Policy-making Perspective Research Articles

Acceptance of new agricultural technology among small rural farmers

Amid China’s 2023 policy shift toward rural revitalization and agricultural modernization driven by a substantial agricultural population and the foundational role of agriculture in the national economy, there is an urgent need for the widespread adoption of new agricultural technologies to boost production quality, efficiency, and economic development. This study examines the determinants of technology adoption in agriculture among small rural farmers, focusing on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology framework. Using a cross-sectional survey approach and a convenience sampling method, the study ultimately collected 326 responses from rural farmers. The collected data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling method with SmartPLS 4 software. The results reveal significant determinants of the intention to use new agricultural technology and the use of new agricultural technology, with performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and hedonic motivation exhibiting positive effects. Facilitating conditions have emerged as key factors influencing both the intention and usage of new agricultural technology. Although age does not moderate any of the relationships, using years moderates the relationship between performance expectancy and intention to use new agricultural technology as well as price value and intention to use new agricultural technology. Intention to use new agricultural technology has significant and positive mediating effects on the proposed relationships. The theoretical implications of this study underscore the significance of understanding the complex interplay of determinants, moderating factors, and mediating pathways within the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology framework to advance the knowledge of agricultural technology adoption. This study provides valuable perspectives for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers dedicated to promoting the adoption of sustainable technology in the agricultural sector.

Towards becoming a transnational language educator

The issues surrounding the personal and professional lives of TESOL educators in transnational landscapes have gained increased attention in the past decade. Existing research on transnationalism underscores the significance of expatriates’ experiences, particularly those who originate from ‘non-center’ and whose careers lead them to work in ‘periphery’ countries, setting their experiences apart from those of (im)migrants. This study examines the experiences of ‘non-native’ English-speaking (NNEST) teachers working in transnational contexts, their motivations for relocation, and the challenges they face in adapting to new societies. Guided by the concept of ‘becoming’, the research investigates the key turning points and types of becomings encountered by these expatriate teachers in their journeys towards a transnational identity. Drawing on theories of the ‘Third Space’, the article attempts to understand the ideological transformations that occur within transnational spaces. The findings offer insights into the complex and evolving process of becoming transnational for expatriate ‘non-native’ language educators. By understanding their journeys of self-transformation, this study contributes to the literature on transnationalism and offers valuable perspectives for policymakers and educational bodies. The outcomes of this study endeavor to enhance support for NNESTs by recognizing their transnational experiences as pedagogical resources.

Game Theory-Based shore power Analysis: From the perspective of policy makers

Game Theory-Based shore power Analysis: From the perspective of policy makers

Variations in Present and Future Hourly Extreme Rainfall: Insights from High-Resolution Data and Novel Temporal Disaggregation Model

Extreme rainfall-induced events adversely affect agriculture, infrastructure, and socioeconomic development in a region. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of their occurrences and past and future variability in the context of global warming is imperative, especially at the fine temporal (sub-daily) and spatial (local to regional) scales for better contextualizing inferences from a policymaking perspective. This study provides a detailed analysis of global warming’s impacts on extreme rainfall in Jiangsu Province, utilizing the latest high-resolution ERA5-Land reanalysis data and the latest climate models. A novel temporal disaggregation model was developed to predict future hourly extreme rainfall. The results show that the bias-corrected model reduced the overestimation of extremes by as much as ~7.4% for the location parameter and accurately reproduced the spatial variability of rainfall. Projections from eight climate models indicate a future increase in rainfall intensity by an average of over 7%. Moreover, the projections indicate two contrasting trends for different event durations: short-duration events (e.g., 1 h) show a 7.1% increase at the 5-year return period and a more pronounced 8.9% increase at the 50-year return period. Conversely, long-duration events (e.g., 24 h) experience an 8.4% increase at the 5-year return period and a smaller 6.0% increase at the 50-year return period. This suggests that rarer, short-duration events are expected to increase more than less rare ones, while rarer, long-duration events show a smaller increase than their less rare counterparts. Addressing spatial heterogeneity in extreme rainfall patterns provides actionable insights for climate adaptation and mitigation, supporting initiatives like the ‘Jiangsu Province Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan’. This study underscores the need for policy-driven, community-led climate actions to mitigate flood risks and enhance resilience in a region vulnerable to flooding amidst global warming and increasing human interventions.

