Protection Policies Research Articles

Identification of degradation risk areas and delineation of key ecological function areas in Qinling region

As a critical component of the geographical divide between the northern and southern regions of China, the ecological stability of the Qinling region has profound implications for ecological balance within China and across East Asia. However, the degradation risk areas of the Qinling region remain unclear, and there are gaps in the delineation of key ecological protection areas. This study examines the improvement and decline in the Qinling region from 2000 to 2023 in terms of ecosystem patterns, quality, and functions. Moreover, key ecological function and degradation risk zones were identified, and future development paths were proposed for the Qinling region. The findings indicate that: (1) Urban area expansion was the most rapid, increasing by about 1800 km², with an average yearly growth rate of 2.43%. Ecosystem quality increased in 48.07% of the Qinling region. The degradation risk zones of ecosystem quality and function were primarily located in the Sanjiangyuan, the Minshan-Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi, Henan, and Gansu. The core areas for water and soil conservation only accounted for 17.92% and 10.47%, respectively, mainly distributed across the Qinling-Daba Mountains. Based on ecological patterns, quality, functions, and ecological protection and restoration projects, the Qinling region has been divided into two majority categories and 16 subcategories: 7 ecologically key functional areas and 9 degradation risk areas. This study offers recommendations for formulating ecological protection and restoration policies, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the region’s ecology and economy.

Impact of anthropogenic activities on the biodiversity of macrobenthos and benthic ecological quality in the mudflats of Hwangdo Island, South Korea: field surveys and remote sensing assessments

IntroductionAs coastal urbanization progresses, anthropogenic activities have significantly impacted mudflats. In South Korea, land reclamation and aquaculture have drastically altered mudflat ecosystems.MethodsIn our study, we utilized five remote sensing indices to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on Hwangdo Island. We supplemented this with field surveys to evaluate macrobenthic biodiversity and benthic ecological quality, investigating their relationship to anthropogenic activities.Results and discussionSpearman’s correlation analysis revealed that terrestrial ecological quality influences macrobenthic biodiversity. The abundance of the predominant species, Pirenella sp., was primarily influenced by normalized differential build-up and bare soil index (NDBSI). Furthermore, biota-environment matching (BIO-ENV) analysis, distance-based multivariate analysis for a linear model (DisLM), and distance-based redundancy analysis (dbRDA) all pinpointed NDBSI as the predominant factor impacting macrobenthic communities in the mudflats of Hwangdo Island. Seasonal changes in NDBSI were mainly attributed to variations in bare soil area resulting from agricultural activities on Hwangdo Island. Overall, macrobenthic communities in the mudflats of Hwangdo Island are mainly indirectly affected by agricultural activities. Moreover, our study offers a fresh perspective on the conservation of Hwangdo Island’s mudflats and provides critical references for the South Korean government in crafting and implementing mudflat protection policies.

Soundscapes as Conservation Tools: Integrating Visitor Engagement in Biodiversity Strategies

This study investigates visitor soundscape perceptions in Queulat National Park (QNP), Chile, to inform biodiversity conservation strategies amid rising anthropogenic pressures. By analyzing responses at two sites—Lagoon and Overlook—during peak tourist periods, this research examines how visitor experiences align with protected area management goals. A one-minute listening exercise was followed up by a survey to gather data on perceived sounds and their appeal. The results highlight the importance of involving visitors in monitoring acoustic environments, providing managers with insights into visitor-perceived soundscape dynamics. Unique QNP ecosystem characteristics emerged, with visitors identifying anthrophonic sounds as problematic, especially at the Lagoon site. Perceptions aligned with management concerns about noise impacts from congestion, showing visitors can discern when soundscapes diverge from protected area objectives. These findings underscore the need to integrate visitor engagement into acoustic monitoring to enhance biodiversity conservation. This study advocates ongoing sound level monitoring, protective policies, and tools derived from visitor input. It promotes protected areas as educational venues in order to deepen connections with local environments through sound recognition and calls for signage to inform visitors about noise impacts. Future research should continue to explore these strategies and the potential of visitor soundscape perceptions to reshape conservation strategies and support biodiversity preservation.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND REFORM OF PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF FULL-SCALE WAR IN UKRAINE

