Policy In Region Research Articles

Case Study of Contaminant Transport Using Lagrangian Particle Tracking Model in a Macro-Tidal Estuary

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of contaminant transport in estuarine environments, focusing on the impact of tidal creeks and flats. The research employs advanced hydrodynamic models with irregular grid systems and conducts a detailed residual current analysis to explore how these physical features influence the movement and dispersion of contaminants. The methodology involves simulating residual currents and Lagrangian particle trajectories in both ‘Creek’ and ‘No Creek’ cases, under varying tidal conditions. The results indicate that tidal creeks significantly affect particle retention and transport, with notable differences observed in the dispersion patterns between the two scenarios. The ‘Creek’ case demonstrates enhanced material retention along the creek pathways, while the ‘No Creek’ case shows broader dispersion, potentially leading to increased sedimentation in open sea areas. The discussion highlights the implications of these findings for sediment dynamics, contaminant transport, and estuarine ecology, emphasizing the role of tidal creeks in modulating flow and material transport. The research underlines the necessity of incorporating detailed environmental features in estuarine models for accurate contaminant transport prediction and effective estuarine management. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of estuarine hydrodynamics and offers valuable insights for environmental policy and management in coastal regions.

Significant differences in usage of antibiotics in three Chinese cities measured by wastewater-based epidemiology

Antibiotic use, particularly inappropriate use by irrational prescribing or over-the-counter purchases, is of great concern for China as it facilitates the spread of antibiotic resistances. In this study, we applied wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to monitor the total consumption of eight common antibiotics in three cities in northern, eastern and southern China. Wastewater samples were successively collected from 17 wastewater treatment plants including weekdays and weekends spanning four seasons between 2019 and 2021. The concentration of antibiotics and their corresponding metabolites showed a significant correlation, confirming the measured antibiotics were actually consumed. Different seasonal trends in antibiotic use were found among the cities. It was more prevalent in the winter in the northern city Beijing, with the high antibiotic consumption attributed to peak influenza occurrence in the city. This is clear evidence of irrational prescription of antibiotics since it's known that antibiotics do little to treat influenza. In terms of overall consumption, Foshan is significantly lower, thanks to warmer climate and higher use of herbal tea as a prevention measure. WBE estimates of antibiotic consumption were relatively comparable with other data sources, with azithromycin as the top antibiotic measured here. The studied cities had higher WBE estimated antibiotics consumption than results of previous studies in the literature. Monitoring antibiotic use in different areas and periods through WBE in combination with complementary information, can better inform appropriate antibiotic guideline policies in various regions and nations.

Delta robot control by learning systems: Harnessing the power of deep reinforcement learning algorithms

The present study focuses on the implementation of Deep Reinforcement Learning (Deep-RL) techniques for a parallel manipulator robot, specifically the Delta Robot, within a simulated setting. We introduced a simulation framework designed to guide the Delta Robot’s end-effector to a designated spatial point accurately. Within this environment, the robotic agent undergoes a learning process grounded in trial and error. It garners positive rewards for successful predictions regarding the next action and faces negative repercussions for inaccuracies. Through this iterative learning mechanism, the robot refines its strategies, thereby establishing improved decision-making rules based on the ever-evolving environment states. Our investigation delved into three distinct Deep-RL algorithms: the Deep Q-Network Algorithm (DQN), the Double Deep Q-Network (DDQN), and the Trust Region Policy Optimization Algorithm (TRPO). All three methodologies were adept at addressing the challenge presented, and a comprehensive discussion of the findings is encapsulated in the subsequent sections of the paper.

Simulation analysis of Chinese new-type urbanization policy in mineral resource abundant regions based on the CGE model

The prominent contradictions of economy, resources and environment have formed a great obstacle to the new-type urbanization (NU) in mineral resource abundant regions (MRARs). However, the current NU policy system in MRARs is not able to meet the requirement of NU in different types of MRARs. Thus, to exactly study the impacts of different policies on different types of MRARs and the differences in the impacts and effectively improve the policy system, this article builds a NU computable general equilibrium model for MRARs based on general equilibrium theory. Five modules are constructed for the economic system operation in MRARs, four policy variables, such as environmental protection tax (EPT), resource tax (RT), government transfer payment (GTP) to residents, and government R&D investment, are introduced, and eighteen scenarios are set up to explore policy impact on NU in different types of MRARs. The simulation results indicate that: (1) The impact of EPT on conserving energy and reducing emission is more obvious in MRARs with poor social and economic foundations. (2) The increase of RT rate provides a comparative advantage for resource-dependent industries in resource-exporting regions. (3) The effect of GTP on the realization of common prosperity is influenced by regional social and economic foundation differences. (4) The impact of government R&D investment on industrial structure adjustment and optimization is not obvious in the short term. Finally, targeted policy recommendations are proposed to promote NU in MRARs.

