Regulation Of Services Research Articles

Challenges in oral health practice in Somalia: a call for regulatory strengthening and inclusion into primary healthcare services

BackgroundOral diseases remain a significant public health problem worldwide despite being largely preventable. Oral disorders such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancers are highly prevalent chronic conditions that negatively impact quality of life. The oral health practice in Somalia has been evolving over the years, we therefore explored the challenges of oral health practice in a security-constrained poorly regulated environment to guide policy development.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 15 oral health practitioners in Somalia. Using in-depth interviews, we gathered data on challenges working in private dental clinics and governmental institutions. Additionally, we gathered data on gender, age, marital status, profession, country of graduation, current location of practice, and years of clinical experience. Because the participants worked in different cities, we conducted interviews over the phone and recorded them. The data were analyzed via thematic analysis.ResultsIn this study, 9 of the participants were men and the median age was 29 years. Most of the participants (10) were dentists and remaining were dental specialists. The findings on challenges fall under four broad thematic areas: (1) Patient-related challenges; low patient literacy, preference for dental quacks, delay in seeking oral care, and dental phobia. (2) Institutional-related challenges: limited access to basic oral health services, oral health not an integral part of primary health care, and unregulated private dental clinics resulting in unqualified quacks practising as private caregivers. (3) Societal-related challenges, the absence of community-oriented preventive oral health services and low prioritization of oral health. (4) Personal-related challenges: female dentists in this study faced challenges related to the preference of male dentists and the shortage of oral health specialists in the country.ConclusionThis study reveals the need for the establishment and strengthening of regulation of oral services and its inclusion into the basic primary service package provided to the populace. It also calls for community enlightenment and more investment in dental health care in Somalia.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Comparative Analysis of Regulations on IT-Based Money Lending and Borrowing Services in Indonesia and Vietnam

Providing information technology-based money lending and borrowing services offers convenience and benefits for users to access fresh funds quickly and safely. However, debtors often misuse their situation, leading to financial losses and potential intimidation. The research problem in this study revolves around several key aspects, including defining existing information technology-based money lending and borrowing services, comparing the regulatory implementations for these services in Indonesia and Vietnam, and exploring potential legal measures to counter illegal fintech activities. The objective of this research is to assess and analyze the implementation of information technology-based credit service regulations, commonly known as FinTech, in both Indonesia and Vietnam. This research adopts an empirical normative legal approach, involving legal, conceptual, and qualitative analyses. The findings reveal that both countries have taken proactive measures by enacting regulations to govern the rapidly expanding fintech industry. However, they continue to face challenges posed by widespread illegal fintech operations, which pose risks to the privacy of individuals' personal data. Additionally, both nations encounter a shortage of skilled professionals capable of effectively detecting and combating illicit fintech activities. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance regulations and invest in professional training to eliminate illegal fintech practices.

The right of local government employees to expungement of disciplinary offences processed digitally in Jordanian and Qatari legislation

This paper examines a right that has emerged due to the activities performed by users on the internet, specifically the right to digital expungement of disciplinary offences committed by Municipal Employees and the penalties imposed on them, and its relationship with public service. The issue addressed is whether the legislative provisions in Qatar and Jordan are sufficient to safeguard and preserve this right. This paper demonstrates all the legal provisions related to the right to digital expungement of disciplinary offences and applies an analytical comparative approach between the Jordanian and Qatari legislation. In conclusion, with several findings and recommendations, this study highlights the existence of a relationship between the right to digital expungement and the statute of limitations for disciplinary offences and penalties due to the similarity in their legal effects. The study recommends reversing the recent amendment to the Civil Service Regulation No. 34 of 2024, which deleted the provisions related to the statute of limitations for disciplinary offences and the expungement of disciplinary penalties after a certain period defined by the relevant stipulations. It suggests adding these provisions to the new Human Resources Management Regulation No. (33) Of 2024.

CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL REGULATION OF THE STATE CIVIL SERVICE

The constitutional and legal regulation of the civil service is based on the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, the Law of the Republic of Belarus of June 1, 2022 No. 175-Z "On Civil Service" (as amended on January 3, 2024) and other regulatory legal acts. Within the framework of this article, based on the analysis of constitutional norms, which are the basis for the development of the legislation of the Republic of Belarus, regulatory legal acts regulating the features of the institution of state civil service will be presented. The analysis of the national legislation on the civil service, as well as international provisions and practices of foreign states, made it possible to identify a number of controversial issues and, in this regard, we proposed ways to improve the legislation on the civil service, in particular, the provision on the admissibility of the exercise of the right to strike, as well as receiving additional leave for an irregular day, is substantiated.

A formação em Direito e Saúde diante dos novos desafios do século XXI

The relationship between Law and Health is becoming increasingly complex, given the growing challenge of ensuring fundamental rights amid the various transformations that influence the global health landscape. In this context, Health Law emerges as an essential field of knowledge to address the legal aspects of health protection and the regulation of new practices and services, ensuring a balance between globalization, innovation, and the protection of human rights. The current issue of the Cadernos Ibero-Amricanos de Direito Sanitário presents a set of articles developed to engage with the central theme of the Congreso Internacional de Derecho Sanitário, a result of the collaboration between the University of Granada, Spain; the National University of Distance Education, Spain; and the Health Law Program of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil. Submission: 11/05/24 | Approval: 11/05/24

What is successful integration in primary health care: qualitative insights from the Chinese public

ABSTRACT Background China is transforming its hospital-centric service delivery system into a people-centered integrated care model, with service delivery organized around the health needs and expectations of people. Objective To guide reforms and align with public expectations, this study profiles successful integration in primary health care from the public perspective. Methods Guided by the rainbow model of integrated care, semi-structured interviews were conducted in six provinces in China. A total of 58 interviewees completed the interviews. Tape-based analysis was used to produce narrative summaries. Researchers listened to the recordings and summarized by 30-s segments. Thematic analysis was performed on summaries to identify thematic families. Results Five themes and 16 sub-themes were generated. Respondents’ expectations were primarily on three themes: clinical integration (such as interaction between professional and client, continuity, and empowering and engaging individuals), functional integration (such as resources management, quality improvement, and reforming payment systems), and system integration (such as institutional distribution and supervision). Yet a few interviewees mentioned professional integration (multi-disciplinary collaboration) and organizational integration (inter-organizational strategy). Conclusions Qualitative data were used to reveal public perceptions of successful primary health care integration. Service processes, institutional distribution, regulation, resource management, and quality improvement are more visible to the public and will be priorities for future efforts. Whereas inter-organizational strategies and multi-disciplinary collaboration have been shown to facilitate service improvements. Future efforts could consider how policy efforts can be grounded in visible service delivery through management practices.

Analysis of features of electric energy quality management and voltage regulation in housing and communal services

Subject of research: methods of improving the quality of electric energy in electric networks used for power supply mainly to municipal consumers in urban areas. The purpose of the study is to determine the most relevant methods for improving the quality of electric energy of municipal consumers, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as determining the direction of modernization. Methods and objects of research: the object of research in this material is the housing and communal complex in urban areas, in particular the electric grid complex. The work is based on such scientific research methods as analysis, synthesis, modeling and generalization. The main results of the study: the analysis of the features of electric energy quality management and voltage regulation in modern conditions. The importance and necessity of using modern intelligent systems to improve reliability, energy efficiency and quality of electric energy i s highlighted. The key prerequisites for the introduction of smart systems for monitoring the state of the electrical network are formulated. The tasks, the solution of which is necessary for the modernization of the complex, have been identified. A proposal has been made to use artificial intelligence-based systems as the main tool for modernization.