COVID-19 policies and tuberculosis services in private health sectors of India, Indonesia, and Nigeria

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges in the field of global health. Nigeria, Indonesia and India are three high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries with large private health sectors. Both TB and the private health sector faced challenges in these countries because of COVID-19. This study aimed to compare the COVID-19 control measures and policies in the provision of TB care services and gain insights from policymakers on how the pandemic affected the provision of TB services in the private healthcare sector, how each country adapted, and identify lessons learned for health system preparedness MethodsQualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted among a purposive sample of 11 national and sub-national policymakers in each country. Thematic content analysis was conducted on the data collected using an adapted WHO Health Equity Policy Framework. ResultsResults revealed three policy dimensions under costs, access, and quality. Under healthcare costs, policymakers highlighted resource allocation and diversion of TB resources to COVID response, and increased operational costs for private provider. Under healthcare access, key themes included key themes included reduced TB case detection due to fear of COVID-19, disrupted diagnostic services, and adaptations such as extended medicine supplies and virtual consultations. Under healthcare quality, themes included compromised TB diagnostic accuracy due to similar respiratory symptoms with COVID-19, and strain on laboratory infrastructure due to competing demands from both diseases. Policymakers across the three countries pointed to the need for strengthening private–public partnerships (PPP) for healthcare service delivery and continued private sector investment to facilitate the continuity of TB care within a pandemic context. ConclusionThe results of this study provide an overview of the impact of the pandemic from the perspective of private facilities and policymakers in Nigeria, Indonesia and India, which can inform future policy and ways forward in strengthening PPP for healthcare service delivery in high TB burden countries.

Entrepreneurial ecosystems and start-up success in the tech industry in Silicon Valley

This study aims to identify the determinants of start-up success in Silicon Valley, with the objective of offering practical recommendations and informing policy decisions that can facilitate the development of prosperous technology ecosystems in other regions. The study provides significant and informative perspectives for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders in different locations who are seeking to emulate certain elements of Silicon Valley's achievements. This research employs a mixed-method study strategy that integrates both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. This architecture is well-suited for extensively investigating the complex nature of entrepreneurial ecosystems, the interplay of many elements, and the impact on start-up success. The sustained achievement of Silicon Valley can be ascribed to a confluence of elements, encompassing the availability of venture capital, mentorship networks, esteemed academic institutions, a risk-embracing and innovative culture, and a tightly-knit social network that fosters collaborative endeavors. These research findings highlight the crucial significance that these elements hold in establishing Silicon Valley as a prominent global technology cluster. The demonstration of alignment with theoretical models serves to illustrate the practicality of pre-existing frameworks, yet the unique characteristics of the region emphasize the significance of acknowledging the specific context and culture in the analysis of ecosystems.

Comparison of Supreme Court and Constitutional Court Decisions Based on Legal Standing in Open Legal Policy Pilkada 2024

This journal abstract focuses on a comparative analysis between the decisions of the Supreme Court (MA) and the Constitutional Court (MK) in the context of legal standing in the 2024 Pilkada open legal policy. This research aims to identify differences in the interpretation and application of the law by the two institutions regarding the legal standing of the applicant. The research method used is a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative approach is used to collect numerical data on the number and characteristics of cases, while the qualitative approach is applied to analyse the legal context and arguments used by the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court in deciding cases. The results show that the Supreme Court has a tendency to tighten legal access by focusing on procedural aspects, while the Constitutional Court provides wider space for public participation in assessing regulatory justice. This difference in approach results in potential conflicts that can affect the stability of Pilkada regulations. This research is expected to provide a new perspective for policymakers in formulating clearer and more consistent regulations, while increasing the transparency of decision-making in the judiciary.

