Protection Program Research Articles

Navigating Rough Waters After Sackett v. EPA

The Clean Water Act is the primary federal law regulating impacts to water resources and water quality in the United States. Congress asserted the focus of the Act in the first section: to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. Federal jurisdiction to implement this focus for many of the Act’s water protection programs turns on whether a waterbody is classified as a “Water of the United States” (WOTUS). The definition of WOTUS has been contested since the ink dried on the Act, with proponents of greater water protections arguing for more expansive boundaries of federal jurisdiction. Most recently, the Supreme Court re-interpreted WOTUS in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (2023), in which the Court held that wetlands 300 feet from Priest Lake would no longer be considered adjacent wetlands protected as WOTUS. Upending forty-five years of agency and judicial interpretation, the Court narrowed the definition of WOTUS to only those wetlands that have a continuous surface connection to a traditionally navigable body of water, such as a river or lake. This places many wetlands and ephemeral and intermittent streams outside of federal jurisdiction, and thus, the protections of the CWA. Yet, wetlands and nonperennial streams are vital to the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. Wetlands filter pollutants from water, retain and absorb flood waters, and provide habitats for wildlife. Ephemeral and intermittent streams are ubiquitous and important pathways that drain water and pollutants into traditional navigable waters. Removing federal protections means these areas are vulnerable to ruin by human alterations, and it increases flood risks to downstream communities. Decreasing federal jurisdiction over the majority of wetlands and nonperennial streams across the U.S. places a greater emphasis on the role of states and tribes in water protection. Lacking a consistent federal approach results in a patchwork of protections for waters that are now considered nonfederal, even when those waters impact large regional shared waters, such as the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, the Colorado River, and Rio Grande, to name a few. This Article starts with a grounding in the scientific literature to explore the importance and vital functions of the waters that have lost federal jurisdiction. Using that as a springboard, we explain the most important legal decisions defining WOTUS to place Sackett v. EPA in context. We then discuss the divergent responses to the loss of federal jurisdiction by surveying responses at federal, tribal, and state levels of government. We show that many tribes opposed reducing federal protections leading up to Sackett, and after the decision, at the federal and state level, the battle continues over removing versus restoring regulatory protections. We observe that even in states where reducing regulatory control is favored, agreements have been forged around non-regulatory programs that fund wetland protections. We conclude that tribes and states have the power to shape protections for these vital waters regardless of federal jurisdiction, but with no federal regulatory backstop, the integrity of the Nation’s waters is threatened by this piecemeal approach.

Assessment of Four Essential Features of the Alive & Thrive Initiative to Improve Maternal, Infant, Young Child, and Adolescent Nutrition.

Alive & Thrive has been a major global nutrition initiative that aimed to learn how to improve maternal, infant, young child, and adolescent nutrition and health on a large scale. During 2009-2014, Alive & Thrive developed and implemented interventions to improve infant and young child feeding at scale in three countries. Subsequently, Alive & Thrive expanded its work to more than 15 geographies, including six country-specific and two regional programs, to additionally address maternal and adolescent nutrition while adding agriculture and social protection programs to improve maternal, infant, and young child nutrition. Reflecting on the big picture of what the Alive & Thrive initiative has accomplished in its 16 years and how it did so, four features warranted emphasis because additional learning was needed. These four features were: commitment to exemplary large-scale social and behaviour change communication, explicit focus on policy and advocacy to achieve and sustain change, promotion of country-led initiatives through technical assistance, and attention to quality assurance and improvement in programming. For each feature, an assessment across the Alive & Thrive portfolio was commissioned, each led by an external consultant or team. The assessments highlighted designing and implementing exemplary social and behaviour change programming and policy advocacy in each country, undertaking a large-scale effort through careful, in-depth, and evidence-based planning that is bolstered by strong engagement with relevant stakeholders at multiple levels. The assessments also highlighted technical assistance that is responsive to country contexts to support country-led initiatives and attention to assuring and improving the quality of programming to achieve effectiveness.

Evaluating the effectiveness of public finance used for social protection of internally displaced persons

The increasing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in wartime Ukraine leads to growing problems in social protection funding. Under these circumstances, the evaluation of the effectiveness of public finance use is of increasing importance. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of public finance for internally displaced persons’ social protection, adapting the KPI methodology for analysis on the national level. The effectiveness is considered following the OECD approach as the extent to which the intervention achieved its objectives and results. At macrolevel of research, the integral indicator was developed based on indicators of input (financing of social protection programs), output (involvement of IDPs in social programs), activity (funding per recipient and multiplicative effect in GDP growth), mechanism (administrative costs for achieving results), and control (effectiveness of IDPs’ social protection compared to other demographic groups). Thirty indicators in total were used (e.g., budgetary funding allocated for housing assistance; budget expenditures on staff salaries of the authorities responsible for certain programs; coverage rate of unemployed IDPs receiving vocational training). The essential distance from the maximum level of expected results (1.0) allows concluding the low effectiveness in this area of public finance use: from 0.330 in 2020 to 0.668 in 2023. Gaps are evident in each direction, especially in input performance (the highest value did not exceed 0.370). The best results were achieved in housing funding and employment governance. The proposed approach is useful for analyzing gaps and identifying opportunities to improve the management of other social programs.

