Development Of National Policy Research Articles

A tale of no cities? The neglect of cities in South Africa’s post-apartheid national economic policies

ABSTRACT Cities and the economic processes they host are widely seen to be central to the economic prospects of nations. This reality presents city and national actors with challenges of how to jointly conceive of urban economic development policies, with a view to contributing to local and national economic development. Whilst national urban policies often outline the need for cities to contribute to economic outcomes, the treatment of spatial dynamics in national economic development policies remains highly uneven across countries. This paper critically reviews South Africa’s national economic policies, specifically industrial policies, to analyse how they have reflected the changing dynamics of the economic geography of the country and, in particular, the contributions of large cities. The research demonstrates that despite some growing discursive recognition of the importance of spatial dimensions of growth, policies have said little on the economic role of cities and have not generally promoted multi-scalar policy making and implementation.

From Crisis to Recovery: Successful Experiences in the Eradication of Narcotics in Afghanistan Local Communities

Afghanistan, as one of the world’s largest producers of narcotics, faces significant social, economic, and health challenges. Despite numerous efforts to combat the cultivation and consumption of narcotics, the issue remains a major problem in many local communities. However, some of these communities have succeeded in achieving remarkable progress in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption through participatory programs and alternative economic development. This research aims to identify and analyze the successful experiences in narcotics eradication in local Afghan communities and to evaluate the factors contributing to these successes. A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with local community members, experts, and government officials. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings of the research indicate that educational programs, awareness-raising initiatives, the development of alternative economic opportunities, and active community participation have played a crucial role in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption. Nevertheless, challenges such as financial constraints, administrative corruption, and cultural resistance remain significant barriers to the successful implementation of these programs. The study concludes that with increased international support, administrative transparency, and strengthened educational and economic programs, the dependency of local communities on narcotics cultivation can be significantly reduced. This research provides a foundation for the development of effective national policies in the fight against narcotics in Afghanistan.

The Impact Analysis of the Digital Economy on Green Total Factor Productivity in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration

The deep integration of digitalization and greening is a driving force for promoting high-quality economic development. The rapid development of the digital economy empowers green innovation, and the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, as the most developed region in China's economy, carries an important mission for the future economic and social development of China. Clarifying the differences and influencing factors of digital economy and green total factor productivity (GTFP) among different cities within the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration is of great significance for formulating regional and national green development policies, achieving regional coordinated development, and environmental sustainability. This paper takes the impact of digital economy development on changes in GTFP as the starting point. Through the analysis of innovation efficiency, a theoretical model is established to reveal the internal mechanism by which digital economy development promotes GTFP. The research results show that digital economy development significantly promotes the improvement of GTFP, with greater impacts on large and medium-sized cities, regions with higher productivity levels, and regions with a more advanced industrial structure. Additionally, the internal mechanism test results indicate that digital economy development enhances GTFP by improving regional innovation efficiency and resource allocation efficiency.

An Irish public health policy research team: impact and lessons learned, one year on

Abstract Issue In 2023, in Ireland, a public health policy research team was established in the Health Information and Quality Authority to conduct evidence syntheses and provide evidence-based advice to inform national decision-making, at the request of the Department of Health. One year on, we reflect on the impact of this team and outline lessons learned. These findings may support other countries in creating and developing public health policy research teams. Description of the problem We aim to answer the following questions: What impact can a public health policy research team have and what are the lessons learned, one year on? Projects completed by the team in 2023 were reviewed for stakeholder engagement (such as expert and public and patient involvement) and impact (feedback from policymakers, resulting public health actions or policies and online report downloads). Results Seven public health projects were completed in 2023, in areas including: Long COVID, public health reform, rapid multiplex testing, and medical countermeasure stockpiling. National and international stakeholders were engaged with via expert advisory group membership, document review and project presentations. Patient representatives were included from Long COVID Advocacy Ireland and Rare Diseases Ireland. Project reports were downloaded a total of 281 times. Positive feedback was received from all stakeholders. Project findings were presented to policymakers to inform national public health and rare disease strategy development, and the Long COVID model of care in Ireland. Lessons Early and ongoing stakeholder engagement is key when translating research to practice, via policy. Innovative methods of engagement, including public and patient involvement, can ensure meaningful collaboration. Adapting methodologies to meet stakeholder needs, such as rapid evidence synthesis, enhances impact. Lastly, research impact on policy takes time, and an understanding of national policy development is required. Key messages • A public health policy research team provides impactful evidence synthesis to advise national policymakers. • Stakeholder engagement is key to developing impactful policy advice.

