Policy Measures Research Articles

Motherhood penalty for female physicians in Japan: evidence from a medical school’s alumni data

BackgroundFemale physicians with children often work fewer hours and take fewer shifts due to additional family responsibilities. This can contribute to a gender pay gap in the medical profession. However, limited research in Japan has quantitatively examined the factors contributing to this gap. This study aims to address this gap in the literature.MethodsWe analyzed the alumni data from a medical school in Hokkaido, Japan, for 260 physicians (198 males and 62 females). We used multivariable regression models to identify factors influencing earnings from medical practice, with a focus on gender, work schedules, parenthood, and any career interruptions related to childcare.ResultsOur analysis revealed a 25.0% earnings gap between male and female physicians. Nearly all female physicians with children experienced career interruptions due to childcare, while this was uncommon for male physicians. When these childcare-related interruptions were factored in, the gender pay gap narrowed by 9.7%. After adjusting for work schedules and specialty choices, female physicians with children still earned 37.2% less than male physicians, while those without children earned only 4.4% less. This suggests that motherhood is a significant driver of the gender pay gap among physicians.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the negative impact of motherhood on female physicians’ earnings. This emphasizes the need for policy measures to mitigate the disadvantages faced by mothers in the medical profession.

In the Shadow of Crisis: Societal and Political Transformations of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted our country in many ways, much like it has affected the rest of the world. This study focuses on examining the effects of the pandemic on individuals. It delves into the experiences of participants during the outbreak, the societal and political implications of implemented policies, and the policies aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19. The study conducted through a survey involving 375 students from Ardahan University reveals the negative effects of the pandemic on individuals. Situations of distancing, avoidance, and maintaining social distance during the outbreak have triggered feelings of helplessness, fear, and anxiety among individuals. Additionally, policy measures such as social isolation have led to significant changes in individuals' lifestyles. Factors such as remote work, online education, temporary closure of businesses, and the inability to participate in social activities have had negative effects on individuals. The Covid-19 pandemic has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear, undermining the trust among people, and profoundly affecting societal order. As the perceived threat of the pandemic diminishes, support for implemented policies has also decreased. This study contributes to our comprehensive understanding of the societal and political transformations brought about by Covid-19.

The Impacts of ICT Gadgets on Climate Change and Mitigative Solutions

The widespread use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets, such as smartphones, computers, and data centers, plays a crucial role in modern society but also significantly contributes to climate change. These devices are responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and the generation of electronic waste (e-waste). As the global demand for ICT gadgets continues to grow, it is imperative to address their environmental impacts. This paper explores the various ways in which ICT gadgets influence climate change, highlighting the emissions from production and energy use, as well as the challenges posed by e-waste. Potential solutions included sustainable design and manufacturing practices, improvements in energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources, and the implementation of responsible e-waste management strategies. The paper has concluded that the importance of policy and regulatory measures to drive progress in mitigating the environmental footprint of ICT gadgets should be adhered to. Through a combination of technological innovation, policy intervention, and increased consumer awareness, it is possible to reduce the negative impacts of ICT gadgets on the environment and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

Energy price surges and inflation: Fiscal policy to the rescue?

Motivated by the fiscal policy measures taken by euro zone governments during the 2021/2022 energy crisis, we examine their ability to counter inflationary surges resulting from energy price hikes in energy-importing economies. We use a calibrated small-open economy model in which monetary policy fixes the exchange rate. Subsidies on the sale of energy and on firms' energy expenditures are among the most effective instruments. They reduce marginal costs and limit the pass-through of the price hike which attenuates inflation and stabilizes output and the current account. While inflation indexation of prices aggravates the adverse effects, it renders consumption tax cuts more effective as they attenuate the shock's domestic circulation.

Car Sales, Fuel Economy and Decarbonization in Mexico

The car market in Mexico has undergone substantial change over the last twenty years, as sales have increased dramatically and as policy measures have been introduced to improve fuel economy so that decarbonization targets can be achieved. The argument presented in this paper is that overall fuel economy is driven by vehicle sales and the fuel economy standards imposed. In addition, this picture is complicated by the purchasing preferences of buyers, and this might reduce the effectiveness of the policy measures introduced. A case study approach allows analysis of the shifts in transport policy (2003–2020) to be undertaken by linking the fuel consumption of cars (L/100 km) to the purchasing patterns of consumers, and from this estimate the levels of CO2 emissions. From the empirical analysis, it is found that, although there have been fuel economy gains every year, this is countered by (a) increasing sales of SUVs, and (b) a car market that is increasingly being dominated by larger cars. The current fuel standards are not sufficient to control the continued growth in fuel consumption, and levels of carbon emissions are continuing to increase. In conclusion, tighter emissions standards are needed, together with stronger governance structures and a range of further policy measures to improve car efficiencies and limit growth of the use of larger vehicles.

