Policy Research Articles

Parcipatory action research for dengue control in Samarinda, Indonesia

Dengue control with community empowerment is the 1 house 1 larva monitor officer/Gerakan 1 Rumah 1 Jumantik (G1R1J). G1R1J is a national movement of community empowerment at the household level in an effort to reduce dengue This research aims to implement G1R1J through participatory action research. This research was conducted in Samarinda City, East Kalimantan, Indonesia with a participatory action research approach. The activities carried out were workshops, socialization, focus group discussions, and mentoring. The research evaluation was in the form of entomological surveys, namely before and after the activity. The important points of this research are that in the community independently Gerakan Emak-Emak Pembasmi Jentik Trisari (GEMATRI) has been formed, and the involvement of the village in the form of socialization and training, murals initiated by cadres, and training initiated by the village. At the policy level there is a decree of delegation of authority and budget for activities including dengue from the health office to the sub-district, but the public health center (Puskesmas) plays a role in providing assistance and counseling in the community. The larva-free index also increased from 50.67 to 66.43. We believe that the participation of the community, health cadres, and policy makers is very important to reduce the incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in the future.

Immunization against COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review on the Leading Vaccines

Abstract: The global impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has prompted researchers and scientists to develop effective vaccines to contain the spread of the pandemic. This has led to the deployment of a range of vaccines from different pharmaceutical companies across the globe in a very short span of time. The current article provides a comprehensive record of all the vaccines developed against coronavirus with a specific focus on the mode of action and administration of the vaccines. The article also dwells on the composition, possible side effects and criteria for the choice of individuals for the administration of the vaccines. Vaccines against COVID-19 have been broadly categorized as mRNA vaccines, adenoviral vector-based vaccines and inactivated vaccines. Among the mRNA vaccines, the Pfizer vaccine and Moderna vaccines gained significant popularity. The Oxford Astro Zeneca vaccine and Sputnik V were the most effective viral vector vaccines. Inactivated vaccines such as Covaxin and Sinovac were also significant contributions to contain the pandemic. The review discusses the efficiency of vaccines against the variants of SARS CoV2. The review will provide a clear-cut idea about all kinds of exciting vaccines against COVID-19. At present, where the immediate crisis of the pandemic has been successfully contained, this article acts as a resource for future public health endeavors, policy makers, health care professionals and the general public to understand the diversity of COVID-19 vaccines.

Impact of Village Savings and Loans Associations Participation on Cocoa Farmers’ Livelihood in the Western North Region, Ghana

The study examined the impact of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) participation on cocoa farmers livelihoods in the Western North region of Ghana. The study analyzes the factors that influence VSLA participation and the intensity of savings. The sample size for the study was 301. The Heckman two-stage model was used to analyze the factors that influence VSLA participation and the intensity of savings. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to examine the impact of VSLA participation on cocoa farmers livelihoods. The results demonstrated a positive and statistically significant relationship between VSLA participation and the following variables: age, gender, household size, education, children’s education, and social contributions. However, variables such as respect, income, and gender had a negative influence on VSLA participation. The result also established a positive and significant relationship among extension contact, respect, income, and intensity of savings. VSLA participation had a negative impact on natural capital (land size), a positive impact on human capital (children’s capital) and on financial capital (total income), and no impact on social capital (community social distributions) and physical capital (home assets). Policy makers should therefore consider these factors or attributes of beneficiaries in the development and implementation of future interventions. It is recommended that government of Ghana through Ghana COCOBOD should implement policies that intensify sensitization and education on need for farmers to participate in VSLAs. Additionally, policies that support community-building activities such as VSLAs, can be implemented to foster community engagement and build social capital in cocoa growing communities.

Facilitating generational renewal in rural areas by responding to young farmers’ voices: Echoes from the Greek territory

