Role In Policy-making Research Articles

Diabetic patients' knowledge and related factors towards insulin therapy: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the knowledge of diabetic patients and related factors regarding insulin therapy. A comprehensive search was systematically conducted across several international electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search employed Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords including "knowledge", "insulin", and "diabetes", covering records up to May 1, 2024. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). A thorough analysis of fourteen cross-sectional studies involving 2,471 diabetic patients revealed an average knowledge level of 56.51 out of 100 regarding insulin therapy. The study identified several significant factors influencing this knowledge level: age, education level, duration of insulin treatment, practical experience, marital status (specifically being single), participation in training courses, urban residence, and male gender. These findings underscore the crucial role of health policymakers and managers in improving diabetic patients’ knowledge of insulin therapy. By targeting interventions toward these specific factors, they can make a significant difference in the lives of diabetic patients.

Experiences and challenges of nurses in initiating antiretroviral drugs among adolescents living with HIV and AIDS in Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho

Background: Lesotho has the second-highest HIV and AIDS prevalence globally and is the country’s second leading cause of death. Despite increasing ART coverage, adolescents remain left behind and face high mortality because of delayed ART initiation. This study aimed to explore the experiences and challenges of nurses when initiating adolescents living with HIV on ART in Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho. Methods: A qualitative descriptive research design and twelve in-depth interviews were conducted among nurses from a hospital in the Thaba-Tseka district. Participants were selected purposively until data saturation was reached. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed manually using the thematic analysis approach. The findings were presented in themes and sub-themes. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted in English and Sesotho from May to August 2021. Results: The key findings in this study involved adolescents’ attendance at the health care facility, ART initiation process, HIV stigma influencing the uptake of ART, poor ART follow-up and socio-economic factors affecting adherence to ART. Conclusion: The themes uncovered in this study provide valuable insights into the gaps in ART initiation, and highlight the challenges encountered by nurses during this process among adolescents in Lesotho. The experiences and obstacles shared by nurses during ART initiation cover a range of issues, collectively demonstrating their engagement in HIV and ART care. These findings emphasise the critical role of policymakers and health care providers in devising customised ART initiation interventions for adolescents. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for enhancing ART uptake and adherence among adolescents living with HIV in Lesotho.

An emotional perspective on the Multiple Streams Framework

AbstractEmotions are central to human behavior and, consequently, play a significant role in policymaking. While the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) incorporates the notion of “public mood” into the political stream, this concept primarily focuses on a fleeting, less intense, and diffuse emotional state that is not necessarily linked to a specific triggering event or policy‐related object. To address this limitation, the current article draws on robust findings from political psychology, viewing and interpreting the MSF through an emotional lens. It investigates the intersections between emotions, on the one hand, and the assumptions and structural elements of the MSF, on the other, by sharpening existing concepts—such as the emotional agenda (policy) window, emotional decision window, and emotional policy entrepreneurs—to examine emotionality in policy dynamics. It concludes by discussing how an emotional perspective on the MSF can help scholars generate nuanced hypotheses, overcome the MSF's metaphorical language, and gauge when policy may be in search of a rationale.

Comprehensive guidelines and best practices for implementing effective Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programs to mitigate global vision loss

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of blindness globally. Effective screening programs are essential to mitigate this burden. This review outlines key principles and practices in implementing DR screening programs, emphasizing the roles of technology, patient education, and healthcare system integration. Our analysis highlights key principles for establishing successful screening initiatives, including the importance of regular screenings, optimal intervals, recommended technologies, and necessary infrastructure. We emphasize the roles of healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers in ensuring the effectiveness of these programs. Our recommendations aim to support the creation of robust policies that mitigate the impact of DR, ultimately improving public health outcomes and reducing the incidence of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.

Risk-benefit assessment of foods and its role to inform policy decisions: outcome of an international workshop.

