Need For Policy Support Research Articles

On the Emergence of Shipping Container Homes: Adaptation to Future Climate Projections

Upcycling shipping containers for housing is increasingly recognised as a sustainable solution to housing challenges, particularly in developing economies like Nigeria. This study evaluates the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of shipping container homes under climate conditions projected for 2080. Using meteorological data for Abuja and Lagos under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5, a stand-alone shipping container home was simulated. The study incorporated fabric optimisation techniques, using polyurethane foam and polyisocyanurate board insulation, high-performance window glazing, and shading strategies. The findings reveal that without intervention, container homes would experience significant thermal discomfort, with annual discomfort hours exceeding 28°C in both cities. However, with insulation and shading, annual discomfort hours were reduced by up to 87%, and energy consumption decreased by 76%. These results highlight the critical role of insulation and shading in enhancing thermal comfort and reducing energy demand, making container homes a viable solution for sustainable housing in hot climates. The study underscores the need for policy support to promote the integration of advanced insulation and adaptive design strategies to ensure the resilience and sustainability of container homes in future climates.

Analisis dan Desain Pengembangan Bahan Ajar dan Sumber Belajar PAI

Textbooks and learning resources play a vital role in the educational process. They function as the primary media for delivering materials, concepts, and values to students. The aim of this research is to analyze and design the development of teaching materials and learning resources for Islamic Religious Education (PAI) using a qualitative research method of literature review. This study involves the collection and analysis of relevant literature to identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing PAI teaching materials, and to formulate innovative and effective design strategies. The analysis results indicate that current PAI teaching materials are often less contextual, less interactive, and have not fully utilized digital technology. The implications of this research include the need for policy support and teacher training to implement modern and effective teaching materials, thereby improving the quality of Islamic religious education in schools. This research is expected to serve as a reference for the development of more adaptive and innovative PAI teaching materials.

Evolution of psychological distress with age and its determinants in later life: evidence from 17-wave social survey data in Japan

BackgroundPsychological distress (PD) is a major risk factor for mental health among middle-aged and older adults and affects their quality of life and well-being. This study aimed to examine the evolution of PD with age and the relative importance of its determinants, issues that have been insufficiently studied.MethodsWe used longitudinal data obtained from 17-wave social surveys conducted in Japan from 2005 to 2021, to track 34,128 individuals (16,555 men and 17,573 women) born between 1946 and 1955. We defined PD as a Kessler 6 score (range: 0–24) ≥ 5 and estimated fixed-effects regression models to examine the evolution of its proportion with age. We also conducted a mediation analysis to examine the relative importance of specific mediators such as self-rated health (SRH), activities of daily living (ADL), and social participation, in the association between age and PD.ResultsRegression model results confirmed an increase in PD with age. Poor SRH, issues with ADL, and no social participation were key mediators of aging on PD, accounting for 34.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.0–47.3%), 13.7% (95% CI: 8.2–19.3%), and 10.5% (95% CI: 8.0–13.0%), respectively; consequently increasing PD between 50 and 75 years.ConclusionThe results suggest the need for policy support to encourage middle-aged and older adults to promote health and increase social participation in order to prevent depression while aging.

Impact of community-driven biogas initiatives on waste vegetable reduction for energy sustainability in developing countries

This research investigates the management of waste vegetables in Lagos, Nigeria, aiming to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact. This study explores existing waste management practices and assesses their effectiveness through a mixed-method approach combining quantitative data collection on waste volumes and qualitative interviews with stakeholders. Significant findings indicate a steady increase in waste vegetable generation in Lagos, from 120,000 tons in 2016 to 140,000 tons in 2020. Current management practices primarily involve landfilling, with minimal recycling. However, pilot projects on composting and biogas production show promising results in reducing landfill use and providing renewable energy. For instance, composting initiatives have successfully decreased landfill usage from 100% in 2019 to 60% in 2024, and community participation in waste management programs has grown from 10% to 85% over the same period. The study concludes that while Lagos faces significant waste management challenges, sustainable practices like composting and biogas production can effectively address these issues. The research underscores the need for policy support and increased community engagement to expand these initiatives, suggesting a potential model for other developing cities with similar challenges.