Unveiling the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia: Insights from Educators and Policymakers on Its Effectiveness and Implications

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of the recently introduced Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia, particularly the perspectives of educators and policymakers regarding its effectiveness, implications, implementation, and success. Semi-structured interviews are conducted with educators from primary to higher education institutions across diverse regions and policy makers from various government bodies, selected through purposive sampling. The results reveal that the implementation and success of the curriculum include aspects such as the internalization of Pancasila values among students, contextual learning, changes in student mindset, increased parental involvement, focus on character strengthening, and active learning. Additionally, the research offers practical recommendations for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to optimize the curriculum's implementation, making it a valuable resource for future studies on educational innovation in similar socio-cultural settings.

Revealing Tourists’ Perceptions and Increasing the Likelihood of a Visit

Using the theory of planned behavior, this study looks at the factors that influence people's intentions to visit Croatia in the next five years, focusing on the perceptions of potential tourists from Germany, Austria, and Slovenia, the three most important tourism markets for Croatia (46,7 % of overnight stays in 2022). The study uses a diverse sample of 1200 respondents and employs principal component analysis, ANOVA, and regression analysis. The main results show that the perception of safety, nature and quality, facilities offered, level of education, country of origin, previous visits to Croatia, and frequency of trips abroad play an important role in the intention to travel to Croatia in the next five years. The respondents' attitudes towards sustainability aspects during the trip show nuanced relationships, with pro-environmental behavior having no significant influence, while pro-socio-economic behavior during the trip shows a negative correlation to visit. The research offers valuable perspectives for marketers and policymakers seeking to increase Croatia's attractiveness and competitiveness. It highlights the complex interplay of demographic, perceptual, and experiential factors that influence travel intentions.

The impact of tax burden on welfare attitudes: Micro evidence from welfare states

The attitudes of the general public with regard to social welfare are of crucial importance in determining the efficacy and stability of a nation’s welfare system. The manner in which taxation is employed as a means of funding mechanism for welfare policies is of great consequence. Nevertheless, existing research on the subject of welfare attitudes has largely neglected the tax perspective, underscoring the need for investigations that bridge this gap and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the intertwined dynamics between taxation and public perception of social benefits. This study investigates the influence of tax burdens on attitudes towards welfare using an ordered probit model applied to data from the 2019 International Social Survey Program (ISSP 2019 Social Inequality V), encompassing 11 welfare states. Our key findings are as follows: (1) Empirical analysis reveals that a moderate tax burden correlates with a reduction in public expectations regarding governmental responsibility for welfare provision. (2) Heterogeneity analysis elucidates a negative association between tax burdens and welfare attitudes across diverse welfare regimes. (3) The mediating effect test suggests that perceptions of social fairness partially mediate the relationship between tax burdens and welfare attitudes. (4) The moderating effect test indicates that government efficacy negatively moderates the impact of tax burden on welfare attitudes. This study offers insightful perspectives for policymakers aiming to design and implement tax systems that align effectively with societal structures.

The Effects of Immigration on Employment and Wages in the United States

This literature review aims to explore the impacts of globalization on the labor market within the boundaries of the United States (U.S.). It will examine how globalization, specifically in the form of immigration, affects employment rates, job opportunities, and wages in the U.S. By reviewing existing literature, this project seeks to understand the influence that immigration has on the U.S. labor market. The goal is to identify key patterns and insights, shedding light on how globalization, through immigration, interacts with the economic environment of the U.S. to shape employment and wage dynamics. This analysis will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between immigration and employment within the U.S., offering valuable perspectives for policymakers in the field.