Forgotten Children: The Crisis of Child Welfare and Alternative Care in Afghanistan

This article explores the complex landscape of alternative care for orphaned and vulnerable children in Afghanistan against the backdrop of prolonged conflict, political turmoil and socio-economic challenges. With an estimated 2 million orphans and countless more children living in challenging circumstances, the country faces a daunting task in ensuring the well-being and protection of its most vulnerable population. This analysis explores the various forms of alternative care available in Afghanistan, including traditional family care, orphanages, foster care and community-based initiatives. It highlights the historical evolution of child protection policies and programmes, tracing the impact of significant events such as the Taliban regime’s rule, periods of conflict and the subsequent transition periods, including the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021. The compounded challenges faced by children and families are examined, including disruptions in funding, aid delivery and access to essential services. Key stakeholders involved in alternative care, including government authorities, non-governmental organisations, religious leaders and extended families, are identified, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing these challenges. The article concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing child protection policies, strengthening family support systems, and fostering stable environments where children’s rights and well-being are prioritised. Ultimately, the article underscores the urgency of concerted action to ensure Afghanistan’s orphaned and vulnerable children are not forgotten amidst the context of ongoing turmoil and uncertainty in the nation’s governance.

Funding the colonial tax haven: unpacking the role of the paycheck protection program in Puerto Rico’s state-corporate crimes

Funding the colonial tax haven: unpacking the role of the paycheck protection program in Puerto Rico’s state-corporate crimes

National Social Register as a Veritable Tool for Social Protection and Educational Development: Evidence from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

The study assessed the impact of the National Social Register as a veritable tool for social protection and educational development: Evidence from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. The study adopted cross-sectional survey design. The population of the study consisted of 43,360 households. A sample of 396 respondents were used for the study, employing multistage sampling techniques. Questionnaires alongside interviews were employed for data collection. Data was analyzed using charts, frequencies, percentages and chi-square test. The findings of the study show that 6752 households were captured in 9 council wards that were captured in NSR out of the 12 council wards in the study area. Then, 439 households benefited from social protection programs informed of cash transfer. The study established that social protection intervention programs that the poor and vulnerable households benefited from significantly improve their level of income. Furthermore, the findings of the study also show that social protection intervention programs that the poor and vulnerable households captured in NSR benefited from have a significant impact on the educational progress of their children in the study area. The study concluded that the National Social Register (NSR) is a veritable tool for social protection and educational development in the study area. Therefore, the study recommended that governments at all levels in Nigeria should commit their resources in strengthening the process of building the NSR given that accurate data is necessary for social protection programs, development policies and planning as well as educational development.

Patterns and Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among U.S. Active Duty Service Members, 2020-2022: Implications for Future Pandemics.

Vaccine mandates have been used to minimize the duty days lost and deaths attributable to infectious disease among active duty Service members (ADSMs). In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, in August 2021, the U.S. DoD issued a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all ADSMs. This study aimed to investigate COVID-19 vaccine uptake among the ADSM population, as well as factors associated with timing of COVID-19 vaccine receipt. This study included ADSMs on active duty between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022. Univariate analyses investigated associations between demographic factors (age, sex, race, ethnicity, branch of service, rank, and state of residence) and COVID-19 diagnosis with the following outcomes: (1) time to primary series initiation in relation to the DoD vaccine mandate, (2) time between doses of the 2-dose primary series, and (3) time between booster eligibility and receipt. This research received an exempt determination by the USU Human Research Protection Program. In total, 1,799,466 ADSMs were included, with 90% receiving ≥1 COVID-19 vaccine dose during the study period and 77% initiating the primary series prior to the mandate. Over 80% of ADSMs received a complete primary series, with 96% of those adhering to the recommended regimen. The history of COVID-19 diagnosis was associated with the later receipt of all doses. COVID-19 vaccine uptake was high among all ADSMs, with the majority initiating the primary series before the mandate. The high vaccine uptake among ADSMs shown here may be used as a guide to both military and civilian pandemic policy and outreach efforts related to enhanced vaccine uptake.

