Mandatory Targets Research Articles

Mandatory salt targets: a key policy tool for global salt reduction efforts

Mandatory salt targets: a key policy tool for global salt reduction efforts

Improving Equity of Access to a Publicly Funded Bariatric Surgery Programme by Removal of Mandatory Weight Loss Targets.

Obesity disproportionately affects 50.8% of Māori and 71.3% of Pacific adults in New Zealand, and these groups also have reduced access to bariatric surgery. Mandatory preoperative weight loss targets are a requirement of many bariatric surgery programmes globally; however, the evidence supporting their efficacy is inconclusive. In 2017, mandatory preoperative weight loss targets were eliminated from the bariatric surgery programme at Auckland City Hospital in New Zealand, with the aim to improve equity of access to bariatric surgery. This study will review postoperative patient outcomes following the elimination of preoperative weight loss targets from the programme. A retrospective analysis of 231 patients who underwent bariatric surgery at Auckland City Hospital from 2018 to 2021 was performed. Nineteen patients were lost to follow up and 12 were excluded (revision surgery or pregnancy). The comparison group of 100 consecutive patients, retrospective from 2017, had been required to lose 10% of excess body weight preoperatively to qualify for surgery. Outcomes assessed were weight loss and diabetes resolution at 12months, and postoperative complications within 90days. Elimination of preoperative weight loss targets was associated with greater numbers of Māori and Pacific patients undergoing bariatric surgery. There was no significant difference in weight loss outcomes or postoperative complications. Elimination of preoperative weight loss targets improves access to bariatric surgery for Māori and Pacific patients, inequitably affected by obesity. Removal of preoperative weight loss targets does not adversely affect weight loss outcomes, or postoperative complications, thus supporting their elimination.

Управління відходами упаковки: європейські стандарти та законодавство України

The article is devoted to the study of the current state and prospects of implementation into national legislation of the normative provisions of the European Union in the field of waste management, in particular the Directive of the European Parliament and the Council “On packaging and packaging waste” (1994, December 20) No. 94/62/EU. Ukraine undertook to implement a number of Directives in the field of waste management. After the enactment of the Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management”, which takes into account European approaches based, in particular, on the provisions of the Framework Directive of the European Parliament and the Council No. 2008/98/EU of November 19, 2008 “On Waste and Repeal of Certain Directives”, a draft law on packaging and packaging waste has been developed. This draft law is aimed at determining the legal, economic and organizational principles in the field of handling packaging and packaging waste. The main European approaches involve significantly reducing packaging waste, adopting mandatory re-use targets, limiting unnecessary packaging and minimizing packaging, restricting certain types of packaging and using reusable packaging etc. Compliance with European standards in the field of packaging and packaging waste management means not only the adoption of a special law, but also the implementation of an effective mechanism, tools that ensure the organization of the system for preventing the generation of packaging waste, their processing and reuse. Packaging waste management is an important and complex area of waste management that requires the implementation of various measures, including development of infrastructure for separate collection of packaging waste, carrying out information and educational campaigns to raise public awareness of handling packaging waste, implementation of scientific research work in the field of progressive technologies of processing and production of products from secondary raw materials, introduction of a system of obligations and incentives for business entities and citizens that contribute to the prevention and minimization of packaging waste generation, prosecution for violations of packaging waste management rules.

Analysis of the Potential and Problems of the Mandangin Islands As a Tourism Village in Support of the Dewi Cemara Program

