Transparency Values Research Articles

Reverse Logistics Implementations Solutions: Interval Type 2 FAHP-FTOPSIS Approach

In recent years, reverse logistics (RL) has come to the fore as an important issue, given the increasing environmental concerns, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable competition. Today, RL is considered a strategic activity. Legal requirements, social responsibilities, environmental concerns, economic interests, and customer awareness have led manufacturers to produce eco-friendly products and to collect returned and used products. Nevertheless, there are barriers to the implementation of RL in organizations. This study sought to prioritize solutions for overcoming the barriers to the implementation of RL in the Iranian iron and steel industry. To analyze the data, interval type-2 fuzzy AHP (FAHP) and fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS) have been used. The results revealed that “policy-related issues,” “knowledge-related issues,” and “economic issues” were the key barriers and showed the highest ranks, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicated that “strategic collaboration with reverse chain partners,” “using advanced technologies for waste collection,” and “transparent quality and product value” were the major measures to overcome the barriers. The proposed model suggests that decision-makers should consider long-term relations with supply chain partners in organizations to implement RL.

The Innovation Capacity of the Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) of the Indonesian National Police Viewed by the Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI) Framework

Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) has been inaugurated and is expected to improve the image of the National Police, minimize extortion practices by officers, and increase driving discipline. Apart from that, ETLE is a National Police program to realize good governance with the values of transparency, accountability and responsiveness. This paper aims to analyze problems in the ETLE program using the Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI) Innovation Framework prepared by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OPSI Framework consists of innovation objectives, potential, capacity, and impact. The analysis uses the OPSI Innovation Framework to identify problems that occur in innovation to carry out improvements and developments to create sustainable innovation. Based on the results of research using the OPSI framework, ETLE has several problems: requiring a lot of infrastructure with significant resources, an organizational culture that is still silo-like, community disobedience to rules and an organizational culture that is still traditional. The solution to this problem is: First, for limited infrastructure that requires a large budget, apart from collaborating with regional governments, the National Police can also request support from the central government to provide infrastructure for the implementation of ETLE throughout Indonesia because this is a priority program for the National Police; Second, the rules were not followed openly, the police had to carry out intensive information activities about ETLE and issue manual fines to deal with violations on the spot. Third, regarding organizational culture, the Police Chief, as the leader of the National Police, can create an innovative and agile corporate culture and implement collaborative governance with various stakeholders.

Penetrasi Nilai-Nilai Kepemimpinan Bigman dalam Pemerintahan Kampung di Kabupaten Manokwari Selatan

The overall objective of the research is to identify the penetration of bigman leadership values in village governance in Oransbari District, South Manokwari Regency. This research uses an exploratory paradigm, a descriptive approach with qualitative research (in-depth interviews). The data collection methods used were observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis follows the procedures of data collection, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of these findings show that the penetration of big man leadership values in village governance in Masabui one Masabui two Watariri villages is still controlled by traditional values, especially the value of power and ownership of customary rights and rights as a tribal chief, which are used in governance starting from the leader. The village structure prioritises the values of responsibility and transparency, even though it is controlled by a patrilineal family. The penetration of bigman leadership values in village governance in Oransbari District, South Manokwari Regency, has had a very strong influence. This influence is due to the power system of the tribal chief as the holder of customary rights, which has become a customary provision that all organisations entering the village must be headed by the holder of customary rights, who is also the local tribal chief, including bodies in the organisational structure, because it has become customary. As a legacy from generation to generation, all the trust of the community will be directed towards him. In addition, as the head of the village, the tribal chief plays an important role and is fully responsible for all government programmes that come to the village. He is also responsible for solving all problems related to violations and disputes in the village.