In recent years, the processes of digitalization of public services and business processes in public institutions in Ukraine have been developing at an accelerated pace, which contributes to the implementation of reforms that are due to Ukraine's desire to join the European Union. The EU provides comprehensive assistance, support in expanding infrastructure, and developing new software solutions for public institutions in order to strengthen their potential in preparation for digital transformation. However, the full-scale war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which was launched by the aggressor country in February 2022, creates many obstacles in the processes of consolidating efforts to modernize the public finance management sector. Such obstacles include: lack of sufficient influence and control from line ministries; full automation of business processes; insufficient level of integration and interaction between structures; incoherence in the development of information technologies in departments; lack of comprehensive policies for information protection and countering cyber threats, which is especially relevant in conditions of full-scale war; lack of consolidated data for prompt and effective decision-making, etc. To solve the outlined problems during the war, we have generalized approaches to the digital transformation of public services taking into account world experience and substantiated the feasibility of its use in domestic practice, in particular in the budget process, in the social sphere. Particular attention is paid to reforming approaches to budget planning, which is aimed at ensuring macroeconomic balance in the state. It is proven that digital transformations as innovative reform processes will increase the efficiency of interaction between state administration and local self-government bodies, with business structures and active members of civil society, and increase the openness and transparency of the activities of government representatives.

A Study on E-Commerce and Consumer Protection in India Along with International Standards

This study examines the existing legislative framework in India that safeguards the interests of online customers in light of the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector and its impact on consumer preferences for online shopping. Electronic commerce platforms allow for Internet-enabled trade in unprecedented ways. One of the main drivers underlying e-commerce growth is the rise in the number of individuals using the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a platform to trade.. This article analyses the present trends in consumer law in e-commerce in India and the challenges faced in protecting the consumers in the virtual online space..Important conclusions include the following: cash on delivery is the preferred method of payment for online purchases; website content and efficient customer support services foster consumer confidence; and safe and dependable systems are critical to the success of e-business firms.. In addition to elements like website information, customer service, warranty, security, privacy, and redressal, laws protecting consumer rights in e-commerce also have an impact on consumers' confidence. Expanding e-commerce appears to be promising given the strong legal framework and consumer protection policies in place. The findings add to the body of knowledge on e-commerce and the protection of consumer rights by clarifying the critical elements influencing customer loyalty and trust as well as providing an insightful viewpoint on e-consumer protection in the Indian context with wider implications.

Implementation of the Child Protection Policy through Pentahelix Collaboration in West Sumatra Province

The implementation of Law No. 35/2014 on Child Protection provides a legal framework to protect children from various forms of violence, including sexual violence. Nevertheless, there are still challenges in its implementation. According to the records of the Office of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Population Control and Family Planning (DP3AP2KB) of West Sumatra Province, compiled from the information system on the protection of women and children has increased in the last 5 (five) years. This research aims to analyze the actors involved in the implementation of child protection in West Sumatra Province with data collection methods of documentation studies, interviews and FGDs, then the data is processed using a qualitative approach and a quantitative approach or known as a mixed approach. The approach uses the Miles and Huberman model and the mactor application. The theory used Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) and Pentahelix theory are two approaches that can complement each other in analyzing public policy. Meanwhile, Pentahelix emphasizes collaboration between five main actors: government, community, academia, business, and media. Combining these two theories can provide a deeper understanding of policy dynamics. The implementation of child protection policy implementation through pentahelik collaboration in factor analysis can be concluded that the actor who has a major influence is the government because the government is the actor who is in direct contact both in practical and policy aspects, all actors provide positive support, although the business world has not shown a collaborative relationship in the implementation of child protection, the government has the power to influence other actors, community/community collaboration is not strong enough to influence implementation.

