Policy Provision Research Articles

Milk production status and associated factors among indigenous dairy cows in Raya Kobo district, north eastern Ethiopia.

BackgroundA cross‐sectional survey study was conducted from September 2020 to April 2021. A total of 217 households were randomly selected. The data collection instruments were structured questionnaires: focus group discussion and key informant interviews. Data were coded, entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. Ranking indexes as well as binary logistic regression analysis were used to look for the relationship between dependent and independent variables.ResultThe present study showed that season of calving, disease and parasite challenges, housing conditions and shortage of land for forage production with an index value of 0.180, 0.154, 0.153 and 0.126, respectively, were the most important constraints affecting milk production potential. Likewise, foot and mouth disease [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (0.000–0.016)], internal parasites [AOR = 0.003, 95% CI = (0.000–0.046)], shortage of grazing land [AOR = 0.017, 95% CI = (0.002–0.148)], summer season of calving [AOR = 0.012, 95% CI = (0.002–0.088)], overall cattle herd composition [AOR = 0.002, 95% CI = (0.000–0.025)], straw shed [AOR = 0.046, 95% CI = (0.006–0.327)] and open yard [AOR = 0.003, 95% CI = (0.000–0.183)] housing conditions were significantly associated with milk production status at p < 0.001 and p < 0.05.ConclusionThe current study indicated that milk production status was poor. Therefore, suitable government policy support and provision of subsidies, genuine participation of dairy producers with governmental and non‐governmental organizations are imperative to improve livestock productivity. Furthermore, future research and development actions should find solutions to decrease the bottlenecks so that the massive potentials of the area could be exploited to its maximum and could advance the livelihood of the community.

Digital education futures in Irish educational policy: tempering commercial influence through an exploration of emerging ethical, environmental and educational realities

ABSTRACT This paper explores future digital technology policy for education with reference to the Irish context. Framed within the global context of commercial influence on education and related discourses, it addresses the Irish context with particular reference to identifiable ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors seen as influencing policy provision in any next phase. The paper then proceeds to outline a number of intersecting factors or issues that will likely influence digital technology policy and practice in Irish schools in the future, taking into consideration the political, corporate, social, economic and educational backdrop. Likely ethical, environmental and educational factors are proposed and discussed. Looking across these factors, the paper concludes that establishing a clear vision of the role and purpose of technology in education, coupled with a more complex understanding and appreciation of the interaction between technology and education (which is contextually bound and relational, and reflects greater teacher rather than corporate agency) are significant prerequisites to any consideration of the future of digital education in the Irish educational policy context.

Community School Management Related Educational Policy Provisions in Nepal: Perception from Implementers

The purpose of the study was to explore the self-reflection and perception of the members of School Management Committee (SMC) of public schools on the policy provisions related to community school management in Nepal. The study explored the reflections of the education stakeholders who are at the level of community school management policy enactment. Therefore, the study reflects the perception of SMC Chairs, SMC members and Secretary of SMC. The study followed the phenomenological research design with an interpretive research paradigm. The high performing schools were sampled following the purposive sampling method based on the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) results of last three years. The study found that the SMCs of community schools are satisfied with the policy provision in terms of decentralization, planning, resource mobilization, community mobilization and improving transparency. They realized that there are enough provisions to strengthen and functionalize the community schools. However, the study identified that there are some reservations in the implementation. It was found that there was lack of consultation with the relevant stakeholders while developing the policy provision. On the other hand, it was identified that the government authorities do not consult with the SMCs while implementing the policies at the school level substituting the roles of SMCs of those clauses enlisted as the roles of SMC. Similarly, the study revealed, although the community schools are provided the significant responsibilities, but the schools are not able to implement all the provisions due to the inadequate budget allocated for school education.

