Informal Forum Research Articles

When should DIY have a localized healthcare waste management system?

Purpose: The 2018 healthcare waste management crisis catalyzed a critical review of the concerns expressed by the Health Office (dinkes) and healthcare facilities regarding healthcare waste management in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). Due to this crisis, the Ministry of Health hired Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to look into potential solutions and promote DIY government policy responses. This paper examines the management strategy during crisis times and possible alternative solutions.
 Methods: This paper uses focused group discussions reports involving separate groups of (1) environmental health officials from community health centers, (2) hospitals, (3) environment health officials of district health authorities, and (4) cross-sectoral province officials in the Yogyakarta Special Region. It is part of a project 'A case study of strengthening regional-based medical waste management model', fund from the Environmental Health Directorate, Directorate General of Public Health, Ministry of Health (Project KN 01.03/6.1/0198/2019).
 Result: A simulation of policy options based on health facility managers suggests that a province-based system is the most profitable in the long term for DIY, with several possible options. The national policy roadmap was considered inadequate to respond to DIY's urgent local needs. Furthermore, the series of meetings succeeded in forming an informal forum between health facilities, provincial health offices, and associations of hospital environmental sanitation experts, monitoring medical waste management.
 Conclusion: The 2018 medical waste management crisis led to the formulation of policy response choices tailored to the capacity of DIY. These choices considered the expenditures and legal sanctions faced by healthcare facilities and the economic value of a region-based waste system for local government authorities. This comprehensive approach highlights the importance of local capacity. It needs to shape effective and sustainable medical waste management policies, underscoring the necessity of region-specific strategies in the face of national health crises.

Feasibility Study on China-ASEAN Cooperation in the Forewarning Mechanism Against Telecom Fraud

Along with the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative and the deepening of regional police cooperation, China and ASEAN have jointly reached remarkable achievement on cyberspace security governance, whereas facing numerous new counter-cybercrime challenges at the same time, exemplified by diversified modes and high concealment. Undeniably, China and ASEAN have accumulated abundant experience through formal conferences and informal forums, but the low institutionalization of China-ASEAN cooperation has made it hard to timely and effectively respond to the protean transborder telecom frauds. Forewarning mechanism, as an innovative method to combat telecom fraud, could significantly make up for the deficiency under the current China-ASEAN cooperative system, while enriching the Belt and Road cooperation Initiative, raising the efficiency of controlling cybercrimes, exploiting the advantage of Chinese Internet+ strategy.

Perspectives on judging posters

AbstractPosters sessions are popular informal forums to share emerging scientific results as they encourage discussion beyond results to include methodology, problems, and solutions. On the other hand, when there are too many posters, people suffer from cognitive overload and so are incapable of seeing and appreciating all of the research. Moreover, posters sessions are less well attended than presentations and as a consequence some authors leave the poster unattended. Poster competitions are one means to encourage presenters to stay at their post and people to come (especially when there are free refreshments). To identify the best poster(s) requires a simple scoring scheme, motivated judges who necessarily examine half‐a‐dozen or more posters, and a calibration method to account for differing opinions between judges. Judging is imperfect but we should be capable of agreeing which posters are among the top 10%.

DEMOCRATIZATION THROUGH VILLAGE FUND GOVERNANCE (Study of Stakeholder Interaction in Village Fund Management in Golo Lebo Village, Elar District, East Manggarai Regency)

The problem of managing Village Funds is conditional on the interests of the elite fighting over it. But behind the contestation between the elites, the Village is able to form a democratic government. This study examines the construction of the phenomenon of village democratization through Village Fund Management in Golo Lebo Village, East Manggarai Regency. The research method uses a constructivism approach to interpret, give construction and meaning to the phenomenon as a whole. Primary data was collected using observation, interview, discussion and documentation techniques. Secondary data obtained through books, journals, documents, online media and photos. The results of the study show: First, the Village Fund establishes an accountable Village Head. Before the Village Fund, the leadership of the Village Head had the character of a ruler, regressive and conservative. In the era of Village Funds, the Village Head is able to become a father for the people, legitimacy is rooted in the people and is progressive. Second, the Village Fund obliges all elements of the Village to work together to realize the interests of the Village. Cooperation between Village parties is carried out through various formal and informal forums. These forums become an arena for village parties to negotiate. Third, the Village Fund forms the representation function of the Village Consultative Body. The Village Consultative Body is able to become a bridge between the community and the village government, as well as being a partner of the village government.

