Recommendations For Action Research Articles

Preterm Birth and Kidney Health: From the Womb to the Rest of Life.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread condition often resulting from multiple factors, including maternal influences. These risk factors not only heighten the likelihood of developing CKD but increase the risk of a preterm birth. Adverse events during nephrogenesis can disrupt kidney development, leading to a reduced number of nephrons. As survival rates for preterm infants improve, more individuals are living into adulthood, thereby elevating their risk of CKD later in life. This review aims to explore the connections between preterm birth, kidney development, and the increased risk of CKD, while proposing practical solutions for the future through a multidisciplinary approach. We examine human studies linking preterm birth to negative kidney outcomes, summarize animal models demonstrating kidney programming and reduced nephron numbers, and consolidate knowledge on common mechanisms driving kidney programming. Additionally, we discuss factors in the postnatal care environment that may act as secondary insults contributing to CKD risk, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), the use of nephrotoxic drugs, preterm nutrition, and catch-up growth. Finally, we outline recommendations for action, emphasizing the importance of avoiding modifiable risk factors and implementing early CKD screening for children born preterm. Together, we can ensure that advancements in kidney health keep pace with improvements in preterm care.

Navigating the Impact of Immigration Policies on Universities: A Leadership Model Approach

This study explores the multifaceted challenges universities may face as a result of alterations in immigration policies. Tightened regulations lead to decreases in international student enrollment. By drawing upon various theoretical frameworks, including transformational leadership, change management, and cultural dimensions, this study offers a comprehensive strategy to address the financial, social, and cultural implications of immigration policy shifts. The study examines the impact of policy changes on employees, highlighting potential challenges such as burnout and disengagement. Proactive measures, including flexible work arrangements and mental health support services, are recommended to mitigate these impacts. Financial implications are addressed through developing contingency plans and reassessing financial strategies to maintain operational stability. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of preserving campus cultural exchange opportunities and diversity initiatives through virtual programs, partnerships, and curriculum integration. Leadership models, particularly transformational leadership, provide a guiding framework for navigating organizational change. The study advocates for clear communication, employee empowerment, and alignment with the institution’s values to foster resilience. Additionally, Kotter’s 8-Step Model of Change Management offers a structured approach to addressing challenges, emphasizing the importance of urgency, vision, and cultural integration. Through proactive measures informed by theoretical insights, universities can navigate the challenges of immigration policy changes while upholding their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence. This study contributes valuable insights for higher education institutions grappling with regulatory shifts, offering actionable recommendations for fostering resilience and adaptation in a rapidly changing landscape.

CONSUMER PROTECTION IN HIRE PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS: A CASE STUDY OF GHANA’S LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Objective: This study critically examines the effectiveness of Ghana's Hire Purchase Act 1974 in safeguarding consumer interests in modern hire purchase agreements. Theoretical Framework: The focus of analysis is the regulatory framework for hire purchase transactions in Ghana in comparison to UK and Australia. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises [concisely describe the study design, including approach, participants, instruments, procedures, etc.]. Data collection was carried out through [explain the specific methods used, such as interviews, questionnaires, observations, among others. Results and Discussion: The Act provides fundamental consumer protections through requirements for written agreements, disclosure of terms, and rights to terminate agreements. However, it faces challenges in addressing contemporary market realities, particularly digital transactions, and in providing accessible dispute resolution mechanisms. The study identifies key areas for improvement, including modernization of the Act, introduction of alternative dispute resolution options, strengthening enforcement capabilities, and enhancing consumer education initiatives. Research Implications: These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on consumer protection in Ghana and offer valuable insights for policymakers considering reforms to the hire purchase regulatory framework. The research emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that enhances consumer protections while maintaining a vibrant hire purchase market in Ghana. Originality/Value: Overall, the study offers a unique and valuable perspective on the effectiveness of Ghana's Hire Purchase Act and provides actionable recommendations for improvement.

