International Policy Research Articles

The impact of the world’s first regulatory, multi-setting intervention on sedentary behaviour among children and adolescents (ENERGISE): a natural experiment evaluation

BackgroundRegulatory actions are increasingly used to tackle issues such as excessive alcohol or sugar intake, but such actions to reduce sedentary behaviour remain scarce. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on sedentary behaviour call for system-wide policies. The Chinese government introduced the world’s first nation-wide multi-setting regulation on multiple types of sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents in July 2021. This regulation restricts when (and for how long) online gaming businesses can provide access to pupils; the amount of homework teachers can assign to pupils according to their year groups; and when tutoring businesses can provide lessons to pupils. We evaluated the effect of this regulation on sedentary behaviour safeguarding pupils.MethodsWith a natural experiment evaluation design, we used representative surveillance data from 9- to 18-year-old pupils before and after the introduction of the regulation, for longitudinal (n = 7,054, matched individuals, primary analysis) and repeated cross-sectional (n = 99,947, exploratory analysis) analyses. We analysed pre-post differences for self-reported sedentary behaviour outcomes (total sedentary behaviour time, screen viewing time, electronic device use time, homework time, and out-of-campus learning time) using multilevel models, and explored differences by sex, education stage, residency, and baseline weight status.ResultsLongitudinal analyses indicated that pupils had reduced their mean total daily sedentary behaviour time by 13.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -15.9 to -11.7%, approximately 46 min) and were 1.20 times as likely to meet international daily screen time recommendations (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.32) one month after the introduction of the regulation compared to the reference group (before its introduction). They were on average 2.79 times as likely to meet the regulatory requirement on homework time (95% CI: 2.47 to 3.14) than the reference group and reduced their daily total screen-viewing time by 6.4% (95% CI: -9.6 to -3.3%, approximately 10 min). The positive effects were more pronounced among high-risk groups (secondary school and urban pupils who generally spend more time in sedentary behaviour) than in low-risk groups (primary school and rural pupils who generally spend less time in sedentary behaviour). The exploratory analyses showed comparable findings.ConclusionsThis regulatory intervention has been effective in reducing total and specific types of sedentary behaviour among Chinese children and adolescents, with the potential to reduce health inequalities. International researchers and policy makers may explore the feasibility and acceptability of implementing regulatory interventions on sedentary behaviour elsewhere.

Using forced migration to foster emergence? International aid and development policies in Cameroon

Abstract This paper examines the alignment of refugee aid interventions with Cameroon’s national policy of emergence, shedding light on an authoritarian government's utilization of international assistance. Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, it investigates how international policies aiming at turning refugees into a development opportunity for their host states are managed by an aid-receiving country and strategically leveraged by Cameroonian authorities to strengthen their political apparatus. It explores how the government integrates humanitarian responses with large-scale development policies, while retaining control over strategic sectors. Implementing the emergence policy enables Cameroon to reappropriate international standards, navigating complex donor relations to establish new legitimacy. The analysis highlights the power dynamics and implications of aid interventions within an authoritarian context, demonstrating the state's capacity to transform internal crises into productive forces. This research contributes to a better understanding of the links between refugee aid, host states’ domestic and international politics, and migration diplomacy.

A National Survey of Pregnancy and Parenthood Among Nephrology Trainees: A Focus on Nephrology Fellowship.

National and international policies on parental leave for physician trainees are inconsistent. Physician trainees, including nephrology fellows, may be at higher risk of pregnancy complications. Physician trainees face barriers in meeting their breastfeeding goals and in finding childcare due to nontraditional work hours with extended or unpredictable shifts. Here, we examine awareness of current policies in United States (US) nephrology fellowship programs regarding parental leave, pregnancy/breastfeeding accommodations, and fellows' perspectives on family planning. An anonymous, on-line survey of US nephrology fellows was undertaken from June 9 to August, 24, 2023. One hundred twenty nephrology fellows submitted the survey. A majority of fellow respondents were unaware of parental leave policies of their training programs (63%), Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) (75%), and/or American Board of Medical Specialties(ABMS) (75%). Forty two percent were unaware of the duration of parental leave at their program. Nearly 45% of all respondents were unsure if their program limited night shifts or shifts greater than 24 hours for pregnant trainees. Forty three percent reported they were unsure of lactation accommodations, and 40% were unsure of access to subsidized childcare. When fellows received work accommodations for pregnancy or parenthood, their work obligations were largely covered by co-fellows (60%) or attendings (38%). Over 60% of fellows agreed or strongly agreed that they would avoid a pregnancy in fellowship due to concern they would have to extend their training. Of the 40 fellows who chose to pursue pregnancy or parenthood during medical training, 75% did not change their career plans as a result. Most nephrology fellows were unaware of parental leave policies and pregnancy/lactation accommodations. While the topic itself has a broad impact to all physician trainees, there is need for improved awareness about national and local program policies among trainees across individual nephrology programs.