Corrosion on cultural heritage buildings in Jordan in current situation and in future climate scenarios

This study examines the impact of air pollution on Jordan’s cultural heritage sites, focusing on key pollutants (SO2, HNO3, O3, PM10) and climate conditions. Using 2019 data and future projections for 2040–2059 and 2080–2099, the research reveals significant material corrosion in urban areas like Amman and Irbid, driven by pollutants such as SO₂ and PM10. Random Forest Analysis identifies these pollutants as primary contributors to material degradation. Future scenarios indicate corrosion rates exceeding safe limits across Jordan, underscoring the need for proactive conservation strategies. This work highlights the critical role of air quality management in protecting cultural heritage, especially under climate change pressures, and provides guidance for national policy development.

The Utilization of Stakeholder Management Frameworks for the Successful Completion of Construction Projects in Zambia

This study aimed to examine the utilization of stakeholder management frameworks in the Zambian construction industry using the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) in Siavonga as a case study. The study was pinned on the stakeholder theory using a mixed methods design that involved integrating quantitative data and desk/secondary research. The target population comprised industry practitioners and project team members working on the KDRP project. Using judgmental (or purposive) sampling, 91 respondents took part in an online survey and over 30 articles were examined in the systemic review. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS V23 by running descriptive frequency statistics and the studies were grouped using Atlas.ti software. The study demonstrated a good level of knowledge and positive attitude by construction workers on the KDRP of stakeholder management. The biggest factors that influenced the implementation and application of stakeholder management frameworks were a lack of project or organizations management interest to implement stakeholder management frameworks and lack of skill by contractors and project managers to apply stakeholder management frameworks among others. The study concluded that there is no stakeholder management framework in use in the Zambian construction industry. Therefore it is recommended that the concerned engineering bodies advocate for the development of national or industry-specific policies, regulations, or guidelines that promote stakeholder engagement in construction projects.

Relevance of Religious Court Decisions on Marriage to National Development Policy Directions: A Legal and Social Analysis

The results show that the Religious Courts play an important role in harmonising Islamic law with national development policies and international legal standards, particularly in the context of protecting the rights of women and children. However, challenges exist in harmonising interpretations of Islamic law with the principles of human rights and gender equality guaranteed by international conventions such as CEDAW. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method to analyse the relevance of Religious Court decisions related to marriage to national development policies as well as their relationship to international law. Primary data was obtained through analysis of Religious Court decisions in several regions of Indonesia in the last five years covering marital issues such as divorce, polygamy, child custody, and division of joint property. Secondary data included national policy documents, such as the RPJMN, as well as international legal instruments such as CEDAW. This research identifies the need for progressive reforms in the Religious Courts system, including capacity building of judges in understanding international law, revision of the Compilation of Islamic Law, and strengthening co-operation between relevant institutions. The innovative contribution of this research lies in its in-depth analysis of how the Religious Courts can serve as a bridge between religious law, national development policy, and Indonesia's international obligations.

Leveraging HIV self-testing to achieve the UNAIDS 2025 targets in the South and Southeast Asia region.

The South and Southeast Asia region has the second-highest number of people living with HIV globally. Despite progress in reducing HIV incidence and AIDS-related deaths, the region still has a long way to go in achieving the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization as an additional approach to HIV testing. This paper provides a commentary on the implementation status, benefits, barriers and recommendations for HIVST implementation in South and Southeast Asia. Additionally, it presents perspectives from HIV testing service experts from 11 countries in the region to put forth recommendations to accelerate the implementation of HIVST in South and Southeast Asia. There is uneven progress in national HIVST policy development and implementation across the region. HIVST, as an additional testing approach, can help to enhance testing coverage, frequency and demand for follow-up HIV services among key populations. Key factors influencing the implementation and scale-up of HIVST include the degree of awareness of HIVST among general and key populations, the development and implementation of supportive national HIVST policies and the availability of public funding for HIVST. To address barriers and leverage enablers to HIVST implementation, generating evidence on cost-effectiveness and budget impact, developing multisectoral partnerships for market shaping, promoting differentiated and decentralized delivery models, and optimizing linkage to further testing and care are recommended. It is crucial to accelerate the implementation and scale-up of HIVST to differentiate and decentralize the delivery of HIV testing services in South and Southeast Asian countries. Sharing experiences among country experts is vital to foster the adoption of best practices and facilitate the trial-and-error process of HIVST implementation. Such collaborative approaches can help South and Southeast Asian countries attain the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, especially the first 95 on HIV diagnosis, and play a significant role in ending the global AIDS epidemic.