Analysis of institutional policies on the personality and quality of human resources in maintaining teacher productivity and motivation during the pandemic

Institutions are an important part in terms of employment for both educated and uneducated workers. Policies in increasing productivity and motivation play an important role in education management in Indonesia, especially in Malang Regency. This study used a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. The data obtained came from interviews, personal notes, questionnaires, and documents needed to conduct research. This study resulted in an institution policy on the quality of work of teachers and staff in increasing productivity in the post-pandemic period. The results show that the provision of policies in the form of good intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and excellent rewards in supporting the performance of teachers in educational institutions. In the implementation to improve teacher performance, the efforts made by the principal are a) Training by the field of study offered. b) Provide motivation, and inspiration in achieving goals. c) Giving confidence in doing something. d) Appreciate the work of teachers in educating students. JEL Classification: J08, M54.

Exploring Urban Governance in Ethiopia: Institutional Principles of Non-state Actors’ Engagement

The purpose of this article is to look in to the institutional principles that encourage non-state actors (NSAs’) to participate in urban infrastructure and services. This article uses a qualitative research approach to achieve the purpose of the research. To acquire qualitative data, qualitative techniques such as interviews, focus groups, document analysis, and key informant interviews were used. The findings of the study indicate that NSAs’ engagements are governed by legal and policy provisions in the case study urban local governments (ULGs’). In spite of the aforementioned provisions, there have been imbalances in these provisions to safely deal with the involvement of NSAs’ in urban infrastructure service provisions. Furthermore, there was a significant disconnect between legal/policy provisions and their execution. The case study ULGs’ lacked the necessary resources to carry out constitutional provisions relating to the involvement of NSAs’ in urban infrastructure services. Consequently, the institutional environment might impede the role of NSAs’ engagement to improve decentralized development policy. The case study ULGs’ general institutional situation was pathetic to encourage the involvement of NSAs’ in urban infrastructure service provisions. The traditional top-down approach to institutional assistance was incompatible with the bottom-up nature of partnership development. There was significant gap in institutionalizing the involvement of NSAs’ in urban infrastructure service provisions although there have been proper efforts to institutionalize their engagement. This case study, therefore, contends that to guide NSAs’ involvement and the sharing of the merit of partnership development, unambiguous norms and regulations must be established. These laws and regulations must give the NSAs’ the freedom to engage in the activities of development and make judgments. Besides, this article contends that in order to fulfill their obligation to facilitate NSAs’ engagements, the case study ULGs’ require extensive manpower development. The development of manpower must concentrate on developing competent personnel and a welcoming institutional culture. The ULGs’ should have given sufficient powers and responsibilities over infrastructure service provisions.

Fatores de risco à infecção pelo HIV entre adolescentes e jovens: revisão sistemática

Abstract Objective: to identify and analyze HIV infection risk factors among adolescents and the youth. Method: this is a systematic review whose guide question is: what are the risk factors for HIV infection among adolescents and the youth?” In total, five databases and Google Scholar were searched in December 2021 and the found publications between 2012-2022 were filtered without language restriction. Studies were selected by two independent reviewers. The included materials were subjected to methodological quality evaluation and narrative synthesis. Results: overall, we included seven studies out of the 26,191 retrieved. All studies were conducted in Africa. We found that the female gender, older age, low schooling, Black ethnicity, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent use of condoms, alcohol consumption, and early sexual onset constituted risk factors for HIV infection in adolescents and the youth. Conclusion: understanding risk factors underscores the provision of health policies and intervention strategies to strengthen the responsiveness of health services and nursing teams’ care to reduce HIV transmission among adolescents and the youth.