The proper functioning and future of rural areas and communities are strictly tied to young people’s willingness to be engaged in the farming profession, as farming is an important recourse for vocational rehabilitation of the rural population. The agricultural sector acts as a financial injection to the rural economy and society. In this context, one of the most well devised agricultural policies is young farmers’ schemes, aiming at generational renewal in EU rural areas. Since young farmers are the people who directly receive the induced effects of these policies, policy makers have to listen carefully to what “message” young farmers can convey. Nevertheless, after almost four decades of implementing young farmers’ schemes, there is still limited information regarding their attitudes, beliefs and perceptions towards the form of the related policy schemes. Using this as a starting point, the present study attempts to identify young farmers’ attitudes and beliefs towards the current young farmers’ scheme of the Rural Development Program (RDP) with overarching scope to identify the needs of young farmers better and thus inform policy makers about the appropriate policy that should be put forward. Results indicate that the current young farmers’ scheme acts as a helpful instrument for a considerable percentage of young farmers. Nevertheless, further streamlining is required to provide incentives, especially to new entrants, to be engaged in the farming profession. Effective policy interventions that will be in line with the actual needs of young farmers could contribute to the direction of the enhancement of the vitality and resilience of the rural systems, and also act towards the prevention of the abandonment process, providing vibrance in rural areas and benefits for the whole economy and society, as well as the ecosystems.

Does green credit policy matter for corporate sustainable innovation? Evidence from China

Green finance is a powerful motivator for promoting sustainable innovation and achieving green development. Under the dual background of building a green finance system and a market-oriented green technology innovation system, this study examines the impact of the Green Credit Guidelines on the sustainable innovation of enterprises both before and after implementation. By analyzing the propensity score matching difference-in-difference (PSM-DiD) analysis of Chinese listed enterprises, we have found that the support of relevant policies actually inhibits sustainable innovation and reduces the number of sustainability-related patents. This effect is more pronounced in green credit-restricted industries, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and eastern regions. Ultimately, we have discovered that green utility model patents, in contrast to green invention patents, are the primary indicator of the detrimental impact of green credit policy on the performance of sustainable innovation. Overall, our study broadens the understanding of the external impacts of sustainable innovation within enterprises and provides valuable insights for corporate policy makers and management professionals.

Green Finance, Green Innovation, and Industrial Development in Africa

The issue of promoting green industrial productivity has emerged as a pivotal concern in economic development, attracting substantial attention from scholars and policy makers alike. This study aims to scrutinize the impact of green finance on Africa's industrialisation, and further explore the potential moderating role of green innovation within the relationship between green finance and industrialisation in the African context, i.e., assessing the extent to which green innovation can influence the effect that green finance has on industrialisation. This study encompasses 41 African nations, spanning the period from 2000 to 2020. The research methodology employs the fixed effect model as proposed by Driscoll and Kraay (1998), in conjunction with the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression analysis. The results show that green finance enhances industrialization in Africa, while green innovations through renewable energy have a negative effect. Policy recommendations are discussed.

Systemic risk spillovers among global energy firms: Does geopolitical risk matter?

In recent years, the worsening global geopolitical conditions have led investors and policy makers to become increasingly concerned about systemic risk in the global energy market. However, the existing literature has little empirical evidence on this problem from a geopolitical perspective. Based on an Elastic-Net-VAR model for depicting high-dimensional left-tail interdependence, this paper measures time-varying systemic risk spillovers among 212 energy firms in 36 countries. Then, a panel data model is established to examine the impact of geopolitical risk (GPR) on risk spillovers. Our results indicate that the GPR of a country directly intensifies the risk spillovers of the country's energy firms, as well as spreads to other countries based on geographic proximity and energy trade flows and indirectly intensifies the risk spillovers of the energy firms in these countries. Specifically, the indirect effects of GPR are more pronounced than the direct effects for fossil fuel firms, in oil-consuming countries, and during stable periods in global geopolitics. Moreover, the potential firm-level mechanisms through which GPR intensifies risk spillovers are declines in asset turnover, deceleration in corporate investment, and negative market forecasts. These findings can help to mitigate the adverse effects of GPR on energy firm performance, national energy security, and stability in the global energy market.

Modelling the socio-economic impacts of coal production reduction: A macro provincial analysis of China

Reducing coal production is the key way for China to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. Meanwhile, it will also have a significant impact on China's socio-economic development. In this study, an energy-economic-environmental-social model based on the Extended Energy Big Data principle (EEBD-3ES) was constructed to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of coal production reductions under different scenarios. The results show that different coal reduction scenarios will reduce national CO2 emissions by 598.9–1026.27 billion tons and cumulatively reduce GDP by 194.57–410.54 billion yuan, with a reduction of the comprehensive index by 0.05–0.21 %. Based on inter-provincial coal and electricity trade, this study also quantifies the provincial socio-economic impacts under different reduction scenarios. These findings provide recommendations for policy makers to make strategic decisions to gradually reduce coal production and minimize the socio-economic impacts.

