Policy Measures Research Articles

Preventing intrusive grief journalism: legal, policy and practical measures

ABSTRACT This article is about how law and wider society might minimise the negative impacts of media interest on those who are grieving in the aftermath of tragedy. It looks at how law, disaster responders and media ethics can help protect grieving individuals against intrusion. Part I examines existing legal protections for bodily integrity, property and privacy found in actions for trespass, harassment, and the privacy torts. The need for free, fully competent consent to media encounters, and the impact that shock can have upon it, are discussed in this section. Part II explains how good logistical decision-making by disaster responders and active support for family members can help protect bereaved individuals from negative interactions with the media. Part III turns to the media, identifying protections for grieving individuals within existing media self-regulatory codes (particularly the ‘privacy’ and ‘fairness’ standards) and highlighting media ethical discourse which reinforces them.

Generic Drugs: Balancing Efficacy, Safety, and Accessibility

Generic drugs, defined as pharmaceutically equivalent versions of brand-name medications with identical active ingredients, deliver equivalent clinical outcomes at substantially lower cost. In the United States, generics represent around 90 percent of all dispensed prescriptions and offer savings of 50 to 80 percent compared to originator products, thereby expanding access to essential therapies in both high-income and resource-limited settings. This editorial examines the regulatory approval process for generics, which depends on bioequivalence studies demonstrating that pharmacokinetic measures (area under the curve and peak concentration) fall within 80 to 125 percent of the reference drug, thus obviating the need for repeat efficacy trials. We review evidence from randomized controlled trials and large observational studies across cardiovascular, endocrine, and chronic disease treatments that overwhelmingly confirm equivalence in efficacy and safety. Exceptions arise with narrow-therapeutic-index drugs, including certain antiepileptics and immunosuppressants, where careful monitoring during formulation switches is recommended. Economic analyses indicate annual savings in the United States exceed tens of billions of dollars, while global public health programs rely on generics for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis treatment. Challenges such as manufacturing quality under cost pressures and periodic drug shortages underscore the need for vigilant oversight. We advocate policy measures that align affordability with stringent quality standards and enhanced communication to reinforce confidence in generic therapies.

Early life antibiotics exposure: exploring the fine line between treatment and neurodevelopmental risks

Dear Editor, Antibiotic prescriptions during pregnancy and early postnatal life are common. A recent meta-analysis revealed that globally, 23% of pregnant women used antibiotics 1. In infants, the incidence of antibiotic consumption over the first 14 months of life increased from 7.5% at birth to 66.1% at 14 months 2. The first three years of life- including the prenatal period, represent a critical developmental period for the central nervous system (CNS) and gut microbiota. During this time, exposure to antibiotics can affect the structure and function of the microbiota, influencing its communication with the CNS. Numerous studies have suggested that alterations in brain-gut microbiome interactions could be possible mechanisms for disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. Similarly, multiple studies have examined the association between antibiotic use and these neurological conditions, although the overall body of evidence remains inconclusive. A Swedish nationwide cohort study 3 reported an increased risk of ASD and ADHD associated with antenatal and early infancy use of antibiotics, with a stronger association noted for early-life exposure. Findings from a meta-analysis 4 showed that prenatal antibiotic use was significantly associated with an increased risk of ADHD and epilepsy, but not autism or cerebral palsy. In contrast, a recent large-scale study (5) found no significant association between antibiotic use during pregnancy or early infancy and neurodevelopmental conditions such as ASD, using a sibling analysis model. The study did, however, report a modest risk for epilepsy with antibiotic use during early infancy despite controlling for confounding factors. These conflicting findings and the influence of various confounding factors warrant further investigation and a cautious interpretation of the existing literature. Antibiotic prescription during pregnancy and early infancy should be based on careful assessment of the potential risks and benefits. The overuse of antibiotics among the public may result from their over-the-counter availability; therefore, policies regulating antibiotic sales should be introduced. Training programmes for healthcare professionals should be implemented to ensure accurate diagnosis of bacterial infections and appropriate antibiotic prescription. In conclusion, while the relation between antibiotic use during prenatal and postnatal periods and neurological outcomes remains uncertain, cautious prescription practices and policy measures are essential for both maternal and child health.

