Public Policy Initiatives Research Articles

Assessing the Impact of Franchising Clothing and Textile Enterprises in Benue State, Nigeria

The study assessed the impact of franchising clothing/textile enterprise in Benue State. Objectives were to assess the awareness of franchising, examine the impact of clothing/textile franchising enterprise on employment generation, identify the challenges of franchising in Benue State, and the way forward. Sixty-five clothing stores across Benue were assessed. Questionnaire was used for data collection. The findings of the study are inadequate media publicity, lack of franchise general regulation, and ignorance about franchising leads to low level of awareness. Franchising contributes to public policy initiatives of employment creation and poverty reduction, revenue generation, and sustainability. Also, lack of start-up capital, difficulties in accessing finances, and inadequate infrastructure are some of the challenges of franchising in the State. The way forward includes that government policies towards franchising should be favorable, and banks and other money lenders should make cash available to people who may want to engage in franchising, among others. In conclusion, since franchising does generate employment for Benue State, it should be made known to the people to invest in it. The study therefore recommended that, government and other sectors should create adequate awareness through media, seminars and workshops on franchising.

Dawning public health services dogma: An indigenous Southwest Chinese perspective in managing hypertension-with or without the "BPHS"?

To alleviate the rising mortality burden due to hypertension and other non-communicable diseases, a new public health policy initiative in 2009 called the Basic Public Health Services (BPHS). Program was introduced by the Chinese government. The goal of the study is to assess the feasibility and impact of a nationwide health care service-the "BPHS". From January to December 2021, a stratified multistage random sampling method in the survey was conducted to select 6,456 people from 8 cities/districts in Yunnan Province, China, who were above the age of 35 years. 1,521 hypertensive patients were previously aware of their high blood pressure status were matched to the BPHS program database based on ID number and then further divided into BPHS group and non-BPHS (control) group. The results of the current study are based on their responses to a short structured questionnaire, a physical examination, and laboratory tests. The association between BPHS management and its effect on the control of hypertension was estimated using multivariable logistic regression models. We evaluated the accessibility and efficacy of BPHS health care services by analyzing various variables such as blood pressure, BMI, lifestyle modification, anti-hypertensive drugs taken, and cardiovascular risk factors. Among the 1,521 hypertensive patients included in this study, 1,011 (66.5%) were managed by BPHS programme. The multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that the BPHS facilitated hypertension control (OR = 1.640, 95% CI: 1.237-2.175). A higher proportion of participants receiving lifestyle guidance from the BPHS management showed lowering of total cholesterol. In comparison to the non-BPHS group, those under BPHS management adhered better to antihypertensive medications either single drug (54.3%) or in combination (17.3%) of drugs. Additionally, we also noticed that urban areas with centralized and well-established digital information management system had better hypertension treatment and control. Nearly two-thirds of the hypertensive patients in Yunnan Province were included in BPHS management. The impact of the national BPHS program was evident in lowering risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles, lowering blood pressure, increasing medication adherence, and the better control rate of hypertension.

Assessing incentives to increase digital payment acceptance and usage: A machine learning approach.

An important step to achieve greater financial inclusion is to increase the acceptance and usage of digital payments. Although consumer adoption of digital payments has improved dramatically globally, the acceptance and usage of digital payments for micro, small, and medium-sized retailers (MSMRs) remain challenging. Using random forest estimation, we identify 14 key predictors out of 190 variables with the largest predictive power for MSMR adoption and usage of digital payments. Using conditional inference trees, we study the importance of sequencing and interactions of various factors such as public policy initiatives, technological advancements, and private sector incentives. We find that in countries with low POS terminal adoption, killer applications such as mobile phone payment apps increase the likelihood of P2B digital transactions. We also find the likelihood of digital P2B payments at MSMRs increases when MSMRs pay their employees and suppliers digitally. The level of ownership of basic financial accounts by consumers and the size of the shadow economy are also important predictors of greater adoption and usage of digital payments. Using causal forest estimation, we find a positive and economically significant marginal effect for merchant and consumer fiscal incentives on POS terminal adoption on average. When countries implement financial inclusion initiatives, POS terminal adoption increases significantly and MSMRs' share of P2B digital payments also increases. Merchant and consumer fiscal incentives also increase MSMRs' share of P2B electronic payments.