Bibliometric Review: Current Trends and Future Direction of Public Sector Budgeting

Research aim: This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to delve into the current state and future direction of public sector budgeting globally by scrutinising the overall publishing patterns and knowledge landscape surrounding the evolution of public sector budgeting research. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: A bibliometric analysis technique was employed to study the development of scientific publications about public sector budgeting. The Scopus database was selected as the main database, and all the data were collected as of November 3, 2023. The first stage involved identifying all relevant documents from the Scopus database. Inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in a total of 1,925 documents within the period between 1913 to November 3, 2023. The bibliometric analysis of public sector budgeting yielded significant insights into publication patterns, influential literature, notable authors, highly referenced works, and prevalent themes within this domain. Research finding: This analysis reveals a consistent growth in published material over time, with the United States emerging as the primary contributor in terms of volume. Distinguished scholars like Hou Yilin and Richard J. Cebula have made substantial impact, garnering noteworthy citations for their contributions. Moreover, the review outlines prominent themes in public sector budgeting, underscoring the multifaceted nature of research within this crucial area. Practitioner/ Policy implication: The study findings offer valuable perspectives for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, enhancing comprehension of the challenges and prospects in public sector budgeting. Furthermore, longitudinal studies tracking the evolution of themes and trends in public sector budgeting over time could offer valuable insights into the changing landscape of budgetary practices in the public sector. Additionally, comparative studies across different countries and regions could provide a more nuanced understanding of the diverse approaches to public sector budgeting and the factors influencing budgetary practices in various contexts. Research limitation: The analysis was based on a specific set of data from the Scopus database, and therefore, might not capture all publications in the field of public sector budgeting. Additionally, the review focuses on quantitative analysis of publication trends and citations; thus, the qualitative aspects of the included works are not fully explored. Furthermore, the study is limited to the available data and might not encompass the most recent publications in the field.

The implementation process of decentralization of health services: a qualitative perspective from Sudan.

Health system reform initiatives have increasingly embraced decentralization as a key trend. The implementation process and its outcomes are influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic forces, political dynamics, and ideological factors. Comprehending and carefully examining the implementation phase of decentralization and its consequences to achieve desired outcomes is crucial. Notably, this phase is often considered the weakest aspect of policy reforms, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to explore and analyze the implementation phase of decentralization and its implications as essentials for achieving intended goals. The study objectives evolved around examining the entire decentralization as a multifaceted social and political process in Khartoum State, Sudan, from its early stages of decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation process and the influencing contextual factors. This study was an exploratory qualitative study that employed in-depth interviews to gather perspectives of healthcare providers and policymakers, semi-structured observations, and thematic analysis. The study utilized Grindle's framework for analysis. This study revealed a political nature of decision-making, with a top-down approach to the implementation, which also lacked stakeholder involvement. It showed a lack of transparency, official documentation, and proper handover procedures from the Ministry of Health to the devolved hospitals during the implementation process. A conflict of interest between the federal and the state level was also reported. It is important to note that this process occurred within the context of structural adjustment program (SAP) schemes, which had already empowered the private sector in Sudan. This study documented the implementation process of decentralization of health services and its influencing factors. The study recommended reforming the decentralization policy through consultative stakeholder involvement and by implementing a concurrent responsibility paradigm that divides authority between the federal and state levels.

The shape of careers in the future workplace: extreme scenarios and their prospect impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to discuss the way future workplaces may operate and how careers will be developed under possible extreme scenarios.Design/methodology/approachWe propose a thought-provoking conceptual discussion of the challenges for people’s careers under such scenarios.FindingsWe identified four such possible extreme scenarios and elaborated on the theoretical knowledge regarding the essence of each scenario. We discussed their impact on future workplaces in general and on careers in particular. These are (1) highly developed artificial intelligence and other cyber entities; (2) massive immigration due to wars, refugees and other forces; (3) widescale de-globalization; and (4) major global recession.Originality/valueEmploying the career ecosystem and sustainability theories, we identify possible outcomes and implications for theory as well as practice of managing careers under these extreme scenarios. This offers a novel perspective for individuals, organizations and policymakers at national and global levels.

