Legal Barriers Research Articles

Strengthening research preparedness for crises: lessons from Norwegian government agencies in using randomized trials and quasi-experimental methods to evaluate public policy interventions

During public health crises such as pandemics, governments must rapidly adopt and implement wide-reaching policies and programs (“public policy interventions”). A key takeaway from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was that although numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focussed on drugs and vaccines, few policy experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of public policy interventions across various sectors on viral transmission and other consequences. Moreover, many quasi-experimental studies were of spurious quality, thus proving unhelpful for informing public policy. The pandemic highlighted the need to continuously develop competence, capacity and a robust legal–ethical foundation for impact evaluations well before crises occur. It raised a crucial question: how can governments in non-crisis times develop capabilities to generate evidence on the effects of public policy interventions, thus enabling a rapid and effective research response during public health crises? We conducted a mapping to explore how government agencies in Norway use RCTs and quasi-experimental methods to strengthen the evidence base for public policy interventions and to identify barriers and facilitators to their use. Contributing to the study were 10 government agencies across sectors such as development assistance, education, health, social welfare, statistics and taxation. Many of these agencies have conducted or commissioned RCTs or quasi-experimental studies in the past 5 years, with evaluations ranging from 1 or 2 to more than 15 per agency. The measures evaluated included organizational, educational and financial interventions and interventions for oversight and sanctions. Some agencies have internal capabilities for designing and conducting evaluations, while others commissioned such studies to universities and other research institutions. Agencies reported examples where enhanced communication among implementers, researchers, ministries and political leaders facilitated impact evaluations, and these lessons offer opportunities for cross-sector knowledge-sharing to help strengthen rigorous evaluations of public policy interventions. Despite their potential, various government agencies report that randomized and quasi-experimental studies face legal, ethical, political and practical barriers that affect their use. For instance, the urgency of politicians to implement policies at scale has led to the discontinuation of trials and hindered learning from their effects. The surveyed agencies stressed the importance of legislation providing clear guidelines on when differential treatment can be justified and when informed consent requirements can be waived, as well as faster and clearer processes for managing privacy concerns related to data access. Crucially, greater political acceptance for systematically and gradually implementing reforms, including using randomization, could strengthen evidence-informed public policy, enhancing the scaling-up of effective interventions and deprioritizing ineffective ones.

The Administrative Responsibility for Destruction the Historical and Heritage Buildings in the Egyptian Law within Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Comparative Study with French and Saudi Laws

Objectives: Architectural heritage is an important feature of civilized nations that requires be conserved. This heritage includes buildings with unique architectural style that associate with a period of national history, or with a historical personality. Registration of these buildings must be through the legal pathway provided within the article 2 of law 144-2006. This paper aims at determining the legal protection of these buildings and provides appropriate recommendation for sustainable development goals (SDGs). Theoretical Framework: Destruction of heritage buildings may be ascribed to different factors, out of them are intentional destruction by the owners due to little compensation and wrong administrative decisions or negligence and not registration of these buildings, so its destruction is easy. Method: This study used the analytical and comparative method to investigate reasons and elements of administrative responsibility in the comparative law. Results and Discussion: Results contrived from this study would enhance legal protection to the unique architectural style buildings that preserve these buildings to the next generations as an international heritage. Research implications: This research tries to put forward legal barriers for protection heritage buildings against negligence and intentional destruction through juridical control. Originality/Value: Determining the administrative responsibility for destruction the heritage buildings would grant value for conserving these buildings.

Building a resilient organic hemp industry: Survey and focus groups assess research, extension, and education needs

AbstractHemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has many potential uses, including in textiles, construction, human food, animal feed, health, and personal care applications, and was once widely grown in the United States. Despite the tremendous initial excitement in hemp production and expansion of hemp acreage following its legalization in 2018, there remains uncertainty and risk surrounding the crop; major gaps in production and processing knowledge and supply and distribution chains exist because of previous legal barriers. In 2023, a national survey of current and prospective organic hemp growers (n = 140) was conducted to identify major challenges associated with organic hemp production and determine what resources and information are needed to support growth and resilience within the industry. A series of focus groups were also conducted with organic hemp growers, hemp educators, and industry stakeholders, including researchers and extensionists, current and prospective hemp business owners, hemp advocates and organizations, and hemp consultants (n = 39). Survey respondents and focus group participants included farmers across a wide range of farm types and sizes, geographic areas, production practices, and end‐use products. Most current hemp producers surveyed are growing hemp for cannabinoid products. Across the survey and focus groups, and regardless of farm type or end‐use product, the most significant challenges of organic hemp production are related to marketing, sales, and regulations. Despite these barriers, most survey respondents are interested in growing hemp in the future; this includes expanded interest in non‐cannabinoid end‐use products such as fiber, grain, seed, or transplants.

