Public Interest Research Articles

Comparing self-rated health among exclusive e-cigarette users and traditional cigarette smokers: an analysis of the Health Survey for England 2019.

The health implications of e-cigarette use compared to traditional cigarette smoking continue to attract significant public health interest. This study examines self-rated health (SRH) outcomes among exclusive e-cigarette users versus exclusive traditional cigarette smokers, using data from the Health Survey for England 2019. From an initial sample of 10,299 participants, the study focused on 8204 adults, excluding those aged 0-15. Further refinement to exclusive nicotine product users led to 274 e-cigarette users and 1017 cigarette smokers, after excluding dual users, never users, ex-users, non-responders, and users of other tobacco products such as pipes and cigars. SRH was derived from participants' responses to a question asking how they rated their general health, with five possible options: "very good", "good", "fair", "bad", and "very bad". For the purposes of this study, these responses were collapsed into two categories: "Good Health" (combining "very good" and "good") and "Poor Health" (combining "fair", "bad", and "very bad"). Consequently, 834 participants were classified as reporting good health, while 457 reported poor health. Binary logistic regression, adjusted for factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, residence, education, body mass index, alcohol use, age started smoking, physical or mental health conditions, and frequency of GP visits, revealed that exclusive e-cigarette users were significantly more likely to report good health compared to exclusive cigarette smokers, with an odds ratio(OR) of 1.59 (95% CI: 1.10 - 2.32, p = 0.014). As a sensitivity analysis, a generalized ordered logistic regression model was performed using the original five SRH categories. The adjusted model confirmed consistent results, with exclusive e-cigarette users showing higher odds of reporting better health across the full range of SRH outcomes (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08-1.82, p = 0.011). These findings suggest that exclusive e-cigarette users perceive their health more positively than traditional cigarette smokers, contributing useful insights to the discussions around harm reduction strategies.

ANALISIS KANDUNGAN SULFUR, NITROGEN, DAN KLORIN DALAM BIOPELLET BERBASIS LIMBAH PADAT KAYU PUTIH DAN GONDORUKEM

In recent years, a transition towards renewable energy sources has begun to reduce fossil energy usage. One alternative renewable energy source is biopellets, which have gained public interest as an environmentally friendly fuel. Biopellets are a type of renewable energy derived from biomass, which, if it emits too much carbon, can lead to pollution. Carbon emissions are also related to combustion efficiency, as complete combustion can help reduce carbon emissions. This study aims to determine combustion emissions and combustion efficiency of biopellets made from eucalyptus solid waste with the addition of rosin to optimize the use of raw materials as renewable energy. The study employs an experimental laboratory approach with a factorial design to test the impact of sulfur, chlorine, and nitrogen content on the combustion efficiency of biopellets made from eucalyptus waste and rosin. Results indicate that the sulfur and chlorine content remain above the French standard (ITEBE), at 0.31% and 1.12%, respectively, while nitrogen content is below the standard at 0.48%. The resulting combustion efficiency ranges between 9.569% and 9.701%.

Essence of the Public Interest Principle in Petroleum Mining According to the Constitution

Indonesia is a country that has abundant natural resources, but Indonesia faces challenges in regulating petroleum mining so that it can always improve people's welfare. Therefore, this research will focus on examining the actual role of the state in implementing the principle of public interest in the field of petroleum mining as mandated by the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. This principle of public interest is intended to ensure that petroleum resources are considered strategic. by the state can be managed for the greatest prosperity of the people so that it is in line with the objectives of the constitution, namely justice, expediency and legal certainty. To achieve this, the state must be able to provide parameters regarding the extent to which the regulation concerns the public interest so that it can be used as a guide in interpreting state control over natural resources and ensuring their utilization for the greatest prosperity of the people. stated in the law. constitution. This principle has actually been tested and enforced through various legal frameworks and Constitutional Court decisions, thereby further emphasizing the role of the state in prioritizing community welfare in petroleum mining activities.

How economists influence antitrust: the contributions of Tim Bresnahan, Janusz Ordover, Steve Salop, and Bobby Willig

Abstract Economists influence antitrust policy through theoretical and empirical economic research, translation and synthesis of that research, direct participation in policy development, and participation in the adversarial process. To illustrate these channels, this article profiles the antitrust-related work of four industrial organization economists who have played important roles in the development of antitrust economics and policy: Tim Bresnahan, Janusz Ordover, Steve Salop, and Bobby Willig. The article also evaluates three overarching theories about the role of economics in antitrust: a public interest theory, capture by big business, and influence tied to the ascendancy of neoliberalism.

