National Objectives Research Articles

An ethico‐political analysis of a national teacher competence framework: Unravelling a ‘preferred’ teacher identity

AbstractIn recent years, as evidenced in the transnational proliferation of codified competence frameworks for teacher education purposes, we have seen the increased politicisation and regulation of the task of teaching and what it means to be a teacher. Making the case for an ethico‐political conceptualisation of teacher identity and, using a Foucauldian‐based framework of ethico‐political identity, we apply a discourse analysis approach to unravel a ‘preferred’ teacher identity construction using Ireland's national teacher competence framework, the Initial Teacher Education Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers as an illustrative case. Findings illuminate this identity as: (i) telos vis‐à‐vis embodying national objectives via critical engagement underpinned by knowledge surfaces and a temporal appreciation of policy; (ii) ethical substance vis‐à‐vis seven modes of engagement animated in two interdependent phases with unique practice dynamics and policy emphases; (iii) discursive authority sources that utilise three major modes of sense‐making; and (iv) self‐practices as confessional dialogue and self‐writing. Considering codified teacher competence frameworks as politics of truth in teacher education, we make the case for macro ethico‐political identity work as a valuable analytical tool for policy analysis in teaching and teacher education.

The university system, social change and sustainable development in Nigeria

The educational system of any nation all over the world remains a strong determinant of the development of such nations. The secret of the high level of development witnessed in many developed nations in the world could be attributed to the success of their educational system, especially their University system. Among the various tertiary institutions, the effectiveness of the University system is essential in achieving national goals and objectives. The major functions of the university are to inculcate sound and practicable knowledge, undertake research and involve in community development. The achievement of these seems to remain a tedious task in Nigeria. The study seeks to examine the role or place of the university system in Nigeria as an agent of social change and sustainable development. The study adopts the system theory as its theoretical framework. The research is a descriptive-analytical one and it draws qualitative data derived from secondary sources. The content analysis was used as a tool for data analysis. Findings from the study reveal that the universities in Nigeria are still lagging, compared to other world-class universities in the world and it has not played the expected role of being a catalyst of social change and sustainable development due to many challenges bedevilling the sector. This includes among others, inadequate funding, inadequate qualified academic staff, and inadequate and dilapidated infrastructure. The paper recommends among others synergy between the university system and other sectors of the economy, including the private sector, merit should be the basis for recruitment, promotion of staff, and appointment of the management staff of the university, a special funding mechanism through taxation of telecoms companies to fund the university. With this, Nigeria will achieve the desired development.

Perceptions, health seeking behavior and utilization of maternal and newborn health services among an indigenous tribal community in Northeast India-a community-based mixed methods study.

Evidence suggests that healthcare utilization among tribal communities in isolated regions can be influenced by social determinants of health, particularly cultural and geographical factors. The true mortality and morbidity due to these factors in remote tribal communities are often underestimated due to facility-dependent reporting systems often difficult to access. We studied the utilization of health services for maternal and newborn care and explored how cultural beliefs, perceptions, and practices influence the health-seeking behavior (HSB) of an indigenous tribal community in Northeast India. Within a concurrent triangulation design, the combined results from 7 focus group discussions and 19 in-depth interviews, and the 109 interviews of mothers from a community-based survey were interpreted in a complementary manner. The qualitative data were analyzed using a conceptual framework adapted from the socio-ecological and three-delays model, using a priori thematic coding. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with home delivery. Only 3.7% of the interviewed mothers received the four recommended antenatal check-ups in health centers, and 40.1% delivered at home. Mothers residing in the villages without a health center or one that was not operational were more likely to deliver at home. HSB was influenced significantly by available finances, the mother's education, low self-esteem, and a strong belief in traditional medicine favored by its availability and religious affiliation. The community sought health services in facilities only in emergency situations, determined primarily by the tribe's poor perception of the quality of health services provided in the irregularly open centers, locally available traditional medicine practitioners, and challenges in geographical access. National schemes intended to incentivize access to facilities failed to impact this community due to flawed program implementation that did not consider this region's cultural, social, and geographical differences. The health-seeking behavior of the tribe is a complex, interrelated, and interdependent process framed in a medical pluralistic context. The utilization of health centers and HSBs of indigenous communities may improve when policymakers adopt a "bottom-up approach," addressing structural barriers, tailoring programs to be culturally appropriate, and guaranteeing that the perceived needs of indigenous communities are met before national objectives.