Inter-municipal cooperation at the international level

Relevance. Local self-government as one of the forms of public power closestй to the population is in constant development. The peculiarity of municipal authorities is the use of various organizational tools, including mechanisms of inter-municipal cooperation. The broad participation of the Russian Federation in interstate associations actualizes the use of new forms of partnership between municipalities at the international level. The study identifies legal problems and barriers that do not allow effective cooperation, and presents ways to overcome them.The purpose of the study is to develop sound theoretical provisions that complement the science of constitutional law, as well as to identify пределthe limits of constitutional compliance when using new forms of inter-municipal cooperation.Objectives: to analyze the practice of applying municipal partnership mechanisms at the level of interstate associations; to identify inaccuracies and gaps in legal acts in the field of organizing cooperation between domestic and foreign municipalities; to provide scientifically based ways to overcome legal barriers that do not allow effective interaction between municipalities.Methodology. В работе использовались Methodsы of analysis, synthesis, as well as the formal legal method in combination with the method of comparative law, legal modeling and forecasting were used in the work.The results of the study are scientifically based theoretical provisions that characterize the features of municipal cooperation at the interstate level, as well as proposals on the need to fill in gaps and inaccuracies in legal regulation.Conclusion. A legal gap is identified at the level of international treaties on cross-border and inter-territorial cooperation of the CIS and BRICS, which is related to the lack of legal mechanisms for inter-municipal cooperation. The study suggests the use of a wide range of standard agreements in the framework of the organization of cooperation of municipalities. The article substantiates the possibility of establishing an inter-territorial management body that coordinates partner municipalities. The paper presents a forecast on the development of municipal administration and the formation of a new type of agglomerations – cross-border urban agglomerations with the participation of the Russian Federation.

WOMEN'S ACCESS TO PROPERTY IN BANGLADESH

This paper critically examines the legal, social, and institutional barriers affecting women's access to property in Bangladesh, focusing on the challenges faced by Muslim and Hindu women under personal and statutory laws. The study begins by analyzing the legal framework governing women’s property rights, exploring the interplay between constitutional provisions and personal laws such as the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, and Hindu inheritance laws. Using India’s Hindu Succession Act, 1956 as a comparative framework, the paper highlights the disparities between Bangladesh and neighboring countries in terms of legal reforms aimed at promoting gender equality in property ownership. The research also discusses key case laws, including Fatema Khatun v. Md. Aminul Haque (1983) and Bipasha Rani Das v. Bharat Chandra Das (1997), to illustrate how the courts have addressed women’s inheritance claims and the limitations of the legal system. The paper concludes with several policy recommendations, including the need for legal reforms to harmonize personal laws with constitutional rights, the adoption of gender-sensitive land policies, and increased awareness and accessibility for women in rural areas. These reforms are essential for ensuring that women in Bangladesh can fully exercise their property rights and for promoting greater gender equality in property ownership. The study also identifies areas for future research, including the impact of international human rights standards on domestic legal reforms and the lived experiences of women in marginalized communities.

Challenges Faced by Migrant Students in Education: A Comprehensive Analysis of Legal, Psychological, and Economic Barriers

This study aims to explore the multifaceted challenges faced by migrant students in educational settings, focusing on legal, psychological, and economic barriers. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive analysis. A survey was conducted with 500 migrant students from various educational institutions across five countries, examining their experiences with legal, psychological, and economic challenges. In addition, 50 in-depth interviews with educators, policy makers, and migration experts were conducted to gain insights into systemic issues. The study revealed that migrant students face significant challenges across all three dimensions—legal, psychological, and economic. Over 60% of students in the study cited issues with residency permits, affecting their eligibility for financial aid, participation in extracurricular activities, and in some cases, their ability to enroll in school at all. Over 70% of the surveyed students reported experiencing social isolation, bullying, or discrimination in school environments. This negatively affected their academic performance and mental well-being. Financial instability was another prominent barrier, with 65% of the migrant students’ families reporting difficulty in affording school supplies, technology, or transportation to school. The study concludes that legal, psychological, and economic barriers significantly hinder the educational outcomes of migrant students. Legal documentation issues prevent many students from fully participating in educational programs, while psychological challenges such as social isolation and mental health struggles lead to poorer academic performance. Economic barriers exacerbate these issues by limiting access to necessary educational resources and support.