From Café Culture to Tweets

From Café Culture to Tweets

Survival strategies of traditional retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Some insights from a developing country

Purpose: The paper aims to report the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate survival strategies during the pandemic of traditional retailers.Design/methodology/approach: Exploratory methodology consisting of the literature review and an empirical study was conducted. The theoretical framework of resilience strategy was built to provide a guideline for the empirical study. The empirical study involves a longitudinal study with 30 traditional retailers located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The empirical data was collected using semi-structured interviews in mid-2019 and mid-2020, corresponding to the condition before and during the pandemic. Secondary data sources were also examined to refine the empirical evidence.Findings: The findings confirm that the pandemic has created disruptions in supply and demand, subsequently affecting operations. 90% of the traditional retailers experienced demand reduction, which varied among the retailers (M = 47%, SD = 25%), and 10% of the traditional retailers have not received any profit. The majority of the traditional retailer adopted reactive rather than proactive strategies. To cope with the pandemic, the traditional retailers have focused on efficient strategies and implemented exploitation-oriented strategies combined with exploration-oriented strategies. Trust and social capital were also discovered to explain the reasons behind the resiliency and sustainability of the traditional retailers.Research limitations/implications: Due to the preliminary and explorative nature of the present study, the generality of the findings may therefore be limited. Future research focusing on quantitative analysis using a large sample helps to achieve the generality of the findings.Practical implications: Because the strategies implemented in large enterprises (LEs) usually do not fit in micro-, small-, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), exploring strategies that are consistent with the characteristics of MSMEs and leverage their potentials is necessary. Building ambidextrous retailers through leveraging social capital/network and informal forum, exploiting affordable technology (e.g., social media, marketplace), and honing innovativeness is a way to survive in a dynamic environment.Social implications: Because the traditional retailers have contributed to economic development and social function, the government should empower them to leverage their capabilities through training and strengthen their business ecosystem through collective actions.Originality/value: The study contributes to the resilience body of knowledge concerning the strategies implemented by the traditional retailers during a long and unpredictable disruption in a developing country setting, which is scarce in the literature.

MIDDLE POWER’S ROLE IN HEALTH DIPLOMACY DURING COVID-19

This article seeks to respond towards the growing skepticism questioning MIKTA’s role in middle power diplomacy during the Covid-19 pandemic era. In recent years, the middle power informal forum MIKTA, consisting of Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey, and Australia has been accused of being dysfunctional with lack of significant contributions towards multilateralism. Moreover, during the Covid-19 pandemic, MIKTA member states struggle to resolve domestic issues such as rising infections rate and economic recession, which indicate their withdrawal from regional and multilateral affairs. This article proves otherwise. The author argues that despite facing domestic problems related to Covid-19, MIKTA member states remain committed towards multilateralism through exemplary domestic regulations and regional contributions in a new public diplomacy role MIKTA has never taken before: health diplomacy. This descriptive-quantitative research implements quasi-experimental method by selecting five states representing middle powers from various regions and examine their health diplomacy role in domestic, regional, and multilateral affairs using indicators from Neo-Liberalist and Constructivist perspectives. This article concludes that MIKTA member states’ role in health diplomacy remain essential in supporting global health diplomacy efforts during the pandemic. Domestically, Australia and South Korea’s effective Covid-19 containment policy have served as an example for other states to follow. Regionally, MIKTA member states’ assistance towards neighboring states highlight their commitment towards regional leadership. Multilaterally, all MIKTA member states have unanimously agreed on the need to support Covid-19 vaccine availability for all countries.

Ordinary people's participation in local development planning in Nepal

ABSTRACT Participation of ordinary people in shaping the developmental priorities at the local level is often regarded as a vehicle to enhance the quality of local development policies, plans, and programmes. This study empirically examines a Nepali case of municipal-level development planning process to understand how ordinary people were offered participation opportunities through informal forums. Findings suggest that informal forums can be conducive for articulating the presence and voice of ordinary citizens in the local development planning process. The study contributes to the participatory development literature by showcasing a relatively successful case of incorporating ordinary people in local development planning process.