Associations Between Policy and Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in the United States: A Scoping Review.

Associations Between Policy and Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in the United States: A Scoping Review.

Self-interest and support for climate-related transport policy measures in Germany and Sweden

Self-interest and support for climate-related transport policy measures in Germany and Sweden

Investigating a new energy justice index on carbon emissions: A global study of 95 economies during 1996-2021.

Investigating a new energy justice index on carbon emissions: A global study of 95 economies during 1996-2021.

Legislation and Policy Capacities in Agricultural Water for Adapting to Climate Change in Iran

Climate change (CC) is a real challenge for the world. Iran lies in an arid part of the world and CC is adversely affecting its water resources and agriculture. Iran has taken various initiatives, enacting related laws and establishing policy measures, to respond to water scarcity and food security in the agricultural sector. This study was conducted to understand and explore Iran’s initiatives, especially through legislation and policy responses, to address water scarcity and food security under CC conditions. More specifically, it reviews and analyzes the laws and rules relevant to agricultural water management and food security for their capacity for adaptation to CC in Iran. It was found that most of the relevant laws and policy documents were established to improve water consumption patterns. However, the study identified that there are a limited number of laws and policy documents with respect to climate adaptation and mitigation for the agriculture sector. There is a need to establish special laws towards climate change adaptation and mitigation for the agriculture sector and to revisit and revise the existing laws and policy documents in this regard. Proper implementation of adaptation measures is another issue that is not fully or effectively addressed and supported by the national legislation.

Cyber Shadows: Neutralizing Security Threats With AI and Targeted Policy Measures

Cyber Shadows: Neutralizing Security Threats With AI and Targeted Policy Measures

Toward Establishing a Japanese Drug Discovery Ecosystem: The Role of Startups and a Model Tailored to Japan

Establishing a robust drug discovery ecosystem is seen as a key priority for enhancing Japan's drug discovery capabilities. Globally, startups play a significant role in advancing drug discovery. The author's research demonstrated that startups have recently expanded their role to late-entry drug discovery, the area where large pharmaceutical companies traditionally had strength, while maintaining their contribution to first-in-target drug discovery. Despite the growing importance of startups, Japan has faced challenges in fostering successful drug discovery startups, falling particularly behind in leveraging modality technologies. The development of promising startups requires the establishment of a robust startup ecosystem, as seen in the U.S. and certain European countries. Japan's ecosystem for supporting drug discovery startups remains fragile due to factors such as low entrepreneurial activity, limited labor mobility, and insufficient investment capital. The author's research has revealed that in Japan's unlisted drug discovery startups, "being a corporate spin-off" and "having a leader in research and development with prior experience in corporate R&D" positively impact the startup's valuation and total funding amounts. In Japan, large pharmaceutical companies still account for the majority of new drug discoveries, with a wealth of promising drug discovery seeds and experienced R&D talent accumulated within these corporations. Facilitating the creation of corporate spin-offs that utilize unexploited seeds within large companies and promoting the transfer of corporate talent to startups could strengthen Japan's drug discovery ecosystem. This paper will also explore potential policy measures to encourage these developments.

Analyzing policy measures for renewable fuel supply chain design in transport sectors

Analyzing policy measures for renewable fuel supply chain design in transport sectors

