Related Policies Research Articles

Construction, assessment, and protection of green infrastructure networks from a dynamic perspective: A case study of Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China

The green infrastructure (GI) network, an important nature-based solution (NBS) strategy, is pivotal for sustainable urban development. However, current research perspectives focus on constructing a static GI network, and research on evaluating and protecting GI networks in the context of spatiotemporal changes has been limited. This research aims to comprehensively characterise the spatio-temporal changes in the GI network and protect its efficiency. We selected Dalian City as a case study and applied the Future Land-use Simulation (FLUS) model to predict its land use for 2030 and 2040. Based on predicted and historical land-use data, the 1990–2040 GI network of Dalian City was constructed utilising the Integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST), morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, while its spatiotemporal changes were evaluated. The results revealed that the hub area exhibited positive growth over time, whereas the link lengths showed an opposite trend. Furthermore, the overall position of the GI network shifted toward the southwest. The flatness indicator detected that the direction of the GI network shape gradually became less pronounced. Consequently, the structure of the GI network shifted from multi-centre to mono-centre. Additionally, priority protection for hubs is mainly in the northeast, while links are primarily in the coastal regions. The urgency of protection for both increases over time. This research developed a dynamic GI network construction and assessment method, providing a scientific basis and reference for future rational GI network planning, ecological protection planning, and related land policy formulation.

A Guideline for Local Elderly Policy Development in Thailand

In previous local elder policy research, most studies were fragmented with only some subjects or some steps in the policy process and attention to the local policy process not included explicitly. This article aims to analyze Thai local elderly policy formulation, implementation and evaluation and to propose guidelines for Thai local elderly policy development. This was a qualitative study. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 40 key informants from 5 local case studies and 8 national organizations, as well as observations and documentary studies. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and analytic induction. For the policy content dimensions, the guidelines of policy content development of the case studies aim to make senior citizens happy, self-sufficient, and physically and mentally healthy. The means to achieve this are comprised of the following:1) an economic, career, and income stability dimension; 2) a health dimension; and 3) a social dimension. For the policy process dimensions, the guideline of policy formulation comprises of the following: the related national policy dimension, including developing the mindset of policy actors, developing the content of policies with clarity that is up-to-date and congruent with key agreements or related principles, and developing a participation process and communication of the policy. The local policy dimension is locally aged society strategic planning based on strategic management and objectives and key results (OKRs) derived from the results of data analysis, integration of public policy theory, resource-based view in strategic management theory, and objective and key results to reduce the limitations of the public policy theory and model. This comprises developing policy actors’ mindsets, competencies, and motivations, collecting information, creating participation for analyzing and formulating direction, and making local elderly society strategic plans. The guidelines of policy implementation comprise the following: creating knowledge and understanding, organizing a central organization, implementing a strategic plan, formulating strategies for implementing and integrating amicable coordination of networks, seeking and allocating tangible and intangible resources, developing competencies of local government personnel, network partners, and target groups, creating and developing a culture supporting the aged society, and creating internal and external motivation. The guidelines of policy evaluation comprise the following: the development of the evaluation competency, the growth and ethical mindset, and the development of a participatory local policy evaluation system. Based on the results of this study, the guidelines focus on the intangible resources, the internal motivation, the mindset of policy actors, the coordination and strength of networks, and the upper-level policy factors.

Can E-Commerce Policies Drive Common Wealth Levels —— A Study Based on County-Level Data in China, 2012-2020

Based on national county panel data from 2012 to 2020, this study systematically examines the impact of the comprehensive e-commerce into rural areas demonstration project implemented in rural China on promoting the level of common wealth by applying the multi-period double-difference method (DID). It is found that the e-commerce policy significantly enhances the level of common wealth. Further analysis of the impact mechanism shows that the policy effectively promotes the goal of common prosperity by enhancing the level of rural employment. In addition, the positive effect of the e-commerce policy is strengthened by the increase in the level of local government fiscal expenditure, however, the driving effect of the policy is weakened by the higher level of social consumption. Heterogeneity analyses indicate that the policy's promotional effect is particularly significant in the demonstration counties of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. This paper fills the research gap on the relationship between rural e-commerce policy and the level of common wealth, and provides empirical evidence and policy recommendations for related policy formulation.

