Standard Policy Research Articles

Preferred EFL Teaching Approaches to University Professors: A Case Study of Saudi Tertiary Level

This mixed methods study investigates Saudi university EFL professors’ perspectives on current teaching approaches and potential improvements needed. Surveys of 100 faculty and interviews with 10 department heads reveal a continued reliance on grammar-translation and lecture-based methods, despite broader recognition of communicative techniques as more effective. Systemic constraints like standardized curricula, assessments, textbooks, resources, and policies restrict implementation of innovative practices. Though professors acknowledge challenges with prevailing methods, most believe they sufficiently improve English skills, indicating a disconnect between beliefs and second language acquisition theory. Strong support for training in modern approaches shows openness to change given adequate guidance. Recommendations include reforming teacher preparation, balancing grammar with communicative activities, allowing materials flexibility, and linking evaluations to student progress. Updating systemic constraints and empowering educators are critical to shift entrenched practices towards communication-focused instruction aligned with Saudi reform goals. The study provides insights into translating positive perspectives into transformative policies and teaching practices that enhance university student outcomes.

Influence of Risk Acceptance on Implementation of KeRRA Road Construction Projects in Migori County, Kenya

Implementation of Government of Kenya (KeRRA) road construction projects face high levels of risks, but often these risks are not dealt with adequately, which is reflected in low quality of work as well as cost and time overruns. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of risk acceptance on implementation of KeRRA road construction projects in Migori County. Implementation was measured as a function of project completion within the set time frame and being within budget. This study was anchored on Risk Management theory which offer a foundation for interrogating the influence of the variables under study. The research philosophy was based on pragmatism. Concurrent triangulation research design was used as it factors in the qualitative and quantitative aspects of research study. The target population for the study consisted of 92 contractors, 459 constituency roads committee members (CRCs) and 2 Consultant Engineers. Through a sampling size formula, a total of 39 contractors and 193 CRC members were selected using simple random sampling technique. Primary data was obtained through self-administered questionnaires to contractors and CRC members. Validity of research instruments was obtained through piloting and expert evaluation while reliability was tested using test retest method. Inferential statistics of Multiple Linear Regression was applied to determine the influence of risk management strategies on implementation of KeRRA road construction projects by testing the hypotheses for the study. Statistical significance was assessed at p<0.05. Qualitative data obtained from the interview schedules was analysed using content analysis. The study found out that risk acceptance accounted for 70.0% of change in implementation of KeRRA road construction projects. The study concluded that risk acceptance influenced implementation of KeRRA road construction projects significantly (p<0.05). The study recommends that there is need for effective system for risk based identification, analysis and management needs to be activated and KeRRA should ensure that all manpower and machinery used in road constructions are insured and properly certified in accordance with occupational health and safety standards policies.

How do analyst recommendations on banks respond to monetary policy news? An application to the Eurozone

ABSTRACT We assess the extent to which stock analysts consider European Central Bank monetary policy decisions when formulating their investment recommendations on European banks from 2002 to 2020. To identify monetary policy shocks, we extract monetary policy factors from high-frequency rate movements surrounding monetary policy announcements. Our findings indicate that stock analysts are more concerned with non-standard (or unconventional) monetary policy measures than standard policy measures. We also demonstrate that analysts interpret restrictive (accommodative) monetary surprises as positive (negative) news for bank financial health, particularly during periods characterized by high levels of financial uncertainty. Finally, we emphasize that the reaction of stock recommendations to rate- and forward guidance-related decisions is primarily influenced by the implicit disclosure of information on the economic outlook by the ECB along with its monetary policy decision.

A trustworthy reinforcement learning framework for autonomous control of a large-scale complex heating system: Simulation and field implementation

Traditional control approaches heavily rely on hard-coded expert knowledge, complicating the development of optimal control solutions as system complexity increases. Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) offers a self-learning control solution, proving advantageous in scenarios where crafting expert-based solutions becomes intricate. This study investigates the potential of DRL for supervisory control in a unique and complex heating system within a large-scale university building. The DRL framework aims to minimize energy costs while ensuring occupant comfort. However, the trial-and-error learning approach of DRL raises concerns about the trustworthiness of executed actions, hindering practical implementation. To address this, the study incorporates action masking, enabling the integration of hard constraints into DRL to enhance user trust. Maskable Proximal Policy Optimization (MPPO) is evaluated alongside standard Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) and Soft Actor–Critic (SAC). Simulation results reveal that MPPO achieves comparable energy savings (8% relative to the baseline control) with fewer comfort violations than other methods. Therefore, it is selected among the candidate algorithms and experimentally implemented in the university building over one week. Experimental findings demonstrate that MPPO reduces energy costs while maintaining occupant comfort, resulting in a 36% saving compared to a historical day with similar weather conditions. These results underscore the proactive decision-making capability of DRL, establishing its viability for autonomous control in complex energy systems.