From Dis-empowerment to empowerment: Crafting a healthcare cybersecurity self-assessment

Due to the valuable and sensitive nature of its data, the Australian healthcare sector is increasingly targeted by cyberattacks. Existing cybersecurity evaluation methods often lack the specificity required to address the unique vulnerabilities within this sector, especially in terms of engaging stakeholders and fostering a proactive security culture. These evaluations often overlook psychological empowerment, which enhances individuals’ confidence in managing cybersecurity.This study aims to develop a tailored cybersecurity self-assessment index for the Australian healthcare system. It will focus on enhancing psychological empowerment alongside technical assessments to improve overall sector resilience against cyber threats.Using a design science research approach, the index was developed using expert reviews, online surveys, and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, consumers, and government entities. This iterative process involved identifying gaps in existing cybersecurity measures and designing an index to address technical and human factors.The index’s evaluation through a pilot study revealed that it effectively raised awareness and empowered individuals within the healthcare sector to take ownership of cybersecurity practices. Participants reported increased confidence in managing cybersecurity risks and found the index’s actionable recommendations helpful in improving their security posture. However, challenges related to its applicability across diverse healthcare environments and regulatory constraints were identified.The Australian Healthcare Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Index shows promise as a tool for strengthening cybersecurity in the healthcare sector by integrating psychological empowerment with technical assessments. Further research is needed to refine the tool, incorporate quantitative data, and explore its scalability across different healthcare settings and global applications.

Production-Enhancement-Candidate Screening Powered by ML Unlocks Brownfield Potential

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 215244, “Automated Production-Enhancement-Candidates Screening Powered by Machine Learning Unlocks Untapped Potential in Matured Oil Fields: A Case Study,” by Nusheena M. Khair, SPE, M. Farid Zaizakrani, SPE, and Nur A.I.Z. Azhar, Petronas, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Field A offshore East Malaysia has been a productive conventional oil field for more than 3 decades. It has encountered several surface and subsurface issues, including sand production, increasing water cut, and reservoir-pressure depletion. The complete paper presents the process of identifying production-enhancement opportunities, develops a methodology to identify underperforming candidates and analyze well-integrity issues, and describes how data science and engineering analyses are integrated. Introduction Field A is undergoing redevelopment, including activities such as enhanced oil recovery, production-enhancement (PE) initiatives, idle-well reactivation (IWR), and infill drilling. However, Field A’s operations and PE initiatives face multiple challenges. These include a shortage of comprehensive data affecting reservoir management and forecasting, difficulties in managing wells on unmanned platforms during adverse weather, and high logistical costs in offshore interventions that affect the economic feasibility of certain PE and IWR jobs. Recognizing these issues, the operator team is taking a proactive approach by embarking on enhancing PE and IWR candidate generation by machine learning (ML), a strategy that aims to expedite well-by-well review (WBWR) to streamline candidate-generation processes and enhance decision-making. Production Enhancement Candidate Generation and Screening (PECGS) Methodology PECGS is a petroleum engineering advisory system that helps operators improve the efficiency of PE and IWR candidate screening and intervention planning. PECGS automatically generates a list of underperforming wells along with recommendations for remedial actions. PECGS works by first evaluating each well’s production potential and risk assessment through use of a data-driven advisory system that combines analytical and ML models with industry-standard petroleum and reservoir management logic. Once the wells have been evaluated, PECGS generates a live automated opportunity register with a ranking of candidate wells. Technical Solution The technical solution in PECGS includes four main stages: knowledge base, technical analysis, chance of success, and economic analysis. The knowledge base of PECGS is formed through data integration from various sources. Static data have been standardized and validated by subject-matter experts before being uploaded into the advisory-system database. Dynamic data, such as production and well test, are integrated daily into the advisory system database according to a predefined schedule. The technical analysis is leveraged with proven analysis methods to identify well constraints and recommend PE opportunities and present estimated production gain, success probability, and profitability. The workflow uses multicriteria ranking, or the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), to rank screened wells based on production and petrophysical key performance indicators. Once a potential PE candidate has been identified through an automated screening, the next step is to review the chance of success. Next, the engineers perform an economic analysis to evaluate the potential profitability of the PE job. The economic analysis uses a variety of factors, including the cost of the intervention, the expected increase in production, and the value of the produced oil or gas in order to calculate the net present value (NPV) of the job. If the NPV is positive, then the intervention is profitable.

