State governments around the world have pledged to decarbonize their economies and facilitate a sustainability transformation. But transformation requires imagination; the possibilities for the state to promote, forge, or obstruct a path toward a more sustainable future hinge not only on the ability to make strategic policy revisions but more fundamentally on the political imaginaries that help to configure the expectations of policymakers and the public about what is possible and feasible—and what is not. This article offers a comparative analysis of imaginaries of the “sustainable state” appearing in key policy documents and strategies in four countries. Using critical discourse analysis, we map four imaginaries: ecological modernity in Germany; ecological stewardship in Norway, energy security in Italy, and green growth in the UK. The article thus offers insight into the different expectations in relation to agency, technology, temporality, and rationality in driving and maintaining sustainability and reflects upon the impact of these imaginaries. Our analysis indicates that while these imaginaries of the sustainable state vary significantly, they generally promote technological innovation and market mechanisms and cover up some of the inevitable disagreements and challenges of transformation.

Purpose This study aims to examine the influence of the regional social entrepreneurship ecosystem (RSEE) on the functioning of social enterprises (SEs) in India, with a specific focus on Kerala. By shifting the analysis focus from the national to the regional level, it addresses the limited understanding of how social entrepreneurs experience and interact with ecosystem actors. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative research methodology, drawing on in-depth interviews with 17 social entrepreneurs across the state of Kerala. Thematic data analysis was performed to identify patterns of interaction between SEs and diverse ecosystem stakeholders. Findings This study reveals that SEs are strongly supported and fostered by regionally embedded institutions, such as state and local governments, as well as by locally available actors. The findings emphasise that a strong RSEE is critical for SE growth and sustainability and that research and policy attention should shift from national to regional ecosystems. Originality/value This study contributes to the SE scholarship by focusing on the RSEE and examining how social entrepreneurs experience and engage with ecosystem actors at the local/regional level.

MK-7602: a potent multi-stage dual-targeting antimalarial.

As malpractice liability increases, physicians order more and more diagnostic tests/procedures to avoid potential lawsuits. Given the waste/costs of defensive medical practices, some U.S. states enacted tort reform to reduce malpractice liability. As key healthcare providers, hospitals face significant malpractice liability. Despite the fact that a vast amount of medical malpractice occurs in hospitals, the effects of tort reform on hospital performance have not been studied. This study examined tort reform’s effects on four hospital cost/efficiency related measures (defensive medicine (DM) costs, occupancy rate (OR), operating cost (OC), and full-time equivalent (FTE) employees/bed) and two patient-centered measures (experiential quality (EQ) and patient satisfaction (PS)). Considering both cost and quality measures enabled an examination of whether a trade-off arises under tort reform – a trade-off uniquely relevant at the hospital-level. The research applied difference-in-differences (DID) methodology to longitudinal data from multiple sources and addressed methodological weaknesses in prior studies preventing causal attribution. The results showed that tort reform reduced DM costs, with an average savings of $372 per patient stay and a savings of $238 million for an average-sized hospital, decreased hospitals' OC, with an average savings of $664 per patient stay and $4.23 million for an average-sized hospital and is associated with 0.22 fewer FTEs per bed. However, tort reform’s reduction in OR was not statistically significant. The findings indicate that conclusions drawn from single medical specialty studies do not necessarily translate to hospitals with a full spectrum of healthcare services. With respect to the patient-oriented measures, experiential quality and patient satisfaction fell by 3.53% and 5.63%, respectively. The study is particularly germane given the challenges hospitals face in meeting both the cost and quality mandates of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) Value-based Purchasing (VBP) program and provides valuable insights for policymakers (at both government and hospital levels) for improving hospital performance.

This study examines host-site political and socioeconomic conditions under which China-funded projects in Malaysia shape local acceptance and avoid contestation. Employing a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of 35 China-funded projects and 60 in-depth interviews, this study identifies multiple interrelated causal pathways to locally accepted investment. Two conditions consistently emerge as necessary to minimize contestation: 1) strong political alignment between federal and state governments, and 2) the deep integration of the local workforce. Notably, the absence of bumiputra equity or employment also emerges as a necessary condition, challenging prevailing assumptions on the role of Malaysia's affirmative action policies. This study finds that, rather than relying on mandated inclusion, firms that engage with bumiputra communities through externally oriented corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are more likely to achieve sustained social acceptance. Furthermore, a combination of substantive technology spillovers and proactive community-based engagement significantly enhances local receptivity. Together, these findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, international investors, and scholars concerned with the governance of FDI in politically plural and institutionally complex settings. The study highlights the critical need for adaptive localization strategies that align commercial goals with the social and political fabric of host countries, both in Malaysia and across the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Was pandemic fiscal relief effective fiscal stimulus? Evidence from aid to state and local governments