Implementation of the Standard Inpatient Class Policy at RSUP Dr. Tadjuddin Makassar

Background: Based on Presidential Regulation No. 59 of 2024, which replaces Presidential Regulation No. 82 of 2018 on Health Insurance, the implementation of the Standard Inpatient Class (KRIS) is mandated for four types of hospitals in Indonesia, including RSUP Dr. Tadjuddin Chalid Makassar. The KRIS policy must be implemented in all hospitals in Indonesia cooperating with BPJS Health by June 30, 2025. However, the current implementation of KRIS primarily focuses on adjusting medical facilities and infrastructure toward a single class. To analyze the implementation of the KRIS policy at RSUP Dr. Tadjuddin Chalid Makassar in 2024 based on Input and Process aspects. Method: This study employed descriptive research with a qualitative approach, using interviews, observations, and document reviews conducted from February to March 2024 at RSUP Dr. Tadjuddin Chalid Makassar. Eleven informants were selected using purposive sampling. Result: The "Man" input is adequate but faces obstacles. There is no specific budget allocation ("Money") and no difference in financial management before and after policy implementation. "Material" needs are not fully met, and there are established "Methods" or rules for implementing the KRIS policy. Conclusion: Overall, the implementation of KRIS at RSUP Dr. Tadjuddin Chalid Makassar, as a pilot hospital for KRIS, has been successful. However, several variables still need improvement. It is recommended that the hospital enhance its strategies in various aspects of KRIS policy implementation.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE MANAGEMENT: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

This systematic review, based on 37 articles, explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in criminal justice, focusing on its applications in predictive policing, judicial risk assessments, and surveillance, as well as the associated ethical and regulatory challenges. AI has demonstrated substantial potential for improving efficiency and accuracy in criminal justice systems, from optimizing law enforcement resource allocation to providing data-driven risk assessments that support judicial decisions. However, the review identifies significant ethical issues, especially related to algorithmic bias, which can perpetuate existing societal inequalities and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Concerns around transparency and accountability are prevalent, as the "black-box" nature of many AI algorithms complicates public understanding and trust in AI-driven outcomes. Surveillance tools, including facial recognition and behavioral analysis, enhance real-time threat detection but raise privacy and civil rights concerns, highlighting the need for regulatory oversight. Gaps in legal frameworks suggest the urgency for standardized policies that address data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and accountability in AI applications. The findings underscore that interdisciplinary collaboration, transparent practices, and comprehensive regulatory measures are essential to responsibly integrate AI into criminal justice, balancing technological advancements with justice, equity, and public trust.

Space cybersecurity challenges, mitigation techniques, anticipated readiness, and future directions

Space Cybersecurity (SC) is becoming critical due to the essential role of space in global critical infrastructure – enabling communication, safe air travel, maritime trade, weather monitoring, environmental surveillance, financial services, and defence systems. Simultaneously, involving diverse stakeholders in space operations further amplifies this criticality. Similarly, previous research has identified isolated vulnerabilities in SC and proposed individual solutions to mitigate them. While such studies have provided useful insights, they do not offer a comprehensive analysis of space cyber-attack vectors and a critical evaluation of the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. This study addresses this problem by holistically examining the scope of potential space cyber-attack vectors, encompassing the ground, space, user, cloud, communication channels, and supply chain segments. Furthermore, the study evaluates the effectiveness of legacy security controls and frameworks and outlines SC-vector-aligned counterstrategies and mitigation techniques to tackle the unique SC threats. Based on the analysis, the study proposes future research directions to develop and test advanced technological solutions and regulatory and operational frameworks to establish international standards policies and foster stakeholder collaboration. The study contributes a multi-disciplinary foundation and roadmap that researchers, technology developers, and decision-makers can draw on in shaping a robust and sustainable SC framework.

