Interest Groups Research Articles

Where’s the beef?: the politics of health care reform in South Korea

Background: In February 2024, the South Korean government released a policy proposal for healthcare reform, with one of the main pillars being increased medical school admissions. This policy has sparked intense opposition from the physicians’ top association. Most importantly, interns and residents—the bedrock of the medical workforce in Korean hospitals—began to leave en masse. Consequently, a medical crisis emerged, in which many medical and surgical procedures were delayed.Current Concepts: According to studies on comparative health policy and systems, the crisis could be attributed to the unique characteristics of the Korean healthcare system, in which the administration and doctors have failed to establish a substantive dialogue through which policy options are examined and deliberated. These dynamics necessitated the establishment of an institutional space for interest group politics, causing both to suffer from a lack of action repertoires. The stalemate we witness reflects the enduring patterns of the same issue.Discussion and Conclusion: To ensure the success of the current initiative, institutional arrangements must be established in which policymakers and physicians make a credible commitment to each other. Alternatives, for instance, include reactivating and regularizing the Health and Medical Services Policy Deliberation Committee, which could pave the way for establishing a venue where key stakeholders can discuss future agendas, such as how to ensure improved accessibility to “essential” care and mitigate its subnational variation, thereby creating a long-term vision for new health system governance in South Korea.

US Military Sexual Assault: How Media, Public Opinion and Interest Groups Affected Congressional Oversight

It has been more than 30 years since the first sexual assault in the US military scandal; thousands of sexual assault survivors as well as numerous legislative regulations have not been able to address effectively the situation. In 2022, the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act (MJIIPA) finally passed. The article addresses what changed to allow the passage of this legislation and if it will be enough to fix the problem. The research questions are: What changed during Congressional Oversight to achieve the passage of MJIIPA?  Media, Public Opinion and Interest Groups (IG) have played what role to achieve the changes in Congress? By making the changes to the COC what is to be expected? Will it be enough to address the issue? This article uses the case study method. The results of this examination demonstrate that neither media, public opinion nor interest groups provided the influence expected. It was elite cues and those committed to reforming the system as a continuous process, not an ad hoc procedure that pushed forward the reforms.   Received: 11 November 2023 / Accepted: 23 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Histochemical and ultrastructural localization of triterpene saponins in Medicago truncatula.

In the Medicago genus, saponins are complex mixtures of triterpene pentacyclic glycosides extensively studied for their different and economically relevant biological and pharmaceutical properties. This research is aimed at determining for the first time the tissue and cellular localization of triterpene saponins in vegetative organs of Medicago truncatula, a model plant species for legumes, by histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that saponins are present mainly in the palisade mesophyll layer of leaves, whereas in stems they are mostly located in the primary phloem and the subepidermal cells of cortical parenchyma. In root tissue, saponins occur in the secondary phloem region. Transmission electron microscopy revealed prominent saponin accumulation within the leaf and stem chloroplasts, while in the roots the saponins are found in the vesicular structures. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy to localize M. truncatula saponins at tissue and cellular levels and provide important information for further studies on biosynthesis and regulation of valuable bioactive saponins on agronomic relevant Medicago spp., such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The Medicago genus represents a valuable rich source of saponins, one of the most interesting groups of secondary plant metabolites, which possess relevant biological and pharmacological properties. Plant tissue and cellular localization of saponins is of great importance to better understand their biological functions, biosynthetic pathway, and regulatory mechanisms. We elucidate the localization of saponins in Medicago truncatula with histochemical and transmission electron microscopy studies.

Personal and organisational health literacy in the non-specific symptom pathway for cancer: An ethnographic study.

