Standard Policy Research Articles

Investigating Digitally Inflected Intercity Cycle Commuting

ABSTRACT Multiple smart-city cycle technologies have been developed to support cycle commuting and create lower carbon cities. Such technologies hold significant potential to reshape how cycle commuting is experienced, understood, and governed. To investigate such phenomena, this article provides a rich account of digitally inflected inter-city cycle commuting. It shows how technologies including gamification elements script cycle commuting and consequently reshape cycling practices and infrastructures. As such digitally inflected cycle commuting is revealed as a complex multifaceted process of selfhood, reflexivity, embodiment, and social interaction which challenges imaginaries of mobile subjects underpinning standardized smart city transport policy prescriptions.

Estimating the Effects of Hypothetical Alcohol Minimum Unit Pricing Policies on Alcohol Use and Deaths: A State Example.

Alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP) policies establish a floor price beneath which alcohol cannot be sold. The potential effectiveness of MUP policies for reducing alcohol-attributable deaths in the United States has not been quantitatively assessed. Therefore, this study estimated the effects of two hypothetical distilled spirits MUP policies on alcohol sales, consumption, and alcohol-attributable deaths in one state. The International Model of Alcohol Harms and Policies tool was used to estimate the effects of two hypothetical MUP per standard drink policies (40-cent and 45-cent) pertaining to distilled spirits products at off-premises alcohol outlets in Michigan during 2020. Prevalence estimates on drinking patterns among Michigan adults were calculated by sex and age group. Prices per standard drink and sales of 9,747 spirits products were analyzed using National Alcohol Beverage Control Association data. Analyses accounted for other alcoholic beverage type sales using cross-price elasticities. Increasing the MUP of the 3.5% of spirits with the lowest prices per standard drink to 40 cents could reduce total alcohol per capita consumption in Michigan by 2.6% and prevent 232 (5.3%) alcohol-attributable deaths annually. A 45-cent MUP would affect 8.0% of the spirits and reduce total alcohol per capita consumption by 3.9%, preventing 354 (8.1%) deaths. Modestly increasing the prices of the lowest-priced spirits with an MUP policy in a single state could save hundreds of lives annually. This suggests that alcohol MUP policies could be an effective strategy for improving public health in the United States, consistent with the World Health Organization's recommendation.

Moving Towards Industry 5.0 in the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Sector: Challenges and Solutions for Germany

Emergence of industry 5.0 facilitates real-time synchronisation of production processes, which helps with the production of customized products. Although industry 5.0 can revolutionize the landscape of goods production, still its adoption is in the infancy stage. Hence, the purpose of this article is to examine barriers that impede the adoption of industry 5.0, and to propose solution initiatives (SIs). After an in-depth literature review and interviews with German industry experts in pharmaceutical sector, barriers and SIs are ranked using an integrated Analytical hierarchy process-elimination and choice expressing reality-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (AHP-ELECTRE-DEMATEL) approach. “Linking virtual reality and reality” is found to be the most critical deterrent to the adoption of industry 5.0, and falls into a causal group, which signifies their influence on other deterrents. “Measures for better connectivity with patients” is of utmost importance for German firms to ensure secure communication and safeguard patient data. The findings also highlight the problems with the adoption of high-tech innovations due to lack of standardization and fair benchmarking policies on industry 5.0. This article concludes by proposing an industry 5.0 framework. The inhibitors to adopting industry 5.0 were investigated in this article, the results of which will assist practitioners and decision makers to understand the issues with industry 5.0. The results of this article will help potential adopters of this technology to look for the SIs. This will therefore pave the path for effective adoption of industry 5.0 across the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Do we recognize child witnesses of domestic violence as victims?