Analysis of the Implementation of Standard Precautions in Preventing Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI's) at Wampu Norita General Hospital

Standard precautions are needed to implement the IPC program in hospitals. Implementation of Standard Precautions can be carried out because it is driven by the PPI Committee or Team. The PPI Committee or Team is formed based on needs, workload, and type of health service facilities. The eleven components of standard precautions can be implemented in every health service, especially in Indonesia which is trying to reduce HAIs. HAIs are known as nosocomial infections that occur in hospital patients, where infection has not occurred while the patient has been hospitalized for more than 48 hours. The large risk of infection in hospitals encourages the need to reduce the risk of infection through the PPI Program. A descriptive qualitative research method was chosen to obtain meaning from a number of individuals and social groups. The qualitative research process includes asking questions, collecting data, analyzing data, and interpreting the meaning of the data. The sample in this study was 8 informants, including Hospital Leaders, heads of Hospital Quality, Nurses in charge of the field, Daily Executive Officers, and Executive Nurses in service units. The results show that the PPI policy has been implemented well which includes the PPI Structure and Team, Infection Surveillance Manual, Standard Precautions and implementation of Hand Hygiene and PPE, as well as the budget. Meanwhile, the condition of facilities and infrastructure is not optimal, such as hand hygiene facilities and use of PPE, collection of HAI infection surveillance data, and training. Conclusion: The Standard Precautions Implementation Policy already exists and is based on Minister of Health Regulation No. 27 of 2017. The results of the Hand Hygiene and PPE compliance audit do not match the Quality Profile, facilities, and infrastructure are not optimal, namely below 100%, and stock in the premises is still limited

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Reduction in Hemodialysis Patients Across 9 Hospitals and 3 States.

This quality improvement project was initiated to reduce hospital-acquired catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in hospitalized patients receiving dialysis. A team dedicated to reducing hospital-acquired infections led the implementation of evidence-based interventions across all the included hospitals. This innovative approach demonstrated substantial enhancements in outcomes for patients on hemodialysis. To enhance patient safety in patients receiving hemodialysis, new strategies were implemented, including (1) transitioning from a vendor model to an internal model, enabling dialysis program standardization, (2) empowering intensive care nurses with increased autonomy and ownership, (3) transitioning to a standardized dialysis machine, and (4) introducing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) impregnated caps and CHG pads. To reduce CLABSI in hemodialysis lines, a multidisciplinary team was formed comprising physicians, nurses, a dialysis technician, pharmacists, the dialysis director, the chief medical officer, the chief nursing officer, the assistant chief nursing officer, the infection preventionist, and the quality director. The team implemented a standardized approach to caring for hemodialysis lines, provided just-in-time education to staff, and standardized policies simultaneously at 8 hospitals. Initially, 1 facility served as the pilot facility for facility-owned dialysis services, totaling 9 facilities providing in-house standardized dialysis services. Data was reported back for monthly evaluation. Overall, there was an 88% reduction in CLABSI occurrences in hemodialysis lines from pre-intervention (n = 8) to post-intervention (n = 1), X2 (1, N = 4112) = 4.181, P = .0408. Collaboration on these initiatives improved communication and enhanced quality care and patient safety across the entire spectrum of care. Implementing innovative tracking of standardized approaches to patient care and infection prevention and evidence-based interventions resulted in decreased CLABSI rates, improving outcomes in vulnerable patients. An unintended benefit of this project was the increase in multidisciplinary collaboration.

Financial conflicts of interest among authors of clinical practice guideline for headache disorders in Japan

BackgroundFinancial relationships between clinical guideline authors and pharmaceutical companies introduce conflicts of interest (COI), potentially biasing guideline recommendations. Thus, proper management of COI is paramount for clinical guideline authors. Nevertheless, little is known about COI among neurology clinical guideline authors. This study aimed to evaluate the financial relationships between pharmaceutical companies and authors of Clinical Practice Guideline for Headache Disorders (CPGHD) in Japan.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 2016–2020 personal payments data disclosed by all pharmaceutical companies affiliated with the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association. We examined amounts and fraction of personal payments to all 57 CPGHD authors and all neurologists board-certified by the Japanese Society of Neurology. Payment data was descriptively analyzed at individual author level.ResultsAmong 57 CPGHD authors, 56 (98.3%) received personal payments totaling $2.7 million from pharmaceutical companies between 2016 and 2020. Median five-year payments were $89,955 for CPGHD authors, while $521 for board-certified neurologists. The CPGHD chairperson and vice chairperson received substantial payments during the guideline development period. Nevertheless, because of less rigorous and transparent COI policy compared to international standard policies, only 10 authors disclosed their financial relationships with the pharmaceutical companies in the guideline.ConclusionsMore than 98% of CPGHD authors received much higher personal payments from pharmaceutical companies than those to board-certified neurologists during the guideline development period in Japan.

