Public Policy Research Articles

INCLUSÃO DE PESSOAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA NAS ORGANIZAÇÕES: ANÁLISE DA PRODUÇÃO CIENTÍFICA NA BASE DE DADOS DA SPELL/ANPAD

Decent work is an important instrument to promote social inclusion and guarantee people’s citizenship and dignity. This aspect is especially relevant for people with disabilities (PWD), who historically face high rates of social exclusion. Given this scenario, there are public policies aimed at promoting the social inclusion of these people, in which the job market is one of the fundamental pillars. Thus, supported by the precepts of social inclusion, this research aimed to understand the difficulties faced by both people and organizations in the inclusion of people with disabilities, through an analysis of scientific production over the last 10 years in the Spell/Anpad database . This work was expected to show that companies play a fundamental role in the process of inclusion of people with disabilities (PWD), as they can hire, maintain and promote the skills and talents of each individual through work. However, it is important to highlight that the inclusion of people with disabilities in the job market should not be seen only as a legal obligation based on numbers, on quotas, but rather as an opportunity to combat prejudices rooted in society in relation to people with disabilities, adapting the work to the needs of each employee.

Multiple intelligences and financial decisions: An exploration

Objective: The objective of this research is to establish a relationship between the theory of multiple intelligences with the management and use of credit cards, including risk, patience, and economic education. This will allow the establishment of a line of marketing and consumption contextualized to the types of intelligence. Method: The design is observational -correlational, and this analysis was done using structural equation modeling (SEM). There were 498 participants in the study. Results: We found there was a positive relationship between the logical-mathematical and personal intelligences (intra and inter) with the management of patience, risk conditions, and tendency toward indebtedness. In the conceptual review, no studies were found that relate the present variables. In the same sense, the present work helps the marketing processes and product design better fit the profile of the user and/or buyer. Conclusion: Finally, it sheds light on the construction of public policy for the management of marketing and financial education.

Arts promotion and Black urban displacement: Exploring the paradox of the positive in government public relations and urban renewal discourse

For decades, scholars in the United States have lamented public policies and government actions that seem to affect, intentionally or unintentionally, already marginalized Black populations. Urban renewal policies and initiatives are examples of government actions that receive such criticism. Arts promotion as a strategic public relations tactic, used to attract middle- to -upper class residents and visitors to cities, is one communicative approach cities take to sell their attractiveness and viability. Yet, cities, urban renewal, and urban tourism research has not received much attention from Public Relations researchers. Critical public relations scholars, however, can help to expose key issues such as displacement and marginalization of Black citizens that are associated with city public relations activities such as promotional culture, arts/city marketing, and urban tourism. Using racial neoliberalism as a theoretical, analytical framework, we examine urban renewal in Cincinnati, Ohio USA, to demonstrate the power of boosterish, government-sponsored urban renewal efforts and the ways such paradoxically positive discourse makes it difficult for the often Black, inner-city communities to challenge advancement that might marginalize them further.

Comparative study of socially responsible consumption measurement in three Latin American countries

AbstractSocially responsible consumption reflects a consumer's political and ethical act. Its measurement is dependent on the socio‐economic and cultural context. Consequently, measurement instruments reflecting various behaviour profiles of global consumers have been developed. This study employs a Latin‐American‐specific measurement instrument to compare socially responsible consumption behaviours in Colombia, Mexico and Peru, countries with the same cultural cluster, that is they reflect a set of values shaped by religion, family, a sense of authority and a nationalist bias in their cultural pattern. The empirical test included confirmatory factorial analysis exercise, factorial invariance analysis and a contrast analysis of variance. The results for the three Latin American countries show the following. (i) The Mexican consumer, compared to the Peruvian and Colombian one, exhibits a stronger tendency to evaluate external practices of corporate social responsibility as a criterion of consumption. (ii) The rationality of the Mexican consumer is better in terms of consumption volume of products, resources and services. Finally, (iii) Peruvian and Mexican consumers (vs. Colombian consumers) exhibit a tendency to assess the responsible practices of companies in labour matters more as a consumption criterion. This study provides empirical evidence of the context‐dependent nature of measuring socially responsible consumption. For practitioners, identifying consumer profiles based on the market context enables them to customise goods and services. Moreover, policymakers should implement a sustainable consumption agenda with public policy guidelines tailored to the specific context.