The family, as the primary social group, should provide the child with protection, security and love. However, some families can be the source of a child?s most intense vulnerability. In these families, children may be exposed to different types of violence or may witness domestic violence. Although the Republic of Serbia guarantees the right to a safe family environment with a large number of international and internal legal instruments, numerous professionals in the child protection system still do not recognize child witnesses of domestic violence as victims. Children are not only victims of domestic violence when directly affected, but also as witnesses in all situations when they are exposed to acts of violence that one family member perpetrates on other members. Children are exposed to violence in the family when they directly observe the violence, but also when they hear sounds, blows, and screams from another room, or when they see the consequences of violence against a family member (bruises, injuries) or feel them (sadness, low mood, fear) see the intervention of the police, emergency and social services, or when they hear relatives and people around them retelling acts of violence. Contemporary findings confirm that exposure to domestic violence harms various spheres of child development (immediate or delayed, short-term or long-term). The subject of this paper is representation of the position of children witnesses of domestic violence in family law, through the review of key international and domestic standards (laws and policies), research and practice analysis. The objective of the paper is to emphasize to the professionals working in the child protection system the importance of recognizing children witnesses of domestic violence as victims, for the system to be able to provide the necessary protection, crucial help and support, i.e. conditions for growth and development in a safe environment, and for the children to achieve the rights which belong to them - meaning freedom from all forms of violence which is an obligation the Republic of Serbia took by ratification of international agreements.

Monetary Policy When the Phillips Curve Is Quite Flat

This paper highlights how the presence of a monetary policy cost channel can offer new insights into the relation between monetary policy and inflation when the Phillips curve is quite flat. For instance, we highlight a key condition whereby lax monetary policy can push the economy to a low-inflation trap, and we discuss how, under the same condition, standard policy rules targeting inflation may need to be modified. In the empirical part of the paper, we explore the relevance of the condition that gives rise to these observations. The results support the key condition we emphasize. (JEL E24, E31, E43, E52)

DIRECTIONS FOR FORMING AN INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM FOR DEVELOPING A STATE GENDER POLICY

The article examines issues of the existing institutional mechanism for developing a national gender policy. Issues of equality for women and men are guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine and other legislative acts. The paper highlights the necessity for integrating the gender approach in all areas of state policy. The author analyzes functions of various state and local authorities responsible for implementing a standard policy on gender equality. The paper highlights that the institutional framework of the national gender policy is a complicated and complex issue that encompasses various areas. The author emphasizes that gender equality is the equal legal status of women and men and equal opportunities for its realization, which enables individuals of both sexes to participate equally in all the areas of public life. The paper contains a comprehensive analysis of the state mechanism for ensuring gender equality as a system of international, national, regional, and local institutions aimed at establishing the principles of gender equality in various areas of social life and guaranteeing the development of gender strategies and a corresponding state gender policy. The research results in developing ways for combating gender inequality in governmental institutions (statistical, sociological, normative, informational, and educational ones).

Knowledge Management Practices in Enhancing Academic Output: A Study of Indonesian Islamic Universities

This study examines knowledge management strategies employed by Islamic universities in Indonesia to boost academic knowledge production. It explores the policies designed to support lecturers and students in producing and publishing scholarly work that is accessible and recognized within the scientific community. Focusing on five state Islamic Higher Education institutions (PTKIN) selected for their Sinta 2.0 ranking, the research identifies unique and standard policies across these universities to enhance knowledge output. Findings reveal that each PTKIN implements specific strategies to increase knowledge production and values contributions to reputable international journals. These strategies include providing resources and support for knowledge creation rooted in a shared foundation of program improvements directed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The study highlights how these universities adapt and extend existing initiatives to meet their unique needs, demonstrating the effectiveness of tailored knowledge management practices in fostering academic excellence.

Bridging Cultural Diversity Gaps at Luhonono Police Station: Police Leadership Role

This study investigates the pivotal role of police leadership in mitigating cultural diversity gaps within the Luhonono Police Station, utilizing an exploratory qualitative approach. The study's sample comprises four police leaders with station experience and five non-management police officers. Data collection involves individual semi-structured interviews, recorded to aid data interpretation, with thematic analysis employed for data analysis. The findings underscore the significance of effective police leadership in improving relationships, minimizing turnover, ensuring fairness in decision-making, enhancing performance, and motivating the police force. The study recommends that the selection of police leaders should prioritize their commitment to embracing cultural diversity. Furthermore, it advocates for the development of policies supporting cultural diversity, provision of training, and promotion of awareness among the team to foster an inclusive and respectful workplace. The study argues that, although police leaders play a pivotal role in addressing cultural diversity, their effectiveness is impeded without standardized institutional policies or strategies to manage such issues.