This study aims to analyze the potential and problems of the Mandangin Islands as a Tourism Village in Supporting the Dewi Cemara Program (Tourism Village whose Communities are Intelligent, Independent and Prosperous). The purpose of this program is to encourage rural-based economic growth centers, where activities are supported by the motivation and enthusiasm of the community and various facilities, the existence of objects and attractions, having physical access and market access, having the potential for partnerships, and the availability of public facilities. Researchers will conduct a research as a step to find out the potential and problems on Mandangin Island in supporting the Dewi Cemara Program, by determining Mandangin Village as the object of research. The approach used in this study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study method, additional data collection is carried out by studying literature from various sources, both printed and statistical databases, with data collection methods in the form of interviews, observation, and documentation. The theory of identification of potentials and problems to dissect the supporting instruments of the Dewi Cemara Program on Mandangin Island. Technically, the researcher will mapping the informants consist of Head of DISPORABUDPAR Sampang, Head of POKDARWIS Sampang, Head of Mandangin Village, Tourists and the local community at Mandangin. In this case the researcher wants to absorb their aspirations. The mandatory achievement target in this research is one article published in a national scientific journal accredited at least SINTA 4.

Challenges for sustainable development goal of land degradation neutrality in drylands: Evidence from the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains, China

The SDG 15.3.1 target of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) only has 15 years from conception (in 2015) to realization (in 2030). Therefore, investigating the effectiveness and challenges of LDN has become a priority, especially in drylands, where fragile ecosystems intersect with multiple disturbances. In this study, solutions are proposed and validated based on the challenges of LDN. We chose the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains as a case study and set baselines in 2005 and 2010. The region and degree of land change (including degraded, stable, and improved) were depicted at the pixel scale (100 × 100 m), and LDN realization was assessed at the regional scale (including administrative districts and 5000 × 5000 m grids). The results showed a significant disparity between the two baselines. The number of areas that realized the LDN target was rare, regardless of the scale of the administrative districts or grids. Chord plots, Spearman's correlation, and curve estimation were employed to reveal the relationship between LDN and seven natural or socioeconomic factors. We found that substantial degradation was closely related to the expansion of unused, urban, and mining land and reduction in water, glaciers, and forests. Further evidence suggests that agricultural development both positively and negatively affects LDN, whereas urbanization and mining activities are undesirable for LDN. Notably, the adverse effects of glacier melting require additional attention. Therefore, we consider the easy-to-achieve and hard-to-achieve baselines as the mandatory and desirable targets of LDN, respectively, and focus further efforts in three aspects: preventing agricultural exploitation from occupying ecological resources, defining reasonable zones for urbanization and mining, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate warming. Overall, this study is expected to be a beneficial addition to existing LDN theoretical systems and serve as a case validation of the challenges of LDN in drylands.

Правовое регулирование доходов, полученных от проведения лотерей

The article examines the modern and retrospective regulation of relations in the field of lottery, which is a source of revenue for the budgets of the Russian Federation. The authors conclude that the income received by the state from conducting lotteries is divided into a) tax income arising from the payment of tax by individuals upon receipt of winnings (personal income tax, and income tax from payment by lottery operators and distributors; b) non-tax income generated by mandatory target deductions and unclaimed winnings. It is also emphasized that the field of activity under consideration, which is profitable for the state, requires adjustments in terms of making changes to both tax legislation and budget legislation in terms of establishing fair amounts of targeted deductions to perform state functions for the development of physical culture and sports in the Russian Federation.

Combating plastic pollution in international law: <i>lex lata</i> and <i>lex ferenda</i>