External setting di kawasan Pasifik Selatan sebagai tantangan politik luar negeri Indonesia era pemerintahan Joko Widodo (2014-2023)

The South Pacific region is an area that neighbors and directly borders Indonesia via Papua New Guinea. Members from the South Pacific are Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Kanak which represents New Caledonia. Geopolitically, this area is very important for Indonesia because it is a neighbor and has a direct border. Especially in 2015 the regional organization Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) accepted the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), which is part of the Free Papua Organization, to become an observer member of the MSG. This research aims to examine challenges Indonesia's foreign policy in the South Pacific region during the President Joko Widodo (2014-2022). Qualitative research and descriptive Analysis methods that researchers use for this research use the concept of external situations and conditions (external settings) in the study of foreign policy. The results of this research are the first and main challenge, namely the development of the Papua issue in MSG and there is support from Vanuatu, inconsistent support from PNG and the Solomon Islands. Secondly, the Papua issue is also discussed at the civil society level such as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), journalists, churc council, activists and students. Thirdly, The South Pacific region is not dependent on Indonesia because economic relations and cooperation between Indonesia and the South Pacific region are very small

Navigating menstrual leave policy-Global trends and the Indian paradigm

The global landscape of menstrual leave policies differs widely and there is a need to delve into their origins, variations, and socio-economic implications. With a focus on the socio-economic challenges confronting menstruators, there is a need to study the absence of a comprehensive menstrual leave policy in certain regions and its impact on its residents. Utilizing the inclusive term 'menstruators,' this review uncovers persistent issues such as period poverty and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation. Surveying policies across diverse regions, it notes varying entitlements. The absence of a uniform policy underscores the global need for inclusive approaches to address the health and socio-economic aspects of menstruation. This study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on promoting well-being and inclusivity for menstruating individuals worldwide.

A Study on the Differences in Economic Development between East and West China

This study probes into the root cause of the economic development gap between East and West China. In the background, China's vast geographical conditions, historical investment patterns, and policy support have led to significant differences in development between the eastern and western regions. The objective of this paper is to analyze in depth how these factors interact and affect the economic development of the two regions. The research focuses on geographical factors, industrial structure, productivity, and education level. The study found that the eastern region's geographical advantages, policy support, and industrial diversity promoted its economic prosperity, while the western region's geographical barriers, resource dependence, and educational shortcomings restricted its development. In the future, comprehensive measures, including infrastructure construction, policy support, innovation promotion, and education reform, are needed to close this gap. Balanced and sustainable economic growth in China requires the coordinated development of the eastern and western regions, which will also help improve the living standards of the people throughout the country and promote the overall prosperity of the country.

Change in the Baltic Sea region: geopolitics, identity, and the Russian negative integration factor

ABSTRACT Russian political behaviour generated geopolitical and normative impetus for policy, institutional, and attitudinal change in other Baltic Sea Region (BSR) countries. Notable manifestations include Finland and Sweden joining NATO, Denmark ending its CSDP opt out, and revision of German diplomatic posture. These developments affirmed the extant Russia-scepticism of Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Ukraine became an informal member of a region whose centre of political gravity moved eastwards as its identity is recast.

Management of a strategic policy, exports and external performance of the Colombian regions

In terms of international trade, normative economics outrightly inspired the implementation of the economic policy. The classical and neoclassical interpretations of trade advocate for the full development of an export profile consistent with comparative advantage and endowments. In contrast, the new trade theory properly matches the implementation of a strategic trade policy. This article aims to hurl the theoretical discussion about the comparative advantages and the endowments-based export pattern into the regional export performance of Colombian departments In doing so, some theoretical bedrocks are highlighted, and a panel data technique is run for modeling the essence of regional exports. The conclusion reinforces the arguments of several authors asserting a raw material predominance in Colombian exports and the strong reliance on endowments of the Colombian department exports. Some ideas suggest the plausibility of a currently missing strategy of an explicit productive development policy or, in other words, the implementation of a Colombian-tailored strategic trade policy.

Principal features of China’s policy in the arctic region: transformation of priorities

Principal features of China’s policy in the arctic region: transformation of priorities

Understandings of community participation and empowerment in primary health care in Emilia-Romagna, Italy: A qualitative interview study with practitioners and stakeholders.