Lifetime Risks for Lung Cancer due to Occupational Radon Exposure: A Systematic Analysis of Estimation Components.

Lifetime risk estimates play a key role in many areas of radiation research. Here, the focus is on the lifetime excess absolute risk (LEAR) for dying from lung cancer due to occupational radon exposure based on uranium miners cohort studies. The major components in estimating LEAR were systematically varied to investigate the variability and uncertainties of results. Major components of the LEAR calculation are baseline mortality rates for lung cancer and all causes of death, risk model and exposure scenario. Sex-averaged mortality rates were chosen from a mixed Euro-American-Asian population, in addition to mortality rates to represent heavy and light smokers. Seven radon-related lung cancer risk models derived from different uranium miners cohorts were compared. As exposure scenarios, occupational exposure of two working level months (WLM) from age 18-64 years was considered, and three scenarios from the German uranium miners cohort. Further components were modified in sensitivity analyses. The LEAR was compared to other lifetime risk measures. With a range from less than 0.6 × 10-4 to over 8.0 × 10-4, LEAR per WLM estimates were influenced heavily by the choice of risk models. Notably, mortality rates, particularly lung cancer mortality rates, had a strong impact on LEAR per WLM across all models. The LEAR per WLM exhibited only low variation to changes in exposure scenarios for all risk models, except for the BEIR VI model fitted on the pooled 11 miners study. All assessed lifetime risk measures displayed a monotonically increasing relationship between exposure and lifetime risk at low to moderate exposures, with minor differences between ELR, REID, and LEAR (all per WLM). RADS yields the largest lifetime risk estimates in most situations. There is substantial variation in LEAR per WLM estimates depending on the choice of underlying calculation components. Reference populations and mortality rates should be selected with care depending on the application of lifetime risk calculations. The explicit choice of the lifetime risk measure was found to be negligible. These findings should be taken into consideration when using lifetime risk measures for radiation protection policy purposes.

Forgotten Children: The Crisis of Child Welfare and Alternative Care in Afghanistan

This article explores the complex landscape of alternative care for orphaned and vulnerable children in Afghanistan against the backdrop of prolonged conflict, political turmoil and socio-economic challenges. With an estimated 2 million orphans and countless more children living in challenging circumstances, the country faces a daunting task in ensuring the well-being and protection of its most vulnerable population. This analysis explores the various forms of alternative care available in Afghanistan, including traditional family care, orphanages, foster care and community-based initiatives. It highlights the historical evolution of child protection policies and programmes, tracing the impact of significant events such as the Taliban regime’s rule, periods of conflict and the subsequent transition periods, including the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021. The compounded challenges faced by children and families are examined, including disruptions in funding, aid delivery and access to essential services. Key stakeholders involved in alternative care, including government authorities, non-governmental organisations, religious leaders and extended families, are identified, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing these challenges. The article concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing child protection policies, strengthening family support systems, and fostering stable environments where children’s rights and well-being are prioritised. Ultimately, the article underscores the urgency of concerted action to ensure Afghanistan’s orphaned and vulnerable children are not forgotten amidst the context of ongoing turmoil and uncertainty in the nation’s governance.

Use of alternatives to animal testing for Environmental Safety Assessment (ESA): Report from the 2023 EPAA partners' forum.

