Policy Development Research Articles

The Rise of Aging Influencers: Exploring Aging, Representation, and Agency in Social Media Spaces

Objective: This study investigates the rise of aging influencers on social media, aiming to understand their roles in reshaping societal perceptions of aging, promoting inclusivity, and bridging generational divides. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in theories of ageism, the social construction of aging, and the attention economy. These frameworks provide a robust foundation for analyzing how digital platforms mediate representations of aging and influence societal narratives. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and CNKI. The review synthesizes findings from 10 studies published between 2015 and 2024. Thematic analysis identified recurring patterns in content strategies, representation, and audience engagement. Results and Discussion: Aging influencers challenge ageist stereotypes by emphasizing vitality, creativity, and resilience, while also facing pressures from commercialization and algorithm-driven visibility. Cultural variations reveal that Western influencers often highlight individuality, while those in collectivist societies emphasize family and community values. Challenges include marginalizing diverse experiences of aging and ethical concerns regarding influencer autonomy. Research Implications: The study highlights the potential for aging influencers to advocate for systemic change, promote healthy aging, and inspire intergenerational dialogue. It suggests practical applications in policy development, marketing strategies, and public health initiatives. Originality/Value: By synthesizing current research, this study contributes to the emerging discourse on aging influencers, emphasizing their unique role in fostering age inclusivity and redefining digital engagement across generations.

Hydrogen as a Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origins in the European Union—The Emerging Market and Regulatory Framework

The European Union continues to lead global efforts toward climate neutrality by developing a cohesive regulatory and market framework for alternative fuels, including renewable hydrogen. This review article critically examines the recent evolution of the EU’s policy landscape specifically for hydrogen as a renewable fuel of non-biological origin (RFNBO), highlighting its growing importance in hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and transportation. We assess the interplay of market-based mechanisms (e.g., EU ETS II), direct mandates (e.g., FuelEU Maritime, RED III), and support auction-based measures (e.g., the European Hydrogen Bank) that collectively shape both the demand and the supply of hydrogen as RFNBO fuel. The article also addresses emerging cost, capacity, and technical barriers—ranging from constrained electrolyzer deployment to complex certification requirements—that hinder large-scale adoption and market rollout. The article aims to discuss advancing and changing regulatory and market environment for the development of infrastructure and market for hydrogen as RFNBO fuel in the EU in 2019–2024. Synthesizing current research and policy developments, we propose targeted recommendations, including enhanced cross-border coordination and capacity-based incentives, to accelerate investment and infrastructure development. This review informs policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers on critical success factors for integrating hydrogen as a cornerstone of the EU’s climate neutrality efforts.

P-1994. Rapid COVID-19 Transmission and Multi-layered Interventions in a High-rise Detention Center from January to March 2022 in South Korea

Abstract Background Correctional and detention facilities face significant challenges in controlling the spread of highly infectious pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 due to overcrowded conditions, inadequate ventilation, and shared facilities. Despite reports on COVID-19 outbreaks in various correctional settings worldwide, investigations into outbreaks in metropolitan high-rise prisons remain scarce, warranting detailed examination. Diagnosed cases of coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) in detention center (blue) and South Korea (yellow), January through March 2022 Methods The detention center, which covers an area of 41,658 mm2, can accommodate 2,070 individuals and housed 1,977 inmates and 674 correctional officers at the time of outbreak detection. The facility comprises five buildings, including one 10-story and four 12-story buildings, with 47 wards. Each building is connected with the following building through a common hallway located at the distal end of each building. Descriptive analyses were conducted on demographic characteristics, symptom onset dates, comorbidities, vaccination status, and exposure history of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated using logistic regression models. Epidemic curve of SARS-CoV-2 case-patients by building and floor(vertical axis), South Korea, 2022 Results From January 25 to March 2, 2022, 492 people, including 474 (30.0%) of 1,977 incarcerated persons (cumulative attack rate of 24%) and 18 (2.7%) of 674 staff members at the detention center, were confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. High-rise facility characteristics contributed to rapid transmission, with the index case identified on January 25, 2022. However, the implementation of physical distancing, decarceration, limiting movement, and conducting serial and mass testing, despite being complex and requiring substantial resources, effectively slowed the spread of the Omicron variant amidst persistent community transmission. Vaccine effectiveness against infection was estimated at 52.7% (95% confidence interval, 37.2% to 64.4%) for three doses. Characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 case-patients in a detention center, South Korea, 2022 Conclusion The findings underscore the vulnerability of high-rise detention centers to COVID-19 outbreaks and emphasize the effectiveness of multi-layered interventions in curbing transmission. Swift and comprehensive measures are crucial for controlling outbreaks in high-density, enclosed settings, informing future pandemic response efforts and policy development. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

