State Intervention Research Articles

從香煙盒警示到公權力干預——評叢亞麗授《公共健康倫理思考》一文

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in Chinese; abstract also in English. In the article “Reflections on Public Health Ethics”, Professor Cong argues that public health ethics cannot be traced back to either medical ethics or bioethics. Therefore, to guide public health practices, it is necessary to construct a framework of public health ethics based on the intrinsic features of public health. I agree that this constructive approach points out a clear and feasible direction for China’s public health ethics; however, this approach must be grounded in scientific foundations and the conditions of public health practices. If state intervention is overly powerful, public health ethics should balance this force through scientific evidence and freedom of speech; otherwise, the public good cannot be guaranteed.

Taming inflation: the Brazilian experience of combatting inflation in the last quarter of the 20th century

In the context of a global inflationary spike, a retrospective view on the problem of curbing inflation in Brazil is becoming more relevant than ever. This paper aims at analyzing the measures of inflation targeting policies set in motion by the Brazilian economic stabilization plans over the last quarter of the XXth century. The commencement of “The Lost Decade” in Brazil negated the achievements of “The Brazilian Economic Miracle” which occurred in the first half of the 1970s: inflation hit an all-time high. The only viable solution that led Brazil out of the crisis proved to be the stabilization plan - named “The Real Plan” - carried out in three phases: fiscal adjustment, transition to the Real Value Unit and emission of a new currency - the Brazilian Real. The authors confine their attention to how Brazilian experience of taming inflation helps the country suppress current inflation surge.

Industrial policy and the State of development: to actualization of the notion

Objective: to analyze the trajectories of industrial policy effective implementation by determining the relevance of key elements of the “development state” model in modern international realities. Methods: monographic, historical, abstract-logical, comparative methods. Results: the characteristics of the “development states” concept described on the example of some Asian countries allowed their governments to carry out industrial modernization of national economies in a short time and switch to the sustainable economic development trajectory. For many years, the “development state” has been perceived by researchers as part of history. This was determined by the consensus on the existing boundaries of state intervention in the economy. In recent years, the interest of governments in industrial policy has been growing. The implementation of measures withinthe industrial policy gives rise to new challenges to public administration, probably similar to those that the development states have gone through. The author shows that the available formulations of the qualitative characteristics inherent both in the “development state” concept and in some Asian countries in a certain period of their development are significant for the modern theory of public administration in the context of industrial policy measures. Scientific novelty: it consists in understanding the concept of the “development state” in the modern context. Practical significance: the research provisions and conclusions can be used in the future studies of the economic theory influence on socio-political discourses and political decisions.

The cost of maternity and neonatal care in Aotearoa New Zealand: A cost analysis by plurality and gestation using a population-based cohort.

Maternity services in New Zealand are largely delivered by autonomously practising community midwives. This model of care is unique and may result in differences in the distribution of maternity healthcare utilisation and costs compared to other countries. New Zealand-specific cost data are needed to inform economic analyses, local policy and healthcare resource planning. To provide estimates of the average total cost of maternity and neonatal healthcare for New Zealand women and infants, including cost impacts of multiple and preterm births. A whole-of-population linked dataset, including 262 687 pregnancies resulting in a live birth (from 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2020), was created by combining several sources of healthcare data to calculate an average per-pregnancy cost of healthcare, taking a public health system perspective, during antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods to one year after birth. The mean cost of public healthcare was NZ$19 795 for both maternal and infant care to one year post-birth. The bulk of this cost was incurred during pregnancy and birth. Mean total cost to one year was NZ$69 895 for twin and NZ$201 448 for higher order multiple compared to singleton pregnancies at NZ$19 098. Mean total healthcare cost decreased as gestation increased. Most of the costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth were incurred during the birth and in the early neonatal period. Costs were disproportionately higher for multiple and preterm births. These cost data can usefully inform policy and assist healthcare decision-making around reproductive and neonatal technologies.

The Impact of Educational Attainment on U.S. Unemployment Rates: A Regression and Log Difference Analysis

This study investigates U.S. unemployment rates among individuals aged 25 and older, segmented by four distinct levels of educational attainment. Understanding the interplay between education and employment is crucial for effective policy-making and long-term economic planning. To capture these dynamics, a regression model is utilized to derive equations representing the patterns observed in four separate time series, each corresponding to a specific educational group. In addition to this, logarithmic difference analysis is applied to compare these time series, resulting in the creation of three new plots that help further elucidate the relationships between educational attainment and unemployment rates. The analysis of these new plots reveals a narrowing disparity in unemployment rates across various educational levels, suggesting a trend toward convergence. Over time, this indicates a potential reduction in gaps based on educational background. The findings provide valuable insights into the evolving U.S. labor market, highlighting the influence of education on employment outcomes. These insights offer important implications for future policies aimed at reducing unemployment disparities and fostering equitable job opportunities across different educational levels.