INTRODUCTION. Global plastic production has increased from 1.5 million tons in 1950 to 390 million tons in 2021, of which only 9 % was recycled, 19 % was incinerated, almost 50 % was disposed of in landfills and 22 % was dumped in landfills, where this waste could be openly burned or released back into the environment. Plastics have changed the global economy and the lives of billions of people for the better. However, their use comes with significant environmental and social costs. Plastic waste negatively affects human health and the environment. The life cycle of plastics covers the entire spectrum of activities, from raw material extraction, production, distribution, use, to disposal as waste, and environmental problems can arise at any stage of the plastic life cycle. Most plastic degrades very slowly in the environment. There are currently a number of international commitments to reduce marine litter and plastic waste, particularly from land-based sources, and several applicable international agreements and soſt law instruments related to trade in plastics or reducing impacts on marine life. However, none of the international documents provides a global, mandatory, specific and measurable target to reduce plastic pollution. In this regard, many states, as well as commercial actors and civil society, are calling for the adoption of a global instrument to regulate marine pollution from litter and plastics. In this article, significant attention is paid to the analysis of a future treaty aimed at combating plastic pollution.MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study is based on the analysis of a large volume of materials, including international legal acts, advisory acts, as well as modern doctrinal studies by Russian and foreign authors. The methodological basis of the study was general scientific (method of logical and system analysis, dialectical method, methods of deduction and induction) and special scientific (historical-legal, comparative-legal, formal legal methods, method of legal modeling and forecasting) methods of cognition.RESEARCH RESULTS. In the course of the study, various international acts of a mandatory and recommendatory nature were analyzed, the doctrinal positions set out in the scientific literature, put forward by domestic and foreign legal scholars, were summarized, and the main problems of combating plastic pollution were identified.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. Within the framework of this article, an attempt has been made to give answers to the following questions: to what extent the problem of plastic pollution is an important challenge for modern international law, whether current international law effectively regulates the problem of plastic pollution, what should be the content of a new treaty on plastic and what are the positions of states on its content.

Capesize time charter equivalent optimization based on speed and environmental regulations

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the interplay of standard Capesize optimal speeds for time charter equivalent (TCE) maximization in the Australia–China iron ore route and the optimal speeds as an operational tool for compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) carbon intensity indicator (CII).Design/methodology/approachThe TCE at different speeds have been calculated for four standard Capesize specifications: (1) standard Capesize with ecoelectronic engine; (2) standard Capesize with non-eco engine (3) standard Capesize vessel with an eco-electronic engine fitted with scrubber and (4) standard Capesize with non-eco engine and no scrubber fitted.FindingsCalculations imply that in a highly inflationary bunker price context, the dollar per ton freight rates equilibrates at levels that may push optimal speeds below the speeds required for minimum CII compliance (C Rating) in the Australia–China trade. The highest deviation of optimal speeds from those required for minimum CII compliance is observed for non-eco standard Capesize vessels without scrubbers. Increased non-eco Capesize deployment would see optimal speeds structurally lower at levels that could offer CII ratings improvements.Originality/valueWhile most of the studies have covered the use of speed as a tool to improve efficiency and emissions in the maritime sector, few have been identified in the literature to have examined the interplay between the commercial and operational performance in the dry bulk sector stemming from the freight market equilibrium. The originality of this paper lies in examining the above relation and the resulting optimal speed selection in the Capesize sector against mandatory environmental targets.

Identification of clean energy development routes under carbon emission constraints: A path towards structural adjustment of the power system

Clarifying the clean energy (CE) development path is significant for realizing energy system transformation, coping with climate risks, and ensuring energy and ecological security. This paper uses national data from China from 1978 to 2021 as a sample. It considers the year-by-year dynamic indicators of changes in technology, population, industry, and economic factors in the short term. It takes the mandatory carbon emission reduction targets set by the country as the basis for carbon constraints. The Markov chain model was introduced to construct a power demand structure prediction model under scenarios to more accurately quantify the energy-saving and emission-reduction paths under different carbon constraints and economic development scenarios. The results show that China's electricity demand will rapidly grow in the short term. The upper limit constraint of thermal power generation under the high and normal economic growth models still has room to grow in the short term under the target carbon emission constraint scenario. During 2025–2030, the overall lower limit growth rate of the CE power generation structure under the target emission reduction scenario must exceed 8%, and the overall growth rate under the high-efficiency emission reduction scenario must exceed 12%. By 2030, the proportion of hydropower in CE generation is estimated to decrease to 33.7%, while nuclear power, wind power, and photovoltaic power generation will increase to 16.3%, 30.5% and 19.5%, respectively. These results provide a reference for the government to formulate a CE development path against the background of carbon constraints.

