Control Legislation Research Articles

A critical Response to "How firearm legislation impacts firearm mortality", A focused look at Canadian and Australian evidence.

A recent review article in Health Policy Open, entitled "How firearm legislation impacts firearm mortality internationally: A scoping review" claims that Australian and Canadian firearms legislation is associated with reductions in homicide and suicide by firearms. Unfortunately, the review overexaggerates the effectiveness of firearms legislation in Australia and Canada, leaves out some important studies, and does not rigorously examine these articles. Eight Australian studies are referenced that examine the association between gun control legislation, primarily the National Firearms Act (NFA), and firearm homicide. Seven studies find no association between gun control legislation and firearm homicide. Only one study finds a reduction in female homicide but this is contradicted by a study using methods controlling for confounding factors. Four studies examining suicide rates and the association with the NFA find no associated benefit, including the single study that controls for confounders. Two studies find an associated decline in firearm suicide rates with the NFA but there is a decline in non firearms homicide rates at the same time that makes it impossible to know if the decline is associated with the NFA or another variable. The results of the Canadian studies on legislation and the association with firearms homicide points to no beneficial association when more methodologically sound methods and studies are reviewed. Canadian studies on the association with legislation and suicide by firearm demonstrate a reduction in suicide rates with a substitution for other methods and no overall reduction in suicide rates. Overall, Australian and Canadian studies to not appear to demonstrate beneficial associations with gun control legislation.

Factors and Effect of the Proliferation of Small and Medium Arms in Nigeria

Proliferation of Small and medium arms have become a common sight since Nigeria returned to democratic governance in 1999. It has been observed that violence before, during and after elections have been orchestrated due to the presence and misuse of these weapons. This avoidable catastrophe is traceable to a number of factors. This study therefore examines the factors influencing the proliferation of small and medium arms in Nigeria. The objectives of the study seek to identify the factors responsible for proliferation of small and medium arms, the effect of proliferations of small and medium arms and measures to mitigate the menace. This study identified factors responsible for the proliferation of small and medium arms to include among others, conflict racketeering, poverty and unemployment, weak border controls, political instability, international arms trade, lack of effective gun control legislation and cultural and social factors. Group conflict theory and subculture of violence theory were espoused as theoretical framework. The paper thus submits that political violence, terrorism, ethnic militia, bad governance and a militarized election system which are all vestiges of an arms-festered society will prevail, until and unless the organic context which precipitates it (championed by corporate buccaneerism, poverty and festering primitive materialism) is comprehensively and adequately checked. It is recommended that a conscious effort at the regional, sub-regional and international levels must be made in order to help check the threat to peace and development within the sub-region. Also, the push factors for arms proliferation must be abated and severed.

Opioid Cap Laws and Opioid Prescriptions After Total Joint Replacements in Older Adults

Despite the opioid crisis and a growing call for minimizing opioid use, opioids remain an important part of postoperative pain management, with more than 80% of patients filling at least 1 opioid prescription following total joint replacements (TJRs). Little is known as to whether state laws that restrict or cap opioids for acute pain reduce post-TJR opioid use. To evaluate the association of an opioid cap law in New York (Section 3331) with post-TJR opioid prescribing. This cohort study analyzed Medicare data from 2014 to 2019 for New York and California (control state). Participants were Medicare beneficiaries who underwent elective TJRs before (April 2014 to June 2016) or after (August 2016 to September 2019) Section 3331 implementation. Data were analyzed from June 2023 to August 2024. Implementation of New York Section 3331 in July 2016. The primary end point was total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) filled from discharge to day 7, days 8 to 30, and days 31 to 90 after TJR. Key independent variables were legislation phase (before or after Section 3331 implementation), treatment or control state, and the interactions between these 2 variables. Difference-in-differences regression models were used to assess the association of interest. The pre-Section 3331 cohort included 32 253 TJR encounters among 31 028 patients, of whom 9924 (31.98%) underwent TJRs in New York hospitals. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 73.43 (5.49) years; 19 442 encounters (60.28%) were among females. The estimated change in total MMEs filled in the 7-day post-TJR period after vs before Section 3331 implementation was -135.08 (95% CI, -146.62 to -123.53; P < .001) in California and -178.00 (95% CI, -191.98 to -164.02; P < .001) in New York, resulting in a Section 3331-associated change of -42.92 MMEs (95% CI, -61.04 to -24.80 MMEs; P < .001) in New York compared with California. Section 3331 was not associated with statistically significant changes in total MMEs filled in the 8 to 30-day and 31 to 90-day post-TJR periods. The findings of this retrospective cohort study of TJRs among Medicare beneficiaries suggest that New York Section 3331 achieved its intended objective, as it was associated with reduced opioid fills in the immediate 7-day post-TJR period in New York compared with California. Additional refinements may further reduce opioid prescribing in New York, and these findings may serve as a foundation for refining laws in other states that may not achieve their intended targets or have not implemented similar laws.

