Policy Interventions Research Articles

Identification of aerosol and meteorological parameters threshold for visibility conditions over Delhi city

The quantitative assessment of air pollution induced visibility impairment is a prevalent concern across Indian sub-continent. In present study, efforts have been made to identify thresholds of aerosol (PM2.5), meteorological variables (relative humidity, temperature at 2 m, wind speed at 10 m) and boundary layer for shallow (Category (CAT) I: 550–1000 m), moderate (CAT II: 300–550 m), dense (CAT IIIA: 175–300 m & CAT IIIB: 50–175 m) and very dense (CAT IIIC: <50 m) fog categories. A 5-year dataset from 2018 to 2023 for wintertime (December–February) is used to determine thresholds using statistical methods. A unique two-way rolling window correlation analysis is performed for linear, inverse and logarithmic functions considering described visibility classes, PM2.5, RH and temperature. Different sliding windows and subsequent step sizes are taken to ascertain interrelatedness based on significant correlation coefficients. Further, a frequency distribution based averaging method is used for wind speed and boundary layer thresholds. Based on the findings, identified thresholds for PM2.5, RH, temperature, wind speed and boundary layer are >270 μg/m3, >70%, <13 °C, <1.5 m/s, <100 m for CAT I; >250 μg/m3, >70%, <13 °C, <1.2 m/s, <80 m for CAT II; >250 μg/m3, >70%, <11 °C, calm winds, <80 m for CAT IIIA; >220 μg/m3, >80%, <11 °C, calm winds, <70 m for CAT IIIB while 180 μg/m3, >90%, <9 °C, calm winds and <60 m for CAT IIIC. The determined thresholds have been validated using 2023–2024 data based on which shallow, moderate, dense and very dense categories are found to be 65%, 77%, 88%, 90% and 93% compliant with the thresholds of CAT I, CAT II, CAT IIIA, CAT IIIB and CAT IIIC. Trajectory clustering is also included for ascertaining the potential pollution source regions. The study can aid policymakers in predicting fog events. Moreover, appropriate policy interventions can be formulated in wake of the early warning system and information dissemination.

Effects of dental insurance and dental care utilization on oral health-related daily life activities among federally qualified healthcare center patients in the United States.

To assess the association between dental insurance, dental care utilization and oral health-related impact on daily activities among patients visiting Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded health centers in the United States. This cross-sectional study examined the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS), a survey of patients who received care at US health centers. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the likelihood of the oral health-related impact on daily activities domains such as school/work performance, sleeping, eating/chewing, social and home activities considering sociodemographic, dental insurance, and dental care utilization. Among 7002 total participants, 6890 self-reported oral health-related impact on daily activities. Adults aged 18-44 were 2.6 times more likely to report an overall impact on everyday life activities compared to children and adolescents. After adjusting for sociodemographics, Hispanic patients were less likely to report any oral health-related impacts, while patients visiting rural centres reported higher odds of oral health related impairment. Patients who experienced delays in receiving dental care or were unable to access dental care when needed were 4.5 times more likely to encounter difficulties in their daily activities. This study linked limited dental insurance and care to increased oral health issues impacting daily life, particularly among adults, rural populations, and those facing delay in dental care. This highlights the need for policy reforms and interventions aimed at improving dental care access to mitigate the detrimental effects of poor oral health on daily functions for vulnerable populations.

Son-to-mother violence in the aftermath of domestic violence: Experiences of sons attending group violence prevention programs

There is growing acknowledgment that son-to-mother violence can occur as part of domestic and family violence (DFV) dynamics. DFV can significantly impact mother–child relationships. This situation is complex because mother–child relationships have different power dynamics and responsibilities than intimate adult partnerships. Recognition of and responses to adolescent-to-parent violence (APV) are inconsistent in service and justice systems, often leaving families under-serviced. There is a dearth of evidence on the effectiveness of programs specific to APV. This article analyses participants’ experiences in two APV reduction group programs. Both of the programs focused on encouraging accountability, addressing trauma, rebuilding attachment between sons and mothers, challenging harmful gendered attitudes, and increasing mothers’ parenting confidence. We report on a thematic analysis of interviews with 15 sons aged 12–17 whose mothers had experienced DFV from adult male partners. The participants were taken from the two different group programs. Our findings highlight sons’: 1) complex needs and trauma; 2) feelings of injustice and shame; 3) uncertainty regarding program aims; 4) connection with other young people; and 5) increased empathy for their mothers. Our findings can inform more responsive policy and practice interventions that engage this vulnerable cohort, address trauma, and prevent future violence.