Article: The Contribution of the Canadian-European Partnership to the Integration of Sustainable Development Issues into the Multilateral Trading System

In their influential roles within the World Trade Organization (WTO), Canada and the European Union (EU) demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable development and multilateralism, navigating challenges and opportunities. Plurilateral negotiations, particularly the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSI), underscore their dedication to addressing issues like services regulation and fostering inclusive trade. The institutional framework of their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provides a structured mechanism, with specialized committees like the one on Trade and Sustainable Development, to ensure transparency, regulatory cooperation, and trade promotion aligned with sustainable development goals. However, challenges persist in achieving consensus on binding commitments. The temptation of unilateralism, exemplified by the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), raises concerns about its compatibility with WTO principles and the potential prioritization of sustainability over economic development. Despite these challenges, Canada and the EU continue to champion sustainable development in various international forums, emphasizing the importance of the WTO as the primary platform for reconciling trade and sustainability. The forthcoming thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference in 2024 presents a crucial opportunity for these leaders to demonstrate a significant commitment to a balanced approach between economic development and sustainability in international trade.

Estimating the potential impact of pneumococcal vaccination for new residents entering care homes for older adults in England

BackgroundThe incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) increases exponentially in older adults, with very high case fatality rates. In the UK, the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) is offered to all adults at age 65. PPV23 has moderate vaccine effectiveness against 23 pneumococcal serotypes in older adults, with rapid waning after 5–10 years. The median resident age in care homes for older adults is 86 years, therefore no longer protected by their PPV23 dose, despite increased risk due to advanced age, underlying comorbidities and living in closed settings. We used national surveillance data to estimate the potential impact of vaccinating new care home residents with PPV23 additional to existing national immunisation programme for 65-year-olds. MethodsThe UK Health Security Agency conducts enhanced IPD surveillance in England. National IPD incidence of IPD and care home resident population and life expectancy data were used to calculate the numbers needed to vaccinate (NNV) new care home residents with PPV23 to prevent one IPD case compared to 65-year-olds receiving PPV23 as part of the national immunisation programme. The study did not involve collection of primary data and did not meet the UK Medical Research Council definition of research and therefore no ethical approval was required. Furthermore, UKHSA has legal permission to process confidential information for the purpose of national surveillance of communicable diseases without individual patient consent (Regulation 3 of Health Service Regulations 2002). FindingsIn 2022/23, there were 2574 IPD cases among 603 109 ≥65-year-olds including 1786 (69%) caused by PPV23 serotypes, after correcting for missing serotypes, among confirmed IPD cases. With national vaccine uptake of 71% and PPV23 effectiveness of 36%, the NNV was 3706 to prevent one IPD case in the national immunisation programme for 65-year-olds. Among 121 587 new residents entering English care homes annually, the NNV was 3026. InterpretationVaccinating residents when they enter care homes for older adults with PPV23 has potential to prevent more cases per dose than the national PPV23 programme for 65-year-olds. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, such as the recently licensed PCV20, are expected to have higher vaccine effectiveness with longer duration of protection so could prevent even more cases in this vulnerable population. FundingNone.

Russian Experience in Legal Regulation of BRICS Investment Platforms

Aim. The article aims to formulate the problem of formation of such type of investment institutions as investment platform in BRICS.Tasks. The objectives of the article are defined by the fact that the executive director of the Russian Direct Investment Fund proposed to create a joint investment platform of BRICS countries, allowing BRICS members to invest more actively in the economies of their partners. And as is known, BRICS countries currently play a significant and constantly growing role in world politics and international relations. Methods. In the process of research the set tasks were solved by the author usin g general scientific (historical, dialectical, systemic, logical, method of analysis) and legal (comparative legal, sociological, axiological) research methods.Results. The result of the research is the proposal based on the Russian experience of regulation of platform services (financial platforms, investment platforms and information systems) on the formation on the basis of the Russian regulation model of the concept of building the corresponding institution within BRICS. At the same time, the article also draws attention to possible problems that may arise during the preparation of the relevant international act. In particular, the implementation of this initiative raises a wide range of technical, economic and legal issues that require detailed consideration.Conclusions. When choosing specific investment methods that can be used on such a platform, it is necessary to take into account the needs of businesses and the population, both in the long-term and short-term attraction and placement of resources. In particular, legal regulation of the choice of the legal regime for investment should influence the choice of the legal status of entities that will be admitted to such a platform, highlighting, for example, qualified investors or retail investors.