Navigating Constraints Indonesian Workers’ Experiences under Korea’s EPS Indonesian Workers’ Experiences under Korea’s EPS

This paper explores the experiences of Indonesian migrant workers in terms of job mobility and agency within the Employment Permit System in South Korea. The research relies on Strong Structuration Theory to analyze how external constraints—legislative laws and control by employers—interact with internal factors such as economic goals and sociocultural barriers that impact migrant workers' decision-making. Semi-structured interviews with Indonesian laborers showed the systemic problems due to sectoral inequalities, such as vulnerabilities brought about in the industry of fishing. Evidence shows restricted job mobility policies heightening the employees' dependence upon the employer, thus limitations to freedom and encouragement towards precarious situations. Employees try to get through such restrictions by strategic choice and through informal networks. Keywords: Employment Permit System, Job mobility, Strong Structuration Theory, Temporary Labor Migration, Indonesian migrant workers

Experimental implementation of design of an asynchronous machine-based wind emulator using backstepping control

The development of renewable energies, particularly wind power, requires high-performance system modeling and optimization tools. Wind turbine emulators can reproduce the behavior of real wind turbines, facilitating the development and validation of control strategies in a secure, flexible environment. Wind turbine emulators must ensure accurate tracking of wind profiles, robustness to disturbances, and optimized execution in real-time, despite computational and hardware constraints. In addition, their extension to hybrid systems and smart grids imposes requirements in terms of integration and advanced energy management, making their design and implementation particularly complex. This paper presents an experimental examination into a revolutionary technique to wind turbine simulation. It details the design, analysis, and construction of a wind turbine that can stimulate both a real wind turbine’s dynamic and static characteristics. The physical configuration of this simulator faithfully mimics the operation of a genuine wind turbine. To achieve a cost-effective and efficient emulation, an asynchronous machine (ASM) was chosen over a direct current (DC) machine since it is substantially less expensive, making it a better choice for wind turbine emulation. A backstepping control approach was applied to stabilize the ASM’s operation by regulating its flux and controlling rotational speed, resulting in smooth and reliable performance. The primary objective of this approach is to develop a progressive control legislation that guarantees the overall stability of the system. The proposed method was first validated using MATLAB/Simulink simulations. The simulation findings were then validated using a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test for backstepping control on the dSPACE 1104 platform. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the method in evaluating robustness and performance, confirming its potential for advanced wind energy applications.