A North-South Agent–Based Model of segmented labor markets: the role of education and trade asymmetries

Abstract Drawing upon the labour-augmented K+S Agent-Based Model (ABM), this paper develops a two-country North-South ABM wherein the leader and the laggard country interact through the international trade of machines. The model aims to address sources of asymmetries and possible converge patterns between two economies belonging to a currency union, that are initially differentiated only in terms of the education level they are able to ensure. Education is modeled as a macro-level public policy differently targeting three levels, that is primary, secondary and tertiary. After being educated, when workers enter the labour force, they face a segmented labour market, divided into three types of qualifications and resulting functions deployed inside firms, i.e., basic, medium and advanced occupations. The three markets are heterogeneous in terms of both requested education level and minimum offered wage. We experiment with different education and trade settings. Ultimately, we are interested in understanding the coupling effects of asymmetries in education, which reverberate in segmented labour markets and differentiated growth patterns. Notably, our focus on capital-goods trade, rather than on consumption goods, allows us to investigate a direct link between productive capabilities in complex products and country growth prospects.

Threats to economic security from the implementation of derivative investment projects in the field of protection of transport infrastructure facilities

Subject. The article addresses economic relations between investors and other entities involved in the protection of transport infrastructure facilities. Objectives. The aim is to identify new threats to economic security from the implementation of derivative investment projects in the field of protection of transport infrastructure facilities. Methods. The research employs systems approach, logical and comparative analysis, induction and deduction. The information base of the study rests on open data from Rosavtodor, Rosmorrechflot, Roszheldor, Rosaviation, accounting statements provided by enterprises and organizations, and materials on the results of analytical surveys of transport security workers conducted by Finnauchprosvet Association, in which more than 1,000 people participated. Results. The existence of derivative investment projects in the field of protection of transport infrastructure facilities and vehicles from acts of unlawful interference is indirectly confirmed at facilities for protection of public roads, marine and river transport. Investments in human capital in the context of formation and implementation of derivative investment projects in areas where the share of human resources exceeds 90% are absolutely ineffective and carry the risks of multiplying negative consequences from the implementation of derivative investment projects. A potentially effective measure to deter threats to economic security from the implementation of derivative investment projects in the field of object protection is a significant increase in the cost of control by the State and business. Conclusions. The sphere of protection of transport infrastructure facilities is not ready to expand due to unresolved problems of formation and development of derivative investment projects. The expansion process will entail a serious increase in threats to economic security. Based on the findings, public policy measures can be developed to ensure transport security from the perspective of economic security threats.

Does Food Expenditure Decrease after Retirement, and for Whom?

This paper examines the decline in food expenditure after retirement by quantiles of the consumption distribution, by gender, and by pre-retirement employment status. The decline in food expenditure after retirement is smaller among those who were employees than among those who were self-employed, but only for females. Males who did not work did not experience a decline in food expenditure when they crossed the official retirement age, while females who did not work decreased their food expenditure in parts of the consumption distribution. These results are consistent with the two common explanations of the decline in consumption after retirement: inadequate savings and substitution of time for money. Public policy should target the inadequate savings phenomenon in order to make food consumption more sustainable during retirement.

Coastal Laws evolution in Spain: An analysis from the public policy cycle

This paper presents an analysis of the evolution of the legislation on coasts in Spain using the methodology of the cycle of public policies. This made it possible to recognize important differences in how the issue of coasts entered into the government agenda, the definition of the problem to be addressed and the design of each of the laws analyzed, mainly due to the influence of the political and economic context. The entry into the government agenda ranges from the need to take advantage of the coast to promote tourism, the recovery of State ownership of the maritime-terrestrial public domain (MTPD) and the attempt to recover private ownership of properties released from the MTPD. In the design, two important elements have been maintained in all three cases: the definition of public domain (PD) goods, and the establishment of easements on privately owned land. In the 1988 and 2013 Laws, the publicist and conservationist legal principles have been maintained, as well as the techniques of the PD and the impact on private rights over properties adjoining the MTPD. The implementation of the laws has been very contrasting. The first law was hardly implemented at all, while the two subsequent laws have been resolutely implemented by the state administration. Finally, the most important elements that are recognized in the evolution of the Coastal Laws is the protection of the PD and the affectation of private property through easements. However, that the legal framework is confusing as two current Laws coexist.