Since President Richard Nixon's 1971 declaration of a “war on drugs,” federal drug policy has been built around a patchwork of institutions that have remained relatively stable despite massive changes in the drug market and drug-related harms, changing cultural norms, and structural changes in social and economic policies. Paradoxically, the authors argue that this apparent stability arises from a lack of consensus about the nature of drug use and addiction in both elite and public opinion (ideological fragmentation), leaving a modest consensus around law enforcement and, to a lesser extent, public health programs. Drug-related issues have spread into other domains of policy such as child welfare, immigration, food assistance, and general health care, where there is often vigorous contestation around the diverging goals of programs and services (policy sprawl). Support for programs and policies has also devolved to state and local governments. An unraveling of the Nixonian consensus may be underway, however, accelerated by diminished confidence in public health programs and looming cuts to federal funding for drug treatment and prevention programs. Future directions remain uncertain, but the immediate outlook suggests a retreat toward more individualistic and market-driven approaches.

Building climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems in Nepal: Insights from a policy document review and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders.

Real-world comparison of phone versus video consultation in a tobacco treatment program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many Australian suburbs are threaded with open drainage networks. However, a preoccupation with drainage functions means that most of this drainage land delivers few liveability benefits to surrounding communities. As a result, numerous Local and State Governments are engaged in providing Living Stream upgrades to drainage land. Nonetheless, questions remain about where such improvements should be targeted for maximum benefit. In response, this paper documents a Delphi survey of experts and a related geospatial suitability analysis using a wide-ranging set of urban, societal, and environmental criteria to determine which areas of drainage land are most suitable for upgrades in Perth, Western Australia, a city which experiences a Mediterranean climate. The novelty of the paper’s contribution stems from the highly seasonal rainfall and related ephemeral summer hydrology distinguish Perth from many other cities where Water-Sensitive Urban Design is well-established. Moreover, the inclusion and evaluation of both tangible criteria (e.g., areas with a shortage of Public Open Space) and more intangible criteria (e.g., areas with population experiencing psychological distress) in the suitability analysis are comparatively rare. The results indicate that Living Stream-oriented Public Open Space should be deployed in areas with limited Public Open Space reserves, urban forest degradation, increasing urban densification, and Urban Heat Island challenges.

This article examines how fiscal stress shaped decision-making processes in the City of East Cleveland, Ohio, one of the most persistently distressed municipalities in the United States. Drawing on theories of bounded rationality, institutional failure, and austerity urbanism, it explores why decades of oversight and recovery planning have failed to restore fiscal stability. Using qualitative analysis of audit reports, public records, and media coverage, the study reveals how limited administrative capacity, political instability, and corruption constrain local governments’ ability to implement recovery plans, even under state supervision. East Cleveland’s experience challenges staged models of municipal recovery that assume a gradual transition from austerity to pragmatic municipalism. Instead, it illustrates how small, structurally disadvantaged cities can become trapped in perpetual fiscal emergency, where procedural oversight substitutes for effective governance. After decades in fiscal emergency, East Cleveland remained without consolidation or receivership until recent state action in 2025. The case contributes to the literature on emergency financial management and institutional theory by demonstrating that the most instructive lessons may come not from best practices, but from persistent failures. It highlights what not to do when navigating fiscal stress.

Aim . The work aimed to develop a methodological approach to assessing the formation of an innovative code for regional economic development, based on the technological modernization of Russian society. Objectives . The work seeks to identify the stages of formation of an innovative code for economic development in industrial regions within their economic genotype; to develop tools and evaluate the formation of an innovative code for regional economic development. Methods . For assessment of the formation of an innovative code, the author proposes using comprehensive indicators reflecting the effectiveness of the triple helix in the context of institutional interaction trajectories, namely an innovation policy quality index, an innovation activity index, and an innovation competencies index. The study period was 2008–2023. The coherence and discontinuities of the triple helix that form the innovative code are demonstrated using a correlation analysis, which identifies the extent to which changes in the variable indicating the performance of one economic transformation trajectory are consistent with changes in the performance variable of another trajectory. Results . The innovative code of regional economic development is still in its nascent stage within the economic genotype of industrialized regions. This is evidenced by the weak development of innovation activity in industrialized regions; gaps in the triple helix of institutional interactions that drive variability in the economic legacy of regions; and the lack of a positive impact of innovative transformations on the dynamics of the gross regional product (GRP) of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Conclusions . Industrially developed regions generate impulses for technological development that have not yet been transformed into an innovative code capable of driving variability in the economic legacy of regions and ensuring the evolution of regional economic development as a whole. The transformation process can be accelerated by strengthening the coordination of administrative, industrial, technological, and scientific research trajectories, ensuring the integrity of the helix of institutional interactions among the basic carriers of the regions’ economic genotype. The results obtained can be used by state and local governments to develop new and improve existing scientific and technological policy implementation strategies in industrial regions aimed at enhancing the innovative development of manufacturing industries, as well as spatial development strategies for Russia as a whole.

