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California has ambitious climate policy goals, while also facing an acute housing affordability crisis. Transit-oriented development—higher-density residential or mixed-use development centered around high-quality transit stations—has emerged as a strategy to reduce greenhouse gases while increasing housing supply. However, transit-oriented development is more complex and expensive to build than development in low-density, undeveloped areas. State and local governments have adopted numerous policies to encourage transit-oriented development, but little research has examined how various policies can be combined to produce on-the-ground success. Researchers at the University of California, Davis completed in-depth case studies of 11 California cities to understand their mix of strategies and how they have needed to reconcile sometimes competing policy goals in advancing transit-oriented development. This policy brief summarizes the findings from that research and provides policy implications. View the NCST Project Webpage

Scientific evidence regularly guides policy decisions1, with behavioural science increasingly part of this process2. In April 2020, an influential paper3 proposed 19 policy recommendations (claims) detailing how evidence from behavioural science could contribute to efforts to reduce impacts and end the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we assess 747 pandemic-related research articles that empirically investigated those claims. We report the scale of evidence and whether evidence supports them to indicate applicability for policymaking. Two independent teams, involving 72 reviewers, found evidence for 18 of 19 claims, with both teams finding evidence supporting 16 (89%) of those 18 claims. The strongest evidence supported claims that anticipated culture, polarization and misinformation would be associated with policy effectiveness. Claims suggesting trusted leaders and positive social norms increased adherence to behavioural interventions also had strong empirical support, as did appealing to social consensus or bipartisan agreement. Targeted language in messaging yielded mixed effects and there were no effects for highlighting individual benefits or protecting others. No available evidence existed to assess any distinct differences in effects between using the terms physical distancing and social distancing. Analysis of 463 papers containing data showed generally large samples; 418 involved human participants with a mean of 16,848 (median of 1,699). That statistical power underscored improved suitability of behavioural science research for informing policy decisions. Furthermore, by implementing a standardized approach to evidence selection and synthesis, we amplify broader implications for advancing scientific evidence in policy formulation and prioritization.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed many unprecedented challenges to health care systems and public health efforts worldwide. Policy making and science were deeply intertwined, in particular with regard to the justification of health policy measures. In this context, ethical considerations were often at the core of decision-making trade-offs. However, not much is known about the actual ethical challenges encountered by policy makers and scientists involved in policy advice. With this study, we therefore aim to explore the ethical challenges during COVID-19-related political decision-making in Switzerland as perceived by policy makers and scientists involved in policy making. We also explore the role ethics advice had during the pandemic response and what can be learned for future public health crises. Methods: We conducted thirteen qualitative expert interviews with policy makers and scientists involved in decision-making on COVID-19 policy responses in Switzerland on the regional and national level. We used inductive content analysis to analyse the interviews. Results: Among the multitude of ethical challenges highlighted, interviewees perceived making trade-offs between the common good vs. the individual good and between economic welfare vs. health of the population, as well as proportionality of the policy measures, and the capacity of the public to accept uncertainty as central. Interviewees had diverging opinions on whether ethical considerations were sufficiently raised and discussed on the Swiss policy level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the reasons why ethics was not sufficiently discussed, they mentioned a lack of time in the fast-paced dynamic of the pandemic, ethics as a complex subject area, the interconnectedness between ethics and law, too much focus on few topics (mostly on vaccination-related ethical questions), and power relationships, such as dominance of medical professionals over ethicists. They evaluated ethics support to have been adequately present in the decision-making process, but wished for ethics training, involvement of the public in the discourse and for accompanying communication to build trust among the population for the future. Conclusions: The study provides empirical insights into the ethical considerations of COVID-19 policy making in practice in Switzerland. It can help to develop ethics assistance for future crises and inform ethical health policy and decision-making not only in Switzerland, but also in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dynamic transmission models are often used to provide epidemiological guidance for pandemic policy decisions. However, how economic evaluation is typically incorporated into this technique to generate cost-effectiveness estimates of pandemic policy responses has not previously been reviewed. Methods: We systematically searched the Embase, PubMed and Scopus databases for dynamic epidemiological modelling studies that incorporated economic evaluation of public health and social measures (PHSMs), with no date restrictions, on 7 July 2024. Results: Of the 2,719 screened studies, 51 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies (n = 42, 82%) modelled SARS-CoV-2. A range of PHSMs were examined, including school closures, testing/screening, social distancing and mask use. Half of the studies utilised an extension of a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) compartmental model. The most common type of economic evaluation was cost-effectiveness analysis (n = 24, 47%), followed by cost-utility analysis (n = 17, 33%) and cost–benefit analysis (n = 17, 33%). Conclusions: Economic evaluation is infrequently incorporated into dynamic epidemiological modelling studies of PHSMs. The scope of this research should be expanded, given the substantial cost implications of pandemic PHSM policy responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies in China's policy process have paid limited attention to public perceptions of experts. Through an original survey, we explore public attitudes on expertise, i.e., the merits of expert opinion and expert autonomy. We find that professional experience is the most important criterion on which respondents evaluate experts. The higher a respondent's political trust is, the more likely he or she is to recognize the benefits that experts may offer. We also find an underlying populist tendency towards the role of experts in policy making, respondents in general agree that the will of the people should be prioritized over expert opinion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the phenomenological approach was used to explore the perceptions of Pakistan Tahreek Insaf (PTI) voters regarding PTI policy making and performance six months after the Pakistani general election of 2018 (GE-2018). The sample comprised 20 PTI voters, and data was collected through one-to-one interview. The thematic analysis led to the following broad and sub themes: The first broad theme, pre-election party ideology, was described by the following sub-themes: vision of change, fight against corruption, and developing Pakistan along the lines of the State of Medina. The second broad theme, the performance of the elected government, was understood through the following sub-themes: accountability, political stability, poor policy making, and false election pledges. And the last broad theme, the public's perceptions of the future performance of the elected government can be explained by its single sub-theme, i.e., giving the elected government a chance to complete its tenure of five years. It can be concluded that most of the participants were optimistic that the elected government of Pakistan would fulfill its pre-election promises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In his article ‘After neoliberalism: economic theory and policy in the polycrisis’ in this journal, Michael Jacobs sets out the importance of institutional context to politics and policy making. This article concurs with this emphasis and explores the importance of specific existing institutions such as the Low Pay Commission and Office for Budget Responsibility in our system of economic governance. It considers the case for institutional ‘deepening’ and reform as well as some potential misconceptions about the role of organisations like these in contemporary