Citizen Science and Environmental Protection Agencies: Engaging Citizens to Address Key Environmental Challenges

Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) have been involved in citizen science initiatives for decades, engaging with citizens with the goal of protecting and restoring our environment. Yet the data and knowledge generated and the possibilities for engaging citizens have grown significantly in the last decades thanks to the recent developments in mobile technologies and the access to internet, resulting in a transformation of how environmental protection can be done. This perspective provides some examples on how European EPAs and their partners are currently addressing key environmental challenges and exploring new institutional approaches by bringing in citizen science data and methods. It also points out challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of citizen science as a complement to the monitoring efforts by these agencies. Finally, it presents the Interest Group on Citizen Science of the Network of the Heads of Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA Network), an informal forum where EPAs across Europe share examples and bring together strategic insights on citizen science approaches into their daily activities.

PENINGKATAN KOMPETENSI KOMUNITAS WANITA PEMILIK USAHA KECIL MENENGAH MELALUI WORKSHOP PUBLIC SPEAKING

Communication is an important aspect of life to interact with each other. Public speaking is one part of communication activities. Public Speaking, which used to be known as rhetoric, is now a major need for humans, because communication needs are becoming increasingly significant and crucial that penetrate into various aspects of life. Public speaking later became one of the disciplines of public communication. With the development of such public speaking as a public communication skill that must be possessed by anyone if they want to be successful in the economic, social, political and even cultural fields, because human communication on earth is almost 99% done verbally. Women Community Small Medium Business Owners are a group of women who are in one community to develop the potential of each individual. The output to be achieved is the increase in knowledge, skills and skills in communication in both formal and informal forums. Public speaking is not an easy task. Need good language skills. Fear and anxiety become a big problem, especially for beginners who have no experience in public speaking. This also happened to women community members who owned small and medium businesses in Rarang village, Terara sub-district, East Lombok Regency. Their language competence is inadequate. That is why Public Speaking training activities are held. This activity is expected to improve their language skills. By using the training method obtained satisfactory results. The enthusiasm and positive response of the participants showed that the training activities were indeed needed to increase the potential of the speaking ability of the community of women who owned small and medium businesses in Rarang Village. In addition, using this approach can certainly increase the participation of women in more formal public forums. Increasing the role of women will certainly also affect the capacity and capabilities of women in their involvement in public forums. Keywords: Communication, Public Speaking, Business Community, Woman DOI: https://doi.org/10.26905/nomosleca.v6i1.3959

The Use of Video Annotation Tools and Informal Online Discussions to Explore Preservice Teachers’ Self- and Peer-Evaluation of Academic Feedback

This study explored the quality of preservice teachers’ self- and peer-academic feedback using video annotation tools to capture their teaching practices. They were also provided with an informal online discussion board as part of the peer support system. Twenty-five preservice teachers at a large university in the Southwestern United States volunteered to participate in this study. Data revealed a striking difference between self-evaluation and peer-evaluation. Preservice teachers rated themselves considerably higher compared with their peer-evaluation. The quality of the academic feedback and evaluation remained at the surface level with a mismatch between areas of refinement and areas of reinforcement. Evidence-based feedback and constructive criticism for areas of refinement were openly given during the informal discussion forums. Despite the inconsistency, preservice teachers perceived online communication through discussion posts as a valuable source of building relationships and providing support system.

Knowledge management practices in universities: The role of communities of practice

Abstract One of the major strategies for managing knowledge for competitive advantage in universities is through Communities of Practice (CoPs). This study sought to assess how universities are using CoPs as a tool to manage and safeguard knowledge for competitive advantage. The study adopted the survey and mixed method research approach to collect data from selected universities in Ghana. The study established that despite the high level of understanding and appreciation for knowledge management practices and the existence of both formal and informal forums for managing and safeguarding knowledge at the universities, the role and impact of CoPs in KM at the universities were insignificant. This was due to the low level of understanding of the concept of CoPs, non-belonging to a CoP and lack of tools and systems to support CoPs at the universities. The study finally proposed a framework for CoPs in universities. According to the proposed framework, the successful deployment of CoPs in universities depends on identifying and linking the knowledge (tacit and explicit) and CoPs to the universities.

