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Many ethnic minority autonomous regions in China, mainly in mountainous areas, have caused great harm to people's life and property safety due to frequent geological disasters. Therefore, it has become an urgent task for the government to create a system for predicting, preventing and effectively responding to disasters, and to strengthen the ability of relevant regions to jointly resist disasters. This paper takes Mabian Yi Autonomous County as the research object, and studies the disaster management of Mabian Yi Autonomous County. The research focuses on geological disaster vulnerability evaluation, geological disaster hazard evaluation, geological disaster risk evaluation, and geological disaster carrying capacity evaluation. The two elements of geological disaster risk evaluation are vulnerability evaluation and hazard evaluation. The main element of geological disaster carrying capacity evaluation is risk evaluation. Through evaluation, it is found that the central and eastern regions of Mabian Yi Autonomous County can be used as population concentration areas and develop modern agriculture and tourism. The western and northeastern regions can be used as nature reserves. Based on the above evaluation results, the disaster management opinions of Mabian Yi Autonomous County are given. This makes the government have a certain reference basis in the preparation of regional construction policy planning. From the perspective of unique disaster management, this paper provides the government with a political governance model for ethnic minority areas through the harmonious development of man and nature, to achieve a goal of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental sustainability lies at the centre of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Many developing economies, including Bangladesh, undertook massive institutional and policy reformulation initiatives to accomplish the respective environmental targets of the SDGs. However, effective policy implementation and obtaining the desired impact on people and the planet remain challenging. Against this backdrop, using the typical case of Bangladesh, the study hypothesises whether environmental (including forest and climate change) policy changes beget optimal policy outcomes and bring innovative policy ideas. Or they deliver sub‐optimal policy outcomes and prioritise traditional policy substances in achieving the SDGs. The study uses a policy typology and does content analysis for a large number of policy changes (n = 82). It applies the analytical framework of policy planning and a coherent–consistent policy approach. The result shows a tremendous shortfall in policy planning and a lack of technical policy capacities to implement innovative policy substances, for example, sustainable and scientific resources management, pollution control, science‐based study and data generation, and so forth. Also, incoherent goal settings (e.g., biodiversity conservation versus infrastructure development) and inadequate policy solutions for long‐standing problems (e.g., land tenure conflict) can obstruct achieving transformative changes. The sustainable development targets demand an all‐inclusive sectoral approach and technical‐legal policy solutions to achieve environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Over the past two decades, Canadian provinces and territories have introduced a series of primary care reforms in an attempt to improve access to and quality of primary care services, resulting in diverse organizational structures and practice models. We examine the impact of these reforms on family physicians’ (FPs) ability to adapt their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the provision of routine primary care. Methods As part of a larger case study, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with FPs in four Canadian regions: British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. During the interviews, participants were asked about their personal and practice characteristics, the pandemic-related roles they performed over different stages of the pandemic, the facilitators and barriers they experienced in performing these roles, and potential roles FPs could have filled. Interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis approach was applied to identify recurring themes in the data. Results Sixty-eight FPs completed an interview across the four regions. Participants described five areas of primary care reform that impacted their ability to operate and provide care during the pandemic: funding models, electronic medical records (EMRs), integration with regional entities, interdisciplinary teams, and practice size. FPs in alternate funding models experienced fewer financial constraints than those in fee-for-service practices. EMR access enhanced FPs’ ability to deliver virtual care, integration with regional entities improved access to personal protective equipment and technological support, and team-based models facilitated the implementation of infection prevention and control protocols. Lastly, larger group practices had capacity to ensure adequate staffing and cover additional costs, allowing FPs more time to devote to patient care. Conclusions Recent primary care system reforms implemented in Canada enhanced FPs’ ability to adapt to the uncertain and evolving environment of providing primary care during the pandemic. Our study highlights the importance of ongoing primary care reforms to enhance pandemic preparedness and advocates for further expansion of these reforms.