Geochemical assessment and transfer of potential effects of metallic trace elements around abandoned mining sites in Kettara region (Morocco)

The degradation of environmental quality due to pollution is a pressing concern worldwide, particularly in areas that have been abandoned after mining activities. One significant aspect of this degradation is the contamination of soil and water resources by Metallic Trace Elements (MTE). These elements, originating from mining operations, pose serious environmental and human health risks, necessitating urgent attention and remediation efforts. Understanding the characteristics and extent of MTE contamination in abandoned mining areas is crucial for effective environmental management and sustainable development. In this context, this study aims to investigate the patterns, distribution, and impacts of MTE contamination in soil and water resources within Kettara abandoned mining areas (Morocco), offering insights into potential mitigation strategies and policy interventions to address this critical environmental issue. Stream and groundwater samples were collected in the Kettara region where the abandoned tailings constitute with Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), the principal source of this contamination. Stream samples were collected in 2018 at fourteen points near sixteen hydrogeological wells and situated at different distance from the pollution source.This study addresses an environmental concern, focusing on the dispersion of MTE such as Arsenic, Zinc, and Nickel in both streams and groundwater. Through geochemical analysis, it is revealed that Arsenic is particularly prevalent, with higher concentrations detected in streams, especially those proximate to mining waste sites. The main sampling water near the abandoned mine shows several anomalies (As, Ni and Zn). The higher As concentration in the stream samples E1 and E2 with 179.55 and 96.63 ppm and near the mine wastes. The concentration of As is also higer in the water samples especially in the hydrogeological well P21 and P2 with 9.665 and 7.798 ppm.The presence of MTE in groundwater is linked to various factors, including the direction of flow (vertical or lateral) from soil to groundwater and the hydraulic conditions (presence of the drainage axis that is materialized by the convergence of the groundwater flow from the upstream to the downstream, generally from the hydrogeological wells P1 to P23). The hydraulic relationship between streams and groundwater, hydrogeological properties such as aquifer porpermeability (vertical scale 2.5 × 10-14 to 1.31 × 10-12 m/s and horizontal scale 9 × 10-14 to 0.37 × 10-9 m/s) and transmissivity (about 10−2 m2/s), and the configuration of the piezometric geometry (including the presence of drainage axes and divisional boundaries within the Ketarra groundwater) are factors that contribute to the mobility and distribution of MTE within the water resources of the Kettara basin.

Methadone clinic staff perceptions of trauma-informed and patient-centered care: the role of individual staff characteristics