Constitutional Powers of Parliament During Martial Law: The Ukrainian Experience

Objective: The aim of the article is to analyze the constitutional limits of the powers of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, with a focus on identifying a legal mechanism capable of ensuring a balance between national security, democratic principles, human rights protection, and the preservation of the parliament's control functions under martial law. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on constitutional law theories, including the separation of powers doctrine and the principle of checks and balances, which ensure legislative control in terms of the martial law. It also incorporates crisis governance theory to analyze how legal frameworks adapt to emergencies while preserving democratic institutions and human rights. Methods: The methods used in this study include monographic analysis, analysis and synthesis, systems analysis, generalization, and forecasting, among others. Results and Discussion: The article examines the constitutional powers of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine during martial law, with an emphasis on the importance of balancing effective governance with adherence to democratic principles. It is established that martial law necessitates the adoption of prompt decisions in the area of national security. The role of the Parliament of Ukraine as a key institution for overseeing the use of defense resources during wartime is discussed. The legislative activities of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine regarding mobilization, army financing, and ensuring transparency in the use of budgetary funds are also explored. Contributions: The article highlights the need to strengthen the role of parliamentary committees on national security, introduce independent audits of defense spending, and establish joint international monitoring missions to ensure the protection of human rights in conflict zones. By proposing mechanisms to enhance parliamentary oversight and transparency in governance, this research contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), reinforcing accountability, institutional integrity, and the rule of law in times of crisis. Strengthening parliamentary control mechanisms not only ensures effective decision-making during martial law but also promotes long-term institutional resilience, democratic governance, and legal stability, which are essential for sustainable development. It is emphasized that the conclusions drawn in the article may be beneficial not only for Ukraine but also for other countries facing similar challenges during wartime or other emergencies.

A political economy analysis of the legislative response to unhealthy food and beverage marketing in Chile, Canada and the UK

United Nations bodies call for legal responses to restrict children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing; however, few governments have introduced legislative controls. This research studies the underlying political economy influences that impacted the introduction of legal responses. We used a multiple case study methodology to examine the political economy influences on the policy process in three contexts (Chile, Canada and the UK). Data from documentary evidence and 21 semi-structured key informant interviews were analysed using a political economy framework studying the institutions, interests, ideas and the associated power dynamics that shaped the policy process. The prevailing neoliberal ideologies and overarching institutional paradigm, in which all actors were operating, meant any form of government intervention had to be justified, evidence-based and no more intrusive on commercial enterprise and public life than necessary. The neoliberal paradigm permeated each of the political economy elements (institutions, ideas and interests). In addition, its influence was observed in all stages of the policy process, from introduction through to adoption of the resulting law or regulation, and experienced in both the executive and legislative branches of government. A paradigm shift away from the protection and primacy of commercial enterprise and limited government interference would reduce the barriers governments face when introducing legislative responses to unhealthy food marketing. These dynamics may be tempered if institutional, actor and discursive power is harnessed in support of the legitimate public health measure, which would involve a strong mandate for the ministry responsible and a dedicated and influential policy entrepreneur. - Provides an insight into how three different governments legislated unhealthy food marketing. - Provides lessons for other governments about what challenges those countries faced and how they overcame them. - Considers the political reality behind policy making that impacts on how evidence-based policy making occurs.

Legislative Controls for Disciplinary Penalties Imposed on Public Servants: A Comparative Analysis of Jordanian and French Legal Frameworks

This study examines the legislative framework governing disciplinary penalties imposed on public servants under the Jordanian Civil Service Regulation of 2020 and the French General Civil Service Law of 2021. It seeks to analyze the concept of disciplinary punishment, its legal nature, and the fundamental principles that regulate its application within public administration. Additionally, the research explores the extent of judicial oversight exercised by administrative courts over disciplinary sanctions, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural safeguards. By adopting a comparative approach, the study highlights both the similarities and differences between the Jordanian and French legal systems concerning the imposition of disciplinary penalties and the mechanisms of judicial review applicable to such measures. The findings underscore that while administrative authorities possess discretionary power in selecting disciplinary measures, this discretion must be exercised within the confines of legality, adhering to the principle of proportionality. The study emphasizes that excessive or disproportionate penalties risk judicial intervention, reinforcing the necessity for fair and reasoned decision-making. Furthermore, the research concludes that disciplinary sanctions should be proportionate to the severity of the infraction, with administrative bodies ensuring a clear and precise definition of violations and their circumstances. This clarity facilitates effective judicial oversight and prevents arbitrary or overly punitive disciplinary measures, thus maintaining a balance between administrative authority and legal accountability.

