Policy Development Research Articles

Unjustified refusal of employment as a type of discrimination

It has been argued that in practice, there is a violation of the rights of a candidate for employment by the employer at the stage of employment in the form of an unjustified refusal to employ. By the way, there are high-profile cases of refusal to hire without the employer explaining the reasons. Discrimination destabilizes labour relations, violates the right to work, and leads to labour disputes. It is concluded that an employer may discriminate against an employee in employment based on a false perception of a particular disease. It is emphasized that an employer is prohibited from denying employment to persons living with HIV/AIDS. The ILO Recommendation № 200 is analysed, the norms of which reflect the need to strengthen preventive measures in the workplace and to ensure access to treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS or affected by it. It calls for the development and adoption of national tripartite policies and programmes on HIV/AIDS in the workplace, as well as their integration into the overall national policies and programmes on HIV/AIDS. It presents a view on the need to respect the fundamental human rights of all workers, including the right to be free from compulsory HIV testing and disclosure of HIV status, while emphasizing the encouragement of all to undergo voluntary confidential HIV counselling and testing as early as possible. If during employment the employer requires HIV test results or does not hire without such results, which resulted in an unjustified refusal to hire, then the candidate for employment has the opportunity to protect his rights by using the following algorithm: 1) receiving a refusal (oral or written) to hire; 2) applying to court for protection of violated rights; 3) contacting specialists of the State Labour Service. Another category of persons who often suffer from discriminatory actions by employers, both at the stage of employment and in the course of work, has been identified: internally displaced persons. It has been stated that it is quite difficult to track and prove the unfoundedness of the refusal to provide employment to internally displaced persons. In addition, it is impossible to introduce by law any compulsory provision of certain benefits to internally displaced persons in the event of employment. It has been proven that the categories of persons who cannot compete on an equal footing in the labour market and are subject to discrimination in employment include persons released after serving a sentence or compulsory treatment.

Portrayals of disabilities in Children’s fiction: A literature review of anglophone, francophone and hispanophone studies

The present paper provides an overview of research on portrayals of people with disabilities in children’s fiction. A literature search identified 163 studies on this topic. A detailed survey of 78 analyses of corpora of books specifically intended for young children, rather than for adolescents or young adults, showed that most research has focused on certain types of disability, notably neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, most studies have examined fiction books written in English, which raises the question of whether their results can be generalized to other languages, especially in the case of communication disorders such as dyslexia. This review also reveals the interest expressed by research in the quality of portrayals of disabilities in children’s fiction and the evolution of research on this topic since the 1990s, a decade characterized by the development and implementation of inclusive policies in most North American and European countries.

Consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) and Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review

Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) have become a cause of concern because of their growing consumption levels across age groups and associated chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The aim of this review was to provide a detailed profile of the SSBs trends and associated health risk, with special focus on its role in breast cancer development. A review of current literature has depicted increased intakes of SSBs across the globe with servings ranging from 3 to 11 per day in different countries, while children, adolescents and young adults report the highest intake levels. These increased intakes further contribute to different metabolic diseases via increased body adiposity, blood glucose and insulin levels, and increased post-menopausal estrogen levels, all of which contribute to chronic diseases, including cancers. Nutrition interventions including ones that target SSBs reduction seem to have a positive impact on reducing the development of these non-communicable diseases and are also associated with better prognosis and survival chances in cancer patients. However, the implementation of SSBs taxation and mass awareness campaign interventions remains poor due to lack of policy development and regulation for these beverages. The control of SSBs intake across the world requires rigorous research to construct efficient and practical policies to reduce the accessibility and marketing of SSBs while simultaneously increasing awareness in the public regarding the health risks of these beverages. To achieve this, a coordinated approach involving different public and private sectors is needed.

Exploring the perceptions between ageing and mortality in selected prison facilities in Ghana

As the global population ages, understanding the implications of older persons within correctional facilities has become increasingly urgent. This study explores the complex relationships between ageing and mortality among older prisoners in Ghana, focusing on qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted with 26 prison officers. The research highlights the interplay of age-related vulnerabilities and systemic factors that exacerbate health risks. The findings identify critical factors influencing mortality, including underlying health conditions, the psychological impacts of incarceration, and social isolation. While some forms of care are available, they are often fragmented and reactive, lacking a comprehensive, preventative strategy to address the ongoing health needs of older inmates. Additionally, the study underscores the necessity of psychosocial support and the importance of creating age-responsive policies within the prison system. By illuminating the challenges older prisoners face, this research contributes to the growing discourse on health care in correctional settings and calls for targeted interventions to improve the well-being of this vulnerable population. The study also suggests avenues for further research to enhance understanding and inform effective policy development aimed at addressing the unique needs of older inmates.