작곡 AI의 현재와 쟁점에 따른 국내 음악저작권 논의방향 연구

AI composer stands out as one of the most vigorously applied domains of AI technology within the music sector. This study discusses the current status of AI composer as perceived by various stakeholders in Korea through recent issues in the music industry and relevant literature, while also examining the copyright-related issues and directions of discourse. The aim is to encourage policymakers to adopt a balanced perspective on technological advancement and copyright protection, and to facilitate understanding among music industry stakeholders and composers regarding the direction of copyright discussions. To emphasize the contentious issues arising in the process of music content production, this study categorizes them into pre-creation stages, creation stages, and other areas. First, in the pre-creation stages involving data learning, copyright infringement issues arise from the replication and transmission of original data. Thus, we propose the necessity for transparent disclosure of information regarding training data, as well as discussions on the extent and method of compensation for the data copyright holders, and the need for policy support to facilitate such agreements. Second, in the post-creation stages, copyright issues revolve around the recognition of AI composer creators, ownership attribution, and protection methods. Concerning the recognition of creators, as instances of recognizing AI as creators increase globally, this study suggests preparations for potential impacts on international copyright laws. Furthermore, the distribution criteria based on AI’s role and contribution must be established, with an emphasis on the necessity for internal consensus within the music industry. Lastly, the sharing and commercial use of music composed by AI and the determination of similarity with existing works are also discussed. Specifically, ethical guidelines regarding plagiarism and the need for systems enabling objective judgment are proposed.

A Policy Brief towards Improving Mental Health Support Structures for Teachers in Shengli Middle School

Teachers are particularly susceptible to job burnout, ranking third in a survey of occupational burnout across 15 industries. Teacher burnout is an extreme reaction when teachers are unable to cope with work pressures, directly linked to factors such as age, teaching experience, personality, social support, and personal achievements. This study employs a qualitative research approach, conducting interviews with middle school teachers to understand their mental health and needs, and explore potential solutions. The findings emphasize the need for policy support, salary improvement, establishment of home-school communication mechanisms, and a better understanding of teachers' challenges and work conditions.

A systematic evaluation of risk in bioenergy supply chains

We introduce a novel method of evaluating risks of disruption to (bio)fuel supply chains. The biofuel landscape is complex, with multiple options for feedstocks and processing routes, but the type, size, and scale of risks are currently not sufficiently appreciated. As a consequence, the uptake of biofuels remains below expectation suggesting the need for comprehensive risk assessment. Our method of risk discovery and evaluation is based on a transparent and robust sustainability assessment framework, and exploits the richness of data and expert analysis available in publications. In a UK case study, we show that biomass (solids) has a similar risk score to coal, biogas being slightly less risky, with bioliquids being less risky still though more risky than wind and solar power. The most important cause of risk, ‘changing policy or regulatory framework’, reflects this fledgling industry's need for policy support. The second most important cause of risk is ‘lack of access to capital’, reflecting the scale of the process engineering required to convert biomass to tightly specified products which could substitute fossil fuels. Levels of optimism bias in the biofuel industry are high, leading to unrealistic expectations from complex technologies and dubious claims about the quantity of resource available. This, together with the wide variety and variability of feedstocks complicates the business case for biofuel investment. Bioenergy policy would benefit from a more nuanced understanding of risks which impede the widespread large-scale deployment of biofuels.