P-162. Estimating the Seroprevalence of HTLV-1 in Pregnant Peruvian Women Based on Blood Bank Markers: a Road to Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HTLV-1

Abstract Background The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a top priority for HTLV-endemic countries due to its chronicity, lack of treatment and association with the aggressive adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma in comparison to other routes of infection. As of 2024, Japan, Brazil and Chile are few of the countries with national policies regarding antenatal screening. Peru, also an endemic country with around 150,000 to 450,000 HTLV-1 carriers, has limited data in pregnant women and does not have any PMTCT policy in place. By contrast, HTLV-1/2 antibody screening of blood donations has been endorsed since 1997 and national data are available. We aim to leverage these data to estimate the prevalence of HTLV-1 in pregnant women as a first step towards development and implementation of a PMTCT policy in Peru. Figure 1 Estimation of number of HTLV-1 infected pregnant women and HTLV-1 seroprevalence in pregnant women in Peru (2017) Methods This was an ecological study using public-use data from the Peruvian Bulletin on Blood Supply 2015-2020, the 2017 National Census, the 2017 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the National Registry. The unit of analysis was Peru and its subregions in the year of 2017. To estimate the number of infected women of reproductive age (WRA, 15-49 years), we used census data and a calculated percentage of HTLV-1/2 reactive blood units for this group based on a weighted factor by sex and age (Figure 1, Table 1). Using the DHS percentage of WRA currently pregnant, we estimated the number of infected pregnant women. To obtain the HTLV-1 prevalence for this group, we used the number of life births adjusted for a 9-month period (0.75) as the denominator. Calculation of weighted factor for HTLV-1/2 seroprevalence by age and sex based on local blood bank data Results A total of 359,458 blood units were screened and 2,809 were reactive for HTLV-1/2 (0.78%) (Figure 2). We estimated between 68,456 to 72,978 HTLV-1 carriers who were WRA, of whom 2,463 to 2,773 were pregnant (Figure 3). This is comparable to rates in Japan and Brazil. Our estimated HTLV-1 seroprevalence in pregnant women was 0.61% for the entire country. Number and percentage of HTLV-1/2 reactive blood units in 2017 by departments of Peru Conclusion Our findings could help guide future strategies for PMTCT, such as universal antenatal screening and assessing the feasibility of formula supplementation for infants born to HTLV-1 positive mothers. Our limitations included the use of one-year data, HTLV-1/2 false-positives in blood donors and not using inverse probability weighting. Estimated number and percentage of HTLV-1 infected pregnant women in 2017 by Departments of Peru Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Urban regeneration and community participation: a critical review of project-based research

PurposeThis study explores how sustainable community participation can be fostered in urban regeneration projects, particularly focusing on improving stakeholder engagement and ensuring equitable collaboration. The study aims to provide insights into who will benefit from these factors, specifically considering community members and policymakers. While cooperative decision-making has been a focus of recent studies, challenges such as ineffective cooperation strategies and unequal interest distribution among stakeholders remain important barriers. A comprehensive and systematic review of existing research is needed to inform future research in this area.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed the PRISMA-ScR checklist in a comprehensive scoping review and created an evaluation framework based on 126 journal papers. The framework comprises three categories of studies that examine community participation in the context of urban regeneration projects: (1) policies and strategies, (2) community participation methods and (3) sustainable approaches.FindingsThe in-depth review of these 30 selected articles revealed several potential ways to examine the mechanisms and interactions related to stakeholders’ engagement for community participation in urban regeneration projects. The findings suggest that sustainable community participation strengthens long-term community involvement and project success by fostering a sense of ownership. The review also identified limitations in current research and proposes concrete future research directions.Originality/valueThis study provides a roadmap for researchers and policymakers, offering strategies to improve collaborative decision-making in urban regeneration. It offers actionable insights for enhancing sustainable community participation and informs the development of effective policies in urban regeneration projects.