The influence of temperature on structural and third order nonlinear properties of cadmium sulfide nanoparticle films prepared by chemical reaction method

In this work Cadmium sulfide nanoparticles)CdS-NPs(was deposited on glass substrates using a polymerassisted chemical reaction method (CRM) and annealed at different temperatures, 300∘C, 400∘Cand 500∘C. The structural and optical characteristics of CdS-NPs films were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR analysis, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction studies confirmed the formation of nanocrystalline cubic phase of CdS in the films. The calculation shows that the CdS crystallized in cubic phase and formed NPs with average crystallite sizes of 17.2, 20.1 and 23.3 nm and the microstrain is about 0.034, 0.030 and 0.026 for CdS films annealed at 300∘C, 400∘C and 500∘C. The UV–Vis spectrophotometer measurements showed that the films were highly transparent value of 97 % at annealing temperature of 300∘Cand 400∘C. The direct allowed bandgaps have been determined and they lie in the range 2.49 -205 eV for CdS-NPs film annealed at temperatures of 300 ∘C–500∘C. The thermal non-linear refractive indices (n2) of the CdS-NPs are determined using open and closed aperture Z-scan techniques. The optical limiting (OL) behaviours have been studied. It was shown that the OL efficiency depended on the CdS-NPs temperature. Under laser irradiation, self-diffraction rings were seen in CdS-NPs-300∘C, CdS-NPs-400∘C and CdS-NPs-500∘C. With increased input power, each pattern is created by a rise in the number of rings and the diameter of the outermost ring. The aim of the current project studies is to investigate the linear and nonlinear optical characteristics to find fresh applications for CdS-NPs in the world of optical modulators.

A new method for in vivo assessment of corneal transparency using spectral-domain OCT.

Corneal transparency is essential to provide a clear view into and out of the eye, yet clinical means to assess such transparency are extremely limited and usually involve a subjective grading of visible opacities by means of slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Here, we describe an automated algorithm allowing extraction of quantitative corneal transparency parameters with standard clinical spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Our algorithm employs a novel pre-processing procedure to standardize SD-OCT image analysis and to numerically correct common instrumental artifacts before extracting mean intensity stromal-depth (z) profiles over a 6-mm-wide corneal area. The z-profiles are analyzed using our previously developed objective method that derives quantitative transparency parameters directly related to the physics of light propagation in tissues. Tissular heterogeneity is quantified by the Birge ratio Br and the photon mean-free path (ls) is determined for homogeneous tissues (i.e., Br~1). SD-OCT images of 83 normal corneas (ages 22-50 years) from a standard SD-OCT device (RTVue-XR Avanti, Optovue Inc.) were processed to establish a normative dataset of transparency values. After confirming stromal homogeneity (Br <10), we measured a median ls of 570 μm (interdecile range: 270-2400 μm). By also considering corneal thicknesses, this may be translated into a median fraction of transmitted (coherent) light Tcoh(stroma) of 51% (interdecile range: 22-83%). Excluding images with central saturation artifact raised our median Tcoh(stroma) to 73% (interdecile range: 34-84%). These transparency values are slightly lower than those previously reported, which we attribute to the detection configuration of SD-OCT with a relatively small and selective acceptance angle. No statistically significant correlation between transparency and age or thickness was found. In conclusion, our algorithm provides robust and quantitative measurements of corneal transparency from standard SD-OCT images with sufficient quality (such as 'Line' and 'CrossLine' B-scan modes without central saturation artifact) and addresses the demand for such an objective means in the clinical setting.

A new source of starchy flour: Physicochemical and nutritional properties of starchy kiwifruit flour

The physicochemical and nutritional properties of three starchy kiwifruit flour (SKF) were systematically studied. The results revealed that the total starch content of SKF was 66.63–80.42%. SKF showed a B-type crystal structure with a grain size between 7.08 and 9.02 μm. In comparison to corn starch and potato starch, SKF possessed a lower pH (3.43–4.28), transparency (0.68–1.11%) and setback value (0.20–1.73 Pa·s) and a higher swelling power (9.42–15.02 g/g) and hot paste viscosity (1.73–2.10 Pa·s). Moreover, SFK was rich in protein and various mineral elements. It also contained high levels of total phenolics and exhibited a strong antioxidant capacity. The resistant starch content in SKF was as high as 67.19–73.22%, and the rapidly digestible starch content was remarkably lower than that of corn and potato starch. Overall, these unique physicochemical properties of SKF, coupled with its nutritional benefits, give it a good development potential in the food industry.