People being investigated for cancer face a wealth of complex information. Non-specific symptom pathways (NSS) were implemented in the United Kingdom in 2017 to address the needs of patients experiencing symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue or general practitioner 'gut feeling', who did not have streamlined pathways for cancer investigation. This study aimed to explore the health literacy skills needed by patients being investigated for cancer in NSS pathways. This study employed ethnographic methods across four hospitals in England, including interviews, patient shadowingand clinical care observations, to examine NSS pathways for cancer diagnosis. We recruited 27 patients who were shadowed and interviewed during their care. We also interviewed 27 professionals. The analysis focused on patient communication and understanding, drawing on the concepts of personal and organisational health literacy. Our analysis derived six themes highlighting the considerable informational demands of the NSS pathway. Patients were required to understand complex blood tests and investigations in primary care and often did not understand why they were referred. The NSS pathway itself was difficult to understand with only a minority of patients appreciating that multiple organs were being investigated for cancer. The process of progressing through the pathway was also difficult to understand, particularly around who was making decisions and what would happen next. The results of investigations were complex, often including incidental findings. Patients whose persistent symptoms were not explained were often unsure of what to do following discharge. We have identified several potential missed opportunities for organisations to support patient understanding of NSS pathways which could lead to inappropriate help-seeking post-discharge. Patients' difficulties in comprehending previous investigations and findings could result in delays, overtestingor inadequately targeted investigations, hindering the effective use of their medical history. Third, patients' limited understanding of their investigations and results may impede their ability to engage in patient safety by reporting potential care errors. Patient, public, clinical and policy representatives contributed to developing the research objectives through a series of meetings and individual conversations in preparation for the study. We have held several events in which patients and the public have had an opportunity to give feedback about our results, such as local interest groups in North London and academic conferences. A clinical contributor (J.-A. M.) was involved in data analysis and writing the manuscript.

Mining as a Sustainable Development: Social License vs. State license

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate mining activity as a sustainable development, based on the social license and the state license, with the aim of systematizing literature on obtaining the license to operate.   Theoretical Framework: This topic presents the main concepts and theories that support the research. Thus, the Social License to Operate and social conflicts stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the research.   Method: The methodology includes the review of previous research indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. To do this, search strings were applied, using the Boolean operators AND, OR and NOT and applying pre-established search and screening criteria.   Results and Discussion: The main finding of the research is that Social License to Operate must have effective communication between the community and the business sector, so that possible changes related to the needs of the interest groups involved are considered in the future.   Implications of the research: the practical and theoretical implications of this research are that the qualities of the Social License to Operate have the possibility of varying social relations as long as environmental issues are addressed by the private sector and by policies. public.   Originality/Value: It contributes to the literature by showing that the Social License to Operate is gaining importance in scientific research, so that researchers open academic debate.

The Conditionality of Political Short‐Termism: A Review of Empirical and Experimental Studies

Political short-termism prioritizes short-term net policy benefits over long-term benefits and thus can hinder policy investments that impose short-term costs to society to address long-term policy challenges. This literature review explores when political short-termism can be driven and mitigated in a democratic system by reviewing empirical and experimental studies and identifying the various factors that can influence policy investments: elections, economic conditions, power-sharing arrangements, partisanship, the presence of compensation schemes, and media coverage among politicians; discounts of future policy benefits, policy trade-offs, political ideology, and socioeconomic and demographic factors among voters; and compliance costs, power-sharing arrangements, compensations, and long-term political signaling from governments among special interest groups. Finally, I discuss the findings and provide suggestions for future research.

Abstract PO2-10-02: 'Sharing Our Own Experience': A Qualitative Study of Black Women Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is disproportionately prevalent among U.S. Black women. Black women diagnosed with TNBC are less likely to receive the primary treatment options for TNBC, and more likely to die from the disease compared to white patients with the same diagnosis. Given TNBC’s impact on Black women, there is an urgent need to better understand their needs for information and support and any unique barriers to care they may face. Thus, this study explored the perspectives, needs, and lived experiences of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Methods: Our study was guided by the transformative paradigm and used a multi-method approach. Study-eligible participants self-identified as: a) Black or African American; b) 18 years or older; c) being diagnosed with TNBC within the previous 5-7 years; d) receiving TNBC treatment in the U.S.; and e) English-speaking. From August-October 2022, SHARE Cancer Support (a national nonprofit focused on cancer) and 15 partner organizations used social media and listservs to recruit potential participants from their constituencies to complete a quantitative survey (n=49). From the survey participants, a stratified, purposeful sample of 20 Black women diagnosed with TNBC completed in-depth interviews from November 2022-February 2023. Two Black women researchers conducted virtual interviews with the participants via Zoom. The research team performed thematic analysis on the professionally transcribed data using NVivo 12. A Black Feminist lens was used to analyze codes and interpret emerging themes present across the interviews. The University of South Carolina's Institutional Review Board approved this study. Results: About half of those interviewed were between 35 and 44 years old, had a bachelor's degree or higher, and their annual household income ranged from less than $25,000 to $175,000. Eight major themes emerged from the personal stories of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. From diagnosis to survivorship, Black women discussed the importance of advocacy, including self-advocacy, others advocating on their behalf, and being motivated to become an advocate for others. The participants shared the significance of their identity as Black women and desired that cancer care team members acknowledge their identity and subsequently culturally tailor their care needs. Some participants also noted instances of racism and discrimination that occurred during their TNBC diagnosis or treatment experience. Participants overwhelmingly stressed the vital nature of having “someone who looks like me” to inform them about treatment options and existing resources, as well as to provide emotional support through their shared lived experiences with TNBC. Additionally, participants recognized the importance of embracing the uncertain yet inevitable future. They also emphasized that mental health support is not uniformly provided in care settings but should be an essential component of the TNBC treatment plan. Having support was essential to all the women, but they noted that support can look different for everyone and many existing support resources need to be improved. The themes were adapted into a list of recommended action steps for support organizations, clinical care team members, and TNBC patients to help improve the quality of life for Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Conclusions: The lived experiences of Black women diagnosed with TNBC can serve as a meaningful source of data and provide solutions to addressing persistent health disparities these women face. Findings from this study can inform future research and clinical practice about how to support the holistic needs of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Recommendations for improving the quality of life for Black women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The 8 major themes that emerged in the qualitative study were adapted into a list of actionable recommendations for key interest groups to improve the lives of Black women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Citation Format: Tisha Felder, Lucy Ingram, Megan Austin, Victoria Burke, Stephanie Poland, Megan-Claire Chase, Christine Benjamin. 'Sharing Our Own Experience': A Qualitative Study of Black Women Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-10-02.