Implementasi Kebijakan Standar Pelayanan Minimal Pemenuhan Kebutuhan Pokok Air Minum di Kabupaten Paser

The application of the Minimum Service Standard policy for Fulfilling Daily Drinking Water Basic Needs in Paser Regency has followed the applicable technical standards, both from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, as well as from regulations issued by the Regional Government of Paser Regency itself. But actually, it is necessary to identify what are the factors that support and hinder the implementation of SPM policies. From the results of data analysis, it was found that the process of implementing the MSS policy for the drinking water sub-sector was still not under technical standards because the basic data used in calculating service needs did not refer to the local BPS Susenas data, and there was no determination of priorities and targets for implementing SPM. The supporting factors identified included: Policy standards and targets, budgetary support, organizational internal and external communications, suitability of the duties and functions of the DPUTR in Human Settlements (organizational characteristics), positive responses and support from the community, a relatively conducive political situation, full support (response) from implementers/employees, and the level of implementer tendencies were quite high and positive. Meanwhile, the inhibiting factors include the lack of number and competence of employees in the implementing organization (Cipta Karya Division of the Paser Regency DPUTR), the unstable social and economic conditions of Paser Regency, and the low level of understanding of SPM policy implementers in the drinking water sub-sector.

Implementation of Career Development Policy for Civil Servants Through Talent Mobility in Dki Jakarta Provincial Social Services

In accordance with PANRB Ministerial Regulation Number 3 of 2020, National ASN Talent Management is an integral component of National Career Development Management, executed through transfers and/or promotions. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Social Service, housing a staff of 200 employees, reveals that approximately 18.5 percent, or 47 employees, have not undergone rotations in over 5 years. This study seeks to assess the application of civil servant career development policies via Talent Mobility within the DKI Jakarta Provincial Social Service. Employing a qualitative descriptive research method with an inductive approach, the research delves into the implementation of these policies by scrutinizing the factors connecting policy to performance. The findings indicate a reasonably effective implementation of the civil servant career development policy through Talent Mobility in the DKI Jakarta Provincial Social Service. However, certain aspects, such as standard factors and policy objectives, policy resources, inter-organizational communication and law enforcement activities, characteristics of implementing agencies, economic, social, and political conditions, and the disposition of implementers, warrant improvement. Recommendations stemming from the research are as follows: (1) Emphasize the need for commitment from all stakeholders in executing the talent mobility policy, (2) Prioritize the analysis of employee needs before recruitment processes to ensure a more accurate alignment with organizational requirements, (3) Initiate formal outreach programs dedicated to discussing talent mobility to deepen employee understanding and engagement, (4) Establish a structured training program aligned with employees' respective fields of work, backed by a designated budget for training initiatives, (5) Institute programs aimed at enhancing employee welfare comprehensively, and (6) Recognize the pivotal role, particularly that of leaders, in reshaping employee thought patterns to align with the objectives of Talent Mobility.

Challenges Of Standard Inpatient Class Policy In Indonesia:

The standard inpatient class policy in Indonesia has been stated in legislation since 2021 with twelve criteria and must be fully met by December 2024. This study aims to get an overview of the readiness of hospitals in Indonesia to meet the policy and an overview of the community's perspective in responding to standard inpatient classes. Scoping Review with Arksey and O'Malley and Beyond's approach. Online article search on Scopus, Science Direct, SpringerLink, garuda, and Google Scholar, published in 2020-2023, articles published in English and Indonesian, with search keywords: 'kris' or 'jk' or 'bpjs and kesehatan' or 'bpjs and health' or 'inpatient and room' or 'health and policy and jkn', in October 2023 and carried out Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram. Hospitals in Indonesia studied in 2022 are not ready, but hospital research in 2023 states that they are ready to carry out Standard Inpatient Classes (KRIS). The community as patients and consumers in the use of health services from the Social Security Organizing Agency (BPJS) Health provides support in the implementation of Standard Inpatient Classes. Meanwhile, from the legality aspect, there is a discrepancy in regulations from the highest to its derivatives, there is even no clarity on legal sanctions if the Hospital does not meet the criteria for the Standard Inpatient Class according to the specified time limit

Changes in monetary policy implementation over time

In this study, we utilise a time-varying parameter vector autoregressive model to investigate the relationship between central bank liabilities and the overnight policy rate across three countries with distinct monetary policy frameworks. Our findings reveal that a consistent negative correlation between these variables is present only in the case of the conventional reserve regime. For the other regimes, an initial significant negative relationship between reserves and interest rates is observed, but this effect diminishes with the adoption of new frameworks. These results suggest that the emergence of novel operational structures for central banks has disrupted the traditional approach to monetary policy implementation. One practical consequence of this” decoupling” between interest rates and reserves is that central banks in the United States, Canada, and similar systems can effectively employ their balance sheets in conjunction with standard interest rate policies. However, this does not apply to reserve regimes that continue to depend on open market operations for steering interest rates

Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of the Neonatal Nurse Navigator Program on Maternal Stress and Neonatal Cortisol Levels

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of the Neonatal Nurse Navigator Program (NNNP) compared to usual care on maternal stress and neonatal salivary cortisol level (SCL) in the NICU. DesignRandomized control trial. SettingNICU in a tertiary health care hospital in Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka, India. ParticipantsNeonates between 34 and 36 weeks gestation and their mothers (N = 120 dyads). MethodsWe used block randomization to assign dyads to the intervention or control group. We measured maternal stress using the Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and we estimated neonatal stress by measuring SCLs within 24 hours of NICU admission and before discharge from the unit. We conducted a descriptive analysis on participant characteristics and reported maternal stress levels using means and standard deviations. We used the analysis of covariance change score test to determine the difference in maternal and neonatal stress levels between the intervention and control groups. ResultsThe NNNP group exhibited significantly lower maternal stress scores before discharge than the control group, and we observed reductions across all three subscales of the Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Mean neonatal salivary cortisol levels were significantly lower in the interventional group than in the control group, F(1.117) = 24.03, 95% confidence interval [7.9, 18.6], p < .001. ConclusionUse of the NNNP reduced maternal stress SCLs in high-risk neonates by actively engaging mothers in the care of their neonates in the NICU. We recommend adoption of the NNNP model as a standard care policy in NICUs throughout India.

Additional or accidental? Simulating interactions between a low-carbon fuel standard and other climate policy instruments in Canada

Many jurisdictions are subject to climate action plans composed of multiple policy instruments. As climate policy landscapes become increasingly crowded, understanding the nature and likelihood of interactions between proposed policies and other instruments that make up a policy mix is a key element of policy design. We introduce a technology-rich computable general equilibrium model of the Canadian energy-economy, gTech, to explore the effectiveness of one such policy called the low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) at reducing greenhouse gas emissions when implemented alongside other climate policy instruments. We find that the ability of a LCFS to reduce emissions depends on the ‘background’ policy mix it is layered on top of, in addition to its credit market design.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Pregnancy: A Seven-Year Retrospective Study From an Australian Tertiary Center.