Understanding what factors influence women’s participation in forest co-management is vital for effective policy planning and women’s empowerment. The views of women and men from four villages in the Chandpai forest range on what influences women’s participation in forest co-management were gathered qualitatively. Data were collected through focus group discussions (n = 16) and in-depth interviews with key informants (n = 29), and thematically analyzed. The participation of women in forest co-management was mostly influenced by family expectations, then religious and societal norms. Women stated that these expectations constrained their participation, whereas men suggested it was less influential. Men reported that women’s participation was motivated by a sense of responsibility to protect the forest, while women reported that participation was mainly focused on economic security for the family. Activities to increase women’s participation could include training (e.g. forest protection, leadership), awareness campaigns regarding women’s roles, and gender-balanced involvement in household activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past two decades, Canadian provinces and territories have introduced a series of primary care reforms in an attempt to improve access to and quality of primary care services, resulting in diverse organizational structures and practice models. We examine the impact of these reforms on family physicians' (FPs) ability to adapt their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the provision of routine primary care. Methods: As part of a larger case study, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with FPs in four Canadian regions: British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. During the interviews, participants were asked about their personal and practice characteristics, the pandemic-related roles they performed over different stages of the pandemic, the facilitators and barriers they experienced in performing these roles, and potential roles FPs could have filled. Interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis approach was applied to identify recurring themes in the data. Results: Sixty-eight FPs completed an interview across the four regions. Participants described five areas of primary care reform that impacted their ability to operate and provide care during the pandemic: funding models, electronic medical records (EMRs), integration with regional entities, interdisciplinary teams, and practice size. FPs in alternate funding models experienced fewer financial constraints than those in fee-for-service practices. EMR access enhanced FPs' ability to deliver virtual care, integration with regional entities improved access to personal protective equipment and technological support, and team-based models facilitated the implementation of infection prevention and control protocols. Lastly, larger group practices had capacity to ensure adequate staffing and cover additional costs, allowing FPs more time to devote to patient care. Conclusions: Recent primary care system reforms implemented in Canada enhanced FPs' ability to adapt to the uncertain and evolving environment of providing primary care during the pandemic. Our study highlights the importance of ongoing primary care reforms to enhance pandemic preparedness and advocates for further expansion of these reforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Ethnic practices with relation to starter culture reflect a region-specific traditions; therefore, documentation of such knowledge is key to improvise basic understanding as how traditions, cultures, and processes are linked to local dietary systems, food and nutrition security, and social connection. Considering this, the present study aims to investigate the Mising ethnic tribal group, Assam state in Northeast India, with a focus to investigate mode of starter culture making for preparing local beverage along with plant species being used, time of collection, procedure of making starter culture, and how it is preserved. The community maintains an agrarian culture and is closely associated with forest-based natural resources. This group of people consumes various foods prepared from wild plants and crops along with meat and fish. Apong is one of the most important components of their culture, used as a beverage made up of rice by using starter culture locally known as ÉPOP. Detailed process of making of starter culture was documented. A total of 31 plant species varying from 22 families belonging to both flowering and non-flowering plants were recorded used by the community. Eight species also comprised market potential for diverse uses besides being used in starter culture preparation. The source of the collected resources varied from fallow land to forest, with the highest collection concentration in the forest (35.5%), mostly collected in the afternoon (51.61%) to ensure a quality of the plant material. The collected plant materials are mixed with soaked glutinous rice and made into starter cultures of different sizes that have a shelf life of 6 months. The study highlights that use of starter culture is consistent and harmless with distinct flavor and taste that apt to local appetite. Conserving community knowledge on starter culture making, however, requires appropriate policy planning and action line. The investigation not only increases our understanding on local food tradition but also has potential for applications in fermented food industry and thus opens up a new line of research in future.

How do diplomats forecast, analyze and deal with an international crisis? The director of the Analysis and Forecasting Center (CAPS) at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), a sort of in-house think tank in charge of policy planning, describes its missions in terms of decision-making assistance and crisis anticipation. He reveals the types of relationships it has, internally, with diplomats and the decision-makers in foreign policy and, externally, with the world of research and expertise. He is then asked about the impact of two recent large-scale crisis (the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21 and Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine from February 2022) on both the diplomatic activity and the consultancy provided by the CAPS.

Background: The Registration of Births and Deaths Act (RBD) of 1969 in India mandates continuous recording of vital events; however, after more than 50 years of its enactment, universality remains elusive. Birth registration, a fundamental right, is essential for demographic analysis and effective policy planning. Birth registration is closely linked to child development, access to healthcare, and other societal factors. Analysing its trends helps in designing targeted interventions and monitoring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Objectives: This paper aims to analyse the changes in birth registration across Indian states. This paper also examines the impact of institutionalization of births on registration and underscores its significance in policymaking. Methods: The study utilises data from the latest two rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4 & NFHS-5) to analyse birth registration trends in India. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the impact of place of delivery on birth registration. Findings: The comparison of NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 data demonstrates varying birth registration rates across Indian states, with notable progress in some regions and persistent challenges in others. Multivariable logistic regression analysis highlights the significant influence of place of delivery on registration likelihood. The interaction between wealth and place of delivery suggests a mitigating effect, indicating that increasing institutional births has a positive impact on birth registration, with this effect being more pronounced at different levels of household wealth. It highlights that wealthier households were more likely to register births due to the higher rate of institutional deliveries. Conclusion: India’s journey towards universal birth registration under the SDGs presents progress and challenges. NFHS data shows improvements in birth registration, but disparities still persist. Socio-economic status, place of delivery, and maternal education have strong influences on birth registration. Institutional deliveries significantly increase registration likelihood, facilitated by programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana. Integrating birth registration with health services enhances health data accuracy and service delivery. By prioritising targeted interventions, addressing social barriers, and leveraging existing programs, India can ensure that every child’s birth is registered, advancing towards a healthier, more equitable future.