Park City 2035: Analysis of Policy-Driven Urban Expansion and Heat Island Effects Under Scenario Simulation

Policy guidance plays a critical role in urban expansion and development patterns, and the scientific prediction of land use change trends and the assessment of the ecological benefits of future urban development are essential for effective policy-making. Different urban development policies not only shape the evolution of urban spatial patterns but also have a profound impact on the urban heat island effect (UHI) and cooling benefits. This study explores the impact of land use changes in Tianfu New District on the UHI and conducts multi-scenario simulations combined with different policy contexts. Focusing on Tianfu New District, four scenarios were selected: the Natural Development Scenario (ND), Economic Development Scenario (ED), Sustainable Development Scenario (SD), and Cropland Protection Scenario (CLP). To assess the impact of land use changes on the heat island effect, the study also used the InVEST urban cooling model (UCM) to evaluate the heat island mitigation effects under different scenarios. The results show that (1) the land use changes in Tianfu New District primarily went through three major stages: the natural ecological stage dominated by bare land, the rapid urbanization expansion stage, and the ecological restoration stage. (2) Under different scenarios, the land use changes differed significantly in their ability to mitigate the heat island effect. Both the Economic Development Scenario (ED) and Natural Development Scenario (ND) showed a weakening of cooling effects compared to the 2024 baseline, while the Sustainable Development Scenario (SD) and Cropland Protection Scenario (CLP) enhanced the region’s cooling capacity to some extent. Rational land use planning can promote economic development, and it can also play an important role in addressing climate change and mitigating the heat island effect. Future urbanization processes should pay more attention to integrating ecological protection and cooling strategies to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals. This study provides scientific evidence for land use planning and policy-making in Tianfu New District and similar regions.

A discourse of women entrepreneurship policy in Canada

ABSTRACT This research critically examines how Canadian government policies position women entrepreneurs through a discourse analysis grounded in poststructuralist feminist theory. Using publicly available texts from the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund and the website-based content of the 53 funded organizations as data sources, this study deconstructs the language shaping women entrepreneurship policy. The findings reveal three dominant discourses: positioning women as untapped economic resources, framing women as deficient in entrepreneurial skills requiring training, and perpetuating neoliberal feminist perspectives that align entrepreneurship with economic growth rather than gender equity. These discourses reinforce traditional gender roles and power dynamics, marginalizing women entrepreneurs and overlooking structural barriers within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This research highlights the limitations of deficit-based policy interventions, arguing for systemic reform that prioritizes equity and addresses structural inequities. By situating Canada’s policy approach within a broader international context, the study provides critical insights for policy makers in other countries that may view Canada as a model for women entrepreneurship policy. The findings underscore the urgency of moving beyond training-focused interventions to reimagine entrepreneurship ecosystems in ways that challenge male norms and foster inclusivity. This study also identifies opportunities for future research to evaluate the long-term impacts of Canada’s WES, particularly as it concludes in 2024, offering valuable lessons for global policy development.

Children's Enlightenment Music Education Based on Digital Technology

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis paper represents an empirical study that examines the impact of specific teaching methods on the effectiveness of preschool music education.ObjectivesThe current study seeks to determine whether the integration of digital technology improves the music learning outcomes of preschoolers.MethodsThe author compared the learning outcomes of junior (3–4 years) and senior (5–6 years) preschoolers and established the most effective teaching methods. The sample consisted of 90 children who attended a children's music education centre in Shanghai. The study used the observation method as well as specially developed criteria for assessing three main aspects of children's development: musical knowledge, emotional involvement, and creativity.Results and ConclusionsThe findings of the study can be applied to preschool education settings, providing a basis for curriculum and educational policy development.