Retos habitacionales de la inmigración venezolana en Iquique y Alto Hospicio: Explorando bibliográficamente y sobre el terreno estrategias y barreras

Recent migratory dynamics, such as the Venezuelan humanitarian crisis and the increase in entries through unauthorized border crossings, have transformed the landscape of the Tarapacá region, in Chile, intensifying housing challenges such as limited access to adequate housing, which often leads to settlement in precarious camps (informal settlements). This article explores the perceptions of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and state institutions regarding Venezuelan migration and its housing challenges in Iquique and Alto Hospicio. The analysis identifies three key dimensions: administrative and legal barriers that perpetuate migratory irregularity, settlement strategies in contexts considered of extreme vulnerability, such as some informal settlements in Alto Hospicio, and social and symbolic barriers linked to the criminalisation and territorial stigmatisation of irregular migration. The findings reveal both convergences and divergences with academic literature. On the one hand, the dynamism of camps as spaces of agency and the consolidation of housing trajectories are highlighted. However, some CSOs perceive them as spaces of exclusion and criminalization, while also highlighting their role as initial entry points for migrants.

International Cooperation in Overcoming Digital Inequality: Legal Frameworks, Barriers and Development Parameters

International Cooperation in Overcoming Digital Inequality: Legal Frameworks, Barriers and Development Parameters

Exploring Architectural Units Through Robotic 3D Concrete Printing of Space-Filling Geometries

The integration of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) into architectural design and production offers a solution to challenges in the construction industry. This technology presents benefits such as mass customization, waste reduction, and support for complex designs. However, its adoption in construction faces various limitations, including technical, logistical, and legal barriers. This study provides insights relevant to architecture, engineering, and construction practices, guiding future developments in the field. The methodology involves fabricating closed architectural units using 3DCP, emphasizing space-filling geometries and ensuring structural strength. Across three production trials, iterative improvements were made, revealing challenges and insights into design optimization and fabrication techniques. Prioritizing controlled filling of the unit’s internal volume ensures portability and ease of assembly. Leveraging 3D robotic concrete printing technology enables precise fabrication of closed units with controlled voids, enhancing speed and accuracy in production. Experimentation with varying unit sizes and internal support mechanisms, such as sand infill and central supports, enhances performance and viability, addressing geometric capabilities and fabrication efficiency. Among these strategies, sand filling has emerged as an effective solution for internal support as it reduces unit weight, simplifies fabrication, and maintains structural integrity. This approach highlights the potential of lightweight and adaptable modular constructions in the use of 3DCP technologies for architectural applications.

Legal Study on Marriage Rights of Homosexuals in China

The issue of equality related to homosexuality has always been a hot spot in anti-discrimination. Through years of legal and cultural changes, the equal rights of homosexuals in China have been guaranteed to some extent. However, gay people in China have not been fully treated fairly, especially when it comes to marriage rights. Article 2 of the Marriage Act only regulates heterosexual marriage and does not cover same-sex marriage. This paper explores the legal status and challenges surrounding the marriage rights of homosexuals in China. By examining current legislation, judicial cases, and societal perspectives, the study identifies the legal barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ community in achieving marriage equality. Given that Chinese law currently does not recognize same-sex marriages, this research seeks to highlight the need for legal reforms to ensure equal treatment of homosexuals in marriage laws. The paper also proposes legal amendments, improved law enforcement, and societal education to foster greater inclusivity and fairness in China.