Responding to the Paris Agreement and climate change mitigation, Indonesia aims to reach net zero by 2060 or sooner. Due to Indonesia's dependence on coal and growing consumption, alternative sources of clean energy are imperative for meeting its rising energy needs and reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions to achieve the energy transition. This project aims to examine Indonesia's opportunities and potential to achieve low carbon ambition in the energy sector and identify alternative pathways for the energy transition in Indonesia. In this study, the open-source energy modelling system (OSeMOSYS), which is a long-term energy system modelling tool, is employed to compare electricity generation, investment, and carbon dioxide emissions between business-as-usual and five alternative scenarios. Six scenarios, including business as usual, least-cost, two coal-phrase out and two net zero aligned with national climate targets and optimal scenarios, were simulated across different target years. The results show that the net zero (NZ) scenario is more cost-effective and emits fewer greenhouse gases than the other scenarios in meeting Indonesia's future energy demand. However, achieving net zero by 2050 (NZ50) results in significantly lower CO2 emissions (10,134 MtCO2), which is less than half of the emissions in the net zero by 2060 (NZ60) scenario (16,849 MtCO2) at a similar cost (6229 and 6177 billion USD, respectively). This paper's insights emphasise that large-scale renewable energy deployment and coal retirement are critical pathways to reaching carbon neutrality and achieving the energy mix transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnic practices with relation to starter culture reflect a region-specific traditions; therefore, documentation of such knowledge is key to improvise basic understanding as how traditions, cultures, and processes are linked to local dietary systems, food and nutrition security, and social connection. Considering this, the present study aims to investigate the Mising ethnic tribal group, Assam state in Northeast India, with a focus to investigate mode of starter culture making for preparing local beverage along with plant species being used, time of collection, procedure of making starter culture, and how it is preserved. The community maintains an agrarian culture and is closely associated with forest-based natural resources. This group of people consumes various foods prepared from wild plants and crops along with meat and fish. Apong is one of the most important components of their culture, used as a beverage made up of rice by using starter culture locally known as ÉPOP. Detailed process of making of starter culture was documented. A total of 31 plant species varying from 22 families belonging to both flowering and non-flowering plants were recorded used by the community. Eight species also comprised market potential for diverse uses besides being used in starter culture preparation. The source of the collected resources varied from fallow land to forest, with the highest collection concentration in the forest (35.5%), mostly collected in the afternoon (51.61%) to ensure a quality of the plant material. The collected plant materials are mixed with soaked glutinous rice and made into starter cultures of different sizes that have a shelf life of 6 months. The study highlights that use of starter culture is consistent and harmless with distinct flavor and taste that apt to local appetite. Conserving community knowledge on starter culture making, however, requires appropriate policy planning and action line. The investigation not only increases our understanding on local food tradition but also has potential for applications in fermented food industry and thus opens up a new line of research in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove forests serve various economic, social and environmental benefits and ecotourism in the mangrove forests is recognized as a form of nature tourism which contributes to the conservation of ecosystems and economic development. Our focus is on the sustainable development of mangrove forests and ecotourism of the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. Modeling of mangrove forests and mangrove ecotourism of the Sunderbans for sustainable development is a formidable challenge. This research presents a system dynamics model of mangrove forests and ecotourism of the Sundarbans to address the different policy scenarios for sustainable development. The model has been simulated to address the issues of cutting cycle policy, mangrove plantation policy and the policy for capacity development and tourist promotion for conservation and future restoration of mangrove forests for sustainable ecosystem and economic development and the policy implications have also been addressed to aid policy planning and design for sustainable development of the mangrove ecosystem of the Sundarbans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainties are essential, yet often neglected, information for evaluating the reliability in forest carbon balance projections used in national and regional policy planning. We analysed uncertainties in the forest net biome exchange (NBE) and carbon stocks under multiple management and climate scenarios with a process-based ecosystem model. Sampled forest initial state values, model parameters, harvest levels and global climate models (GCMs) served as inputs in Monte Carlo simulations, which covered forests of the 18 regions of mainland Finland over the period 2015–2050. Under individual scenarios, the results revealed time- and region-dependent variability in the magnitude of uncertainty and mean values of the NBE projections. The main sources of uncertainty varied with time, by region and by the amount of harvested wood. Combinations of uncertainties in the representative concentration pathways scenarios, GCMs, forest initial values and model parameters were the main sources of uncertainty at the beginning, while the harvest scenarios dominated by the end of the simulation period, combined with GCMs and climate scenarios especially in the north. Our regionally explicit uncertainty analysis was found a useful approach to reveal the variability in the regional potentials to reach a policy related, future target level of NBE, which is important information when planning realistic and regionally fair national policy actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a combination of network analysis and descriptive statistics, this study examines the extent to which six important and longstanding policy-oriented nonprofit organizations — foundations, think tanks, and policy-discussion groups — were connected via their directors with the 250 largest corporations in the United States in 1935–1936 and 2010–2011. The results demonstrate that the six nonprofit organizations included in the study were well integrated into corporate networks in both periods, and had an even greater integrative role in 2010–2011 than they did in 1935–1936. This finding supports the hypothesis that policy-oriented nonprofit organizations allow the corporate community to develop proposals, and to reach consensus, on major policy issues. This hypothesis is further supported by an overview of existing studies that illustrate the success of these organizations in shaping policy outcomes on a range of issues. Based on the overall results, the longstanding claim that corporations influence government primarily or solely at the "interest-group" level can be supplemented by the conclusion that policy-oriented nonprofits support a policy-planning process that links the corporate community to government on general issues. In addition, the findings cast doubt on the claim that the corporate community has lost its capacity for policy cohesion in recent decades, due primarily to a "fracturing" caused by a decline in bank centrality. Since general policies have been created within the policy-planning process since at least the mid-1930s, the decline in bank centrality is irrelevant to the corporate community's ability to formulate general policy proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of societies and economies towards climate neutrality is a highly complex multi-sectoral and multi-level challenge. This paper examines the multi-level dimension of climate policy with particular reference to the European legal framework and the example of Germany. It analyses how regional and local governments are engaged and whether, in this regard, the existing arrangements of multi-level climate governance can be considered adequate and effective. In the light of the basic principles of federalism theory and in view of the – failed – German multi-level approaches to energy transition it is concluded, in particular, that federal climate governance must build not only on European and national objectives but also on regional and local climate targets and policy planning schemes as a means of both ensuring sufficient transformation efforts and preserving as much autonomy as possible for regional and local communities.