THE INFLUENCE OF DELEGATIVE LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER PERFORMANCE ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH THE MERDEKA BELAJAR POLICY IN JEMBER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

This study investigates the influence of delegative leadership and teacher performance on student achievement in the context of Jember Regency's elementary schools, with the Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) policy as a mediating variable. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data were collected from 289 schools using questionnaires and analyzed through Partial Least Squares (PLS) with WarpPLS software. The findings reveal significant direct effects of delegative leadership and teacher performance on both the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar policy and student achievement. Furthermore, the Merdeka Belajar policy mediates the relationships between delegative leadership, teacher performance, and student achievement. This research integrates the Expectancy-Value Theory and Multi-Level Perspective framework, providing a novel understanding of the dynamics between leadership, teacher performance, policy implementation, and educational outcomes. The results emphasize the critical role of leadership empowerment, teacher development, and effective policy implementation in improving educational quality and student outcomes. These insights offer valuable implications for future educational strategies and policy development in Indonesia.

A wake-up call for India to improve the TB elimination strategies.

To augment a recent study highlighting the concerning rise in the global burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among children and adolescents, this article presents the realities in India, stressing the urgent need for enhanced TB elimination strategies. It explores how insufficient data, rising air pollution, and recent U.S. sanctions impede the detection and control of pediatric TB burden including MDR-TBs in India. This article serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders to take decisive actions while facilitating future research and policy development. We provide targeted recommendations to address vulnerabilities and prevent a potential public health crisis.

The Interdisciplinary Synergy Between Neurology and Psychiatry: Advancing Brain Health

The study of brain disorders has long been central to both neurology and psychiatry, with these two disciplines evolving as distinct yet deeply interconnected fields. In fact, these specialties often share overlapping symptoms, neural pathways, and treatment modalities, making interdisciplinary collaboration essential. Despite this, such collaborations remain sparse, particularly in clinical settings, research, training, and policy development. The increasing global burden of brain disorders has induced a paradigm shift, emphasizing the need for cooperative efforts to preserve brain health. Effective interdisciplinary collaborations between neurology and psychiatry as well as with other partners involved in brain health and other medical specialties is crucial to improving patient outcomes and societal well-being. Furthermore, the development of comprehensive training programs in brain health is vital, aligning with the recent rise in brain medicine as a unified field. This article reviews the historical evolution of neurology and psychiatry, explores current synergies, and identifies areas for future collaboration, particularly in enhancing research, education, and shared preventative strategies. Ultimately, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between neurology and psychiatry along with other medical specialties and relevant partners will be key to advancing brain health and addressing the global burden of brain disorders.

Identifying and analyzing the interactions of social determinants of health in Iran

Background: Although healthcare is a key determinant of health status, in recent years, the role of non-medical factors in health has become more prominent, and policymaking in the field of social determinants of health has been recognized as one of the most important areas for improving community health. This study aimed to identify and analyze social determinants of health in Iran. Methods: The present study used mixed-methods approach. First, the qualitative approach was conducted using Graneheim and Lundman’s six-step method to analyze the content of 58 sources and identify social determinants of health at the micro level. Subsequently, the quantitative Fuzzy Delphi method and Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) were used to determine priorities and interactions. To this end, first, the factors identified by 15 academic and executive experts in the field of health were screened using the fuzzy Delphi method, and then 6 of these experts were purposefully selected to determine the relationships between the factors. Results: The 83 identified determinants were classified into two categories: individual level with seven subcategories (family status, healthy start to life, childhood development, social gradient, individual behaviors, spiritual and mental health, and lifelong programs); and local level with four subcategories (environmental and chemical, physical environment, urban infrastructure, and social environment). After drawing a fuzzy cognitive map and determining causal relationships between factors, social environment (centrality degree = 12.10) and individual behaviors (centrality degree= 11.43) were found to be the most influential factors. Conclusion: The findings of this study, by providing a fuzzy map, identified quantitative relationships between factors and helped policymakers understand priorities and linkages between sectors for the development and implementation of health-oriented policies in all sectors.

Food waste recycling: Utilization, management, and innovation

This study assessed the nature of food waste and potential of food waste recycling in Ilesha West Local Government Area of Osun. Using descriptive research design aided by waste management hierarchy framework, this study gathered data using structured questionnaire distributed to a total sample size 210. The questionnaire was constructed and validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two other experts with Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.83, signifying reliability of the instrument's internal consistency. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that households, restaurants, and markets generate food waste in large quantities. This implies that large food waste types are generated from different food outlets and if not properly managed could cause environmental pollution, health risks, economic loss, food insecurity, climate change, resource waste, and greenhouse emissions. Innovative use of food waste can bring about improved waste management, economic benefits, environment conservation as well as food security. Theoretically, it can contribute to waste management theory, assessment of recycling technologies, and development of a sustainable food system and this study can form a framework for the development of policy and regulation that supports food waste recycling and reduction in Ilasha West Local Government of Osun state. It is recommended that educational campaigns and local community meetings be organized to educate households, markets, and restaurants about the risks associated with improper waste disposal and to emphasize the importance of adopting sustainable waste management practices.