politics. Looking to the years ahead, it argues that the terrain on which politics is likely to be contested will involve a larger role for the state and continued debate about the appropriate role of institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress monitoring and action recalibrations are advocated as promising methods for improving road safety, which significantly relates to economic stability and social development. To achieve this, an auditing framework that can evaluate road safety and aid in policymaking is urgently required. To this end, this study developed a systemic decision model that integrates the method based on the removal effects of criteria (MEREC), additive ratio assessment (ARAS), and quantile-based k-means clustering (QBKM), termed MEREC–ARAS–QBKM, with the aim of auditing road safety achievements and providing corresponding policy suggestions with substantial reliability. In particular, the performance of the traditional k-means clustering model was improved by implanting quantiles to determine the initial clustering, which overcomes the uncertainty of k-means clustering owing to the variety of initial cluster centers. Multiple comparisons of empirical results based on a case study of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies verified the robustness of the proposed model, demonstrating its applicability, practicability, and reliability in handling real-world multi-criteria decision-making problems in the field of road safety. The empirical findings show that road safety developments among the APEC countries are of class differentiation, suggesting an urgent regional benchmarking. Overall, the proposed methodology empowers decision-makers and policymakers in APEC to swiftly formulate effective action plans, countermeasures, and investment schemes, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of road safety performance and socio-economic benefit across APEC members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout our lives, we are influenced by public policies in many areas that have effects and consequences even for those who are not directly involved. Focusing on power in the policy-making process helps us to understand how public policies are formed. Power groups in society play an important role in agenda setting. In this framework, who sets the agenda depends on where power is concentrated. This article examines the main approaches to power and power relations and analyzes how these approaches affect public policy formation. This study reviews Gaventa's power approach with its pluralist and elitist models and discusses how Kingdon deals with interests and the role of interests in his analysis. Finally, this paper applies Gaventa's typology of power to Kingdon's policy process approach and identifies which elements are left out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospital housekeeping workers (HHW), also known as hospital janitorial staff, are individuals responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of hospital facilities. This study focuses on the perceptions of HIV/AIDS among HHWs and their role in controlling its spread. The aims included assessing their knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission, reducing stigma, and evaluating the impact of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) on their awareness and perception. Methods: Conducted at a Chennai tertiary care hospital from December 2022 to January 2023, this interventional study involved 25 HHWs. The research utilised a structured questionnaire for socio-demographic details and HIV/AIDS-related questions, implementing pre- and post-tests after health education. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v20.0. The chi-square test was used to arrive at a 푝-value to test the significance between pre- and post-intervention test results. A 푝-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: Post-intervention, the knowledge thatusing condoms reduces transmission very significantly increased to 100% (푝-value=<0.0000001), awareness that HIV/AIDS doesn’t transmit through touch very significantly improved to 88% (푝-value=<0.0000001), belief in hope for affected individuals rose very significantly to 96% (푝-value=<0.0000001) and understanding that mosquito bites don’t cause transmission very significantly increased to 88% (푝-value=<0.0000001). These findings emphasise the positive impact of health-education on HHWs. Empowering HHWs with the necessary knowledge to address fear-based stigma and boosting awareness is pivotal. Conducting effective and periodic awareness programs significantly enhances HHWs’ understanding of HIV/AIDS, and is a crucial step in eliminating occupational transmissions and stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction The ongoing conflict in Ukraine from Russian invasion presents a critical challenge to medical planning in the context of multi-domain battle against a peer adversary deploying conventional weapon systems. The potential escalation of preventable morbidity and mortality, reaching a scale unprecedented since World War II, underscores the paramount importance of effective phases of care from Point of Injury (PoI)/Point of Wounding (PoW) or Point of Exposure (PoE) to Role 1 (R1) and Role 2 (R2) echelons of care. The NATO Vigorous Warrior (VW) Live Exercise (LIVEX) serves as a strategic platform for NATO and its partners, providing an opportunity to challenge operational concepts, experiment, innovate life-saving systems, and foster best practices across the Alliance. Materials and Methods This study delineates the strategic application of the VW LIVEX platform for the adaptation of the computational simulation software Simulation for the Assessment and Optimization of Medical Disaster Management (SIMEDIS) within the context of Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO). The SIMEDIS computer simulator plays a pivotal role by furnishing real-time insights into the evolving injury patterns of patients, employing an all-hazards approach. This simulator facilitates the examination of temporal shifts in medical timelines and the ramifications of resource scarcity against both morbidity and mortality outcomes. The VW LIVEX provides a unique opportunity for systematic validation to evaluate the results of the computer simulator in a realistic setting and identify gaps for future concepts of operations. Results We report the process and methodologies to be evaluated at the VW LIVEX in far forward and retrospective medical support operations. Using the SIMEDIS simulator, we can define battlefield scenarios for varied situations including artillery, drone strikes, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) attacks. Casualty health progressions versus time are dependent on each threat. Mortality is computed based on the concepts found in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) of "self-aid"/"buddy-aid" factoring in the application or absence of definitive traumatic hemorrhage control and on the distribution policy of victims to medical treatment facilities through appropriate Command and Control (C2) ("Scoop and Run" versus "Stay and Play"). The number of medical supplies available along with the number of transport resources and personnel are set and are scalable, with their effect on both morbidity and mortality quantified. Concept of Medical Operations can be optimized and interoperability enhanced when shared data are provided to C2 for prospective medical planning with retrospective data. The SIMEDIS simulator determines best practices of medical management for a myriad of injury types and tactical/operational situations relevant to policy making and battlefield medical planning for LSCO. Conclusions The VW LIVEX provides a Concept Development and Experimentation platform for SIMEDIS refinement and conclusive insights into medical planning to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality. Recommending further iterations of similar methodologies at other NATO LIVEXs for validation is crucial, as is information sharing across the Alliance and partners to ensure best practice standards are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, Egypt has gained strategic significance in migration with the start of the Arab Spring. The situation in the region has led to a tripling in the number of refugees and asylum seekers registered in Egypt. Migration policy making in Egypt has focused on the emigration of workers and diaspora engagement. Egypt has increasingly become a country of destination and transit which necessitates a fundamental shift in Egyptian migration policies. This paper examines Egypt's migration policy development over time, along with the main strategic goals and potential policy partnerships. Accordingly, the article explains how the successive Governments of Egypt have modeled the country's migration policies to pursue other policy goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU responded quickly to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The analysis of defence, energy, fiscal and migration policy shows that although the EU reacted in all fields its reactions were strongly embedded in already actively pursued agendas and limited to