Analysis of the Use of Rational Electric Vehicle Battery Design as an Example of the Introduction of the Fit for 55 Package in the Real Estate Market

The European climate law contains a mandatory EU climate target of reducing emissions in the EU by at least 55% by 2030; to realistically implement it, a transformation of many economic sectors is required. The main solutions focus on energy production. However, an equally important aspect is its storage. It represents the biggest challenge to ensure the stability of energy use in the real estate market. Today, lithium-ion batteries are the most promising batteries. They have the advantages of high efficiency during the charge–discharge process, and high density of electrical energy. The potential range of electric vehicles on a single charge depends on the battery. Accumulator batteries, depending on their purpose, are assembled from a certain number of lithium-ion cells. At the same time, the battery connection scheme depends on what the goal is. This can be an increase in battery capacity, an increase in voltage, or a combination of both parametric characteristics of the device. This approach and research results can be implemented not only in the automotive field, but also in industry, the real estate market, etc.

Hybrid diagnostic approach for the diagnosis of district heating networks

Decarbonization of the heating sector is a mandatory target towards climate neutrality by 2050. In this framework, District Heating Networks (DHNs) do play an important role since the heat carrier is dispatched from a heat source to end-users.Reliability of DHNs can be affected by several faults, of which the negative consequences can be prevented by employing diagnostic methodologies to evaluate the health state of the DHN and promptly localize the fault cause.In the literature, DHN faults are usually detected by means of physics-based and data-driven methodologies, but their drawbacks may hinder their application. Thus, this paper proposes a hybrid approach composed of two steps aimed at detecting the most common faults occurring in DHNs, i.e., water leakages as well as anomalous heat and pressure losses. First, a data-driven diagnostic methodology is employed to assess whether a fault is occurring. Then, a physics-based diagnostic approach identifies the health indices of each pipe of the DHN, the fault position, its type and magnitude. In this paper, the hybrid diagnostic approach is applied to the DHN of the campus of the University of Parma, where different faults were artificially implanted.The diagnostic approach proves to correctly detect and identify the implanted faults, by also correctly estimating their magnitude even in the most challenging scenarios.

Target and Performance: Evidence from China’s Air Quality Management

Taking China’s air quality management during the 13th 5-Year Plan (2016–2020) as a case, this study empirically examines the impact of mandatory policy target set by the higher-level government on the performance of lower-level government in achieving the target. The results show that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental target value and target completion rate. In addition, the inverted U-shaped relationship is moderated by local economic growth rate. Specifically, economic growth impairs the positive effect of environmental target value on environmental performance before the turning point but alleviating the negative effect after the turning point. Moreover, higher-level attention can strengthen the target setting effect for local governments. Therefore, a successful target-based performance management system needs the reasonable design for the target difficulty and coordination of conflicting targets.

Is the Motion Causing a Commotion? Two-Fraction Prostate SBRT on the MR-Linac.

In HERMES (NCT04595019) men with localized prostate cancer are treated on the Unity MR-Linac platform (MRL, Elekta AB, Stockholm) and randomized between stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions and 24 Gy in 2 fractions. Patients randomized to two fractions receive 24 Gy to the high risk PTV, 20 Gy to the low risk PTV and a boost of 27 Gy to the dominant intraprostatic lesion. This study explores dose received by the target and organs at risk (OARs) when considering intrafraction motion in two fraction SBRT. Targets and OARs were delineated and a reference plan generated on Monaco v5.40.01 (Elekta). An Adapt-to-Shape (ATS) workflow was used. Contours were propagated to the session MRI (MRIsession) and edited accordingly. Prior to delivery, a verification MRI (MRIverif) was acquired with baseline shifts corrected for using the Adapt-to-Position (ATP-of-ATS) workflow. A post treatment MRI (MRIpost) was acquired after delivery. Men in the 2-fraction arm received each fraction in 2 sub-fractions sequentially on the same day, to mitigate intrafraction motion. The plans of 5 men receiving 2 fraction SBRT were analyzed. The targets, urethra, bladder and rectum were recontoured on the MRIverif and MRIpost. Delivered plans were recalculated on the corresponding MRIverif and MRIpost. The percentage of optimal and mandatory target dose constraints met were calculated. Accumulated OAR doses were calculated by averaging their respective dose statistics across all sub-fractions, conservatively assuming that the same area of the OAR receives the maximum dose each fraction. Analysis was carried out separately for MRIverif and MRIpost as the true 'delivered dose' most likely lies between these two estimates. There was good coverage across all fractions. The mandatory constraints of CTVpsv V24.0 Gy > 95% and CTVsv V20.0 Gy > 95% were met in 100% of fractions and V2700cGy > 95% in 90% on the MRIpost. Table 3 shows OAR dose. This work demonstrates that target coverage is good, even for the GTV where no margin is applied. With our conservative dose calculation approach, we found dose constraints are exceeded for some patients. However, treatment has been well tolerated, suggesting that that our current dose constraints may be cautious. Once Elekta's True Tracking and automated gating software is implemented at our center we will be able to further improve OAR clinical goal compliance.