Environmental Safety Assessments (ESA) are mandatory for several regulatory purposes and are an important component of stewardship/sustainability initiatives. Fish testing is used for assessing chemical toxicity and bioaccumulation potential; amphibians are included in some jurisdictions and their use is increasing to assess endocrine disruption. Alternative methods are becoming more available, covering the principles of the 3Rs (i.e., replacing, reducing and refining animal tests), but their regulatory incorporation is still limited. A cross-sector review by the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA), discussed the status and priorities for accelerating the adoption of non-animal approaches in ESA. The lack of an internationally agreed definition for "animal testing" was recognized as a challenge. For example, testing with vertebrate embryos up to specific developmental stages is a suitable refinement alternative only in some jurisdictions. Invertebrate testing offers refinement alternatives to develop tiered approaches using vertebrate testing as a last resort. Aquatic ESA was identified as a common need by all sectors and regulatory areas, while terrestrial ESA is particularly relevant for agrochemicals. The standardization and validation of some alternative methods as OECD test guidelines (TGs) for fish acute toxicity and fish bioaccumulation have not yet triggered the expected replacement in regulatory settings. Priority actions in these areas are needed to generate confidence in the regulatory use of the available OECD TGs designed as alternatives, including the identification of applicability domains and guidance/decision-trees for integrating different lines of evidence. Case studies under the OECD Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA) program could facilitate further global regulatory uptake. Replacement of fish chronic toxicity testing is more complex and less advanced. A dual approach was suggested, in the short-term, exploring lines of evidence that, alone or in combination, could identify when further fish testing is not needed. The second phase should focus on the application of the 3Rs in those cases where chronic information is needed. Another area of increasing interest is endocrine disruption. It represents a challenge but also an opportunity for implementing mechanistic non-animal methods, in addition to integrate human and ESA. This requires a step-by-step approach with continuous dialogue to ensure that technical developments will address regulatory needs. The review also agreed that the long-term aspiration is a new ESA paradigm, mapping the protection goals and providing connectivity between the chemical legislation and environmental protection policies.

The influence of mass media in the protection of women through the implementation of regional regulation no. 5 of 2013 on the protection of women and children in west Sumatra province

Gender equality is still one of the things that must always be pursued by the government together with all elements in each region. Gender equality can be seen from cases of gender- based violence that still exist in an area. The rate of violence against women in West Sumatra Province is still considered high. In 2022 the number of violence against women was 216 cases and in 2023 it increased to 228 cases. The Regional Government of West Sumatra Province has taken various ways to reduce the number of violence against women and realize gender equality, namely by making a Women's Protection policy, namely Regional Regulation No. 5 of 2013. Based on Regional Regulation No. 5 of 2013, the government collaborates with various stakeholders. This study looks at how collaboration between all elements in the protection of women in West Sumatra. This study uses quantitative methods to test the hypothesis about the influence of each stakeholder using Kendall's Rank formula. The Penta Helix collaboration theory according to Ramesh and Howlett will be used to see the collaboration relationship between actors in implementing women's protection policies. The results of hypothesis testing show that there is a positive relationship between actor collaboration in policy implementation. The most influential actors are the local government with an influence value of 0.741* and the mass media with an influence value of 0.530*.

Measurement and determinants of economic inequality between migrants and non-migrants: evidence from Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition analysis of Uttar Pradesh, India

This paper investigates the economic inequality between migrants and non-migrants employing Gini inequality index and Lorenz curve based on household consumption expenditure from the Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS) for 2020–2021. The findings indicate a significant economic inequality gap between migrants and non-migrants across the geographical regions of Uttar Pradesh, India. Additionally, highlights the effect of caste and religious affiliation on migratory patterns and living standards. Based on the Ordinary Least Squares regression results with Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition, the demographic and socioeconomic factors such as education, gender, religion, caste and households’ size significantly identify the economic inequality gap between migrants and non-migrants. Our findings provide significant evidence for effective delivery of social protection policies at regional level. Moreover, intra-government and inter-government cooperation should be taken into the consideration for migrant workers in bringing their healthy economic and social status in both origin and destination places.