Indirect Transfer Tax – India’s Tryst with Retrospective Taxation and Treaty Disputes

In 2012, the Indian government amended the Indian Tax Law to introduce a tax on indirect transfers. This received immense backlash that was largely focused on a complex issue, i.e. Parliament’s power of retrospective application of tax-laws and its impact on international treaties. This attracted several disputes, domestic and international, which threatened the credibility of India’s investment environment, which led to the withdrawal of the retrospective amendment. The authors assesses the validity of such retrospective amendment in light of constitutional and domestic tax law policy. Further, the authors discuss the prominent disputes that arose in relation to the retrospective application of the indirect transfer tax, including the disputes before international investment arbitration tribunals. Thereafter, the authors highlight the international public policy initiatives as well as the remedial measures adopted by the Indian government.

Mobile Health Tobacco Cessation Interventions to Promote Health Equity: Current Perspectives.

Although US tobacco use trends show overall improvement, social disadvantage continues to drive significant disparities. Traditional tobacco cessation interventions and public policy initiatives have failed to equitably benefit socially-disadvantaged populations. Advancements in mobile digital technologies have created new opportunities to develop resource-efficient mobile health (mHealth) interventions that, relative to traditional approaches, have greater reach while still maintaining comparable or greater efficacy. Their potential for affordability, scalability, and efficiency gives mHealth tobacco cessation interventions potential as tools to help redress tobacco use disparities. We discuss our perspectives on the state of the science surrounding mHealth tobacco cessation interventions for use by socially-disadvantaged populations. In doing so, we outline existing models of health disparities and social determinants of health (SDOH) and discuss potential ways that mHealth interventions might be optimized to offset or address the impact of social determinants of tobacco use. Because smokers from socially-disadvantaged backgrounds face multi-level barriers that can dynamically heighten the risks of tobacco use, we discuss cutting-edge mHealth interventions that adapt dynamically based on context. We also consider complications and pitfalls that could emerge when designing, evaluating, and implementing mHealth tobacco cessation interventions for socially-disadvantaged populations. Altogether, this perspective article provides a conceptual foundation for optimizing mHealth tobacco cessation interventions for the socially-disadvantaged populations in greatest need.

Boosting innovation through gender and ethnic diversity in management teams

PurposeThis study investigates the link between diversity in management and CEO positions and firm innovation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect that women and ethnic diversity in management and CEO positions have on the development of outstanding innovation in firms.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducts an empirical analysis to investigate these relationships over time using a large panel database of 1,345 publicly US traded firms.FindingsResults revealed that gender and ethnic diversity at all levels of management exhibited a robust positive association with superior innovation competence. This finding remains robust when alternative proxies for innovation are employed. In contrast, the authors found that women and ethnic minorities at the CEO level had no significant influence.Originality/valueConsidering an output measure of innovation, the authors explore the effect of gender and ethnic minority groups in management positions as well as at the CEO level, rather than focusing only on top management teams or board of directors. The authors offer new practical insights regarding the manager selection process that are also useful to support public policy initiatives.

Voices from Northern Canada: Integrating stakeholder expectations in telecommunications policy for rural, remote and Northern regions

In Canada, residents of rural, remote and Northern communities generally pay more for slower, less reliable, and more expensive telecommunications services compared to southern and urban residents. This situation is particularly concentrated in small-population, rural Indigenous communities located in the Northern territories. Over the last several decades, many public policy initiatives have attempted to develop telecommunications services, including high-speed broadband, in these underserved areas. However, Northern input into these initiatives and their outcomes has been limited — despite increasing evidence of the benefits of place-based planning, monitoring and evaluation processes. In this context we examine a recent public consultation about telecommunication services in these regions, focusing on expectations submitted by individual Northerners and by intermediary organizations representing their interests. Our analysis reveals distinct but complementary functions expressed by these different kinds of intervenors, which we suggest policymakers could take into consideration when planning consultations involving rural and remote regions.

Neuropsychological manifestations of long COVID in hospitalized and non-hospitalized Brazilian Patients.