Policy decisions in public health require consideration and evaluation of trade-offs for which transparency and science-based evidence is needed. Improvement of decision-support tools is essential to help guide food policy decisions that promote healthy diets and meet the challenges of food systems without compromising food security, food safety, and sovereignty. Risk-benefit assessment of foods (RBA) is an established methodological approach designed to inform policy decisions within the area of nutrition and food safety. Despite methodological developments, translation of RBA findings into policies is still limited. In this context, a stakeholder workshop held in May 2023 gathered RBA experts and food regulators from Europe to identify the challenges, obstacles and opportunities in using evidence generated through RBAs to inform food policy decisions. A structured process was implemented to collect their views through online surveys, breakout groups, and plenary discussions. As a secondary objective, food regulators' views on other approaches for holistic risk assessment fit for food systems analysis were also explored. This paper summarizes the main findings of the workshop and discusses policy implications and future perspectives to improve the area of RBA and its role in food policymaking.

Company reputation and dividend payout

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between company reputation and dividend policy. Design/methodology/approach In this study, sample of 98,809 firm-year observations from 22 countries covering 2005–2016 were used. Findings Firm reputation concerns are associated with higher propensities to pay dividends and payout ratios. Further, this positive effect is more pronounced for firms with high free cash flows, high information asymmetry and low institutional monitoring. The results are robust to an instrumental variable approach, propensity score matching and the Heckman two-stage correction approach while addressing endogeneity concerns. Practical implications These findings have significant implications for various stakeholders, such as existing and potential investors, managers, policymakers and regulators, by providing insights into the relationship between corporate reputation and firm dividend payout decisions. Corporate reputation is highlighted as crucial for accessing finance, emphasizing the role of national regulators and policymakers in facilitating firms' efforts to improve their reputation. The study highlights the dynamics of corporate reputation and dividend payout, calling for proactive engagement from regulators and policymakers. Crafting policies conducive to reputation-building can enhance firms' financial prospects, indicating the need for strategic interventions at managerial, regulatory and policy levels. Understanding the influence of economic context is crucial for firms to tailor reputation management strategies and optimize funding opportunities in different economic environments. Originality/value Overall, results suggest that reputation serves as a disciplining mechanism, where firms will pay dividends to maintain their reputations.

Technology Trends Revolutionizing the World of Work- Auto Industry Perspective based on the SDG

Aim/Purpose: Disruptive technologies impact business cycles and work practices, paving the way for new-generation manufacturing trends. Organizations are constantly working to introduce products with a higher degree of innovation, catering to customer demands in the market. Background: The automobile industry plays a significant role in applying disruptive technologies while proving value to all stakeholders. The technological disruptions in the auto sector can potentially change the relationship between consumers and the automobile while impacting business trends and work practices. Methodology: Various scholarly research material was reviewed to understand the impact of technology disruptions on manufacturing methods, work practices, employee engagement, and skill development. Secondary data analysis was conducted for this qualitative and descriptive study. Contribution: This paper helps to understand the impact created by various technologies in the auto sector on employee retention—the role of man- Machine collaboration in creating job satisfaction among employees. Findings: Besides automation and digitalization, AI, Robotics, and Mechatronics play a crucial role in the sector's evolution. The study findings help us understand the impact of technology on manufacturing and business practices. Recommendation for Practitioners: Investment in training the workforce and embracing collaboration helps employees to benefit from the real world of work. Recommendation for Researcher: To ensure the relevance of research studies, practitioners and researchers should maintain a collaborative approach, using research insights to inform business strategies. Impact on Society: Analyze how technologies like collaborative robots (cobots) are integrated into manufacturing processes and their impact on job roles and efficiency. Technology continues to evolve, so societies shall proactively address challenges and leverage opportunities to take advantage of these innovations. It is the role of government policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educators to shape the auto industry's future in a way that maximizes the benefits to society from technological innovation. Future Research: The study's scope is to be done quantitatively by covering OEMs all over India. It discussed disruptive technology in general. Specific technological advancements can be analysed to dive deep into the phenomenon. A similar study could be undertaken in another industry besides the automobile.