Student’s Utilization and Assistance of AI Tools in Assessment Completion: Perceptions and Implications

The study investigates the utilization and impact of AI Tools' usage by students for their assessment completion. It also explores students’ perceptions and examines the implications of using AI technology on students’ learning and development process. A total of 145 students majorly between 21-25 of age studying in Higher Education Institutions in the Sultanate of Oman participated in the survey. Data was collected employing non-probability convenience sampling. Results indicated that improving writing skills, critical thinking and analysis were the top 3 ranked skills which get enhanced in students by AI tools. As to fairness in AI tools' usage, the majority of the students agreed that these tools should only be used for generating ideas and structuring assessments. Results also revealed that 50% of the students were of the opinion that their institutions do not effectively regulate the use of AI. However, responses to questions on utilizing AI indicated that out of the students who had been penalized, 35% had a reduction in marks, 30% were asked to resubmit the assessment, 26% were given warnings, while 10% were given a ‘fail’ grade. Formulating standardized policies and regulations on AI usage, proper dissemination, and their implementation were the general recommendations obtained from the study.

Analisis perlakuan akuntansi sewa berdasarkan PSAK No. 73 pada PT. PLN (Persero) Unit Induk Distribusi Suluttenggo

State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) must follow changes in the applicable accounting standards policy. This includes the lease accounting policy in accordance with PSAK No. 73. These standards are designed to ensure consistency and transparency in financial reporting. The transition from PSAK No. 30 to PSAK No. 73 will have a significant impact on the accounting treatment of leases and the company's financial statements. This study will analyse the accounting treatment of leases and their impact on State Electricity Company (PT PLN Persero) Unit Induk Distribusi Suluttenggo. This study employs a qualitative research method with a descriptive analysis approach. The data was obtained through interviews with the relevant parties and a thorough examination of the company's financial statements. The results clearly show that the company's accounting treatment of leases is in line with PSAK No. 73. However, there are some areas where the presentation of leases could be improved. The transition has had a positive impact on the company's financial statements, with an increase in total assets and liabilities due to the recognition of lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and a decrease in total operating expenses.

Saving the Health Care Safety Net: Progress and Opportunities.

The health care safety net provides essential clinical care and social services for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured populations in the United States. Despite these important functions, the health care safety net has experienced recurrent financial instability, growing market pressures, and workforce strain. Payment reform has also introduced unique challenges for safety net providers related to measuring and reaching quality benchmarks. A common theme among these challenges is that many of them result from applying standard health policy approaches to the safety net instead of using safety net-specific approaches. This review describes progress toward strengthening the safety net, key challenges, and opportunities moving forward.

Contesting “VIP urbanism”

We live in an age of extreme and worsening urban inequality. One result is the increased prevalence of “VIP urbanism”—the idea that cities govern land use through two sets of rules, one of them reserved for “very important people”. The first set of rules applies to most urbanites, through de jure laws and standardized bureaucratic policies. However, in many places a second set of practices operates quietly alongside the official rules, as a de facto system of loopholes, easements, exemptions, lobbying, and veto power that enable some actors to shape cities in ways that violate the spirit—and sometimes even the letter—of the law. This special issue presents empirical research and theoretical commentary on the VIP urbanism phenomenon, with cases including Bengaluru, Hong Kong, Milan, New York City, Paris, Valparaiso, and Venice. The authors identify how preferential treatment for elites has impacted urban governance in a diverse geography of cities, and evaluate how these practices have been contested by social movements and other urban stakeholders.

Staff Safety Alert Banner Program Against Workplace Violence at an Urban American Hospital.

Workplace violence (WPV) in healthcare has become an issue worldwide, with increasing prevalence after the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, WPV in any setting has individual and systemic repercussions. However, despite extensive literature reporting the prevalence of WPV in healthcare worldwide, effective, standardized prevention policies have not been established. We developed and piloted a WPV initiative at an urban hospital in the state of Maryland. Here, we aim to describe our program development methods and implementation. The 6-month program utilized a reporting tool developed within patients' electronic medical records (EMRs) to request the display of a Staff Safety Alert (SSA) banner to alert healthcare professionals of patients who engaged in violent behavior and are at increased risk of subsequent behavior. This tool was piloted on 21 patient care units. A review committee either approved or denied case requests filed by frontline workers, with holistic consideration involving patient status, potential biases, and communication flaws. Twenty-one banner requests were filed during the course of the pilot. Of which, eight were approved, and 13 were denied. The multi-trauma intermediate care floor filed the most case requests for a safety banner. Our pilot program offers a patient-centered intervention program where extensive personnel training and patient-focused considerations were applied prior to the approval or denial of a banner display. The SSA program was the initial step in institutionally combatting WPV in healthcare as staff are encouraged to officially document unsafe events followed by careful action in response.