Social media influencers and political influence operations: The Data Boys example in Nigeria

This study examines how ‘Data Boys’ covertly used social media platforms to promote, rehabilitate and sustain the image of political leaders in Nigeria. Data for this study are from an online qualitative survey of 25 social media influencers in Nigeria. Three broad themes (hyping a politician, remuneration and results) emerged from the data. Results reveal that Data Boys promote their political leaders by equivocation of identities, exaggerating the performance of their principals, falsifying corruption allegations against their principals’ competitor and concealing the transgressions of their principals. The paper conceptualises the rise of Data Boys in Nigeria’s political sphere and highlights ways through which they execute their online operations. The study argues that instead of using their networked communicative power for factual debate and respectful dialogues, that the Data Boys have been used as vehicles for covert message dissemination and other sponsored contents which could potentially go against public interest. The study concludes that the posture of Data Boys is inimical to public relations practice as their overtly negative and monolithic view of online influence cheapens the significance of social media influencer praxis and electioneering campaigns in Nigeria.

Public policy: at the forefront of training a new generation of political experts.

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of public policy as a scientific and academic category. Public policy is one of the fastest growing scientific and educational areas in the 21st century. This trend should not be considered solely as a tribute to fashion; with the right approach, public policy can become the cornerstone in the study of the political process and in training a new generation of experts in the field of political management and decision-making. Moscow University is one of the leaders in the development of this area, introducing public policy at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The article examines the history of public policy, shows the main theoretical and methodological prerequisites for its study, and the reasons for its institutionalization in different countries of the world. It is shown that public policy is a multifaceted category, the understanding of which varies depending on theoretical, managerial and ideological perspectives. At the same time, it is the most important educational and research area, which is associated with the fundamental principles of the functioning of the state, issues of increasing the efficiency of public administration, and harmonizing the interests of the state and society. The author proves the point of view that universities involved in organizing the training of public policy experts are today at the forefront of the processes of modernization and increasing the efficiency of the entire political and administrative apparatus. Public policy experts trained by Russian universities in general and Moscow University in particular are future multidisciplinary professionals capable of managing complex socio-political processes, increasing the efficiency of the state apparatus, and building a competent balance between state and public interests.

Assessing global and regional public interest in home dialysis modalities from 2004 to 2024

Background and objectivesHome dialysis (peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis) is an important renal replacement therapy modality option for patients with end-stage kidney disease. As the Internet has become a primary source for healthcare information, this study aimed to analyze the global and regional interests in home dialysis using Google Trends™ data from January 2004 to March 2024.Design, setting, participants, and measurementsA comprehensive analysis was conducted using Google Trends™ with the search terms “Peritoneal Dialysis” and “Home Hemodialysis.” This study extracted worldwide trends and detailed regional interests within the United States. Interest levels were quantitatively assessed based on Google Trends™ indices, providing insights into temporal patterns and geographical distributions of public interest.ResultsThe study found a fluctuating pattern of global interest in Peritoneal Dialysis, with peak interest in March 2022 and lowest interest in December 2008. The most recent data from March 2024 showed significant interest level of 94, indicating a new upward trend. Mexico exhibited the highest relative interest in Peritoneal Dialysis. Within the United States, Tennessee demonstrated the highest interest. For Home Hemodialysis, the peak interest was in July 2004. The most recent data from March 2024 showed a modest increase in interest. The United States led in highest relative interest for Home Hemodialysis, followed by Australia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Within the United States, Mississippi demonstrated the highest interest.ConclusionsThis study offers crucial insights into the global and regional landscape of interest in home dialysis modalities over time, highlighting the significance of leveraging online platforms to increase public awareness, education, and engagement home dialysis modalities. By understanding the temporal and geographical patterns of interest, healthcare providers, policymakers, and patient advocacy groups can develop targeted strategies to better promote the benefits of home dialysis, address knowledge gaps, and improve access to these life-sustaining treatments.