Discrimination among similarly colored goose species in federal harvest surveys

AbstractEach year in the United States, fall‐winter (sport) harvests of goose species are estimated from federal surveys coordinated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, including the Migratory Bird Harvest Survey to estimate total goose harvest and the Parts Collection Survey (PCS) to estimate the species and age composition. For the PCS, randomly selected hunters collect tail and wing feathers of each goose shot during the hunting season, and then biologists determine the age class and species of each sample at organized events (Wingbees) in each of the 4 flyways (Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic). For similarly colored goose species, cackling (Branta hutchinsii) versus Canada (B. canadensis) geese (dark geese) and Ross's (Anser rossii) versus snow (A. caerulescens) geese (light geese), different protocols evolved among Wingbees to differentiate samples into groupings of management interest, leading to difficulties in estimating species‐level harvests among the 4 flyways or nationally. We conducted a study among the United States flyways during 2019–2022 to derive thresholds of central tail feather length to discriminate between dark geese and between light geese. We compared morphological‐ and genetic‐based approaches. There was support for 2 distinct mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) clades in dark and light geese, but only dark goose clades corresponded with central tail feather lengths (morphological size and species identification). Derived thresholds for central tail feather lengths of dark geese in the 3 westernmost flyways using genetic‐based species' discrimination were 145 mm for adults and 134 mm for juveniles, approximately 13 mm and 9 mm less, respectively, than thresholds using morphological‐based species' discrimination. There was limited ability to discriminate light geese based on either mtDNA or central tail feather lengths. We suggest managers use our derived thresholds based on genetic‐based species' discrimination to classify dark goose PCS samples. More advanced genome analyses should be conducted before changing current Wingbee protocols for light geese. Lastly, we encourage more studies to incorporate genetic analyses to complement morphological discrimination.

Stakeholder responses to mandating environmental, social and governance reporting in Hong Kong

We examine stakeholders’ comment letters regarding the Hong Kong Exchange’s (HKEX) 2015 Consultation Paper, which proposed mandating ESG reporting in Hong Kong. We test for significant differences in responses between stakeholder groups and whether the HKEX’s decision was consistent with stakeholders’ preferences in the consultation process. Examining comment letters submitted by six lobbying groups—preparers, investors, the accounting profession, NGOs, other institutions and individuals—we analyze survey responses using textual analysis software and statistical tests. We find that users and the accounting profession participated more than preparers. We also find that preparers and users took different positions on mandating ESG reporting when lobbying the HKEX, whereas preparers and the accounting profession advocated similar positions. Moreover, we find a significant association between stakeholder groups’ preferences and the HKEX’s decision on most proposed changes.

Pancreas after kidney transplantation, is it the time to overcome the stigma?