Policymakers have structured legislation and set targets to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and the deployment of charging stations. As questions arise on how to expand the electric vehicle infrastructure, advanced computational models are attempting to quantify the future placement of charging stations. These models, however, do not necessarily incorporate the variability of user behavior as a subgroup of consumer behavior, as this information is not well-understood. This paper explores a state-wide network of 68 public charging stations' data representing 58,273 charging events to determine users' charging patterns. The methodological approach applied k -means clustering with Minkowski embedded distances to distinguish unique charging subgroups from 608 frequent users. The results indicate four user types: convenient (n = 319, 53%), gradual (n = 147, 24%), anxious (n = 104, 17%), and urgent (n = 38, 6%). Quantifying these users' unique patterns supports the human variability knowledge required for more comprehensive and holistic models of electric vehicle charging station placement. More broadly, these results support the user-centric design of public charging infrastructure, which assists in reducing the electric vehicle adoption threshold in the long run and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable transportation system. • Lack of user data has hindered a user-centric EV charging infrastructure design. • Results show four user charging behaviors of a statewide EV charging network. • Anxious charging, affected by range anxiety, is not the primary user group. • Charging stations' siting should include users' variability in charging behavior. • Applying this framework benefits policymakers, vehicle and battery manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our paper aims to analyze the tendencies of population dynamics in the area of the Romanian Carpathians, as well as the factors and spatial processes that can explain the disparities, discontinuities and tensions of demographic evolution. Starting from the hypothesis of an existing set of well-known particularities of the three areas of the Romanian Carpathians (Eastern, Southern and Western), in close connection with the specific manner of using natural and human resources of each area, the main objective of our study is to pinpoint the significant aspects of depopulation and population redistribution. The database was established resorting to censuses from 1912 to the present time. Coupled with a typology of population evolution, a regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between population size changes through time and other variables. The results highlight the contrast between the sustained dynamic in the first part of our study period and the subsequent decline, particularly in the case of establishments specialized in industrial extraction activities. Despite all this, clear signs and tendencies of revitalization and dynamism can be observed, especially where urban and rural settlements are well adapted to the natural environment and can benefit from a significant tourism potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Despite well-documented increased demands and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) during previous disease outbreaks, health systems in Canada were poorly prepared to meet the need for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the primary care sector, PPE shortages impacted the delivery of health services and contributed to increased workload, fear, and anxiety among primary care providers. This study examines family physicians’ (FPs) response to PPE shortages during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform future pandemic planning. Methods As part of a multiple case study, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with FPs across four regions in Canada. During the interviews, FPs were asked to describe the pandemic-related roles they performed over different stages of the pandemic, facilitators and barriers they experienced in performing these roles, and potential roles they could have filled. Interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis approach was employed to identify recurring themes. For the current study, we examined themes related to PPE. Results A total of 68 FPs were interviewed across the four regions. Four overarching themes were identified: 1) factors associated with good PPE access, 2) managing PPE shortages, 3) impact of PPE shortages on practice and providers, and 4) symbolism of PPE in primary care. There was a wide discrepancy in access to PPE both within and across regions, and integration with hospital or regional health authorities often resulted in better access than community-based practices. When PPE was limited, FPs described rationing and reusing these resources in an effort to conserve, which often resulted in anxiety and personal safety concerns. Many FPs expressed that PPE shortages had come to symbolize neglect and a lack of concern for the primary care sector in the pandemic response. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic response, hospital-centric plans and a lack of prioritization for primary care led to shortages of PPE for family physicians. This study highlights the need to consider primary care in PPE conservation and allocation strategies and to examine the influence of the underlying organization of primary care on PPE distribution during the pandemic.

The transformation of societies and economies towards climate neutrality is a highly complex multi-sectoral and multi-level challenge. This paper examines the multi-level dimension of climate policy with particular reference to the European legal framework and the example of Germany. It analyses how regional and local governments are engaged and whether, in this regard, the existing arrangements of multi-level climate governance can be considered adequate and effective. In the light of the basic principles of federalism theory and in view of the - failed - German multi-level approaches to energy transition it is concluded, in particular, that federal climate governance must build not only on European and national objectives but also on regional and local climate targets and policy planning schemes as a means of both ensuring sufficient transformation efforts and preserving as much autonomy as possible for regional and local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background To positively impact the social determinants of health, disabled people need to contribute to policy planning and programme development. However, they report barriers to engaging meaningfully in consultation processes. Additionally, their recommendations may not be articulated in ways that policy planners can readily use. This gap contributes to health outcome inequities. Participatory co-production methods have the potential to improve policy responsiveness. This research will use innovative methods to generate tools for co-producing knowledge in health-related policy areas, empowering disabled people to articulate experience, expertise and insights promoting equitable health policy and programme development within Aotearoa New Zealand. To develop these methods, as an exemplar, we will partner with both tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people to co-produce policy recommendations around housing and home (kāinga)—developing a nuanced understanding of the contexts in which disabled people can access and maintain kāinga meeting their needs and aspirations. Methods Participatory co-production methods with disabled people, embedded within a realist methodological approach, will develop theories on how best to co-produce and effectively articulate knowledge to address equitable health-related policy and programme development—considering what works for whom under what conditions. Theory-building workshops (Phase 1) and qualitative surveys (Phase 2) will explore contexts and resources (i.e., at individual, social and environmental levels) supporting them to access and maintain kāinga that best meets their needs and aspirations. In Phase 3, a realist review with embedded co-production workshops will synthesise evidence and co-produce knowledge from published literature and non-published reports. Finally, in Phase 4, co-produced knowledge from all phases will be synthesised to develop two key research outputs: housing policy recommendations and innovative co-production methods and tools empowering disabled people to create, synthesise and articulate knowledge to planners of health-related policy. Discussion This research will develop participatory co-production methods and tools to support future creation, synthesis and articulation of the knowledge and experiences of disabled people, contributing to policies that positively impact their social determinants of health.