Multi-compartmental risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in soil, plants, and wastewater: A model from Industrial Gazipur, Bangladesh

Heavy metal contamination in industrial-agricultural regions poses global challenges, yet comprehensive risk assessment models addressing both ecological and human health impacts are scarce. This study introduces a novel multi-compartmental risk assessment framework applied to the Saldha River region of Gazipur, Bangladesh, a rapidly industrialising area experiencing significant environmental stress. Here, we analysed eight heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, and Cd) in soil, wastewater, and plant samples (spinach, wild rice, and nut grass) via atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Ecological risks were evaluated through contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo), while human health risks were assessed using hazard indices (HI). Results revealed severe Cd contamination (enrichment factor 2563.19), indicating substantial anthropogenic influence. Correlation analysis of wastewater samples showed strong associations between metal pairs, such as Cu–Zn (0.92), Cu-Fe (0.90) and Zn-Mn (0.87), indicating common industrial sources. Transfer factor (TF) analysis in plants demonstrated substantial variability in metal uptake, with Mn and Ni showing the highest bioavailability, increasing risks to local food chains. Human health risk assessments indicated hazard indices (HI) exceeding safety thresholds for both adults and children, underscoring the urgent need for mitigation strategies. This study offers a novel, integrative framework for assessing multi-source contamination and provides critical baseline data for future environmental policy development. The model is adaptable to industrial regions worldwide, such as textile hubs in Southeast Asia or metal processing zones in Europe and North America, offering new insights into contamination pathways and risk management.Graphical

Patron-client relationship in the Rohingya camps: recent trends and impact on refugee governance

Bangladesh’s rapidly increasing population is putting immense pressure on its resources. Additionally, the country bears the responsibility of providing shelter and protection to millions of Rohingya refugees. This article explores the existing hierarchical patron-client system and its impact on the Rohingya camp and its surrounding areas in Bangladesh, involving all the stakeholders. Through in-depth interviews and case study analysing approach, the study highlights the manifestation of exploitation and the patterns of clientelism among the Rohingya and the host community in accessing the resources. It also assesses the vulnerability of the Rohingya community and the local populations, revealing how the governance is facing significant challenges despite having aid from national and global agencies due to the regional complex political economy. The new survival strategy adopted by the Rohingya and the locals in the name of power and resource exchange creates new minority groups in the locality and challenges that ought to bring new dynamics considering the future policy development regarding repatriation of the Rohingyas. The unfamiliar socio-economic transition that emerged from the influx of Rohingya refugees since 2017 demands new strategic policy formulation to govern the camp and repatriation strategy. The study affirms the urgent need to formulate such policy to bring peaceful co-existence of the Rohingya and the local host. It urges the importance of acknowledging the existing multi-dimensional patron-client relationships in the camp to improve refugee governance strategy and develop durable solutions.

Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy: A Literature Review

Climate change and the requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are becoming a growing concern and challenge for mankind. Renewable energy sources emerge as a promising solution that can address this concern. However, in formulating development policies, planning, and practical implementation of renewable energy projects, there have been many objections and barriers from the public due to concerns about the negative effects of developing these forms of energy. This makes it challenging to achieve the development plans and goals of national commitments to combat climate change. The study of social acceptance of renewable energy technologies has become an area of research with many publications. This article provides an overview of the research field on the social acceptance of renewable energy in general and wind power in particular, including integrating the research situation in Vietnam.

Evaluation of an Outpatient Research Facility Telehealth Program.