The effect of concentration of cinnamon extract and storage time on physicochemical, microbial and sensory attributes of avocado juice

Avocado juice usage is a global challenge due to microbial and lipid oxidation, leading to the use of synthetic preservatives to prolong shelf life and maintain quality. Concerns about the negative health impacts of chemical additives are leading consumers to shift towards natural preservatives like cinnamon powder in avocado juice production. The study investigates the impact of cinnamon extract concentration ratio and storage time on avocado juice's quality, shelf life, physiochemical, antimicrobial, and sensory properties. Avocado juice was produced at different ratios of cinnamon extract (C0 = 0, C1 = 1, C2 = 2, and C3 = 3 %) and stored for 0, 4, 8, and 12 h. The study found that increasing cinnamon extract concentration enhances sensory properties of avocado juice and decreases physiochemical properties except pH value. However, as the storage time increased, the physicochemical, microbial and sensory properties of avocado decreased. The study found high microbial load and less preferred sensory attributes of avocado juice with low cinnamon extract percentage and long storage time. Cinnamon extract, with its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, has potential as a natural preservative for avocado juice, potentially extending shelf life and preserving juice quality. Governments, food policy makers, and cafeteria owners should use cinnamon extract to prolong avocado juice shelf life.

Optimum carbon tax rate for emission targets of electricity generation system by life cycle techno-economic-environmental optimization model

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector is of special interest for decarbonization of energy systems. Optimum carbon tax as a powerful policy tool is here studied by integrated techno-economic-environmental life cycle analysis in a unit commitment problem. The present model is formulated as a bi-level optimization problem to reach the optimum carbon tax rates for different emission targets. The total life cycle CO2 emissions are estimated to be 20333.90 tons/hr in a real case study of Iran's electricity sector for the peak demand hour. The carbon tax rate for a 2% and a 3% emissions reduction is equal to 15.87 and 24.65 $/ton, respectively. In the business-as-usual scenario, higher carbon taxes will be required each year to meet the same emission target. However, developing the electricity sector with cleaner technologies and strategic plans may decrease the carbon tax rate. The extent of this reduction depends on the type of development program implemented in the green revolution scenario. Therefore, policy makers play a direct role in ensuring the sustainable development of the electricity sector. The present model provides a robust framework to analyze the real carbon tax rates for the whole life cycle of electricity generation dispatch.

Performance Evaluation of Select RRBs in Maharashtra State: A Comparative Study Using Capital Adequacy Ratio’s of Camel Model

The performance evaluation of Vidharbha Konkan Gramin Bank (VKGB) and Maharashtra Gramin Bank (MGB) operating in Maharashtra state is carried out. A comparative evaluation is also performed between them by using Capital Adequacy of CAMEL Model Hence, this chapter embodies different ratios under Capital Adequacy of CAMEL model. The banking sector is a critical component of the financial system and cornerstone of the global economic system. Banks are one of the oldest financial institutions in the financial system, which play a vital role in the mobilization of deposits and the disbursement of credit among the different sectors of the economy. A sound banking system acts as a fuel injection that stimulates economic productivity and industrial development by mobilizing savings and investing them in high return endeavors. Various research reports show that countries with a well-developed banking system have high GDP rate and higher economic growth. In the recent past, banking regulators and policy makers have proposed banking regulation by using the CAMEL (Capital adequacy, Asset quality, Management efficiency, Earnings and Liquidity) rating model to evaluate and assess the performance and financial soundness of the bank. CAMEL rating system is an important internal supervisory method to assess and distinguish financial institutions. The Federal Financial Institutions Oversight Board of USA was introduced CAMEL model for the first time in 1979. Regulations of the banking sector always monitors the performance of the banks to ensure efficient financial system based on CAMEL ratios.