Institutional, neighborhood, and life stressors on loneliness among older adults

BackgroundLoneliness is a public health epidemic in the United States (US), with older adults being vulnerable to experiencing loneliness. Predictors of loneliness are less understood among racial/ethnic groups of US older adults, and few studies have included perceived institutional discrimination (PID), stressful life events (SLE), and perceived neighborhood characteristics (PNC) as antecedent stressors of loneliness in diverse older adult samples. Our study assessed the relationship between these stressors and loneliness among specific racial/ethnic groups of older adults.MethodsWe used the Health and Retirement Study data (n = 9,904) to examine whether PID, SLE, and PNC were associated with loneliness. Loneliness was measured using the 11-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. PID included unfairly not hired for a job, unfairly prevented from moving into a neighborhood, and unfairly treated by the police. SLE included moving to a worse neighborhood/residence, being robbed or burglarized, and unemployed/looking for a job. PNC were measured as discohesion and disorder. Lagged multivariate linear regression models regressed loneliness (2014/2016 HRS waves) on PID, SLE and PNC (2010/2012 HRS waves) measured as cumulative totals and individual items. Models were stratified by Black (BOAs), Hispanic/Latinx (HOAs), and White (WOAs) older adults.ResultsCumulative totals of PID, SLE, and neighborhood discohesion were associated with loneliness among BOAs while only discohesion was associated with loneliness among HOAs. Cumulative totals for PID, SLE, and PNC were associated with loneliness among WOAs. Individual stressors predicting loneliness for BOAs were moving to a worse residence and being robbed/burglarized. For HOAs, being prevented from moving to a neighborhood was associated with greater loneliness while being robbed/burglarized was associated with less loneliness. Individual stressors predicting greater loneliness for WOAs were being unfairly not hired for a job, receiving unfair treatment during police encounters, and moving to a worse residence.ConclusionsOur study finds racial/ethnic variation in psychosocial stressors predicting loneliness four years later. Nevertheless, neighborhood discohesion was the most salient stressor and was associated with greater loneliness across all racial/ethnic groups. Future research and interventions should consider the differing stress appraisal processes across groups and to support the development of resources and policies to ameliorate loneliness among diverse older adults.

Shaping Minds and Societies: The Legal History of Education in China

This paper seeks to present a legal study of the educational systems in China as well as to establish legal developments of laws and policies and its reforms within China’s educational systems. Starting with the imperial education laws based on the Confucianism which largely stressed the imperial order and helped to select bureaucratic officials, the discussion proceed with the education laws of the republican era, with founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, and with the modern legal changes for education aimed at extending, equalizing and enhancing education. In the case of education, laws were passed and implemented mainly as social engineering policies to fight illiteracy; to incite an increased enrolment of children into primary schools, and to address inequity. Another major step was made in 1986 when the National People’s Congress adopted the Education Law regulating compulsory education as the right of every citizen, establishing nine year compulsory education, and placing education at the priority level of the state. In 1990s and 2000s, educational reform aimed at the improving parity between urban and rural schooling, development of technical and vocation education and training (TVET) higher education and private sector education (PSE). At the same time, curriculum content was made standardized to improve its quality, including rules for enhancing the quality of the teaching staff and for determining the rights and obligations of educational institutions. The government’s more recent of the Double Reduction Policy of 2021 is an attempt at relieving academic pressure and tackling the socioeconomic issues surrounding private tuition.However, the following factors are attained hence a mode of concern; There has been a continued trend in inequalities between the urban and the rural areas, education has not been universal and is still indifferent between the quality it provides to the students now and then, laws remain to be enacted due to China’s orientation of becoming more international and technologically intelligent. Thus, in the course of this paper, these current issues are discussed and the prospects for future development of education law in China are analyzed, focusing on the fact that, while maintaining the proper balance of state regulation, the state’s goals should correspond to the various orientations for the development of education for the population.