느린 학습자의 문화예술 체험 활동을 통한 문화예술교육 지원 방안 연구

The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of slow learners who are overlooked by institutional frameworks and to examine how cultural and arts experiences can facilitate their cognitive, affective and physical development. This research aims to propose strategies to support cultural and arts education tailored for slow learners. To achieve this, interviews were conducted with parents, primary school and middle school teachers, counselors, cultural and arts center and educational institutions managers and art instructors who have provided cultural and arts experience education to slow learners. The analysis results are organized by separating them into individual and institutional dimensions. At the individual level, the findings indicate the need for cultural and arts activities that enable slow learners to experience a sense of achievement. Since slow learners are educated alongside regular students, they often feel a relatively lower sense of achievement across cognitive, affective, and physical domains, leading to a loss of motivation to learn. Additionally, the study suggests expanding opportunities for communication among students, and between teachers and students, to make them more comfortable with expressing themselves internally. This involves providing numerous opportunities for self-expression by leveraging the variety and enjoyment of communication activities. Furthermore, the active use of play-based learning is advocated. Engaging in play involves all domains—cognitive, affective, and physical—and increases the chance for achievement due to the diversity of levels. At the institutional level, the findings can be summarized as follows. First, there is a need for policy support for cultural and arts experience education for slow learners, a point that has been highlighted in various studies. Without this support, the social costs could become substantially high. Secondly, there is a call for support within the framework of lifelong education. The principle of lifelong education is based on self-directed learning, where individuals select the content and level of their learning. However, self-directed learning poses challenges for slow learners, necessitating the need for learning assistants. This area requires institutional support via policy backing.

Revolutionizing Fruit Agriculture of Cutting Edge Farming Technologies to Growing Food Demands Globally

Exploration of the transformation of fruit agriculture in response to increasing global food demands and environmental challenges. It highlights the integration of cutting-edge technologies like precision agriculture, automated harvesting systems, genetic engineering, drones, vertical farming, and blockchain in revolutionizing fruit farming. These innovations aim to enhance yield, sustainability, and resilience against climate change while addressing constraints such as limited arable land, water scarcity, and labor shortages. However, challenges like high technology costs, the need for skilled labor, and concerns over the long-term impacts of genetically modified fruits are discussed and emphasizes the need for policy support, research and development investment, and collaboration among tech companies, agricultural experts, and governments to make these technologies accessible and sustainable. The ultimate goal is to balance innovation with sustainability, ensuring a future where nutritious and environmentally sustainable food is available to all. In the face of escalating global food demands and the challenges posed by climate change, the agricultural sector, specifically fruit cultivation, is undergoing a significant transformation. This paper explores the revolutionary impact of cutting-edge farming technologies on fruit agriculture to meet the growing food requirements worldwide. We delve into the latest advancements in agricultural technology, including precision agriculture, drone technology, genetic modification, and sustainable farming practices, and assess their contributions to enhancing productivity, sustainability, and resilience in fruit farming. Precision agriculture, characterized by the use of sensors, GPS, and big data analytics, enables farmers to optimize conditions for each plant, dramatically increasing yield and reducing resource waste. Drone technology, on the other hand, offers efficient solutions for crop monitoring, spraying, and even pollination. The role of genetic modification in developing fruit varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and extreme weather conditions is also examined, highlighting its potential to significantly bolster global fruit production. Furthermore, we discuss sustainable practices like integrated pest management and organic farming, which not only protect environmental health but also cater to the growing consumer demand for organic produce. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of how these innovative technologies and practices can revolutionize fruit agriculture, making it more efficient, sustainable, and capable of satisfying the burgeoning global demand for food. Through this exploration, we aim to provide insights into the future direction of agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for technological integration in the path to achieving food security and environmental sustainability.