The impact of green supply chain management on corporate performance under the full process model: A MASEM analysis based on heterogeneous moderation

This study explores the impact of green supply chain management on corporate performance, focusing on environmental, economic, operational, and social outcomes. Using Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modeling, we analyzed data from 98 quantitative studies conducted since 2001. Our findings demonstrate that green supply chain management practices significantly enhance corporate performance. We also identify key moderating factors, such as industry diversity, company size, geographical location, economic development, cultural level, and logistics performance, that influence the effectiveness of green supply chain management. The study highlights the importance of tailoring green supply chain management initiatives to specific industry and regional contexts, providing actionable insights and policy recommendations for promoting sustainable development in the Carbon Trading Era.

DISCUSSING THE ISSUES OF BUILDING A SYSTEM OF TRAINING LOCAL CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, this study focuses on the construction and optimisation of the local Chinese language teacher education system in Kazakhstan. By examining in detail, the structure and function of the current system of Chinese language teacher training in Kazakhstan and the multiple challenges it faces, we use comparative pedagogical methods and refer to successful models of teacher education at home and abroad, with the aim of proposing a set of actionable strategic recommendations. These proposals aim not only to promote the professional growth and stability of local Chinese language teachers, but also to enhance the quality and effi-ciency of Chinese language teaching, thus promoting the popularisation and application of Chinese language in Kazakhstan. Srengthening international co-operation in the field of language education, especially exchanges with China, iscrucial for enhancing understanding and deepening the human-istic bond between the two peoples. Therefore, this study also aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the construction of a shared linguistic and cultural platform connected two countries and promoted of the regional practice of the concept "community of human destiny", thus contributing to the pluralistic dialogue and harmonious coexistence among the countries along the "Belt and Road".

A New Concept of Techno-Economic Institutions within Institutional Economics: Integrating Technologies and Institutional Frameworks

This study investigates the concept of techno-economic institutions within institutional economics, focusing on the integration of technologies into economic frameworks to foster development. The primary objective is to introduce and advocate for the novel concept of “techno-economic institutions,” which is essential for embedding technologies into the socio-economic environment. This research employs a comprehensive methodological approach, including theoretical analysis, literature review, comparative studies, and case studies, to develop a new analytical model and provide fresh insights. The key findings include a comparative analysis of the interplay between institutions and technologies, a variational model detailing the life cycles of General-Purpose Technologies (GPTs), and an in-depth examination of institutional roles. The econometric models developed in this study demonstrate the significant impact of ICT patents and SCM systems on government efficiency, empirically validating the proposed theoretical framework. This paper contributes to the academic discourse by offering a methodologically robust and empirically substantiated examination of technological advancements in institutional frameworks, highlighting the importance of flexible institutional structures capable of adapting to technological change. These insights provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and suggest strategic investments in technological infrastructure to enhance government performance. Future research should explore the generalizability of these findings in different institutional contexts and examine variability in technology-institution interactions across diverse geopolitical landscapes. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-05-022 Full Text: PDF

Plant the pot! Understanding consumer willingness to pay for sustainability in garden shop products

This study explores consumer preferences for various sustainability attributes in gardening pots using a discrete choice experiment. Data were collected from 499 respondents in garden shops across Milan and Monza, Italy. The study examines different aspects of sustainability, focusing on attributes that influence consumer purchasing decisions, such as the use of renewable energy, recycled material usage, ethical certification, and end-of-life options (recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable pots). The primary objectives are to determine consumers' preferences and the relative importance of these sustainability attributes in gardening pots and assess the impact of educational information on these preferences and willingness to pay. A mixed logit model is employed to capture the variations in preferences across the entire sample, providing a detailed analysis of the average willingness to pay for each sustainability attribute. A latent class model aimed to identify distinct segments within the sample, revealing specific groups of consumers with unique preference patterns and varying monetary evaluations for sustainable features. The results indicate strong preferences for reusable and recyclable pots, followed by biodegradable options and products made with recycled materials. Additionally, providing consumers with educational information about the environmental impacts of plastic pots significantly influenced their preferences and willingness to pay. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by offering detailed insights into consumer behaviour towards sustainable gardening products and their relative importance and providing actionable recommendations for policymakers and marketers to foster sustainable consumption practices.