Healthcare Access for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the United States: A Survey by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

A prior survey disseminated in 2017 identified that healthcare access barriers exist and significantly affect patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We sought to identify, through an updated survey, the healthcare access barriers that patients continue to face, with a focus on socioeconomic factors and patient awareness of resources to navigate existing barriers. A 52-question online survey evaluating (1) access to healthcare professionals, medications, and procedures; (2) associated financial challenges; and (3) patient awareness of education and advocacy tools to navigate IBD care barriers, was disseminated through multiple channels to IBD patients and their caregivers. Of the 2281 completed responses, patients on advanced specialty medications, younger than 65 years of age, or on employer insurance experienced significantly greater issues with insurance barriers to accessing medications and coverage of medically necessary tests/treatments. Patients who live in areas of concentrated poverty were more likely to experience poor health outcomes when subjected to step therapy compared to patients who did not. Additionally, patients were more likely to experience one or more financial barriers or trade-offs if the patient used an advanced specialty medicine or lived in an area with concentrated poverty. While there have been significant and numerous advancements in IBD treatments, patients with IBD continue to experience barriers to healthcare access and treatment and financial struggles. Ongoing awareness and advocacy efforts focused on healthcare system reform and related policies to further minimize care disparities and barriers remain vital.

SOME ASPECTS OF ACTIONS TO RESPONSE TO EXTERNAL SECURITY THREATS AND CRISES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

The European Union is taking action in various areas of security to improve its ability to respond to crises and increase its resilience to future challenges, so this article examines the evolution of crisis response actions of the European Union countries in the face of challenges and threats in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment in relation to European security. This, in turn, is reflected in the speed of decision-making by the competent associations of the European Union regarding legal regulation that corresponds to the current situation. The authors identify and analyze the main directions of action and response measures of member countries in the legal field. In this context, the authors pay special attention to the consideration of the European Union's security policy in relation to hybrid threats from neighboring states, ensuring cyber security, the use of modern information communication technologies, as well as mediation tools in the prevention of these threats. The authors analyze issues of cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations in the field of peacekeeping and military missions. The authors also touched on the specifics of lessons learned from addressing the consequences of crisis situations and the impact of the EU countries’ integrated approach to responding to crisis situations in the context of the past pandemic, as well as the impact of hybrid threats. The results of this study show that the relevant institutions of the European Union skillfully, promptly and effectively coordinate decision-making on response and management in crisis situations, and as part of improving the anti-crisis management strategy, taking measures to prevent the consequences of crisis situations in the EU area (hybrid threats, illegal migration, terrorism, organized crime, etc.)

What is the Role of Minimum Wages in Addressing Precarious Employment in the Informal and Formal Sectors? Findings from a Systematic Review.

This article presents synthesized evidence from 16 studies examining initiatives with potential to mitigate workers' exposure to precarious employment through the adoption of minimum wage policies. All studies were set in low-income countries and focused on both formal and informal workers. A systematic review of evaluated initiatives addressing precarious employment identified the evidence. We consider minimum wage policies as initiatives that could address precarious employment because of the central role of minimum wages in establishing employment terms for workers in precarious situations. We include initiatives aimed at formal and informal workers, given that precarious employment can exist in both sectors, that these workers share concerns regarding income and would benefit from minimum wage policies. The findings imply that minimum wage policies could increase precariously employed workers' financial compensation, although with some differences and with little or no effect on employment security. It is not feasible to extend these conclusions beyond low-income economies due to differences with high-income economies in how the mechanisms through which minimum wage policies could impact worker compensation and employment security. However, they should serve as a reminder for high-income economies, many of which experience expanding informal sectors, about the need for related research and policy.