A case of polyploid utility in biocontrol: reproductively‐impaired triploid Nasonia vitripennis have high host‐killing ability

AbstractBACKGROUNDIntentionally impairing the fecundity of mass‐reared insects has important utility in controlling pest species. Typically, sterilized individuals are competed against wild counterparts, reducing pest population size. A novel consideration is creating biocontrol agents with lower reproductive capacity that are less likely to establish permanently or admix with wild populations, which are both emerging as legal barriers. Hymenopterans have diploid females, but archetypically infertile polyploid triploid females occur for various parasitoid species. As a first test of polyploid utility for these biocontrol concerns, we assessed the species with the best characterized polyploid biology, the gregarious idiobiont Nasonia vitripennis, for triploid female host‐killing ability on pupal blowfly hosts (Calliphora vomitoria).RESULTSWe examined four polyploid lines: the old Whiting polyploid line (WPL) derived from a spontaneous mutation, and new polyploid lines made through RNAi knockdown of sex determination genes transformer, transformer‐2 and wasp‐overruler‐of‐masculinization. For diploid and triploid females of each polyploid line, and control diploids of the STDR and oyster lines used to maintain them, we measured lifetime number of hosts killed; lifetime number of hosts that produced at least one offspring; the percentage of the hosts killed and the percentage of hosts that produced offspring out of those offered; and lifespan. For all lines, triploids produced viable offspring in far fewer hosts than their diploid counterparts (≤70% less). Surprisingly though, they killed as many or more hosts than diploids over similar lifespans. The offspring production ability of the WPL triploid was half that of the other lines, but lines varied only slightly in the number of hosts killed (±10) among the polyploids.CONCLUSIONThe ability of reproductively impaired triploids to kill as many hosts as fertile diploids demonstrate high biocontrol utility for polyploidized females, and downstream potential for reducing ecological risk. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Federated Learning with Privacy Preserving for Multi- Institutional Three-Dimensional Brain Tumor Segmentation.

Brain tumors are complex diseases that require careful diagnosis and treatment. A minor error in the diagnosis may easily lead to significant consequences. Thus, one must place a premium on accurately identifying brain tumors. However, deep learning (DL) models often face challenges in obtaining sufficient medical imaging data due to legal, privacy, and technical barriers hindering data sharing between institutions. This study aims to implement a federated learning (FL) approach with privacy-preserving techniques (PPTs) directed toward segmenting brain tumor lesions in a distributed and privacy-aware manner. The suggested approach employs a model of 3D U-Net, which is trained using federated learning on the BraTS 2020 dataset. PPTs, such as differential privacy, are included to ensure data confidentiality while managing privacy and heterogeneity challenges with minimal communication overhead. The efficiency of the model is measured in terms of Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) and 95% Hausdorff distances (HD95) concerning the target areas concerned by tumors, which include the whole tumor (WT), tumor core (TC), and enhancing tumor core (ET). In the validation phase, the partial federated model achieved DSCs of 86.1%, 83.3%, and 79.8%, corresponding to 95% values of 25.3 mm, 8.61 mm, and 9.16 mm for WT, TC, and ET, respectively. On the final test set, the model demonstrated improved performance, achieving DSCs of 89.85%, 87.55%, and 86.6%, with HD95 values of 22.95 mm, 8.68 mm, and 8.32 mm for WT, TC, and ET, respectively, which indicates the effectiveness of the segmentation approach, and its privacy preservation. This study presents a highly competitive, collaborative federated learning model with PPTs that can successfully segment brain tumor lesions without compromising patient data confidentiality. Future work will improve model generalizability and extend the framework to other medical imaging tasks.

Liability and the Digital Age: Comparative Analysis of the Australian, South African and CIS States Legislative Approaches

The specific set of means of criminal law protection of the monetary sphere in the state is determined by many factors, among which economic ones are of primary importance. In this regard, approaches to the construction of a set of these means may vary depending on the economic system of the state. States with a develop economy establish criminal law prohibitions in the monetary sphere, mainly concerning counterfeiting of currency, as well as money laundering. Countries with a different, for example, mixed economic system are characterized by the consolidation of additional means of criminal law protection of the monetary sphere, including liability for failure to return funds from abroad, smuggling, etc. With that the rapid proliferation of digital assets platforms has democratized capital flow relations, enabling a vast spectrum of chances to bypass so called analog legal barriers has also raised concerns regarding means of counteracting of unlawful actions in the digital sphere. The study outlines approaches of some different countries, including Australia, South Africa, CIS states, which can be taken into account. It argues that differences in the type of economic systems of the states do not at all predetermine the impossibility of conducting a comparative legal study of their approaches in the digital sphere. On the contrary, the coincidence in the type of economic systems of two or more countries, in the digital age cannot serve as correct grounds for confirming the thesis on the relevance. The author summarizes the need for changes in the liability regulatory framework.

THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE IN VENTURE CREATION AMONG UGANDAN MIGRANT WORKERS IN QATAR

This study examines the role of entrepreneurship education and prior entrepreneurial experience in venture creation among Ugandan migrant workers in Qatar, where migrants constitute a significant portion of the labour force. Drawing on a sample of 334 Ugandan expatriates, the research examines how these two factors influence their entrepreneurial intentions and outcomes. The findings reveal strong positive correlations between both entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial experience with venture creation, with education showing a particularly robust effect (β = 0.728, p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicates that these variables explain 94.7% of the variance in venture creation (adjusted R² = 0.947). Despite facing challenges such as limited access to capital, discriminatory practices, and legal barriers, Ugandan migrants, equipped with business education and prior entrepreneurial experience, are well-positioned to establish successful ventures. The study highlights the importance of targeted entrepreneurship education programs and experiential learning opportunities to foster self-employment among migrants. These findings have important implications for policy development, suggesting that supporting migrant entrepreneurship could drive economic growth, improve remittances, and contribute to the broader development goals of both host and origin countries. Future research could expand on these insights by examining the specific barriers and enablers across different migrant groups and host economies. KEY WORDS: Entrepreneurship Education, Entrepreneurial Experience, Venture Creation Ugandan Migrant Workers

Tele-surgery and remote procedures: The future of global surgical care

The growing global demand for surgical care contrasts sharply with the limited access to high-quality services in resource-limited regions, driving innovations like tele-surgery and remote surgical techniques. Tele-surgery employs robotic systems, high-resolution imaging, and advanced telecommunications to perform intricate procedures across vast distances. Since its inception with the landmark "Lindbergh Operation" in 2001, tele-surgery has benefited from significant technological advancements, including AI-powered platforms and robotic systems such as the da Vinci Surgical System. These technologies enable minimally invasive procedures, reduce recovery times, and enhance patient outcomes. Tele-surgery offers transformative potential in addressing healthcare inequities, particularly in underserved or conflict-affected regions, and during global emergencies like pandemics. It also provides substantial educational opportunities by enabling real-time observation of surgeries and fostering knowledge exchange through virtual and augmented reality tools. Despite its promise, tele-surgery faces challenges that hinder its widespread adoption. These include technological constraints like latency, inadequate infrastructure in low-income areas, cybersecurity risks, and the high costs of robotic systems. Ethical and legal considerations, including liability for errors and data privacy concerns, further complicate its implementation. Nevertheless, advancements in AI, machine learning, and 5G technology are expected to enhance tele-surgery’s efficiency and affordability, paving the way for its integration into global healthcare systems. With the potential to bridge healthcare access gaps and revolutionize surgical care delivery, tele-surgery represents a pivotal step toward equitable healthcare. However, overcoming current technological, financial, and legal barriers remains essential to realizing its full potential.

Turbulent trajectories: Experiences of young adults from refugee and host communities in Lebanon during crises.

Young adults living in Lebanon are experiencing the impacts of compounded crises during a critical juncture in the life course. Transitions into young adulthood are complex, unfolding in diverse ways for each individual. Using the concept of vital conjunctures, and a qualitative longitudinal research approach, this article explores how intersecting economic, political and refugee crises in Lebanon are impacting transitions to young adulthood. It explores three key dimensions of early adulthood transitions: education, income-generation and relationship formation. The data is based on four rounds of in-depth interviews with 18 young Lebanese, Palestinian and Syrian adults, and their caregivers, conducted over a three-year period. The research brings an intersectional perspective by analysing how multiple forms of inequality - including poverty, refugee status and gender discrimination - shape young adults' experiences of crises. The results show how the economic and social deprivations brought about by the compounded crises in Lebanon have influenced young people's trajectories in varying but interconnected ways, influencing the complexity and timing of key dimensions of early adulthood. For young women and refugees, restrictive gender norms and legal barriers, respectively, add another layer of complexity, and make it more challenging for young people to reach their goals and aspirations. The findings also point to the severe psychosocial impacts of these disrupted transitions, due to increasing household responsibilities, disrupted social support networks, and an inability to achieve desired aspirations. This research contributes to addressing the limited understanding of young adult transitions in crises contexts, highlighting the severe impacts of interconnected crises on young adults' trajectories.