COMMUNITY POLICING AND CRIME PREVENTION IN NIGERIA

Community policing has emerged as a promising strategy for crime prevention and enhancing public safety around the world and in Nigeria. This is due to the difficult task of conventional policing, especially where the community is not actively involved in crime prevention. It has been realized that safety in any given community requires an investment not only of money, but also time and talent, and that sometimes the best solutions are found in understanding the underlying causes of crime and disorder. Nigeria is one of the countries in the world that has embraced the idea of community policing with great enthusiasm for about two decades ago. Consequently, Nigeria, has introduced several policy measures with the main aim of encouraging the community to take up some responsibility for their safety and security of their environment. Drawing on empirical research and case studies, this paper examines the key principles, approaches and challenges of implementing community policing initiatives, to highlight the significance and impact of collaboration between local communities and law enforcement agencies on crime prevention, trust-building and social cohesion in Nigerian communities. The paper also emphasizes the importance of capacity building, sustainable funding, and institutional support in strengthening the effectiveness of community policing in Nigeria.

Evaluating forest conservation policies of Bhutan: sensitiveness and responsiveness to gender considerations

Putting gender at the centre of policy analysis is a crucial task, yet one rarely accomplished effectively. Gender research in South Asia has increasingly emphasised the importance of evolving dynamics and balancing the gender participation in forest policy and practice. Efforts have been undertaken to enhance women involvement in local governance including forest conservation through policy measures that include community forestry initiatives across South East Asia as well as in Bhutan. However, this has not led to a more equitable role for men and women in the forestry industry since it has not properly addressed the underlying issues of power dynamics and inequality. This investigation aimed to evaluate the incorporation of gender issues in Bhutan's forest policies over 50 years. In order to gauge the level of forest conservation policy responsiveness towards gender needs and demands, we employed content analysis and discourse analysis based on an analytical framework centred on various dimensions including socio-economic, socio-cultural, political and operational procedures. The results highlight that the policies concerning forest conservation utilized gender-neutral language when referring to the larger discourse of communities. Notably, terms with connotations specific to men outweigh those associated with women. While phrases specifically addressing women were irregularly and inconsistently employed in certain policy documents, discerning distinct trends in their usage remains challenging. The analysis underscores that only a limited number of forest policies in Bhutan display gender responsiveness, necessitating a greater comprehension of gender roles in forest conservation.

International Arbitration in China: 2023 in Review

2023 was a year of progress for international arbitration in China, as there was positive activity in the Ministry of Justice, in the Courts, and in the arbitral institutes, each paving the way toward making China a more favourable venue for international arbitration. There were also encouraging developments abroad as several foreign court decisions recognized awards issued in China under the rules of Chinese arbitration institutions, demonstrating increasing global acceptance of awards issued in China by Chinese institutions, such as the China International Economic & Trade Arbitration Commission.With major amendments proposed to modernize its arbitration law, updates of key arbitral institute rules to be aligned with international practices, and judicial and policy measures in aid of arbitration, China has taken concrete steps to strengthen itself as a more modern international arbitration jurisdiction.

Prevalence of knowledge and awareness about Helicobacter pylori infection among urban population of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