BackgroundU.S. policy intervention to increase methadone treatment accommodations during COVID did not result in national adoption of the new patient-centered treatment practices. Staff-level interventions may facilitate adoption of these treatment practices, but this will depend upon knowledge about staff level characteristics and beliefs. Currently, the role of clinic staff characteristics, beliefs about patient-centeredness, and perceptions about the need for treatment practice change is unknown. This study explored the relationship between opioid treatment program staff characteristics, work roles and staff beliefs to identify opportunities for future staff-level treatment practice change interventions.MethodsStaff of three Arizona opioid treatment programs were surveyed (n = 40) from April 11–22, 2023 using a hybrid online survey method. The 161 survey items required less than 30 min to complete. Pearson point biserial correlation coefficients assessed the covariation between staff beliefs, staff characteristics and staff work roles. Perception of the clinic as person-centered was a potential proxy indicator for staff awareness of discontinuity between the clinic’s person-centeredness and person-centered approaches to methadone treatment.ResultsAmong staff, 47.5% reported lived substance use disorder experience and 27.5% reported lived opioid use disorder experience. Most staff (70%) held at least 1 prior clinic role at the current clinic and 5% had had more than 4 prior roles. Rotation was observed with roles that did not require licensure or degrees. Staff with lived experience with substance use disorder or opioid use disorder treatment reported having more prior roles at the clinic than those without such experience. Abstinence-oriented views were significantly associated with reporting vicarious (work related) trauma symptoms. Those who rated the clinic as significantly more person-centered were staff with lived substance use disorder experience who also held abstinence-oriented views, staff with trauma exposure, and staff with lived opioid use disorder treatment experience who held harm reduction beliefs. In contrast, staff without substance use disorder experience who held harm reduction beliefs perceived the clinic as less person-centered.ConclusionsStaff beliefs, personal and work characteristics are likely factors in the recognition of need for clinic practice change. How these characteristics function in a clinic culture may also be influenced by clinic staffing patterns. A patient-to-provider pipeline with role cycling was observed and this staffing pattern may also influence shared beliefs of trauma-informed care or clinic person-centeredness. Vicarious trauma may also be an important factor. Larger studies should examine these relationships further to understand mechanisms associated with recognition of need for clinic practice change in order to inform staff-level interventions to increase opioid treatment program patient-centeredness.

South African Chiropractic Students’ Intentions, Motivations, and Considerations for Emigration: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the emigration intentions of South African senior chiropractic students upon graduation, emphasizing motivations and considerations guiding migration decisions. MethodsA cross-sectional, quantitative, and exploratory approach was employed, utilizing an anonymous and adapted online survey administered to chiropractic students at 2 South African institutions (n = 177) between March 15 and May 19, 2021. Data were analyzed using frequencies, descriptions, and cross-tabulations to identify trends and interrelationships related to students’ intentions to emigrate postqualification. ResultsFindings indicate that 75.5% of South African chiropractic senior students intend to emigrate. Motivations for emigration include improved quality of life and seeking of opportunities. Economic instability in South Africa (SA) (82.7%) and concern for the National Health Insurance implementation (57.7%) serve as a significant push factor, whereas economic stability abroad (85.7%) emerged as a key pull factor. Preferred emigration destinations are primarily developed countries with established chiropractic communities. ConclusionHigh emigration intentions among students were driven by diverse push factors in SA, including economic decline, socio-political climates, and safety concerns, contrasting with pull factors abroad, such as better opportunities, living conditions, and economic stability. Concerns regarding healthcare reforms, particularly the National Health Insurance, are also highlighted. Destinations in order of preference such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia offer valuable insights for policy interventions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective retention strategies and addressing socio-economic challenges.

Evaluating unmet need and access to a family physician in a universal health system: a national analysis using the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging

BackgroundThe Canadian health care system was founded on the principle of universal access to care. However, recent reports have ranked the country among the lowest performing high-income health systems in terms of access to care and health equity. This study investigates the determinants of access to care in older Canadian adults using a nationally representative survey. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (N = 41,135) to examine the determinants of two indicators of healthcare access: self-report of having a family physician and unmet need of care. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between these indicators and sociodemographic determinants. ResultsApproximately 1 in 30 of the survey participants (aged ≥ 45 years at baseline) did not have a family physician, and 8% reported having unmet need for healthcare. The odds of having a family physician were higher for individuals who were older (≥ 55 years), female, had higher income (≥$100,000), poorer perceived mental health, or had ≥1 chronic condition. The odds of reporting unmet need were higher for individuals who were younger (45-54 years), female, non-white, had lower income (<$50,000), poorer perceived health status and had ≥2 chronic conditions. ConclusionsDespite progress over recent years, access to healthcare remains a challenge for older Canadians, particularly those who are socially disadvantaged. Tailored policy interventions are needed to reduce unmet need in the aging Canadian population.