Exploring the impact of digitization of heritage buildings in promoting a sustainable tourism development strategy: a case study of Touat hotel of Adrar, Algeria

The digitization of built heritage in the Touat region of Adrar, Algeria, represents a crucial intersection between cultural preservation and sustainable tourism. In particular, this paper investigates the effects of these digitization attempts on safeguarding the cultural heritage of the region, while it discusses also about integrating technology into tourism strategies. The study situates its analysis within the unique geographical and cultural context of the Touat region, especially Touat hotel, stressing the role of sustainable tourism in supporting the local economy while preserving its rich cultural assets. Using the case of the this hotel, testing challenges and opportunities around digital heritage with respect to sustainable tourism in such a broader territorial area are shown. The study underscores the need for continued financing of digital technologies and interdisciplinary coordination, if cultural heritage is to be successfully preserved and promoted. The objectives of the study are clearly outlined, addressing key themes such as the role of digitization in heritage preservation, the challenges faced in this process, and the opportunities it presents for sustainable tourism development strategy. The findings culminate in actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing the sustainability of heritage sites through digital innovation. This work sets the stage for a detailed exploration of how digitization can be leveraged to ensure the long-term sustainability of heritage buildings in this region.

Towards Good Governance in the Management of Educational Institutions in Cameroon: Importance, Challenges and Opportunities

Purpose: This conceptual paper explored the path toward institutionalisation of good governance in the management of educational institutions in Cameroon. Aim was to identify key principles, assess challenges to effective governance, and explore opportunities for improvement, with the view to offer actionable recommendations that could help enhance educational management in Cameroon. Materials and Methods: A qualitative approach that combines personal observations with a comprehensive textual review was employed. The review examined national and international policy documents, strategic plans, reports and academic articles to clarify theoretical constructs and practical applications of good governance in education. Recommendations were based on personal reflections and literature analysis. Findings: The education sector has evolved from being simpler and less competitive to a complex, competitive and more demanding landscape, requiring technology and advanced management strategies centered on governance principles like transparency and accountability. In Cameroon, historical, socio-economic, political, and structural challenges hinder the establishment of good governance in education. However, there is room for educational managers to navigate these realities and promote effective governance, which is essential for unlocking education’s transformative potential and achieving socioeconomic development goals. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The various ministries of education should work in synergy with the other stakeholders to implement a comprehensive training programme for educational managers; invest more resources in educational technology for better administrative efficiency; strengthen monitoring and auditing of expenditures; and enhance the capacity of decentralised management structures to effectively address local needs. These strategies should help create a more accountable and responsive education management framework for Cameroon.

Using Implementation Science to Evaluate the Implementation of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in a Clinical Heart Failure Care Setting

BackgroundPatients with heart failure (HF) can experience a poor quality-of-life (QOL), recurring hospitalizations, and progressive disease symptoms. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) include integration of patients’ voices into clinical care, by assessing patient symptoms, function, and QOL. In 2022, PROMs were incorporated into the electronic health record system (Epic) at a large academic hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The purpose of this study was to use implementation-science frameworks to systematically evaluate the uptake and integration of PROMs into clinical HF care. MethodsThe Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework guided this mixed-methods, 1-year, quality-improvement project. Data sources included the following: clinician use of PROMs; patient-level data on completed PROMs; and semistructured interviews with clinicians. The PROM was the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12, which captures 4 domains related to HF—symptom frequency, physical limitations, social limitations, and QOL. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analyzed using behaviour-change frameworks and latent content analysis. ResultsOver the course of 1 year, more patients were assigned to PROMs, a higher proportion of patients completed PROMs, and approximately 80% of patients had high scores on the questionnaire. Clinicians experience barriers—related to attention and decision processes, the environmental context, and their professional role—to integrating PROMs into practice. Suggested changes to improve PROM uptake include adding language licenses for PROM translations, reducing cognitive load for clinicians who are assigning and interpreting PROMs in the Epic system, and championing modelling of use of PROMs in practice. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the benefit of using implementation science frameworks, to evaluate the implementation of PROMs in practice and provide actionable recommendations to health systems.

Overcoming barriers in eating disorder care: advances, gaps, and recommendations for equitable assessment and treatment.

This paper provides an overview of topics discussed by clinicians and researchers invited to speak at the Canadian Nutrition Society's Thematic Conference 2023, which was centered on advances in research and practice in the assessment and treatment of disordered eating and eating disorders. Presenters emphasized the importance of understanding how systemic factors such as racism, weight stigma, and COVID-19 affect the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, and proposed strategies for addressing these inequities. In this paper, we provide actionable recommendations for clinicians working with individuals with eating disorders; professional development, cultural competence, and equitable assessment and treatment practices are discussed.