IntroductionThis cross-sectional study investigates the prevalence of knowledge and awareness of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among the urban population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study is motivated by the need to understand the specific demographic segments within the urban setting and their awareness levels of this prevalent bacterial infection affecting the digestive system. MethodologyThe cross-sectional study, employing a purposive sampling method and involving 840 participants from major cities in the KSA, utilized a structured survey questionnaire to gather data on demographic factors, awareness levels, attitudes, and experiences related to H. pylori infection, with subsequent statistical analysis and adherence to ethical guidelines for participant confidentiality and privacy protection. ResultThe study involved 840 participants from major cities, revealing that 59.16% were aware of H. pylori. Demographic variations included higher participation from Jeddah and Riyadh, with the majority being females aged 18-25, Saudi nationals, and individuals with undergraduate education. About 57.02% reported experiencing suspected H. pylori symptoms, and 49.16% had prior infections, with varying severity. Hesitancy toward screening (42.61%), but 72.97% believed in preventability. Limited awareness of treatments (15.35%) and identification of factors like water and food were noted. Participants perceived the seriousness of H. pylori in the mid-range (5 to 7). ConclusionThe findings shed light on variations in awareness, knowledge gaps, and attitudes, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions, educational campaigns, and policy measures to address the challenges associated with H. pylori infections in urban areas.

Decomposing Uncertainty: How Foreign Policy Risks Shape Chinese Stock Market Dynamics

This study examines the transmission mechanism of foreign economic policy uncertainty (FEPU) on the Chinese stock market from 1997 to 2022, using a vector autoregressive adaptation of the dividend discount model. By decomposing excess returns into cash flow (CF), excess return (ER), and risk-free rate (RF) components, we disentangle the effects of FEPU shocks on these distinct factors.Our findings indicate that FEPU primarily leads to a significant but temporary overestimation of impacts on cash flows and excess returns, with the market typically correcting itself after an initial overreaction. This pattern suggests a complex interplay between investor sentiment and market dynamics. Notably, trade stability amplifies the impact on CF, while closer monetary policy coordination enhances the transmission to RF and ER expectations. Additionally, economic cycles play a moderating role: downturns exacerbate the negative impacts on CF and RF, while bullish conditions foster resilience. Investor sentiment emerges as a crucial factor, with negative sentiment intensifying FEPU’s adverse effects during economic contractions.This research contributes a detailed perspective on how international relations, policy harmonization, and market psychology collectively influence FEPU transmission and affect China’s financial stability amidst global uncertainties. Our decomposition method illuminates the dynamic forces that drive market reactions over time, offering critical insights for refining risk management strategies and crafting policy measures that buffer the financial system against external economic shocks.

From public policy towards the green energy transition: Do economic freedom, economic globalization, environmental policy stringency, and material productivity matter?

The green energy transition is essential to addressing climate change and ensuring sustainable development, yet it faces numerous challenges related to securing financing, implementing effective public policies, and improving material efficiency. This study aims to elucidate the complex interaction of these factors by investigating the impact of economic freedom, economic globalization, environmental policy stringency, and material productivity on the green energy transition in OECD countries for the period 1995-2020. Despite widespread theoretical discussion, the effects of these factors, which act as drivers for each other, have been neglected. The study contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 7, 8, 9, and 12 by focusing on affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation, and responsible consumption and production. Using the Westerlund and Edgerton cointegration approach, the study finds a long-run relationship between these variables. The long-run estimators, RCCE and AMG, are used to assess the magnitude of this relationship. The results show that increased economic freedom positively affects the green energy transition in the Republic of Korea. In contrast, economic globalization is negatively impacting the transition in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Stricter environmental policies are encouraging green energy adoption in Slovenia and Korea. Material productivity is supporting the green energy transition in both the OECD panel and in individual countries such as the Czech Republic, Spain, and Hungary. The study recommends policy measures to encourage green energy adoption, including establishing industrial standards for recycling, increasing material productivity, and strengthening renewable energy-based production processes. While environmental policies have proven effective in some countries, the overall framework across OECD countries is inadequate. Policymakers are called upon to critically review and improve current policies by balancing the implementation of disincentives that increase costs for polluting activities with subsidies that reduce the financial burden of the green energy transition. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to regulation. Excessive regulation or excessively pro-market policies can hinder the green energy transition. It is therefore important for policymakers to find a middle ground that promotes environmental sustainability while promoting economic freedom.