Upscaling marine and coastal restoration through legal and governance solutions: Lessons from global bright spots

There is a global imperative to upscale restoration in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Upscaling of marine and coastal restoration is hindered by legal and governance barriers. Identifying both the types of barriers and potential solutions from global ‘bright spots’ is a first step toward implementing legal and governance frameworks to facilitate upscaling of marine and coastal restoration. Here we identify five types of barriers including (a) lack of fit-for-purpose permitting frameworks, (b) tenure issues, (c) concerns regarding risk and liability, (d) a lack of overarching targets for restoration, and (e) uncoordinated governance frameworks. For each barrier, we conduct a broad analysis of legal and governance solutions from across the world. Our analysis provides a guide for future research and law and governance reform.

Modern contraceptive use among currently married non-pregnant women (aged 15–49 years) in West Bengal, India: a reflection from NFHS-5

BackgroundThere is a dearth of research on modern family planning practices in high focus states like West Bengal in India with diverse population groups and distinct health needs. Thus, this study aims to investigate the latest picture of modern contraceptive use and its associated socio-demographic factors among currently married non-pregnant of reproductive aged (15–49 years) women in West Bengal.MethodsThe study is based on secondary data, collected from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5; 2019-20). A total of 15,841 currently married non-pregnant women were included into this study. With the overarching goal of understanding the determinants and patterns of modern contraceptive use, the study employed a combination of bi-variate and multivariate analyses, including logistic regression.ResultsThe results reveal that female sterilization is the most common modern contraceptive method across the state. Contraceptive use varies by district, from 43% in Puruliya to 77.3% in Birbhum. Women aged 30–34 were significantly more likely to use contraception (OR = 1.47), while those aged 45–49 were less likely to use it (OR = 0.74). Women with mixed gender composition of living children (OR = 1.48) were more likely to use contraception, compared to women with no children (OR = 0.21) or daughters only (OR = 0.80). SC women (OR = 1.63) and Christians (OR = 2.17) showed higher usage. Wealthier women (OR = 1.26) and urban residents also reported higher use. Moreover, son preference continues and women married after 18 are less likely to adopt modern methods. These findings highlight the need to improve reproductive health outcomes and overcome barriers to increasing contraceptive uptake.ConclusionTargeted interventions focusing on education, awareness-building, and improving access to diverse contraceptive options are recommended to empower women in making informed reproductive choices and advancing reproductive rights and health equity. Also, effective modern contraceptive services must overcome legal policy, social, cultural and structural barriers to benefit more women.

Barriers for institutional investors to invest in digital financial assets

Subject. The article analyzes barriers to active involvement of institutional investors' funds in digital DFA in the Russian financial market. Objectives. The study aims at identification of the main barriers preventing the active involvement of institutional investors' funds in DFA, development of recommendations for their elimination. Methods. The study employs general scientific methods of research, logical, comparative, and statistical analysis to review foreign practice and academic publications of domestic and foreign authors. Results. We revealed three main groups of barriers. They are legal and regulatory barriers; low volume of the primary market and insufficient liquidity in the secondary market; low level of financial literacy and problems of understanding DFA by private investors. To eliminate them, we offer to amend a number of federal laws to allow institutional investors to include DFA in their investment strategies and portfolios. The problem of low liquidity of the secondary market can be solved by including the main Russian trading platforms in the register of DFA exchange operators of the Bank of Russia, and providing private investors' access to these transactions. Conclusions. It is crucial to develop a risk rating system for DFA and criteria for DFA inclusion in the portfolios of institutional investors.

‘Two Families Rejected Her; We Won’t’—Experiences of Same-Sex Couples in the Chilean Public Adoption System

In Chile, same-sex couples have faced legal and social barriers that limit their equitable access to the adoption process. Objective: To explore the experiences of three same-sex couples who completed the adoption process in the Chilean public system before implementing the equal marriage law in 2022. Method: A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews to collect narratives from adoptive families. The information was analyzed using qualitative content analysis, identifying patterns and emerging themes. Results: It was revealed that families identified a market-driven logic within the adoption process, where personal preferences and prejudices influence the adoption decisions of traditional families, from which same-sex couples try to distance themselves. Additionally, significant challenges related to emotional bonding and family adaptation post-adoption were identified. Same-sex couples reported being clearly in a different position compared to traditional families and faced additional difficulties due to a lack of institutional support and insufficient post-adoption follow-up. Discussion and Conclusions: The need for structural reforms in the Chilean adoption system is highlighted to ensure equity and fair treatment for all families, regardless of their composition. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of implementing inclusive policies that recognize and support family diversity, promoting a fairer and more equitable adoption system that ensures the well-being of all children involved.