Decoding AI ethics from Users' lens in education: A systematic review

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has witnessed remarkable expansion, greatly benefiting the education sector. Nonetheless, this advancement brings forth several ethical dilemmas. The existing research on these ethical concerns within the educational framework is notably scarce, particularly when viewed from a user's standpoint. This research systematically reviewed 17 empirical articles from January 2018 to June 2023, sourced from peer-reviewed journals and conferences, to outlined existing ethical framework in Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED), identify related concerns from user's perspectives, and construct Ethics Guideline for AIED. The finding revealed that certain ethical aspects, including the ethics of learning analytics and the ethics of algorithms in AIED, are often neglected in the existing ethical frameworks, principles, and standards for AIED. Based on the blank between existing ethical frameworks and ethic concerns from user's perspectives, the research proposes more inclusive and thoughtfully Ethics Guideline for AIED. The study also provides actionable recommendations for multiple stakeholders, emphasizing the need for guidelines that address user-centered concerns. In addition, How this Ethics Guideline for AIED could be developed is discussed, along with outlining potential avenues for future research.

From pollutants to products: Microbial cell factories driving sustainable biomanufacturing and environmental conservation

Microbial cell factories are emerging as powerful tools in addressing pressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable biomanufacturing. This paper highlights the key role of engineered microorganisms in mitigating pollution, converting waste and pollutants into valuable products, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Through advancements in metabolic engineering, gene editing technologies, and synthetic biology, microbial cell factories are being optimized to enhance their efficiency in breaking down pollutants and producing renewable chemicals, such as biofuels, bioplastics, and specialty chemicals. These processes contribute to environmental conservation, waste valorization, and the establishment of a circular economy.The study focuses on overcoming key barriers in microbial biotechnology, such as limited scalability, process inefficiency, and economic viability, by employing strategies like metabolic pathway optimization, enzyme overexpression, and tolerance enhancement. These strategies are applied to various microbial species, demonstrating how their metabolic capabilities can be fine-tuned for industrial applications. Detailed case studies illustrate successful implementations, such as the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, CO2, and industrial waste into high-value products, underscoring the practical impact of microbial cell factories in diverse sectors, including energy, materials, and chemicals.Furthermore, this research addresses the challenges faced by microbial cell factories in industrial-scale operations, such as maintaining genetic stability and optimizing growth conditions, and offers insight into emerging technological solutions to these obstacles. By providing a comprehensive overview of recent developments and identifying future research directions, this paper offers actionable recommendations for unlocking the full potential of microbial biotechnology. These efforts aim to further integrate microbial processes into industrial systems, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient global economy, with the ultimate goal of fostering a circular bioeconomy.

DevOps Implementation: Essential Tools, Best Practices, and Solutions to Overcome Challenges for Seamless Development and Operations Integration

Aims: This study aims to explore the core principles, tools, and best practices for implementing DevOps, emphasizing its benefits, such as enhanced efficiency, better collaboration, and faster time-to-market. It also seeks to identify common challenges in DevOps adoption and provide practical solutions. Study Design: A qualitative research approach was used, incorporating case studies, industry reports, and expert interviews to analyze DevOps implementation across various industries. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted across organizations in technology, finance, and healthcare sectors from 2022 to 2023 [1,2]. Methodology: The research utilized both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through interviews with DevOps experts and consultants, while secondary data included published case studies, industry white papers, and academic research. This comprehensive analysis identified recurring themes, challenges, and effective strategies in DevOps adoption. The study also examined successful case studies to illustrate best practices and drew insights from experts to address barriers and propose actionable recommendations. Results: The analysis highlighted that strong leadership support (35%), continuous learning (30%), and effective communication (20%) are critical for successful DevOps implementation. Organizations that invested in automation tools such as Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, and GitLab experienced significant gains in workflow efficiency, continuous integration, and delivery. Cultural resistance (40%) and lack of expertise (25%) were the main barriers to DevOps adoption. A positive relationship was noted between cultural change initiatives and successful DevOps implementation (R = 0.85). Conclusion: Effective DevOps adoption requires a cultural shift towards collaboration, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement, backed by strong leadership and strategic automation. To successfully implement DevOps, organizations should focus on cultivating a collaborative culture, ensuring leadership commitment, and investing in continuous learning and automation tools to overcome challenges and achieve their objectives.