Corruption, corporate governance, and sustainable development goals in Africa

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between corruption, corporate governance and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use panel data from 42 African countries over the period 2017–2020 and ordinary least square regression to test the research hypotheses. The authors also use alternative estimation techniques, including the fixed effect and random effect regressions and the generalized method of moment, to test the robustness of the results.FindingsThe results indicate that corruption negatively affects sustainable development (SD), whereas the effect of corporate governance is positive and significant. In addition, the positive influence of corporate governance on SD is stronger for countries with high corruption prevalence.Practical implicationsPolicymakers may rely on the outcome of this study to formulate practical and implementable solutions around corruption and corporate governance that can help toward the achievement of the SDGs. Specifically, corporate governance mechanisms may be relied upon to achieve SD in countries with a high corruption prevalence.Social implicationsThe social implication of this paper is that it demonstrates the adverse impact of corruption, which is rife in most African countries. Understanding corruption and the SDGs relationship will promote discussion with overarching implications for developing countries. Overall, the findings can sensitize society to the harmful effects of corruption and the positive effects of good corporate governance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to literature and practice by demonstrating that corporate governance plays a significant role in the realization of national and global objectives such as the SDGs. This paper also provides novel evidence that corporate governance matters more in countries with a higher corruption incidence.

Effect of CDC adjustment of state-reported data on community water fluoridation statistics.

Advancing community water fluoridation (CWF) coverage is a national health objective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began adjusting state-reported data to calculate CWF coverage in 2012, and then modified methods in 2016. We evaluate improvements attributable to data adjustment and implications for interpreting trends. To assess adjustment, we compared the percentage deviation of state-reported data and data adjusted by both methods to the standard estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey. To assess effects on estimated CWF trends, we compared statistics calculated with data adjusted by each method. The 2016 method outperformed on all points of evaluation. The CWF national objective measure (percentage of community water system population receiving fluoridated water) was negligibly affected by method. Percentage of US population receiving fluoridated water was lower with the 2016 method versus the 2012. Adjustment of state-reported data improved overall quality of CWF coverage measures and had minimal impact on key measures.

Staff Development Programmes and Quality Instructional Delivery among Public Secondary School Teachers in Education District II of Lagos State, Nigeria

Education is often seen as a prerequisite for quality manpower development and wealth creation, a sure path to success in life and service to humanity. Hence, every society requires adequate human and material resources to improve its social organization, preserve the culture, enhance economic development and reform the political structures. Thus, teachers have an important role in adequately preparing the younger generation for their societal roles to achieve the set national objectives. In light of this basic truth, attempts must be made at examining staff development programs and quality instructional delivery of public secondary school teachers, in Lagos, Nigeria. Consequently, adopting the descriptive survey research design, the population of the study comprised 2438 public secondary school staff in Education District II of Lagos State, 140 teachers and seven principals which were randomly selected from seven public secondary schools in Education District II of Lagos State, Nigeria using simple random sampling technique at 5% margin and 95% confidence level, who responded to a self-designed and validated questionnaire titled “Staff Development Programmes and Quality Instructional Delivery Questionnaire (SDPQIDQ)”. The reliability coefficient was 0.87, using the Cronbach Alpha reliability test. Three research questions and three research hypotheses were answered and tested at .05 significant levels using mean scores, standard deviation, and regression analysis. The findings of the study showed that in-service training (r=.827; P<.05), workshop (r=.846; P<.05), and seminar programs (r=.832; P<.05) significantly have an impact on the quality instructional delivery of public secondary school teachers in Education District II of Lagos State, Nigeria respectively. Premised on the findings, it was recommended among others that teachers need a broader and wider acquisition of knowledge. Therefore, the study recommended that government should mobilize adequate funds for regular workshops, seminars, and in-service training of secondary school teachers in Education District II of Lagos State.