Background: Despite well-documented increased demands and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) during previous disease outbreaks, health systems in Canada were poorly prepared to meet the need for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the primary care sector, PPE shortages impacted the delivery of health services and contributed to increased workload, fear, and anxiety among primary care providers. This study examines family physicians' (FPs) response to PPE shortages during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform future pandemic planning. Methods: As part of a multiple case study, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with FPs across four regions in Canada. During the interviews, FPs were asked to describe the pandemic-related roles they performed over different stages of the pandemic, facilitators and barriers they experienced in performing these roles, and potential roles they could have filled. Interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis approach was employed to identify recurring themes. For the current study, we examined themes related to PPE. Results: A total of 68 FPs were interviewed across the four regions. Four overarching themes were identified: 1) factors associated with good PPE access, 2) managing PPE shortages, 3) impact of PPE shortages on practice and providers, and 4) symbolism of PPE in primary care. There was a wide discrepancy in access to PPE both within and across regions, and integration with hospital or regional health authorities often resulted in better access than community-based practices. When PPE was limited, FPs described rationing and reusing these resources in an effort to conserve, which often resulted in anxiety and personal safety concerns. Many FPs expressed that PPE shortages had come to symbolize neglect and a lack of concern for the primary care sector in the pandemic response. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic response, hospital-centric plans and a lack of prioritization for primary care led to shortages of PPE for family physicians. This study highlights the need to consider primary care in PPE conservation and allocation strategies and to examine the influence of the underlying organization of primary care on PPE distribution during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the climatic events that threaten water availability, food security, and local livelihoods in semi-arid areas. Whilst studies have evolved on the impacts of climate change on humanity, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, limited scholarly insight exists on the impacts of specific climatic stressors and shocks and how residents respond to such. This study contributes to climate change policy planning debates by analysing the trends, impacts and local responses to drought drawing on household questionnaires, participatory field observations, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The CUSUM and Mann-Kendall tests were used to analyse weather data (rainfall and temperature) to establish their trends. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was used to determine drought occurrences and intensities. The results showed significant variation: rise and decline in temperature and rainfall over the years. The SPI (range from -0.01 to -2.8) indicated extreme, severe, moderate, and mild drought (mild (73%) being the notorious) event that instigated crop failure, drying of water sources, loss of pasture, food shortages, high prices of foodstuffs, malnutrition, water scarcity, and health problems and loss of livestock. Households responded by utilizing crop residues and tree branches as fodder for livestock, reducing the number of times households eat, and changing crop varieties and planting dates. This study argues that considering the geographical variation of climatic shocks and stressors, a focus on the specific climatic event may offer the possibility for an in-depth understanding of its impacts on local residents, and useful for engendering climate planning policy intervention in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Responding to the Paris Agreement and climate change mitigation, Indonesia aims to reach net zero by 2060 or sooner. Due to Indonesia’s dependence on coal and growing consumption, alternative sources of clean energy are imperative for meeting its rising energy needs and reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions to achieve the energy transition. This project aims to examine Indonesia’s opportunities and potential to achieve low carbon ambition in the energy sector and identify alternative pathways for the energy transition in Indonesia. In this study, the open-source energy modelling system (OSeMOSYS), which is a long-term energy system modelling tool, is employed to compare electricity generation, investment, and carbon dioxide emissions between business-as-usual and five alternative scenarios. Six scenarios, including business as usual, least-cost, two coal-phrase out and two net zero aligned with national climate targets and optimal scenarios, were simulated across different target years. The results show that the net zero (NZ) scenario is more cost-effective and emits fewer greenhouse gases than the other scenarios in meeting Indonesia’s future energy demand. However, achieving net zero by 2050 (NZ50) results in significantly lower CO2 emissions (10,134 MtCO2), which is less than half of the emissions in the net zero by 2060 (NZ60) scenario (16,849 MtCO2) at a similar cost (6229 and 6177 billion USD, respectively). This paper’s insights emphasise that large-scale renewable energy deployment and coal retirement are critical pathways to reaching carbon neutrality and achieving the energy mix transition.

In South Africa, government relies significantly on NGOs in the delivery of social services (Patel, L. 2012. “Developmental Social Policy, Social Welfare Services and the Non‐Profit Sector in South Africa.” Social Policy & Administration 46 (6): 603–18). The services NGOs provide in areas such as early childhood development, education, health care, skills development, food security, elder care, and other arenas form part of South Africa’s framework for achieving its long-term development goals. Also aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this government-NGO shared vision for development highlights the importance of NGOs in the development ecosystem. At the policy level, government explicitly refers to NGOs as stakeholders and development partners. However, at the level of practice, questions remain about NGOs’ participation in planning for the development to which they so significantly contribute, and the extent of NGOs’ role in increasing participation in democratic processes. In an effort to better understand whether NGOs adequately participate in development planning processes in South Africa, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 73 participants, including NGO leaders and relevant key informants from national, provincial and municipal levels of government. The interview data were supplemented with content analysis of government documents. In spite of the fact that NGOs’ involvement in development planning is explained by the state as a good governance principle ensuring meaningful participation of stakeholders (Republic of South Africa: Department of Social Development 2017, United Nations Development Programme 2011), the research findings suggest that NGOs’ participation in the development planning process is deficient. This deficiency stems from institutional and policy issues including the lack of a framework for participation, government’s perception of NGOs and neglect of the NGO sector, and political issues such as partisan political activity in spaces of participation and engagement. The democratic potential of NGO participation is also hindered by organizational issues relating to the amorphous nature of the NGO sector, apathy of NGOs and a fragmented NGO sector.