Development of a georeferenced atlas of energy renovation in residential buildings using GIS tool

Abstract This paper presents a method for modelling the energy needs for heating the residential building stock on a macro scale. The method is based on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to manage various existing geolocalised databases and the collection of field data. It combines the calculation of energy demand with the estimation of solar gains received by the building envelope. In order to estimate the heat energy balance, a description of the building geometry is necessary. The geometrical characteristics of the envelope are extracted from the building entities information available in the spatial database. These parameters are then enriched and cross-referenced with other data gathered from the government’s complex taxation files. The TABULA buildings typology was chosen because it is an exhaustive European classification adapted for use in GIS utilities. The objective of this work is to produce a georeferenced atlas that can identify potential energy savings on large zones, such as urban areas. An understanding of energy consumption at this scale is crucial for the effective management of massively scaled energy-saving solutions. The atlas will promote energy efficiency in the residential sector and guide environmental policy measures by identifying priority areas for renovation.

Enhancing global support to address complex sustainable development policy challenges: Learning from success in cross‐sectoral nutrition policy

AbstractMalnutrition is hampering achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and requires policy approaches that address food system drivers. However, this will require the adoption of cross‐sectoral policy measures for nutrition, which has proved challenging in practice. This qualitative co‐designed study drew on theories of policy learning to examine the roles of global organisations in fostering and supporting effective cross‐sectoral policy action to improve nutrition. Forty‐three in‐depth interviews were conducted with government actors at global, regional and national level. Key roles of global institutions to support scaling up of effective cross‐sectoral policy for nutrition included the development of best‐practice guidance, provision of operational and other forms of support, convening to enable political awareness and commitment and coordination to create shared vision. Opportunities to improve global support included improving global coordination, developing incentives to use global guidance and rethinking processes and strategies to support contextual adaptation of global guidance.

The Right to Healthcare Must Include the Right to Ease of Physical Access: Exploring Geography-Health Nexus in GIDA Communities in the Philippines.

Using the United Nations' 'leave no one behind' framework for the achievement of sustainable development goals, this article underscores the key role of geography as one of the core factors why certain people are left behind, deprived, and continue to experience inequality in terms of access to (quality) health care facilities and services. This article specifically examines the consequences of physical inaccessibility to health outcomes and health-seeking behavior in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the Philippines. This article illustrates that physical accessibility is an ignored aspect of the public health paradigm. For that reason, public health facilities, no matter how critical the facility is to a person's care, are not an immediate option for GIDA residents who seek medical aid. Responsive policy measures are vital to address this seemingly paradigmatic error. Subsidizing transportation costs and allocating funds for road improvements are called for, among other changes. The government must act on the people's right to ease of access as part of fulfilling fundamental health-related state obligations. But for the government to act, it will be crucial for claimants to health rights to proactively demand these changes. The latter is key for the fulfillment of the affected people's right to get easier access to meaningful health care.

Economic optimization of sustainable soil management: a Dutch case study

Soil quality is pivotal for crop productivity and the environmental quality of agricultural ecosystems. Achieving sufficient yearly income and long-term farm continuity are key goals for farmers, making sustainable soil management an economic challenge. Existing bio-economic models often inadequately address soil quality. In this study, we apply the novel FARManalytics model, which integrates chemical, physical, and biological indicators of soil quality indicator, quantitative rules on how these indicators respond to farmers’ production management over time, and an economic calculation framework that accurately calculates the contribution of production management decisions towards farm income. This is the first study applying this model on existing arable farms. FARManalytics optimizes crop rotation design, cover crops, manure and fertilizer application and crop residue management. Nine Dutch arable farms were analyzed with a high variation in farm size, soil type, and cultivated crops. First, we assessed farm differences in soil quality and farm economics. Second, we optimized production management to maximize farm income while meeting soil quality targets using farm-specific scenarios. Third, we explored the impact of recent policy measures to preserve water quality and to increase the contribution of local protein production. The results show that the case farms already perform well regarding soil quality, with 75% of the soil quality indicators above critical levels. The main soil quality bottlenecks are subsoil compaction and soil organic matter input. We show that even in front-runner farms, bio-economic modeling with FARManalytics substantially improves economic performance while increasing soil quality. We found that farm income could be increased by up to €704 ha−1 year−1 while meeting soil quality targets. Additionally, we show that to anticipate on stricter water quality regulation and market shift for protein crops, FARManalytics is able to provide alternative production management strategies that ensure the highest farm income while preserving soil quality for a set of heterogenous farms.