Chronic diseases globally contribute to heightened rates of morbidity and mortality. Telehealth is a viable approach to managing chronic illness. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, a research facility implemented telehealth in April 2020 to continue research activities. A telehealth program evaluation was needed to explore the facility's strengths and improvement opportunities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Framework for Program Evaluation guided the evaluation to determine whether telehealth implementation improved care access, efficiency, and provider experiences. Missed and canceled visits, visit duration, and wait times between April 2020 and June 2023 were analyzed for those 19 years and older with chronic illnesses identified by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes. Provider experiences were measured with the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire. The facility transitioned from Microsoft Teams® to a telehealth platform in March 2023, offering more robust data. Analyses revealed improved completed visits, decreased patient abandoned visits, and varied canceled and duration percentages. Providers missed visits less frequently than patients. Run charts for telehealth total visits versus chronic visits did not reveal special cause variations. Provider experiences were favorable except for telehealth reliability and interface quality. Recommendations include continued user training, evaluating patients' experiences, exploring telehealth's impact on research participant recruitment, and standardizing evaluation processes through policy development.

The Global Consortium of Oral Health Birth Cohort Studies-GLOBICS.

This article highlights the transformative initiatives of the Global Consortium of Oral Health Birth Cohort Studies (GLOBICS) as a key response to the call for a global overhaul of the oral health agenda. Recognizing the critical role of birth cohort studies in public health, particularly in understanding the interplay between oral health, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and social inequalities, GLOBICS is spearheading efforts that are research driven and focused on translational pathways. GLOBICS is advancing an International Research Agenda with 8 key priorities aimed at addressing the most pressing questions in oral health research. These priorities shall guide pooled analyses from oral health birth cohort studies (OHBCS) spread across the globe, enabling the consortium to generate robust evidence answering core research questions. One of the major efforts of GLOBICS is data harmonization, which involves standardizing and integrating data from multiple sources to ensure consistency and comparability. This process is vital for generating reliable global insights and fostering collaborations with new research partners. GLOBICS also emphasizes the nurturing of the next generation of OHBCS researchers, ensuring that the field continues to grow and innovate. The consortium's commitment to disseminating and translating its findings is central to its mission. By supporting the development of clinical practice guidelines, policies, and public health information tailored to the specific contexts of its collaborators, GLOBICS is making strides toward tangible improvements in global oral health. This work is a testament to the power of collaborative research and an invitation for further contributions to this global effort.

Towards compliance with the 2021 WHO air quality guidelines: A comparative analysis of PM2.5 trends in australia and china.

Towards compliance with the 2021 WHO air quality guidelines: A comparative analysis of PM2.5 trends in australia and china.

BRICS and Climate Change Law: An Opportunity to Save the Planet

Climate change is a global problem requiring the cooperation of different states to cope with it. This global challenge has been a major concern for the international community mainly through several United Nations Treaties and other international bodies. Despite having a huge appeal to all countries of the world, the implementation of climate change interventions has yet to produce the desired results. The BRICS Plus initiative presents an opportunity for further cooperation with like-minded countries that are at the forefront of driving the global economy. BRICS Plus also presents an opportunity for cooperation to tackle climate change. This paper analyses how countries' cooperation under the BRICS contributes to developing the international climate change regime. BRICS is a bloc of top emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - which has been enlarging since January 2024 by adding new member states such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This paper evaluates relevant provisions of the Johannesburg II Declaration of 2023 and the climate pledges of original and new BRICS members expressed in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Based on this evaluation, the article concludes with a common vision of the development of climate change policy by the bloc and how differences and similarities of approaches of the BRICS members contribute to the cooperation for addressing the climate change challenge.

Strengthening Link between National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), Sector Policies and National Development Plans: Implications for Climate Change Governance.

Climate change alignment across national climate change adaptation planning frameworks, sector policies and national development plans is a crucial component of climate change governance and supports synergy that contributes greater effectiveness and efficiency in addressing the impacts of climate change. However, studies that assess climate change coherence between national climate change adaptation planning frameworks and policy frameworks have been inadequate. This study intended to understand the extent of climate change coherence across national climate change adaptation planning frameworks, sector policies and national development plans in Tanzania. A mixed research design employing sequential methods was adopted. Both primary and secondary data was used. Primary data were collected through interviews with key policy experts from government ministries and climate change focal point authorities. Secondary data was collected through a content review of sector policies, national development plans and climate change adaptation planning documents. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants and policy documents. Qualitative content analysis was used to assess text data using a scoring matrix to generate descriptive information. The descriptive information was further standardised using percentages for each sector as well as the percentage score for the overall plans. The findings revealed a weak alignment between national development plans and national climate change response strategies that were attributed to weak alignment between sector policies. However, the study found a moderate extent of climate change consideration in national development plans. Consequently, the study recommended strategies to strengthen the alignment between national climate change response strategies, sector policies and national development plans.