the most pressing dysfunctionalities, except for migration where a reaction was possible by decoupling the policy response from the disputed ongoing policy agenda. As in earlier crises, exogenous shocks do not trigger ad hoc policy overhauls, let alone instant integration. Reactions depend on the partial agreement policymakers have already established. In sum, the EU is a venue for quick reactions to exogenous shocks but responses are closely linked to the ongoing every-day problem-solving for which the EU provides the infrastructure. The empirical findings on four policies highlight that the sustainability of the ad hoc policy responses will depend above all on the more fundamental decision about the EU's future fiscal governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers how literature reaches a variety of different audiences and can effect practical change within a wider social ecosystem through the concepts of the 'wood wide web' and 'thinking mycorrhizally', developed here as part of a pragmatic 'sympoietics' of action. I first set out how these terms, stemming initially from forest ecology research and environmental humanities respectively, allow us to conceptualize literary texts as an epistemological species that both draws on and further contributes to our understanding of interspecies communication. What is at stake is therefore not just how we might live together in a broken world but how we might know about this living together and seek to do so in a more systemically just way. This particular kind of relationality is explored through the case study of contemporary German author, poet and performer, Ulrike Almut Sandig and her remediation of stories by the Brothers Grimm and the different kinds of communication that follow. The different routes for literature thus explored have repercussions for the role of the literary critic and his or her remediation of literary networks around the globe. These repercussions are teased out with an eye to very practical applications of literature, and the expertise of the literary scholar, in a variety of non-literary contexts but with a particular focus on working with professional government and community-based decision makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the current research was to identify and examine the strengths and weaknesses of legal policy making in the field of championship sports for persons with disabilities. Methods: This research was applied in terms of purpose and qualitative type, which was carried out by thematic analysis method. The statistical research community of all officials of the National Paralympic Committee, Sports Federation for the Disable persons, Blind Sports Federation, Sports management experts familiar with the sport of persons with disabilities, experts in sports law and sports champions with disabilities. Sampling was done purposefully and by snowball method. The data collection tool was a depth semi-structured interview. The data was saturated after conducting 16 interviews, but to increase the confidence factor, 3 more interviews were conducted and analyzed (n =19). Results: The findings showed that the legal policies made in the field of championship sports for persons with disabilities are placed in 6 areas, which include: legislative, executive, financial, media, cultural and structural areas. According to the results of the present study, it seems despite the positive results and obtaining favorable results in international and global competitions, the negative points of policies have been more than its positive points. Conclusion: Therefore, it demands that the policy makers, in different areas of policy making, pay more attention to the negative points in order to maintain and improve the status of the championship sport of persons with disabilities in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural Ecosystem Services (CESs), as non-material benefits and well-being provided by ecosystems to humans, possess the ability to bridge nature and human society and interpret their complex interrelationships. Coastal areas are regions with concentrated human activities, where coastal zones are often subject to human development, pollution, and degradation. Compared to other ecosystems, coastal ecosystems face greater pressures and threats, and the cultural services they provide are more vulnerable. Research on coastal ecosystem cultural services needs to consider ecosystem vulnerability and find ways to protect and restore ecosystem functions. Therefore, this paper explores the intrinsic logical system and feasibility of guiding natural resource management and enhancing human well-being through coastal CESs, discussing related research data acquisition, method analysis, and perceptual application. Based on this, this paper analyzes the development trends of coastal CESs in natural resource management and enhancing human well-being from aspects such as biodiversity, human–nature interaction processes, cultural heritage conservation, local economic development, and community management. Finally, it proposes advancing the in-depth research of coastal CESs from the perspectives of integrating multi-source data, interdisciplinary development, and incorporating CESs into policy making, providing theoretical support for the systematic study of rational resource utilization and sustainable ecosystem development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic posed many unprecedented challenges to health care systems and public health efforts worldwide. Policy making and science were deeply intertwined, in particular with regard to the justification of health policy measures. In this context, ethical considerations were often at the core of decision-making trade-offs. However, not much is known about the actual ethical challenges encountered by policy makers and scientists involved in policy advice. With this study, we therefore aim to explore the ethical challenges during COVID-19-related political decision-making in Switzerland as perceived by policy makers and scientists involved in policy making. We also explore the role ethics advice had during the pandemic response and what can be learned for future public health crises. Methods We conducted thirteen qualitative expert interviews with policy makers and scientists involved in decision-making on COVID-19 policy responses in Switzerland on the regional and national level. We used inductive content analysis to analyse the interviews. Results Among the multitude of ethical challenges highlighted, interviewees perceived making trade-offs between the common good vs. the individual good and between economic welfare vs. health of the population, as well as proportionality of the policy measures, and the capacity of the public to accept uncertainty as central. Interviewees had diverging opinions on whether ethical considerations were sufficiently raised and discussed on the Swiss policy level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the reasons why ethics was not sufficiently discussed, they mentioned a lack of time in the fast-paced dynamic of the pandemic, ethics as a complex subject area, the interconnectedness between ethics and law, too much focus on few topics (mostly on vaccination-related ethical questions), and power relationships, such as dominance of medical professionals over ethicists. They evaluated ethics support to have been adequately present in the decision-making process, but wished for ethics training, involvement of the public in the discourse and for accompanying communication to build trust among the population for the future. Conclusions The study provides empirical insights into the ethical considerations of COVID-19 policy making in practice in Switzerland. It can help to develop ethics assistance for future crises and inform ethical health policy and decision-making not only in Switzerland, but also in other countries.

Abstract Background Dynamic transmission models are often used to provide epidemiological guidance for pandemic policy decisions. However, how economic evaluation is typically incorporated into this technique to generate cost-effectiveness estimates of pandemic policy responses has not previously been reviewed. Methods We systematically searched the Embase, PubMed and Scopus databases for dynamic epidemiological modelling studies that incorporated economic evaluation of public health and social measures (PHSMs), with no date restrictions, on 7 July 2024. Results Of the 2,719 screened studies, 51 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies (n = 42, 82%) modelled SARS-CoV-2. A range of PHSMs were examined, including school closures, testing/screening, social distancing and mask use. Half of the studies utilised an extension of a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) compartmental model. The most common type of economic evaluation was cost-effectiveness analysis (n = 24, 47%), followed by cost-utility analysis (n = 17, 33%) and cost–benefit analysis (n = 17, 33%). Conclusions Economic evaluation is infrequently incorporated into dynamic epidemiological modelling studies of PHSMs. The scope of this research should be expanded, given the substantial cost implications of pandemic PHSM policy responses.