Enhancing Mental Health and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Swiss Perspective on Public Health Interventions and Stigma Mitigation Strategies Informed by a Desk Review

This desk review evaluates the current state of interventions for mental health and cognitive functioning among older adults in Switzerland focusing on the features of these interventions as well as on Swiss-specific contextual factors that contribute to vulnerability and stigma. The goal is to guide the development of effective, evidence-based interventions and policies to ensure that older adults in Switzerland not only live longer but also enjoy better mental health and cognitive functioning. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus for eligible studies from January 2018 until October 2024. We included studies investigating interventions targeting mental health and/or cognitive functioning in older adults living in Switzerland. In addition, we searched for gray literature reporting on cognitive and mental health interventions, as well as mental health, cognitive functioning, stigmatization, and stigma mitigation strategies in the Swiss context. Core features of the interventions (intervention type, efficacy, delivery modes, recruitment, stigma-related aspects) and target populations (groups at risk of vulnerability, stigma sources) were extracted, descriptively summarized, and discussed. A comprehensive search resulted in 1200 records, with 26 peer-reviewed articles and five gray literature reports meeting the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that individualized multidomain interventions, including behavioral change techniques and multifaceted stigma-mitigating strategies, might be required to sustainably improve mental health in older adults.

Personal, environmental and behavioral predictors associated with online fraud victimization among adults.

Online malicious attempts such as scamming continue to proliferate across the globe, aided by the ubiquitous nature of technology that makes it increasingly easy to dupe individuals. This study aimed to identify the predictors for online fraud victimization focusing on Personal, Environment and Behavior (PEB). Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) was used as a guide in developing the PEB framework. Specifically, three factors were identified-Self-awareness (Personal), Attitude (Personal and Environment) and Safe Practice (Behavior) as the potential predictors for online fraud victimization. A self-reporting questionnaire was developed based on the PEB framework and used to collect data targeting Malaysian adults. The study reports result from two separate datasets collected across two separate timelines. Study I involved data collection in January 2023 (n = 820) whereas Study II was conducted with a modified questionnaire from November 2023 -January 2024 (n = 629). Study I identified the online fraud victimization predictors through an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and a hierarchical binary logistic regression. The dataset from Study II was used to validate the online fraud victimization model derived from Study I by executing another round of hierarchical binary logistic regression. Results from both the samples show that most of the respondents are aware of digital privacy. EFA from Study I yielded a five-factor solution with a total variance of 60.6%, namely, Self-awareness, Safe Practice, Bank Trust, Overconfidence and Social Influence. Hierarchical binary logistic regression results from both the studies were found to be consistent. Specifically, Overconfidence (β = 0.374; OR = 1.453; 95% CI [1.119, 1.887]; p = 0.005) and Social Influence (β = 0.332; OR = 1.225; 95% CI [1.077, 1.512]; p = 0.006) were found to significantly predict online fraud victimization as well as gender (β = 0.364; OR = 1.440; 95% CI [1.008, 2.016]; p = 0.045) with females exhibiting higher risks to victimization. The emergence of Overconfidence and Social Influence as significant predictors can guide the development of targeted online fraud awareness campaigns and/or tools emphasizing critical thinking and skepticism. Policymakers can leverage this knowledge to implement regulations that reduce deceptive practices online, promote digital literacy programs, and mandate clearer consumer protections to mitigate the impact of social manipulation and overconfidence on fraud victimization. This study identifies online fraud victimization predictors, hence improving our understanding of the factors behind this phenomenon-allowing for the development of effective preventive measures and policies to safeguard individuals and improve digital security. For instance, gender- specific educational campaigns can be developed to enhance awareness and equip women with strategies to detect and avoid scams. Additionally, addressing systemic factors like social norms and digital literacy gaps is crucial for creating equitable and effective solutions to reduce online fraud victimization.