СУЧАСНА ПРОМИСЛОВА ПОЛІТИКА ТА ІННОВАЦІЙНА СТРАТЕГІЯ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОГО СОЮЗУ

Industrial policy determines the guidelines for developing the innovative power of any entity in the global economy, including the European Union. The effectiveness of industrial policy contributes to the favourable innovation climate and is the driver of economic development. Thus, the analysis of the European Union's current industrial policy and innovation strategy is essential for Ukraine. The article aims to study the current industrial policy and innovation strategy of the European Union. The work examines the current industrial policy and innovation strategy of the European Union. It is noted that the evolution of modern industrial policy in the European Union is associated with the use of two models: vertical (selective) and horizontal (functional). It analyses the provisions of the New Industrial Policy of the European Union 2021–2027, which were grouped in three documents. The measures proposed by the European Commission for the restructuring of European industry have been identified. It has been found that today the European Union ranks only third (after China and the United States) in the development of innovative researce and development. The research reveals that the European Union today actively uses the existing integration tools as a priority to "pull" the lagging countries to the level of innovative development of the advanced group of member states. Restrictions on the domestic policy of the European Union member states in technological development have been systematised. The article analyses the current strategy of the European Union in the field of innovation and reveals the goals and directions of innovation development provided by it. It presents the most important mechanisms that form the basis of the European Union's policy in supporting "open innovation". However, it is concluded that the European Union today is actively using existing integration tools to "pull" lagging countries to the level of innovative development of the advanced group of member states (27), which should lead to increased innovation and competitive power of the European Union as a whole.

Performance Assessment of Indian Electric Distribution Utilities Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)

One of the most important links in the electricity market is the electricity distribution sector as it involves interfacing the end customers and providing the revenue that is required for running the entire chain of the electricity sector. Besides, it provides power to the individual consumers at relatively lower voltages by absorbing high voltage power from the transmission sector and involves revenue collection from the consumer sector. The primary aim of the distribution sector, as stated by the Provisions of Tariff policy, Government of India, 2016, is to provide reliable, quality and sustainable power at reasonable rates. Despite the restructuring of Indian Power Sector post implementation of Electricity Act 2003, the electricity distribution utilities, in the recent past, are experiencing poor financial results irrespective of their ownership (public, private or joint sector). This has been attributed to various factors related to economic, environmental, physical, social and technical streams related to the operation of the utilities. The performance of these electricity distribution utilities can be assessed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) tool which is extensively used in the recent past by the researchers to analyze the performance of entities of other sectors. The successful employment of DEA for evaluating the electricity distribution utilities lies with the proper selection of input and output variables that are chosen for the analysis. The current work analyzes the relative comparative performance of electricity distribution utilities across India and identifies inefficient utilities besides providing peers/reference, slack analysis for effective strategic improvement.

Features of the administrative and legal provision of gender policy in Ukraine in the contest of European integration priorities

Features of the administrative and legal provision of gender policy in Ukraine in the contest of European integration priorities

ДИФФЕРЕНЦИАЦИЯ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО ПРОСТРАНСТВА РФ: СТРУКТУРНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ НА УРОВНЕ МАКРОРЕГИОНОВ

The article is devoted to the research problem of highly uneven spatial localization of economic activity in Russia. The purpose of the study has been to assess the economic inequality of regions on the scale of federal districts and to assess intergroup differences (between federal districts). Such a goal seems relevant in the context of the state regional policy and the need to reduce the level of interregional differences within the respective macro-regions. The research has been carried out on the basis of the method of measuring inequality in the form of the Theil index and the structural decomposition of this indicator. The article contains the results of a numerical assessment of the Theil index and its structural analysis in a longterm retrospective dynamics – from 1990 to 2020. The choice of the duration of the studied retrospective is explained by the fact that during this period there were significant socio-economic and political transformations that affected, among other things, the economy of Russian regions. Structural analysis of interregional differences has been carried out in the context of macro-regions. The results of the research have shown a high level of intragroup and intergroup inequality at the level of macro-regions and led to the conclusion that it is necessary to develop certain provisions of the state regional policy.

Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Healthcare Provision and Lived Experiences of Patients with Hydrocephalus.