GENERAL INSURANCE BUSINESS TRENDS (PRE-LIBERALIZATION PERIOD)

The policy frame reveals that the General Insurance Corporation (GIC) in India during the pre-reform period was well-directed to achieve national planning and development objectives. Analyzing the performance of the GIC, including the progress of four subsidiaries, is essential to highlight achievements and business trends between 1973 and 1999-2000. The analysis should focus on trends in paid-up capital, gross premium, net premium, underwriting profits, net profit, and investment income. In general insurance contracts, insurers indemnify the insured for losses caused by specified risks, charging a remuneration called premium. Premiums are received for one year and are renewed only if the contract is renewed. The Insurance Act 1938 requires insurers to provide separate figures for businesses mobilized in and out of India, indicating the volume of business undertaken by organizations

Cyber power in the African context: an exploratory analysis and proposition

While the centrality of cyber power in the safeguarding and advancing nation states’ national interests and objectives is now widely accepted, the academic discourse (on cyber power) is still incipient. In literature reviewed, cyber power is predominantly viewed as comprising of two dimensions, namely offensive and defensive. The exploratory analysis we conducted found that Africa’s unique, contextual factors necessitate an expanded conceptualisation of cyber power. This alternative conceptualisation does not dispute the existing notion that cyber power has offensive and defensive dimensions. The fact that cyber is by its very nature borderless and that African countries function in an interconnected global arena of competition and conflict, are also not contested. What is required is the addition of a third dimension to cyber power, namely developmental power. This paper advances a tentative proposition on a cyber-power triad (with offensive, defensive and developmental dimensions). This proposition, we argue, is more apposite to African countries’ national objectives —strategically and in the allocation of resources. At least on a notional level, the cyber-power triad can guide the leveraging of the asymmetric advantages that cyber space offers African nation states and in a manner that pursues all three (cyber power) dimensions in a complementary manner. Such synergetic wielding of cyber power is one of the keys indispensable to African countries addressing their substantial challenges and unlocking their vast potential.

Intelligent Forecasting of Electricity Consumption in Managing Energy Enterprises in Order to Carry out Energy-Saving Measures

The concept of "Digital Transformation 2030", which defines the national goals and strategic objectives of the development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030, specifies specialized goals and objectives that are an important message for the introduction of intelligent information management technologies in the electric power industry. The main challenges for the transition to digital transformation are the increase in the rate of growth of tariffs for the end consumer, the increasing wear and tear of the network infrastructure, the presence of excessive network construction and the increase in requirements for the quality of energy consumption. The determining factor in the possibility of developing an effective energy policy is the forecasting of electricity consumption using artificial intelligence methods. One of the methods for implementing the above is the development of an artificial neural network (ANN) to obtain an early forecast of the amount of required (consumed) electricity. The obtained predictive values open up the possibility not only to build a competent energy policy by increasing the energy efficiency of an energy company, but also to carry out specialized energy-saving measures in order to optimize the organization’s budget. The solution to this problem is presented in the form of an artificial neural network (ANN) of the second generation. The main advantages of this ANN are its versatility, fast and accurate learning, as well as the absence of the need for a large amount of initial da-ta for a qualitative forecast. The ANN itself is based on the classical neuron and the error back-propagation method with their further modification. The coefficients of learning rate and sensitivity have been added to the error backpropagation method, and the coefficient of response to anomalies in the time series has been introduced into the neuron. This made it possible to significantly improve the learning rate of the artificial neural network and improve the accuracy of predictive results. The results presented by this study can be taken as a guideline for energy companies when making decisions within the framework of energy policy, including when carrying out energy saving measures, which will be especially useful in the current economic realities.

Analisis Objek Vital, Pengamanan File, dan Pengamanan Cyber Pada PT. Krakatau Steel Cilegon

Acts of theft at PT Krakatau Steel Cilegon can negatively affect the company's production and operations. Theft activities can also threaten industry sustainability, disrupt supply chains, and affect price stability. So that it can create security vulnerabilities, both in terms of strategic information, as well as in maintaining the security of physical facilities and employees. Cases of theft of national vital objects have increased in recent years. Theft can be committed by internal or external parties, including employees, contractors, or other parties. The motivation for theft can be varied, ranging from gaining profit, to obtaining sensitive information. File security and cyber security need to be carried out by the company PT Krakatau Steel Cilegon to handle cases of theft of the company's physical assets.