Xenotransplantation as a business solution to the organ shortage.

Xenotransplantation has the potential to alter the U.S. transplant system in profound ways. However, this emerging "spare parts" solution spearheaded by biotechnology companies raises concerns about its impact on the organ shortage, healthcare systems, population health, and health inequalities. We contend that xenotransplantation may have limited benefits in improving health, could prove prohibitively expensive for many, and may divert resources away from proven public health measures. Additionally, it carries the risk of perpetuating stigma. Xenotransplantation may thereby exacerbate existing healthcare inequities across racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and geographic lines. To mitigate these risks, we contend that public health expert input is integral for xenotransplant policy development and outreach and that this underscores the importance of federal government investment in transplant infrastructure.

From Norms to Numbers: The OECD DAC Gender Marker in Finnish-Afghan Development Practices

This article critically analyzes the OECD DAC’s gender equality policy marker through the theoretical lens of sociological institutionalism, exploring its rationale, data production processes, and associated challenges. Drawing on empirical evidence from Finnish-funded development interventions in Afghanistan, it examines how qualitative gender-related objectives are translated into quantitative indicators at both national and organizational levels. The mixed-methods approach incorporates semi-structured and thematic interviews, quantitative data from the OECD DAC and Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside relevant academic literature. Sociological institutionalism guides the analysis, uncovering the underlying reasons for the gender marker’s existence. For the OECD DAC, the marker enhances legitimacy and reinforces its authority by prompting comparability, transparency, and alignment amongst member states. For Finland, the marker initially served as a compliance tool for DAC reporting, but has since taken on additional roles, including steering development policy decisions, compiling aid statistics, and signaling the Ministry’s commitment to gender equality. These uses create a gap between rhetoric and practice, as the marker’s forward-looking design often fails to capture the realities of implemented interventions. The findings reveal that the gender marker falls short of its stated aim of measuring the development finances allocated by DAC members to support gender equality. This article provides insights into the creation and use of gender indicators, particularly in a global context where the women’s agenda has been increasingly overshadowed by geopolitics and securitization. This shift reflects the growing influence of the development-security nexus, which emerged in connection with the war-on-terror paradigm.

Healthcare financialisation in the Global South: examining the role of the World Bank Group in promoting public private partnerships in health in Africa

Abstract In recent development policy discourse, an ambition to deliver comprehensive healthcare to all citizens in the Global South via publicly financed provisioning systems has been replaced by calls for universal health coverage (UHC). At the heart of today’s promotion of UHC in the Global South is a strategy to involve private actors as providers and financiers of healthcare. This is presented as an apt approach to overcome an acute financing gap to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 on attaining UHC. As part of these efforts, public private partnerships (PPPs) are celebrated as an efficient way of mobilising private sector resources and expertise, including in Africa. The World Bank Group (WBG), as a lead actor in international development, is at the forefront of promoting such a policy solution, despite mounting evidence of the pernicious implications of the increased prevalence of health PPPs across both Global North and South. Our contribution to this Special Issue on healthcare financialisation is twofold. First, we demonstrate how health PPPs can act as vehicles of healthcare financialisation, posing significant threats to equitable healthcare delivery. Second, we examine the WBG’s role in promoting health PPPs in Africa. By doing so, we shed light on the ways in which health PPPs can serve as an important channel for the advancement of financial actors, instruments and practices in national healthcare systems. The WBG’s use of diverse tools in support of health PPPs significantly impacts African healthcare systems, highlighting the scope for ‘financialisation by development policies’.

Impact of changes in primary care attachment: a scoping review

ObjectivesPrimary care attachment represents an inclusive, equitable and cost-effective way of enhancing health outcomes globally. However, the growing shortage of family physicians threatens to disrupt patient–provider relationships. Understanding the consequences...