Sustainable ocean development policies in Indonesia: paving the pathways towards a maritime destiny

Maritime countries, including Indonesia, have indicated their interest in developing a national ocean policy and blue economy plan to boost economic growth while promoting sustainability in and from oceanic activities. In 2017, the Government of Indonesia published the Indonesian Ocean Policy (IOP), the first of its kind since independence, and subsequently developed a series of blue economy documents as an integral part of its national development agenda whilst also indicating its support for the global sustainability objectives stipulated in the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, development obstacles such as: declining ocean health; climate crises; fragmented ocean management; inadequate infrastructure and technology; limited data support; low sustainable investment; and the blurred definition of the blue economy, pose risks to successful outcomes of sustainable ocean development in Indonesia. When unaddressed, these challenges can inhibit the policy’s effectiveness in delivering its intended outcomes. This qualitative study explores Indonesia’s interests in sustainable ocean development and how it pursues them while advancing economic objectives and commitments towards SDGs and net zero emission targets. The study finds that maintaining ocean health and ensuring sustainable use of ocean resources are Indonesia’s most vital interests for sustainable ocean development. The national ocean policy and the blue economy have been employed as two successive and simultaneous avenues to pursue Indonesia’s maritime interests. Unfortunately, to date, both approaches have yet to obtain maturity and ocean affairs are overshadowed by other national development priorities. By focusing on ocean governance and its development in the contemporary context, this article sheds light on the important role of policymaking in modern-day ocean governance. A cautious approach to policy design is crucial to avoid common pitfalls in sustainable ocean development, such as weak implementation strategies and the consequent failure to meet core sustainability objectives.

Global tax avoidance and evasion: A landscape through insights from a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis

This research aims to comprehensively investigate contemporary practices and factors influencing global tax avoidance and evasion through a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis. This study methodology uses SLR with bibliometric analysis to map this research trend. Relevant literature was collected and systematically analyzed to identify key themes, methodologies, and findings regarding tax avoidance and evasion. The study’s findings identify various tax avoidance practices, including profit shifting, transfer pricing strategies, and the use of tax havens by multinational corporations. The report also highlights various forms of tax evasion, such as money laundering and illicit financial flows. Key factors influencing tax behavior are ethical considerations, government policies, economic factors, and corporate governance practices. This analysis highlights the complex interactions between these factors in shaping tax practices globally. The study’s conclusions show that effective tax governance requires a multifaceted approach integrating ethical standards, a strong regulatory framework, and international cooperation. Ethical corporate behavior and transparent reporting are essential in promoting tax compliance and fairness. This study emphasizes the critical role of policymakers in designing and enforcing tax policies that discourage aggressive tax planning while encouraging economic growth and equality. Recommendations from these findings are to increase transparency in multinational operations, strengthen international tax cooperation, and improve global tax administration capabilities. In addition, increasing taxpayer education and awareness can foster a culture of compliance and ethical tax practices. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and case-specific analyses to deepen understanding and develop targeted interventions to address tax avoidance and evasion challenges.

Towards sustainable energy: integrating ERA5 data for offshore wind farm planning in India

India’s pursuit of offshore wind energy development, particularly along the Tamil Nadu coastline within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), faces significant spatial and economic challenges due to existing industrial activities and water depth limitations. Motivated by the need to optimize offshore wind resources and bridge the gap between onshore and offshore wind energy achievements, this study hypothesizes that ERA5 reanalysis wind data can be relied upon for assessing offshore wind resources and optimizing wind farm layouts, especially in the absence of measured data. The research employs methods such as comparing ERA5 data with empirical wind measurements, generating wind rose diagrams for layout optimization, and conducting a comprehensive financial analysis to estimate the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE). The results confirm the efficacy of ERA5 data, identifying an optimal wind farm layout with a capacity density of 5.17 MW per square kilometer, turbine spacing of 7.22 meters, and an LCoE of Rs. 8.84 per kWh. The study concludes that significant financial support and strategic policy interventions are essential for minimizing wake losses, optimizing capacity density, and fostering the long-term growth of India’s offshore wind energy sector, providing critical insights for policymakers, developers, and investors. The novelty of this research lies in its detailed exploration of spatial optimization and cost-effective strategies to enhance the techno-economic viability of offshore wind projects in India.