Community participation (CP) and empowerment (CE) have long been viewed internationally as cornerstones of comprehensive primary health care (PHC). Accordingly, policies for new PHC models in Italy, such as the Community Health Centres called "Case della Salute" in 2006 and "Case della Comunità" in 2022, highlight the importance of implementing participatory processes with communities and creating opportunities for CE. This study's objective is to identify the understandings of CP and CE that emerge among practitioners and stakeholders who design participatory approaches in PHC practice and policy in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. Nineteen semistructured interviews were conducted with practitioners working on CP and CE processes in these Community Health Centres and with stakeholders involved in research on or the coordination of such processes in the context of these health centres. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis in light of the following two questions, which emerged inductively from the data: (1) How to support CP and CE processes in practical doing (how do CP/CE)? (2) With which function or aim to support CP and CE (why do CP/CE)? This study shows that the participating practitioners and stakeholders exhibited various understandings of CP and CE in the context of PHC. Four main themes were identified: CP and CE as (a) a variety of forms of dialogue and cooperation, (b) tools for service development, (c) levers for empowerment, collectivism, and democracy and (d) stimuli for institutional change and a new level of professionalism. Moreover, the participants defined "the community" in different ways and often chose specific subgroups within the community to promote CP and CE processes. This study elucidates different perspectives on CP and CE and highlights the opportunities and obstacles for policymaking, research and practice that result from these understandings.

Managing innovations and digitalisation in the age of intellectual machines: challenges for the economic policy in Russian regions

Managing innovations and digitalisation in the age of intellectual machines: challenges for the economic policy in Russian regions

МЕХАНІЗМ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОГО ПОЛІТИЧНОГО СПІВРОБІТНИЦТВА В ІСТОРІЇ ЗОВНІШНЬОЇ І БЕЗПЕКОВОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОГО СПІВТОВАРИСТВА (60 – 80-ТІ РОКИ ХХ СТ.)

The article reflects the results of the study of the history of the formation of foreign and security policy of the European Community at the stage of functioning of the European Political Cooperation (EPC) mechanism. The prerequisites for the formation of the foreign policy mechanism of interaction between the EEC member states are shown. The formation of political conditions and institutional and functional dimensions of the EPC is analyzed. The main international problems that had to be solved by the participants of European integration through the EPC mechanism are highlighted. The author takes into account the specifics of this segment of cooperation of the European Community States, which for a long time did not have an official status and was in fact experimental. The author points out the defining contradictions and controversial issues of the development of the foreign policy segment of the European Community in the context of the maturation of transformations in the system of international relations and world security in the second half of the 1980s. The study concludes that the establishment of the EPC format meant only the beginning of a complex process of formation of a full-fledged subjectivity of the European Community in the international arena. The period from 1970 (formal creation of the EPC mechanism) to 1986 (adoption of the Single European Act) can be interpreted as the initial period in the history of the formation of the European Community’s foreign and security policies. In general, the usual weakness of the mechanism for coordinating the foreign policy of the EEC states was manifested due to the diversity of their international interests and, most importantly, the lack of effective means of implementing common positions. However, this does not diminish the historical significance of this period. After all, at that time the Community formed the principles and basic approaches to its political organization and activities in the international arena. Also, its leadership learned to respond as quickly as possible to the challenges of world politics and form its policy in different regions of the world, diplomatic representation, and international image. The result of these changes provided invaluable experience for the establishment of the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union. The inclusion of foreign and security policy in the regulatory framework of the EEC in the Single European Act of 1986 meant only the beginning of a complex process of forming a full-fledged subjectivity of the European Community in the international arena.

Universities and institutionalization of regional innovation policy in peripheral regions: Insights from the smart specialization in Portugal

Regional innovation policies are currently influenced by a series of territorial innovation models, with the regional innovation system (RIS) approach being one of the prominent examples. The rationale of smart specialization strategies (S3s) is deeply influenced by the RIS concept and highlights the importance of entrepreneurial discovery and shared governance by different types of actors. Among them, universities are seen as crucial for the success of S3 design and implementation. This article, mixing a policy debate perspective with analysis of recent quantitative and qualitative information about the Portuguese case, highlights relevant aspects for understanding the institutionalization of regional innovation and the role universities have in it as crucial knowledge brokers. The results have implications for regional innovation policies and in particular for the challenges that peripheral regions face.