Stroke Subtypes Mortality Attributable to Smoking in China: A Study Based on the Global Burden of Disease Database 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to analyze long-term trends in ischemic stroke (IS), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) mortality from smoking in China from 1992 to 2021, to provide scientific advice on stroke prevention and treatment in China. Methods: The mortality data of smoking-related stroke and its subtypes in China during 1992–2021 were collected from the Global Burden of Disease 2021. Joinpoint regression model and Age-period-cohort (APC) model were used for trend analysis. Results: The age-standardized mortality rate of stroke and subtypes caused by smoking showed a decreasing trend in China from 1992 to 2021. The decline was greater for women than for men. According to APC model analysis, the age effect showed that ICH and IS showed an increasing trend, while SAH increased first and then decreased. The results of the cohort effect were similar to those of the period effect, with relative risk decreasing for all subtypes. The local drift showed that the stroke and subtypes in males showed a “U” shaped trend, a relatively stable trend for stroke and is in females, and a downward trend for SAH and ICH. Conclusions: Over the past 30 years, the burden of stroke and stroke subtype deaths attributable to smoking in China has decreased. However, future efforts should focus on preventing ICH. Strengthening tobacco control legislation, particularly targeting older men and young people, is crucial for further reducing smoking-related stroke risk.

Illuminating Gaslighting: A Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Review of Gaslighting Literature

Abstract Purpose With the rise of coercive control legislation in Australia and the UK, it has become increasingly important to clarify the discourse surrounding common psychological abuse tactics, such as gaslighting. This literature review seeks to aid future research in conceptualising gaslighting by exploring its complex nature and tracing its evolution across different fields. The primary aim is to compile and synthesize research from various disciplines, enhancing cross-field communication and providing a clearer understanding of the term’s origins and potential future applications. Method This literature review synthesizes existing research on gaslighting by examining its evolution and operationalization across multiple fields, including medicine, psychiatry, psychodynamics, psychology and individual differences, sociology, and philosophy. Results The review reveals significant inconsistencies in the operationalization of gaslighting across various fields, such framing gaslighting as a type of family abuse used for personal or material gain, a form of interpersonal communication between couples, and an expression of structural power. It underscores the need for a stronger theoretical basis in empirical research on gaslighting and recommends moving away from the current focus on individual differences prevalent in empirical studies. Conclusion By providing a comprehensive synthesis of existing research, this review shines a light on the shifting conceptualization of gaslighting. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary communication and the need for a more robust theoretical framework to improve empirical studies. This unified understanding is crucial for developing more effective legal and psychological interventions to address gaslighting and other forms of psychological abuse.

Cross-parliamentary control

ABSTRACT Unlike studies of the way legislation is made, parliamentary control across multiple government systems – i.e. ‘cross-parliamentary control’ – has not yet received systematic consideration. By cross-parliamentary control, I refer to situations where a parliamentarian uses parliamentary control tools of one government system to control the government in another. Based on the literature on classical single-level control, previous studies of the question activities carried out in the European Parliament, and an explorative case study of cross-parliamentary control within the Danish Realm, this paper highlights the potential prevalence of this unexplored phenomenon. Finally, it sets forth four theses for how multi-level legislative control is prone to manifest itself in other contexts.

Regionalismo, Política Externa e Relações Executivo/Legislativo: O Mercosul e a União Europeia em Perspectiva Comparada

Abstract In a globalized world, Legislative control over matters related to Mercosur and the European Union (EU) is important. However, its importance varies according to Regional Foreign Policy (RFP) decisions. This article investigates whether there are configurations, considering institutional design, political conditions, and economic factors, which explain the intensity of legislative participation in determining such matters. Specialists were consulted to select five decisions that represented significant changes for the regional dynamics of Mercosur and EU member countries. After defining the intentional sample of cases, necessary and sufficient conditions for the participation of the Legislature in RFP were identified through a Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). The results indicate that institutional design and economic factors matter, but prior debates in Parliaments on the subject are also relevant to explaining legislative action. This was corroborated by a Coincidence Analysis (CNA) that demonstrated that this variable makes up the causal chain of participation.