The emergence of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) led to distancing measures which acutely affected healthcare infrastructure, leading to limited in-person clinical visits and an increased number of virtual appointments. This study aimed to examine the effects this had on adults with hydrocephalus by describing the lived experiences of a cohort of patients at an outpatient hydrocephalus clinic. Between early May and early July of 2020, remote structured interviews were conducted with participants. Interviews were in-depth and open-ended, allowing participants to reflect and expand on the effects of the social distancing mandate on their well-being and quality of care. Three themes emerged: (1) impacts of changes in treatment provision, (2) impacts of changes in mitigating activities, and (3) impacts of changes on personal well-being. The comprehensive understanding of lived experiences may inform the future provision of healthcare services and social policy. Improved approaches to remote care telemedicine have the potential to facilitate high-quality care.

Application of Reactive Power Tariffs as a Way of Energy Saving

The paper analyzes the current state of the RA electricity market and presents the legislative regulation of the sector, as well as the main provisions of the tariff policy in the RA electricity system. Most of the reactive energy producing and supplying power plants do not keep separate accounting of costs, which would allow for accurately calculating the amounts of the consumption fee or tariff for reactive energy. Therefore, it is necessary to implement corresponding changes in the legislative field regulating the energy sector, which would settle the issues of classification, rationing, accounting, and reporting of costs incurred on the production of reactive energy.

СОЦІАЛЬНА ПОЛІТИКА ДЕРЖАВИ

In modern conditions of globalization, the priorities of human development and ensuring a high standard of living of the population are the main factors of human progress. Not a single state in the world has yet managed to achieve high indicators of the level and quality of life without a drastic increase in living standards and effective investments in human and social capital. The implementation of the state's social policy is based on meeting the material, cultural and spiritual needs of citizens. The goal of the social policy of the state in Ukraine in modern conditions is to ensure the standard of living of the population in accordance with the standards of the European Union. Social policy is a socio-historical phenomenon: it appeared together with the emergence of the state, is aimed at coordinating the joint activities of people and is a regulator of relations between social structures and social institutions, as well as between public and individual human life. In the work, the social policy of the state was investigated, in particular, the social policy of the EU countries and Ukraine was taken as an example. From the conducted research, it can be concluded that the main goal of the social policy of the EU today is to improve the acceptability of the EU in the eyes of the population through the strengthening of the social sector. Today, the existence of the principle of subsidiarity is the main problem for strengthening the social policy of the EU. limiting the competence of the EU in the field of social policy, primarily, stimulating the movement of the workforce. Also, the main problem in strengthening the social policy of the EU can be called the lack of interaction between its member countries on social issues. As for Ukraine, the social direction of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU consists in the adaptation of the national social policy. This refers to the implementation of reforms in the system of insurance, labor protection, health, pension provision, employment policy and other areas of social policy, in accordance with EU standards and the gradual achievement of the pan-European level of social security and protection of the population. The implementation of reforms in this direction must be implemented based on EU programs by involving EU institutions in this matter.

Election Related Violence in Nigeria: Perspectives, Policies and Prospects

Electoral Related Violence (ERV) is one of the major problems bedevilling the Nigerian democratic system with severe outcomes such as the loss of lives and property, violation of the rule of law, weak democratic governments and poor leadership among others. This study was carried out with the main aim of examining the perspectives, policies and prospects of ERV in Nigeria. The study explored the various dimensions of ERV, the laws that are set up to ensure elections are peaceful and finally, the means of ensuring that ERV is prevented or controlled by the implementation of the relevant laws.The mixed methods research technique was utilized for the gathering of data for this study; both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. A total of 500 randomly selected electoral workers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were employed for the survey, the respondents were issued questionnaires and also interviewed. The perspectives of ERV that emerged from the study include the provision of a viable health policy for electoral workers, use of technology, improved security measures, independence of electoral bodies, threats and kidnapping, education and training of electoral staff, vote buying and public office attraction. The study also showed that there were already some very important laws and acts contained in the electoral act and the constitution that were designed to address various types of electoral malpractice effectively, however, there have been a very poor implementation of the essential laws that are supposed to act as punitive measures for those found guilty of breaching electoral laws as well acting as dissuading factors for those with criminal intent.The Nigerian electoral law dictates that the relevant punitive measures for electoral malpractice include fines, conviction or both. After exploring the perspectives and policies addressing ERV, this study recommends the adoption of modern communication technologies for election monitoring and exchange of information, strengthening of the security apparatus, full implementation of all relevant existing laws and electoral acts capable of reducing ERV by punishment, provision of relevant health and welfare packages for electoral workers. The study further suggests that the transparency of electoral bodies and provision of adequate education for the masses should be effected as some of the approaches that can be adopted as measures for the reduction or total elimination of ERV among other measures. Keywords: Electoral Related Violence, Perspectives, Policies, Prospects DOI: 10.7176/DCS/12-1-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2022