Abstract Progress monitoring and action recalibrations are advocated as promising methods for improving road safety, which significantly relates to economic stability and social development. To achieve this, an auditing framework that can evaluate road safety and aid in policymaking is urgently required. To this end, this study developed a systemic decision model that integrates the method based on the removal effects of criteria (MEREC), additive ratio assessment (ARAS), and quantile-based k-means clustering (QBKM), termed MEREC–ARAS–QBKM, with the aim of auditing road safety achievements and providing corresponding policy suggestions with substantial reliability. In particular, the performance of the traditional k-means clustering model was improved by implanting quantiles to determine the initial clustering, which overcomes the uncertainty of k-means clustering owing to the variety of initial cluster centers. Multiple comparisons of empirical results based on a case study of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies verified the robustness of the proposed model, demonstrating its applicability, practicability, and reliability in handling real-world multi-criteria decision-making problems in the field of road safety. The empirical findings show that road safety developments among the APEC countries are of class differentiation, suggesting an urgent regional benchmarking. Overall, the proposed methodology empowers decision-makers and policymakers in APEC to swiftly formulate effective action plans, countermeasures, and investment schemes, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of road safety performance and socio-economic benefit across APEC members.

This paper studies the role of medical preparedness in the incentive of policymakers to protect their constituents against public health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mitigation measures such as stay-at-home orders reduce health risks but result in economic losses. The goal is to examine moral hazard in determining the stringency of mitigation measures theoretically and empirically. Theoretical analysis shows that measures tend to be more lenient in better medically-prepared jurisdictions with higher hospital capacity, implying moral hazard in public health policies. The paper then empirically tests the theoretical prediction based on data on statewide stay-at-home orders across 50 states during the COVID-19 pandemic, and empirical evidence shows that one additional hospital bed per 10,000 population decreases the duration of the order by 1.8 days, lending support to the theoretical prediction. To avoid moral hazard, independent health experts should be part of the policy-making body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To advance oral health policies (OHPs) in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region, barriers to and facilitators for creating, disseminating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating OHPs in the region were examined. Methods: Global Health, Embase, PubMed, Public Affairs Information Service Index, ABI/Inform, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, Scopus, Dissertations Global, Google Scholar, WHO's Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (IRIS), the WHO Noncommunicable Diseases Document Repository and the Regional African Index Medicus and African Journals Online were searched. Technical officers at the WHO Regional Office for Africa were contacted. Research studies and policy documents reporting barriers to and facilitators for OHP in the 47 Member States in the WHO African region published between January 2002 and March 2024 in English, French or Portuguese were included. Frequencies were used to summarize quantitative data, and descriptive content analysis was used to code and classify barrier and facilitator statements. Results: Eighty‐eight reports, including 55 research articles and 33 policy documents, were included. The vast majority of the research articles and policy documents were country‐specific, but they were lacking for most countries. Frequently mentioned barriers across policy at all stages included financial constraints, a limited and poorly organized workforce, deprioritization of oral health, the absence of health information systems, inadequate integration of oral health services within the overarching health system and limited oral health literacy. Facilitators included a renewed commitment to establishing national OHPs, recognition of a need to diversify the oral health workforce, and an increased understanding of the influence of social determinants of health among oral health care providers. Conclusions: Most countries lack a country‐specific body of evidence to assist policymakers in anticipating barriers to and facilitators for OHPs. The barriers and facilitators relevant to disparate subnational, national, and regional conditions and circumstances must be considered to advance the creation, dissemination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of OHPs in the WHO African region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green technological progress can be achieved by mitigation efforts of leadership in climate policy. Renewable energies need to develop technological innovations for more competitive advantages. This study proposed a decision-making methodology for evaluating renewable energy sources under leadership in international climate policy. This study used the multi-criteria decision-making methodology to deal with conflicting criteria in the decision-making problem. The evaluation is based on the distance from the average solution (EDAS) method, which ranks the alternatives. The criteria weights are computed by using the average method. The neutrosophic set deals with uncertainty and vague information in the evaluation process. The neutrosophic set is integrated with the MCDM methodology. This study uses the concept of TreeSoft Set to deal with the problem as a tree and solve it easily. 15 criteria and 10 alternatives were used in this study. An empirical application was conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the new world, the methods that managers use to make policies are derived from how they making sense to the environment, and how managers interpret the existing phenomena, has a significant role on the quality and adaptation with their policies. In fact, understanding and making sense to the messages paves the way for the next steps to respond these symptoms. Accordingly, this article uses the Beredy model of comparative study to survey the existing theories and schools of sensemakinng and seeks to answer this question that how sensemakinng provides a framework for policy making in the organization? and in the organization and management studies, which of the existing sensemakinng frameworks provides a better explanation for conditions and phenomena? For this purpose, after examining the existing organizational sensemakinng schools, these two questions have been answered. Based on the research findings, by understanding the sensemakinng in the policy-making, it can be hoped that policymakers' efforts to control their environment are better evaluated and uses to guide organizational actions and shape the reactions of people in their environment.Introduction The increasing use of sensemakinng in organization and management research, has made it a relatively new theoretical structure in the research literature. Sensemaking activities are particularly critical in dynamic and turbulent contexts, where the need to create and maintain coherent understandings that sustain relationships and enable collective action is especially important and challenging. In this study, the concept of sensemakinng in different studies of organization and management is focused from the point of view of different researchers. scholars believe that in the literature that focuses on issues related to communication and organization, five different approaches to sensemakinng have a high position, which are:Karl Weick's Sensemaking in Organizational CommunicationDaniel Russell's Sensemaking in Human-Computer InteractionGary Klein's Sensemaking in Cognitive Systems EngineeringBrenda Dervin Sense-making in User StudiesDave Snowden and Organizational Sense-making in Knowledge ManagementBased on this, the current research studies and compares existing theories and schools of sensemakinng and tries to answer the question, how does sensemakinng provide a framework for policy-making in the organization, and which of the existing sensemakinng frameworks provides a better explanation for conditions and phenomena in the policy-making?Case study As mentioned, in the literatures of organization and management, five typologies of schools of Sensemaking have been introduced. These schools have been given the attention of researchers individually and separately, but as far as researchers have searched, these five schools have not been compared in a comparative study, and sometimes in some studies, a brief comparative review of at least two theories has been presented. Therefore, this study compares these schools Therefore, this study examines Comparative study of these schools. Materials and Methods The current comparative study has been done by using George Beredy's model in four stages: description, interpretation, Juxtaposition, comparison. according to this means sensemakinng was investigated from the perspective of different schools, and the texts taken from the existing theories