Energy transition in the retail sector: Revealing decision-making behaviours for energy efficiency retrofits of Dutch shopping centres

Shopping centres hold significant energy retrofit potential in the retail sector. However, their complex multi-stakeholder governance structure complicates decision-making for Energy Efficiency Retrofits (EER). Although literature identifies some barriers linked to EER, they are often scattered and not identified within a process perspective that considers their contextual complexities. This study addressed this gap by examining stakeholders’ behaviours, barriers, and relations during EER decision-making processes, to detect stakeholders’ needs to catalyse the energy transition. Qualitative research was conducted on three representative Dutch shopping centres case studies. The cross-case analysis uncovered the decision-making process for EER and new barriers attributed to this building typology. Amongst other, detected barriers can be attributed to limitations with governmental and internal regulations, lifecycle conflicts, proposed interventions being out of scope, and existing technical challenges. The study also revealed causal relationships among stakeholders, showcasing varying interpretations of barriers and highlighting the roles of owners, property managers, and public authorities in overcoming them. Furthermore, the findings indicate the key role that different contextual variables play in the EER decision-making process, such as ownership type, governance structure, and leasing structure. This study offers insights and recommendations for shopping centre owners, property managers, and policymakers, to support them in navigating the energy transition of the retail building stock. Key recommendations include decentralizing decision-making, optimizing governance structure, streamlining sustainability advisors, and acknowledging the collaborative roles of property managers and policymakers in providing effective and holistic solutions.

Data-driven stock forecasting models based on neural networks: A review

As a core branch of financial forecasting, stock forecasting plays a crucial role for financial analysts, investors, and policymakers in managing risks and optimizing investment strategies, significantly enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of economic decision-making. With the rapid development of information technology and computer science, data-driven neural network technologies have increasingly become the mainstream method for stock forecasting. Although recent review studies have provided a basic introduction to deep learning methods, they still lack detailed discussion on network architecture design and innovative details. Additionally, the latest research on emerging large language models and neural network structures has yet to be included in existing review literature. In light of this, this paper comprehensively reviews the literature on data-driven neural networks in the field of stock forecasting from 2015 to 2023, discussing various classic and innovative neural network structures, including Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Transformers, Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and Large Language Models (LLMs). It analyzes the application and achievements of these models in stock market forecasting. Moreover, the article also outlines the commonly used datasets and various evaluation metrics in the field of stock forecasting, further exploring unresolved issues and potential future research directions, aiming to provide clear guidance and reference for researchers in stock forecasting.

Skill development for the future supply chain workforce: Identifying key areas

This review paper examines skill development for the future supply chain workforce, emphasizing the importance of identifying key areas and implementing effective strategies. The evolving supply chain landscape, influenced by technological advancements, globalization, and changing consumer demands, necessitates a proactive approach to talent development. Key skill areas identified include technical skills (e.g., data analytics, automation proficiency), soft skills (e.g., adaptability, critical thinking), and domain-specific knowledge (e.g., sustainability practices, regulatory compliance). Strategies for skill development encompass experiential learning, online platforms, and collaborative partnerships. The paper highlights the role of employers, educational institutions, and policymakers in promoting continuous learning and upskilling. A forward-looking outlook predicts further evolution in supply chain roles, emphasizing the need for a competent and agile workforce. Stakeholders are urged to prioritize investment in skill development initiatives to ensure industry competitiveness and resilience. Keywords: Skill Development, Supply Chain Workforce, Future Trends, Technical Skills, Soft Skills, Domain-Specific Knowledge.