Determinants of Postanal Care Utilization in Gandaki Province

Postnatal care is critical for maternal and neonatal health care and responsible for substantially minimizing mortality risks both for mothers and newborns alike, the current study was carried out to identify determinants influencing PNC use in Gandaki Province, Nepal, in terms of socio demographic and economic, factors. This analyzing data from as many as 180 respondents, a logistic regression model was used to evaluate the effect of factors contributing to PNC utilization (maternal age, education, birth order, caste/ethnicity, residence, religion, and wealth quintile). Education level and economic status were found to be the most significant predictors of PNC commitment. Women with higher levels of education were 26 times more likely to seek PNC services (OR = 26.37; p= 0.001), emphasizing the importance of health literacy and decision-making autonomy. The wealthier showed significantly greater PNC acceptance, whereby respondents in the richer quintile were nearly seven times more likely to receive such services (OR=6.93; p=0.027) against the poorest. Urban dwellers showed a higher frequency of PNC utilization rate (86.1%), whereas residence in the rurality did not contribute significantly to its access, thereby emphasizing the need to strengthen health care delivery. However, the deprivation experienced by the social minorities, especially Dalits and Janajatis, as regards their health care can be significantly concluded upon. Those young mothers (< 20 Years) and those who stand farther in the birth orders give less importance to PNC, which means a lack of awareness and priority regarding maternal health. The enhance the acceptance of PNC services, a few policy measures suggested by the study are increasing education efforts, providing economic aid to poor families, educational rural health arrangement, and running culturally inclusive health programs. When these determinants are addressed, maternal and neonatal health results will be expected to improve throughout Gandaki Province.

Can care ethics help healthcare systems address their environmental harms? Findings from focus groups with members of the UK public.

Bioethics scholars have become increasingly interested in moral questions associated with healthcare's environmental harms. Much of this scholarship has remained in the theoretical space, where ethical reasoning is underpinned by certain obligations and the implementation of top-down principles. Drawing on twelve focus groups with members of the UK public, this paper aims to bring a sociological ethics of care approach to these discussions. In fulfilling this aim, we highlight how moral decision-making occurs in the context of interrelationships with others, and not simply according to top-down principles. We show how, in line with an ethics of care approach, participants prioritised caring needs based on those in close relational proximity, meaning that emphasis was placed primarily on themselves and their loved ones, followed by other humans and the NHS, and finally the environment. At the same time, we contribute to the ethics of care scholarship by showing how such relation-based hierarchical caring was affected by various socio-cultural and political factors-what we have called 'contextual caring'. We note four factors: access to healthcare, capability of care work, increasing understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment, and societal norms of environmental citizenship. We stress the importance of considering these socio-cultural and political factors in any examination of how relation-based hierarchical care occurs in practice. We reflect on the implications of our focus group findings for policy measures towards addressing the UK NHS's environmental harms.

Hubungan Ketersediaan dan Pendidikan Tenaga Gizi terhadap Kejadian Stunting di Sumatera Barat, Indonesia

The availability of an adequate number of qualified nutrition experts is a supporting factor for the success of nutrition programs and health transformation. The research aims to analyze the relationship between job suitability of nutrition professionals, education level, participation in training, and the competence of nutrition experts in relation to the nutritional status (prevalence of stunting) in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design, with a sample size of 698 nutrition professionals working in 16 districts/cities in West Sumatra. Data were collected through a questionnaire in Google Form format. This study revealed that 35.6% of nutrition professionals did not possess an active registration certificate. Around 43.9% had only completed a three-year diploma program, and 13.7% were not working in accordance with their profession. Approximately 65% of nutrition experts had not received training related to their authority, and 76.3% did not possess relevant competency certification to support their performance. There was a significant relationship between the number of nutrition professionals working in accordance with their profession, participation in training, and competency certification with the occurrence of stunting (p<0.05). The conclusion is that the higher the number of nutrition professionals working in accordance with their profession, trained, and competent, the lower the prevalence of stunting in the area. Policy measures and efforts are needed to meet the needs of nutrition experts in terms of quantity and quality in order to strengthen nutrition programs and improve the level of health in West Sumatra.