The Australian ice core programme: history, context, and bibliometric analysis

ABSTRACT East Antarctic ice cores are key to Australia’s Antarctic science objectives. Australia is internationally recognised for its climate contributions relating to impurities, greenhouse gases, and water stable isotope studies. These factors make the Australian ice core programme an effective case study to demonstrate the usefulness of bibliometric studies in understanding the broader impacts of scientific research. This work presents a bibliometric analysis of Australian-authored and/or funded ice core publications from within the Australian Antarctic Territory over the programme’s 50 years (1972–2022). This work also discusses the history and chronology of Australia’s ice core programme to contextualise the results of the bibliometric analysis. These are illustrated by examining the key drilling locations, such as Law Dome, and the resultant research which establishes Australia as a global leader in producing high-resolution ice core records from coastal East Antarctic sites. This article demonstrates the applicability of bibliometric studies to identify themes of research that are intended to inform international and domestic policies for the betterment of society.

Conflict mitigation as a means of climate change adaptation: Lessons for policy and development practice

In this article, we examine the ways conflict can drive climate change vulnerability and, in turn, argue that conflict mitigation can act as a means of climate change adaptation. We identify three key ways in which conflict mitigation enhances adaptation opportunities: (a) addressing conflict dynamics increases opportunities to address climate risks; (b) grounded analysis of conflict dynamics often reveals high-value opportunities for climate change-oriented programs as well as potential maladaptations to be avoided; and (c) conflict mitigation interventions which rely heavily on governance can be leveraged in climate change adaptation efforts. This has multiple implications for global climate change policy, especially when one considers key climate security outcomes emanating from international policy discussions such as COP 28. We conclude this article by identifying three under-examined—and practical—lines of inquiry that would address key knowledge gaps in how to fortify climate resilience in conflict-affected regions.

Sino–Africa Trade Flows: Effect of Interaction Between Africa’s Population Density and Governance

Sino–Africa Trade Flows: Effect of Interaction Between Africa’s Population Density and Governance

Typology of employers offering line manager training for mental health.

Mental ill health has a high economic impact on society and employers. National and international policy advocates line manager (LM) training in mental health as a key intervention, but little is known about employer training provisions. To explore the prevalence and characteristics of organizations that offer LM training in mental health. Secondary analysis of existing longitudinal anonymised organizational-level survey data derived from computer-assisted telephone interview surveys collected in four waves (2020:1900 firms, 2021:1551, 2022:1904, 2023:1902) in England, before, during and after a global pandemic. The proportion of organizations offering LM training in mental health increased pre- to post-pandemic (2020:50%, 2023:59%) but 41% do not currently provide it. Logistic regression confirmed that LM training is more likely to be offered by large-sized enterprises, organizations with a larger proportion of employees who are younger (aged 25-49), female, disabled and from ethnic minority communities. Sector patterns were inconsistent, but in 2023, organizations from the 'Hospitality' and 'Business Services' sectors were more likely to provide LM training than other sectors. Continued efforts are needed to increase the proportion of employers offering LM training in mental health, particularly small- to medium-sized enterprises, and organizations with predominantly male, White and/or older workforces.

Student voice and agency for transformative change in matters that matter: Impactful inquiry in primary science

AbstractIn an era of socio-ecological challenges and uncertain times, it is imperative that student voice is supported to enable student transformative agency and desired positive change in their lives and community. Although international policy, the Australian Curriculum, School Strategic Plans, communities, teachers, and students often advocate for student voice, authentic enactment remains a challenge. This paper illustrates a transformative curriculum enactment of student voice and agency as impactful inquiry that resulted in student-desired transformative whole-school change. Conducted in a Melbourne metropolitan primary school following multiple Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, a contextually responsive Year 6 Microorganisms Learning sequence is reported. A student-identified health risk and high microbial load in a Lost Property Box resulted in the students' collective agentic pursuit and implementation of scientifically grounded solutions, processes, and policy changes in the school community. Students, teachers, and school leadership reported student voice and agency as key outcomes of the student-driven inquiry that followed student voice and concerns for positive change. It is argued that it is a critical educative responsibility to support student voice in establishing bearing, which encompasses recognised positioning, direction, and path forward to make a difference in matters that matter to students. This paper seeks to inform and inspire further student voice-responsive impactful inquiry, which develops students' capacity and efficacy for their desired positive impact in their community now and possibly in the future.