A Historical Overview of National Development Planning in Nigeria 1946-1986

Within the period 1946-1986, Nigeria attempted to operate a centrally planned economy based on a program of economic development planning with social welfarist characteristics which was later renamed “National Development Planning” after Independence. From 1962-1986, National Development Policies were conceived and implemented based on a series of development plan documents. This paper starts with a brief survey of colonial development planning in Nigeria in general and thereafter focused on the National Development Planning programme which was operated within the period between 1946 and 1986.

The Protection of Human Rights in South Africa: Unpacking the Duty of the State to Realise the Right to Development

The 1986 United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development (DRTD) presents a multifaceted framework that blends political aspirations with principles from international human rights treaties. Advocating "people-centered development" places individuals at the forefront, empowering them as principal beneficiaries of development efforts. According to Article 2 of the DRTD, both state and non-state actors are responsible for formulating inclusive national development policies to continually enhance the well-being of the entire populace. This involves ensuring active, accessible, and meaningful participation in development processes and fair distribution of the resulting benefits. South Africa's duty to realise the right to development comes under scrutiny in this context. Despite its obligations under international instruments like the African Charter, challenges persist in effectively implementing developmental advancements. This includes fields critical for sustainable progress, such as renewable energy, biotechnology and information technology. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing obstacles, straining resources and threatening to reverse recent developmental gains. Budget constraints, particularly in the research and development sectors, hinder progress towards meeting development objectives. Therefore, while the DRTD and other international instruments emphasise the importance of the right to development, critical debates regarding its scope and implementation persist. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced understanding of development dynamics, balancing global aspirations with practical considerations. It necessitates collaborative efforts to refine and operationalise the right to development, ensuring equitable progress and sustainable development for all.

Palliative Care in Turkey: Insights from experts through key informant interviews

BackgroundThe rising demand for palliative-care (PC) in Turkey, driven by cancer, has prompted increased attention since the national PC policy in 2010. Despite this, the healthcare system predominantly focuses on curative care, lacking PC integration. This is due to combination of administrative obstacles, fragmented coordination, education and training scarcity. Thus urgent strategies are required to address the growing PC gap. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of PC professionals and policymakers, providing valuable insights for national policy and program development. Material and methodThis study employed an exploratory approach using key informant interviews. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questionnaire. It sought to collect relevant contextual information in order to achieve its aim. Thematic content analysis was employed to examine and interpret the data. ResultTwenty-one participants, comprising nurses, specialists, and oncologists, were interviewed. The findings are encompassed by eight themes. 1) Integrated Care, highlights the importance of cohesive collaboration among diverse healthcare providers, social care services, and primary care systems to ensure comprehensive and effective care. 2) Meeting social care needs underscores significance of addressing a wide spectrum of patient requirements, including psychosocial support. 3) PC education emphasizes necessity of equipping healthcare professionals with the requisite skills and knowledge through comprehensive training. 4) Legalizing do-notresuscitate orders draws attention to the critical discussion surrounding end-of-life decisions. 5) Empowering communities recognizes bridging knowledge gaps among patients and caregivers. 6) Decision-Making underscores the importance of informed and collaborative decision-making processes. 7) Cultural considerations urge the adoption of culturally sensitive approaches. 8) Ongoing challenges shed light on persistent issues such as provider attitudes, and administrative hurdles. ConclusionThis study highlights essential factors for establishing an integrated PC program for cancer patients in Turkey. The existing healthcare system in Turkey offers opportunities for advanced PC. Successful implementation demands strategic actions to facilitate meaningful transformation.

From resources to capital: Investigating the efficiency of forest ecosystem products value realization in China

Forest resources provide a good ecological environment for human beings and offer economic well-being and benefits. Value realization of ecosystem products reflects the process from resources to capital. This study investigates the two-stage value realization efficiency of China's forest ecosystem products from 2011 to 2021. A parallel nested network Data Envelopment Analysis model is applied to assess product supply and value transformation stages. In addition, the evolution of the spatial pattern is depicted by a multilayer Standard Deviational Ellipse. The results reveal that (1) the overall value realization trend of China's forest ecosystem products shows a fluctuating growth trend, with an average annual efficiency value of 0.86. (2) The efficiency level of the value transformation stage is lower than that of the product supply stage. (3) Regional disparities persist. The efficiency values in East China and South China are higher than that in other regions. (4) The value realization capacity of China's forest ecosystem products may be closely related to national development strategies and policy orientations.