Our paper aims to analyze the tendencies of population dynamics in the area of the Romanian Carpathians, as well as the factors and spatial processes that can explain the disparities, discontinuities and tensions of demographic evolution. Starting from the hypothesis of an existing set of well-known particularities of the three areas of the Romanian Carpathians (Eastern, Southern and Western), in close connection with the specific manner of using natural and human resources of each area, the main objective of our study is to pinpoint the significant aspects of depopulation and population redistribution. The database was established resorting to censuses from 1912 to the present time. Coupled with a typology of population evolution, a regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between population size changes through time and other variables. The results highlight the contrast between the sustained dynamic in the first part of our study period and the subsequent decline, particularly in the case of establishments specialized in industrial extraction activities. Despite all this, clear signs and tendencies of revitalization and dynamism can be observed, especially where urban and rural settlements are well adapted to the natural environment and can benefit from a significant tourism potential.

Background: To positively impact the social determinants of health, disabled people need to contribute to policy planning and programme development. However, they report barriers to engaging meaningfully in consultation processes. Additionally, their recommendations may not be articulated in ways that policy planners can readily use. This gap contributes to health outcome inequities. Participatory co-production methods have the potential to improve policy responsiveness. This research will use innovative methods to generate tools for co-producing knowledge in health-related policy areas, empowering disabled people to articulate experience, expertise and insights promoting equitable health policy and programme development within Aotearoa New Zealand. To develop these methods, as an exemplar, we will partner with both tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people to co-produce policy recommendations around housing and home (kāinga)-developing a nuanced understanding of the contexts in which disabled people can access and maintain kāinga meeting their needs and aspirations.Methods: Participatory co-production methods with disabled people, embedded within a realist methodological approach, will develop theories on how best to co-produce and effectively articulate knowledge to address equitable health-related policy and programme development-considering what works for whom under what conditions. Theory-building workshops (Phase 1) and qualitative surveys (Phase 2) will explore contexts and resources (i.e., at individual, social and environmental levels) supporting them to access and maintain kāinga that best meets their needs and aspirations. In Phase 3, a realist review with embedded co-production workshops will synthesise evidence and co-produce knowledge from published literature and non-published reports. Finally, in Phase 4, co-produced knowledge from all phases will be synthesised to develop two key research outputs: housing policy recommendations and innovative co-production methods and tools empowering disabled people to create, synthesise and articulate knowledge to planners of health-related policy.Discussion: This research will develop participatory co-production methods and tools to support future creation, synthesis and articulation of the knowledge and experiences of disabled people, contributing to policies that positively impact their social determinants of health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Registration of Births and Deaths Act (RBD) of 1969 in India mandates continuous recording of vital events; however, after more than 50 years of its enactment, universality remains elusive. Birth registration, a fundamental right, is essential for demographic analysis and effective policy planning. Birth registration is closely linked to child development, access to healthcare, and other societal factors. Analysing its trends helps in designing targeted interventions and monitoring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Objectives: This paper aims to analyse the changes in birth registration across Indian states. This paper also examines the impact of institutionalization of births on registration and underscores its significance in policymaking. Methods: The study utilises data from the latest two rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4 & NFHS-5) to analyse birth registration trends in India. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the impact of place of delivery on birth registration. Findings: The comparison of NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 data demonstrates varying birth registration rates across Indian states, with notable progress in some regions and persistent challenges in others. Multivariable logistic regression analysis highlights the significant influence of place of delivery on registration likelihood. The interaction between wealth and place of delivery suggests a mitigating effect, indicating that increasing institutional births has a positive impact on birth registration, with this effect being more pronounced at different levels of household wealth. It highlights that wealthier households were more likely to register births due to the higher rate of institutional deliveries. Conclusion: India's journey towards universal birth registration under the SDGs presents progress and challenges. NFHS data shows improvements in birth registration, but disparities still persist. Socio-economic status, place of delivery, and maternal education have strong influences on birth registration. Institutional deliveries significantly increase registration likelihood, facilitated by programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana. Integrating birth registration with health services enhances health data accuracy and service delivery. By prioritising targeted interventions, addressing social barriers, and leveraging existing programs, India can ensure that every child's birth is registered, advancing towards a healthier, more equitable future., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare. All views are personal., (Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s).)

We believe that skills based education could provide a wayforward to sustainable development for the country. It is a hopeful scenario that more than 60% of the population of Pakistan is less than 30 years of age and almost half of them is under 15 years of age. It is important for the policy makers and planners to learn from the societies where human resource development is integrated in educational planning at secondary and higher secondary schools level. The paper at hand presents the policy analysis part of a bigger study which was conducted for proposing changes in the current policies and practices of technical and vocational education in Pakistan. To fulfill this purpose three of best models of technical and vocational education were reviewed and a comparative analysis was conducted to identify the adaptable policy measures in Pakistan. The three models reviewed and compared were of Germany, Switzerland and South Korea. This paper presents analysis of policies in the three aforementioned countries including the implementation strategy proposed; as well as lessons learned for improving the policy of technical and vocational education in Pakistan. This article is based on one part of a larger study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined with the contents of nutrition-oriented agriculture and functional food advocated by the world,the concept of “functional wheat variety” was put forward for the first time in this paper,which was defined as “containing healthy ingredients,regulating of beneficial metabolism,meeting special needs to the certain group of patients and serving as a daily non-toxic side effect food with normal taste”.With the epidemic virus warning and the social demand that people dietary change from “full” and “good” to“healthy” after China enters the post-industrial era,the breeding goal of cultivating “functional wheat varieties” was proposed after “high-yield varieties” and “high-quality varieties”.Based on the results of long-term research on starch,protein,esters and other components,this article introduced new functional wheat varieties (lines) with “Glycine”,“High pigment”,“High resistant starch”,“Zinc-rich”,“Low gliadin”and “Low phytic acid” characteristics.According to the “healthy China 2030” plan and other national strategies,the development prospect of “the cultivation of functional varieties is the key foundation to solve the problem of” sticking neck “of China’s functional food,a kind of functional variety can form a kind of functional food,a variety of functional varieties can form China’s functional flour products industry,and promote the development of China’s entire food industry” was carried out.As the stability and reliability of functional varieties and related food is the “lifeline” of products and markets,specific suggestions were put forward from the height of being responsible for consumers in the areas of functional crop varieties such as establishment of functional ingredient testing institutions,formulation of national standards or commercial sign for varieties-derived foods,construction of the commercial marks of functional food and functional crop varieties and so on,to ensure the healthy development of functional crop varieties and related food in China.