The landlocked ocean: landlocked states in BBNJ negotiations and the impact of fixed land-sea relations in global ocean governance

This article examines the multifaceted dimensions of landlockedness within the realm of international discourse, with a particular focus on its implications for managing global commons. Drawing from socio-legal literature and auto-ethnographic experiences during the recent intergovernmental negotiations for the BBNJ agreement under the 1982 Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a case study, the paper prompts essential inquiries into the true essence of being landlocked in the face of global environmental challenges. Beyond traditional geographical definitions, the paper reveals the dynamic nature of landlockedness and underscores the intricate interplay of social, economic, cultural, geographical, and political factors in determining who has access to ocean space and resources and who does not. It emphasizes that landlockedness is not a static legal or physical characteristic but an ongoing process shaped by historical and political constructs. Expanding beyond the national level, the article illustrates how individuals, whether coastal or inland, experience isolation from the ocean, influencing their interactions with, perceptions of, and regulatory proposals for the ocean. This approach illuminates existing paradigms in the access, use, and management of space and resources. In conclusion, the article advocates for more inclusive and adaptable approaches in international policy debates. It calls for a departure from rigid classifications, urging for upholding collective action, recognising the intricate connections between geography, politics, law, and the environment.

The Ten-Year Revolution

Abstract This article reviews the evolution of the role of civil society documentation efforts in international justice proceedings since 2013 circa. It is written from my personal perspective by virtue of my involvement in a series of initiatives aimed to strengthen civil society’s (as well as other international justice actors’) documentation efforts through the collection of standards and best practices, which the essay also discusses. In particular, it reviews the process and challenges of setting forth the first comprehensive guidance and set of best practices for civil society documentation with the Public International Law and Policy Group’s ‘Handbook on Civil Society Documentation of Serious Human Rights Violations’. It argues that civil society documentation efforts have undergone a revolution within the field: from the margins to the very heart of international judicial proceedings upholding accountability for international crimes. This revolution was, in part, rendered possible by a changing documentation landscape and the proliferation of documentation resources and capabilities now readily available to the civil society. After reviewing the current state of play with respect to documentary efforts and documentation best practices, which I situate within the context of a broader evolution of the international justice ‘ecosystem’, the article addresses some ongoing challenges in documentation and areas that would benefit of further strengthening in the future.

An empirical investigation on the use of building handover information and its quality requirements for commercial building management

Purpose Global building failures, such as the Grenfell Tower fire in London, UK, emphasised the need for trustworthy building handover information for safety. However, a notable gap remains in understanding how reliable handover information can ensure the safety of occupants. This study aims to investigate the use and essential quality of handover information to understand the effects of the quality of information on the management of commercial buildings. Design/methodology/approach Ninety-four participants from nine organisations who regularly use handover information to manage multiple commercial buildings participated in the semi-structured interviews. Qualitative thematic coding using interview transcripts was performed to identify the utilisation of handover information and its quality requirements. Findings This study reveals that as-built drawings and product information are predominately used to fulfil statutory obligations, comply with the organisation’s internal policies, evaluate asset valuation and make informed decisions about capital investment and operating expenses. The quality dimensions of “accuracy”, “timeliness”, and “completeness” are preferred in combination to achieve desired outcomes. Research limitations/implications This study focused on using handover information in the management of commercial buildings. However, its results can offer valuable perspectives for improving its application across various sectors in the built environment. Practical implications The findings affirm the need for quality handover information for safety, compliance and efficient management in commercial buildings. Originality/value This research significantly contributes to the current knowledge of handover information in the building sector. Given the study findings, building owners are equipped to define specific handover information requirements and quality requisites.