were coded using the qualitative content analysis method and analyzed based on the Brady model, and after classifying the obtained information, the similarities and differences of sensemakinng schools were compared.Discussion and Results All sensemakinng schools have a purposeful effort towards better interactions to solve complex problems and reduce existing ambiguities. In all schools, sensemakinng is considered as a dynamic and continuous process, a dynamic process in which a person creates meaning in interaction with his environment, and this process does not stop and continues with the passage of time. Also, all schools emphasize the continuous interaction of the sensemaker with the environment. In addition, it is considered as a recurring cycle that the sensemaker makes efforts to reduce uncertainty and gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon and the conditions. On the other hand, in all theories of sensemakinng, the individual has a key role. It is the person who decides to start, finish, or ignore the process. In fact, sensemakinng in all schools strongly depends on the perspective and interpretation of the participant.However, based the findings of the present study, despite the mentioned similarities, the five schools of sensemakinng have differences from each other. Differences in the activity, unit of analysis, concept of sensemakinng, conflict style, Scope of influence, metaphors of sensemakinng, emphasis element, duration of conflict and …, which were discussed in this study.Conclusionsensemakinng as a new and specific approach to study organizational phenomena including policy-making has been described as a theory in various ways, and it should be seriously considered in organization and management studies. Therefore, in this article, the schools and theories of organizational sensemakinng were examined, and the commonalities and differences of the five schools were examined. According to the findings of the current study, all 5 schools of sensemakinng have a dynamic process in which sensemakinng is done through a repeating cycle during interaction with the environment in order to communicate more effectively, depends on the perspective of participant and sensemaker has a key role in the sensemakinng process. Nevertheless, Based on the time period, context, specific theory and ontology that each of the theorists of the five schools have conceptualized, sensemakinng will have different meanings and functions. Differences caused by the activity, unit of analysis, style of conflict, sphere of influence, emphasis element, duration of different conflict and etc., which causes the way of working in each school to be different. The findings of this study shown that in the organizational studies, where facing ambiguity is considered one of the inherent characteristics of organization and management, that in order to receive strategic information, managers must provide methods to reduce these uncertainties, Weick and Snowden's theories provide a better explanation of conditions and phenomena.

Abstract The purpose of this research is to design and explain the policy model for the development of electric vehicles in Iran. The research method is fundamental-applicable in terms of purpose, qualitative in terms of implementation, and fundamental-exploratory in terms of nature. The statistical population of the research includes 15 experts and policy makers in the field of automobiles in Iran, and the sampling was done in a targeted manner, and the interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The data collection tool is a semi-structured interview. Data-based method was used to collect and analyze data. Data analysis and model design were done in three stages of open, central and selective coding. For data analysis, MAXQDA 2020 software was used for coding. The results show 435 primary/open codes, 40 concepts and 12 categories (economy and livelihood, transportation electrification, transnational thinking, up-to-date technology, initiative and innovation, market recognition, environmental protection, infrastructural measures, competitiveness economy and industry, risk and challenge, development-oriented governance, strategy and foresight). Extended Abstract Introduction When talking about the design of policies, both the content of the policy and the process of its formulation are considered. Despite the fact that some policies are the result of non-rational processes such as bargaining or even political exchanges, and the verb "design" cannot be attributed to them, this situation cannot be generalized to all policies, and the possibility of designing in a logical procedure with a framework cannot be ignored. It will be possible to distinguish successful from unsuccessful policies and help policy makers to design the content of more effective policies through these studies (Howlett, 2014). Many experts believe that appropriate industrial policies have many positive consequences; these policies help to eliminate market defects and promote industrial development. In addition, by intervening and correcting the allocation of non-optimal resources, they eliminate market defects. Also, these policies promote industrial development through improving economic power and enable countries to align or even surpass the economies of other countries (Liu et al, 2020). Industrial policy is an important means by which the government influences the economy and plays a vital role in economic development (Chen et al, 2020; Liu et al, 2020). It moves from renewable, sustainable and affordable energy sources such as electric mobility. Investing in new energy vehicle technology provides an opportunity to keep pace with the global automotive industry. This emerging strategic industry offers promising positive options compared to the conventional car industry; therefore, by formulating development policies in the field of electric cars, it is possible to help the country's economic development and achieve rapid and significant progress (Liu et al., 2020). Based on this, the current research is looking for an answer to this question: How is the design and explanation of the policy model for the development of electric cars in Iran? Theoretical Framework Sustainable Development Sustainable development includes three main areas of economic, environmental and social development. A stable economic system is able to produce goods or services that reduce the external debt of the government and prevent imbalance between different economic sectors, and at the same time, it protects agricultural and industrial products against any damage. According to the environmental perspective, organizations and the environment must work together as a team. Organizations play an important role in exploring environmental issues and contributing to technological solutions to solve them, while the environment plays an important role in creating job opportunities and employment (Yacob et al, 2019). Social sustainability is a cultural system. A sustainable social system should be able to achieve a fair distribution of resources and equality of facilities and social services. Therefore, today governments, international organizations and support groups have made many efforts to empower human societies for sustainable business due to the scarcity of resources and environmental protection (Porvaziri et al, 2020). Sustainable economic development Various industries and enterprises in business face numerous challenges such as the importance of globalization, the creation of the World Trade Organization and the integration of markets around the world, rapid and fundamental technological developments, new developments in information technology, faster changes in the models of supply and demand, explanation of environmental pollution control, conservation of energy resources and lack of resources and their high cost. Industries can survive against all these challenges only when correct and timely decisions are taken. Along with all the mentioned challenges, globalization and the expansion of consumer markets, as well as the increase in the number of competitors and the ever-increasing pressure of competition, have highlighted the importance of some concepts, including competitiveness. Therefore, companies and industries in all countries are trying to improve the quality of competition by identifying the influencing factors and promoting them (Porvaziri et al, 2020). Strategic emerging industry Strategic emerging industries are an important driving force for future economic and social development. Accelerating their development is an important measure to upgrade the industrial structure and speed up the change of economic development mode, and it is of great strategic importance for the modernization of countries. For example, in 2010, the State Council of China decided to accelerate the development of strategic emerging industries as an important measure to upgrade the industrial structure and speed up the change of the economic development method. After 10 years of development in China, the leading and driving role of emerging industries has become increasingly evident, representing the new fundamental factor in the construction of the modern industrial system (Helmers et al, 2020). Amelia & Harald (2021) examined the interaction between future visions and de-fossil fuel policy on Swedish roads; the results of research emphasize on the energy efficiency of electric vehicles as an important step to reduce dependence on fossil fuels