Micro-costing analysis of a combination intervention for improved mental health and HIV risk behaviors among school-going adolescent girls in Uganda

Suubi4Her is a combination intervention that integrates a savings-led family-based economic empowerment intervention through youth development accounts with a family strengthening intervention delivered via multiple family groups. It aims to improve mental health and reduce HIV risk behaviors among school-going adolescent girls in Uganda. This micro-costing study was conducted as part of a three-armed randomized control trial between 2017–2022, involving 1,260 participants aged 14–17 years across 47 secondary schools. Adopting a provider perspective, we prospectively identified, measured, and computed the costs associated with all program activities. These costs were then aggregated and divided by the actual number of adolescent girls in each study arm to conservatively obtain the per-adolescent costs for each arm. The per-adolescent costs of economic empowerment intervention alone and in combination with the family strengthening intervention were US$476 and US$812, respectively. Personnel costs were the key cost driver due to the intensive supervision of intervention delivery and quality assurance efforts. This study is the first to estimate the economic costs of an evidence-based combination intervention targeting the multifaceted risk factors underlying HIV risk among adolescent girls in a low-resource setting. The per-adolescent cost of US$812 for the Suubi4Her intervention falls within the cost range reported for other family-based interventions (US$500-US$900); however, published comparisons are limited. Accurate and reliable cost estimates are key to assessing the feasibility, affordability, and economic value of interventions. There is a pressing need for more costing studies on evidence-based combination interventions, especially in low-resource settings (Trial registration: Clinical Trials NCT03307226; IRB approvals: Washington University in St. Louis (IRB #201703102), the Uganda Virus Research Institute (GC/127/17/07/619), and the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (SS4406).

Green economic planning for rapid decarbonisation

ABSTRACT Sustainable futures require deep social and economic transformations to address climate change adequately. The current landscape of intergovernmental and market-based coordination is not delivering this outcome. In response, political economic scholarship is congregating around the concept of the green state as a corrective to the status quo. In spite of this resurgence of interest in the green state, much research takes place in issue-specific silos without exploring synergies between them. Our contribution is to call for an integrative agenda focused on ‘green economic planning’, a form of state-led decarbonisation whereby the state designs and implements structural complementarities between macro-financial architectures, industrial policy, and private sector incentives. Our evidence for this approach is taken from historical cases of indicative planning in post-war democracies, contemporary cases of sectoral planning by states, and finally, planning by multinational corporations. We draw not only on political economy but also on scholarship in the fields of business, environment, energy and economic history. The upshot is a new research agenda focusing on state planning capacity in hierarchical coordination institutions and multinational corporations as research laboratories for the study of the organisational and technological infrastructure needed for state planning.

Sustainable Economic Growth And Industry Insights: Nonlinear Interaction Analysis of GDP Vs FDI in Malaysia Using SCILAB Programming

Objective: To investigate the nonlinear relationship between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Malaysia, with the aim of providing insights into their bidirectional interactions. Theoretical Framework: The main concepts and theories that underpin the research are nonlinear regression techniques and economic growth models. These frameworks provide a solid basis on understanding the dynamic interaction between GDP and FDI in the context of Malaysia’s economic. Method: The methodology comprises writing Scilab coding to analyze nonlinear regression models. Malaysia's economic data on GDP and FDI were utilized as inputs for the analysis. The study involves modeling the dynamics between these indicators and evaluating their relationship over time. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed a significant nonlinear relationship between GDP and FDI in Malaysia. These results are contextualized within the theoretical framework, highlighting the bidirectional nature of the relationship. Possible discrepancies and limitations, including data constraints and assumptions of the nonlinear models, are also considered. Research Implications: This research offers valuable insights for policymakers, helping shape economic planning,and investment strategies. It highlights the importance of FDI in promoting sustainable economic growth and industrial development towards United Nation SDG 8 and SDG 9. Originality/Value: This study contributes by using nonlinear regression techniques and Scilab programming to analyze the complex relationship between GDP and FDI, an approach not widely applied to Malaysia's context. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its potential impact on economic policy and its contributions to a deeper understanding of Malaysia's economic development.