There has been a significant increase in number of patients seeking neuropsychological rehabilitation months after the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. Identify the cognitive and psychiatric disorders in patients with long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID (PASC) and explore the association between disease severity during the acute phase and persistent neuropsychological manifestations. 614 adults were assessed an average of eight months post-infection. Participants were, on average, 47.6 y.o., who sought rehabilitation for neuropsychological problems. Patients were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions (BNIS), Phonemic Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing tests (NEUPSILIN) for executive functions, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The BNIS score was significantly below reference values in all subscales, especially affect and memory. Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing subtest results were also lower. Patients with PASC tested high for anxiety/depression, but there was no statistically significant relationship between HADS and BNIS scores. Neuropsychological evaluations showed no differences in cognitive or psychiatric profiles between hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. Neuropsychological results suggest executive function problems and high incidence of anxiety/depression, irrespective of acute-phase severity, underscoring a need for neurorehabilitation programs while providing data for public policy initiatives.

Renal Health Benefits of Rural City Planning in Japan.

Progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a substantial threat because it is associated with reduced healthy life expectancy and quality of life, and increase in economic burden. Research indicates people with nondialysis CKD often have lower physical functioning and that improvement of physical activity may contribute to maintaining renal health. Another issue with the current treatment of CKD is that the synergistic effects of rural depopulation due to aging and uncontrolled rural city sprawling will increase the number of under-served healthcare areas. To ensure the quality of renal health care, hospital integration is desirable, under the condition of reconstruction of the public transport system for physically and socially vulnerable people. Recently, medical and non-medical scientists advocate the challenge of city planning for population health. The links between city design and health such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and mental disorders, have been widely studied, except for renal health. Based on our experience in a Kidney and Lifestyle-related Disease Center, we propose the idea that city planning be prioritized to improve renal health through two main streams: 1) Improve physical status by use of public and active transportation including daily walking and cycling; and 2) Equal accessibility to renal health services. Many countries, including Japan, have enacted plans and public policy initiatives that encourage increased levels of physical activity. We should focus on the impact of such movement on renal as well as general health.

Economic disparities in pollution-related mortality in three municipalities of the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico

This study explored the nature of health risks in the population of three municipalities within the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico (MAVM) by means of an empirical analysis of health effects associated with air pollution and temperature variation. Based on the environmental justice theory, we asked whether, in unequal socioeconomic municipalities of the MAVM, the association between PM10 concentrations and mortality depends on socioeconomic disparities. We differ from previous studies that have established a relationship between PM10 and mortality based on a state-space model instead of the Poisson regression model. The state-space model allows estimating the size of the unobserved at-risk population, its hazard rate, the life expectancy of individuals in that population, and the effect of changes in environmental conditions on that life expectancy. Our results show a lower hazard rate in a wealthy municipality, as compared to a higher hazard rate in a poor one. The lower hazard rate of the wealthy municipality extends life expectancy and enhances the likelihood of inhabitants staying long-lasting within the population at risk, thus increasing the size of that population, as compared to the population at risk in the poor municipality, whose members show a lower life expectancy. Thus, the smaller the at-risk population, the sicker its average member and the smaller the impact on long-term mortality. Our study examines how regional health disparities could provide information for public health policy initiatives which might improve living conditions among different communities.

Trainees Form New Reproductive Psychiatry Group to Learn, Network, Collaborate

Trainees Form New Reproductive Psychiatry Group to Learn, Network, Collaborate

Socio-Demographic and Attitudinal Correlates of Problematic Social Media Use: Analysis of Ithra's 30-Nation Digital Wellbeing Survey

Time spent on social media continues to rise globally. For some individuals, social media use can become maladaptive and associated with clinically significant social and occupational impairments. This problematic social media use (PSMU) is also linked with poorer health and wellbeing. Much of our existing PSMU knowledge comes from single nation studies, heavily focused on adolescent and college-age samples. This study uses data from Ithra's 2021 global digital wellbeing survey to explore rates of PSMU and identify socio-demographic and attitudinal correlates. Participants (N = 15,000) were representative adult samples (N = 500) drawn from 30 nations. All participants provided socio-demographic data and completed a measure of PSMU, along with questions assessing attitudes toward social media and general usage patterns. PSMU prevalence was 6.82%, varying from 1.7 to 18.4% between nations. Multivariate logistical regression identified several correlates, including national culture, age, parenthood and frequency of use. These findings can help inform public policy and public health initiatives to reduce PSMU prevalence.