How Can Smoke-Free Legislation Succeed in the Pan-Media Era?

Smoke-free legislations are effective measures to combat the epidemic of tobacco use and protect citizens from the harm of secondhand smoke. Although nationalwide tobacco control legislation has yet to be established, local tobacco control initiatives have already demonstrated positive outcomes. Current research has identified numerous univariate factors influencing tobacco control legislation, however, there is a notable lack of studies that comprehensively examine the combined effects of various influencing factors, including media advocacy. In the era of pan-media, the roles of media actors, networks, and users have evolved. Government affairs new media, which serves the dual roles of “information dissemination and public service”, has not only become a representative of the official intent but also an integral part of the media environment. The government affairs new media demonstrate unique “locality” within the dynamics of the political, technological, and market-oriented dimensions. This study adopts the “four-image diagram” of the Geographies of Media &amp; Communication as the theoretical framework, and employs the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) method. It takes the tobacco control legislation status of 32 cities as the outcome variable and the tobacco control practices of local government affairs new media and other local characteristic variables as the condition variables, to explore the impact of different combinations of factors on local tobacco control legislation. The findings indicate that a “ low proportion of tobacco tax contribution” plays a pivotal role in the success of local tobacco control legislation, while combinations of “high economic level, high proportion of tobacco tax contribution, and large number of comprehensive media campaign on tobacco control” significantly hinders legislative efforts. Furthermore, although the impact of local government affairs new media's tobacco control practices on tobacco control legislation remains unsubstantiated, proactive communication and comprehensive dissemination of tobacco control information may still positively facilitate local tobacco control legislation and enforcement.

Overview of tobacco cessation service in Oman: A narrative review.

Tobacco is a global public health issue that kills half of its users. Even though the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) mandates countries to implement tobacco cessation programs as a cost-effective approach to assist smokers in quitting and reduce the burden of tobacco use, only one-third of the world's population has access to effective cessation services. Many governments have failed to provide comprehensive, accessible tobacco cessation services due to financial constraints and the belief that people are to blame for tobacco addiction. The World Health Organization's Package of Essential Non-Communicable Diseases (WHO PEN) recommends incorporating tobacco cessation and lifestyle advice into primary healthcare as a cost-effective means of avoiding non-communicable diseases. Despite nearly two decades have passed since ratifying the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Oman has made little progress in developing a national comprehensive tobacco cessation program. A comprehensive multisectoral effort is necessary to explore the challenges and opportunities for implementing an effective national tobacco cessation program in Oman, which should be part of effective tobacco control legislation aimed at reversing the tobacco trend and assisting smokers in quitting tobacco products. This narrative review aims to explore tobacco use in Oman, its health impacts, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and puts forward recommendations for implementing a tobacco cessation program.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of community treatment orders on aggression or criminal behaviour in people with a mental illness.

There has been concern about violent acts and other criminal behaviour by people with a possible history of mental health problems. We therefore assessed the effects of community treatment orders (CTOs) on self-, third-party-, and agency-reported criminal behaviour when compared to voluntary treatment. A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and criminal justice bibliographic databases for observational or randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CTO cases with controls receiving voluntary psychiatric treatment. Relevant outcomes were reports of violence and aggression or contacts with the criminal justice system such as arrests and court appearances. Thirteen papers from 11 studies met inclusion criteria. Nine papers came from the United States and four from Australia. Two papers were of RCTs. Results for all outcomes were non-significant, the effect size declining as study design improved from non-randomised data on self-reported criminal behaviour, through third party criminal justice records and finally to RCTs. Similarly, there was no significant finding in the subgroup analysis of serious criminal behaviour. On the limited available evidence, CTOs may not address aggression or criminal behaviour in people with mental illness. This is possibly because the risk of violence is increased by comorbid or nonclinical variables, which are beyond the scope of CTOs. These include substance use, a history of victimisation or maltreatment, and the wider environment. The management of risk should therefore focus on the whole person and their community through social and public health interventions, not solely legislative control.