Professional Standards for Individuals Performing Independent Technical Functions in Construction

The appropriate level of construction-related services is guaranteed primarily by high requirements imposed on individuals performing these functions. Independent technical functions in construction may only be carried out by individuals with relevant technical education and professional experience, tailored to the type, degree, and complexity of the activity, and other requirements associated with the performed function, as confirmed by the decision granting construction qualifications issued by the professional self-government body. Individuals performing independent technical functions in construction are responsible for carrying out these functions under regulations and principles of technical knowledge. They are also accountable for due diligence in performing their work, proper organization, safety, and quality. The quality of performing these functions is subject to control by the professional self-government, of which the individual performing independent technical functions in construction is a member. This stems from the fundamental task of this self-government, which is to oversee the proper execution of these professions within the bounds of public interest and for its protection.

Pathways in the governance of shipping decarbonization from perspective of balancing the conflicting interests

The shipping industry is featured by high carbon emissions. The 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships sets forth the global goals of shipping decarbonization. Shipping decarbonization involves complicated issues of economy, technology, policy and law etc., and implies the conflicts between economic interests and environmental interests, between individual interests and public interests, between individual States’ interests and international common interests and between current interests and long-term interests. This research suggests that balancing such conflicting interests need to follow the principle of prioritizing the international public environmental interests while taking into account the other interests because protection of environmental interests should be taken as the basic value orientation in shipping decarbonization governance and the principle of collaborating governmental intervention and market mechanisms by reference to the theory on the relationship between government and market in economics. Under the guidance of these principle, by reference to the equilibrium analysis method in economics and following the progressive decision theory in management, this research demonstrates that the main pathways in achieving such balance may include: making strategic plan and basic policy for reducing GHG emissions from ships by the government, implementing economic incentive policies such as tax incentives and fiscal subsidies, implementing ship energy efficiency measures, prudently implementing shipping carbon emissions trading mechanism, accelerating the establishment of alternative marine fuel supply chain, innovating alternative marine fuel technology and ship propulsion technology, and actively engaging in international cooperation.

The impact of media image shaping of sports idols on adolescents' health

Adolescents in their quest for self-discovery urgently need an idol to help construct their self-identity. Sports idols, with their spirit of striving for excellence and charismatic personalities, are pursued and admired by teenagers, exerting a significant and profound influence on their growth. Due to the rapid development of mass media, the image shaping of sports idols is inseparable from the media, which presents different characteristics when shaping the media image of sports idols between commercial and public interests, thus having varying impacts, both positive and negative, on teenagers. To shape a positive media image of sports idols, governments and related departments should not only improve athletes' tactical levels but also cultivate their comprehensive qualities; mass media should be aware of their social responsibility and shape a positive image of sports idols; sports idol teams need to communicate with the media and manage their own image well; schools and families, in this process, should reasonably guide teenagers to rationally worship sports idols.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES OF FINANCIAL POSITION ASSESSMENT IN COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS

The evaluation of the financial position has traditionally been carried out by the results of the commercial activities of organizations and basically pursued private interests. Business partners made investment plans based on such assessments, analyzed partner risks and considered the competitive positions of commercial organizations in the market. However, currently commercial organizations are considered not only from the point of view of financial stability, but also from the point of view of the social responsibility of their activities to the public, and the existing international standards require the publication of combined financial reports, which assess financial risks of public interest. The article proposes new approaches to assessing the financial position of organizations in the context of corporate social responsibility.

“The 21st century professionalization?”: online education as an instrument for bolstering individual welfare and societal equality

Abstract Since the start of the last decade of the 20th century, the application of digital technologies with the potential of making substantial contributions to a community’s welfare have led to the creation of the literature of Public Interest Technologies and reinvigorated many areas of focus in the social sciences. A relevant subfield of this literature has been the application of new technologies to education to increase social public benefits. The traditional literature on higher education seems to agree that the expansion of this good throughout a society is desirable because it generates direct and indirect individual gains, as well as aggregate level social benefits in the form of positive externalities. However, some authors have argued that the acquisition of postsecondary education has its own drawbacks: unwanted intellectual influence of instructors on students, barriers to access for students of historically vulnerable sociodemographic groups, as well as students’ perception of a reduced pay-off from going to college. While there have been some indices that online higher education could abate many of these issues, there has been relatively little formal research to test this tool’s impact. Using a quantitative approach, via cross-section and time-series data analysis, the text finds some evidence that online higher education could solve many of higher education’s drawbacks, while also being a feasible approach given the current technological environment of the United States. The text concludes outlining future research using a mixed-methods approach that could be highly valuable to acquire a more comprehensive view and robust evidence of online higher education’s potential of expanding social public benefits.