Analysis of Transformation and Upgrading Path of a Steel Structure Company in Zibo City, Shandong Province under the Concept of Sustainable Development

In the context of global climate change, green and low-carbon development has emerged as an international consensus. China has established a dual-carbon target, aiming for carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, thereby necessitating the green transformation of high-energy-consuming and high-emission industries. As a major carbon emitter, the construction industry needs novel development models to achieve sustainable development. The circular economy concept aligns well with steel structures, noted for their energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, recyclability, and high assembly efficiency. And this is a crucial pathway for the sustainable transformation of the building sector. This paper selects a typical steel structure enterprise in Zibo, Shandong Province as the research target. The corporate sustainability report and financial data from 2019 to 2023 employ the mutation level method to evaluate the impact on the enterprises economic performance, green performance, and operational performance across dimensions such as technological innovation, R&D investment, environmental protection expenditures, policy environment, and human resource allocation. The results show that the enterprise, under the guidance of the policy and its own strategic adjustment, has achieved remarkable results in its green transformation and continued to improve its performance indicators, while revealing the key paths of resource allocation optimization and green innovation.

Analysis of mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions implemented in the Russian Federation and in some foreign countries

Subject. The article addresses the climate policy formation as an object of scientific research that requires consideration from the perspective of its detailed synchronization with climate policies implemented in other countries. Objectives. The study aims to review mechanisms for greenhouse gas emissions reduction in Russia and other countries of the world, identify barriers in the implementation of existing support mechanisms, and formulate proposals to eliminate them. Methods. The study draws on scholarly papers and applied research of Russian and foreign scientists in sustainable development, environment protection and climate policy, provisions of international law, legal and methodological acts of Russia. The performed research rests on general principles of scientific approach, including systems, comparative, historical approach, acting as a basis for analysis, synthesis, generalization, classification, and systematization. Results. The study revealed that two types of mechanisms are considered in the world practice that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, i.e. market and administrative-technical. The mechanisms for greenhouse gas emissions reduction implemented in Russia are generally consisted with those implemented worldwide. Conclusions. Though the mechanisms implemented within the framework of Russia's climate policy and aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions are generally consistent with the world practice, the analysis of their implementation indicates a lack of support at the federal and regional levels.

State-level LGBTQ+ policies and health: the role of political determinants in shaping health equity.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals in the United States experience higher rates of discrimination and stressors that negatively impact health compared with their straight, cisgender counterparts. Using 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) data, estimating multilevel mixed-effects logistic regressions, we examined the relationship between state LGBTQ+ policies and health among LGBT people. Findings reveal a statistically significant inverse link between protective (high) state policy scores and poor self-rated health, poor mental health days, and poor physical health days. Specifically, with each 1-point increase in policy score, the odds of poor self-rated health are reduced by 0.03%, high mental health burden by 0.02%, and high physical health burden by 0.02%. Inequalities in self-rated health, high mental health burden, and high physical health burden are greater in policy environments with fewer state-level protections, with LGBT individuals reporting better health where there are more protections. These results indicate that discriminatory state policies are linked to poorer health for LGBT individuals and suggest that protective policies could improve health. Further research with comprehensive data is needed to deepen understanding.

Study on the coupling role and forecasting of energy-economy-environment triple system based on system dynamics approach, taking Inner Mongolia autonomous region as an example

The sustainable development of Inner Mongolia, particularly the coordinated development of energy, economy, and environment, plays a crucial role in shaping energy strategies and environmental protection policies for both Inner Mongolia and China. Based on this, the study focuses on the energy-economy-environment coupling in Inner Mongolia, employing system dynamics for multi-scenario simulations. The findings reveal: (1) the overall coupling coordination degree is improving, with the energy-environment friendly scenario yielding the best results; (2) industrial pollution and energy consumption are significant factors influencing coupling coordination; (3) addressing energy consumption and achieving carbon neutrality are long-term challenges for Inner Mongolia’s sustainable development. Therefore, Inner Mongolia should optimize its industrial structure, promote high-tech and low-carbon industries, improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy, and strengthen pollution control and carbon emission management to achieve sustainable development across its economy, energy, and environment.