The road home: intimacy with parents, trust, and depression

Within the contemporary mental health discourse, the complex interplay of intimacy with parents, trust, and their collective impact on depression remains insufficiently explored, especially amid the merging of Western and Eastern sociocultural norms propelled by modernization, casting doubt on the foundational role of the family in individual psychological health. This study introduces a theoretical framework that merges attachment theory with modern societal shifts to clarify the intricate relationship between familial connections and individual mental health amidst changing social paradigms. Leveraging data from the 2018 and 2020 waves of the China Family Panel Studies, which included 3048 participants, this study utilizes ordered logistic regression to probe the subtle relationship between intimacy with parents and depression. Additionally, it employs Structural Equation Modeling to assess the mediating effects of five distinct dimensions of interpersonal trust, thus uncovering the complex linkages between intimacy with parents, trust, and depression. The results highlight the crucial role of intimacy with parents in mitigating depression, with trust in parents and neighbors identified as key mediators, while trust in strangers, local government officials, and physicians showed minimal mediating influence. These findings accentuate the critical importance of robust family and community bonds in addressing depression and call for a deeper understanding of trust’s role in both policymaking and clinical interventions. Despite the modern era’s trend towards individualism and greater mobility altering family structures and trust dynamics, the family remains an essential infrastructure and haven for individual intimacy, trust, and mental health, underscoring the subtle balance between modernity and tradition in societies undergoing transition.

Evaluating the impact of school resources, cultivation index and nationality on school’ academic success: evidence from the Israeli high schools

ABSTRACT A better understanding of the determinants of school performance and how it can be improved is needed for the development of human capital. Offering a novel integrative indicator for measuring school academic success, this article analyzes empirically the impact of cultivation index, school resources, and students’ nationality on school academic performance. The main findings suggest that the higher the school’s cultivation index (i.e. school is ‘weaker’ from socioeconomic, peripheral and immigration perspectives) the lower its success indicator. These findings highlight the strategic role of policymakers in reallocation of resources in the public education system.

Unveiling the Enigma: Empowering Citizen Engagement in Decision-Making Deciphering Albania's Case

This article aims to fill the gap and analyze citizen involvement in developing and transitional democracy, focusing specifically on Albania, a country in the Western Balkans. The objective of this article is to examine the models, trends, obstacles and opportunities offered by citizen participation, as well as to evaluate the determinant factors and their impact on the transformative processes of democratization and the fragile development of Albania. The article explores the participation of citizens in the decision-making process, and their role in policy-making and democratic decision-making and tries to understand how citizens can be more actively involved in the decision-making process and how this involvement can increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of policies. In this study, we use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze existing practices of citizen involvement in the decision-making process at different levels of local and central government. We focus on the tools and mechanisms that can be used to encourage the involvement of citizens in the decision-making process. The results of this study aim to provide recommendations for policymakers and practitioners at different levels of government to improve the involvement of citizens in the process of decision-making. In conclusion, through these recommendations, we aim to help increase transparency, responsibility and legitimacy of decision-making processes and create an environment where citizens feel involved and heard in decision-making that affects life. Received: 8 March 2024 / Accepted: 13 June 2024 / Published: 02 July 2024

The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Well-Being and Academic Performance

This study looks at how high school students (14–18 years old) use social media and how that affects their mental health and how well they do in school. With data from 329 participants, this study uses a quantitative way to look at the complicated effects of using social media. The structured survey tool that was used to gather information had sections on how people use social media, signs of mental health, and ways to measure academic success. In contrast, active engagement on social media, such as interacting with peers and posting content, appears to build social support networks, thereby potentially enhancing self-esteem and reducing loneliness. However, excessive social media use, irrespective of the type, is linked to disrupted sleep patterns, which adversely affect both well-being and academic performance. In terms of academic outcomes, the study found that while some students benefit from the educational resources and peer support available on social media, others experience significant distractions leading to procrastination and lower academic achievement. The type of social media platform and individual usage habits are critical factors influencing these outcomes. This research highlights the need for balanced social media use among adolescents and underscores the role of parents, educators, and policymakers in promoting responsible usage. By recognizing the dual-edged nature of social media, stakeholders can better support adolescents in leveraging its benefits while minimizing its potential harms.