Internal trade and environmental policy effectiveness in developing countries: A binary endogenous growth model with regional Heterogeneity

The shift of environmental pollution from developed to developing countries is largely induced by global labor and trade trends. Unlike their developed counterparts, developing countries face more pronounced regional disparities in social development within the realm of environmental governance. This paper proposes a binary endogenous model to assess the implications of environmental policies on such developing nations with sizable regional disparities. The model enhances the precision in simulating real-world ramifications of environmental policy implementation. It reveals that the 'pollution haven' effect extends beyond just the relocation of pollutant-generating industries to less developed regions; it also leads to the shipment of products fabricated using environmentally-degrading processes from less developed to developed regions, thereby undermining environmental regulation. Furthermore, the model's results were juxtaposed with China's increasingly stringent national environmental protection policy, adopted since 2000. The study confirms that environmental degradation has a substantial spatial spillover effect positively correlated with internal trade volume. The paper's conclusions assist in offering a new evaluative framework for the ensuing examination of environmental policy practicality in developing countries. It also recommends policy-making tools for enhancing the effectiveness of environmental regulations in these regions, such as limiting internal trade of polluting products alongside environmental levies and subsidies.

Radiation Safety for Women in Cardiology: Myths and Important Messages

Accurate fertility-based radiation safety data, education and knowledge is important for all staff exposed to occupational radiation. Women are under-represented in all medical fields with increased exposure to occupational radiation, to achieve better equity in our medical workforces evidence-based radiation safety knowledge is essential to overcoming perceived career barriers. This review of radiation safety policy and data focuses on providing health professions working in cardiology with accurate contemporary information about potential radiation exposure with respect to fetal risk for pregnant health professionals. The data summarized within this review shows when women continue to work in cardiac catheterization laboratories through pregnancy their expected occupational radiation exposure with appropriate shielding, will not meaningfully change pregnancy outcomes, nor will it significantly increase risk to the fetus. The review also summarizes international workplace policy for radiation exposure and monitoring and provides recommendations for ongoing safe practice.

Total Quality Management as Competitive Advantage for the Internal Strategy and Policy of Greek Special Education School Units

Total Quality Management as Competitive Advantage for the Internal Strategy and Policy of Greek Special Education School Units

Ecotoxicological Assessment of Microplastics and Cellulose Particles in the Galápagos Islands and Galápagos Penguin Food Web.

Microplastic pollution threatens some of the world's most iconic locations for marine biodiversity, including the remote Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Using the Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) as a sentinel species, the present study assessed microplastics and suspected anthropogenic cellulose concentrations in surface seawater and zooplankton near Santa Cruz and Galápagos penguin colonies (Floreana, Isabela, Santiago), as well as in penguin potential prey (anchovies, mullets, milkfish) and penguin scat. On average, 0.40 ± 0.32 microplastics L-1 were found in surface seawater (<10 μm; n = 63 L), while 0.003, 0.27, and 5.12 microplastics individual-1 were found in zooplankton (n = 3372), anchovies (n = 11), and mullets (n = 6), respectively. The highest concentration (27 microplastics individual-1) was observed in a single milkfish. Calculations based on microplastics per gram of prey, in a potential diet composition scenario, suggest that the Galápagos penguin may consume 2881 to 9602 microplastics daily from prey. Despite this, no microplastics or cellulose were identified in 3.40 g of guano collected from two penguins. Our study confirms microplastic exposure in the pelagic food web and endangered penguin species within the UNESCO World Heritage site Galápagos Islands, which can be used to inform regional and international policies to mitigate plastic pollution and conserve biodiversity in the global ocean. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-16. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Urban mobility analytics amid COVID-19 pandemic: A framework for promoting work resumption based on mobile phone data

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a pernicious influence on the whole world, so that the international community implemented various travel policies to inhibit the viral spread. With the COVID-19 pandemic under control, the overly lenient measures allowed the new variant to take advantage. Also, it is difficult to determine the geographical scope of transport policy that has the least impact on work resumption. Therefore, it is necessary to find policies to promote work resumption while preventing and controlling the pandemic in a geographical perspective. In this paper, a framework based on mobile phone data is proposed for promoting work resumption during the pandemic. First, human mobility networks are constructed through the origin-destination flow extracted from mobile phone data. Second, the singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm is utilized to recognize the mobility patterns and explore the urban mobility dynamics of work-resumption-related travel during the pandemic. Third, the nonoverlapping community detection algorithm is used to generate policy zoning for work-resumption-related travel. Finally, the policy zoning is validated by public health data based on the overlay analysis and spatial statistics method, and policy implications are proposed. A case study of Shanghai is applied to verify the proposed framework. The results show that the framework can capture the mobility patterns and implement the policy zoning from mobile phone data to balance the economic activity and public health during the work resumption, and the proposed framework can be applied to other cities with future public health events.