The Economic Implications of Data Monetization in a Digital-First Economy

The digital-first economy has catalyzed an unprecedented shift in the valuation and utilization of data as a primary economic asset. This research delves into the multifaceted economic implications of data monetization, focusing on its role as a pivotal driver of growth, innovation, and policy development. As businesses increasingly leverage data to create new revenue streams, the study examines the evolving dynamics of value creation, competition, and inequality. It investigates the interplay between data-centric business models, market structures, and consumer privacy concerns, offering insights into how regulatory frameworks must adapt to balance innovation with ethical considerations. By analyzing case studies and employing econometric modeling, this research underscores the transformative potential of data monetization while addressing its societal and economic risks. Key findings highlight the necessity for equitable data-sharing mechanisms and global regulatory cooperation to prevent monopolistic tendencies and ensure inclusive economic benefits.

Web Visualization for Spatiotemporal Genomic Epidemiology, Annotation, and Mutation Dynamics of Orthohantavirus hantanense Using Nextstrain.

The phylogeographic inference approach aims to connect genomic data with epidemiology to understand the spread and evolution of pathogens using visualization of spatiotemporal reconstructions. Orthohantavirus hantanense (HTNV), the causative agent of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), represents a significant global public health concern. Here, we introduce a localized Nextstrain platform for HTNV, offering a comprehensive resource for facilitating spatiotemporal genomic surveillance and the study of evolutionary dynamics of viral genomes. Nextstrain enables web-based visualization and simple sharing of graphic and numeric data through unique web addresses. The Nextstrain build for HTNV stands out for its user-friendly interface and is readily accessible online at https://nextstrain.org/community/KU-MV/Hantavirus. This study provides valuable insights into genomic surveillance, viral phylodynamics, and the evolutionary history of orthohantaviruses for the development of public health policies against endemic HFRS outbreaks.

The Impact of Job Autonomy on Employee Creativity: Examining Perceived Supervisor Support as a Mediator and Job Difficulty as a Moderator

Research indicates that job autonomy (JA) plays a pivotal role in enhancing employee creativity (EC); however, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms facilitating this connection is still limited. To address this lacuna, we draw on self-determination theory, which argues that perceived supervisory support (PSS) may act as a mediator. Thus, this study explores how JA enhances creativity through PSS. Furthermore, we explore the moderating role of the job difficulty level on the relationship between JA and EC. Conducting a cross-sectional survey involving 561 employees in the Turkish media sector, our study utilizes structural equation modelling in AMOS and employs moderator analysis in PROCESS Macro. The results unveil that JA not only directly positively impacts EC but also exerts an indirect influence through the mediating role of PSS. Furthermore, our findings highlight the moderating effect of job difficulty level, indicating a negative impact on the relationship between JA and EC. Among the examined control variables, including gender, organizational tenure and sectoral tenure, it is notable that sectoral tenure emerges as the sole factor significantly influencing EC. These results have significant implications for the development of innovative management strategies and human resources policies tailored to the unique needs of media companies. The study underscores the importance of understanding the intricate dynamics between JA, PSS and job difficulty levels in fostering a creative work environment.

Patterns of willingness to share health data with key stakeholders in US consumers: a latent class analysis.

To identify distinct patterns in consumer willingness to share health data with various stakeholders and analyze characteristics across consumer groups. Data from the Rock Health Digital Health Consumer Adoption Survey from 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 were analyzed. This study comprised a Census-matched representative sample of U.S. adults. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified groups of respondents with similar data-sharing attitudes. Groups were compared by sociodemographics, health status, and digital health utilization. We identified three distinct LCA groups: (1) Wary (36.8%), (2) Discerning (47.9%), and (3) Permissive (15.3%). The Wary subgroup exhibited reluctance to share health data with any stakeholder, with predicted probabilities of willingness to share ranging from 0.07 for pharmaceutical companies to 0.34 for doctors/clinicians. The Permissive group showed a high willingness, with predicted probabilities greater than 0.75 for most stakeholders except technology companies and government organizations. The Discerning group was selective, willing to share with healthcare-related entities and family (predicted probabilities >0.62), but reluctant to share with other stakeholders (predicted probabilities <0.29). Individual characteristics were associated with LCA group membership. Findings highlight a persistent trust in traditional healthcare providers. However, the varying willingness to share with non-traditional stakeholders suggests that while some consumers are open to sharing, others remain hesitant and selective. Data privacy policies and practices need to recognize and respond to multifaceted and stakeholder-specific attitudes. LCA reveals significant heterogeneity in health data-sharing attitudes among U.S. consumers, providing insights to inform the development of data privacy policies.