Pancreas transplantation is the most effective treatment to improve quality of life and overcome complications in patients with end-stage renal disease and diabetes mellitus. One of the main approaches for concurrent renal disease and diabetes mellitus which has been underutilized during the past decade is a pancreas transplant after kidney transplantation. Our study aimed to quantify outcomes following pancreas after kidney transplants (PAKs) in the United States from 2001 to 2020 with an emphasis on graft and patient survival. A retrospective registry analysis was performed by accessing the OPTN/UNOS database for PAKs that were performed in the United States from January 2001 to April 2020. The study population was divided into two subgroups: patients receiving a pancreas transplant between 2001 and 2010 and those receiving a pancreas transplant between 2011 and 2020. The study examined a total number of 3706 PAK recipients; patients who received a PAK from January 2001 through December 2010 (n=2892) and those who received a PAK from January 2011 to April 2020 (n=814). The selection process of transplant recipients did not drastically change throughout the 2001-2010 and 2011-2020 periods. Length of stay at the hospital after the transplantation improved significantly in the 2011-2020 group relative to the 2001-2010 group (8.48 vs. 10.08days, mean, p<0.01). Additionally, more transplantation with 4-6 human leukocyte antigen mismatch occurred in the 2011-2020 group than in the 2001-2010 group (80.6% vs. 71.4%, p<0.01). The pancreas preservation time of 13.35h in the 2001-2010 group decreased significantly to 11.17h in the 2011-2020 group (p<0.001). The mean donor's amylase and lipase also decreased significantly in the 2011-2020 cohort. Significant graft survival improvement was observed in the 2011-2020 group compared to the 2001-2010 group after a long-term follow-up (p<0.001). The mean Calculated Pancreas Donor Risk Index was 1.08 for the 2001-2010 group and 0.99 for the 2011-2020 group with a significant difference (p<0.001). The beneficial results and improved outcomes observed in PAK patients demonstrate the effectiveness of the operation for individuals in need of a pancreas transplant. PAKs can prove to be a meaningful solution to overcome long waiting times, decrease the donor-recipient imbalance, expand the donor pool, and overcome the current underutilization in order to improve the short- and long-term quality of life in the groups of interest.

Examining the Effect of Flipped Learning on Proficiency in English Writing Grammar via Inflectional Morphemes

The study aimed to understand the underlying effects of flipped learning on students’ English as Foreign Language (EFL) writing skill. For this study, proficiency of writing knacks of EFL has been examined mainly by using inflection morphemes based on experimental research work. Two sets of intact classes were chosen as participants for this research study. These classes were randomly assigned to different groups, namely control group and experimental group, with a total sample size of 126 EFL students. During the eight-week time, the control group (a non-flipped learning) and the Experimental Group (a flipped learning) were taught traditional writing instructions and flipped learning, respectively. The inflectional morphemes were used in three phases: pre-, mid, and post-test. The test named Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA) was used to analyze data. The research findings show that the flipped learning students have outnumbered their counterparts, i.e., non-flipped learning, in terms of EFL students’ language writing proficiency development for inflectional morphemes. The research findings have proposed some general recommendations on EFL writing instructions for decision-makers, academia, and other interest groups.

Policy utilisation of occupational safety and health research: results from a tripartite unicameral parliamentary system in Denmark

Background: Use of research evidence in policy decisions is under-researched. Especially, there is a need for more research in countries with different forms of government than bicameral legislatures. Aims and objectives: This article examines the impact of occupational safety and health (OSH) research on decision-makers in a tripartite unicameral parliamentary system (legislature and agreements). More specifically, we identify and discuss information acquisition and types of research use in policy decisions. Methods: Using both semi-structured and structured questions, we conducted 30 interviews distributed evenly within three groups of elite political actors: elected members of parliament; top-level public administrators; and social partner politicians. Analysis and reporting were subject to investigator triangulation. Findings: The three groups of elite political actors acquire information about OSH issues from different sources. The most important are: interest groups, networks and internal specialists. Findings show that elite actors generally use research knowledge conceptually and instrumentally, and to a lesser degree strategically and tactically. Many types of information influence politicians. They mostly perceive themselves as initiators of new research. The social partners primarily perceive themselves as users of new research results to initiate change and influence political decisions. Discussion and conclusion: How and when research knowledge is used differs between the three groups. It is important for researchers to tailor research communication to the particular needs of different stakeholders and interact directly with the elite actors and indirectly through lower level specialists from stakeholder organisations, and gain exposure through external sources such as the press and social media.