Rehabilitation of the Monastery of São João de Cabanas, Afife, Viana do Castelo

The former Monastery of São João de Cabanas stands on the south bank of the river Cabanas in the parish of Afife, municipality of Viana do Castelo (Portugal). It was founded in the Middle Ages, although the current building is the product of a reconstruction a fundamentis begun in 1725. Following the dissolution of the Portuguese monasteries it became private property and in the twentieth century it was the home of the poet and ethnographer Pedro Homem de Mello. It was classified as a Public Interest Building in 1997. The aim of the rehabilitation project was to restore the site with a view to its adaptation to a program of tourist accommodation linked to gastronomy and catering, and as a venue for events. The restoration design and works were guided by a historical study and an architectural and constructional characterization of the building along with archaeological studies and a thorough analysis of the building pathology. A knowledge of the building’s characteristics was vital to a project that was intended to be informed and holistic, with the use of traditional building details, materials and techniques, assuring the maintenance of the site’s distinctive qualities and heritage values.

Bridging the gap: exploring consumer knowledge, perceptions, and willingness to pay for aquaponics products across the UK

AbstractAquaponics (a sub-field of integrated agri-aquacultural practices (IAAS)) has emerged as a novel approach to combat global food security, reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss, and mitigate agronomic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, little remains known of potential consumer markets. Despite recent research throughout Europe, Central America, Australia, and the Middle East, this work represents the first large-scale evaluation of UK consumer understanding, assessment, and willingness to pay (WTP) for aquaponic products. Following analysis of 588 survey responses, we identify environmental awareness and green consumption, recognition of common UK eco-labels and sector-specific certification schemes, and consumer perceptions of aquaponics compared to conventional, locally sourced, and organic food production. Initially, 44% of survey respondents were familiar with aquaponics, with familiarity positively influenced by age and level of education. After presenting a definition of aquaponics (detailing its use and commonly cited socio-environmental benefits), consumer perceptions were mixed, with respondents broadly favourable to the practice despite uncertainty. Over 43% of consumers were willing to pay an associated price premium for aquaponic produce (valued, on average, as a 23% price increase over conventional alternatives). This willingness to pay was statistically in line with the organic market premiums and independent of prior familiarity with aquaponics as a food production system. These findings suggest a sizable consumer market for aquaponic produce and public interest in its sustainability benefits. Tailored marketing strategies could position aquaponic produce competitively alongside organic and environmentally friendly alternatives (irrespective of certification/eco-labelling), ensuring the long-term economic viability of the emerging aquaponics industry.

فاعلية توظيف العلاقات العامة لربورتات الدردشة في التعريف بالخدمات في المؤسسات الحكومية

The study aimed to describe the effectiveness of employing public relations for chat bots in defining services in government institutions, by knowing the manifestations of public relations practitioners' interest in knowing information about chat bots and employing them in defining services in government institutions, services and areas of use, as well as the benefits achieved and the obstacles they face in this field, reaching their suggestions and their evaluation of the impact of these applications on their professional competence, and the future of public relations in light of chat bots. The study used the descriptive approach, and among the tools, the interview was used, and a questionnaire on the reality of public relations practitioners' use of chat bots in defining services in government institutions. The study sample consisted of (240) employees in the Corporate Communications and Public Relations Department in government institutions. As for the results of the study, it showed great interest from public relations practitioners in government institutions in chat bots and their use in managing corporate communication, as their aspects of use varied between crisis management and meeting the needs of the public. These technologies have contributed to improving the professional efficiency of most of the respondents by enhancing daily performance, speed of accomplishment, planning and decision-making. However, users faced challenges such as the difficulty of robots understanding customer feelings and fear of losing jobs. They suggested linking promotion to their ability to use them and provide training and technical support. Despite the benefits of robots, there are still concerns about the future of the public relations profession in light of this technology.