Factors Influencing Participation Decision of Smallholder Farmers on Cluster Farming: The Case of Wheat Technologies in Dawoo District, South-West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, with an ever-increasing demand. It plays a fundamental role in food security, and a major challenge is to meet the additional requirements with new cultivars and improved cropping technologies. This research evaluated the determinant factors influencing participation decisions of smallholder farmers in wheat cluster farming at Dawo District South-West Shewa Zone Oromia region. Dawo District was purposefully selected from the South-West Shewa Zone due to its wheat potential agro-ecological area and implemented wheat cluster farming. Based on the proportion of PAs that undertake cluster farming, four PAs were selected. Then using stratified random sampling PAs stratified into two strata: These are Wheat cluster farming and wheat non-cluster farming participants. In total, 138 (participants 92 and non-participants 46) respondents were selected using systematic random sampling. The binary logistic regression results revealed that the education level of the household head, wheat farming experience of the household head, landholding size, distance to extension services, membership to cooperative, and access to credit services were the variables that significantly affected participation decision of smallholder farmers in wheat cluster farming. Therefore, the research results recommend the need for continued and broad public and private awareness creation in agricultural innovations participation to address vital development challenges and the need for policy support for improving extension efforts and access to the full package for cluster implementation among smallholder farmers that stimulate participation decision on cluster farming of improved agricultural technologies.

Building bridges to entrepreneurial resilience: Exploring the mediating role of business model innovation capacity in ambidextrous leadership and entrepreneurial mindfulness

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary business, achieving entrepreneurial resilience is an important goal for organizations facing unprecedented challenges. This study investigates the complex interactions between ambidextrous leadership, entrepreneurial mindfulness, and the mediating mechanisms of business model innovation capacity in fostering entrepreneurial resilience. This research uses a quantitative approach with the population of the startup community in Indonesia. A sample of 340 startup actors was selected randomly. Data was collected via a Likert Scale questionnaire with a scale range of 1-6. Hypothesis testing was carried out using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Partial Least Squares (PLS) to overcome model complexity and small sample size. Findings support the relationship between entrepreneurial alertness, ambidextrous leadership, business model innovation capacity, and entrepreneurial resilience. The theoretical implications enrich the literature by introducing mediating variables and leading to the development of a more comprehensive theoretical model. The practical implications highlight the importance of leadership development and business innovation to improve adaptation and response to change. Policy implications emphasize the need for policy support to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation in the national economy.

Integrating Grassroots Innovation into Ethical Supply Chains: A Framework for Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Fragile States

Fragile states, often hindered by weak governance, political instability, and economic fragility, face significant challenges in achieving sustainable development due to the lack of institutional frameworks necessary for implementing top-down, donor-driven development models. Traditional interventions frequently overlook local innovations, which are often better suited to address the unique challenges in these contexts. This paper explores the integration of grassroots innovation (GI) into ethical supply chains (ESCs) as a comprehensive approach to promoting inclusive and sustainable development in fragile states. Grassroots innovations, emerging from local communities, offer context-specific solutions to socioeconomic and environmental issues, while ethical supply chains ensure transparency, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability in production processes. Through case studies from Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, the study uses qualitative analysis to show how local innovations in areas like sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, exemplified by initiatives in Nepal and Sierra Leone, can be effectively integrated into global supply chains. The findings reveal that combining grassroots innovations with ethical supply chain practices fosters local empowerment, reduces dependency on foreign aid, and promotes self-sustaining economies. The proposed framework emphasizes the need for policy support, capacity building, and financial investment to facilitate this integration. Ultimately, integrating grassroots innovation with ethical supply chains offers a viable pathway to achieving sustainable and inclusive development in fragile states by empowering local communities and promoting global standards of fairness, transparency, and sustainability, contributing to the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

장기 미매각 종전부동산의 매각과 활용 방안에 대한 연구

Some of the previous real estate generated due to the transfer of public institutes to provincial regions have not been sold yet, in spite of ongoing efforts to sell them since 2009. Based on such background, this study examined the restricting factors and means of dealing with previous real estate experiencing difficulties in sales. It was determined that controversy arising from the special benefits of easing the regulations on the use of the land can be coped with by reverting the increased portion of the asset values thereof to the local autonomous government based on the past incidents. In addition, the means of utilization of previous real estate for which the sales is restricted for qualitative reasons of the institutes can be sought by linking it with national policy projects and, since there existed such cases in the past, they were deduced as means that require review. Moreover, administration procedure of changing the plan for handling of such real estate mentioned the need for policy support through revision of relevant regulations such as new establishment of provision within the follow-up management methods, etc.