The Relationship Between the Shadow Economy, Corruption, and Taxes: Empirical Evidence from Countries with High and Low Financial Development

Abstract The paper explores the relationship between the shadow economy, corruption, and taxes in 25 high-financial developed countries (HFDCs) and 30 low-financial developed countries (LFDCs) using the PVAR method. The results of the impulse-response function show that the corruption perception index (CPI) has a positive correlation with tax revenue and the shadow economy in HFDCs, while tax revenue and the shadow economy are negatively correlated. In contrast, in LFDCs, the shadow economy has a positive correlation with tax revenue and a negative correlation with the CPI. In addition, the study also suggests that there is no relationship between tax revenue and the CPI. From the above findings, we propose several related policies for each group of countries.

The collaborative agglomeration of industries and the realization of the digital economy on the green high-quality development of cities

PurposeThis study explores the role of industrial co-agglomeration and digital economy in influencing the green high-quality development of the Yellow River National Cultural Park to provide countermeasures and suggestions for promoting the whole-area high-quality development.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on panel data from 56 cities from 2010 to 2022. First, a Super-SBM model is built to evaluate green high-quality development. Secondly, location entropy is used to measure industrial co-agglomeration and the entropy weight method is used to measure the digital economy. Finally, the panel Tobit model is used to analyze the impact of industrial co-agglomeration and digital economy on the green high-quality development of Yellow River National Cultural Park.FindingsThis study found that (1) industrial co-agglomeration has a negative implication in green high-quality development, while the digital economy boosts green high-quality development; (2) industrial co-agglomeration is a less critical dependency on the level of development of the digital economy in influencing green high-quality development, while the facilitating effect of the digital economy is more dependent on industrial co-agglomeration and (3) the trend of slow growth in industrial co-agglomeration and digital economy development, with significant regional differences in green high-quality development.Research limitations/implicationsUndeniably, our study has several limitations. Firstly, as the study area only includes some cities in individual provinces, such as Qinghai, this paper only analyzes at the city level, which does not better reflect the differences between provinces; secondly, this study only adopts one method to determine the digital economy. In the future, other methods can be explored to measure digital economy; finally, in addition to the main role of digital economy and industrial co-agglomeration, other factors may also affect the green high-quality development of YRNCP. Future research should introduce other variables to improve the theoretical framework.Practical implicationsFirst, it provides countermeasures and suggestions for promoting the green high-quality development of YRNCP. Second, it helps to implement the new development concept, cultivate the new quality productivity of culture and the tourism industry and promote the green high-quality development of YRNCP. Third, it provides references to improve the management measures and related policies of the YRNCP more accurately and efficiently. Fourth, it helps to build a new development pattern and has important practical significance in promoting the high-quality development of the whole basin, protecting and inheriting the Yellow River Culture and helping the Chinese-style modernization and development, which are of great practical significance.Social implicationsThe research is carried out from the new perspective of industrial co-agglomeration and digital economy, which provides the theoretical basis and reference for solving the problem of green high-quality development of YRNCP. Second, it broadens the research idea of green high-quality development. Third, it quantitatively analyzes the impact of industrial co-agglomeration and digital economy on the high-quality development of YRNCP, deepening the research on the green high-quality development of YRNCP. Fourth, it helps to enrich and improve the theoretical research related to the national cultural park development and has positive significance in promoting the management and innovation of the cultural industry and the construction of related disciplines.Originality/valueThe paper’s findings illustrate the functional relationship of the digital economy and industrial co-agglomeration with green high-quality development and propose countermeasures to facilitate the high-quality development of the Yellow River National Cultural Park.