Exploring the Relationship between the Coverage of AI in WIRED Magazine and Public Opinion Using Sentiment Analysis

The presence and significance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in society have been steadily increasing since 2000. While its potential benefits are widely acknowledged, concerns about its impact on society, the economy, and ethics have also been raised. Consequently, artificial intelligence has garnered widespread attention in news media and popular culture. As mass media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception, it is crucial to evaluate opinions expressed in these outlets. Understanding the public’s perception of artificial intelligence is essential for effective public policy and decision making. This paper presents the results of a sentiment analysis study conducted on WIRED magazine’s coverage of artificial intelligence between January 2018 and April 2023. The objective of the study is to assess the prevailing opinions towards artificial intelligence in articles from WIRED magazine, which is widely recognized as one of the most reputable and influential publications in the field of technology and innovation. Using two sentiment analysis techniques, AFINN and VADER, a total of 4265 articles were analyzed for positive, negative, and neutral sentiments. Additionally, a term frequency analysis was conducted to categorize articles based on the frequency of mentions of artificial intelligence. Finally, a linear regression analysis of the mean positive and negative sentiments was performed to examine trends for each month over a five-year period. The results revealed a leading pattern: there was a predominant positive sentiment with an upward trend in both positive and negative sentiments. This polarization of sentiment suggests a shift towards more extreme positions, which should influence public policy and decision making in the near future.

A Brief Review on Foodborne Zoonosis in Pakistan with the Perspective of One Health

Background: Zoonotic diseases pose a significant public health challenge globally, with developing countries like Pakistan facing heightened risks due to various factors such as climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities. These diseases, transmitted between animals and humans, have profound implications for healthcare systems, food safety, and public health policies. Objective: This study aims to identify the key risk factors associated with the prevalence of zoonotic diseases in Pakistan and evaluate the effectiveness of the 'One Health' approach in addressing these multifaceted challenges. Methods: A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on zoonotic disease outbreaks in Pakistan, their associated risk factors, and the impact of integrated health strategies. Data from government reports, peer-reviewed articles, and international health organization databases were analyzed to assess the current state of zoonotic diseases in Pakistan. Results: The findings indicate that climate change, environmental issues, lack of public awareness, and socio-economic inequities are the primary drivers of zoonotic disease transmission in Pakistan. Despite some progress in disease surveillance and public health education, gaps in food and water safety practices, vector control, and environmental management persist. The 'One Health' approach has shown potential in improving cross-sectoral collaboration and enhancing disease prevention measures, yet its implementation remains inconsistent. Conclusion: Effective management of zoonotic diseases in Pakistan requires a concerted effort that encompasses improved surveillance, enhanced public awareness, and robust environmental and food safety policies. The 'One Health' approach emerges as a critical framework for fostering collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to mitigate the risks and impacts of zoonotic diseases. Keywords: Zoonotic Diseases, One Health Approach, Public Health, Pakistan, Climate Change, Environmental Health, Disease Surveillance, Food Safety, Vector Control, Socio-economic Factors.

Overlapping cancer service areas: Delineation and implications

AbstractPrior research has defined cancer service areas (CSAs) anchored by major cancer centers in the U.S., such as members of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI). Those CSAs have discrete boundaries and may not capture the increasingly interwoven cancer care markets. This is the first attempt to delineate possible overlapping CSAs. Specifically, we integrate the concept of shared memberships and other spatial attributes into the Speaker‐Listener Label Propagation (SLPA) algorithm, termed the spatially constrained SLPA (or ScSLPA), and apply it to six representative areas in the U.S. The results show that overlapping CSAs tend to form in areas that are more urbanized, with higher localization index (LI) values, larger populations, and shorter travel times than discrete CSAs. Two CSAs in Los Angeles and San Diego are consistent with the catchment areas (CAs) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)‐designated cancer centers, and other CSAs are much smaller than the CAs of their anchoring cancer centers. The study has important implications for public health policy to advance cancer control and prevention efforts.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on People with Locomotor Disability in North India: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