THE INFLUENCE OF CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS MEDIA ON THE LEARNING OUTCOMES OF CULTURAL ARTS OF GRADE V SD IT AL-MANAR MEDAN

This study aims to determine whether there is influence of contemporary musical instrument media on the learning outcomes of Cultural Arts class V SD IT Al-Manar Medan. The research method used is quantitative with a quasi-experimental design approach. As for the sample in this study, there were 12 students in class V SD, which were divided into 2 groups consisting of 6 students in the experimental class and 6 students in the control class. The instrument used is a test sheet. Data collection techniques in this study used test techniques and documentation techniques. Based on the research results from the results of tests by researchers by filling out test sheets, based on the results of the study it can be concluded that contemporary musical instrument media has an effect on music learning outcomes. The research will be conducted for 1 (one) year. This research is a research in the field of focus on Art Education. The mandatory achievement targets or outcomes of this research are one article in an accredited national journal and one article in the proceedings of a national seminar.

Potential policy coordination: Can energy intensity targets affect energy poverty?

China's central government began setting mandatory energy intensity targets for provincial governments in the first year of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan. In addition to ensuring China's sustainable reduction of energy intensity, energy intensity targets may also have the policy coordination effect of alleviating energy poverty. Based on panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2020, this paper empirically studies the impact of energy intensity targets on energy poverty. Asymmetric analysis is also conducted in this paper, as well as an exploration of the potential mechanisms through which energy intensity targets affect energy poverty. The research conclusions are as follows: (1) Energy intensity targets have a significant policy coordination effect of alleviating energy poverty, even though that is not the intended policy purpose. (2) In regions with better energy infrastructure, industrial structure distortions can enlarge the impact of energy intensity targets on alleviating energy poverty. However, in disadvantaged areas, industrial structure distortions do not moderate the impact of energy intensity targets on energy poverty. (3) There is a heterogeneous relationship between energy intensity targets and energy poverty at different quantiles. The energy poverty alleviation effect of energy intensity targets is stronger in regions with more severe energy poverty. But in regions where energy poverty is not severe, energy intensity targets have no significant impact on energy poverty. (4) Energy poverty exhibits a clear spatial correlation. Energy intensity targets not only affect local energy poverty, but also affect energy poverty in adjacent areas, indicating that the impact of energy intensity targets on energy poverty has significant spatial correlation characteristics. We also make suggestions for policy coordination in the energy sector.

Environmental Target and Government Performance in China

When do environmental targets improve the environmental performance of local governments? Previous studies have reached inconsistent conclusions on the effectiveness of environmental targets. Drawing on the principal-agent theory, this article identifies goal divergence and information asymmetry as challenges that impede the achievement of environmental targets. We analyze two policy instruments put in place to steer implementation, namely the mandatory target system and key cities for emission reduction, as components of the national 11th Five-Year Plan. We apply the difference-in-differences (DID) method to a longitudinal dataset of Chinese cities from 2001 to 2010 to investigate the impact of the two policy instruments on air and water pollution. Combining time variations, inter-provincial differences, and inter-prefectural differences in policy intensity, we find that mandatory pollution reduction targets have a pollution-reducing impact on two targeted pollutants, and key environmental protection cities reduce emissions only for air pollutants. However, we find no evidence of a synergy between the two types of policies. Our findings contribute to the understanding of implementation problems for government agents.