Workplace intervention among pregnant hospital employees − a cluster randomised trial evaluating sick leave

ObjectiveSick leave during pregnancy is common and associated with strenuous working conditions and multiple occupational exposures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of midwifery facilitation of sessions with pregnant employees and managers focusing on work adjustment, to reduce discomfort and occupational risks. MethodsA cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted. Hospital employees were randomised to intervention or reference. The intervention group received additional midwifery support in addition to the standard hospital pregnancy policy provided to the reference group. Outcomes were pregnancy-related sick leave and general sick leave. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed with mixed-effect models. ResultsSick leave was similar between the intervention and reference groups, and 51 % of pregnant employees did not take any days of full pregnancy related sick leave, while approximately 21 % took more than 30 days. Group differences in mean estimates for partial sick leave were −0.5 (CI −2.3;1.3) days. Differences in full sick leave was 1.2 (CI −2.9;5.2) days, and 0.6 (CI −1.0;2.1) days for general sick leave. ConclusionMidwifery support as an add-on to usual pregnancy policy did not decrease sick leave during pregnancy compared to usual practice in a study population of Danish healthcare professionals. Midwifery support tailored towards the specific work environment may perhaps provide better results.

Beijing consensus diplomacy: A promoter or threat to Africa’s pathway to sustainable development

Using a qualitative research methodology and explanatory approach to collect data, we assessed whether the Beijing Consensus diplomacy in Africa is a promoter or threat to Africa’s pathway to sustainable development. The collected data were analysed using document and content analysis techniques. Analysis of the data revealed that the Beijing Consensus diplomacy in Africa is a positive initiative that has created a win-win situation, promoting sustainable development. The Beijing Consensus is opposed to the Washington Consensus, which influenced a win-lose situation that has deepened poverty, making Africa unable to move towards achieving sustainable development. The study found that China’s resource-for-development approach has similarities with pre-colonial Africa’s barter trade approach, which Africans practised in the entire continent. The analysis showed that applying the Beijing Consensus diplomacy to Africa has led to economic growth and development. The results showed that China’s Belt Road Initiative has transformed Africa, changing the continent from poverty to economic productivity, as road infrastructure is associated with economic growth and development. Moreover, it was evident from the analysis that without an African continental foreign policy rooted in continental sovereignty with transparent terms and conditions, Africa’s current benefits from China’s investments would lead to poverty instead of sustainable development. A continental foreign policy would create an African Consensus, which would act on behalf of the entire continent. This African Consensus diplomacy would thus become a continental foreign policy defining Africa globally. However, as it stands, the Beijing Consensus diplomacy is a promoter of sustainable development, but this promotion would not last long without African Consensus diplomacy. The study recommends that Africa should establish a continental foreign policy with African Consensus diplomacy to enable the continent to have one standard foreign policy and goal when trading with China and any other external world.

Blockchain-Driven Generalization of Policy Management for Multiproduct Insurance Companies

This article presents a Blockchain-based solution for the management of multipolicies in insurance companies, introducing a standardized policy model to facilitate streamlined operations and enhance collaboration between entities. The model ensures uniform policy management, providing scalability and flexibility to adapt to new market demands. The solution leverages Merkle trees for secure data management, with each policy represented by an independent Merkle tree, enabling updates and additions without altering existing policies. The architecture, implemented on a private Ethereum network using Hyperledger Besu and Tessera, ensures secure and transparent transactions, robust dispute resolution, and fraud prevention mechanisms. The validation phase demonstrated the model’s efficiency in reducing data redundancy and ensuring the consistency and integrity of policy information. Additionally, the system’s technical management has been simplified, operational redundancies have been eliminated, and privacy is enhanced.

Understanding the evolution of China's technology standard policy from 1949 to 2019 through the lens of policy learning

Understanding the evolution of China's technology standard policy from 1949 to 2019 through the lens of policy learning

Fast and efficient heuristics for the (s, S, T) inventory policy

We consider a single-echelon inventory system facing stochastic demand controlled by the standard ( s , S , T ) periodic review policy. While an exact algorithm for optimising all three policy variables exists, high computational requirements prohibit real industrial applications. To deal with this problem, here we propose three search heuristic algorithms that can approximate the optimal policy solution very fast and accurately. All heuristics make use of the empirical observation that the optimisers of the ( s , S , T ) policy are closely related to those of the classical ( r , nQ , T ) policy. For the latter, however, a fast near-optimal heuristic exists. Therefore, starting with the ( r , nQ , T ) optimal solution, all algorithms employ local neighbourhood search to determine the required ( s , S , T ) policy solution approximation. Experiments with well-known meta-heuristics such as Simulated Annealing, Tabu Search, and others show that the heuristics compare favourably in both solution time and quality. Moreover, compared with the existing exact algorithm heuristic solutions are very satisfactory in quality and are obtained in a fraction of CPU-time.