To assess, analyse, and infer the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people living with locomotor disability in North India. Patients with locomotor disabilities who met the inclusion criteria received a questionnaire that had already undergone testing and validation. It covered topics highlighting the effect of the pandemic on general health, financial burden, psychological and mental health, social life and behaviour, disability and comorbidity management, transportation, and healthcare accessibility during the pandemic. In order to gauge the pandemic's effects on the population of people with locomotor disabilities, the answers to the questions were collected and analyzed. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected people living with locomotor disability, ranging from loss of wages and financial crisis to anxiety, depression and lack of sleep. People with disabilities had limited reach to health and community services that were vital for them, including basic life and functional needs, besides risks of mistreatment and other psychological consequences. This analysis suggests that the root cause of pandemic disparities is the lack of disability-inclusive planning and, more significantly, the pre-existing socioeconomic disparities and challenges that disabled people have been experiencing for a long time. We suggest that unambiguous public health and policy responses should be incorporated, and health, social participation, and socioeconomic disparity causes for disabled people should be addressed in tandem.

Smoking Susceptibility and Trends Among Nonsmoking Adolescents: An International Study.

Smoking susceptibility is defined as a lack of firm decision against smoking, usually starts in the preparation and/or initiation stages of smoking behavior, and is a strong predictor of smoking experimentation during adolescence. However, the recent global prevalence and trends in smoking susceptibility among adolescents are not well documented. This study assessed global smoking susceptibility and secular trends among nonsmoking adolescents. Smoking susceptibility was analyzed using the most recent data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey from 129 countries, where the data from each country were drawn from at least 1 survey conducted at any time between 1999 and 2020. Moreover, data from 82 countries were used to assess the average annual rate of change (AARC) in smoking susceptibility over time. Smoking susceptibility among nonsmoking adolescents was 19.6%. A U-shaped relationship was observed between susceptibility and a country's economic level. Most countries showed no changes in susceptibility over time. Countries with a significant upward trend in susceptibility were primarily high-income and upper middle-income countries in the American region. At the World Health Organization regional level, susceptibility significantly decreased in the European region (AARC: -3.5%; 95% confidence interval, -5.8 to -0.8); however, it significantly increased in the American region (AARC: 2.2%; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.1). Smoking susceptibility remains a serious public health challenge among adolescents worldwide. More public health policies are needed to reduce susceptibility and to control its upward trend in the American region and high-income countries.

Investigating Performance of Self-Medication in Multan During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examines the frequency and determining factors that impact using self-medication among academic professionals in Multan during the COVID-19 epidemic. Self-medication, which refers to the use of over-the-counter medications without the supervision of a medical expert, has gained significant attention during the pandemic due to limited access to healthcare facilities and heightened health anxieties. Employing a case study methodology, data was gathered from academic workers in Multan via questionnaires and interviews to investigate the extent of self-medication and ascertain the variables that contribute to it. The findings provide insight into the prevalence of self-administered treatment practices, frequently utilized drugs, motivations for self-medication, and influential sources of information guiding these choices. Potential predictors of self-medication behavior include factors such as the perceived intensity of symptoms, accessibility of pharmaceuticals, past experiences, and socioeconomic position. The implications of these findings for public health policies, healthcare delivery systems, and health education initiatives are examined, focusing on the significance of tackling the underlying reasons behind self-medication to guarantee secure and efficient healthcare practices during health crises such as the COVID-19 epidemic.

Effects of vitamin D levels during pregnancy on prematurity: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionPrematurity is an urgent public health problem worldwide. Recent studies associate maternal hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy with an increased risk of prematurity. However, the evidence on this association remains inconclusive,...

Socio-ecological factors that influence youth vaping: perspectives from Western Australian school professionals, parents and young people

ABSTRACT Purpose To understand from the perspectives of school professionals, parents and young people the socio-ecological factors that may facilitate and prevent e-cigarette use among young people in Perth, Western Australia. Methods Purposive sampling was used to recruit school professionals, parents and young people for one-on-one (n = 35) or joint (n = 3) interviews (in-person n = 11 or online n = 27). Data were analysed using thematic analysis and classified into four domains based on the socio-ecological model: i) individual, ii) interpersonal, iii) organizational/community and iv) societal/policy. Results Factors that were found to support vaping among young people included sensation-seeking and risk-taking behaviour; a low-risk perception of vapes; attractive characteristics of vapes; ease of access; perception vaping is a social activity; and lack of knowledge about vaping among parents and school professionals. Vaping prevention messages originating from the familial, educational and community spheres are lacking but wanted by adults and young people. Conclusions The pervasiveness of the e-cigarette trade and persistent challenges related to surveillance and enforcement need to be addressed to reduce exposure and access to e-cigarettes. A mixture of “hard” and “soft” public policy tools involving key stakeholders in a range of settings is needed to prevent e-cigarette access and uptake by young people.