Impact of fintech on bank risks: the role of bank digital transformation

ABSTRACTBased on unbalanced panel data on 32 listed banks in China from 2010 to 2020, this study empirically examines the relationship between fintech, digital transformation of commercial banks, and bank risk. The empirical results indicate that fintech significantly increases bank risk. The mechanism analysis reveals that while fintech enhances the digitalization level of commercial banks, it also widens the digitalization gap among banks within a region. The former leads to a decrease in bank risk, while the latter contributes to an increase in bank risk. Additionally, the digitalization level of banks plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between fintech and bank risk, indicating that fintech poses a stronger risk impact on banks with lower digitalization levels. These findings underscore the importance of the digital transformation of commercial banks in the context of fintech, particularly the need for policy support to address risks arising from significant discrepancies in digitalization levels, especially for banks with insufficient digital transformation capabilities.

Leveraging Islamic Economic To Alleviate Poverty In Indonesia : A Promising Pathway

This empirical study explores the relationship between Islamic banking development, social justice promotion, and poverty reduction in Indonesia, using annual time series data from 1991 to 2021.. Methodology/approach The analysis encompasses unit root tests, Johansen cointegration tests, and Vector Error Correction Models (VECM) to assess short and long-term causality among the variables. The results provide robust evidence that expanding Islamic financial institutions and increasing spending on Islamic philanthropy significantly contribute to reducing national poverty levels over both the short and long-run. Islamic finance, characterized by equity-based principles, facilitates financial access for marginalized groups, while instruments of Islamic philanthropy such as zakat and sadaqah directly assist the disadvantaged, enabling pathways out of poverty. Findings – The findings underscore the potential of Islamic economics to foster equitable, inclusive, and sustainable growth, validating the need for policy support to harness its impact

Comparison of Eating Habits and Behaviors of Young Single-Person Households based on Food-Related Lifestyle

This study aimed to investigate the dietary habit problems related to lifestyle by analyzing health behaviors and dietary habits in Korean young adults.Adults aged 20≥ and ≥39 years single-person households who participated in the survey were included in the study. Subjects were classified into food related lifestyle. Subsequently, characteristics, health behaviors, dietary habits were analyzed.The participants of the study were classified into five types: a ‘taste-type’, an ‘economy-type’, a ‘convenience-type’, a ‘health-type’, and a ‘safety-type’. As a result of comparing eating habits by food-related lifestyles, the ‘economy-type’ showed the highest dietary assessment with a score of 3.18, while the ‘safety-type’ ranked the lowest, a score of 2.54. The ‘economy-type’ scored highest they ate out less, cooked more, suggesting a need for nutritious cooking classes. The ‘health-type’, with more men and price-conscious individuals, sought healthier convenience options. The ‘taste-type’ preferred food delivery and dining out, needing balanced menus. In contrast, the ‘convenience-type’ overate, scoring low in habits, emphasizing the need for healthier menus and support. The ‘safety-type’ which has a high percentage of jobs in the service industry and high school graduates, showed the need for policy support for better diet.Young single-person households have different dietary problems depending on their food-related lifestyle. Therefore, we recommended for the customized dietary education considering the characteristics of each type.

Emerging Trends and Research Developments in Education for Sustainable Development: Shaping Conceptions for a Sustainable Future

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a multifaceted and interdisciplinary approach that addresses the complex challenges of sustainability. This paper presents an analysis of emerging trends and research developments in ESD concepts. Findings show that ESD emphasizes a holistic and integrated approach, highlights diverse disciplines and promotes critical reflection, contextualization, participation and empowerment among learners. ESD recognizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues, and promotes inclusive, just, and resilient societies. It emphasizes the importance of local and cultural context, and promotes transformative and collaborative teaching. This paper provides recommendations for advancing ESD, including the need for policy support, capacity building for educators, and fostering research and innovation. The findings contribute to the understanding of ESD concepts and highlight the relevance of ESD in addressing sustainability challenges and promoting a more sustainable future.