The relationship between exercise attitudes, exercise consumption demand, and amount of exercise

Exercise attitudes and exercise consumption demand are critical to health promotion. This study explored the relationship between exercise attitudes, exercise consumption demand, and amount of exercise to enrich the "attitude–behavior" model of physical exercise. We used the Exercise Attitude Scale, the Exercise Consumption Demand Scale, and the Physical Activity Rating Scale to investigate the exercise attitudes, exercise consumption demand, and the amount of exercise of 1,227 urban residents. Our results showed that the eight dimensions of exercise attitudes were positively correlated with the four dimensions of exercise consumption demand and the amount of exercise, and the four dimensions of exercise consumption demand were positively correlated with the amount of exercise. In addition, exercise consumption demand played a mediating role in the relationship between exercise attitudes and amount of exercise. The above findings have positive implications for related policies such as health promotion as well as exercise consumption.

Government Policies and Urban-Rural Behavior in the Puno Region, Peru

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the elements that make up the urban-rural behavior of the inhabitants of the 13 provinces of the Puno region today. Theoretical framework: The present research had the need to contribute through a social anthropological proposal on urban and rural behavior in the Puno region of Peru. Method: To this end, the documentary design and the qualitative method were used, documents related to the subject of the research and the selection of informants according to the criteria of the research were analyzed, as well as semi-structured interviews were applied to 13 representatives of the provinces of the Puno region. Results and discussion: The results revealed that in the Puno region the population dynamics tend towards the growth of the city and the abandonment of rural areas, which is caused by bad government policies in relation to rural spaces, also the authorities differentiate rural areas and city areas through the recognition of the population in terms of access to education, to economic participation. Implications of the research: Pollution and lack of economic diversification are the reasons that have ended up shaping the urban image of the Puno region, the response to these problems, being a region with centralized services and that it redefined in a mandatory way. Research implications: The research contributes to the understanding of human development, both epistemologically and geographically, and as a consequence the reinterpretation of coexistence, social groups and the perception of traditions and customs.

The Role of International law in Addressing Climate Change: Legal Perspective and Policy Solution

<p class="TableParagraph"><em>Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today. International law has a crucial role to play in addressing these issues through legal and policy frameworks. This study aims to analyze the role of international law in addressing climate change from a legal perspective and find effective policy solutions. The method used is a literature review with analysis of international legal documents and related policies, as well as case studies of policy implementation in several countries. The results show that although there have been some advances in international legislation and policy, there are still many challenges in its implementation that require innovative and collaborative solutions. The study also identified several policy solutions that could be improved through closer international cooperation, including harmonization of emission standards and more effective funding mechanisms. The recommendations of this study are expected to contribute to policymakers, legal practitioners, and other relevant parties in increasing the effectiveness of international law as a tool to address climate change.</em><em></em></p><p class="TableParagraph"><em> </em></p>

Ranking the Relative Importance of Image Quality Features in CT by Consensus Survey

ObjectiveThis study sought to determine consensus opinions from subspecialty radiologists and imaging physicists on the relative importance of image quality features in CT. MethodsA prospective survey of subspecialty radiologists and medical physicists was conducted to collect consensus opinions on the relative importance of ten image quality features: axial sharpness, blooming, contrast, longitudinal sharpness, low contrast axial sharpness, metal artifact, motion, noise magnitude, noise texture, and streaking. The survey was first sent to subspecialty radiologists in volunteer leadership roles in the American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America, thereafter relying on snowball sampling. Surveyed subspecialties were abdominal, cardiac, emergency, musculoskeletal, neuro, pediatric, and thoracic radiology, and medical physics. Individual respondents’ ratings were normalized for calculation of mean normalized ratings and priority rankings for each feature within subspecialties. Also calculated were intraclass correlation coefficients across image quality features within subspecialties, and analysis of variance across subspecialties within each feature. ResultsMost subspecialties had moderate to excellent intraclass agreement. For every radiology subspecialty except musculoskeletal, motion was the most important image quality feature. There was agreement across subspecialties that axial sharpness and contrast are only moderately important. There was disagreement across subspecialties on the relative importance of noise magnitude. Blooming was highly important to cardiac radiologists, and noise texture was highly important to musculoskeletal radiologists. ConclusionImage quality preferences differ based on clinical tasks and challenges in each anatomical radiology subspecialty. CT image analysis and development of quantitative measures of quality and protocol optimization—and related policy initiatives—should be specific to radiology subspecialty.