Exploring the Effects of Development of Policy Alternatives by the Public on Policy Formulation in Kericho County

Public participation in Kenya has not been achieved especially at county level in which Kericho County is one of them. This study sought to explore the effects of development of policy alternatives by the public on policy formulation in Kericho County. This study was guided by public participation and policy formulation theory and adopted descriptive research design. The study targeted 30 ward administrators, 30 members of the county assembly, 85 village elders, and local residents of Kericho County. Using simple random sampling technique, the study obtained a sample size of 196 respondents who participated in the study. Primary data for the study was gathered through the use of an interview guide and a questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of the quantitative data obtained through the use of a questionnaire and SPSS version 25. Frequency and percentage were the precise descriptive statistics that were employed, and regression analysis and correlation were the inferential statistics. The study found that development of policy alternatives by the public had positive and significant effect on policy formulation (β = 0.465, p = 0.000). The study concludes that the government, citizens, special interest groups, the media, and the private sector all have a role to play in the policy-making process. Thus, policy makers should consider the input of these stakeholders when making decisions, as their actions can have a large impact on the implementation of policies. In view of the findings, the study recommended that policy makers should ensure that policies are reflective of the opinions of all stakeholders in order to ensure their successful implementation. Keywords: Public Participation, Policy Formulation, Community Engagement, Governance, Kericho County

Impact of Corruption on Utility Prices: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis for the Electricity Markets

This study investigates the influence of corruption on utility prices. We develop a game-theoretical model to explore the interactions between the government, an interest group formed by firms, and consumers in determining utility prices. The model suggests that an increase in corruption correlates with a rise in utility prices, a relationship confirmed through empirical analysis of electricity sectors in 21 OECD countries from 1995 to 2015. Additionally, we explore the effects of regulatory reforms on electricity prices, revealing mixed outcomes. The findings emphasise the importance of anti-corruption efforts in shaping fair utility prices.

Impact of medical school experiences on the career choice of neurosurgery: a cross- sectional study from Pakistan

BackgroundPakistan grapples with the issue of an inadequate neurosurgery workforce but the reasons for such a disparity remain uncertain. Previous studies have highlighted how various factors including medical school experiences have an impact on career choice, but no study has delved into the impact of medical school exposure among Pakistani medical students, especially for the field of neurosurgery. This study aims to evaluate the impact of neurosurgery exposure, mentorship, and interest groups on medical students' decision to pursue neurosurgery.MethodsA national cross-sectional survey was conducted in Pakistan, collecting data from medical students, interns, and medical officers over a one-month period. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee at Aga Khan University, Pakistan. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.ResultsOut of 2618 participants, 38.0% were male and 62.0% were female, with an average age of 21.82 years (± 2.65). Among them, only 358 (13.6%) were interested in pursuing neurosurgery as a career, while the remaining 2,260 (86.3%) were not. More females (58.9%) than males (41.1%) expressed interest in pursuing neurosurgery as their intended career. Most medical students interested in pursuing neurosurgery were in the early years of their medical school (1st Year: 19.6%, 2nd Year: 26.0%, 3rd Year: 20.9%). In our study, students from public sector institutions (52.2%) showed more interest in neurosurgery as a career choice compared to those from private sector institutions (44.1%). The main deterrents for choosing neurosurgery were intense training (42.2%), work-life balance (39.9%), limited residency slots (56.7%), medical knowledge (34.1%), and surgical skills (36.6%).ConclusionThis study highlights the need for increased student engagement to inculcate the decision to pursue neurosurgery among medical students in Pakistan. A significant gap is highlighted, with the majority of interested students in early years. Public sector students show higher interest than their private sector counterparts. However, barriers like intense training, limited residency slots, and work-life balance concerns influence career choice. Targeted interventions like mentorship programs are crucial for fostering future neurosurgeons and advancing patient care and research. By addressing the identified disparities in experiences and promoting a supportive educational environment, it is possible to cultivate a future generation of skilled and dedicated neurosurgeons who can contribute to advancements in patient care and research in the field.

Emerging market multinationals’ embeddedness in Global South countries: an empirical study of Chinese MNEs in Peru

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) are integrating and expanding into other emerging market host countries, focusing on Chinese mining companies in Peru. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a qualitative approach, an in-depth analysis of two Chinese state-owned enterprises’ strategies was conducted, building on stakeholder theory and the business ecosystem perspective. Findings This study reveals a reliance on high-level political lobbying rather than localized engagement strategies. However, findings point to increasing grassroots resistance among local stakeholders, undermining EMNEs’ bargaining power. Originality/value This paper argues for a paradigm shift toward inclusive, cooperative “translocal governance” approaches as empowered communities gain voice. Key contributions include advancing theoretical understanding of changing stakeholder relationships and power configurations in emerging countries, underscoring the rising significance of microlevel sociocultural embeddedness for MNE success and highlighting practical imperatives for EMNEs to embark on rapid localization strategies in Latin America. By elucidating multilayered integration realities in Peru, this interdisciplinary study yields contextualized insights and enriches perspective on the conditions and pathways for EMNEs to build sustainability in Global South emerging market environments.