Background Cholecystectomy is the second most common non-obstetric indication for surgery during pregnancy; however, there is little recent literature specifically exploring perioperative care approaches, and a paucity of Australian data exists. This study investigates the incidence of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) during pregnancy, peri-operative management, and post-operative outcomes in a single Australian tertiary center. Methods A retrospective analysis of LCs performed on pregnant patients between the ages of 16 and 50 years at a tertiary hospital between 2016 and 2023 was completed. Results Twenty-three patients underwent LC. The median gestational age was 17+4weeks (4+3-30+6). Cases were performed in all three trimesters, with the majority in the second trimester (n=12, 52.2%). Surgery indications were recurrent biliary colic (n=11, 47.8%), acute cholecystitis (n=8, 34.8%), and gallstone pancreatitis (n=4, 17.4%). Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G) consultations occurred in 56.5% (n=13) of cases. Fetal heart rate (FHR) was recorded perioperatively in 82.6% (n=19) of cases. Preoperative steroids were given to 40% of eligible patients. An intraoperative cholangiogram was performed in 12 (52.2%) cases, of which eight (66.7%) utilized abdominal shielding. There was no perioperative maternal mortality nor fetal loss. Surgical morbidities were pancreatitis (n=1), bile leak (n=1), and intraoperatively recognized bile duct injury (n=1). Two threatened preterm labors and five (26.3%) preterm deliveries occurred. Conclusion Performing LC in pregnancy does carry a risk of major morbidity; however, there was no mortality or fetal loss across all trimesters. The decision to perform abdominal shielding during an intraoperative cholangiogram should be approached sensitively in a case-by-case manner, given recent paradigm shifts in radiology. A multidisciplinary approach with standardized local perioperative care policies regarding procedures such as O&G consultation, perioperative steroid use, and FHR monitoring is strongly recommended.

A bi-level dispatch optimization of multi-microgrid considering green electricity consumption willingness under renewable portfolio standard policy

Under the policy of renewable portfolio standard (RPS), many microgrid (MG) users with high electricity consumption are installed with renewable energy (RE) generation devices to complete their RE consumption responsibility and reduce carbon emissions. In view of the conflict between the goals of microgrid operators (MGO) and MG users, it is a challenge to achieve economic optimization for both MGO and MG users at the same time when they participate in system dispatch and complete RE consumption responsibility. Therefore, this paper proposes a bi-level noncooperative dispatch strategy that takes into account user satisfaction and RE consumption willingness. In this bi-level model, the upper level is led by an MGO who decides electricity retail prices, while the lower level is followed by MG users who participate in demand response (DR) and change electricity purchase strategies. First, a novel comprehensive evaluation model is formulated to evaluate users' willingness to consume green electricity. Based on this, users' consumption behavior of green and thermal electricity is modeled independently not only in electricity trading but also in power dispatching. Second, optimization objectives are established with the goal of maximizing MG users' welfare, including user satisfaction improvement and energy purchase cost reduction, as well as maximizing the revenue of the MGO. Then, a Stackelberg game model is constructed, and a differential evolution algorithm nested CPLEX is used to solve the Stackelberg game problem of balancing the interests of both parties. Finally, our simulation analysis shows that under the dispatch strategy in this paper, load peak-valley difference is reduced. In addition, when the green electricity generated within the system is sufficient, based on a high level of users' willingness to consume green electricity, the total consumption of green electricity is increased by 29.5% and the overall welfare of users is increased by 0.75%.

Detecting deceased patients on cardiac device remote monitoring: A case series and management guide for cardiac device services

BackgroundRemote monitoring (RM) of implantable cardiac devices provides substantial and complex information, presenting new challenges such as detection of a patient’s death. ObjectiveThis study aims to describe RM transmissions indicating death and propose a management strategy for services. MethodsThe study included consecutive ambulatory outpatients whose deaths were detected via RM. Clinical and device data were collected from electronic records, and ethical approval was obtained from the service’s institutional review board. ResultsOver a 9-year period (2014–2023), 28 patients were detected. The deceased patients had implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, pacemakers, and implantable loop recorders. In 54% of the cases, the patient’s death had already been recognized. Alert transmissions indicating death were commonly related to ventricular arrhythmia events, but also due to lead measurements, and implantable loop recorder battery status. Several diagnostic features may indicate a patient’s death. The most reliable was the presenting electrogram, demonstrating base rate pacing with no capture. Device diagnostics, lead parameters, and arrhythmia recordings may indicate death; however, not all cases present with recordings and diagnosis may not be conclusive. A majority (82%) had ventricular arrhythmia at the time of death. In cases where defibrillator shocks were delivered, the arrhythmia reinitiated shortly after successful cardioversion. Delayed therapy was observed, and some patients did not receive defibrillator shocks because of discriminators or because the arrhythmia rate fell below the shock zone. ConclusionDetecting a patient death via RM presents unique challenges and considerations for services. Standard operational policies and legal consultation should be established to address the implications.