Australian medical regulations and strengthened continuing professional development (CPD): A policy implementation gap analysis with the specialist medical colleges

Introduction: Starting from 2023, Australian medical practitioners must meet new mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for registration renewal. In particular, each year they must complete 12.5 hours of educational activities and 25 hours of CPD activities related to reviewing performance and measuring outcomes, with a minimum of 5 hours each for reviewing performance and measuring outcomes activities, and they are encouraged to use patient health data and large eHealth datasets for better insights. Despite concerns regarding data accessibility and outcome measurement, specialist medical colleges are implementing these requirements. This study aims to explore factors influencing colleges’ efforts and provide recommendations for future research and action to enable data-driven CPD practices. Methods: A policy implementation gap analysis employing semi-structured interviews as a standalone method was conducted with participating colleges. Four colleges agreed to participate, with a total of 18 participants recruited from either the colleges’ staff who are responsible for interpreting and implementing CPD regulatory policies or the colleges’ CPD committees. Interviews were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Data collection, data analysis and final results were reported using the COREQ checklist. Results: Three themes were identified from the interview analysis: (1) colleges' organisational structure and their roles and responsibilities within the Australasian CPD ecosystem, (2) challenges and enablers for policy implementation and (3) organisational needs and future actions at college level and necessary pre-conditions at ecosystemic level for strengthened CPD. Conclusions: Internal and external organisational factors are hindering colleges’ efforts to implement policy. More research, a reassessment of colleges’ roles, responsibilities and structure, and collaboration among colleges and data holders are necessary to enable full policy implementation and strengthened CPD practices.

International Responses over Nontraditional Security Threats: A Comparative Analysis into Rational and Sources

Security concerns of the contemporary period have gone beyond the traditional form of existential threats caused by conventional military forces to a vast range of non-conventional security concerns, including climate change, pandemics, and cyber threats. The direct spillover effects of these non-traditional security issues do not just influence national relations but require global cooperation and a comprehensive approach. In conclusion, increased international cooperation will be essential along with the principle of equitable resource distribution and the pursuit of novel technological solutions to attain lasting resilience against NTS threats. As such pressures on human security continue to unfold, it is critical that the global community facilitate adaptive measures and strong frameworks for global security and stability. This paper represents the value added to the scientific debate on nontraditional security, as effectiveness is linked to international responses, with further recommendations for better action toward implementation.

Challenges to Gender Equality in Governance: Legal Mechanisms and Barriers

The This study explores the multifaceted challenges to achieving gender equality in public administration, focusing on legal mechanisms, best practices, and the impact of digital technologies. It examines the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks across various jurisdictions, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, and more, highlighting successes and shortcomings in promoting gender parity. The research also investigates the role of digital technologies in either advancing or hindering gender equality, particularly through e-recruitment, telework, and digital skills training. By analyzing qualitative data and doctrinal documents, this study aims to identify key barriers and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing gender equality in governance structures. The findings underscore the need for a more integrated approach to addressing gender disparities, especially in the evolving digital landscape.

What drives household protective actions in an industrial crisis? Insights from the East Palestine train derailment

Complex industrial disasters illustrate the challenges of underdeveloped public warning systems. Unlike most natural disasters, quickly identifying hazardous materials and assessing their threats is crucial for developing protective action recommendations (PARs) that guide household response in industrial crises. The 2023 East Palestine, Ohio (USA) train derailment, chemical spill, and fires revealed that gaps in rapidly identifying hazardous materials, and the threats they present, can severely impact the public warning system. As the crisis unfolded, responding agencies left crucial questions unanswered, leaving community members uncertain about their safety, the extent of environmental contamination, and what protective actions to take. It is imperative to study the drivers of household protective actions in the absence of a developed warning system and well-established PARS. To achieve this, we conducted a community survey in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia (n = 259) in response to the East Palestine crisis. We used multivariate logistic regressions to identify statistically significant explanatory factors that predict protective action response. Our findings reveal gaps in response, where challenges identifying and communicating hazards created environmental justice concerns. We provide policy recommendations to strengthen hazard identification and outline further work to include equity as a pillar of environmental disaster response.