Physical and chemical characteristics of Socah Estuary, Bangkalan

Dominating the hydrodynamic influence of seawater and the entry of freshwater runoff from the land causes the estuary to have dynamic physical and chemical composition characteristics. The estuary area has fluctuating ecosystem changes caused by the many activities in the estuary. This study aims to determine the physical and chemical properties of the Socah River Estuary. Data were retrieved in situ at 4 station points 3 times a row. Physical and chemical parameters were measured three times. The analysis shows that each station’s temperature value is 28.5 – 30.3°C, the transparency value is 12,5cm – 30cm, the turbidity value is 13 – 25 NTU, and the TSS value is 13 mg/L – 16 mg/L. While the chemical parameters of the estuary showed the salinity concentration was between 20-22 ppt, the pH value was 6.8-7.5; the DO concentration was 2,7 mg/L - 4 mg/L, and CO2 concentration was 0,8 ppm – 2,4 ppm. Variations of water quality characteristics at each station were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The PCA obtained two main analysis components; 75,5% of the total variance is related to CO2, temperature, TSS, and transparency parameters.

Security Culture as an Expression of Values

As digital technology rapidly evolves, researchers in the Digital Humanities (DH) face the challenge of securing their work and protecting stakeholders across the research life cycle. Security practices, encompassing data integrity, software assurance, and authenticated access, must align with the values of openness, transparency, and collaboration that underpin scholarly research. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats, coupled with the politicization of research and the rise of autocratic governments, necessitates a holistic approach to security that considers both cyber and physical dimensions. This paper explores the intersection of security culture and DH research, emphasizing the importance of trust, informed consent, and ethical collaboration. It argues that security practices should be user-centric, participatory, and transparent, reflecting the values and goals of researchers and participants. By integrating security best practices into research methods, scholars can mitigate risks, protect research assets, and ensure the continued availability and impact of scholarship in a world where threats are constantly evolving.

Potential of agrivoltaics systems into olive groves in the Mediterranean region

Agrivoltaics systems have emerged as an approach to alleviate competition for land use between food and energy production. Conducting a thorough analysis of the impact that shading from PV modules can have on crops is crucial for the correct design of the system, as excessive shading can lead to important crop yield reductions. This paper focuses on integrating agrivoltaics systems within super-intensive olive groves in the Mediterranean region. A dual model is used to calculate the suitable transparency of PV modules, representing the area not occupied by PV cells. This model customizes the results based on the site's meteorological parameters and the photosynthetic light-response curve of the olive cultivar. The results indicate that transparency levels vary between 0.57 and 0.71, with the lowest values observed in locations with higher solar radiation, such as Egypt and Tunisia. Using these transparency values and typical 20%-efficiency monocrystalline silicon modules, the annual average energy generation per m2 in the selected locations is 65.9 kWh. Another finding reveals that optimizing the model by considering only the months corresponding to the olive growth cycle can reduce the required transparency, thereby increasing the installed PV capacity by up to 3.5%. Furthermore, the potential deployment of these systems is evaluated in terms of installed PV capacity, energy generation, CO2 emissions and job creation. The calculations show that installing agrivoltaics systems into 1% of the total olive surface area in the Mediterranean region would: (i) result in a 2.5% increase in the global PV capacity, (ii) generate 1.8% of the current electricity demand in the selected Mediterranean countries, (iii) avoid the emissions of 4 Mt. (CO2) per year, and (iv) create around 560,000 jobs.

The paradox of civic education in Malawi's education system: regaining the missed opportunities

There is a common assumption that the removal of civics from the curriculum between 1995 and 2002, when Malawi became a democracy might have deformed citizenship and civic education (CE). This narrative assumes that civics, as a discipline, was critical for instilling democratic and civic values among Malawians. This then prompted the Tonse Alliance Government (TAG) to change the Ministry of Civic Education and Culture (MoCC) to the Ministry of Civic Education and National Unity (MoCENU) as the first step. Additionally, the then Minister of MoCENU proposed a policy change to reintroduce civics in schools arguing that, it is only through this subject that democratic citizenship can be realized. Accordingly, this paper sought to argue that mere changing of MoCC to MoCENU, and reintroducing civics in schools may add nothing toward the creation of democratic citizenship when we consider global trends. This paper therefore utilized qualitative research design especially Critical Hermeneutics to analyze available literature on citizenship and CE trends, its conceptions and common issues around the globe. In doing so, the paper sought to explain whether Malawi's CE projects have been on the right trajectory or not, and how power-relations and political interests have shaped its development. Mainly, we ascribed to the epigram that, straightening a tree is better done in its sapling. In other words, the best spaces for behavior change and habit formation remain the schools because they are naturally designed to prepare children for such roles and functions. While our arguments might not be final, we still understand that many researches have held a fragmented view of citizenship and CE. We thus sought to analyze these two concepts in the lenses of Critical Pedagogy as suggested by Paulo Freire and Henry Giroux who understood schools as political spaces where the hegemony captures the curriculum to oppress society while protecting their interests. By advocating for a democratic model of education anchored in humanization, problem-posing, and critical conscientization, Critical Pedagogy molds students into future citizens who values critical thinking, transparency and democratic values.