Development of a psychometric scale for measuring farmers' attitudes toward crop residue management practices

This research presents the Attitude Scale for Crop Residue Management (AS-CRM), a validated tool designed to measure farmers' psychological tendencies toward crop residue management practices. Addressing the pressing need for reliable instruments in agricultural sustainability research, the AS-CRM was developed using Likert’s summated rating scale method through a structured three-stage process: item generation, item selection and statistical validation. An initial pool of 70 statements was created through a literature review and expert consultations. Following expert evaluation, 45 items were selected and administered to 60 farmers in a non-sample area for item analysis. Based on t-test values (≥ 2.05), 20 items were retained for the final scale. The instrument demonstrated high reliability (Guttman Split-Half Coefficient = 0.947) and strong content validity confirmed by expert judgment. The final 20 item scale is scored on a five-point continuum ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Key findings highlighted positive attitudes in areas related to environmental awareness and soil health benefits, whereas scepticism remained around labour intensity and economic feasibility. The AS-CRM offers a robust framework for understanding farmer perceptions, facilitating the design of targeted behavioural interventions and policy measures. By providing a standardized assessment mechanism, it supports evidence-based decision making for promoting sustainable crop residue management practices and advancing climate-resilient agriculture.

Mechanization and Maize Productivity in Tanzania’s Ruvuma Region: A Python-Based Analysis on Adoption and Yield Impact

This study investigates the influence of agricultural mechanization on maize productivity in Tanzania’s Ruvuma region, a major maize-producing area vital to national food security. It addresses gaps in understanding the cumulative effects of mechanization across the maize production cycle and identifies region-specific barriers to adoption among smallholder farmers. Focusing on five key stages—land preparation, planting, plant protection, harvesting, and drying—this research evaluated mechanization uptake at each stage and its relationship with yield disparities. Statistical analyses using Python libraries included regression modeling, ANOVA, and hypothesis testing to quantify mechanization–yield relationships, controlling for farm size and socioeconomic factors, revealing a strong positive correlation between mechanization and maize yields (r = 0.86; p < 0.01). Mechanized land preparation, planting, and plant protection significantly boosted productivity (β = 0.75–0.35; p < 0.001). However, harvesting and drying mechanization showed negligible impacts (p > 0.05), likely due to limited adoption by smallholders combined with statistical constraints arising from the small sample size of large-scale farms (n = 20). Large-scale farms achieved 45% higher yields than smallholders (2.9 vs. 2.0 tons/acre; p < 0.001), reflecting systemic inequities in access. These inequities are underscored by the barriers faced by smallholders, who constitute 70% of farmers yet encounter challenges, including high equipment costs, limited credit access, and insufficient technical knowledge. This study advances innovation diffusion theory by demonstrating how inequitable resource access perpetuates low mechanization uptake in smallholder systems. It underscores the need for context-specific, equity-focused interventions. These include cooperative mechanization models for high-impact stages (land preparation and planting); farmer training programs; and policy measures such as targeted subsidies for harvesting equipment and expanded rural credit systems. Public–private partnerships could democratize mechanization access, bridging yield gaps and enhancing food security. These findings advocate for strategies prioritizing smallholder inclusion to sustainably improve Tanzania’s maize productivity.

Value issues in national projects of the Russian Federation

The article explores the theoretical foundations of the concept of “values” in philosophy and sociology, as well as their reflection in contemporary value-oriented policy, using as examples the national projects “Family” and “Youth and Children” and the Strategy for Family and Demographic Policy until 2036. Within the theoretical framework of the paper, the notion of “value” is examined from philosophical and sociological perspectives, based on the works of I.Kant, H.Rickert, É.Durkheim, M.Weber, T.Parsons, V.P.Tugarinov, V.A.Yadov, and N.P.Lapin. The reviewed theoretical approaches have been systematized according to their interpretative characteristics and grouped into three categories distinguished by their focus: normative, ideal, and practical. This classification served as a basis for a comparative analysis between the author's understanding of values and the existing interpretation of this category within Russian legislation. An analysis of the national projects and the Strategy revealed that they include specific mechanisms for transmitting values through upbringing, education, and cultural context, contributing to the reinforcement of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values outlined in Presidential Decree No. 809 of November 9, 2022. However, to increase their effectiveness, broader audience engagement and systematic alignment with already established societal value orientations are required, as current project implementations insufficiently account for these attitudes. The analysis presented allows for the formulation of practical recommendations aimed at improving value-oriented measures in state policy and may be useful for demographers, legal scholars, and philosophers working within the axiological tradition.

