genomes (November 2020 to April 2021) found that importation of variant of concern Beta (B.1.351) had occurred and that Beta had become dominant in Dhaka. Our interpretation that population mobility out of Dhaka, and travel from urban hotspots to rural areas, disseminated lineages in Bangladesh in the first wave continues to inform government policies to control national case numbers by limiting within-country travel.

Creating a case for innovation acceleration in the New Zealand building industry

Purpose This study aims to examine how innovation can be accelerated within the New Zealand (NZ) building industry to improve the productivity and efficiency of the industry. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a mixed philosophical approach combining interpretivism and post-positivism. Data for the study were obtained through a focus group of 50 practitioners that were selected using a stratified sampling procedure. All focus group data were audio-recorded, notes of the discussions were taken and then transcribed, de-identified and managed using NVivo software. Data analysis was undertaken using thematic analysis and inductive reasoning consistent with interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings The study findings revealed that the industry could benefit from the adoption of new and emerging technologies to improve its performance, especially its productivity and efficiency. Key drivers for the adoption of innovative practices included the adaptation of “local best practices” from case studies that would consist of stories of successful innovations that could foster confidence in future innovation. It was also identified that Government and industry should nurture innovation through collaborative contracts, policies and regulations. Further, it was highlighted that a culture of innovation needed to be developed to help nurture competencies and capability within the industry workforce. Research limitations/implications This study provides an in-depth examination of the need for innovation from the point of view of building industry practitioners. This study provides a useful starting-off point for further research and for the creation of policies that could help to support and accelerate innovation within the NZ building industry. Practical implications NZ’s building industry productivity and efficiency have been sub-optimal relative to other industries. But using evidence from the experiences and knowledge of industry practitioners, strategies can be developed to accelerate innovation within the NZ building industry that could help reverse industry performance. Further, the research findings can help inform government policies to develop support mechanisms that could encourage innovation in the industry in NZ. In addition, it is anticipated that the findings will provide a useful set of guidance for other countries that have similar market and physical constraints as those encountered by NZ. Originality/value There is a dearth of empirical studies on innovation in the NZ building industry which the current study contributes to. By sharing industry practitioners’ experiences and knowledge of innovation, the paper seeks to counteract more technocratic and technological optimist accounts of innovation within the building industry. Further, the paper provides insights into how the NZ building industry can transform its performance through innovation.

Transmission Dynamics, Heterogeneity and Controllability of SARS-CoV-2: A Rural-Urban Comparison.

Few studies have examined the transmission dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in rural areas and clarified rural–urban differences. Moreover, the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) relative to vaccination in rural areas is uncertain. We addressed this knowledge gap through using an improved statistical stochastic method based on the Galton–Watson branching process, considering both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. Data included 1136 SARS-2-CoV infections of the rural outbreak in Hebei, China, and 135 infections of the urban outbreak in Tianjin, China. We reconstructed SARS-CoV-2 transmission chains and analyzed the effectiveness of vaccination and NPIs by simulation studies. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 showed strong heterogeneity in urban and rural areas, with the dispersion parameters k = 0.14 and 0.35, respectively (k < 1 indicating strong heterogeneity). Although age group and contact-type distributions significantly differed between urban and rural areas, the average reproductive number (R) and k did not. Further, simulation results based on pre-control parameters (R = 0.81, k = 0.27) showed that in the vaccination scenario (80% efficacy and 55% coverage), the cumulative secondary infections will be reduced by more than half; however, NPIs are more effective than vaccinating 65% of the population. These findings could inform government policies regarding vaccination and NPIs in rural and urban areas.

The Covid-19 Crisis and the ‘new’ Normality of Surf Tourism in Cape Town, South Africa

Tourism has been one of the sectors that has suffered the greatest impact by the Covid-19 virus, which has created an unprecedented context with thousands of tourism-related companies closing with an unclear future. International tourism was recovering from the previous financial crisis achieving historical milestones regarding international tourist arrivals. Simultaneously, tourism niches like active sport tourism have experienced significant growth which has been developed to achieve more sustainable tourism as is the case of surf tourism in Cape Town. This article aims to investigate the surf tourism socio-economic competitiveness of Cape Town beaches to provide solutions and alternatives for a return to the ‘new normality’ due to the Covid-19 crisis. Political economy and geography, as well as tourism systems’ approach, are employed for the theoretical background. A mixed-method approach was utilised in this study including a qualitative, narrative method for the literature review, and a quantitative weighted set of indicators. The results suggest that active sports and domestic tourism have potential to help short-term tourism recovery. Three beaches showed the best potential for socio-economic development, while two beaches in underprivileged neighbourhoods were found potentially interesting for boosting surf tourism development. This study could inform government policy to determine the main areas for surf tourism development.

Accountability for governance of liquid communication generated through the use of social media in Botswana: whose duty is it?

The continued use of social media by governments requires that the resultant records, currently termed liquid communication, be governed for accountability purposes. However, some governments worldwide and many in Africa do not have information governance policies to ensure accountability for social media generated records. Therefore, this study examines the roles and responsibilities for the governance of liquid communication generated through social media use by the Botswana government. The study adopts a qualitative approach to collect data from purposively selected participants. This study reveals that public relations officers administered the Botswana government’s social media pages. Furthermore, the Botswana National Archives and Records Services was not involved in the country’s liquid communication governance. Therefore, the study recommends a cross-functional approach to the governance of liquid communication in Botswana. All stakeholders' roles and responsibilities in government information management should be clearly spelled out and documented, which is currently not the case.