Universal Service Regulation and Network Effects in Services of General Economic Interest in the European Union

The process of the liberalisation of services of general economic interest (SGEI) in the EU adopted the universal service (US) regulatory model. The objectives of the process were to strengthen free competition and improve social welfare. SGEIs have the characteristic of networked services and, as such, generate network externalities, as considered by the theory of market failures. This paper analyses the potential of the US in its role as a remedy for network externalities. In the SGEI context, the large number of participants reinforces network externalities, while limiting coordination mechanisms between users. Based on the relevant literature, a theoretical debate arises around the contribution of universal service obligations (USOs) to social welfare. A microeconomic analysis shows that USOs modify consumers’ utility functions by shifting from inefficient market equilibria to efficient equilibria, thereby improving social welfare.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Transport Sector in Narayanganj City: Existing Scenario and Way Forward

This study examines transportation issues in Narayanganj City Corporation, one of the densely populated cities in Bangladesh. It examines the Chashara intersection which is a major intersection within the city, suffers from ever worsening traffic and poor infrastructure. Using qualitative research methods, information was obtained through field surveys, observation as well as four focus group discussions with residents aged 20-50 years mainly students, urban dwellers experts. Some of the problems that emerged from the study include poor traffic control, limited road construction and maintenance. The findings also highlight significant challenges, including poor traffic management, insufficient road networks, and inefficient regulation of transport services, notably the prevalence of auto-rickshaws contributing to the congestion. The study identifies the Chashara intersection as a critical area requiring urgent intervention. Proposed solutions emphasize the introduction of alternative routes to alleviate bottlenecks, stricter regulation of auto-rickshaw operations, and the implementation of congestion pricing mechanisms to manage traffic flow. These recommendations aim to provide a strategic framework for improving urban mobility and ensuring sustainable development in the transportation sector of Narayanganj. The need for immediate, coordinated efforts from local authorities and urban planners is underscored, as addressing these issues is essential for enhancing the city’s livability and accommodating future growth.

Transformational Leadership As A Catalyst For Enhancing Gender Equality And Women's Representation In Public Administration: Opportunities For Increased Access And Involvement In South Sudan

The Gender Equality in Public Administration Study was carried at the National Transformational Leadership Institute (NTLI) of the University of Juba in partnership with the Ministry of Gender Child and Social Welfare and UNDP South Sudan. The Study employed UNDP’s global GEPA initiative framework and UNDP-OECD Toolkit for Mainstreaming and Implementing Gender Equality in Public Life. which consists of four pillars, namely,1) Institutional and governance frameworks for gender equality and mainstreaming; 2) Gender-sensitive practices in parliaments; 3) Gender-sensitive public employment systems; 4) Gender-sensitive practices in the judiciary. Based on South Sudan context and the systems alreadyestablished,some key aspects of the UNDP-OECD tool with particular emphasis on Pillars (1) and (3) were adopted. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection that include surveys, face-to-face interviews, consultation workshops and focus group discussions were used to reach out to gender focal persons from all government institutions (ministries, commissions and parastatal organizations), organized forces, Academia and Civic groups that include Faith Based Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and Disability Persons Organisations.The collated information was analysed using SPSS and interpretation provided. The studyfound the existence of considerable gender differentials in terms of genderrights, accessto humanrights and access to justice. Gender inequality and Sexual Gender-Based Violence are widespread and mostly intensified by cultural norms and insecurity caused by interstate and intracommunal conflicts. Gender equality and women’s access, involvement and representation in Public Administration are linked to multiple structural and functional constraints which differ across sectors in South Sudan. Analysis from this study, clearly underlines that participation and access to formal political power structures is impeded by inherent gender imbalance in institutionalstructures, unequal power sharing, socio-economic context, culture, ideological and psychologicalfactors, which remain sticky, normalized and increasingly accepted as part of life. From the foregoing, it is imperative that directed policy initiatives and legal framework be established to address the issues. The Government of the Republic of South Sudan should conduct a review of the legislative and policy framework to integrate the minimum of 35% quotas for womenin all public administration (National Gender Policy; National Strategic Plan Framework; LabourAct, Civil Service Act and Public Service Regulations);

The New Financial Information Service – Changing the Market of Information Services for the Better?