ශ්‍රී ලාංකේය සංස්කෘතික සංවර්ධනය කෙරෙහි සිංහල ව්‍යාඛ්‍යාත ග්‍රන්ථයන්හි දායකත්වය Contribution of Sinhala Exegetical Literature on the Development of Sri Lankan Culture

This research is to find out the contribution of exegetical literature towards the Sri Lankan Cultural Development. This research is carried out by focusing on four exegetical books namely, Dhampiya Atuwa Getapadaya written during the Anuradhapura period, Dharma Pradeepika written during the Polonnaruwa period, Vishuddi Marga Mahasannaya and Poojavaliya written during the Dambadeniya period. The main objective of the research is to investigate the contribution made by exegetical literature towards the development of Sri Lankan culture. The writing of exegetical literature took place during the Post Mahinda Era. Even though this exegetical literature consists of many philosophical concepts, our focus was to study their contribution to Buddhist culture. The arrival of Arahant Mahinda is the primary factor that established and spread Buddhism in Sri Lanka. These exegetical literatures were looked at in four categories as native vs foreign and eastern vs western. It was found that exegetical literature was composed to explain the problems of protected discourses of religious leaders. Hence, literary works such as translations, commentaries, exegesis, compendiums, and narrations were primarily composed to explain the complex and complicated religious concepts to the general readership. The methodology used includes collection of data using primary, secondary and retinue sources, categorization of data, analysis of data and inferring conclusions. To fully develop the Sri Lankan Buddhist Era, the arrival of Arahant Mahinda and state intervention contributed mostly. It is concluded that according to the theory of dependent origination, Buddhist teachings, philosophy and cultural concepts that are embedded in Sri Lankan life contributed to the cultural development.

STATES OF COMPULSION: Reassessing ‘State‐Led’ Neighborhood Change in Hong Kong

AbstractThis article provides a critical reassessment of the role of the state in processes of neighborhood change in Hong Kong, based on mixed‐methods research conducted in the rapidly changing Sai Ying Pun neighborhood. We argue that common narratives of ‘state‐led’ processes of neighborhood change often overstate, oversimplify or unduly assume the influence of state agencies, especially the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and other ‘usual suspects’, obscuring the complex ways that states facilitate and compel the actions and agendas of other actors. By elaborating implications of several specific forms of state action, especially a 2010 amendment to Hong Kong's Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance, we demonstrate that the state in Hong Kong plays many different roles in facilitating neighborhood transformation, creating an uneven geography of state intervention dependent on locally specific factors such as the particularities of architecture, housing types and residential density in different urban areas as well as existing configurations of policy, legislation and infrastructure. These many articulations of the state are of strategic value to a variety of elite interests, from property developers to wealthy residents and international consumers, whose distinct and competing agendas could hardly be so well served by a less dynamic state.

Reward Systems to Foster Sustainable Multi-Stakeholders Collective Action: Case in Organic Tea Farming in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Cooperatives have potential to strengthen communities and benefit their members. In developing countries, cooperatives are an important component of economic development plans in the fields of microfinance, agriculture, and fisheries. In agriculture, cooperatives ensure collective bargaining power, sustainable practices, and knowledge sharing. This can support small farmers to marketing their agricultural products globally. This research is motivated by the challenges in achieving sustainable multi-stakeholder collective action aimed at improving the welfare of organic tea farmers in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Specifically, the study seeks to identify a reward system that can promote sustainability within these cooperatives. Using a qualitative research approach and content analysis of in-depth interviews with 12 key informants, we develop a reward system design to foster sustainable collective action in the context of cooperatives, which has not been widely studied before. The research findings highlight the critical role of an appropriate reward system in creating an environment that supports sustainable collective action. This study emphasizes the importance of policy development that align with the interests of all stakeholders involved, as well as the necessity for effective coordination between cooperatives, local governments, and private companies. In addition, the research suggests that the further studies should focus on implementing this reward system on a larger scale and further testing its effectiveness in enhancing the sustainability of collective action through cooperatives.

State-Sponsored Qurʾanic Exegesis: a Comparative Analysis of Turkiye’s and Indonesia’s Official Tafsir

Abstract This research aims to analyze the official Tafsir in Turkiye and Indonesia within their respective socio-political contexts. Official Tafsir, such as “Kurʾan Yolu” in Turkiye and “Al-Qurʾan dan Tafsirnya” (QDT) in Indonesia, reflects state intervention in shaping religious discourse, differing from traditional Tafsir. This study identifies three main features of official Tafsir: exclusivity, collectivity, and responsiveness. The exclusivity in the official exegesis in both countries is influenced by the dominant madhhab (Hanafi in Turkiye and Shafiʾi in Indonesia), reflecting government efforts to standardize religious understanding in line with state interests. The research employs a comparative methodological approach, using primary data from official exegesis texts and secondary literature on political and cultural history in both countries. The findings indicate that official exegesis in Turkiye and Indonesia not only serves as a tool to maintain religious orthodoxy but also as an instrument for the state to address emerging social and legal issues. This study provides insights into the complex interplay between politics, culture, and religious interpretation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining inclusivity in religious discourse to meet the diverse needs of society.