Сетевая текстура мировой политики: трансрегионализм БРИКС

In the world witnessing profound transformations at all levels of interstate relations as well as the search for effective forms of international interaction, networks have already proved to be among the most effective patterns of cooperation. Informal, flexible, stable, cooperative, multilevel and pluralistic international networks have been promoting a new architecture of the 21st century world politics, with BRICS being one of its manifestations. BRICS also represent a special type of networks – a transregional one, which combines resources of the powerful states from different regional subsystems claiming to be the leaders of a new polycentric world. Applying the network approach, the author analyzes the nature, potential, resources, mechanisms and institutions of BRICS as an actor in the global governance. This network is based on a balance of interests, resources and values. The group forms a stable network with relatively stable links that contribute to its stability despite political and economic factors forcing its disintegration. Such a pattern of transregional cooperation has not only become an objective reality, but also confirms its effectiveness and competitiveness in the multilevel system of global governance. BRICS, while remaining an informal forum, could not avoid institutionalization (albeit in a soft and flexible form), having formed a complex network of forums, councils, as well as real institutions such as the New Development Bank or BRICS Network University. The group is distinguished by a high concentration of resources in a network that operates on the basis of group interest and a culture of consensus, which ensures its stability even in case of internal political changes and bilateral contradictions. Amid increasing competition of new transregional associations and projects, the BRICS states tend to use the openness of the group to cement their global leadership, initiating “BRICS+” project that might become an even more inclusive transregional network embracing more regional and middle powers in the framework of cooperation.

The Unruly World of Tax: A Proposal for an International Tax Cooperation Forum

International cooperation in tax policy is deeply fractured. Inconsistencies, loopholes, and ineffective mechanisms—which could be avoided if real collaboration among countries existed—have created significant inefficiency losses for decades. This Article focuses on the institutional infrastructure underlying international cooperation in tax issues and argues that the current forums in which such cooperation is encouraged do not provide an adequate platform in which countries with similar interests can effectively make a collaborative effort. To facilitate cooperation, this Article proposes to create a new institution currently missing from the international tax policy-setting arena: an informal forum for coordination among countries that share similar interests in tax policy, inspired by the model of “Like Minded Groups” in international organizations. This forum will enable countries that share similar interests to cooperate and reach understandings about necessary policy adaptations. We identify two major projects that this forum could promote—efforts to curtail tax evasion and efforts to harmonize various aspects of tax policy. We argue that this model might have significant advantages in promoting cooperation, reducing the “competitiveness” threat, advocating coordinated policies, and overcoming external and domestic pressures. In light of the current challenges in the field of tax policy, and the difficulties in forming international cooperation within the current institutional framework, the proposed model is worth serious discussion and consideration.

Do Informal Forums Matter? Lessons from Nepal’s Local Policymaking

This research empirically explores whether and how informal forums facilitate the participation of ordinary people in the local policymaking process. Using qualitative data generated from 2014 to 2016 in the Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City in western Nepal, it argues that informal forums are the most conducive participatory platforms for ordinary people and that these forums can bring positive influences on the formal processes of policymaking. Examined through the analytical framework of society-driven participatory institutions, findings of this research suggest that informal forums, if designed properly, can contribute to securing democratic rights of ordinary people by allowing them to participate to raise and deliberate their issues in the local policymaking process. In addition to broadening the existing knowledge about the role of informal forums in local governance, findings of this research offer new insights for local authorities who are passionate about participatory local policymaking.

Islamic legal tradition and the choice of investment arbitration forums

Does domestic legal tradition affect international cooperation and legalization? Recent studies indicate that states with Islamic law tradition (ILT) prefer more informal forums to resolve international disputes, compared to states with other legal traditions. We examine this claim in the context of the increasingly important global investment regime. We argue, specifically, that international investment agreements (IIAs) concluded by ILT states are less likely to refer disputes to the highly legalized and formal Centre for the Settlement of Investment Dispute (ICSID), and are more likely to refer them Islamic forums, which tend to be less formal. Employing new data on forum choice in investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions in more than 2,600 IIAs and controlling for a battery of alternative explanations, we find substantial empirical support for the theoretical expectations. These findings underscore the significance of domestic legal traditions to international dispute settlement in the Islamic world and beyond.

The influence of weapons of mass destruction on international security in the second decade of the 21st century

The article outlines reasons for the significant increase of the hazard posed by weapons of mass destruction in the current decade. Despite the international community’s efforts made throughout the years, it has not been possible to eliminate them, significantly lower their arsenal or prevent their building or transfer. What has increased is the importance of weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear ones, as a force factor in international relations. This tendency will probably continue in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the article focuses on explaining the mechanisms of this process and its connections with numerous events and facts influencing international security. Special significance is ascribed to a precise estimation of the risk posed by weapons of mass destruction and determination of its hierarchy. Moreover, the article presents the forms and methods of the activities undertaken by countries and international organisations regarding the prevention of proliferation (via disarmament treaties and informal forums) and assesses their effectiveness.