Has China's “only-out, no-in” staff-reduction policy alleviated the material deprivation of forestry worker families? Evidence from China's Natural Forest Protection Program

Has China's “only-out, no-in” staff-reduction policy alleviated the material deprivation of forestry worker families? Evidence from China's Natural Forest Protection Program

POLITICAL ECONOMY OF REFUGEE SELF-RELIANCE AND EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVES: CASE STUDIES OF THE MINAWAO AND GADO-BADZERE REFUGEE CAMPS, CAMEROON

This article examines the true motives of stakeholder involvement in refugee protection issues, continuously supporting refugee protection programs for a protracted period despite the unsustainability of initiatives. It argues that the persistent gap between relief initiatives and refugee needs and interests, suggests that the initial intentions of relief institutions are not necessarily the sustainability of refugee dependence programs. Indeed, the way of implementation of these programs not only impedes favourable results but also shows a lack of desire to truly find a permanent solution to the refugee problem once and for all. The study concludes that despite consistent efforts and huge funding to support self-reliance initiatives in Cameroon’s Minawao and Gado-Badzere refugee camps, humanitarian, state actors and other stakeholder and their form of assistance to refugees are implicated in the creation of new challenges for refugees and present refugee protractedness as an asset used by these stakeholders to perpetually coverup hidden agendas.

Three challenges of social protection in sub‐Saharan Africa: informality, climate change and pandemics

AbstractThis article provides an overview of social protection challenges in sub‐Saharan Africa. It explores three main challenges: the integration of informal workers, the management of climate change and pandemics. Despite the proliferation of social protection programmes in sub‐Saharan Africa, effective coverage remains low. About 76.3% of the population is not covered by any formal social protection mechanisms. Following the principle of qualitative comparative analysis, this article offers a twofold contribution. Firstly, it provides an overview of the diversity of social protection mechanisms in sub‐Saharan Africa. This article proposes to describe the three categories of social protection using the concept of social protection mix: formal, semi‐formal and informal. Secondly, using this concept, this study explores three major challenges of the social protection mix in sub‐Saharan Africa. Finally, this article suggests ways to strengthen social protection systems that address new challenges and incorporate the diversity of social protection mechanisms.

Integration of Child Protection and Social Protection for Child Victims of Violence in Indonesia

Social protection (SP) programs for children who are victims of violence have been provided through Child Protection (CP) services, but there are still gaps in meeting the needs in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. This study aims to determine the quality of CP services and their integration with SP services for child victims of violence in Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study method, this study was conducted in 4 provinces and 10 districts/cities, 5 cases of child victims of violence, and a number of informants from parents of victims, and stakeholders in the regions who are responsible for the issue of child victims of violence. Using qualitative methods, the results of the study indicate that there is no integrated policy between CP and SP services for child victims of violence. The lack of integration of CP and SP occurs both among institutions and within the Ministry that has the main tasks and related functions. In some policies related to SP in the form of social assistance under the social rehabilitation program, it is only intended for the poor, so that only children who are victims of violence and are poor can get this service. Integration of child protection and social protection is very important to create a comprehensive framework to address the needs of children who are victims of violence and their families. This paper recommends the integration of social protection and social protection programs by including violence against children as part of the poverty indicators.

Blockchain-Enabled Security Framework against Ransomware Attacks Using Machine Learning

In this presentable paper, we first describe and analyze the background of a certain discipline by reviewing the recent scientific literature on this subject and summarizing it about issues of the new research. Ransomware through reasoning can also be considered the last significant stage for cyber extortion blocking access to the resources of the target organization until submission by the latter to certain coercion or payment. There is a separate class of malware known as ransomware. When a computer or some other device suffers a ransomware malware attack, such device is either locked/held hostage or the data within the device is encrypted. Ransom demands (usually a small sum) are placed on the victims for providing the data order for the data translation in the form of a decryption key. Due to these attacks, surveillance means and protective programs are recommended given the prevention of ransomware epidemic outbreaks. The most vulnerable targets are probably those classed as organizations, such as financial institutes and healthcare sectors. Blockchain technology prevents tempering which makes it much more effective than the traditional centralized approach of data storage. Such aspects of blockchain technology can enhance the security perimeter for the detection and prevention of ransomware attacks even more. The objectives of the research are to demonstrate the extent of the problem and to show how problems are identifiable within datasets, which is through the application of machine learning. In this paper, we propose a new security framework that applies machine learning to prevent ransomware attacks and is based on the principles of blockchain technology.