Exploring Critical Reading Practices Among Malaysian and Vietnamese Engineering Students: Insights and Implications

ABSTRACT In the dynamic academic landscape of the 21st century, the imperative to equip engineering students with robust critical reading skills, in tandem with their technical expertise, has come to the forefront. Recognizing the intrinsic value of critical thinking and reading in cultivating an ethos of lifelong learning among future engineers, this study endeavors to shed light on efficacious methodologies for augmenting critical reading competencies, grounded in the lived experiences of students. Utilizing a phenomenographic methodology, this research aims to explore the mechanisms through which engineering students from Malaysia and Vietnam develop their critical reading skills. The study engaged eight engineering students from both Malaysia and Vietnam, selected based on their demonstrated proficiency in critical reading, as evidenced by scores from a critical reading assessment aligned with the PISA Reading Framework. Through in-depth, phenomenographic semi-structured interviews, the research sought to uncover the strategies and practices these students employ to bolster their critical reading abilities. The findings illuminate a diverse array of approaches to enhancing critical reading skills, including the adoption of specific reading strategies, engagement in extensive and collaborative reading practices, and the maintenance of a positive reading disposition. Notably, the study also identifies that variations in the application and effectiveness of these strategies are influenced by factors such as students’ academic progression, cultural contexts, and educational backgrounds. These insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of critical reading skill development among engineering students, offering valuable perspectives for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers aiming to foster critical analytical skills in STEM education.

Brazil and regional fisheries management organizations - What is at stake?

This study compares Brazil's participation in two distinct Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (ICCAT and CCAMLR) from the mid-2000s to 2019 to reveal how domestic governance issues such as substitutability and regulatory capture shape its international negotiation strategies. By contrasting Brazil's active fishing role in ICCAT with its conservation-focused stance in CCAMLR, the study demonstrates how varying domestic interests influence the country’s international engagement and sustainability commitments. By analyzing primary and secondary sources, including government documents, international submissions, and reports from non-governmental organizations, this study offers insights into the complexities of fisheries management in Brazil. The findings reveal that Brazil's contributions to and stance on RFMOs are significantly shaped by internal challenges, including governance instability and insufficient fisheries data, which hinder the formulation of coherent and effective international fishery policies. This study highlights the need for improved governance framework, data reliability, and a balanced approach to environmental and economic objectives to enhance the sustainability of fishery management practices. It provides critical perspectives for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers concerned with advancing sustainable fisheries governance in Brazil and similar global contexts.

Exploring Food Safety Emergency Incidents on Sina Weibo: Using Text Mining and Sentiment Evolution

Food safety remains a crucial concern in both public health and societal stability. In the age of information technology, social media has emerged as a pivotal channel for shaping public opinion and disseminating information, exerting a substantial influence on how the public perceives incidents related to food safety. This study specifically focuses on the “Rat-Headed Duck Neck” incident as a case study, conducting a comprehensive analysis of extensive social media data to investigate how online public discourse molds perceptions of such events. To accomplish this research, data were initially gathered using a custom web crawler technology. These data encompassed various aspects, including user interactions, emotional expressions, and the evolution of topics. Subsequently, the study employed an innovative approach by combining BERT-TextCNN and BERTopic models for a thorough analysis of sentiment and thematic aspects of the textual data. This analysis provided insights into the intricate emotions and primary concerns of the public regarding incidents related to food safety. Furthermore, the research harnessed Gephi, a network analysis tool, to scrutinize the dissemination of information within the network and to monitor dynamic shifts in public opinion. The findings from this study not only shed light on the role of online public sentiment in the propagation of food safety events but also provide fresh perspectives for policymakers and business leaders when responding to similar crises, taking into account the subtleties of online public sentiment. These innovative methodologies and findings significantly enhance our comprehension of public responses to food safety incidents within the realm of social media.