through reducing overall energy demand in the transportation sector as well as electric vehicles for a clean and quiet urban environment, where replacing combustion engines with clean and quiet alternatives can have the greatest impact. Singh et al, (2021) investigated policies, strategies and technical considerations for the development of electric vehicles in India. This study encourages policy makers, government and businesses to deploy electric vehicles in India to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was concluded that the Indian government should provide more research funding for the development of both electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Research methodology The research method is fundamental-applicable in terms of purpose, qualitative in terms of implementation, and fundamental-exploratory in terms of nature. The statistical population of the research includes 15 experts and policy makers in the field of automobiles in Iran, and the sampling was done in a targeted manner, and the interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The data collection tool is a semi-structured interview. Data-based method was used to collect and analyze data. Data analysis and model design were done in three stages of open, central and selective coding Research findings For data analysis, MAXQDA 2020 software was used for coding. The results show that there are 435 primary/open codes, 40 concepts, and 12 categories (economy and livelihood, transportation electrification, transnational thinking, up-to-date technology, initiative and innovation, market recognition, environmental protection, infrastructural measures, competitiveness economy and industry, risk and challenge, development-oriented governance, strategy and foresight). Conclusion The current research has been carried out with the aim of designing and explaining the policy model for the development of electric vehicles in Iran. The results of this research are in agreement with the results of Ghafari Fard et al, (2022), Amelia & Harald (2021), Singh et al, (2021), Feroz Khan et al, (2020), Wang et al, (2020), Gregory Trencher (2020), and Styczynski et al, (2019). Styczynski et al, (2019) showed that despite the differences in governance institutions between countries, governments have adopted policies and used a combination of similar policies in advancing the electrification of cars. According to the results of the research, the following suggestions are presented: Considering the significant gap between the country's automotive industry and the global leaders of this industry, investing in technologies related to electric cars can be a window of opportunity to reduce the gap between this industry and its global competitors. This important thing requires a comprehensive study of the structure of electric cars and prioritizing the fields of production of components and parts of this product. In addition to this, the issue of partnership with world-renowned brands and joint production of this product, which can facilitate the entry of the technical knowledge and technology of these cars into the country, should also be taken into consideration. The challenge of air pollution in big cities has become a serious matter in the field of urban policy in the country. Although the amount and share of gasoline consumption in the pollution of big cities is still subject to expert investigations, there is no doubt that most of the pollution in big cities is caused by the use of fossil fuels. Therefore, electric cars can play an effective role in reducing this pollution, especially in big cities.

Summary Approximately 40% of Japanese physicians report working more than 960 hr of overtime annually, with 10% exceeding 1860 hr. To protect their health, annual overtime limits went into effect in 2024. The objective of this study was to investigate associations of self‐reported sleep duration with psychological health and objective alertness. This was a cross‐sectional National Survey for The Work Style Reform of Long Working Physicians. Physicians self‐reported daily sleep duration, burnout (Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory), depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) and traffic accidents. Alertness was then evaluated using the brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test. Of 20,382 physicians invited, 1226 completed the survey and brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test. Daily sleep duration was inversely associated with weekly work hours (β = −5.4; 95% confidence interval −6.8 to −4.0, p < 0.0001). Sleep duration < 6 hr and ≥ 8 hr per day was associated with slower responses on the brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test (adjusted p < 0.05). An additional 10 hr worked per week was associated with a 0.40 point (95% confidence interval 0.08–0.72) increase in burnout severity and a 1.7% (95% confidence interval 0.1–3.3%) increase in odds of reporting a traffic accident. Increased brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test lapses, indicating lower alertness, were associated with worse symptoms of depression (β = 0.23 points; 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.31, p < 0.0001) and burnout (β = 0.25 points; 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.36, p < 0.0001). This study emphasizes the importance of sufficient sleep to maintain alertness, and supports limiting work hours for Japanese physicians to protect psychological health. Performance on the brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test may be a useful indicator of psychological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal transformations for addressing climate change are intensely contested and at risk of resistance and backlash to ambitious policy action. But they are frequently modeled through heuristics such as S‐curves which abstract from such conflicts, assuming increasing returns to scale as a driver of transformations. This is the case even while scholars accept the presence of political conflict in transformation processes. Within political science and allied disciplines, the notions of policy feedback and policy coalitions have been deployed to understand how such political conflicts may be understood. But these approaches risk gravitating toward an instrumental design impulse that inadvertently downplays conflict. We argue that policy action for societal transformations should be re‐conceptualized as an unfolding series of battle‐settlement events whereby heated episodic political struggles over a certain policy object or issue play out and eventually settle in ways that structure future debates while nonetheless remaining indeterminate and open to challenge or reversal. Such an approach reflects the varied empirical experiences of climate policy action to date which include both accumulation and reversal. It also helps explain trajectories of change that are discontinuous and lurching in contrast to common images of transformation as progressive and cumulative. We illustrate this approach through two cases of unfolding societal transformation on climate change: coal phaseout in the United Kingdom and renewable energy uptake in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values proposes a framework for understanding and categorizing universal human values. It identifies ten distinct values organized into a circular structure, representing their compatibility and conflict. The theory offers insights into the motivations and priorities that guide individuals' attitudes and behaviors across different cultures and contexts. This study examines the personal values of global school leaders in diverse educational contexts, aiming to understand their key values and predominant higher-order dimensions. The research addresses the existing gap in the literature regarding the personal values of global leaders and their alignment with Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values. The researchers administered the PVQ 40 surveys quantitatively to collect data from global school leaders. The values were analyzed and arranged in a circular structure to uncover relationships and motivational goals. The results reveal the values highly valued by global school leaders, including self-direction, universalism, and benevolence, while identifying achievement as the least important value. Additionally, the study explores the four higher-order dimensions of values, highlighting the high value placed on "Openness to Change" and the relatively lower value assigned to "Self-Enhancement." These findings contribute to understanding global educational leadership, decision-making processes, ethical frameworks, policy-making, and cultural understanding, aiming to generate positive student outcomes and foster conducive cultures and climates within the global education context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the perspectives of managers on green marketing strategies in the oil and gas industry, a critical global concern given that a significant portion of historical industrial greenhouse gas emissions can be traced back to a few oil and gas companies. Employing Q methodology and its subjective operant theory for a nuanced qualitative and quantitative approach, the research builds a Q-sample through a literature review and in-depth interviews with nine experienced Iraqi managers. The P-sample includes 20 senior, middle managers, and supervisors in Iraq's oil and gas sector. The study identifies