Building Resilient Communities: the Interplay between Climate Change and Social Capital

Introduction/Background: Globally, and in the United States, where climate-related events including hurricanes, wildfires, and floods have intensified and caused billions in damages, population displacement, and public health system strain, climate change presents grave difficulties to communities everywhere. Often lacking infrastructure and resources, vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted and lack the ability to adapt or bounce back. Although infrastructure improvements and disaster readiness are important technical answers, without robust social institutions they are inadequate. Resilience can be developed and resources mobilised in great part by social capital—community networks, shared values, and group support. Still underexplored, though, are its particular contributions to climate resilience as well as techniques governments might use to properly include social capital into resilience planning. Materials and Methods: Using a secondary data analysis technique, this study addresses its goals by concentrating on qualitative and quantitative data. Examining more than forty sources—including official gazettes, policy documents, scientific publications, and government reports—helps one to understand the part social capital plays in building community resilience in the United States. Analysing case studies of successful resilience programs helped to pinpoint important themes and approaches for improving community resilience to climate change by substituting alternative data gathering techniques such as interviews for main data collecting tools. Results: Climate change offers important issues in the U.S., with severe weather events producing economic losses, relocation, and health hazards, especially for vulnerable groups. Resilience depends on social capital, as seen in New Orleans's post-Katrina recovery where networks enabled rebuilding; Paradise, California, where community ties aided wildfire preparedness; NYC's Red Hook, where local responses managed Hurricane Sandy's impact; Chicago's 1995 heatwave, where strong social networks reduced deaths; and Houston's Hurricane Harvey response, where grassroots groups coordinated aid. These stories show the value of social ties in building resilience. Discussion: Governments should prioritise establishing grassroots groups, integrating social capital into catastrophe preparedness, and increasing public involvement to boost climate resilience. Effective communication, targeted support for vulnerable groups, and multi-level governance coordination are necessary. Investments in community-driven early warning systems, inclusive urban planning, and areas that promote social relationships can strengthen adaptive capacity. Long-term study on social capital's role will refine policy, guaranteeing equitable and sustainable responses to climate issues. Conclusion: The link between climate change and community resilience underscores the relevance of social capital. By developing social networks and encouraging inclusive solutions, communities can better adapt and recover from climate impacts. Policymakers should prioritize grassroots activities and address systemic disparities to promote sustainable resilience against climate concerns.

Analyzing the Diversity and Impacting Factors of Smoke-Free Legislation and Implementation in Mainland China: A Case Qualitative Research.

Since the ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2005, mainland China has experienced notable delays in implementing the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This study aims to examine the legislation and implementation of smoke-free laws in different cities in mainland China, with a particular focus on identifying factors that contribute to these differences. Through a literature review and policy mapping, we gathered information on the variations in smoke-free laws' legislation and implementation across mainland China. To delve deeper into the local specifics of implementation and the factors contributing to these variations, qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 key stakeholders in two selected cities. This group included former policy makers, policy experts, enforcement officers, and public venue owners. Although the revision of Healthy Cities standards advocates for the enactment of smoking bans post-2021, less than half of these cities have implemented comprehensive smoke-free laws. This phenomenon can be partly attributed to the tobacco industry's significant influence in the legislative process and to policy makers' limited understanding of smoking rooms/areas being temporary measures without setting clear end dates for transition periods. We also identified inconsistent implementation across selected cities, attributed to inadequate coordination and workforce shortages. Our study reveals significant variations and delays in the adoption of smoke-free laws across different cities in mainland China. We identify key factors contributing to this disparity, underscoring the urgent need for targeted measures to address these challenges, such as setting up a coordinated department and promoting policy advocacy. This study reveals geographical disparities in the legislative progress and enforcement effectiveness of smoke-free laws in mainland China. Persistent interference from the tobacco industry has obstructed the establishment of comprehensive smoke-free laws. Additionally, policy makers' limited awareness of the harm caused by designated smoking areas, regional economic disparities, and inadequate interdepartmental coordination have impeded effective policy implementation. These findings underscore the urgent need to set enforcement goals aligned with local economic contexts and strengthen policy dialogue to empower policy makers and stakeholders to mitigate tobacco industry influence and achieve successful implementation.

Exploring variations in the implementation of a health system level policy intervention to improve maternal and child health outcomes in resource limited settings: A qualitative multiple case study from Uganda.