In pursuit of the 2020 Retail Payments Strategy, the European Commission launched its proposal for a revised payment services regulation package in 2023, together with a proposed regulation on Financial Data Access (FiDA). The FiDA, if adopted, will introduce a new player, the Financial Information Service (FIS), onto the financial services marketplace. Meanwhile, the current Payment Services Directive (PSD2) and the proposed revision already includes an Account Information Service (AIS). The FIS covers a wide range of financial information whereas the AIS only offers payment account information, but an unjustified difference is that the AIS continues to obtain access to data free-of-charge while the FIS must pay for access to data. The proposals therefore create an unlevel playing-field between the services, favouring the AIS. Is this advantage enough to keep the AIS alive after introducing its superior service, the FIS? This article examines this issue, scrutinising the dysfunctionality between the rulesets and their ability to create ‘Open Finance’ as envisaged in the 2020 Retail Payments Strategy. This article concludes that Open Finance would be best achieved by adhering to the Commission’s phrase “same activity, same risk, same rule”, which would require the services to be regulated by the same regulation.

Topic identification and content analysis of internet medical policies under the background of Healthy China 2030.

This study aims to analyse the content of internet medical policies, grasp the inherent laws of the development of internet medical policies and provide references for improving the policy system. On the basis of web crawler technology, 436 internet medical policies issued by the central and local governments after the Healthy China Strategy was proposed were collected. The BERTopic model was used to extract topics, and a comprehensive analysis of China's internet medical policy texts was conducted through the analysis of topic content, topic hierarchy and topic clusters. A total of 27 topics were identified in China's internet medical policies, mainly focussing on five topic clusters: medical service regulation, elderly nursing and children's healthcare using traditional Chinese medicine, user safety guarantees, health education and communication and infectious disease treatment and recovery guidance. Different topic contents play a role in promoting the comprehensive and standardized development of internet medical services. However, there is still room for further improvement in policy integrity, consideration of multiple types of users, and implementation effectiveness. Continuous efforts are needed to optimize the effectiveness of policies.

General theoretical characterization of contractual obligations for the provision of agency services

Problem setting. The development of market economy and globalization of business processes have increased the importance of agency services. However, the legal regulation of agency relations in Ukraine is characterized by gaps and conflicts, creating problems in law enforcement practice. This problem is particularly acute in the field of courier activities, where issues of consumer protection and distribution of responsibility between the agent and the principal arise. Purpose of research is to conduct a comprehensive theoretical and legal analysis of contractual obligations for the provision of agency services, determine their place in the system of civil law contracts of Ukraine, and develop proposals for improving their legal regulation. Analysis of recent researches and publications. The issues of agency contracts and services have been studied by such scholars as R.A. Maidanyk, Ye.O. Kharytonov, O.I. Kharytonova, N.V. Fedorchenko, A.B. Hryniak, M.D. Pleniuk, O.O. Kot, H.B. Yanovytska and others. However, despite the significant number of scientific works, the specifics of agency services in the field of courier activities and consumer protection remain insufficiently studied. Article’s main body. The legal regulation of agency relations in Ukraine is analyzed, the elements of the agency agreement and the peculiarities of the rights and obligations of the parties are determined. The article examines the fiduciary nature of agency relations and its impact on the assessment of the parties’ actions in the performance of the contract. Particular attention is paid to the specifics of providing agency services in the field of courier activities, including issues of consumer protection, personal data protection, and dispute resolution. The article proposes ways to improve the legal regulation of agency services, including the development of special regulatory acts for courier agents, the introduction of a certification system, and the development of effective mechanisms for consumer protection. Conclusions and prospects for the development. The study concludes that agency services are an important element of modern economic relations that requires proper legal regulation. The legal framework of Ukraine in this area is characterized by complexity but contains certain gaps and conflicts that need to be addressed. The agency agreement has specific elements that distinguish it from other types of contracts. For improving the legal regulation of agency services, it is necessary to unify approaches in civil and commercial law, develop special mechanisms for consumer protection, harmonize legislation with international standards, and improve mechanisms of agent liability. Future research should focus on developing detailed recommendations for improving legislation in the field of agency services, taking into account international experience and the specifics of different sectors of the economy.