Impact of corrugated duct and heat storage element on the performance of a low-cost solar air heater under forced air circulation: an experimental study.

The need to address global warming issues and international policies has placed a greater emphasis on the development of solar energy utilization systems. Intensive study is necessary to expand solar energy applications, as solar energy potential varies widely. This study investigates the thermal and thermohydraulic performance of a modified flat plate solar air heater (FSAH) to assess the effects of using corrugated aluminium duct and sand heat storage elements (HSE) in various combinations. The different arrangements selected for the experimental investigation are the FSAH, FSAH with corrugated aluminium duct (FSAH-C), FSAH with a sand heat storage element (FSAH-S), and FSAH with a combined use of corrugated aluminium duct and a sand heat storage element (FSAH-CS). The materials used for fabrication are low-cost and readily available in the study area. The results indicate that the sand bed enhanced the thermal performance by acting as the thermal heat storage medium, which could also supply heat for a short duration after non-sunny hours, and the corrugated aluminium duct enhanced the surface area and allowed the air to pass twice inside the SAH. We observed that the SAHs with sensible heat storage had a higher top loss compared to the FSAH-S configuration. The average thermal efficiency of the FSAH-CS configuration was 59.17%, which is 8.81%, 5.72%, and 10.95% higher than FSAH-S, FSAH-C, and FSAH, respectively. Furthermore, this configuration achieved an exit temperature of 64.5°C. The proposed system has a thermohydraulic efficiency of 59.14%, which is not significantly different from the average thermal efficiency. Therefore, the suggested system verifies its ability to function without requiring substantial external power.

Pelatihan Penulisan Position Paper Model United Nation Bagi Mahasiswa Hubungan Internasional Universitas Tanjungpura

Pelatihan Penulisan Position Paper Model United Nation Bagi Mahasiswa Hubungan Internasional Universitas Tanjungpura

International EV policies: A comparative review of strategies in the United States and Nigeria for promoting electric vehicles

This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the strategies employed by the United States and Nigeria in promoting electric vehicles (EVs) within their respective national contexts. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, EVs have emerged as a pivotal component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Drawing upon a range of scholarly literature, governmental reports, and policy documents, this study examines the policy frameworks, incentives, and challenges faced by both countries in fostering the adoption of EVs. In the United States, a diverse array of federal, state, and local initiatives have been implemented to incentivize EV adoption, including tax credits, rebates, infrastructure investments, and regulatory mandates. Moreover, collaborations between the government, industry stakeholders, and research institutions have facilitated technological advancements and market growth in the EV sector. However, challenges such as range anxiety, high upfront costs, and inadequate charging infrastructure continue to impede widespread adoption. Conversely, Nigeria, while grappling with its own set of socio-economic and infrastructural challenges, has exhibited a nascent interest in promoting EVs as part of its broader sustainable development agenda. Despite lacking a comprehensive national policy framework, various initiatives such as tax exemptions, import duty waivers, and pilot projects have been introduced to stimulate EV uptake. Moreover, Nigeria's abundant renewable energy resources offer a promising opportunity for leveraging EVs to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Nevertheless, significant barriers such as limited infrastructure, affordability constraints, and institutional capacity gaps pose formidable obstacles to scaling up EV adoption in the country. By juxtaposing the experiences of the United States and Nigeria, this study contributes valuable insights into the diverse approaches and lessons learned in crafting effective international EV policies amidst varying socio-economic contexts. Through a nuanced understanding of the policy landscape, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers can identify strategies for overcoming barriers and accelerating the transition towards a sustainable transportation paradigm.

Conversation about “Doing” and Being “Done To” in Humanitarian Storytelling

   This co-authored article is the result of a series of conversations between Arash Bordbar and Jess Crombie, who met in 2021 while working together to develop UNHCR’s internal ethical communications policy. Jess had been brought in as a communications and ethics consultant, and Arash as one of the members of the UNHCR evaluation team, also contributing as a person with lived experience of being a refugee. During the process of developing the communications policy, their conversations revealed a shared interest in the power of stories, but also a recognition of the inequalities in the humanitarian sector in terms of who has the power to shape and share narratives about affected populations and individuals. The title of this essay is borrowed from Jessica Benjamin who, in her text exploring intersubjective psychoanalysis, describes the basic building blocks of connection as understanding “whether doing is with or to” (Benjamin 2018, 5). A theme running through this conversation is how to complicate who falls into the roles of “doer” and “done to”, so that “doing with” becomes the norm.