Legal framework for health policy to reduce the level of substance abuse in the United States

The purpose of this study was to identify and legally assess the key legal instruments and strategies employed in the United States of America to combat substance abuse and their impact on the development of national health policy in this area. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis, including the processing of statistical data on the financing of addiction prevention and treatment programmes, analysis of federal and regional legislative acts, and comparative analysis of the policies of different states on the regulation of psychoactive substances. The key findings showed a significant evolution of the legal approach to the problem of substance abuse. The study revealed a gradual shift from a purely punitive approach to a balanced strategy that combines elements of prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Furthermore, the analysis of funding showed a 35% increase in federal support for prevention programmes between 2018 and 2022, which led to improved access to healthcare for drug users and the development of recovery programmes. The results of a comparative analysis of state policies on the regulation of psychoactive substances showed a considerable difference in approaches, specifically regarding the legalisation of marijuana, which creates legal and regulatory challenges due to contradictions between federal and local laws. Specifically, in states where marijuana is legalised for medical or recreational use, the level of trafficking offences has decreased, but questions arise concerning the regulation of cultivation and distribution. It was also found that the introduction of telemedicine has significantly increased the effectiveness of drug treatment in a pandemic, allowing more patients to be reached, but this approach needs further improvement in the field of regulation and control. The findings of the study point to the need for closer integration of prevention, healthcare, and legal measures at all levels of government, unification of legislation on the regulation of psychoactive substances at the federal and state levels, as well as decriminalisation of drugs for personal use, which can reduce the level of criminalisation of society and contribute to a more effective fight against substance abuse

Saatnya amandemen ke-5 UUD 1945

This article proposes the fifth amendment to the 1945 Constitution by introducing quattuor politica to replace trias politica. So that national intellectual groups can play a full role in national development to overcome the stagnation in national capacity development. This state of stagnation has a broad impact on current development achievements. Among them, Indonesia's failure to become an industrial country and hampered mastery of science and technology. Scientific judgment of 79 years of national development policy, has been almost neglected. The conclusion be based on some facts and analysis of 79 year Indonesia's transformation as scientific phenomenon. This has an impact on Indonesia's current development challenges which are related to the improper application of scientific principles. Such as the failure to become an industrial country, still high number of corrupt practices, low achievement of current economy compared to China and Republic of Korea and high cost economy. It indicates that the role and contribution of the national intellectual community in the development is low and limited due to obstruction of trias politica practices. Introducing quattuor politica through the constitutional amendment is to enrich trias politica concept. It will empower the intellectual community as the guardian of the national capacity building by taking care of scientific principles consistently in developing the national development methodology. It is align with the mandate of Preamble of the 1945 Constitution, values of the second norm of Pancasila - Just and civilized humanity - and the nature of the practice of civilization. The principles of empiricism and the scientific phenomenon of civilization developments are the major premise of the research.

Oral health-related quality of life in the Myanmar population: The first national oral health survey 2016 - 2017.

To describe the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and its potential influencing factors within the Myanmar population. Data were from the first national oral health survey, involving 3,513 participants aged 15-18 years, 35-44 years, and 60-74 years from 21 selected townships in Myanmar. Self-administered questionnaire-based surveys, conducted from December 2016 to January 2017, included socio-demographics, behavioral factors, self-reported oral conditions (number of teeth present, teeth and gingival conditions), and inquiries regarding OHRQoL (a set of 12 questions with 5 response options) using the recommended questions from WHO Oral Health Surveys. The most prevalent oral health issues were difficulties in chewing (32.2%) and biting foods (30.8%). In bivariate analysis, older individuals, rural residents, and participants with higher educational levels were associated with OHRQoL. In multiple regression analysis, self-reported number of teeth, teeth and gingival conditions were strong predictors of OHRQoL in all age groups. Self-rated oral health conditions predicted quality of life due to oral problems. The development of national oral health policies and strategies is imperative to facilitate early detection of oral health problems and promote the awareness of oral health importance.

The blue economy effects on EUROMED tourism: forecasting approach

This study examines the factors that influence the blue economy in EUROMED, aiming at promoting economic growth in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. EUROMED was chosen because all of its nations have fisheries and marine tourism, which are the two key indicators of the blue economy. Blue economy contributes to sustainable development in the fisheries and marine tourism sectors. A commitment to sustainability has sped up national and regional blue economy policy development. The study uses secondary qualitative data and literature review to analyse the synergies and conflicts between EUROMED blue economy strategies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The findings suggest that GDP growth, aqua production, open trade, CO2 emissions, and inflation rate influence the blue economy, and that ecotourism that considers education, society, and the environment may generate sustainable fisheries and marine tourism. Only 21 countries gave the ARDL test between 2000 and 2019. This study analyses synergies and conflicts between EUROMED blue economy strategies and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Location-based contextual development of blue economies that suit all players' requirements is essential to maintain sustainability objectives. Ensure resilience against future environmental and political shocks, preserve the ecological underpinning for vibrant blue economies, and create capacity at all levels to promote effective and fair governance. This study tries to make good use of ocean conservation and aquaculture within the context of the blue economy. This is the first EUROMED blue economy study and contributes to the theoretical and methodological development of blue economy research.