Decarbonisation Scenarios for the European Residential Sector

The urgency to combat global climate change has prompted the implementation of many regional and national policies, with the European Green Deal standing out as one of the most significant initiatives. We use the recently developed TIMES-Europe energy system model to study the pivotal role of the residential sector in achieving the ambitious energy savings goal formulated by the EU in the broad framework of its Fit-for-55 policy package. We observe improved energy efficiency in households across a set of scenarios that differ in terms of climate policy ambition and level of collaboration between European countries. We find that, by 2030, residential buildings can realize up to 3000 PJ in overall energy savings. Cross-country collaboration may yield an additional 11% reduction in residential energy consumption, which could increase to 18% when combined with dwelling retrofitting subsidies. Our analysis of the transformation of the residential fuel mix, particularly the interplay between biomass and natural gas usage, reveals a trade-off between short-term energy efficiency gains and long-term CO2 reduction goals. In the short run, scenarios lacking stringent climate control measures exhibit higher energy savings in comparison to those embracing ambitious climate targets. This initial difference, however, diminishes over time: energy savings from climate-compliant scenarios nearly align with those in scenarios without strict climate compliance around 2040. Scenarios lacking effective climate policy result in significant delays in decarbonizing the European residential sector. Our findings underscore the critical role of ambitious climate targets and accelerated retrofitting rates, highlighting the necessity to imminently and proactively implement directed policy interventions.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Meteorological Impacts on Fine Particle Pollution in Winters of Cold Region in China

Meteorological factors are the key drivers of air pollution. Stable weather conditions, the boundary layer height, and temperature inversion significantly influence the dispersion of particulate matter, which is also associated with the aerodynamic properties of particles. However, limited studies have been conducted on this topic in northeast China. This study investigates the influence of meteorological factors on PM2.5 pollution under cold weather conditions, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. The key meteorological factors considered include temperature difference, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, the boundary layer height (BLH), and temperature inversion. The stable weather index (SWI) is introduced as a quantitative measure of the stability of weather based on data from the last five winters in a typical megacity of northeast China. The monthly PM2.5 concentrations recorded during the last five Februarys ranged from 59.79 μg/m3 to 85.68 μg/m3, with the highest daily concentration reaching 417 μg/m3. A new parameter, ‘temperature difference (ΔT)’, is defined in this study as the difference in temperature between two consecutive days, calculated by subtracting the previous day’s temperature from the current day’s. The temperature differences were found to have a significantly positive correlation with the differences in PM2.5 concentrations (p &lt; 0.01). The results showed that PM2.5 pollution was associated with increased temperature, higher relative humidity, and lower wind speed, or any combination of these factors. The SWI explained 65% and 64% of the variances in air quality index (AQI) and PM2.5 pollution, respectively. When the predicted SWI exceeds 10, the likelihood of particle pollution increases. A lower BLH, in conjunction with a thicker inversion layer, contributes to the formation of severe particle pollution. In the early stages of a winter pollution episode in Harbin, the temperature inversion layer thickened and intensified, with the inversion top height reaching approximately 200 m. The boundary layer remained below 200 m, resulting in a poor vertical dispersion condition. PM2.5 pollution, therefore, is influenced by the combined effects of multiple meteorological factors. Our study quantitatively analyzed the characteristics of weather conditions and their impacts on air quality, which could provide scientific evidence for air pollution prediction and assist in making specific policy interventions, particularly for the upcoming ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin in February 2025.

The Response of Runoff to Land Use Change in the Northeastern Black Soil Region, China