Evidently Not: Why Confessions Are Excluded in Jewish Criminal Jurisprudence

Abstract Of all the principles in classical Jewish law that stand out from a comparative legal perspective perhaps none is more notable than the ban on self-incrimination in criminal procedures. Contrary to the most basic evidentiary assumptions of other ancient legal systems, this principle differs fundamentally from the right to remain silent that is part of both early modern and modern legal systems. Only rabbinic jurisprudence incorporates an outright exclusion of criminal confessions. Despite receiving much scholarly attention over the centuries, this principle’s fundamental justification relating to the rule of law and the public pursuit of justice has gone unnoticed. This article explores this salient jurisprudential perspective, and sheds new light on this principle by contrasting the Jewish legal approach with the primary modes of criminal adjudication that were adopted in the West. What emerges from this comparative analysis is that this seemingly anomalous principle actually reveals much about the core commitments and values of Jewish law. These, in turn, have substantial implications for certain contemporary legal practices and dilemmas.

The Development of Public Conscience: Hume’s Third Way Between Hobbes and Locke

Hume devised a third way between Hobbes and Locke that bolstered the former’s defense of stability and the latter’s defense of rebellion. This feat remains underappreciated. Hume’s third way rests on the idea of the public conscience, which, like Hobbes’s idea of the public conscience, derives from communication and consensus. The public conscience orients us toward the public interest, which, in Hume’s theory, is the authoritative standard by which individuals and government alike must abide. In this paper, I elaborate on the moral psychological principles that underlie Hume’s concept of the public conscience, which is liable to both conservative liberal and progressive liberal interpretations. And I argue that Hume’s third way provides valuable insight into the logic of public political discourse in liberal societies.

Perceived Risk Assessment Criteria for Public–Private Partnership Projects in the Water and Sewage Sector: Comparison of Perspectives from Iranian Public and Private Sectors

This research used the SWARA approach to analyze risk assessment criteria for public–private partnership (PPP) projects in Iran’s water and sewage sectors to identify and prioritize the most significant elements influencing project success from public and private viewpoints. Key results show that the public sector considers “risk probability” to be the most important aspect, highlighting the requirement for stability and predictability in project outcomes. In contrast, the private sector prioritizes the “ability to predict and discover risk”, emphasizing efficiently anticipating and managing uncertainty. Furthermore, this study revealed five common major risk characteristics, including “risk manageability” and “uncertainty of risk”; however, their rankings differ per industry, demonstrating various risk prioritizing methodologies. This study is unique in that it focuses only on Iran’s water and sewage infrastructure, an area historically neglected in PPP research, providing a rare investigation of sector-specific hazards as well as the interaction between public and private interests in a developing country environment. The paper makes specific suggestions, calling for more openness, improved communication, and the use of sophisticated risk management techniques to bridge the gap across sectors. These findings not only add to the scholarly knowledge of PPP dynamics in emerging countries but also provide practical recommendations for governments and private investors navigating Iran’s infrastructure issues.

Large language models can outperform humans in social situational judgments

Large language models (LLM) have been a catalyst for the public interest in artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies perform some knowledge-based tasks better and faster than human beings. However, whether AIs can correctly assess social situations and devise socially appropriate behavior, is still unclear. We conducted an established Situational Judgment Test (SJT) with five different chatbots and compared their results with responses of human participants (N = 276). Claude, Copilot and you.com’s smart assistant performed significantly better than humans in proposing suitable behaviors in social situations. Moreover, their effectiveness rating of different behavior options aligned well with expert ratings. These results indicate that LLMs are capable of producing adept social judgments. While this constitutes an important requirement for the use as virtual social assistants, challenges and risks are still associated with their wide-spread use in social contexts.

Administrative Contracts: Reflections on the limitations of exorbitant clauses

In view of the inherent prerogatives of the Public Power vis-à-vis private individuals in administrative contracts, this article aims to reflect on exorbitant clauses in administrative contracts, their use, their characteristics, their species and their limitations. Based on this analysis, the topic of certain rights and guarantees in the Constitution was explored, such as the supremacy of the public interest over the private interest and economic and financial equilibrium. In order to carry out this work, a study was carried out through bibliographical research, analysis of legal provisions and doctrinal teachings in the areas of constitutional and administrative law. In fact, due to these principles, the feasibility and possibility of restricting the indiscriminate and abusive use of exorbitant clauses by the Public Administration was verified, since the legitimate use of such prerogatives is not indiscriminate and can be mitigated.