Revealing novel insights on economic structure from a spatial perspective: Empirical findings from Vietnam

Economic structure plays an essential role in distributing resources and shaping the development trend of a country. Although it has become a topic of interest for scholars, most studies focus on analyzing factors affecting the structural transformation process but ignore the correlation in economic structure between localities. This study explores this correlation through the case of a country undergoing a remarkable economic restructuring process-Vietnam. Based on the data from 2010 to 2019, the Moran?s index (I) is used to assess the level of spatial correlation in the economic structure of localities and the Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) is analyzed to determine the specific locations where local spatial correlation occurs. Research results show that the economic structure of localities is unevenly distributed across geographical space. In addition, there exists a spatial autocorrelation phenomenon in localities' economic structure for two sectors-agriculture and industry. At the same time, there is no evidence to show this for the service sector. This discovery confirms the necessity of incorporating spatial factors in research related to economic structure to avoid inaccurate conclusions. From a business perspective, based on the findings of this research, companies can assess the level of competition, risks, as well as business partnership opportunities in different areas, and make appropriate investment decisions. The research results might also serve government agencies regarding planning and functional zoning and formulating and implementing development and economic restructuring policies for various regions.

Роль специальных экономических зон в государственной политике приграничных регионов Казахстана: пример СЭЗ Qyzyljar

The article explores the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state policy of Kazakhstan's border regions. It analyzes the impact of SEZs on economic activity, investment attraction, and job creation in these areas. Key aspects of SEZ operation are discussed, including integration into international economic processes, infrastructure improvement, and the development of foreign economic relations. The study employs methods such as the analysis of regulatory frameworks, economic-statistical analysis, comparative analysis. The results indicate that SEZs play a significant role in stimulating economic growth and integrating Kazakhstan into the global economy. However, there are issues that require further enhancement of state policy and management of these zones.

The advantages and disadvantages of language policies in Asian countries and regions and their impact on English education in China

Asian countries show diversity in language policy, with each country having its own unique language policy reflecting its historical, cultural and social background. This paper utilizes the systematic review methodology, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of language policies in some Asian countries and analyses the impact of these policies on English education in China. Firstly, through comparative research, this paper reviews the language policies of major Asian countries, including the setting of official languages and the protection of linguistic diversity in language education policies. Secondly, it summarizes the advantages of Asian countries' language policies, such as promoting national unity and protecting local languages and cultures. At the same time, it also analyses the shortcomings, such as language discrimination, cultural conflict and other problems. Finally, the paper discusses the influence of language policies in Asian countries on English education in China, including the impact on the enlightenment of the development of English education. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reference for understanding the language policies of Asian countries and to provide heuristics for the reform of English education in China.

Дифференциация субъектов Российской Федерации для реализации региональной научно-технологической и инновационной политики

Scientific, technological and innovative development in Russia is becoming increasingly important at the state level. The study aims to differentiate the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to identify approaches to the implementation of a systemic regional scientific, technological and innovation policy. It is hypothesised that socio-economic, spatial, and administrative and historical factors should be considered for developing such a policy in Russian regions. Axiomatic and descriptive methods, economic and statistical analysis, and mapping were utilised. A system of 3 indicator blocks for the differentiation of Russian regions was compiled; the obtained results were presented in a table and a map. The described heterogeneities and commonalities of regions can be used to develop directions for implementing regional scientific, technological and innovation policy. Russian regions were divided into 23 groups of 4 types, ranging from most to least scientifically, technologically and innovatively developed. Corresponding recommendations for successful scientific, technological and innovative development of each type were generated. Advanced regions need to implement a policy of research leadership, guidance for other regions, and international cooperation. Developed regions have to focus on the best practices of advanced regions, develop their target scientific areas, and establish interregional research cooperation within groups to strengthen their competitive advantages. Regions with development potential should be involved in the federal scientific and technological agenda, which can become a powerful impulse and attract federal funding. Regions with a low base can cooperate with more developed regions similar in terms of economic structure and location and become their satellite. The presented differentiation of Russian regions by key characteristics and parameters confirmed the hypothesis, proving the need for consistency of regional scientific, technological and innovation policy and scientific validity of decision-making.

A Novel Trajectory Planning Method Based on Trust Region Policy Optimization

A Novel Trajectory Planning Method Based on Trust Region Policy Optimization

Joint Precoding and Phase Shift Design for RIS-aided Cell-Free Massive MIMO with Heterogeneous-Agent Trust Region Policy

Joint Precoding and Phase Shift Design for RIS-aided Cell-Free Massive MIMO with Heterogeneous-Agent Trust Region Policy