De la bruja “pecadora” a la bruja “demente”

The case of what happened with witchcraft and sorcery between the 14th and 18th centuries is paradigmatic when it comes to understanding the evolution of the consideration of crime as a mental illness between the 19th and 20th centuries. Witchcraft went from being considered as an exceptional crime very difficult to prove by conventional means, requiring a special procedure for its clarification, to becoming a medical problem centered in the search for diabolical stigmata, and even encouraged by possible situations of drugs consumption. From there to the falsely humanitarian consideration of witches as crazy persons, with the great sociopolitical and religious advantages that derived from this, there was only one step. The logical consequence of this perspective was the consideration of crime and social exclusion as public health problems and, therefore, transform them in matters of medical, psychiatric and hygienic issues. A history that should not be lost sight at present times. The new accusatory and stigmatizing public policies in relation to the treatment of those who do not fit into the general social picture can, as well, be considered like a new chapter of this issue of deep historical significance.

The impact of international NGOs on refugee support and policy influence: A global analysis

The global refugee crisis has placed unprecedented demands on humanitarian systems, with international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) playing a crucial role in supporting refugees and influencing related policies. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted impact of international NGOs on refugee support and policy influence across diverse global contexts. By synthesizing current research, policy documents, and case studies, this paper aims to enhance understanding of NGO contributions to essential services for refugees, their strategies for policy advocacy, and the complex dynamics between NGO activities and government initiatives. The review examines the effectiveness of NGO interventions in key areas such as healthcare, education, and livelihood support, analyzing their methods of policy influence through advocacy, research, and direct engagement with policymakers. It also evaluates refugee perceptions of NGO support compared to government assistance, revealing varied experiences across different contexts and types of aid. Furthermore, the paper investigates the alignment between NGO activities and official government policies on refugee management, highlighting both collaborative successes and areas of tension. The analysis reveals that while NGOs have made significant contributions to refugee welfare and policy development, challenges remain in coordination, sustainability, and adapting to diverse cultural contexts. The paper concludes with a discussion of future research directions and recommendations for enhancing NGO effectiveness in refugee support and policy advocacy, emphasizing the need for improved coordination, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practices in addressing the global refugee crisis.

스토킹 범죄자의 심리프로파일 필요성에 대한 연구

Since the implementation of domestic legislation related to stalking, stalking crimes have continuously increased, with numerous cases escalating to severe instances of murder, thereby raising social awareness about the seriousness of stalking. While research on stalking in South Korea has developed in various forms over the years, most previous studies have focused on limited topics. Although these diverse studies and attention are necessary for the prevention of stalking and effective responses, understanding and researching the psychological characteristics, motivations, and the traits of violence risk, especially those indicating extreme violence like homicide, are critically needed. In contrast to South Korea, countries overseas have already made considerable progress in profiling research that categorizes types of stalking offenders to predict and classify their risk. Therefore, this study aims to introduce specific research on stalking typologies and psychological profiling to the domestic field by analyzing prior profiling studies from abroad. Particularly, overseas studies, which conduct profiling based on empirical research on their own stalking offenders, are expected to provide significant insights and implications for domestic research on stalking offender psychological profiling and the development of related policies.