(Dis)honesty and the value of transparency for campaign promises

Promise competition is prevalent in many economic environments, but promise keeping is often difficult to observe. We study the value of transparency for promise competition and ask whether promises still offer an opportunity to honor future obligations when outcomes do not allow for observing promise keeping. Focusing on campaign promises, we show theoretically how preferences for truth-telling shape promise competition when promise keeping can(not) be observed and identify the causal effects of transparency in an incentivized experiment. Transparency leads to less promise breaking but also to less generous promises. Rent appropriations are higher in opaque institutions though only weakly so when not fully opaque. Instrumental reputational concerns and preferences for truth-telling explain these results.

In their own words: Safety and quality perspectives from families of hospitalized children with medical complexity.

Children with medical complexity (CMC) experience adverse events due to multiorgan impairment, frequent hospitalizations, subspecialty care, and dependence on multiple medications/equipment. Their families are well-versed in care and can help identify safety/quality gaps to inform improvements. Although previous studies have shown families identify important safety/quality gaps in hospitals, studies of inpatient safety/quality experience of CMC and their families are limited. To address this gap and identify otherwise unrecognized, family-prioritized areas for improving safety/quality of CMC, we conducted a secondary qualitative analysis of safety reporting surveys among families of CMC. Explore safety reports from families of hospitalized CMC to identify areas to improve safety/quality. We analyzed free-text responses from predischarge safety reporting surveys administered to families of CMC at a quaternary children's hospital from April 2018 to November 2020. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, we categorized responses into standard clinical categories. Three team members inductively generated an initial codebook to apply iteratively to responses. Reviewers coded responses collaboratively, resolved discrepancies through consensus, and generated themes. Outcomes: family-reported areas of safety/quality improvement. pre-discharge family surveys. Two hundred and eight/two hundred and thirty-seven (88%) families completed surveys; 83 families offered 138 free-text safety responses about medications, feeds, cares, and other categories. Themes included unmet expectations of hospital care/environment, lack of consistency, provider-patient communication lapses, families' expertise about care, and the value of transparency. To improve care of CMC and their families, hospitals can manage expectations about hospital limitations, improve consistency of care/communication, acknowledge family expertise, and recognize that family-observed quality concerns can have safety implications. Soliciting family input can help hospitals improve care in meaningful, otherwise unrecognized ways.

Performing traceability: Unpacking the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) trade circuit in Peru

To what extent can traceability requirements improve the transparency in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM)? This article addresses the crucial but rarely explored problem of gold traceability, and what happens when gold moves from mine to market. Building on transparency discussions that scrutinize the power dynamics behind information demands, we argue that the push for origin information of minerals can create an ideal scenario for performative governance (Ding, 2020) in which actors feign traceability to continue participating in the gold value chain. To present evidence of these dynamics, we outline how gold circulates in two ASGM constellations in Peru: Arequipa (in the Andes) and Madre de Dios (in the Amazon). We find that Northern market concerns regarding the legal origin of gold has created contradictions in Peru's formalization regulatory framework. To bypass these barriers, actors along the value chain will benefit from the assistance of “logistical entrepreneurs” (Schouten et al., 2019) to secure gold production and trade. We conclude that, rather than promoting meaningful change towards a more responsible and transparent gold value chain, traceability requirements can promote more opaque practices and introduce more complexity into an already highly informal sector such as ASGM.