Risk factors for HIV infection among adolescents and the youth: a systematic review.

to identify and analyze HIV infection risk factors among adolescents and the youth. this is a systematic review whose guide question is: what are the risk factors for HIV infection among adolescents and the youth?" In total, five databases and Google Scholar were searched in December 2021 and the found publications between 2012-2022 were filtered without language restriction. Studies were selected by two independent reviewers. The included materials were subjected to methodological quality evaluation and narrative synthesis. overall, we included seven studies out of the 26,191 retrieved. All studies were conducted in Africa. We found that the female gender, older age, low schooling, Black ethnicity, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent use of condoms, alcohol consumption, and early sexual onset constituted risk factors for HIV infection in adolescents and the youth. understanding risk factors underscores the provision of health policies and intervention strategies to strengthen the responsiveness of health services and nursing teams' care to reduce HIV transmission among adolescents and the youth.

DETERMINATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN ANAMBRA STATE

The need to enhance the growth and survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) necessitated the study, to ascertain the factors affecting the growth and survival of SMEs in Anambra State. Three research questions guided the study. A total of Two thousand, eight hundred and thirty-two registered SME owners and managers constituted the population. Simple random sampling was used to select 950 SME owners and managers as the sample for the study. Structured questionnaire validated by three experts with a reliability coefficient of 0.83 was the instrument for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using Mean and Standard deviation. The study found that factors such as; Inadequate experience, Lack of creativity, Lack of focus/determination (personal competencies) and Inadequate equipment and tools, Insufficient capital, Change in the market trend (environmental factors) affect the growth and survival of SMEs. Also, the study revealed the ways through which the growth and survival of SMEs could be enhanced as; Provision of adequate financial support to SME operators by the government, philanthropists and Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs), Government provision of favourable business policies for SMEs, and Provision of business and managerial skill training programme free of charge to SMEs through public private partnership, among others. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that, SME owners and managers should equip themselves with the necessary competencies required for the growth and survival of SMEs either through formal training or apprenticeship system or both to enhance the growth and survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Mining and utilization of salinity tolerant legumes in tropical coastal agroecosystems: An overview

Coastal saline soils are increasing year by year caused by climate change and human activities. Most of the coastal saline soils are idle due to their high salinity level and few crops can grow normally. Salinity tolerant legumes are naturally salinity tolerant, which can ecological cover the coastal saline soil, enhance soil fertility by symbiotic nitrogen fixation and increase the smallholder farmers’ benefits in terms of forage, green manure, food or medicine. However, few reports are available for the systematic evaluation of salinity tolerant legumes. This review summarizes and evaluates currently available salinity tolerant legume species that could potentially be used and discusses their potential for integration into smallholder mixed coastal systems of the Asia-Pacific region. 44 salinity tolerant legumes were summarized, 6 of them showed a high level of salinity tolerance, 17 of them showed a moderate level of salinity tolerance and 21 of them showed potential salinity tolerance but need be further proved. Many gaps such as combined tolerance evaluation, nitrogen fixation efficiency, animals feeding experiments and salinity tolerant rhizobia screening/inoculants were existed. Case studies demonstrate legumes could be used to reclaim coastal saline soils, but commitment and support from government and public services are necessary to address both seed system and extension needs, through the provision of adequate incentives, policies and development efforts.