Die Wichtigkeit von Investitionen und Innovationen für den Wirtschaftsstandort

Abstract Investment is a prerequisite for innovation and technological progress. Investment activity in Austria is currently well below the average of the eurozone countries. In view of a decline in the relative competitive position as a result of restrained investment activity, the question of economic policy measures to improve innovation and investment activity arises. The economic literature identifies a number of factors that can have a positive influence on investment and innovation. These include, in particular, access to cheap capital, improvements in the education system to promote human capital, the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles and a reduction of taxation and public debt.

The industrial technological spillover effect and differentiation characteristics of industrial chains in the ecological efficiency of the yellow river basin

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) stands as a critical ecological barrier and a significant economic hub, bridging the western and eastern regions of China. To investigate the synergy of ecoefficiency within the industrial chain of the YRB, this paper introduces a novel research approach. By establishing an industrial technology similarity matrix, spatial econometric models can be employed to analyze spillover effects, which provides a new tool for related research and overcomes some drawbacks of previous studies. The study reveals that industrial ecoefficiency exhibits distinct interaction characteristics across different spatial dimensions. Specifically, the interaction effect within the province is notably superior to that observed within the YRB, as well as in the broader region encompassing the adjacent provinces of the YRB. The upstream and downstream provinces demonstrate a robust level of interaction within their local scopes. However, the middle reaches of provinces exhibit a weak link that undermines the spillover capacity of industrial ecoefficiency across the entire YRB. This finding suggests that hierarchical policy measures should be devised according to the characteristics of spillover effects across various spatial dimensions.

Twin Transitions Across Enterprises: Do Digital Technologies and Sustainability Go Together?

This paper examines linkages between digitalisation and information and communication technology (ICT)-related environmental sustainability business practices. Using a unified modelling framework and firm-level data from Ireland over 2020-2022, it provides novel evidence on complementarities between the use of digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) and the propensity of firms to adopt ICT-related environmental sustainability measures. The results indicate that the adoption of ICT-related sustainability measures has been uneven across groups of firms, sectors, and regions. The descriptive evidence shows that the most adopted measures are disposing of or recycling ICT equipment while the least adopted measures are measures to reduce the energy consumption of ICT equipment. The estimation results indicate that digitalisation is associated with a higher propensity of firms to adopt ICT-related sustainability practices over and above other firm characteristics such as firm size, employing ICT specialists, and investing in intangible assets. Firms using AI are more likely to adopt ICT-related sustainability practices. Taken together, the results of this paper suggest that targeted policy measures to incentivize more firms, in particular small and medium-sized, to adopt digital technologies and ICT-related environmental sustainability measures, could foster the twin digital and green transitions.

Inclusion and Exclusion in Urban Public Space: Contemporary Challenges in Vienna and Helsinki

Public spaces facilitate interactions among people from diverse backgrounds and serve as arenas that offer valuable insights into societal dynamics. They have the potential to promote inclusion, yet they can also foster exclusionary practices. Focusing on the years 2022 and 2023, and the cases of Vienna and Helsinki, this article examines how different actors, from the city administration to local stakeholders and young people, perceive and negotiate inclusion and exclusion in public space. Through a multi-method analysis, including background research, expert interviews, and focus groups, we identified four key challenges that define the negotiation of inclusion and exclusion in public space and outline the perspectives, tensions, and policy measures connected to them. Our empirical material underscores how public space is a critical resource that is essential for fostering sustainable and resilient urban futures. Local governments need to be aware of the overlapping and contradictory effects of policies on various groups, and balance between universalistic and particularistic policy measures to address vulnerabilities and diverse community needs effectively. Taking a proactive perspective helps to address future crises while identifying ways of involving the perspectives of diverse stakeholders in such processes.

Policy responses to extreme heat and its impact on education: The Philippine experience

This paper investigates the experiences and impacts of extreme heat on the Philippine education system during the “summer” seasons of 2023 and 2024, drawing on publicly available data and news reports. It critically examines government responses to the unprecedented challenges posed by emerging extreme heat conditions as part of the new climate normal. Various policy measures were implemented by government agencies to mitigate the adverse effects on students and teachers, including face-to-face class suspensions, shifts to alternative instructional methods, adjusted class schedules, and discussions on returning to the traditional school calendar. However, significant gaps and challenges persist in these responses, underscoring the need for time-consistent policies focused on creating conducive learning environments. The establishment of heat response plans for educational institutions and the development of improved location-specific heat indices are essential to adapt to this new climate reality and minimize the disruption of educational activities.