With the intensification of climate change and human activities, the impacts of land use shifts on hydrological processes are becoming more pronounced, especially in regions with complex geographic, geological, and climatic conditions such as the Northeast Black Soil Region, China. This study quantitatively examines the variations in various land use types from 1980 to 2020 by means of a land use transfer matrix, and it incorporates the multi-year average runoff value to mitigate the interference of short-term climate fluctuations on the runoff trend, thereby enhancing the representativeness and stability of the simulation outcomes. The SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model is employed to simulate land use alterations in different periods. The findings indicate that the area of farmland increased by 5.34% and the area of grassland decreased by 5.36% over 40 years. The areas of forest land and wetland have fluctuated significantly due to policy interventions and population growth. This study discovers that LUCC has resulted in a marginal increase in annual water yield. For instance, the water yield of paddy fields in 2020 amounts to 92.26 mm/year, which is 0.52–9.42% higher than the historical scenario and exhibits a notable upward trend in summer. Spatial analysis discloses regional disparities, with substantial changes in the hydrological behavior of northern watersheds (such as the Huma River) and southeastern regions (such as the Toudao River). The augmentation of wetland and forest coverage has effectively mitigated peak runoff, especially during extreme rainfall events. Wetlands have manifested strong water regulation capabilities and alleviated the impact of floods. This study quantitatively discloses the complex response pattern of LUCC to runoff by introducing a multi-scale analysis approach, which furnishes a scientific basis for flood risk assessment, land use optimization, and water resource management, and demonstrates the potential for extensive application in other countries and regions with similar climatic and topographic conditions.

Heterogeneity of the Association between Obesity and COVID-19 Mortality and the Roles of Policy Interventions: U.S. National-Level Analysis

This article examines the heterogeneity of the association between obesity and COVID-19 mortality across various dimensions, including COVID vaccination rates, mask mandates, gathering restrictions, and household income. Using multivariate regression analysis on U.S. county-level data over 2020-2021, we found that county-level adult obesity rates were positively associated with COVID death rates. Our results suggest that on average, a 10-percentage-point decrease in adult obesity rate is associated with a decrease in COVID deaths by 4.79 to 5.98 percent in the United States. Considering that the average adult obesity rate in the U.S. is higher than the global average, this finding may explain why deaths due to COVID were disproportionately large in the U.S. In addition, we found that association between obesity and COVID death rate is much more pronounced in groups with low vaccination rates, weak mask mandate, loose gathering restriction, or low household income, indicating the importance of COVID response policies and income to obese people facing a pandemic. Our results contribute to policy discussions surrounding preparation for COVID like pandemics. Food policies and health promotion strategies that encourage physical well-being to reduce obesity prevalence may help reduce mortality in future pandemics.

Rice Cultivation Area, Demographic Trends, and Trade Dynamics for Food Security in Nepal (2011–2021)

ABSTRACTRice is the most important staple crop in Nepal, playing a critical role in both the economy and food security. This study analyzes the trends in rice cultivation, production, imports, and exports from fiscal years 2011/2012 to 2021/2022 and also presents population data from the initial and final years. Over the study period, the area of rice cultivation declined by 0.81% annually, while the production grew by 1.5% per year, and the yield improved at a rate of 1.97% per year. Trend analysis indicated no significant changes in cultivation area or production, but a significant positive trend was observed in the yield. Rice import showed a significant annual increase of 5.61% in price value and 12.80% in quantity, while exports also grew by 1.95% in quantity and 2.39% in value. However, exports remain negligible compared to imports. Nepal's rice self‐sufficiency ratio (SSR) has declined by 1.15% annually, falling from 92.72% in 2011/2012 to 82.01% in 2021/2022 while its import dependency ratio (IDR) has increased by 5.89% annually. These trends suggest that Nepal is becoming increasingly vulnerable in terms of rice food security. Population dynamics based on two census records revealed a notable 14% rise in the foreign population. This situation underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to address the decline in rice self‐sufficiency, labor shortages, and growing import dependency, ensuring sustainable rice production and food security in Nepal.

A Comprehensive Study of the Credit Delivery Trends and Opportunities in Himachal Pradesh

The study delved into the time series analysis of the existing credit delivery mechanisms and their efficacy in reaching rural, semi-urban and urban areas based on the bank statistics in Himachal Pradesh. The findings indicated a positive growth in financial inclusion, with a significant increase in bank branches and deposit figures over the years. However, bank penetration and credit allocation disparities were evident, particularly in rural areas. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) dominated the banking landscape, while private sector banks showed potential in underbanked regions. The Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio had declined, indicating reduced credit issuance against deposits. The agricultural credit allocation remained relatively low, with a decline in agricultural term loans. The study recommended targeted policy interventions to promote financial inclusion by diversifying financial services in underbanked areas, incentivizing private sector banks to expand into remote regions and strengthening credit infrastructure in priority sectors, particularly agriculture.