A Brief Study on the Emerging Nature of India’s Foreign Policy

As was said, the government of the day should base its diplomatic and international policy decisions on the nation's best interests, which should also be the primary element in making such decisions. However, while being open to a variety of perspectives and interpretations, India has been unable to make the most of the chances that are now accessible to it. India's democracy is strong and contentious. In this article, scholar plans to provide his personal evaluation on India's significant foreign policy movements throughout the years, including how some of them have failed us down while others have helped us accomplish our national objectives in more effective ways. He will also discuss how some of these efforts have helped them accomplish country's goals in more efficient methods.

THE IMPACT OF DIGITIZATION IN ENSURING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL

Considering today s technical and technological progress, digitization represents a clear solution in ensuring an appropriate development that responds to new trends and that ensures the successful achievement of strategic national development objectives. Thus, this paper aims to analyze the contribution of digitization to the growth of the national economy in a sustainable way and our goal in finding new solutions for overall development of our country to match the other countries in European Union. In the study, we sought to highlight the most relevant factors of the digitization process with direct involvement in the sustainable development of the economy. To carry out this research, we used the factor analysis method with the help of the IBM-SPSS software to select the representative variables. The purpose of using this analysis method is to identify the factors with the strongest impact/role on the development of digital infrastructure at the level of the national economy in order to support a sustainable development, having as a reference base the evolution of some representative indicators that marked this process during 2017 – 2022. The evolution and dynamics of the influencing factors resulting from the research determine the detailed analysis and the identification of potential discrepancies between the digital transformation process and the proposed objectives.

Портрет регионального министра здравоохранения – 2022

The heads of regional executive authorities in the sphere of health protection are key figures in the realization of the Russian Federation’s healthcare development strategy. Without qualified managers, it is difficult to achieve national goals and objectives of federal projects. The study of the qualifications, professional experience, and skills of the high leaders of regional health systems allows the evaluation of top personnel’s human potential and the successful implementation of steps to increase the efficiency of its administration. T h e a i m o f t h e s t u d y was to give a detailed information about regional health authorities managers in Russian Federation. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . A single-stage, continuous sociological study was planned and carried out using a specially developed questionnaire, which included a characterization of the accounting characteristics of participants’ age and demographic characteristic, level of basic and additional education, availability of professional competencies, and work experience in managerial positions. R e s u l t s . We achieved a response from 85 respondents. It was found that, as compared to 2021, there was a slowdown inside the process of rotation of regional ministers’ personnel and an increase in the degree of professional qualifications of managers in 2022. These trends were reflected in the increase in the average length of service in the position of regional minister (2021 2,1±1,9 years; 2022 2,6±2,5 years), the doubling of the number of managers with work experience of up to one year (2021 n = 42; 2022 n = 21), and the decrease in the number of managers with work experience of up to one year (2021 n = 42; 2022 n = 21). C o n c l u s i o n . The research allows for an assessment of the dynamics of changes in regional health care systems in terms of managerial human resources from 2021 to 2022. Positive declining trends in 2022 have been identified. The pace of rotation of regional ministers’ staff adds to the development of leaders’ professional abilities and experience and, eventually, will be the key to accomplishing strategic goals in health care.

The impact of food insecurity on county-level colorectal cancer screening rates.