Optical properties of γ-sensing β-GaLaS3:Er crystal

An erbium-doped β-GaLaS3 crystal has been grown by the solution-melt method, and the effect of γ-irradiation on their vibrational and radiative properties has been investigated. Experiments have demonstrated that the crystal is transparent in the near and mid-infrared (IR) regions (transparency ∼62% in the range of 350–7100 cm−1), which allows it to be used as an effective matrix for creating lasers in this spectral range. For the first time, the vibrational spectrum of the crystal and the density of phonon states have been calculated using the density-functional theory (DFT) method. Both the original and γ-irradiated β-GaLaS3:Er crystals were investigated by Raman and IR spectroscopy. It has been established that irradiation with a dose of up to 5000 Gray does not lead to structural changes in the crystals. The effect of the formed defects is more clearly manifested in the IR reflection spectra, compared to the Raman spectra. The mechanism of the occurrence of excited states and the emission of Er ions embedded in the lattice has been established, and the effect of γ-irradiation on the radiative properties of β-GaLaS3:Er due to the occurrence of radiation-induced defects has been analyzed. A model has been constructed that explains the Stokes and anti-Stokes radiation of the erbium ions in the crystal. It has been demonstrated that the grown crystal has good prospects for sensor and laser technology of the near and mid-IR ranges due to relatively high values of optical transparency and the intense radiative capacity of the erbium ions.

Development of Plantago ovata seed mucilage and xanthan gum-based edible coating with prominent optical and barrier properties

This study investigates the fabrication of edible coating based on Plantago ovata seed mucilage (POSM). The films were prepared from POSM (1 %, w/v), glycerol (75 %, based on POSM mass), and xanthan gum (XG: 20, 30 and 40 %, based on POSM mass) by a casting method, and their physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, morphological, and barrier properties were determined. Results indicated the development of highly transparent (transparency values: 1.36 ± 0.05 to 2.42 ± 0.09) and hydrophobic films (contact angle: 101.57 ± 0.34 to107.08 ± 0.55o) with very low water vapor permeability (WVP: 2.77 ± 0.02 × 10−12 to 1.98 ± 0.04 × 10−12 g s−1m−1Pa−1), slight water solubility (31.14 ± 0.46 to 23.08 ± 0.82 %), and good mechanical properties (tensile strength: 30.87 ± 0.96 to 61.80 ± 0.71 MPa). Morphological studies also indicated smooth and uniform surfaces without pores and cracks. In addition, the films showed good antioxidant activity (61.46 to 68.71 %), and their antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was also demonstrated. The applicability of the developed films to extend the shelf life of strawberries was shown by comparing the appearance of dip-coated strawberries and the control sample within 8 days at room temperature. Based on the results, the developed biofilms have great potential for edible coating and packaging applications.

Encapsulation of Tea Polyphenol in Zein through Complex Coacervation Technique to Control the Release of the Phenolic Compound from Gelatin–Zein Composite Film

Green tea polyphenol (TP) was encapsulated in zein and fabricated into a gelatin–zein composite film by complex coacervation. Transglutaminase (TG) crosslinking was employed to obtain a compact structural orientation of the film to prolong the release of bioactive compounds. The encapsulation efficiency of zein and the TP release rate from the composite film were investigated. The retention rate was over 30% and 80% after film fabrication and storage, respectively. Crosslinking decreased the diffusion coefficient by half, thus improving the release of TP from the film. The antioxidant properties were satisfactory after discharge from the film detected by DPPH/ABTS scavenging. The value of crosslinking degree (~60%) and increased molecular weight of the protein were investigated by SDS-PAGE, indicating the compatibility of TP and TG treatment. According to physicomechanical findings, the TG2TP1 film exhibited the best characteristics. Tensile strength and water solubility properties were ameliorated by the TG treatment of TP-encapsulated films compared to the control film. TG and TP-loaded gelatin–zein composite film had better thermal stability than the control film. Moreover, the TP loading reduced the transparency value and improved the light-barrier properties of the film. The films showed significant antimicrobial activities against two food-borne bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus BCTC13962 and Escherichia coli BCRC10675. The result obtained shows that the encapsulation of TP and TG treatment may be used to fabricate gelatin–zein composite film with controlled release of phenolic compounds for active packaging applications.