The subject of the analysis is the structure, decision-making process and actors of the intergovernmental conference as an instrument for the revision of the European Union’s political system. The author divides intergovernmental conferences into constitutional conferences and conferences ad hoc. The analysis leads the author to two main conclusions. Firstly, an intergovernmental conference is a diplomatic conference where representatives of the governments of the European Union member states negotiate to prepare a founding or revision treaty of the EU. However, an intergovernmental conference differs from a classical international conference within the meaning of the Convention on the Law of Treaties of 23 May 1969. Secondly, the greatest influence on the course and outcome of an intergovernmental conference is exerted by the governments of the Member States and the intergovernmental institutions of the EU, while the role of the supranational institutions of the EU is limited.

This paper examines the crucial impact of the Shari’ah Research and Development Commission, Gusau, Zamfara State, on research and publication. Through extensive library research, interviews, and analysis, the study highlights notable research works and publications produced by the Commission, revealing its commitment to advancing Islamic scholarship. The paper notes the support provided by the Zamfara State Government in facilitating the Commission's activities, underscoring the importance of adequate logistics in fostering research and publication initiatives. It also acknowledges the contributions of Islamic scholars who have conducted research on diverse Islamic topics, thereby enhancing the Commission's outputs. The efforts of the Commission’s leadership and management staff are highlighted, demonstrating their dedication to promoting research in Islamic studies. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the impact of the Commission's published works on the community, showing its essential role in educating the public on Islamic principles and practices. In addition, several challenges and prospects concerning the Commission’s research and publication activities are identified. The conclusion presents recommendations directed at the government, academia, research bodies, affluent individuals, researchers, and the general public, advocating for increased collaboration and support to further enrich Islamic research across various disciplines and improve its accessibility.

This article aims to establish the correlation between far-right political ideology and the politics of memory to study the rise of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in India and the increasing attempts to reimagine memory. The course of Indian politics took a turn after the rise of the right-wing party in the Indian government in 2014. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, adopted many policies that marginalise or exploit the non-Hindu population in India. It is evident that communal politics have gained momentum under Modi’s prime ministership, as the government overlooks many atrocities caused by Hindu individuals or organisations against Muslims. Similarly, the Modi government and BJP-led state governments are involved in the reimagining of memory. From a broader perspective, politicians frequently use mythologised understandings of the past to mobilise memory as a political tool in the present. Having said that, this article aims to study the attempt to distort history through the lens of “politics of memory”.

Abstract For over a decade the EU has experienced a rule of law crisis characterised by, inter alia , attacks on judicial independence at national level by some Member State governments. This crisis represents an existential one for the EU owing to the Union’s functioning as a multi-level, intertwined legal order being dependent on respect for the rule of law at national level. This article asks whether impeachment, as an accountability mechanism focussed on members of the European Commission (the institution tasked with ensuring compliance with the EU Treaties), could be used to assist in upholding values including the rule of law, where these have been breached at supranational level, whether by acts of commission or omission, i.e., failing to respond adequately to rule-of-law breaches at national level. After briefly describing the EU’s rule of law crisis, the article identifies gaps in EU accountability as it pertains to breaches of EU values at supranational level, whether done by acts or omissions. Thereafter, the article considers how EU impeachment is conceptualised and whether it could be operationalised against individual members of the European Commission who commit breaches of EU values. The article concludes that EU impeachment is conceptualised as a blunt single-sided sword, designed to address criminal or corrupt individual officeholder conduct rather than policy actions/inactions or other behaviours that might harm or threaten EU values.