Rate, tax, or hybrid: A comparison of recycling systems in the electronic industry

In order to motivate electronic manufacturers to handle e-waste in an environmentally friendly manner and to provide them with product design incentives, many countries and states have implemented or are planning to enact the take-back legislation. As two prevailing implementation forms of the take-back legislation: (i) the rate system, where manufacturers recycle independently and meet take-back rate set by states; (ii) the tax system, where states collect the take-back tax from manufacturers and do all e-waste take-back. Recently, China enacts new policies and provides a legislative menu (includes rate and tax models) which allows electronic producers to choose the two legislative models freely. However, previous industry practice fails to show the impact of free choice on the e-waste take-back implementation. Motivated by this, we construct four game-theoretic models to study the free choices of rate and tax models by two heterogeneous manufacturers. We investigate how key parameters (e.g., product differentiation, mandatory take-back targets, and cost-sharing factor) affect manufacturers' optimal decisions, study and compare the economic and environmental performance of four recycling systems. Our results show that hybrid systems (which include rate-tax and tax-rate systems) can bring higher product design incentives and economic outcomes, and moderate competition and stringent regulation may help hybrid systems meet better economic and environmental performance. Finally, we find that the hybrid rate-tax system and basic tax system is suitable for the eco-friendly government, meanwhile, stringent targets should be set.

Estimates of energy savings from energy efficiency improvements in India using Index Decomposition Analysis

Energy efficiency plays a central role in climate change mitigation policies. Countries are using different methods to estimate energy savings from energy efficiency improvements. Improved methods to measure energy efficiency savings are adopted mainly in countries with mandatory energy efficiency targets. They use bottom-up and top-down methods to enhance the reliability of savings estimates. India has implemented various energy efficiency measures, and the impact of most of the schemes is estimated using the simplified deemed savings bottom-up approach. Index Decomposition Analysis is a top-down approach, but its use in India is limited due to a lack of reliable national energy balances. This study uses India’s energy balances from International Energy Agency to estimate the energy efficiency savings in India during 2011–19. It is found that the IDA estimates are lower than the government’s deemed savings estimates. The underlying assumptions in the simplified deemed savings approach may overestimate savings, or savings from index decomposition analysis may be underestimated due to data limitations. Improved methods and reliable and timely data is essential for measuring energy savings from energy efficiency. National-level targets on energy efficiency can push improvements in energy savings measurement techniques. The targets can also address several barriers in the energy efficiency markets.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Pop Up Book Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Calistung Bagi Guru UPT SDN 10 Rembon, Lembang Palesan, Kecamatan Rembon

Based on the results of interviews with principals and teachers at UPT SDN 10 Rembon, Lembang Palesan, Rembon Sub-district conducted in August 2022, several problems were obtained in the learning process in the classroom, including: low interest and motivation in learning students in participating in Calistung learning. This causes there are still about 30 students from the total of grades 1-3 who are not fluent in reading, writing, and arithmetic. In addition, another factor is the lack of teacher awareness in the use and use of learning media, teachers lack skills and experience in creating, utilizing, and using learning media, especially in teaching students to read, write, and count. In addition, so far there has been no special socialization for teachers related to the use and use of learning media. The use and use of learning media is very important to achieve learning objectives, and is able to make the learning environment conducive and fun for students. One of the appropriate learning media that can be applied based on problem analysis at partner locations is Pop Up Book-based learning media. The purpose of this training is to support teacher skills in creating, utilizing, and using Pop Up Books as learning media that can be used in Calistung learning. The methods used in this PKM activity include: 1) Preparation; 2) Manufacturing Training; 3) Evaluation and Monitoring. The mandatory output target to be achieved in this training is in the form of articles that will be published in a national journal with ISSN (Comserva journal) in 2023.

Assault on salt Intake

Assault on salt Intake