Facilitating generational renewal in rural areas by responding to young farmers’ voices: Echoes from the Greek territory

The proper functioning and future of rural areas and communities are strictly tied to young people’s willingness to be engaged in the farming profession, as farming is an important recourse for vocational rehabilitation of the rural population. The agricultural sector acts as a financial injection to the rural economy and society. In this context, one of the most well devised agricultural policies is young farmers’ schemes, aiming at generational renewal in EU rural areas. Since young farmers are the people who directly receive the induced effects of these policies, policy makers have to listen carefully to what “message” young farmers can convey. Nevertheless, after almost four decades of implementing young farmers’ schemes, there is still limited information regarding their attitudes, beliefs and perceptions towards the form of the related policy schemes. Using this as a starting point, the present study attempts to identify young farmers’ attitudes and beliefs towards the current young farmers’ scheme of the Rural Development Program (RDP) with overarching scope to identify the needs of young farmers better and thus inform policy makers about the appropriate policy that should be put forward. Results indicate that the current young farmers’ scheme acts as a helpful instrument for a considerable percentage of young farmers. Nevertheless, further streamlining is required to provide incentives, especially to new entrants, to be engaged in the farming profession. Effective policy interventions that will be in line with the actual needs of young farmers could contribute to the direction of the enhancement of the vitality and resilience of the rural systems, and also act towards the prevention of the abandonment process, providing vibrance in rural areas and benefits for the whole economy and society, as well as the ecosystems.

The Failure of Neoliberalism: The Case of Housing

Housing is a high-order human need in all societies, at all times. Under capitalism, especially in its neoliberal era, access to housing that meets basic human needs has been denied to an increasing proportion of the population. This has and is resulting in rising levels of over-crowding and homelessness that both undermines the productivity of the economy and destroys the opportunities of increasing numbers of citizens. This paper traces the trajectory and causes of housing system failure in the most advanced Western nations. Foremost among the forces of failure are rising economic inequality and the political influence of vested interests in the property lobby. Suggestions are offered as to how policy interventions could reverse the momentum.

The Failure of Neoliberalism: The Case of Housing

Housing is a high-order human need in all societies, at all times. Under capitalism, especially in its neoliberal era, access to housing that meets basic human needs has been denied to an increasing proportion of the population. This has and is resulting in rising levels of over-crowding and homelessness that both undermines the productivity of the economy and destroys the opportunities of increasing numbers of citizens. This paper traces the trajectory and causes of housing system failure in the most advanced Western nations. Foremost among the forces of failure are rising economic inequality and the political influence of vested interests in the property lobby. Suggestions are offered as to how policy interventions could reverse the momentum.

Analyzing economic inflation's impact on food security and accessibility through econometric modeling

This study investigates the impact of economic inflation on food security and accessibility through the development of an econometric modeling approach. As inflation rates rise, the purchasing power of consumers diminishes, leading to increased food prices and potentially exacerbating food insecurity. This research aims to quantify the relationship between inflation and food security indicators, such as availability, access, utilization, and stability of food supplies. By employing time-series data and econometric techniques, the model captures the dynamic interactions between inflation rates, food prices, and socioeconomic factors affecting food security. The model incorporates key variables, including consumer price index (CPI), food inflation, income levels, and unemployment rates, to analyze their collective impact on food security across different demographics. The findings indicate that rising inflation significantly correlates with higher food prices, disproportionately affecting low-income households and vulnerable populations. This relationship highlights the necessity of understanding inflation's broader implications on food accessibility, especially in regions where food security is already a pressing issue. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on policy interventions aimed at stabilizing food prices and enhancing food security. Potential strategies include price controls, subsidies for staple foods, and targeted social safety nets for low-income households. Additionally, the study suggests further examination of supply chain factors contributing to food price volatility, such as transportation costs and global market dynamics, which can exacerbate inflation's effects on food security. This research contributes to the literature on food security by providing empirical evidence of inflation's impact on food accessibility and identifying critical areas for policy intervention. By addressing the complex interplay between inflation and food security, stakeholders, including policymakers and food industry leaders, can develop informed strategies to mitigate adverse effects and promote food security in inflationary environments.