First Person Profile: Clifford Hudis, MD: The chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology previously had an esteemed career as a physician-scientist and executive at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Breast Medicine Service: The chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology previously had an esteemed career as a physician-scientist and executive at the

First Person Profile: Clifford Hudis, MD: The chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology previously had an esteemed career as a physician-scientist and executive at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Breast Medicine Service: The chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology previously had an esteemed career as a physician-scientist and executive at the

Policy Imperatives for African Science, Technology and Innovation: An Analysis of Namibia and South Africa

The potential that Africa holds in contributing to globally competitive knowledge generation is undeniable. The challenges however, remain insurmountable to ensure that prioritised initiatives are implemented and realised. The issue of science, technology and innovation (STI) interventions as critical enablers could transform the overall socio-economic conditions immensely. These STI interventions need attention beyond policy formulation but should place more emphasis on implementation. This paper considers the applicability of African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024 policy framework on Namibia and South Africa. A Critical Theory perspective is employed as a theoretical approach to the discourse to offer a scholarly reflection on public policy initiatives which relate to STI for Namibia and South Africa. It is clear that adhering to the 1% threshold recommended by the AU policy STISA 2024 remains a difficult task to achieve. In the case of Namibia, its STI system requires time to mature and strengthen its institutional capacity. For South Africa, it is necessary to ensure that STI policy is able to broaden involvement for marginalised communities in rural and peri-urban spaces. The paper concludes with a consolidation of key features of the discourse as embedded in the Critical Theory for STI interventions. The essence is to maintain societal interest and ensure that new value systems on STI are embraced and maintained.

Strengthening primary health care: contributions of young professional-led communities of practice.

Health systems that have strong primary health care at their core have overall better patient outcomes. Primary health care is key to achieving Universal Health Coverage and the broader health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. In 2018, at the launch of the Declaration of Astana, the World Health Organization formed the inaugural Primary Health Care Young Leaders' Network. This paper aims to demonstrate the scope for young professional-led communities of practice in fostering support systems for young leaders and strengthening the delivery of primary health care at multiple levels. A description of the Young Leaders' Network community of practice model is presented, with examples of the work the members are doing, individually and collectively, to advance the science and practice of primary health care. This initiative brought together 21 individuals from across the world, working across disciplines and within an array of socioeconomic contexts to improve primary health care in their respective countries. This youth-led community of practice is able to share knowledge, evidence and resources to inform clinical and public health activities, policy initiatives, advocacy and research to improve primary health care delivery and health outcomes for communities across the globe.

Are family firms good neighbours? A spatial analysis of Italian technology-intensive firms

PurposeA burgeoning body of evidence points out the importance of spatial proximity in influencing firm efficiency besides internal characteristics. Nevertheless, the family status of the firm has been traditionally overlooked in that debate. Therefore, this study aims to investigate productivity spillovers stemming from the geographical closeness to innovators and family firms.Design/methodology/approachUsing secondary data on Italian technology-intensive manufacturing firms, the paper exploits spatial econometric models to estimate productivity spillovers across firms.FindingsAs regards the presence of spatial dependence, this study reveals that a firm's level of efficiency and productivity is influenced by that of nearby firms. Specifically, three main results emerge. First, spatial proximity to innovators is beneficial for the productivity of neighbouring firms. Second, closeness to family firms is a source of negative externalities for spatially proximate firms. However, and this is the third result, the adverse effect vanishes when the nearby family firms are also innovators.Research limitations/implicationsAs the study relies on cross-sectional data, future research should explore productivity spillovers in a longitudinal setting. Additionally, the channels through which productivity spillovers occur should be measured.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the importance of co-location for public policy initiatives to strengthen the competitiveness of firms and, indirectly, that of localities and regions. Moreover, the findings show the crucial role of innovation in mitigating the productivity gap between family and non-family firms.Social implicationsNotwithstanding the advent of the digital era, spatial proximity and localized social relationships are still a relevant factor affecting firms' performance.Originality/valueBy exploring the role of family firms in influencing the advantages of geographical proximity, this study contributes to the growing efforts to explore family enterprises across spatial settings.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management on a transnational area: The Gulf of Honduras