five distinct viewpoints among Iraqi managers regarding green marketing strategy adoption: (1) opponents and skeptics; (2) environmental advocates; (3) public opinion advocates; (4) government adherents; and (5) forward-thinking visionaries. The findings contribute valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing green marketing strategies in a region marked by environmental concerns and economic imperatives. This research not only enhances understanding but also informs policymaking, guides businesses in formulating more effective sustainable strategies, and encourages environmental responsibility within the Iraqi corporate landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancements in nanotechnology, the interaction between nanotechnology, society and environment has increased. Nanotherapeutics and nanopharmaceuticals have allowed facilitation of earlier and more precise diagnosis, reduced side effects, improved targeted therapies and efficacy of drugs. Likewise, nanotechnology has helped in improving the quality of environment by solving issues of air pollution, water remediation and waste management with the help of nanoproducts such as nanofilters, nanophoto catalysts, nanoadsorbents and nanosensors. Moreover, nanopesticides, nanofood, anti-bacterial nanopackaging, nanofertilizers and many other products have helped food and agriculture sector to grow. There are innumerable products on shelf based on nanotechnology impacting almost every sector. However, nanotechnology like any other technology if used unchecked and unregulated can be a cause of social, environmental, legal and ethical concerns. Therefore, it is crucial to consider these challenges in addition to the promises and opportunities nanotechnology has to offer. This review has highlighted the immense importance of nanotechnology by discussing its applications especially in medicine, environmental sciences and food and agriculture sectors. Closely studying these aspects will allow us to discover gaps, obstacles and potential solutions for responsible nanotechnology development and deployment. Understanding these concerns and challenges is also critical for policymakers, researchers, industrialists and society as a whole in order to promote ethical practices and informed decision-making. This review will help to contribute to the continuing discourse and raise ethical awareness in the field of nanotechnology thence minimizing the harm while maximizing the benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical tourism is a policy area with obvious policy connotations. Drawing on public policy theories and frameworks to explore the development of medical tourism policies can give an understanding of the future development trends of the medical tourism industry. This research uses public policy research methods and analyzes the characteristics of China’s medical tourism policy texts from three perspectives: structural characteristics, evolution stages, and development process. This analysis comprehensively and scientifically reflects the status of China’s medical tourism policy. This research has shed some light on the theory and practice of medical tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks the possibility of participative governance by resorting to the concept of "Al Faragh Zone" in order to analyze the limitation of connection between religion and politics in public policy making. "Al Faragh Zone" is the area where public policies flow and produce a specific logic for social communication and interactions. Acceptance of "Al-Faragh Zone" means accepting the flow of "social logic" and/or "communicative rational" on public policies. This logic makes collective action and social cooperation possible, regardless of Islamic, human, or national values, although it is generally possible to extend these values to its own domain. Using the literature of rational and behavioral choice and collective action, this article argues that the neglect of social logic in public policies in Iran has created a tendency to misuse religious legitimacy for justifying public policies. In practice, this phenomenon has caused "Al-Faragh" to become its opposite, and to become an area for non-professional expansion of religious legitimacy ("religion and politics dependency") in public domain. Religious legitimacy of public policies has provided a superficial cover to justify policies, while basically the aim of these policies is interests of stockholders. Revision of the theory of "religion and politics dependency" could expand the government's involvement in public policy-making and the scope of participatory governance, freedom and public responsibility in public policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the policy-making processes for online education at the primary level, focusing on the objectives, content, strategies, resources, and assessment practices. It aimed to identify the challenges and opportunities within these policies to enhance the effectiveness of online education. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey study involved 384 educators, administrators, and policymakers in the primary education sector. Data were collected via a researcher-made questionnaire to gather comprehensive insights into the participants' perceptions of online education policies. The questionnaire was validated through a pilot study, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS and SMART-PLS for quantitative responses and thematic analysis for qualitative responses. Confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficients were utilized to assess the reliability and validity of the constructs within the questionnaire. Findings: The findings revealed a general consensus on the importance of clearly defined objectives, engaging content, and effective strategies for the successful implementation of online education policies. Challenges identified include the need for better technology infrastructure, financial resources, and professional development for educators. The analysis also highlighted the significance of affective and psychomotor domains in online education, which are often overlooked in policy making. Participants expressed a desire for more innovative and interactive online learning environments to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Conclusion: The study concludes that while there are significant opportunities to enhance the quality and effectiveness of online education through policy improvements, there are also considerable challenges that need to be addressed. These include the integration of affective and psychomotor learning goals, the development of comprehensive support systems for educators, and the improvement of technology and financial infrastructures. Policymakers and educators must work collaboratively to refine online education policies, ensuring they are inclusive, effective, and capable of meeting the diverse needs of primary education students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Health Sciences / Türkiye Klinikleri Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article constitutes a 'reply and alternative' to two papers that appeared in a 2021 Special Issue of British Educational Research Journal. Both articles drew on theories of populism as a political logic to explain recent trends in England's education policy. I begin by highlighting how the contributors mobilise 'populist' political logics within their own 'anti‐populist' discourse. I then argue that the theory of epistemic communities, borrowed from the field of public policy analysis, offers an alternative interpretation of the dynamics described in (and exemplified by) the two articles. This alternative interpretation foregrounds the values, beliefs and policy enterprises of two rival communities that seek to influence education policy through the supply of expertise. I argue that attending to how these communities function helps explain how a new group of policy entrepreneurs has come to constitute an increasingly influential 'counter‐epistemic community' and established a mutually beneficial trade in legitimacy with English policy makers. To date, the theory of epistemic communities has been under‐utilised in the study of education policy, but applying the theory to education policy in England provides new insights into how these communities function when the nature of expertise is contested. England's educational policy context also exemplifies the importance of 'fit' between policy makers and experts' beliefs, and the role of policy makers in assembling and curating communities of experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education, especially development education (DE), and a number of socially focused disciplines, including corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social marketing (SM), have long been targeted by policy makers for deriving advice on the 'wisdom' of levelling up differences and addressing sources of disadvantages at individual, group and/or regional levels. Additionally, the combined wisdom of such disciplines can also be a great source of advice to effectively address perennial universal problems. This paper is conceptual in nature with a multidisciplinary outlook. It contrasts DE, CSR and SM, with the view to deriving common grounds as well as strengths and areas for further development that can produce more comprehensive explanations and solutions to social problems. Such inclusive, more comprehensive explanations would