Exploring Digital-Only Banking in Malaysia: Technological Advancements, Regulatory Landscape, and Business Implications

Digital banking in Malaysia is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and evolving consumer preferences. This shift is marked by the adoption of critical technologies such as Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), low-code technology, cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) which are redefining how financial services are delivered. These innovations enhance operational efficiency, enable seamless integrations, and offer personalized customer experiences, positioning digital banking as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s financial ecosystem. Concurrently, regulatory measures introduced by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), including digital banking licenses and consumer protection policies, have facilitated a conducive environment for growth while ensuring financial inclusion and stability. Despite these advancements, the transition to digital-only banking is not without challenges. Cybersecurity threats, compliance complexities and technological dependency pose significant risks to both financial institutions and consumers. Addressing these issues requires a robust cybersecurity framework, continuous innovation and collaborative efforts among policymakers, industry players and technology developers. This paper reviews critical technologies shaping the industry, explores the regulatory landscape, evaluates security concerns, and examines the business implications and opportunities. The findings provide insights into the future of digital banking in Malaysia, focusing on innovations, challenges and potential growth areas.

Child and youth participation in child protection: Provincial harm reduction policy efforts in the Canadian Province of New Brunswick.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) affirms interdependent rights to protection and participation, but barriers continue to hinder participation in protection practices. What can be learned from young people's participation in their own protection when it comes to harm reduction public policy efforts? This study focused on provincial public policy in New Brunswick, Canada and involved both children and adults in research design and data collection. The provincial Youth Voice Committee was created to inform the development and implementation of the provincial harm reduction strategy. This strategy promotes children's rights to live free from harm through the reduction of physical, sexual, emotional, and sociocultural harms, not only abuse and neglect. This study involved international and local child and youth advisory committees to support research design and implementation. Participatory qualitative data collection methods included young people and adults separately as well as collectively in intergenerational meetings. Findings reveal a broad and unique interpretation of child protection as harm reduction, and that fear and policy processes continue to pose barriers even in contexts dedicated to children's rights. Adults should no longer exclusively influence protection policies, and children and youth are interested in effective intergenerational and relational collaborations. Greater commitment to diversity is needed in participatory efforts. A rights-based relational approach in research and policy-making necessitates the effective involvement of children and youth to support harm reduction in policy and practice. Policy makers are urged to engage young people alongside adults in child protection and public policies.

Youth's Online Privacy Concerns: An Examination of Social Media Platforms' Data Protection Policies

Youth's Online Privacy Concerns: An Examination of Social Media Platforms' Data Protection Policies

Evaluating the Impact of Social Security Schemes on Socioeconomic Development: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review explores the impact of social security schemes, social protection policies, and poverty alleviation initiatives on economic welfare and policy outcomes. Peer-reviewed research on the function of social security and protection systems in promoting equality, social inclusion, and poverty alleviation is compiled in this review. The English-language articles that were chosen for inclusion concentrated on empirical evaluations of economic welfare, legislative frameworks, and the efficacy of different social safety programs. This review adds significantly to policy analysis and social welfare theory by analyzing a variety of international studies and highlighting important insights into the planning, execution, and difficulties of social security and protection programs. With implications for future policy reforms aimed at poverty alleviation and social empowerment, the findings highlight the significance of targeted, context-specific initiatives to improve the sustainability and inclusivity of social protection systems.

Spatial variability of cultural landscape vulnerability and influential factors in ethnic villages of Southeast Guizhou

In Southeast Guizhou, a region of China rich in ethnic diversity, the cultural landscapes of ethnic villages are increasingly vulnerable under the pressures of urbanization and tourism development. This study assesses the vulnerability of 43 ethnic villages in Leishan County using the Vulnerability Scoring Diagram (VSD) model, which evaluates exposure, sensitivity, and coping ability. Analyses using spatial autocorrelation and geographic weighted regression reveal distinct spatial patterns of vulnerability, with the northern region exhibiting higher vulnerability indices than the southern region. The study identifies tourism development, protection policies, and financial investments as primary influencing factors of vulnerability, with varying degrees of impact across different geographical areas. The findings provide a robust framework for assessing and visualizing the vulnerability of cultural landscapes in ethnic villages, guiding the development of tailored protection strategies to mitigate risks and preserve cultural heritage.