Adoption and impacts of improved post-harvest technologies on food security and welfare of maize-farming households in Tanzania: a comparative assessment

During the last decade, post-harvest losses (PHL) reduction has been topping the agenda of governments as a pathway for addressing food security, poverty, and nutrition challenges in Africa. Using survey data from 579 households, we investigated the factors that affect farmers’ decisions to adopt post-harvest technologies: mechanized shelling, drying tarpaulins, and airtight storage validated for reducing PHL in Tanzania’s maize-based systems, and the impacts on households’ food security and welfare. Mechanized shelling addressed a labor issue, while tarpaulins and airtight storage addressed product quality and quantity concerns. The results revealed large farm sizes and location in higher production potential zones (proxies for higher production scale) and neighbors' use of the technologies as universal drivers for adoption. Access to credit and off-farm income were unique determinants for airtight storage, while group membership increased the probability of adopting drying tarpaulin and airtight storage. The technologies have positive impacts on food security and welfare: drying tarpaulins and airtight storage significantly increased food availability (18–27%), food access (24–26%), and household incomes (112–155%), whereas mechanized shelling improved food and total expenditures by 49% and 68%, respectively. The share of total household expenditure on food decreased by 42%, 11%, and 51% among tarpaulin, mechanized shelling, and airtight storage adopter households, signaling significant improvements in food security and reductions in vulnerability. The results point to the need for policy support to enhance the adoption of these technologies, knowledge sharing among farmers, and financial resources access to support investments in the technologies.

Brexit, trade and UK advanced manufacturing sectors: a Midlands’ perspective

ABSTRACT The paper examines how Brexit has impacted on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers in the UK Midlands, and to what extent such firms are reconfiguring their supply chains with the increase in trade barriers with Brexit. To do this, the paper aims to add to macro studies in the area by using a mixed-methods approach that combines descriptive quantitative analysis of secondary data with a complementary qualitative research analysis based on a novel interview dataset. The latter is generated from 14 semi-structured interviews conducted in late 2021 with senior managers and directors in advanced manufacturing firms across the East and West Midlands regions of the UK. A key finding of this paper is that the imposition of new non-tariff barriers through Brexit has proved particularly challenging to smaller firms in manufacturing supply chains. The findings of our research highlight the need for policy support for smaller firms engaging in EU-wide supply chains, particularly around skillsets and access to talent, cost reduction for exports and facilitating trade.

Circular Agriculture: Sustainable Farming Practices for Zero Waste

Circular agriculture offers a transformative approach to sustainable farming by focusing on the efficient use and recycling of resources within agricultural systems. Unlike traditional linear farming, which relies on a constant input of resources and generates significant waste, circular agriculture emphasizes closing nutrient and resource loops, minimizing environmental impact, and maintaining ecosystem health. This review explores the principles of circular agriculture, detailing how sustainable farming practices such as composting, crop rotation, agroforestry, and integrated pest management contribute to a zero-waste system. By reusing agricultural waste, recycling water, and utilizing renewable energy sources, circular agriculture aims to reduce resource depletion and enhance biodiversity. In addition to examining the benefits, including improved soil health, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced food security, this review addresses the challenges of implementing circular agriculture, such as the need for policy support, financial investment, and education for farmers. Finally, the potential of circular agriculture to mitigate climate change, combat food insecurity, and promote environmental sustainability is discussed, underscoring its relevance in future agricultural practices. This review offers insight into how circular agriculture could reshape global food production systems by promoting zero-waste solutions for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.