help advise social-cause-focused workers, including researchers, learners and policy makers, about how each discipline can contribute to the resolution of multifaceted problems, the so-called 'wicked problems', that each discipline may not be fully equipped to address. The method of analysis used is an adjusted version of critical discourse analysis. It is used to explore the disciplines at four levels, namely definitional, philosophical, methodological and performance levels, thus giving a comprehensive view of each discipline's nature, philosophical outlook, methodology and perceived efficacy in achieving its aims. The derived arguments also benefitted from comments provided by seven experienced representatives from the three disciplines. Overall, the outcomes suggest a relative maturity of critical ability in DE but also more effective and efficient methodological and evaluative perspectives in CSR and SM. Although the outcome of the analysis is open for debate, it nevertheless suggests several opportunities for mutual learning at all four levels. The paper suggests a novel integrated 'supra-level' framework that may help workers, in these three areas of knowledge, gain valuable insights from each of the three disciplines and highlight valuable opportunities for capitalising on their respective strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disasters affect multiple sectors; therefore, the need for interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts becomes increasingly apparent. The session "Transdisciplinary Approach: Toward Innovative Recovery and Disaster Risk Reduction" aimed to explore the importance and need for a transdisciplinary approach toward advancing disaster risk reduction and recovery. The approach can provide a systematic framework for organizing knowledge and perspectives across different disciplines. Panelists from different countries presented concepts and case studies to illustrate the effectiveness and challenges of this approach. Through presentations and discussions, it was found that this approach can foster innovation and inclusiveness, and that the data generated by science and technology are crucial for the formulation of disaster risk reduction policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the barriers and enablers oral health and chronic disease policymakers identify during policy development. Methods: Semi‐structured interview questions were developed utilizing an interview guide and applying a knowledge mobilization framework. Reflective thematic analysis of the data was completed based on the research of Braun and Clarke encompassing a critical realist approach. Results: Twelve policymakers were interviewed. Policymakers reported barriers to accessing evidence including the sheer volume of information and a lack of: research summaries, comprehensive oral health data sets, open access articles, consistency of reporting, and time. They did find relationships with experts and intermediaries crucial at times to policy development. Co‐creation of research was also a key enabler for policymakers. Conclusions: This study highlights that policymakers find evidence crucial during the development of policy and often use it to advocate for policies. However, the links between poor oral health; and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment are not well recognized among chronic disease policymakers. It is important that oral health researchers and policymakers work to close this gap. The treatment of poor oral health is a global population health issue. It is imperative that evidence of these links is implemented into health policy for the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases and improved quality of life for individuals living with chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the issue of the transformation and reform of teacher education in Finland with an accent on the 20 th century. In the context of the issues of education transfer, borrowing and lending policy, it reflects on the characteristics of Finnish education policy, which is also reflected in the discussion of teacher education. The paper reconstructs the main premises of teacher training reforms in Finland in the 20th century and asks how these premises can be helpful in the Czech debate on teacher education reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the new world, the methods that managers use to make policies are derived from how they making sense to the environment, and how managers interpret the existing phenomena, has a significant role on the quality and adaptation with their policies. In fact, understanding and making sense to the messages paves the way for the next steps to respond these symptoms. Accordingly, this article uses the Beredy model of comparative study to survey the existing theories and schools of sensemakinng and seeks to answer this question that how sensemakinng provides a framework for policy making in the organization? and in the organization and management studies, which of the existing sensemakinng frameworks provides a better explanation for conditions and phenomena? For this purpose, after examining the existing organizational sensemakinng schools, these two questions have been answered. Based on the research findings, by understanding the sensemakinng in the policy-making, it can be hoped that policymakers' efforts to control their environment are better evaluated and uses to guide organizational actions and shape the reactions of people in their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Through interviews with older adults and professionals in Chongqing, China, this paper explores the challenges and opportunities faced by smart cities that undertake to better support ageing‐in‐place. Methods: We undertook a qualitative multi‐methods approach, engaging 46 professional stakeholders and 64 older people to examine the role of smart cities in enabling older people to age‐in‐place in Chongqing, China. Results: With the development of smart cities, technology has the potential to facilitate ageing‐in‐place by creating opportunities for heathy and active ageing. This study identified specific priorities in delivering age‐friendly smart cities, including the following: shaping smart environments around the everyday lives of older people, designing inclusive and equitable smart cities and ensuring strong forms of institutional governance, trust and relationship building with older people. Conclusions: The age‐friendly city and communities movement (AFCC) and smart city policy instruments have potential for realising active ageing by supporting mobility, access to services and civic participation. However, there exists a disconnect between smart city policy and practice in delivering tangible well‐being outcomes for older people. Addressing this requires greater cross‐sectoral working, reconciling smart city policy priorities with AFCC domains and creating the institutional and governance framework to enable socially sustainable cities to support ageing‐in‐place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low carbon fuel and waste management policies at the federal and state levels have catalyzed the construction of Californias wet anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities. Wet ADs can digest food waste and dairy manure to produce compressed natural gas (CNG) for natural gas vehicles or electricity for electric vehicles (EVs). Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) of CO2 generated from AD reduces the fuel carbon intensity by carbon removal in addition to avoided methane emissions. Using a combined lifecycle and techno-economic analysis, we determine the most cost-effective design under current and forthcoming federal and state low carbon fuel policies. Under many scenarios, designs that convert biogas to electricity for EVs (Biogas to EV) are favored; however, CCS is only cost-effective in these systems with policy incentives that exceed $200/tonne of CO2 captured. Adding CCS to CNG-producing systems (Biogas to CNG) only requires a single unit operation to prepare the CO2 for sequestration, with a sequestration cost of $34/tonne. When maximizing negative emissions is the goal, incentives are needed to either (1) fund CCS with Biogas to EV designs or (2) favor CNG over electricity production from wet AD facilities.

In this study, the phenomenological approach was used to explore the perceptions of Pakistan Tahreek Insaf (PTI) voters regarding PTI policy making and performance six months after the Pakistani general election of 2018 (GE-2018). The sample comprised 20 PTI voters, and data was collected through one-to-one interview. The thematic analysis led to the following broad and sub themes: The first broad theme, pre-election party ideology, was described by the following sub-themes: vision of change, fight against corruption, and developing Pakistan along the lines of the State of Medina. The second broad theme, the performance of the elected government, was understood through the following sub-themes: accountability, political stability, poor policy making, and false election pledges. And the last broad theme, the public’s perceptions of the future performance of the elected government can be explained by its single sub-theme, i.e., giving the elected government a chance to complete its tenure of five years. It can be concluded that most of the participants were optimistic that the elected government of Pakistan would fulfill its pre-election promises.