Parliamentary Involvement in Respect of International Tax Treaties in India

Tax treaties have multiplied in number across the world and there have been variances in the ways countries negotiate and implement treaties. A key distinction lies in the extent of domestic legislative involvement, which is thought to enhance treaty negotiating power. This article examines India’s legislative control over tax treaties and compares it with practices in other countries. It develops a framework to evaluate legislative involvement and argues that a recent Indian Supreme Court judgment underscores the importance of legislative oversight in tax treaty implementation. The judgment can be a catalyst for India to make legislative involvement more effective, which may strengthen India’s bargaining power in international tax negotiations.

Social factors related to gun violence in urban United States

Social factors related to gun violence in urban United States

Health benefits of decarbonization and clean air policies in Beijing and China

Although China has seen strong reductions in air pollution levels in the last decade, PM2.5 concentrations still exceed the WHO Guideline several times, causing a substantial burden of mortality and morbidity. With many 'low hanging fruits' in terms of abatement measures already taken, further improvements will be more difficult and likely require different strategies than pursued so far. This study looks into the trends expected under current energy policies and air pollution control legislation and analyses the source contributions to ambient PM2.5 in China, with a special focus on the megacity of Beijing. Although reductions are foreseen, China appears not yet on track to meet its long-term targets for greenhouse gas emissions nor the future national air quality standards. Going beyond current policies, we analyze effects of measures which tackle both issues and quantify health co-benefits from further decarbonization policies required to meet the national target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060, as well as the potential for further air pollution mitigation.

Towards Reinforcement of Legislative Controls Over Delegated Legislation in Nigeria

The aim of this paper was to provide ways to further strengthen the role of the Legislature of Government in Nigeria by embedding the concept of accountability in the devolved legislature in Nigeria. In doing so, this paper examined the concept of delegated legislation for the purpose of clarifying its meaning and dependence on the legislature for validity. It also examines the control mechanism for delegated legislation and insists on the power of the legislature to scrutinise decentralised legislation, as is the case in Britain and India, notably through legislative committees for subordinate or devolved legislation. This paper later found that statutory control over delegated legislation in Nigeria is porous, insufficient and restrictive. which makes the executive too powerful. The doctrinal method of inquiry was adopted to conduct this inquiry and the paper ended by advocating an urgent amendment to Sections 88, 89, 128 and 129 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

A five-year retrospective review of fatalities involving novel psychoactive substances in Southern Ireland

Introduction: Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are rapidly emerging and being reformulated to evade legislative controls, creating unpredictability in drug markets and ineffective drug policies. Given that Ireland has the highest self-reported NPS use within Europe and literature regarding health risks is lacking, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs has advocated for the surveillance of regional trends. Objectives: To elucidate the demographic and autopsy findings of fatal cases involving NPS in Southern Ireland as compared to deaths involving traditional drugs of abuse (TDOA). Methods: Post-mortem reports from the Cork-Kerry region with positive toxicology for illicit substances between 2012-2016 were retrospectively analyzed to compare NPS and TDOA cases with respect to circumstances surrounding death, toxicological results, and pathological findings. Results: Between 2012-2016, there were 164 cases involving illicit substances in the Cork-Kerry region. NPS accounted for 17 (10.4%) cases, with an average annual mortality rate of 34.8 per 100,000 population. NPS contributed to the cause of death in 70.6% of cases where detected, compared to 43.5% for TDOA only. In both cohorts, fatal abusers were predominantly young males. Importantly, cases involving NPS showed a higher proportion of mono-drug intoxication and presentation to hospital prior to death. Autopsy findings were non-specific but commonly featured pulmonary congestion, aspiration, and cerebral oedema. Conclusion: NPS are detected in a small proportion of medicolegal autopsies but contribute significantly to acute intoxication deaths. This study highlights the need for effective drug monitoring and enforcement strategies, along with improved management of drug toxicities presenting to hospital.