Auditee's intention to implement audit recommendations: A qualitative study based on the theory of planned behavior

Previous studies on the implementation of audit recommendations have primarily focused on identifying influencing factors without delving into the specific behaviors of individuals responsible for their implementation. This study aims to analyze auditees' intentions to implement audit recommendations using Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). While TPB is typically applied with quantitative methods, this research employs a qualitative approach to gain a deeper understanding of respondents' attitudes, motivations, and values. The findings reveal five main themes that influence auditees' intentions to implement audit recommendations: lack of engagement, unorganized organizational pathways, the role of decision-makers or policymakers, mutual reluctance toward coordination, and gaps in knowledge and qualifications. Addressing these themes simultaneously is essential for the effective implementation of audit recommendations. Auditees' attitudes toward implementing audit recommendations significantly impact their intentions. However, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control can pose barriers, diminishing their commitment to the implementation process. This nuanced understanding of the factors affecting auditee behavior is crucial for developing strategies to enhance compliance with audit recommendations.

Technology Trends Revolutionizing the World of Work- Auto Industry Perspective

Aim/Purpose: Disruptive technologies impact business cycles and work practices, paving the way for new-generation manufacturing trends. Organizations are constantly working to introduce products with a higher degree of innovation, catering to customer demands in the market. Background: The automobile industry plays a significant role in applying disruptive technologies while proving value to all stakeholders. The technological disruptions in the auto sector can potentially change the relationship between consumers and the automobile while impacting business trends and work practices. Methodology: Various scholarly research material was reviewed to understand the impact of technology disruptions on manufacturing methods, work practices, employee engagement, and skill development. Secondary data analysis was conducted for this qualitative and descriptive study. Contribution: This paper helps to understand the impact created by various technologies in the auto sector on employee retention—the role of man- Machine collaboration in creating job satisfaction among employees. Findings: Besides automation and digitalization, AI, Robotics, and Mechatronics play a crucial role in the sector's evolution. The study findings help us understand the impact of technology on manufacturing and business practices. Recommendation for Practitioners: Investment in training the workforce and embracing collaboration helps employees to benefit from the real world of work. Recommendation for Researcher: To ensure the relevance of research studies, practitioners and researchers should maintain a collaborative approach, using research insights to inform business strategies. Impact on Society : Analyze how technologies like collaborative robots (cobots) are integrated into manufacturing processes and their impact on job roles and efficiency. Technology continues to evolve, so societies shall proactively address challenges and leverage opportunities to take advantage of these innovations. It is the role of government policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educators to shape the auto industry's future in a way that maximizes the benefits to society from technological innovation. Future Research : The study's scope is to be done quantitatively by covering OEMs all over India. It discussed disruptive technology in general. Specific technological advancements can be analysed to dive deep into the phenomenon. A similar study could be undertaken in another industry besides the automobile.

Artificial intelligence and personalized diagnostics in periodontology: A narrative review.

Periodontal diseases pose a significant global health burden, requiring early detection and personalized treatment approaches. Traditional diagnostic approaches in periodontology often rely on a "one size fits all" approach, which may overlook the unique variations in disease progression and response to treatment among individuals. This narrative review explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and personalized diagnostics in periodontology, emphasizing the potential for tailored diagnostic strategies to enhance precision medicine in periodontal care. The review begins by elucidating the limitations of conventional diagnostic techniques. Subsequently, it delves into the application of AI models in analyzing diverse data sets, such as clinical records, imaging, and molecular information, and its role in periodontal training. Furthermore, the review also discusses the role of research community and policymakers in integrating personalized diagnostics in periodontal care. Challenges and ethical considerations associated with adopting AI-based personalized diagnostic tools are also explored, emphasizing the need for transparent algorithms, data safety and privacy, ongoing multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient involvement. In conclusion, this narrative review underscores the transformative potential of AI in advancing periodontal diagnostics toward a personalized paradigm, and their integration into clinical practice holds the promise of ushering in a new era of precision medicine for periodontal care.