In the geographical area of the Gulf of Honduras (GoH) shared by Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, ecosystems, cultures and diverse economic activities converge. In this space, there is evidence of growing impacts and threats, which must be addressed from a joint working perspective. This research was based on an interdisciplinary analysis of the problems and public policies related to Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the GoH. The DAPSI(W)R(M) method was applied to understand the coastal-marine problems, where the Response section was complemented using the Decalogue of Integrated Coastal Zone Management. This was followed by an analysis of the common initiatives of the three countries. Emphasis is placed on the proper harmonisation of national public policy responses and the design and implementation of supranational instruments aimed at the sustainability of the GoH. It is a supranational space that currently has no common public policy initiative on Integrated Coastal Zone Management.

Answering the Call for Diversity and Racial Equity: The National Association for Geriatric Education

The National Association for Geriatric Education (NAGE) is a non-profit organization representing geriatric and gerontology programs, including Health Services and Resource Administration funded Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEPs), and Geriatric Academic Career Awardees (GACAs). NAGE responded to the renewed call to address systemic racism and racial inequities by forming a Diversity and Racial Equity Workgroup. The Workgroup explored ways to disseminate educational resources, support members to address racial inequities among older adults, promote increased diversity of the geriatrics/gerontology workforce, and support public policy initiatives that address racism and health disparities. Initial outputs include creating a Diversity and Racial Equity resource page, identifying liaisons to the Workgroup from each NAGE Committee to ensure impact across the organization, and organizing collaborations across GWEPs and GACAs to share successful initiatives. Future plans include education and advocacy with members and collaborating organizations to address systemic racism and racial health inequities impacting older adults.

How Gender Is Recognised in Economic and Education Policy Programmes and Initiatives: An Analysis of Nigerian State Policy Discourse

Many African states are involved in the frontline discourse on the fight for gender equality through the adoption of public policies, aiming to improve the lives of women through social, economic, and political development. In Nigeria, despite the adoption of Article 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 adapted from the United Nations principles of gender equality, which provides for equality and elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the Nigerian state still struggles with different forms of gendered marginalisation issues against women in various aspects of Nigerian society; these issues are mainly due to cultural, economic, and legislative challenges. Therefore, this article explores how gender is recognized through public policy programmes and initiatives using a qualitative content analysis of relevant policy documents. The documents were collected from various government ministries and cover policy areas that represent entrepreneurship and economic activities in Nigeria between 2000 and 2020. The analysis confirms the recognition of gender in public policies by subjective bias and mediating access to education for female gender advancement in Nigerian society. Some gender gaps were also recognized and discussed in the article.

Place and Pain: Association Between Neighborhood SES and Quantitative Sensory Testing Responses in Youth With Functional Abdominal Pain.

Neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to self-reported pain severity and disability but its association with evoked pain responsiveness in individuals with chronic pain remains unclear. The present study examined relations between neighborhood SES, assessed through the area deprivation index (ADI), and static and dynamic pain response indices. It was hypothesized that youth with functional abdominal pain (FAP) living in lower SES neighborhoods would exhibit lower pain threshold, lower pain tolerance, and reduced conditioned pain modulation (CPM) compared to youth living in higher SES neighborhoods. Participants were 183 youth with FAP and their parents. Youth completed a quantitative sensory testing protocol. Family addresses were used to compute ADI scores. Thermal stimuli for pain threshold and tolerance were delivered to participants' forearms using thermodes. CPM, an index of descending pain inhibition, was determined using a thermode as test stimulus and a hot water bath as conditioning stimulus. As hypothesized, youth with FAP living in lower SES neighborhoods exhibited weaker CPM. Contrary to hypotheses, lower neighborhood SES was associated with neither pain thresholds nor with pain tolerance. These findings demonstrated the independent contribution of place of residence-an often neglected component of the biopsychosocial model-to efficiency of descending pain inhibition. Understanding the mechanisms that account for such associations between place and pain could guide the development of public health and policy initiatives designed to mitigate chronic pain risk in underserved and economically marginalized communities.