Corporate governance and capital market development in the GCC: a comparative literature review

PurposeThis review provides a detailed analysis of corporate governance practices across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, focusing on board characteristics, executive remuneration, capital markets and the integration of ethical and sustainable practices. It evaluates how these governance frameworks influence market performance, investor confidence and corporate sustainability within the region.Design/methodology/approachThe study synthesizes findings from 15 recent research studies, examining corporate governance mechanisms, board composition, executive compensation policies and their impact on market capitalization. The data were collected from major academic databases, including Google Scholar, Springer, Web of Science and Scopus.FindingsThe analysis exhibits both similarities and differences in corporate governance frameworks across GCC countries. Important findings include a universal mandate for the separation of chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman roles, varied board composition requirements and differing executive remuneration and transparency policies. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lead in market capitalization, reflecting advanced governance practices, though disparities exist among GCC countries. The review also notes the increasing alignment of corporate governance with corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles, especially in sustainability reporting and ethical practices, highlighting a growing commitment to long-term value creation.Originality/valueThis review uniquely synthesizes recent research on GCC corporate governance, offering insights on board structures, executive pay and market dynamics with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices. It provides valuable perspectives for stakeholders, policymakers and academics interested in enhancing governance frameworks in the region while contributing to the global discourse on aligning corporate governance with sustainability standards.

Transcending boundaries

This study investigated the transpersonal effects of self-initiated expatriation among retirees, a phenomenon increasingly significant in today’s globalised world. The research contextualised expatriation within a broader exploration of retirees’ pursuit of a better quality of life, cultural enrichment, and personal growth, situating these motivations within the existing literature on ageing and transpersonal psychology. Employing organic inquiry, a method that captures deeply personal and transformative experiences, and looking into the experiences of four expatriate retirees, the study revealed four key themes: the initial call to expatriation, identity reformation through cultural immersion, the challenges of cultural integration, and the psychological rebirth characterised by gerotranscendence. Findings suggest that expatriation in retirement leads to profound psychological and spiritual transformations, fostering a redefined sense of self and an expanded worldview. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological and spiritual dimensions of retirement and ageing, challenging traditional narratives and offering new perspectives for scholars, policymakers, and individuals considering expatriation. The study fills a critical gap in the literature by providing a nuanced exploration of the personal and transpersonal consequences of expatriation.

China's Response to the Expansion of U.S. Influence in Asia: The Intersection of Religion and Governance in Afghanistan (2011-2019)

Research Problem: The article addresses China’s concerns regarding the expansion of U.S. influence in Asia, particularly focusing on Afghanistan's strategic importance in the geopolitical competition between the two powers. The U.S. military presence and Afghanistan’s religiously influenced governance pose a significant challenge for China, which must navigate both political and religious dynamics to secure its interests in the region. This research investigates how these factors shape China’s foreign policy and its interactions with Afghanistan. Research purposes: The study aims to explore how China’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan has evolved in response to the geopolitical and religious landscape influenced by U.S. actions. Specifically, it examines China’s strategic calculations regarding Afghanistan’s religious governance and how this affects its efforts to engage with Afghan political actors, such as the Taliban, while maintaining its broader geopolitical and economic goals, including the Belt and Road Initiative. Research methods: The research employs a historical and analytical approach, drawing on data from 2011 to 2019 to examine China's foreign policy shifts in response to U.S. actions in Afghanistan. The study relies on secondary sources, including policy papers, academic works, and governmental reports, to assess China’s evolving role and strategies concerning the religiously influenced political structures in Afghanistan. Results and Discussion: The findings show that China’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan is significantly influenced by its concerns over U.S. military presence and alliances in the region. China’s engagement with Afghanistan has been shaped by the need to navigate the religious-political dynamics, particularly with the rise of religiously motivated actors such as the Taliban. China’s strategic responses include strengthening diplomatic ties, economic investments, and engaging with both Afghan religious and political leaders to secure its geopolitical interests. The article discusses how China's secular approach to governance contrasts with Afghanistan’s religious influences, affecting its foreign policy strategies. Research Implications and Contributions: This study contributes to the broader understanding of how religion, politics, and governance intersect in Afghanistan’s international relations, particularly with China. It provides insights into how China adapts its foreign policy to account for religiously motivated governance, while also pursuing its geopolitical goals in the region. The research offers valuable perspectives for policymakers and scholars on the interplay between religion, governance, and foreign policy in a strategically significant context like Afghanistan.