Despite growing literature, few studies have explored the implementation of policy interventions to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Even fewer studies explicitly articulate the theoretical approaches used to understand contextual influences on policy implementation. This under-use of theory may account for the limited understanding of the variations in implementation processes and outcomes. We share findings from a study exploring how a health system-level policy intervention was implemented to improve maternal and child health outcomes in a resource limited LMIC. Our qualitative multiple case study was informed by the Normalization Process Theory (NPT). It was conducted across eight districts and among ten health facilities in Uganda, with 48 purposively selected participants. These included health care workers located at each of the cases, policy makers from the Ministry of Health, and from agencies and professional associations. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews to understand uptake and use of Uganda's maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) policy and were inductively and deductively analyzed using NPT constructs and subconstructs. We identified six broad themes that may explain the observed variations in the implementation of the MPDSR policy. These include: 1) perception of the implementation of the policy, 2) leadership of the implementation process, 3) structural arrangements and coordination, 4) extent of management support and adequacy of resources, 5) variations in appraisal and reconfiguration efforts and 6) variations in barriers to implementation of the policy. The variations in sense making and relational efforts, especially perceptions of the implementation process and leadership capacity, had ripple effects across operational and appraisal efforts. Adopting theoretically informed approaches to assessing the implementation of policy interventions is crucial, especially within resource limited settings.

Understanding the liminal situation of lone‐parent and blended families—A review and agenda for work–family research

AbstractThis review takes a transdisciplinary approach to work–family (WF) research, offering new perspectives on different family forms in the context of employment. It focuses on lone‐parents and blended families, highlighting how management research on the WF interface has been constrained by traditional definitions of ‘family’, assuming intact couple relationships. The review shows that the WF experiences of lone‐parents and blended families differ significantly from those of traditional or nuclear families. Our findings demonstrate that blended and lone‐parent families struggle with conventional WF policies based on traditional family forms. These families face four main challenges: (1) complex residential arrangements and relationships with co‐parents; (2) managing (limited) resources; (3) navigating stigma; and (4) narrow cultural scripts defining family roles. Utilizing cross‐domain identity transition theory, we question the traditional ideas at the core of current WF theory. We demonstrate that non‐traditional families occupy a ‘liminal’ WF space due to their more fluid parental, occupational and household identities compared to traditional families. We urge employers and policy makers to recognize and address the distinct WF challenges faced by lone‐parents and blended families. Employers should develop flexible working policies that accommodate complex residential arrangements and provide resources to support lone and blended family structures. Policy makers should consider revising family leave policies to be more inclusive of diverse family forms. Future research should further explore the diverse experiences of employed parents, including those from LGBTQIA+ communities, using our framework, which encourages researchers to think differently regarding existing WF theories through the consideration of our four themes.

Grey-Box Energy Modelling of Energy-Efficient House Using Hybrid Optimization Technique of Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Quasi-Newton Algorithms with Markov Chain Monte Carlo Uncertainty Distribution

Understanding energy demands and costs is important for policy makers and the energy sector, especially in the context of residential heating and cooling systems. To estimate the thermal demand of a residential house, a grey-box modelling method with a resistance–capacitance (RC) analogy was implemented. The architectural properties used to parameterize the grey-box model were derived from a house used for research purposes in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada (TRCA-House A). The house model accounts for solar irradiance on exterior building surfaces, thermal conductivity through all surfaces, solar heat gains through windows, and thermal gains from ventilation. Two parallel short- and long-term calibrations were performed such that model outputs reflected the real-world operation of the house as best as possible. To define the unknown model parameters (such as the conductivity of building materials and some constant parameters), a hybrid optimization scheme including a genetic algorithm (GA) and the Quasi-Newton algorithm was introduced and implemented using Bayesian approximation and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. The temperature outputs from the model were compared to the data retrieved from TRCA-House A. The final iteration of the model had an RMSE for interior zone temperature estimation of 0.22 °C when compared to the retrieved interior zone temperature data from TRCA-House A. Furthermore, the annual heating and cooling energy consumption values are within 1.50% and 0.08% of target values, respectively. According to these preliminary results, the introduced model and optimization techniques could be adjusted for different types of housing, as well as for smart control applications on both a short- and long-term basis.