한족 중국인 유학생의 한국에서의 창업경험에 관한 질적연구

This study examines the motivation and experience of Han Chinese students who started a business in Korea. For this purpose, we interviewed three Han Chinese students who had experience starting a business in Korea with an investment visa and analyzed their experiences through narrative inquiry. As a result of the study, the background of Han Chinese students studying abroad to start a business were ‘not an only child’, ‘market insight’, ‘love for Korea and opportunity for high income’ and ‘being influenced by parents who run a business’, and the process of starting a business was revealed as ‘courage and persistence not to give up’, ‘good partner’, and ‘active efforts to solve problems’. Difficulties in the process of starting a business in Korea include ‘visa and legal difficulties,’ ‘cultural and language barriers,’ ‘physical and mental limitations,’ and ‘competition and betrayal.’ The meaning and growth through entrepreneurial experience include ‘the importance of employee education,’ and ‘discovering the value of sharing’, ‘regret over over-consumption’, and ‘growth after starting a business’. This study examined the unique entrepreneurship experiences of Han Chinese students in Korea, which is progressing toward becoming a multicultural society. It is significant as it promotes the activation of entrepreneurship among all foreigners and encourages the improvement of related policies and systems in the future.

An innovative analytical framework for energy consumption behavior: A study based on Beijing households

Residents’ energy consumption behavior has significant impacts on the achievement of carbon reduction targets and the effectiveness of related policies. Up to now, there has not been a complete framework that can accommodate internal psychological factors and external environmental factors. Based on the Planned Behavior theory and Value-Belief-Norm theory, this paper has added economic factors, policy impact, and convenience of consumption as important external environmental factors into a proposed model; in addition, knowledge level, behavioral expectations, and consumption habits are incorporated as new internal psychological indexes to construct a expanded framework. The framework integrates both internal psychological and external environmental factors, enriching and deepening the psychological foundation of behavioral analysis. After performing outlier detection, confirmatory factor analysis, and other steps on samples obtained from a questionnaire survey, the results of the framework fitting data show that it has high explanatory power for residents’ energy consumption behavior, which is significantly better than the existing models. Furthermore, the new critical path that determines Beijing residents’ energy consumption behavior is obtained by using the framework. In summary, this paper presents theoretical and empirical foundations for designing and enhancing low-carbon policies.

Ideas and Methods of Cognitive Science in the Studies of International Relations and Foreign Policy

Ideas and Methods of Cognitive Science in the Studies of International Relations and Foreign Policy

The right to be rural: Farm community development and social services in Zimbabwe’s resettlement areas

ABSTRACT At a time when practitioners and scholars are crystallized around reconnoitering the outcomes of Zimbabwe’s fast track land reform, focus on farm community development and social services in the resettlements is paltry. These communities were envisaged to be enablers and guarantors of rural and national development. Applying a Transformative Social Policy approach and qualitative methodology, the article draws on nuanced insights from the resettlement areas with the principal aim of advancing pathways for improving farm community development. The study shows that fast track communities are characterized by multiple and enduring lacunae in social services particularly schools, clinics, potable water, shopping centers, accessible roads, and reliable transport. However, the farmers are responding in agentive and innovative ways to reduce the challenges. This study enriches community development theory, and informs policy-makers on pertinent aspects that should inform policy and practice in relation to social services and development in resettlement areas.

Between Scylla and Charybdis: long-term drivers of EU structural vulnerability*

This work investigates the European Union’s structural vulnerability in an increasingly polarised global economy with ever more ‘weaponised’ interdependencies. Europe’s structural vulnerability is due to different interlinked and mutually reinforcing elements, which are the legacy of a self-defeating export-led growth model and a related economic policy set-up. We define structural vulnerability along four main dimensions – demand, supply, technology and critical raw materials – and discuss its main drivers. Highlighting the key role that Germany plays in shaping the EU growth model, we argue that the vicious circle between demand repression and supply deterioration has constrained innovation and growth, particularly in the southern periphery, making Europe more fragile in the face of external shocks. While acknowledging the recent change in the EU’s industrial policy approach, we argue that inadequate coordination at the EU level and the lack of common resources leave it to the fiscal capacity of individual member states to bridge the technological gap, with the real risk of further widening the core–periphery gap and increasing the structural fragility of the Union.