Factors contributing to the decline of Animere Language in Ghana

The study aimed to explore the factors contributing to the decline of the Animere language in Ghana by delving into its historical context, linguistic features, cultural significance, and the broader socio-economic dynamics at play. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducted in-depth interviews with ten respondents from the Animere-speaking community, structuring the interview guide into four sections to focus on specific aspects of the Animere language. Through thematic analysis, the research identified several factors contributing to the language's decline, including external influences like media and education, internal community dynamics, generational shifts, and socio-economic motivations, while also highlighting the deep cultural significance of the language and its role in shaping the identity of its speakers. The study acknowledged limitations in its sample size and geographical scope, primarily focusing on specific regions where Animere speakers reside, suggesting that future research could benefit from a larger sample and a more diverse geographical representation. The findings underscore the need for educational reforms, media engagement, community initiatives, policy interventions, and economic incentives to address the decline of the Animere language. It calls for collaborative efforts involving educators, policymakers, community leaders, and media professionals to rejuvenate and celebrate the rich linguistic heritage of Animere. This research offers a comprehensive exploration of the decline of the Animere language, bridging the gap between linguistic research and socio-cultural dynamics, and provides valuable insights for linguists, anthropologists, policymakers, and community leaders interested in language preservation and cultural heritage.

Parasites of Innovation – The Dual Models of Neoliberal Urban Creativity

This critical interrogation of the neoliberal agenda pivots around its usurpation of creativity as crystalized in the creative city and related urban politics in the global North. Cities being the engines of the economy (Jane Jacobs and Peter Hall), Florida and Landry advocate the creative city as the real motor force of the neoliberal economy – a kind of creativity that has little to do with spontaneous imaginative bottom-up urban regeneration but rather the fostering of a factitious or cultivated creativity through the top-down implementation of specific policy interventions. It is theorized that this artificially created creativity is incarnated in a direct and indirect model respectively that function differently to foster economic growth. While the direct model is glaringly invasive and overtly top-down, the indirect model is more insidious because more subtle and unobtrusive by utilizing negative planning measures to let the informal creative margins and interstices flourish “organically” – the latter serving as breeding ground upon which the former parasitizes. Together the direct and indirect models permeate the entire register of power operative in the creative city from macropolitical urban interventions to the microphysics of the individual creaworker. This contribution critically unpacks the dual models of neoliberal urban creativity and concludes by briefly touching upon the crucial question of resistance.

Machine learning analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on migration patterns

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on European tourist mobility patterns from 2019 to 2021 by conceptualizing countries as monomers emitting radiation to model and analyze their patterns through the lens of socio-economics and machine learning. By incorporating perturbations into clustering, this work evaluates the stability of mobility flux clustering under variable conditions, offering insights into the dynamics of socio-economic corridors. The results highlight distinct shifts in tourist behavior, with bimodal clustering in 2019 reflecting heterogeneous mobility patterns, whereas unimodal distributions in 2020 and 2021 indicate increased global uniformity, driven by pandemic-induced restrictions and gradual recovery. The PCA and dendrograms of the perturbed clustering reveal that tourist preferences align with GDP, cultural, and linguistic similarities, explaining regional cohesion and fragility. This study demonstrates the fragility of emerging socio-economic corridors like the Red Octopus compared to the resilience of established ones like the Blue Banana. The findings emphasize the importance of targeted policy interventions, such as strengthening transport infrastructure and fostering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to mitigate disruptions and promote balanced regional development. By integrating perturbations into clustering, this research introduces a strong framework for assessing mobility patterns under realistic variability to enhance economic resilience and anticipate shifts in tourist behavior during global crises.