Blue Economy and the Impact of Industrialisation on Sustainable Livelihoods: A Case Study of Fisheries in the North Coastal Region of Java

This research explores the impacts of the blue economy and industrialisation on sustainable livelihoods in the coastal areas of the North Coast of Java, with a particular focus on the fisheries sector.The main objective of this research is to analyse how changes in blue economy practices, which include sustainable marine resource management approaches, interact with industrialisation processes and their impact on the survival of local fishing communities.The research method used was qualitative with a case study approach, where data was collected through in-depth interviews with fishermen, government officials, and relevant stakeholders, as well as direct observation in the field. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis techniques to identify patterns and significant relationships between the factors involved.The results of this study show that industrialisation in the coastal areas of Java's North Coast has vital and complex impacts on the sustainable livelihoods of local fishing communities. On the one hand, industrialisation provides new economic opportunities, such as jobs in the fishing and manufacturing sectors, which can increase community income. However, on the other hand, negative impacts on the aquatic environment due to industrial activities and overexploitation of natural resources threaten the sustainability of the marine ecosystem, which is the main source of livelihood for fishermen.The managerial implications of these findings emphasise the need to integrate blue economy policies with the maturity of sustainable industrial development planning. Policy development that accommodates the needs of local ecosystems and fishing communities, with a pattern of regulating marine protected zones and supporting the shift to environmentally friendly fisheries practices, is key to ensuring the sustainability of fishers' livelihoods and healthy coastal ecosystems. This research provides important insights for policy makers and practitioners involved in marine fisheries resource management and industry development in coastal areas.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on e-learning adoption in an emerging market: a longitudinal study using the UTAUT model

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic provided unprecedented impetus to the evolution of the e-learning learning ecosystem by compelling students to adopt e-learning systems. This paper aims to use the UTAUT model to provide insight into the differences in factors influencing the adoption of e-learning systems before and after the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This longitudinal study uses two surveys conducted among graduate students in the city of Bengaluru in India. One prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and a second in its aftermath. PLS-SEM is used to analyze both data sets to draw insights into the constructs that influence Behavioral intention to adopt e-learning systems. The moderating effect of gender is also analyzed. Findings Pre COVID-19, Facilitating Conditions, Performance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy (quadratic behavior) were dominant factors influencing the adoption of e-learning technologies. Post pandemic, Performance Expectancy and Social Influence are drivers of e-learning adoption. Effort Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions grouped as Ease of Use is a significant driver of e-learning adoption post pandemic. Gender is found to not have a moderating influence. Originality/value The unique longitudinal study of the differences in factors influencing students’ intention to adopt e-learning pre- and post-COVID-19 can prove useful to policy makers in the higher education sector. Academics can use the post-pandemic e-learning model’s findings in multiple contexts such as generational cohorts, educational contexts and social contexts.

About Whom Are We Talking When We Use Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

Communicating clearly about who is included in a population group is a critical element to effective dissemination and knowledge transfer. This narrative review highlights the inconsistency as it relates to communicating about individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and developmental disability (DD). There is enormous variability in the use of definitions and abbreviations in the field of intellectual disability and developmental disabilities. The lack of consistency has resulted in widely varying reported rates of prevalence and has contributed to confusion around the interpretation of research and clinical findings, population statistics, and policy decisions. The reported rates of prevalence for developmental disabilities published by different US federal agencies have ranged widely from 3% to 17%. This represents a 5-fold difference. Equally confusing is the inconsistent and ambiguous adoption of initialisms. These initialisms include ID/DD, IDD, and I/DD for which it is not always clear if these initialisms reference separate and independent populations (eg, ID or DD) or populations with co-occurring conditions (eg, persons with ID and DD). This Narrative Review discusses these issues and proposed a number of recommendations that would contribute to enhanced consistency and clarity of understanding for stakeholders, administrators, practitioners, researchers, and policy makers. Authors of scholarly works, clinical publications, policies, and position papers are encouraged to provide a clear operational definition as well as the choice of initialisms used (eg, ID/DD, IDD, I/DD, etc) when it is first used.

State-Level Common Application Policies and College Enrollment

Abstract Prospective college students—particularly students of color and those from low-income families—face a myriad of challenges applying to and enrolling in college, including constraints on information, financial aid, and academic preparation. Within the college search process alone, the number, diversity, and complexity of applications that students must complete represent substantial barriers to application and matriculation. A state-level common application seeks to reduce administrative barriers by allowing students to complete a single application to apply to multiple institutions. Using a difference-in-difference design that is robust to variation in treatment timing, we provide the first evidence on state-level enrollment impacts of these common applications. Despite the ongoing development and adoption of state common applications, we find no positive or negative effects on full-time equivalent enrollment in public higher education and show that the format of the common application (paper/online) does not matter. Rather, like strategies considered in other works, common applications may be most useful as a complement to more robust access and enrollment strategies. These findings should inform policy makers and serve as a foundation for future work examining the impacts of common applications on state and student outcomes.