Gender, marginalised groups, and young people’s mental health: a longitudinal analysis of trajectories

BackgroundIndividuals from marginalised groups experience higher levels of mental health difficulties and lower levels of wellbeing which may be due to the exposure to stress and adversity. This study explores trajectories of mental health over time for young women and girls and young people with other marginalised identities.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis on N = 14,215 children and young people (7,501 or 52.8% female, 6,571 or 46.2% male, and 81 or 0.6% non-binary or questioning) who completed a survey at age 11 to 12 years and at least one other annual survey aged 12 to 13 years and/or aged 13 to 14 years. We used group-based trajectory models to examine mental health difficulties.ResultsExcept for behavioural difficulties, young women’s and girls’ trajectories showed that they consistently had higher levels of mental health difficulties compared to young men and boys. A similar pattern was shown for non-binary and questioning children and young people. Children and young people with economic disadvantage and/or special education needs, and/or for whom there were welfare concerns, were generally more likely to experience higher levels of mental health difficulties.ConclusionsThis information could inform public policy, guidance and interventions.

The functioning of European social protection systems in fulfilling the needs of persons with disabilities during COVID-19 – a semi-systematic review

Previous research has shown that pre-existing social and economic inequalities deepened during the COVID–19 pandemic. Persons with disabilities were among the most affected social groups. This article focuses on the social support that persons with disabilities and their families received during the coronavirus pandemic in Europe. A semi-systematic literature review was conducted: 578 records were identified, and 31 empirical papers were included. Four themes emerged from thematic analysis: (1) challenges in formal social support and care, (2) challenges in informal social support and care, (3) access to information and assistive technology, (4) positive practices, innovative methods and opportunities. In public policy, health-related needs overshadowed the needs to be met by the social support system, revealing the already existing dysfunctions of social protection systems.

Assessing environmental justice contributions in research and public policy: an applied framework and methodology

ABSTRACT How can scholars and practitioners gauge the extent to which environmental justice (EJ) is present in research and policy? Through synthesizing the interdisciplinary environmental justice scholarship, we present a diagnostic framework for appraising the frequency and depth of environmental justice-based engagements in published academic research, with broader applications for gray literature, such as policy documents. We demonstrate how the diagnostic can be applied through a scoping review methodology for assessing EJ contributions in existing research on the Colorado River Basin – a global epicenter for intersecting climate change and water equity concerns. The results demonstrate that the existing literature mostly focuses on specific dimensions of justice and does not consider the interdependent nature of its multiple dimensions and measures. Overall, the applied diagnostic represents one approach for assessing EJ contributions, with important potential for informing research practice and public policy design.

An analysis of E-governance in Pakistan from the lens of the Chinese governance model

In this era of digitalization, the role of information and communication technology (ICT) has significantly increased. The integration of ICT into the government system has improved efficiency and working processes. Some countries such as China have successfully integrated ICT into their governance system. However, many other countries especially the developing world are yet to effectively utilize the role of ICT in their governance structure and these countries are struggling to produce a better governance system. It is, therefore, imperative for the developing world to learn from successful nations and devise their governance systems so that ICT can be fully utilized and produce good governance. However, such comparative analyses are not done as such to bring strengths and weaknesses in the integration of ICT into the governance system especially in developing countries' governance systems. This study contributes by conducting a comparative study on the China-Pakistan e-government progress. China has widely implemented e-government, which has helped the country to ensure good governance. Pakistan, on the other hand, is also moving towards digitalization and making efforts to implement e-government. This research examines the United Nations' E-Government Development Index (EGDI) reports and rankings. The findings of our research show that China has significantly improved its ranking, whereas Pakistan's ranking has indicated a gradual decline except for the year 2008. This happened because of a lack of investment in infrastructure, scarcity of financial resources, weak institutional capabilities, and limited access to advanced technologies. Moreover, there is a big gap between public policy and public implementation in Pakistani scenarios. However, it has been dug out in this study that employing the Chinese model and seeking cooperation with China can improve e-governance ranking and overall governance in Pakistan. The study advances the understanding of e-governance and its challenges in Pakistan and the findings of the study will assist researchers, policymakers, and officials in the implementation and development of e-projects in Pakistan.