Experience of Pregnant Mothers in Receiving Ante Natal Care Services in Hospital

ABSTRACT Antenatal care services for pregnant women are health services received by mothers during pregnancy to determine the health condition of the mother and fetus. To determine the experience of pregnant women in receiving services at the hospital. This research method is qualitative phenomenology, data collection is carried out in natural settings with participant observation techniques and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed with the Colaizzi method. Among mothers as hospital visitors, 3 themes were found, namely 1) Utilization of technology in antenatal care services for pregnant women in hospitals, 2) Effective communication with pregnant women as customers in hospitals, 3) Educational literacy for mothers pregnant antenatal care in health services in hospitals. Among health workers as stewards of antenatal care, two themes were found, namely: 1) the use of technology as a means of educational media, and 2) the expectations of health workers in providing services for pregnant women. The use of technology in the form of educational facilities is very important for pregnant women, especially during the antenatal care period, this is useful to help reduce the incidence of complications in the mother and fetus based on health technology monitoring. The involvement of health workers including doctors, nurses, and midwives is a determining factor for success in service excellence in 5 standard policies, namely police, place, product, process, and people in the hospital.

The causal configurations of provincial health policy innovation in China: an analysis of the food safety standard filing policy.

According to China's Food Safety Law of 2015, the filing of food safety enterprise standards is a policy innovation led by p9rovincial governments in China. However, there are significant differences in the development of the "Food Safety Enterprise Standard Filing Policy" between provincial governments across the country. This study aims to explore the internal mechanisms driving autonomous innovation by provincial governments in the absence of administrative pressure from the central government, to better understand the policy innovation mechanism in the Chinese context. Crispy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA) method is used to identify the innovation mechanism. This study found that provinces with good provincial economic resources and strong government capabilities are prone to policy innovation, and the influence of internal factors of provincial governments is stronger than that of external factors. When provincial economic resources and capacity are weak, endogenous factors in the province also help achieve proactive policy innovation by provincial governments. The research results reveal how provincial governments construct local policies in the absence of administrative pressure from the central government.

Laws Governing State Health Official Appointments: A Legal and Historical Review.

The current study presents the legal epidemiological review of State Health Official (SHO) appointment laws, including the evolution of educational and experience requirements of SHOs over time. Findings can inform the discussion about state laws and the substantive, multidisciplinary qualifications essential to successfully leading state public health agencies in the 21st century. Standard policy surveillance methods were used to collect and assess the statutes governing SHO appointment and eligibility from all 50 states and the District of Columbia between 1995 and 2020. SHOs are most frequently appointed by their jurisdiction's Health Secretary (n = 17), followed by Governor nominations with legislative approval (n = 15), and 13 states where the Governor is the sole SHO appointing authority. While a large majority of jurisdictions require certain professional and/or educational minimum qualifications to serve as an SHO, 11 states have no professional or experiential minimum qualifications. The most common minimum requirement found was possessing a medical degree, which is required in 22 jurisdictions (including Washington, District of Columbia). Twelve of these states require the physician to have additional education or experience, such as the possession of experience in public health (n = 5), experience in both public health and management (n = 3), or holding an additional health-related degree (n = 2). Four states added a medical degree as a requirement for SHOs over the last 25 years, while 5 states removed their medical degree requirement. States should reassess their eligibility requirements for SHO service in light of the advancement and demands of public health leadership in the 21st century, as many states continue to look to those with medical training as the primary source for such leadership.