Response of habitat quality to land use changes in The Johor River Estuary

ABSTRACT Rich resources and fragile ecosystems of estuaries are increasingly impacted by land use and land cover (LULC). However, previous studies of habitat quality (HQ) typically do not model the impact of LULC in Southeast Asian estuaries. Here, we used the Integrated Valuation of Environmental Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model and the Patch-generating Land-Use Simulation (PLUS) model to assess and predict HQ and habitat degradation in the Johor River Estuary (JRE) from 1989 to 2047. Habitat quality contribution rate (HQCR) was used to quantify the impact of land-use changes on HQ. We analyzed the correlation and spatio-temporal changes in LULC and HQ, respectively. Our forecasts show (1) Construction land expanding more than 10 times from 1989 to 2047. (2) HQ increases slightly followed by a continuous decrease in the habitat quality index (HQI). (3) Degradation of HQI was from forests, agricultural land, residential land expansion and land reclamation. (4) Population growth, economic development, and national development policies may pose significant future threats to water, land, and marine traffic in the Johor River. Our results show that land-use changes affect HQ and future development of the JRE should integrate the impacts of natural and human factors on LULC changes.

Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Arable Land Green and Low-Carbon Utilization in the Yangtze River Delta from the Perspective of Carbon Neutrality

Arable land green and low-carbon utilization (ALGLU) is an important pathway to safeguard food safety and achieve the green transformation and progress of agriculture, playing a crucial role in promoting agricultural ecological protection and economic sustainability. This study takes the Yangtze River Delta region (YRD), where rapid urbanization is most typical, as the study area. On the basis of fully considering the carbon sink function of arable land, the study measures the green and low-carbon utilization level of arable land in the region using the Super-slack and based measure (Super-SBM) model, and analyzes its spatial and temporal evolution using the spatial autocorrelation model, the center of gravity, and the standard ellipsoid model, and then analyzes its impact with the help of the geographic detector and the geographically weighted regression model. We analyzed the multifactor interaction and spatial heterogeneity of the factors with the help of the geodetector and geographically weighted regression model. Results: (1) The ALGLU in the YRD has shown a fluctuating upward tendency, increasing from 0.7307 in 2012 to 0.8604 in 2022, with a growth rate of 17.75%. The phased changes correspond to national agricultural development policies and the stages of socio-economic development. (2) There are significant spatial differences in the level of ALGLU in the YRD, with high levels distributed in the southwest of Jiangsu, northern Zhejiang, and northwest Anhui, while low levels are distributed in the southwest of the YRD. Positive spatial autocorrelation exists in the level of ALGLU in the YRD. The spatial transfer trends of the gravity and standard deviation ellipses essentially align with changes in the spatial pattern. (3) The level of ALGLU in the YRD is affected by many factors, with the intensity of interaction effects far exceeding that of individual factors. When considering single-factor effects, precipitation, topography, and farmers’ income levels are important factors influencing the level of ALGLU. In scenarios involving multiple-factor interactions, agricultural policies become the primary focus of interaction effects. Furthermore, the driving effects of influencing factors exhibit spatial heterogeneity, with significant differences in the direction and extent of driving effects of each factor in different cities. This study can provide valuable insights for future ALGLU in the YRD and regional sustainable development.

Impact and Implications of Solid Organ Transplant of Undocumented Immigrants versus Transplant Tourists on the Transplant Center and OPTN National Policy Development

Impact and Implications of Solid Organ Transplant of Undocumented Immigrants versus Transplant Tourists on the Transplant Center and OPTN National Policy Development

NAVIGATING THE TURBULENCE: UNRAVELING THE NEXUS BETWEEN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, CONFLICT AND RESILIENCE

This paper explores the intricate relationship between transport infrastructure, military operations, and national resilience in the context of today's interconnected world, highlighting the crucial role of transport systems in modern conflicts and the importance of building resilience through robustness, redundancy, resourcefulness, and rapidity in transport systems. In this respect, policymakers should consider integrating resilience considerations into national security and infrastructure development policies, emphasizing international collaboration and a holistic approach to address the complex challenges posed by disruptions in transport infrastructure.