Description of knowledge and promotion media for Healthy Living Movement (Germas) in higher education institutions in Indonesia

Background: Health problems that arise today are results of unhealthy lifestyle. As an effort to overcome these problems, the government launched the Healthy Living Movement (Germas) involving several approaches. This research aims to study the description of knowledge and promotion media about Germas among academics in higher education institutions.Methods: This is a qualitative research that aims to understand a social phenomenon. Research respondents were academics belonging to the groups of department heads, lecturers, academic staff, students, and canteen personnel. The study was conducted from February to April 2019.Results: Results of this research show that Germas related activities have been partially carried out in the university. Meanwhile, results from the health college and the health polytechnic indicate that Germas related activities are better implemented. They are better integrated with the Germas itself as a whole.Conclusions: Knowledge of Germas among academics in higher education institutions is adequate. This is even better for the case of the health college and health polytechnic in which information about health is disseminated routinely via both formal and informal forums. On the other hand, academics from the university obtain more health information about health from external sources.

Narrative Shifts: Race, Culture, and the Production of Screendance

Moving 24fps is a platform where teams of one professional dance maker and one filmmaker are paired to create work in a single weekend. These ‘creatives’ make work as a part of the touring Festival: It focuses exclusively on the production of screendance and is situated within various ‘partner cities’. This article is informed by a collection of both informal and open forum interviews with over 25 creatives about their experience inside the project. We were curious how screendance can be used as a tool to help shape and reimagine each cities narrative as it relates to identity politics and what it could reveal about a national discourse of race and culture within the production of screendance. For the purposes of this journal, individual dance shorts from the Moving 24fps Detroit project will be used as case studies to examine the creative process and to investigate representation, equity, and inclusion in screendance curation and production.Two questions that frame this entire paper: What considerations and choices do creatives make to center race and geo-politics within their city? How does the project create or promote equity in dance film curation?

A qualitative study into health and social needs and barriers to service access for families residing in a suburb of Sydney with high rates of disadvantage

Introduction: Healthy Homes and Neighbourhoods (HHAN) Integrated Care Program utilises a long-term care coordination model to enhance vulnerable family engagement with and access to appropriate health and social services. HHAN services vulnerable families across inner west Sydney, with a particular focus on two areas of clustered family disadvantage identified by a geospatial epidemiological study. Riverwood was identified as a suburb of heightened vulnerability. The study aims to identify barriers and enablers to service access and engagement in order to inform the delivery of HHAN’s Riverwood place-based initiative. Both service providers and community members were consulted in order to identify the health and social needs and current gaps in service provision in this area. The study also aims to encourage consumer participation in the health service planning process through community consultation. Theory/methods: This qualitative project will utilise informal interviews, community forums and focus groups. The first round of consultation involved informal interviews with stakeholders from which key themes and issues were identified. In the second round of consultation Riverwood community members were recruited via a variety of methods including through schools, community organisations, and letterbox drops in order to attract a varied range of participants to a community forum and follow-up focus groups. Emerging key themes and issues were identified, summarised and analysed. NVivo was used for coding and thematic analysis. Results: Preliminary results from consultation with service providers identified both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The major extrinsic factors include issues with health district and local boundaries, unclear referral pathways, and a lack of targeted local services. Service provider consultation also suggested that intrinsic factors such as attitudes towards health and historic mistrust of services were significant barriers to accessing and engaging with health services. Discussions: The health and social service system is complex and difficult for both service providers and clients to navigate. Examining the issue of service access requires consideration of a broad range of factors including the perspective of service providers and the community and also reviewing systemic and process factors. This assessment of the service landscape will enable HHAN to establish a place-based initiative that adequately responds to community and service needs in this suburb of significant family disadvantage. Conclusions: Multiple extrinsic and intrinsic factors complicate access to and engagement in services in the Riverwood area. This highlights the need for place-based integrated care initiatives such as Healthy Homes and Neighbourhoods to target the needs of disadvantaged communities. Lessons learned: A broad framework is required to gain a comprehensive understanding of access to and engagement with services that examines the interplay of individual factors, social issues, process and systemic factors. Limitations: The transferability of these findings outside of the Riverwood context is unknown, however, learnings may assist with planning of place-based initiatives in similar areas. Suggestions for future research: Further research will focus on evaluation of the Riverwood place-based initiative in order to determine if identified needs and gaps are being adequately addressed.