Coping Strategies of Social Protection Programs for Community Resilience to Climate Shocks in Tana North Sub-County, Tana River County, Kenya

This study examines the effectiveness of coping strategies of social protection programs in enhancing community resilience to climate shocks in Tana North Sub-County, Tana River County, Kenya. Despite its potential as a policy response, the effectiveness of social protection as a coping strategy in fostering community resilience remains underexplored. This study explores coping strategies employed by local communities and analyses the role of social protection interventions in migrating the impacts of climate-related disasters. Using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods data was collected from 362 respondents, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The research finds that while these programs provide essential immediate relief and improve absorptive capacities, their impact on adaptation and long-term resilience is limited. Challenges such as inadequate coverage, irregular support, and poor integration with broader resilience-building efforts hinder their effectiveness and restrict their ability to foster community resilience to shocks. The study underscores the urgent need to identify best practices and inform policy recommendations for improving adaptation and fostering community resilience to climate shocks in the region.

DESIGNING A SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM IN UKRAINE: A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION

Social values hold heightened importance, particularly during wartime. Ukraine's social protection system is designed to help vulnerable groups of people, yet it faces financial constraints, with many resources being redirected towards military needs. Consequently, evaluating its effectiveness is crucial, and it is essential to develop recommendations to enhance its resilience and adaptability.The goal of this research is to evaluate the social protection system of Ukraine and to make recommendations to fill the gaps in its functioning.The evaluation of Ukraine's social protection system utilized the Core Diagnostic Instrument (CODI tool) from the Inter-Agency Social Protection Assessments to the extent possible, given the constraints posed by limited information availability. This tool consists of four modules: policy, program design, program implementation, and system assessment guidelines. Thirteen experts from Ukraine provided an assessment of eight criteria. This comprehensive evaluation of Ukraine's social protection system allows for the identification of its strengths and weaknesses.The social protection system of Ukraine was evaluated, receiving an average score of 2.5 out of 4. Strengths include a well-developed legislative base for social protection and the use of a program-targeted method for implementing budget programs with social dimensions. However, weaknesses were also identified, such as low levels of social standards, insufficient funding, numerous social protection authorities with potential duplications and overlaps in their activities, and a weak information dissemination system regarding the realization of social protection goals.Several measures are needed to address the shortcomings in Ukraine's social protection system: raising the level of social standards to better reflect current economic conditions and consumer price trends; reviewing the sources of financing for social protection programmes to ensure a more effective allocation of resources; and modernising the social protection reporting system to improve the decision-making process. The implementation of these recommendations will contribute to the development of a more adaptable and resilient social protection system in Ukraine.

Optimizing Vegetation Restoration: A Comprehensive Index System for Reclaiming Abandoned Mining Areas in Arid Regions of China.

Mining activities in arid regions of China have led to severe environmental degradation, including soil erosion, vegetation loss, and contamination of soil and water resources. These impacts are particularly pronounced in abandoned mining areas, where the cessation of mining operations has left vast landscapes unrehabilitated. In response, the Chinese government has implemented a series of legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the "Mine Environmental Protection and Restoration Program", aimed at promoting ecological restoration in these areas. However, the unique environmental conditions of arid regions, including water scarcity, extreme temperatures, and poor soil quality, present significant challenges to restoration efforts. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the ecological restoration of abandoned mining areas in China's arid regions, focusing on the legal framework, restoration techniques, and evaluation systems. The restoration methods, their initiation timelines, monitoring systems, and the cost-benefit aspects of various strategies are critically reviewed alongside case studies from regions such as the Mu Us Desert and Qaidam Basin. Key strategies like phytoremediation, soil rehabilitation, and water resource management are assessed for their effectiveness, while challenges in enforcement, socioeconomic integration, and community engagement are discussed. This review concludes that while significant progress has been made, further improvements in restoration practices and evaluation systems are essential for long-term sustainability. Integration of socioeconomic indicators, community involvement, and advanced monitoring technologies are necessary for successful outcomes.

Shifting paradigms: Social protection vs. social policy in Lebanon

ABSTRACT The multiple crises that have plagued Lebanon since 2019 have created an unprecedented socio-political and economic landscape that continues to challenge the country, its citizens, and residents. The increased poverty and vulnerability revived an already ongoing debate on social policies and security. However, the presence of international stakeholders, has shifted the framework of the debate from social policy and security to social protection. This shift in the discourse mirrors the current situation in the country, in which social protection programmes promoted and funded by international actors have become more prevalent. Despite the ongoing debate concerning the necessity of a social policy framework in Lebanon, no recent academic studies have explored the transition from a social policy and security system implemented by the government and endorsed by experts and academics to a social protection system advocated by international actors and donors. This article examines the existing social protection model and how this paradigm undermines the development of an overarching social policy and security framework in Lebanon. Drawing on a qualitative methodology, this study questions the international community’s role in impelling a social protection paradigm, and argues that foreign interference can create dependency on donor-oriented assistance programmes that undermine national social policy framework and exempt governments from their responsibility towards citizens.