Migratory Movements: Dissecting the Causes and Patterns from Bihar's Kosi Division

This research paper endeavours to provide a comprehensive analysis of the causes and patterns underlying migratory movements in the Kosi Division of Bihar, India. The Kosi Division, characterized by its unique socio-economic and environmental landscape, has witnessed significant population shifts over the years. This study employs a multi-faceted approach, integrating economic, social, cultural, and environmental factors to unravel the complexities of migration dynamics in the region. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, the study analyses migration patterns from the Kosi Division, distinguishing between rural and urban shifts. In addition, the research evaluates the role of government policies in shaping migration dynamics, considering the impact of both state and national interventions. The study aims to contribute insights that could inform policy recommendations for addressing the challenges and harnessing the opportunities associated with migration in the Kosi Division. Ultimately, this analytical study seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the intricate web of causes and patterns of migratory movements in Bihar's Kosi Division, offering valuable insights for academia, policymakers, and development practitioners alike.

Cicero’s universal law: a timeless guide to reproductive justice

Abstract Marcus Tullius Cicero’s concept of “ius gentium,” or universal law, provides a timeless framework for understanding and defending fundamental human rights, particularly in the context of reproductive freedom. Cicero distinguished between “ius gentium” and “ius civile,” emphasizing that while civil law governs specific communities, universal law, rooted in natural reason, applies to all humanity. This philosophical foundation resonates with modern discussions on reproductive rights, where universal principles of justice and bodily autonomy are at stake. Enlightened by Immanuel Kant’s notion of innate freedom, Cicero’s philosophy challenges present day’s US states’ restrictive reproductive laws, which often contradict the universal principles of justice. Applying these concepts to contemporary issues, such as abortion rights, underscores the need to align civil laws with universal ethics, ensuring that individual freedoms are upheld against arbitrary state interventions. By advocating for policies that promote equitable access to reproductive healthcare, Cicero’s vision of universal law remains a powerful tool for advancing human dignity and autonomy in modern society.

Pathways from poverty to child mental health in Burkina Faso: Longitudinal mediation analyses in a cluster-randomized clinical trial

The study applies the Family Stress Model to examine the impact of an integrated intervention on the mental health of children facing chronic adversity in Burkina Faso. Its primary goal is to enhance understanding of individual and relational factors at the family level as mediators and specific mechanisms through which poverty reduction can impact child well-being. Cross-lagged autoregressive longitudinal mediation analyses tested the intervention effect on child mental health, examining maternal depression, maternal anxiety, harsh parenting, and child exposure to abuse as potential mediators. Longitudinal data were collected over the course of 24 months in a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted among 360 dyads (children aged 10-15 and their female caregivers) in Burkina Faso. Participants were randomized into a control arm, economic intervention using the Graduation approach (Treatment Arm 1), or a combination of economic strengthening and family coaching (Treatment Arm 2). In Treatment Arm 1, maternal depression fully mediated the intervention effect on child's depression (B=-0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] from-0.26 to-0.003) and child's self-esteem (B= 0.05, 95% CI from 0.001-0.18). In Treatment Arm 2, violent parenting practices partially mediated the intervention effect on child's depression (B=-0.08, 95% CI from-0.29 to-0.01). Our study underscores the importance of multifaceted interventions merging economic empowerment with family-focused child protection strategies. This approach fosters a supportive family environment, reducing children's vulnerability to mental health issues in resource-poor communities. It enriches our understanding of how parental economic and behavioral interventions impact child mental health outcomes.

From Policy to Practice: Evaluating the Role of Private-Sector Champions Like Elon Musk in Shaping Trump's 2.0 Climate Agenda

This paper explores the prospective influence of private-sector leaders, particularly Elon Musk, on the formulation of climate and energy policy in a possible second term of President Donald Trump. Historically, the goals of the Trump administration have been viewed as opposed to environmental advocacy; yet, this analysis explores the potential for public-private partnerships that reconcile economic objectives with climate-positive results. Musk's enterprises—Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity—are transforming clean energy, and his impact on federal climate policies may initiate a new phase of environmentally sustainable economic development within conservative administration. This study analyzes case studies where Musk has collaborated with public authorities to tackle environmental and energy issues, highlighting practical strategies for partnership. Potential synergies are seen in sectors including renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, and sustainability-oriented manufacturing, underscoring their alignment with Trump's economic plan. Additionally, the article examines the policy mechanisms—tax incentives, regulatory reforms, and investments in clean technology—that may encourage private sector participation in a nationally endorsed climate agenda. This article advocates for a worldview in which leaders like Musk advance environmental progress by harmonizing innovation with conservative regulatory frameworks while preserving traditional economic objectives. Ultimately, it advocates for a revolutionary public-private partnership paradigm that utilizes private sector expertise to tackle climate challenges. This viewpoint enhances the current dialogue on sustainable development and the changing function of private enterprises in public policy, proposing a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship coexist within U.S. federal climate policy.