Ensuring sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns is an important task for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12 by 2030. To facilitate international and domestic collaboration toward regional SCP, we developed a collaborative workshop method to generate and structure ideas about consumption and production (CP) patterns and employed the procedures for emerging Southeast Asian countries at workshops in Japan and Thailand. The main focus was on Bangkok, and the goal was to identify the implications of SCP policies. The structuring of seventeen SCP patterns chosen from 525 CP patterns generated at the workshops helped to identify the important influential factors, policy interventions, and features of probable SCP patterns. The main conclusions were the following: (1) The viewpoints of consumers and providers are important for idea generation. The products and services, as well as the systems of CP patterns, should be targeted; (2) Transition, improvement of the quality of life, and digitalization are also key directions of SCP patterns in Bangkok; (3) Culture, infrastructure, and industry are major considerations for regional SCP policy; and (4) SCP policy instruments are broader than conventional environmental policy instruments, and expanding the scope of SCP policy should be discussed more widely, especially in Asian countries.

The research aims to elaborate strategic dimensions in collaborative planning as the carrying capacity of government action in the success of sustainable tourism development policies. The criticism of the government's dominance in the tourism sector has marginalized the community and gave rise to psudo democracy. The research method uses descriptive qualitative, located in Pekon Wisata Teluk Kiluan, Tanggamus Regency. Indonesia. Data collection by interview, observation, and documentation study. The analysis uses a collaborative governance model. The results of the study elaborate on the strategic dimensions of collaborative governance in the form of participation, equality and community competence that require policy correction and a strategic part in tourism sustainability. Several supporting factors such as local culture, community education level, government dynamics in responding to change, deliberations for planning and regional development are useful in improving decision making in public policy.

Ensuring sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns is an important task for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12 by 2030. To facilitate international and domestic collaboration toward regional SCP, we developed a collaborative workshop method to generate and structure ideas about consumption and production (CP) patterns and employed the procedures for emerging Southeast Asian countries at workshops in Japan and Thailand. The main focus was on Bangkok, and the goal was to identify the implications of SCP policies. The structuring of seventeen SCP patterns chosen from 525 CP patterns generated at the workshops helped to identify the important influential factors, policy interventions, and features of probable SCP patterns. The main conclusions were the following: (1) The viewpoints of consumers and providers are important for idea generation. The products and services, as well as the systems of CP patterns, should be targeted; (2) Transition, improvement of the quality of life, and digitalization are also key directions of SCP patterns in Bangkok; (3) Culture, infrastructure, and industry are major considerations for regional SCP policy; and (4) SCP policy instruments are broader than conventional environmental policy instruments, and expanding the scope of SCP policy should be discussed more widely, especially in Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to explore the potential association between public opinions of gambling policies, gambling behavior status, and demographics among 15–74-year-old Finns. We used data from the nationwide cross-sectional Finnish Gambling Survey (n = 4515, response rate 62%). Policy topics examined included views about (i) the prevailing gambling monopoly, (ii) gambling advertising, and (iii) placement of electronic gambling machines (EGMs). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The prevailing Finnish gambling monopoly system enjoyed considerable support among all respondents. The views of problem gamblers and non-gamblers were similar; compared to other groups, individuals in these groups supported stricter policies regarding gambling advertising and the placement of EGMs. The findings provide an insight into differing opinions on gambling policy topics across subgroups of the population. Policymakers may benefit from these results when planning and implementing stricter gambling policies in order to reduce the harm gambling causes to society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Policy planning has a long history in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs around the world. This article provides an overview of almost 70 years of this technique in Brazil's Ministry of External Relations (Itamaraty). I will argue that there has been a clear trade-off between predicting, preaching, disrupting and managing. Despite its failures, planning has been an important tool for coping with uncertainty and has provided coherence in foreign policy-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the twentieth century, with the rise of global deindustrialization, many traditional industrial areas in China have declined. Because of changes in function, a land transformation problem has occurred in the rust belts of cities. However, as the basis of industrial structure adjustment and development, the function and type of urban land are constantly altered according to the current urban development situation. In this study we selected a typical case of land re-development in the rust belt in the riverside area of the Yangpu district, Shanghai and comprehensively analyzed the current situation, effectiveness, and basic process of land redevelopment in the rust belt area using field visits. The results revealed that the common problems in land re-development in this area include a lack of integration of traditional and high-tech industries, industrial functions not being distinct, weak supporting service functions, high cost of land acquisition and storage, and insufficient funds for policy implementation. On this basis, general countermeasures to promote land re-development in rust belts were proposed. They include formulation of clear planning policies by the government to provide security, encourage participation and cooperation among multiple subjects for the land re-development process, consider the interests of all parties, and improve the land transfer system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The renewable portfolio standard (RPS), a national policy tool to encourage the progress of renewable energy (RE), aids in the optimization of China's energy structure and the achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality objectives. However, each province's implementation impact varies during the policy-implementation process, and various factors influence the implementation impact. So, this paper constructs a multi-market coupled system dynamics model of the power market, consumption above quota (CAQ) market, and tradeable green certificate (TGC) market to analyze the inner action mechanism of RE consumption and provide policy planning for effectively promoting RPS implementation. The results show that (1) Appropriately raising the RPS quota goal or accelerating the development of RE technology or raising the benchmark price of TGC all promote the growth of installed RE capacity and RE development. (2) Increasing RPS quota targets or fines can stimulate market consumption demand while achieving responsibility for consumption, effectively promoting CAQ and TGC market transactions and further promoting RE consumption. (3) Simultaneously raising the RE quota targets, accelerating the development of RE technologies, and standardizing the management of TGC's benchmark prices would be more conducive to promoting the consumption of RE electricity and advancing the development of RE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on unique Indigenous advantages for people living in remote areas, this study offers insights for innovative land-based economic opportunities across northern Australia. These advantages—outside the mainstream economics—include peoples’ abilities to manage land and knowledge of ecosystems, culture, traditions/ceremonies which directly contribute towards peoples’ health, social relations, provisioning of a safe and secure environment, and learning constituents of well-being. To demonstrate, two representative remote communities, Maningrida and Borroloola in the Northern Territory, are used for revealing uncaptured, but valid, opportunities which, if realized, could help enhance Indigenous well-being—a much-needed agenda for the Australian Government. Moreover, innovative land-based opportunities will potentially save ~$49million/yr of government’s welfare costs. This study offers a detailed analysis of the existing socio-economic situation of the selected communities, outlines potential land-based economic opportunities, and advocates for a shift in policy planning from viewing remote communities as a problem to realising advantages of their unique prospects to develop the north. Applying an integrated approach to Indigenous development for supporting new economies can lead to diversification of north’s land sector which to date has been predominantly used for beef production causing threats to fragile ecosystems and hence their services to people living in the area.