МАССОВОЕ РАЗВЕДЕНИЕ НАСЕКОМЫХ-ФИТОФАГОВ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИ АКТИВНЫХ ВЕЩЕСТВ

The purpose of the study is to develop a method to increase the efficiency of the production of host insects for the mass breeding of entomophages. Mass cultivation of cereal aphids includes sowing seeds of wheat or barley, settling aphids in plants, collecting and counting aphids. To identify plant growth regulators (PPR) that stimulate the output (yield) of cereal aphids during its cultivation, the following preparations were tested: Immunocytofit (Tablets), Albit (fluid paste), Chitosan Bio (wettable soluble powder), Radipharm (liquid), Hydromix (microgranules), Kendal (solution), Biodux (liquid), Zircon (solution), Krasnodar-1 (solution). The experiment was established by pre-sowing seed treatment. Three days after germination, the wheat was infested with aphids, the effectiveness was determined by weighing the aphid biomass. The effectiveness of the preparations was determined by weighing the biomass of aphids before infection and 9 days after infection in comparison with the control variant. We studied the possibility of growing entomophages of harmony variable (Harmonia axyridis Pallas) and the aphid parasite Aphidius chamomile (Aphidius matricariae Hal.) It has been established that the use of plant growth regulators Immunocytofit (Tablets), Biodux (liquid), Chitosan Bio (wettable soluble powder) and Krasnodar-1 (solution), significantly increases aphid biomass (almost 4 times in all cases compared with control: about 550 mg is the average value of the biomass of aphids grown using the preparations Immunocytofit (Tablets), Chitosan Bio (wettable soluble powder), Biodux, (liquid), and Krasnodar-1 against 140 mg in control) and does not adversely affect the process of breeding aphidophages. The rapid increase in the number of aphids is promising for the technologies of mass breeding of phytophagous insects in the programs of biological plant protection.

Zambia's Paradox: National Food Security Amidst Household-Level Food Insecurity

Zambia faces a paradoxical situation where the country achieves national food security through surplus agricultural production, yet significant portions of its population experience food insecurity at the household level. This disconnect arises from systemic issues such as socioeconomic disparities, inequities in food distribution, and climate vulnerabilities. Understanding and addressing this paradox is essential for ensuring that food security is both inclusive and sustainable. This study analyses the factors contributing to Zambia's national food security alongside the persistent household-level food insecurity. It seeks to identify the disconnects between policy and implementation, explore structural and social barriers, and propose actionable recommendations for bridging the gap. The study synthesizes data from academic literature, national reports, and global food security indices by adopting a review-based approach. Case studies from both rural and urban settings provide contextual insights, while comparative analysis with other countries offers a broader perspective. The analysis is guided by a framework encompassing the key dimensions of food security: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. The findings indicate that while robust agricultural outputs and strategic policies strengthen Zambia’s national food security, household-level food insecurity persists due to poverty, limited market access, and inadequate social protection measures. Structural inefficiencies, post-harvest losses, and climatic risks further exacerbate these challenges. There is a significant need to align national food security policies with grassroots realities to ensure equitable outcomes. To address this paradox, the study recommends promoting climate-resilient farming practices, enhancing food distribution systems, and prioritizing smallholder farmers in policy frameworks. Social protection programs must be expanded to cover the most vulnerable populations, while community-based initiatives can foster local solutions to food insecurity. Bridging the gap will require coordinated efforts among government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders. This study underscores the importance of inclusive food systems to achieve equitable and sustainable food security in Zambia.

Uncovering the boundary conditions of the association between concerns about falling and physical activity in adult populations: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionDespite evidence of variation in how concerns about falling influence physical activity, many of the currently available knowledge syntheses merely assume that this relation is uniform across populations and contexts....

Comprehensive social protection programming: what is the potential for improving sanitation outcomes?

ABSTRACT We estimate and assess the impact of a comprehensive social protection intervention on sanitation access and behaviour in rural Haiti. Evaluations of such interventions point to positive effects on lives and livelihoods, yet their impact on sanitation remains relatively unexplored. Despite rapid acceleration of efforts in the past decade, progress towards adequate and equitable sanitation has been limited. Using a mixed methods approach, we find that bundled interventions can be effective in improving access to sanitation facilities and promoting sanitation behaviour. Findings also point to the importance of contextual factors and the role of women in facilitating positive outcomes.