Policy, practice and skill development: a study of Kazakhstan’s higher education landscape

PurposeAs part of this larger project, this paper aims to understand the possible shortcomings of the university-level education system in skill development that may be the reason for low adult proficiency in the country.Design/methodology/approachTo answer the question, national policy document reviews and semi-structured interviews with faculty members in four different universities were conducted. The aim for policy review was to understand how graduate skills are constructed policy-wise which is further explored through faculty perception of how skills are formed in practice at the university level. The latter is also thought to shed light on perceived shortcomings of skills development which would let us understand the relationship between university system training and low adult skill proficiency indicators in the country. Qualitative inductive analysis was used to analyze the data.FindingsResults indicate that Kazakhstan’s shift to competency-based education following its 2010 Bologna Declaration adoption has posed challenges, particularly in transitioning from traditional teaching methods to competency-based learning. This transition, compounded by curriculum overload from the previous paradigm, hinders effective skill-based teaching. The country’s recent focus on lifelong learning underscores the need to enhance the population’s skills through quality programs. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach from policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing holistic skill development and lifelong learning.Research limitations/implicationsPotential limitation is that the data only reflects staff perceptions and further detailed content analysis of the current university curriculum and compulsory subjects syllabus along with the historical analysis of policies and university curriculum to understand the change would shed more light into the possible shortcomings in university education that potentially influences adult proficiency level in the country.Originality/valueThis paper is sought to contribute to the limited scholarly discussion on the issues around skill development at the university level in the context of developing countries which would inform policymakers and practitioners in similar contexts to understand the factors behind low adult skills.

The Politics of Property: Place-Making in Una, Saxon, and Arcadia

Una, Saxon, and Arcadia are three neighborhoods in Spartanburg County, South Carolina undergoing an era of neighborhood re-organization, change, and development. As historic textile mill villages from the county’s age of industrialization, the Una, Saxon, and Arcadia neighborhoods today are characterized by privately-owned, mid-century mill homes and a high population of renters. Neighbors are concerned about the dilapidated housing stock falling into disrepair and the resulting impacts of abandoned and condemned properties. To advocate alongside Una, Saxon, and Arcadia residents for equitable neighborhood investment, our research team conducted two years of mixed-method ethnographic research across the three neighborhoods to determine the impacts of abandoned and condemned properties on neighborhood wellness. Through our research collaborations, our team identified deeply personal and political associations between residents, their homes, and their stake in the Una, Saxon, and Arcadia community. Advocating for equity in Una, Saxon, and Arcadia cannot be simplified to one policy recommendation or development plan. Rather, collective organization and engagement amongst residents bolstered by key stakeholders, such as the county, may provide an equitable and inclusive path to reimagining neighborhood futures.

Cardiovascular preventive service access challenges among African immigrants: a discussion paper.

This paper highlights cardiovascular disease (CVD) preventive access challenges and potential intervention strategies that address cardiovascular preventive service access gaps among African immigrants living in developed countries. Migration, coupled with changes in dietary habits, socio-economic factors, and cultural adjustments, contributes to a heightened risk of CVD among African immigrants. This risk is compounded by a lack of targeted preventive interventions and culturally tailored programmes, as well as challenges related to language barriers, health literacy, and digital literacy. Addressing CVD prevention access gap among African immigrants requires a multifaceted approach that includes culturally tailored programmes, improved community engagement, and targeted policy development. Such intervention programmes and policies can address health challenges faced by various migrant populations, not only African immigrants. Future research should focus on understanding the impact of migration on health behaviours overtime and developing effective interventions strategies to reduce the risk of CVD in this underserved population.