The main objective of the study is to analyse how the public policies in the area of social assistance are planned and evaluated in Romania. The first part of the study presents how the social assistance policies have been integrated into the social inclusion strategies, in a in try to identify the main priorities, as well as the way in which the strategic measures have been implemented in five key areas: broadening and development of public social assistance system, professionalisation of public social assistance services, connections between strategic strands in social assistance, social assistance financing, and monitoring and evaluation of social assistance system. The analysis is done in a broader context of planning an evaluation of public policies in Romania, a relatively new practice adopted by the public administration. The study underlines the state of the social assistance system from the perspective of each above mentioned area and tries to identify the main results of the implementation of the strategies. The available data shows that despite that, starting with 2002, the strategies from social inclusion area have included specific measures for social assistance, the results are modest, particularly in the area of community services, which has negative consequences on the capacity of the entire system to provide support for those in need. The public local social assistance services have a low rate of professionalisation, being weakly integrated into the county services system, which might generate an increase cost of the services, rather aiming to diminish the effects of the social problems than to prevent them. The social assistance remains marginalised, the previous achievements being rather a result of some incidental or particular investments, without a clearly defined vision about the role of public social assistance system.

The article describes the two-sector planned-market economy (TSPME), in which coordination and management of enterprises (companies) are carried out with the help of state policy planning and market self-regulation.

To begin with, we should be clear that “urban planning and development” is not a single subject, but have, in fact, a tense and awkward relationship despite being implicitly merged in the theme of this issue of the Berkeley Planning Journal. Leaving aside Richard Florida’s rather superficial analysis of such issues, David Harvey certainly does not look to planning as a source of the economic crisis; he might argue it is the lack of publicly- oriented planning that has permitted development to metastasize within the economic system, setting off the present crisis. Planning is hardly an independent force in urban development; our long history shows how dependent, indeed generally subservient, planning is to the market, barely influencing it at the margin. “The market” is not considered an actor, and we avoid facing reality when we glibly speak of “the market” doing this or requiring that. There are specific actors in the market: developers, builders, bankers, Wall Street traders, investors, residents of various kinds, marketing firms, tenants and owners, and of varying economic positions, of various ethnicities, with various preferences. All significantly influence and are influenced by public portrayals of what is desirable (and what is not desirable) in cities. These actors do interact in the market, but they are present in government, in the media, educational institutions. (What do we teach, and what do we assume in our teaching?) Today, whether developers are more active in the market than in influencing governmental decisions is a toss-up; they operate both in the private and in the public sphere. In the public sphere these stakeholders are a more decisive force than are planners (i.e. planners working in the public interest).

Global/national policy planning is guided by economic methods and predictions of growth, where indicators of success are measured according to a dominant view of progress and sustainable development. Yet, despite widespread ratification of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Peoples remain unrepresented in this dominant view. The structural and historical forces informing global policy thus inadvertently produce a pathway of development that is characterized by political, economic, and social exclusion where Indigenous Peoples' agency, heritage, and culture remain marginalized. I argue that socio-cultural nuance ("the complete story") is critical to policy planning if we are to honor the principal aim of the Sustainable Development Goals - "leave no-one behind". This and other policy frameworks need an approach that is neither framed by Eurocentric objectives nor bound by measurable indicators. This requires consideration of Indigenous Worldviews in a way that mediates diverse social, economic, and political factors. In this chapter, I examine the limitations in current policy consultation practice, with a specific focus on the extractive industries sector, and examine the ways in which engagement with Indigenous Peoples' "complete story" might inform policy in the pursuit of a sustainable development that leaves no-one behind and creates a bridge between dominant and marginalized forms of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]