Cause-and-effect Analysis of Anthropogenic and Natural Aspects in the Process of Assessing the Material Heritage Resource in Underground Mining Adaptation Planning

The ongoing energy transformation requires legal and economic intervention by the Polish government to phase out unprofitable mining enterprises, especially in the coal mining sector. The poorly executed process mentioned above may lead not only to environmental degradation but also to social problems (rupture of interpersonal relationships, elimination of traditions, eradication of cultural behaviors). Therefore, an effective solution to this problem may be the adaptation of the aforementioned facilities for tourism purposes. These facilities have significant potential related to mining heritage and geodiversity. The article defines basic criteria related to mining heritage and examines the cause-and-effect relationships using the DEMATEL method. The outcome of this process will be an attempt to develop requirements for anthropogenic intervention in underground excavations in interaction with the preservation of cultural, material, and geodiversity heritage (master plan).

How beliefs and policy characteristics shape the public acceptability of nutritional policies- a survey study in Germany

BackgroundDespite the high prevalence of obesity in Germany, few effective political measures have been implemented to protect population health and improve the sustainability of food systems. One argument frequently raised against policy implementation is the lack of acceptability for policy measures in the German population. AimWe aimed to evaluate the acceptability of policy measures currently discussed in Germany's national nutrition strategy and how perceived policy characteristics and participant characteristics influence policy acceptability. MethodWe conducted an online survey with 2001 participants between 06.12.2023 and 05.01.2024, in which we collected data on perceived policy characteristics (acceptability, equity, societal and personal effectiveness), as well as participant values and beliefs. ResultsMost policies were highly acceptable, with policies such as the introduction of free school lunches (84% acceptability), the introduction of a ban on fast food advertising aimed at children (71%) or a sugar tax (53%) being acceptable to a majority of the sample. The least acceptable policy was the introduction of a tax on animal products (36%). Logistic regression analyses showed that perceived equity and societal and personal effectiveness predicted policy acceptability. Likewise, environmental values and beliefs about state intervention of participants influenced policy acceptability. ConclusionThe high acceptability observed in this study suggests an opportunity for German policymakers to implement evidence-based and acceptable nutritional strategies to improve population health.

The life and death of Liberal Studies: explaining curriculum change in post-handover Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This article analyses the history of a secondary school subject in Hong Kong called ‘Liberal Studies’ which was introduced as a compulsory school subject in 2009 and replaced by ‘Citizenship and Social Development’ in 2021. Through an analysis of curriculum guidelines, government publications, media articles, and the extant literature we explain both why it was created and replaced. What emerges is that the subject was both a product and victim of the shifting political climate in post-handover Hong Kong. Its emergence was linked to the post-handover restructuring of the education system, the quest for educational reform and facilitated by a process of referencing global trends and overseas models. Its demise was the result of direct state intervention following the introduction of the National Security Law in 2020. The subject was seen to encourage anti-government protests, have failed to educate patriotic citizens and its replacement justified by reference to the need for national security and nation building. We discuss the relevance of LS with regards to models of curriculum change.

Esports between the Sports and Entertainment Industry: In Search of Division Lines

Abstract The growing popularity and expansion of esports have prompted an academic and legal debate, where its classification as either a sport or a form of entertainment remains unclear. This article explores the dual nature of esports, providing an overview of the legal and regulatory challenges it presents. It opens the discussion by addressing the space occupied by esports, distinguishing it from the traditional understanding of analogue sports while introducing the role of various stakeholders. The article then delves into the legal discussion taking place at the EU level, exploring also how the national legal reality of some Member States approach esports. The study highlights the urgency of finding a balanced approach that recognises esports as a hybrid entity, necessitating a regulatory model that draws from both sports law and entertainment law. Furthermore, the article complements the analysis by addressing emerging normative systems within esports, including autonomous governance structures and the potential need for state intervention to address issues such as doping, match-fixing, and the protection of minors. By analysing the existing legal frameworks in non-EU countries, particularly in Asia and North America, the authors suggest that esports needs to be approached as a new type of sport—a perspective that should be reflected in future EU regulations.