This study aimed to systematically map the scope, focus, and distribution of Queensland's health workforce (HWF) policies and examine their alignment with strategic HWF objectives. A descriptive policy review was conducted using documents sourced from the Queensland Health and Health Workforce Queensland websites between January and May 2025. Documents were coded by policy type (system-level, individual-level, employment), document type, strategic domain (supply, distribution, performance), health profession, policy author, and publication year. A total of 275 policy documents were identified. Among 11 major policy groupings, most policies related to 'general HWF' and 'medical doctors and specialists' with minimal policy attention to pharmacists, physician assistants, paramedics, and aged care workers. Employment-focused policies accounted for 52% of all documents, compared with 38% focused on individual career development and only 10% on system-level strategic objectives. Most documents addressed workforce performance (65%), with fewer addressing supply (39%) or distribution (11%). Employment policy documents were largely authored by human resources and industrial relations bodies, reflecting the prominence of these actors in the HWF policy landscape. Despite a high volume of HWF policy in Queensland, the policy architecture is fragmented. Profession-specific siloes, a strong emphasis on employment and industrial policy, and uneven focus across supply, distribution and performance domains suggest coordination and alignment challenges when it comes to addressing broader workforce goals. Further work is needed to understand whether and how these patterns may constrain the development of integrated, equitable workforce strategies capable of addressing persistent system-wide planning issues such as skills mix, retention and rural maldistribution.

This paper highlights the importance of in-depth exploration of the institutional dynamics shaping water asset land ownership within Malaysia's restructured water services industry, focusing particularly on the pivotal role played by PAAB. Despite PAAB's proactive efforts, the industry faces persistent challenges that have resulted in significant delays in the land alienation process for water assets. These challenges have raised concerns among industry stakeholders. Notably, early adopters of industry restructuring have encountered issues during the land alienation process, with Negeri Sembilan and Johor experiencing notable hurdles. Employing institutional theory as a guiding framework, this research seeks to comprehensively examine these challenges and propose effective solutions. Through semi-structured interviews conducted with twelve respondents in Negeri Sembilan and Johor, the study identifies and analyses fifteen internal and external challenges that hinder progress in water asset land ownership. By considering normative, rational choice, historical, and empirical approaches, the study aims to recommended a solution by involving the cooperation of state and federal governments for water asset land ownership, with a focus on implementing proactive measures to enhance industry efficiency and effectiveness.

Abstract Purpose Physical activity is beneficial across the lifespan, but most Americans do not meet physical activity guidelines. Multiple sources exist that identify opportunities to address gaps in physical activity research knowledge and implementation. Several of these opportunities have important considerations for populations experiencing health inequities. The goal of this study was to identify, synthesize, and categorize opportunities for research (i.e., systematic investigations to develop generalizable knowledge) into a conceptual framework to advance physical activity research in a cohesive and efficient manner. Methods The National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research convened subject matter experts to conduct five qualitative document analysis steps: (1) identify sources published by United States government, intergovernmental, or national non-profit organizations related to physical activity, (2) review sources to extract research opportunities, (3) code the opportunities by variables (translational research phase, social ecological level, setting, and priority population) determined by the expert group, (4) synthesize data on similar opportunities, and (5) review crosstabulation data to examine coding patterns and develop a framework. Results Opportunities ( n = 385) were extracted from sources ( n = 11) and combined into condensed opportunity statements ( n = 87). Most called for effectiveness research ( n = 44, 51%) or dissemination and implementation science research ( n = 14, 16%). 38% were related to policy, systems, and environmental interventions ( n = 33), and 70% mentioned community settings ( n = 61). Additionally, 76% did not include health equity considerations ( n = 66), and 75% mentioned no specific population or populations across the lifespan ( n = 65). The resultant Physical Activity Research Opportunities (PARO) framework details opportunities by translational research phase (methods/measures development, etiology, efficacy, effectiveness, dissemination and implementation, and surveillance) and social ecological level (individual or interpersonal, policy/systems/environmental, and crosscutting), including health equity considerations. Conclusions The resultant PARO framework highlights gaps in current evidence and reveals opportunities for physical activity funders, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to strategically advance their work. There are prospects for designing efficacy and effectiveness trials with an eye toward dissemination and implementation, developing strategies for improving dissemination and implementation, and using community- and practitioner-engaged approaches across translational research phases to advance health equity. Health equity can also be addressed by tailoring interventions, enhancing reach to priority populations, and improving social determinants of health.

The right to time-bound delivery of public service is an initiative of the government to empower citizens and enhance their trust in the government. Madhya Pradesh, an Indian state, implemented it around 13 years ago, and it was subsequently implemented in most states in India. This study examines the present status of delivering notified time-bound public services using a narrative review. It was found that states and union territories have increased the number of notified services under the Right to Service Act (RTS Act). The state governments used information technology as a tool to deliver public services on time by automating their process. It is observed that the services notified under RTS Acts are not differentiated from other services in service portals. The RTS Acts have played a pivotal role in reducing the timelines for providing public services. However, citizens have minimal awareness about the services notified under the RTS Acts.