Blurring Age Boundaries and Normativity of Aging: A Review of Key Theoretical Approaches

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of theoretical approaches to the study of aging in the social sciences, revealing their relationship with changes in social policy regarding older people. The aim of the work is to consider how various theoretical concepts form the basis for blurring strict age boundaries and the normativity of aging, and how the achievements of the social sciences are reflected in practical measures of social policy. The authors analyze key concepts (successful/active aging, critical and cultural gerontology, the concept of the life course and aging in place) demonstrating the transition from biological determinism to understanding aging as a socially constructed process and identifying their roles in shaping modern longevity policies. The article shows that the paradigm shifts in aging studies (from the medical model to the socio-cultural one) reflects the global challenges of the second demographic transition. The authors conclude that modern theories of aging and social policy measures regarding older people are synchronized to a certain extent. The blurring of rigid age boundaries is in its own way beneficial to states interested in extending the economically active lifespan of older people. Certain concepts of ageing are used to confirm and justify social policy measures. The emphasis on practitioners’ attention to the achievements of social sciences in the field of ageing requires a responsible, attentive and critical approach by researchers to the study of inclusive ageing, emerging inequalities and the rights of the elderly to autonomy.

Policy issues in commodity futures trading: A critical review

Commodity futures trading plays a vital role in today's financial markets by facilitating price discovery and price risk management. However, in India, commodity futures trading faces several challenges, including issues related to trading, price discovery, price risk management, hedging, speculation and the regulatory environment. These challenges hinder the sustainable growth of the futures markets in the country. The paper specifically aims to critically review the challenges faced by commodity futures trading and the resulting consequences for stakeholders. The review is expected to provide insights into potential policy measures that could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of commodity futures markets in India. Additionally, price discovery in Indian commodity futures is often influenced by external factors, including global price fluctuations, making it difficult for market participants to rely solely on domestic futures contracts. By analysing these issues, the study offers insights into policy interventions and regulatory frameworks that could enhance market efficiency, encourage participation and improve the overall functioning of commodity futures trading in India. This study also serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and stakeholders, supporting more informed decision-making and aiding in the development of an optimal regulatory approach. Addressing these challenges is essential for fostering a transparent and well-functioning commodity futures market that benefits the stakeholders. Strengthening regulatory mechanisms and improving market infrastructure can significantly enhance the long-term growth and sustainability of the sector.

Identifying Extreme Heat and Moisture Zones for Vulnerable Populations in Athens: A Geospatial Analysis

Urban environments are increasingly affected by extreme weather conditions, posing significant risks to vulnerable populations, such as the homeless. This research applies geospatial analysis to identify areas of extreme heat and moisture within the Athens metropolitan area in Greece. The analysis utilizes satellite-derived land surface temperature (LST), vegetation density index (NDVI), build-up density index (NDBI), Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), and other terrain-based factors to develop high-fidelity risk zones. These zones are critical for informing targeted interventions and policy measures aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from heat waves and extreme moisture. This research integrates a geospatial analysis approach for mapping and evaluating heat and moisture vulnerability zones. This approach integrates remote sensing data, GIS-based modeling, and terrain analysis. The findings can provide local authorities and social services with the necessary information to design adaptive strategies for climate change resilience.

Establishing sustainable architecture through renewable energy sources: A case study of the United Kingdom

The paper explores how integrating alternative fuels and renewable energy technologies - like solar, wind, and geothermal - into the UK's sustainable design can promote sustainable design in the UK and address environmental issues of present days. The study combines quantitative analysis of energy use with qualitative case studies of existing sustainable buildings to assess the effectiveness of these technologies. The findings show that properly implemented renewable systems and sustainable green building design can considerably reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, with some homes reducing energy consumption by up to 40%. The study highlights two passive strategies, thermal mass and natural ventilation, particularly effective for improving energy efficiency. On a broader scale, incorporating renewable energy in architectural design supports environmental sustainability, social recognition, and economic benefits. The authors recommend policy measures to promote renewable technology use in new construction and suggest that collaboration among policymakers, engineers, and architects is essential to advancing sustainable architecture in the UK, paving the way for a more resilient and eco-friendlier built environment.