e22519 Background: Colorectal cancer screening has been associated with a marked reduction in cancer- related mortality, and the achievement of screening targets has been identified as a national objective by the Healthy People 2030 initiative. Although various social determinants of health (SDoH) have been demonstrated to impact healthcare access, the association between food insecurity (FI) and colorectal screening rates (CSR) remains unexplored. As such, we sought to assess the impact of FI on county-level colorectal screening rates (CSR). Methods: Data on county-level colorectal cancer screening and food insecurity rates in 2018 were extracted from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) PLACES and County Health Rankings & Roadmaps databases, respectively. Notably, FI and CSR were categorized as low (lowest quartile), intermediate (middle two quartiles) and high (highest quartile). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between FI and CSR. Results: Among 3,106 counties, the median CSR was 62.1% (IQR 58.9%–65.2%) and ranged from 39.8% (Kusilvak, Alaska) to 74.4% (Newport, Rhode Island). A majority of counties were urban (Metropolitan: n = 790, 25.4% vs. Urban: n = 1,671, 53.8% vs. Rural: n = 645, 20.8%). Overall, a fourth of counties had high screening rates (Low CSR : n = 788, 25.4% vs. Intermediate CSR : n = 1,545, 49.7% vs. High CSR : n = 773, 24.9%). Similarly, 25.0% of counties demonstrated high FI (Low FI : n = 777, 25.0% vs. Intermediate FI : n = 1,552, 50.0% vs. High FI: n = 777, 25.0%). Notably, counties with increasing FI were markedly less likely to have High CSR (Low FI : n = 353, 45.4% vs. Intermediate FI: n = 370, 23.8% vs. High FI: n = 50, 6.4%)(p<0.001). After adjusting for county-level rurality, population-to-primary care physician ratio, household income, unemployment, race/ethnicity, education and uninsurance, intermediate and high FI was associated with an incrementally lower likelihood of having High CSR compared with low FI counties (ref: Low FI ; Intermediate FI : OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.47–0.80; High FI : OR 0.31, 95%CI 0.20–0.50). Conclusions: Increasing county-level FI was independently associated with markedly lower colorectal cancer screening rates, indicating that FI may play a key role in driving disparities in access to cancer care. As such, policies targeted at vulnerable communities characterized by high food insecurity and social deprivation are critically needed to ensure equitable access to preventive cancer care measures such as colorectal cancer screening.

Juridical Approach to Defense Planning from the Perspective of the Relations Between State Executive Authorities

Abstract The existence of the national defense system is supported by the structural elements of the state, which from the perspective of ensuring the public defense service of the state are given distinct properties and attributions, whose configuration is the result of the action of a set of factors, both internal and external nature. In the contemporary paradigm, in which national defense is carried out interdependently with collective defense, the state’s participation in alliance systems and forms of international cooperation determine substantial transformations in the field of defense, including in the field of defense planning. Defense planning, as regulated by Law no. 203/2015 involves carrying out a set of activities and measures aimed at protecting and promoting national interests, as well as achieving the state’s national security objectives, under the direct coordination of representative public authorities that mediate at the central level the exercise of the will of the people in order to achieve democratic control defense civilian. From an executive perspective, the defense planning process does not only involve a simple exercise of the legal powers assigned to the authorities of the central public administration, but is a consequence of how to ensure balance in the interrelationship between these authorities.

Theoretical and legal basis for the implementation of state policy on national security of Ukraine

The purpose of the article is to determine and substantiate the conceptual foundations of the implementation of the state policy for ensuring national security. The methodological basis of the study consists of a set of general scientific and specialized methods of scientific cognition, such as dialectical-phenomenological, systemic analysis and synthesis, structural-functional, deduction and induction, among others. As a result of the study, the essential features of the implementation of the state policy for ensuring national security, its subjects and objects, have been determined, the mandatory components, principles, main forms, methods, and means of implementation of the state policy have been characterized. A classification of the legislative activity of state authorities in the implementation of state policy has been proposed based on the nature of the activities of state bodies and the level of the legislative body. Attention is focused on the need to adhere to constitutional principles in the implementation of the state policy for ensuring national security. Suggestions are made for ways to improve its scientific and methodological support.