The sociomoral construction of the dairy industry on social media

ABSTRACT In this work, we describe how dairy production is framed and communicated both by dairy producers and opponents of dairy farming through popular social media messaging. We built a specialized corpus of Twitter posts made by pro-dairy industry insiders (N = 3,350) and compared it with a second specialized corpus of anti-dairy posts (N = 4,811). Posts were harvested using web-scraping tools, and corpus techniques were applied to identify keywords. The keywords were then placed into semantic clusters, e.g. moral judgments and community, through a process of qualitative investigation with close concordance analysis. We report important differences in the way each group linguistically instantiates social and moral values to produce differentially moralized evaluations of farming as well as asymmetrical discursive construals of ingroup loyalty, profit, and motherhood. These differences reflect how each interest group strategically amplifies or downplays moral considerations implicit in animal agriculture and ultimately how they legitimize and/or challenge farmed animal suffering.

Presidential Transitions and Interests Group Participation in the Notice and Comment Process

Federal administrative agencies are one of the primary policymaking venues in the United States. One of the core features of U.S. administrative practice is the notice-and-comment process in which agencies solicit, collect, and respond to comments from the public before issuing new regulations. In this paper, we develop a model of commenting based on three motivations—litigation preservation; agency persuasion; and expression—and analyze public comments to determine how features of the political environment, and specifically the president in power, affect the pool of commenters. We focus on the 2017 presidential transition, when there was both a change in Presidents and the party in control of the White House. We find that there were greater differences in the pool of commenters between administrations than within administrations and that interest groups tended to participate more when they were more closely associated with the party in power. Our findings support the view that many commenters use the public comment process for persuasive purposes, and not only to preserve litigation opportunities or for purely expressive reasons.

A growing need for advocacy skills and knowledge in promoting population health and well-being

Public health advocacy plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of communities. It involves the efforts of individuals, organizations, communities, and coalitions to influence public health policies, practices, and systems to address health disparities, improve health outcomes, and create healthier environments. Advocacy strategies used in public health include raising awareness about health issues, mobilizing communities, engaging policy- and decision-makers and media, and influencing legislation. Public health advocates utilize various communication channels, such as traditional and social media, and community forums, to disseminate information and build support for their cause. They also collaborate with stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders, to amplify their impact. Public health advocacy has been successful in achieving significant improvements in health outcomes. Examples include the adoption and implementation of smoke-free policies, the adoption of evidence-based alcohol strategy and policy, such as the WHO Global Alcohol Action Plan (2022-2030), and many more. However, challenges exist, such as lack of advocacy knowledge and skills among public health workforce, resistance from powerful interest groups (e.g., unhealthy industries), limited resources, and the need for sustained efforts to address complex health issues. In conclusion, public health advocacy is a vital component of efforts to improve population health. It involves advocating for policies and practices that address the social determinants of health and promote health equity. Public health advocates can create positive change and contribute to healthier communities. Continued support and investment in public health advocacy are therefore essential.

Mechanisms of Political Responsiveness: The Information Sources Shaping Elected Representatives' Policy Actions

This study examines the micro-level foundations of how policy responsiveness may come about. Our study builds on the assumption that elected officials' information source use shapes their policy actions. We analyze the variation in information sources elected officials rely on for agenda-setting and policy formulation, distinguishing between public opinion sources, advocacy sources, and expert sources. Additionally, we examine how elected officials' public opinion sources vary across individuals, parties, and political systems. Based on a 2015 survey with 345 Members of Parliament in Belgium and Canada, the results indicate that the actions of elected representatives are more affected by public opinion sources like citizens and the mass media when they initially prioritize issues for policy action, while interest groups are prominent in both stages, and parties and expert sources are more used in the policy formulation phase. Furthermore, politicians in majoritarian systems, those belonging to the opposition and members of populist parties, tend to rely more on public opinion sources than their peers in proportional systems, those in the majority and non-populist parties.