FINANCIAL SECURITY OF STRATEGIC BRANCHES OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY: SUBSTANTIVE DECOMPOSITION AND SOURCES OF ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY

The study focuses on the theoretical and methodological analysis of the basic provisions of state policy to ensure financial security of priority sectors of the national economy. The purpose of the article is to generalize the theoretical and methodological principles of analyzing the economic security of the state and economic security of the industry in order to form conceptual provisions of financial security of strategic sectors of the national economy, its decomposition and the principles of analysis methodology. The article emphasizes the urgency of considering the issues of economic and in particular financial security at the level of sectoral economic system. Particular emphasis is placed on the relevance of state policy to ensure financial security directly strategic (priority) sectors of the national economy. Based on the analysis of theoretical and methodological approaches to the formation of semantic and structural characteristics of economic security of the industry identified elements of methodological support for analyzing the financial security of strategic sectors of the national economy. The tasks of the methodology of financial security analysis of strategic sectors of the economy, such as financial and investment resources, proper financial condition, efficient use of capital, protection from financial risks and threats, development of financial subsystem, realization of potential in ensuring financial and economic development of the national economy. It is concluded that the elements of the logical-structural model of the methodology of analysis of strategic sectors of the national economy are the purpose, objectives, components, indicators, approaches and methods for analysis and evaluation. The applied significance of the research results is that such a concept as financial security of strategic industries has been introduced into the public policy system, which will allow to initiate measures to ensure it. The scientific novelty of the research results is that the elements of the logical-structural model of the methodology of analysis of strategic sectors of the national economy are identified, namely – the purpose, objectives, components, indicators, approaches and methods to analysis and evaluation.

The Research on Differences and Policies of Housing Provision in UK Cities before and after the WWII

WWII dealt a heavy blow to British cities, especially to urban housing provision. The purpose of this research paper is to compare the differences in urban housing supply data and policies in the UK before and after the WWII and draw out some successful experiences and housing policies. With reference to the changes in housing provision in London and Manchester before and after WWII, this essay firstly focuses on an overall development process of housing provision before and after WWII in British industrial cities represented by the two cities through a comparative and analytical data research method. Then, through comparative analysis, the article compares what effective government policies were put in place to stabilise housing supply before and after the WWII. Before WWII, the government met the large demand for working-class housing by clearing slums and increasing housing construction, while after WWII, the government encouraged the development of counter-urbanisation and dealt some conflicts in the urban-rural fringe to ensure effective urban housing provision.

Factors influencing the emergence of self-reliance in primary health care using traditional medicine: A scoping review.

Self-reliance is the responsible behavior and the ability of an individual to take care of one's own health using local resources. A substantial proportion of the population use traditional medicine (TM) for primary health care (PHC) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The underlying philosophy of the TM approach is self-reliance due to its emphasis on culture, traditions, customs, and local resources. Given the complexity and ambiguity of how self-reliance emerges, there is a need to have clarity in its understanding and the practice in relation to TM. Hence, we conducted this review to synthesize the factors determining the emergence of self-reliance in PHC using TM in resource-poor settings with a specific focus on LMICs. We searched PubMed, Google scholar, and the Social Science Research Network databases, and conducted reference tracking of selected articles. We included articles published between 2000 and 2020 May. Thematic analysis was done using QDA-miner Lite software version 2.1. We retained 29 papers for review and analysis. A conceptual framework was developed that located factors influencing the emergence of self-reliance. Self-reliance manifests through a socially constructed interaction between factors from the macro (policy and environment) to the micro context (community and household). Due to the lack of explanatory models, there is a substantial gap between understanding self-reliance and its application in health policy and practice. Achieving comprehensive PHC and universal health coverage requires policy provisions to create an enabling environment in health-care facilities, communities, and households that allows the emergence of self-reliance.