Design and fabrication of a super-wideband transparent antenna implanted on a solar cell substrate

In this study, an antenna with transparent super wideband CPW technology has been designed and built with the combination of solar panels for use in wireless communication equipment and systems that require mobile power. The transparency value of the antenna is 63.3%, which is an acceptable value for the optimal use of sunlight. The proposed antenna was designed and measured on a plexi-glass substrate with a dielectric constant of {{varvec{upvarepsilon}}}_{{varvec{r}}}=4.4 and various thicknesses, the proposed antenna was designed and measured. The copper sheet has a high electrical conductivity and therefore it was selected for the antenna's radiating component as compared to earlier techniques that employed metal oxide. All simulations were done with CST microwave studio software and frequency domain solver. The results indicated that the antenna's operating frequency ranges from 2 to 32 GHz. The results of the computations indicated that the antenna's peak gain and peak efficiency are 8.1 dB and 90%, respectively. Various multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) performance parameters, including the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), diversity gain (DG), average effective gain (MEG), total active reflection coefficient (TARC), and channel capacity loss (CCL), were analyzed to demonstrate the antenna's performance.

Nitrogen doping for effective enhancement of optoelectronic performance of ASnO3 (A-Ca, Sr, Ba) transparent conducting oxides deposited by doctor blade method

In an effort to obtain efficient transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films using simple chemical methods, in this work, CaSnO3, SrSnO3 and BaSnO3 thin films were deposited on Corning glass substrates through doctor blade technique using hydrothermally treated precursors. Performance of the films annealed in ambient and nitrogen atmospheres were evaluated and compared by means of structural, morphological, optical and electrical characterisations. Transparency (>90%), band gap (3.23–3.43 eV), mobility (80–186 cm2/Vs), carrier concentration (2.7×1018 to 8.12×1019 cm−3) and resistivity (2.37×10−3 to 15.56×10−3 Ω.cm) values confirmed that the thin films can be promising TCOs for several optoelectronic applications. Figure of merit value (0.42×10−3 to 1.18×10−3 Ω−1) suggest that the stannate films deposited in this work are comparable to the widely used In:ZnO and other state of the art TCOs. The TCOs investigated in this research are comprised of non-toxic, earth abundant elements and are deposited by using the Doctor Blade method suitable for scalability.

A Lesson for the Future: Will You Let Me Violate Your Privacy to Save Your Life?

COVID-19 was an unprecedented pandemic that changed the lives of everyone. To handle the virus’s rapid spread, governments and big tech companies, such as Google and Apple, implemented Contact Tracing Applications (CTAs). However, the response by the public was different in each country. While some countries mandated downloading the application for their citizens, others made it optional, revealing contrasting patterns to the spread of COVID-19. In this study, in addition to investigating the privacy and security of the Canadian CTA, COVID Alert, we aim to disclose the public’s perception of these varying patterns. Additionally, if known of the results of other nations, would Canadians sacrifice their freedoms to prevent the spread of a future pandemic? Hence, a survey was conducted, gathering responses from 154 participants across Canada. Next, we questioned the participants regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and their knowledge and opinion of CTAs before presenting our findings regarding other countries. After showing our results, we then asked the participants their views of CTAs again. The arrangement of the preceding questions, the findings, and succeeding questions to identify whether Canadians’ opinions on CTAs would change, after presenting the proper evidence, were performed. Among all of our findings, there is a clear difference between before and after the findings regarding whether CTAs should be mandatory, with 34% of participants agreeing before and 56% agreeing afterward. This hints that all the public needed was information to decide whether or not to participate. In addition, this exposes the value of transparency and communication when persuading the public to collaborate. Finally, we offer three recommendations on how governments and health authorities can respond effectively in a future pandemic and increase the adoption rate for CTAs to save more lives.

Legislative Oversight and Executive Accountability in South Africa

A glance at political theory reveals a preoccupation with the corrosive nature of power, in particular with how to ensure that the governors are sufficiently accountable to the governed. Legislative oversight is a constitutional requirement in the South African system of government. However, poor performance, maladministration and a lack of accountability in various government institutions have continued to be a major challenge. In recent years the implementation of legislative oversight has proven to be a challenge, with findings of abuse of state power revealed by reports from the Office of the Public Protector as well as corruption scandals in procurement processes. This study examines the role of parliament in holding the executive accountable in line with the constitutional values of transparency, accountability and responsiveness. Apart from delineating the reach of parliament's powers and functions, the main thrust of the study, given the existing vicissitudes in our constitutional edifice, including the failure of parliament to hold the executive accountable, is on how to strengthen the institution of parliament in its oversight role.