Modification and termination of legal services supply agreement

The article is focused on studying the possibility to modify and terminate legal services supply agreement. The author has noted that the volume of foreign investments is a significant stimulus for the recovery of the domestic economy, and this should be facilitated by proper protection of the rights of investors as less protected participants of investment relationships. All this will contribute to the need to streamline legislative mechanisms for regulating relations in the sphere of services provision. In particular, civil regulation of legal services, despite the extraordinary social importance played by relations on providing legal services in society, has not been sufficiently developed yet, in order to affirm that a fairly well-balanced regime for regulating these relations functions in Ukraine. The author of the article has indicated that the right to apply measures of operational influence by legal services’ customers requires a clear description in the legislation, but not to be established through a multi-stage interpretation of the relevant norms. The exercise of such a right should not depend on its enshrining in the terms of legal services supply agreements, i.e. its normative basis should be the relevant legal norms, which should increase the guarantee of protection of the rights and interests of the customers of such services as less protected participants of contractual relations. The author has proved that the application of legal services on protection by the customers in the form of terminating the agreement, first of all by filing the corresponding claim to the court, has no particular specificity, compared to similar protection within other contractual obligations. The analysis of court practice indicates the lack of acute problems requiring scientific description and resolution in this regard. There is a stable court practice in Ukraine regarding the protection of legal services’ customers through the termination of relevant agreements. Termination of the contract, as a terminating legal fact, protects rather the customer’s interests, but not the rights (for safeguard of assets; for concluding the same meritous contracts with other entities, etc.). The author of the work has specified that modification and termination of legal services supply agreements, which are carried out based on the understandings between the parties, as a general rule, are not applied in the context of the parties’ reaction to the offense committed by the counterparty, but due to other motives. In particular, a significant modification of circumstances can be mentioned among such motives.

Legal Regulation, Financial Incentives and Professional Autonomy in the Prioritisation of Norwegian Specialist Health Services.

To study hospital physicians' awareness and perceptions of the legal and financial regulations, and their impact on professional discretion regarding equity in access to treatment and quality of care. A sample of 637 physicians in the Norwegian specialist healthcare services selected from a survey conducted by the Institute for Studies of the Medical Profession. The paper investigates how legal and financial policy instruments affect the application of professional discretion regarding the prioritisation of specialist health services. Descriptive statistics and regressions were conducted for the analyses. Compared with financial incentives, legal regulations (laws, priority rules and guidelines) were assessed to be less negative external interventions in the exercise of medical and professional judgement. The empirical analyses revealed a positive tendency in physicians' assessments of the impact of legal regulations on treatment equity and healthcare quality, but negative attitudes towards financial instruments. The variations revealed are attributable to various structural and epistemic features of the legal-bureaucratic and economic models of administration in this area of the welfare state. Legal and financial regulations are imposed to achieve certain social goals and values. The findings of this study can provide further insight for the health authorities in other countries concerning implementation of such regulations in the specialist healthcare services.