THE IMPACT OF RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR ON ENERGY POLICY MANEUVERS TO STRENGTHEN ENERGY SECURITY AND CYBERSECURITY IN INDONESIA

The war between Russia and Ukraine is highly discussed in global geopolitics and geostrategy. The strategy of attacking Russia directly at the point of a vital national object, namely the power plant, which was preceded by a cyber attack at the Nuclear Power Plant in Chornobyl, followed by a conventional physical attack from the air, resulted in an energy crisis in Ukraine. The resulting war affects many sectors, such as the energy sector, food, and supply chains, especially (at the end of 2021) before the war. WTI oil price was only around 75$/barrel, but when the war broke out, the price increased to 130$ (in August: 93$). It is estimated that oil prices will not fall significantly as long as the war is not over. The direct impact of war disrupts global energy security. This research uses a qualitative study based on the theory of incremental policy from several experts who support new policies quickly and national defense and energy security. Based on the incremental policy, policies that support the strengthening of cybersecurity will be produced, ranging from cryptographic policies to the potential for highly advanced energy sector blockchains.

Assessing the emotional and spiritual dimension of forests: A review of existing participatory methods

Spirituality, aesthetic enjoyment, relaxation, and emotions are key non-material intangible values experienced in forests. Despite being a central issue to present-day forest policy and regulation, they are difficult to assess because they are intertwined with people's values and beliefs. In this paper, we explore which participatory methods can serve best to identify and evaluate the emotional and spiritual contributions of forests to people (henceforward Forests' Intangible Contributions to People, FICP). We do so to formulate a series of practical recommendations for forest practitioners and researchers eager to use Participatory Methods (PM) to assess the emotional and spiritual contributions of forests to people. Results from a systematic literature review of different participatory tools were validated using semi-structured interviews with PM facilitators and experts. We found 15 participatory methods used to assess Forests' Intangible Contributions to People (FICP). Performative and walking methods emerge as the most widely used. These tools capture the vision of both individuals and communities and aim at giving an active voice to the environment, making nature part of the decision-making process. This research confirms that participatory approaches are pivotal methods to unfold connections amongst stakeholders dealing with Forests' Intangible Contributions to People, supporting the multifunctional role of forests and thus the delivering of national and worldwide policy objectives.

Policy Analysis for Prevention of the Danger of Drugs Abuse for Young Generation

The possibilities and challenges of youth development nowadays are followed by serious drug misuse problems among the younger generation, which continue to endanger the existence of youth as the holder of the leadership baton in attaining the nation's objectives. It has been demonstrated that drug misuse and illegal trafficking harm the nation's future. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop alternative strategies and policy recommendations that are acceptable and successful in preventing the dangers of teenage drug misuse. Using the analytical technique of Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing, the outcomes were analyzed (SAST). The data utilized are both primary and secondary and pertain to teenage drug addiction. This research focuses on five districts and cities in West Java and DKI Jakarta. The findings indicate that the prevalence of substance misuse in Indonesia remains relatively high. Therefore, efforts have been made at both the central and regional levels to combat the hazards of drug usage. There are five aspects of prevention that must be considered. Coordinate and synergize the implementation of an action plan program that can describe the model and form of anti-drug cadre training beginning with planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating, as well as integrating with other programs at the central and regional levels, is required to address these issues. regions as well as a defined road map for post-training anti-drug cadres as sustainable P4GN agents of change.

Ontological (in)Security and the Iran Nuclear Deal—Explaining Instability in US Foreign Policy Interests

Abstract On July 14, 2015, under the leadership of the Obama administration, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action—referred to as the Iran Nuclear Deal—was signed. After 35 years of diplomatic isolation, the agreement marked a watershed moment in the United States–Iran relations and achieved a key US national security objective regarding nuclear non-proliferation. However, the agreement faced significant domestic opposition grounded in concerns that Iran was untrustworthy. Yet, the prospect of withdrawal generated a sense of insecurity that the United States’s status as a “responsible world leader” would be undermined, despite ongoing anxieties around Iran’s compliance. What explains such a paradox in foreign policy preferences? By incorporating discursive institutionalist approaches with ontological security perspectives, I work to show how President Obama’s entry into the agreement generated ontological insecurities as he struggled to displace existing narratives around Iran as a hostile, untrustworthy actor. Yet, Iran’s compliance with the agreement made it equally difficult for Trump to justify withdrawal; instead, his efforts raised additional concerns that America’s international standing would be undermined. Theoretically, this paper incorporates discursive institutionalist insights with ontological security to disaggregate how different conceptions of the “Self” are contested and activated in policy debates in ways that lead to instability and variation in US foreign policy.