Assessing Mobile Network Fraud Threats and Prevention Strategies in Kenya

Background: Mobile network technology has exponentially advanced in the last decade and with this development, fraud activities have risen in equal measure resulting in companies and customers losing huge amounts of money as a result of, especially in developing economies that lag in the regulatory frameworks when it comes to Mobile network fraud. The purpose of the study was to explore Mobile network fraud in Kenya identifying the most common types of fraud, ways which service providers and regulators are employing to prevent or reduce fraud, methods currently used to detect fraud, and gaps thereof. Finally, the effect of concept drift in the automated fraud detection process. Method: A qualitative research method was adopted for the study and using a semi-structured question guide, four focus group discussions composed of 23 participants were conducted. The criteria used for selecting and placing participants into focus groups considered the following: The expert area of the participant, years of experience in the fraud ecosystem of the participant, and the organization to which the participant is attached. The availability and willingness of the participants were also considered in the selection process. The focus group approach was selected as it facilitated balanced discussion amongst all the players in the Kenyan fraud ecosystem, harnessing the power of group dynamics as it involved the regulators and the service providers who were drawn from different organizations. Results: The mobile network fraud ecosystem was stratified into three dimensions namely Fraud prevention which looked at the policies and methods used by both regulators and service providers to reduce fraud, Fraud categorization which aimed at categorizing different types of mobile frauds, and finally the Fraud detection which looked at the current tools being used to detect fraud. From the study, it emerged that although the regulators have provided strict guidelines on the customer onboarding process, not all service providers are currently using biometric approaches while onboarding new customers as this was highlighted as the entry point of most fraud cases. The study established five major types of Mobile network fraud in Kenya: SIM swap, SIM boxing, Wangiri, Commission arbitrage, and Hoax SMS and scams. Most of this fraud is committed using either SMS or voice channels; in some cases, both channels are used. Different matrixes derived from multiple factors are used by service providers while evaluating the criticality of fraud cases though not enforced by the regulators. The study also revealed that most of the fraud detection processes amongst the service providers still use manual tools that constantly require human input. While some of the detection processes are automated, concept drift is a major challenge for automated classification models due to the constant evolution of fraud patterns. Conclusion: The study revealed gaps in Mobile Network fraud prevention processes in Kenya as service providers still use non-biometric customer validation processes that are open to forgery and exploitation. A strict customer onboarding process that is fully automated and integrated should be used to address this gap. In the fraud categorization, there is no clear universal categorization matrix to guide the service providers while assessing the criticality of fraud and in this regard, a qualitative scientific model should be developed and used by all the stakeholders as a reference point. When it comes to fraud detection, concept drift is a major challenge, and service providers in Kenya still rely on manual processes due to the dynamic nature of mobile fraud. This exposes a huge gap in the detection process and there is a need to address this by developing systems and processes that will automatically detect and react to concept drift while automating the detection processes.

Revisiting Indonesia halal tourism policy in light of GATS

PurposeAs a growth industry in the international tourism segment market, halal tourism domestic policy should align with General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) as an international trade in services regulation. This paper aims to examine Indonesia’s halal tourism policy and its intersection with obligations as a member state of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Particularly in balancing Indonesia’s international obligation and the right to regulate.Design/methodology/approachThe present study uses normative legal research by analysing legal materials, primarily GATS and Indonesia’s halal tourism policy. By using this methodology, this paper seeks the normative ideal domestic approach that aligns with Indonesia’s international obligations within GATS.FindingsRegional regulations primarily govern the halal tourism policy in Indonesia. The critical substance of the regulation is the mandatory halal certification for the implementation of halal tourism. This obligation may be incompatible with Indonesia’s commitment to liberalise the tourism sector under the GATS. The current legal framework gives rise to a lack of consistency in its application despite its adherence to the halal tourism standards established by the MUI. At the same time, the provincial and regent authorities lacked the authority to do so. The authors argue that halal tourism policy shall be promulgated in the national-level policy to settle this issue. This measure is necessary to mitigate conflicts between prevailing norms and Indonesia’s international commitments within GATS. Therefore, Indonesia can uphold both its international obligations and national interests.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novelty contribution by highlighting the absence of prior research examining Indonesia’s adherence to its international commitments under the GATS in formulating domestic legislation on halal tourism. To close this gap, this study suggests that national legislation governing halal tourism should consider international obligations in the tourism sector under the GATS.