scholarly journals The Synthetic Opioid Epidemic: A Study Protocol to Determine Whether People Who Use Drugs Can Influence or Shape Public Opinion via Mass Media

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan Jozaghi ◽  
VANDU Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users
Keyword(s):  
Mass Media ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Drug Overdose ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Community Action ◽  
People Who Use Drugs ◽  
Area Network ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Policy Makers

Abstract BackgroundWe are currently witnessing an ongoing drug overdose death epidemic in many nations linked to the distribution of illegally manufactured potent synthetic opioids. While many health policy makers and researchers have focused on the root causes and possible solutions to the current crisis, there has been little focus on the power of advocacy and community action by people who use drugs (PWUDs). Specifically, there has been no research on the role of PWUDs in engaging and influencing mass media opinion.MethodsBy relying on one of the longest and largest peer-run drug user advocacy groups in the world, the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU), newspaper articles, television reports, and magazines that VANDU or its members have been directly involved in will be identified via two data bases (the Canadian Newsstream & Google News). The news articles and videos related to the health of PWUDs and issues affecting PWUDs from 1997 to the end of 2020 will be analyzed qualitatively using Nvivo software.ResultsNot Applicable because it is a study protocol and data has not been collected and analyzed. ConclusionAs our communities are entering another phase of the drug overdose epidemic, acknowledging and partnering with PWUDs could play an integral part in advancing the goals of harm reduction, treatment, and human rights. Trial registrationNot applicable because it uses secondary data.

scholarly journals The drug war must end: The right to life, liberty and security of the person during the COVID-19 pandemic for people who use drugs

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Russ Maynard ◽  
◽  
Ehsan Jozaghi ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
People Who Use Drugs ◽  
Area Network ◽  
Controlled Drugs ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Right ◽  
Overdose Deaths

AbstractSince the start of the opioid epidemic in 2016, the Downtown Eastside community of Vancouver, Canada, has lost many pioneering leaders, activists and visionaries to the war on drugs. The Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU), the Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society (WAHRS), and the British Columbia Association People on Opiate Maintenance (BCAPOM) are truly concerned about the increasing overdose deaths that have continued since 2016 and have been exacerbated by the novel coronavirus (SARS-COVID-19) despite many unique and timely harm reduction announcements by the British Columbia (B.C.) government. Some of these unique interventions in B.C., although in many cases only mere announcements with limited scope, are based on the philosophy of safe supply to illegal street drugs. Despite all the efforts during the pandemic, overdose deaths have spiked by over 100% compared to the previous year. Therefore, we urge the Canadian federal government, specifically the Honorable Patty Hajdu, the federal Minister of Health, to decriminalize simple possession immediately by granting exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The Canadian federal government has a moral obligation under Sect. 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to protect the basic human rights of marginalized Canadians.

Penguatan Wilayah Perbatasan: Studi Kasus Pulau Sebatik Kabupaten Nunukan Provinsi Kalimantan Timur

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Baskoro Wicaksono
Keyword(s):  
Central Government ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Public ◽  
East Kalimantan ◽  
Border Policy

This study describes the border management policy conducted by the central government, provinceof East Kalimantan and Nunukan. Policies such as the establishment of regulatory, institutionalstrengthening, programs and infrastructure development. The policy is getting good responsefrom the elite and the masses. On the other hand policy makers have expectations of localcommunities border synergism Sebatik Island in order to build and develop the border areas so asto break the chain of dependence on Malaysia. The research was conducted in Sebatik Island,East Kalimantan province Nunukan with the formulation of the problem (a) what policies areoriented to maintain borders, (b) How is the public response to government policy, (c) What areyour expectations of policy makers in local communities to regional border. This study usedqualitative methods to phenomenological research strategy. Techniques of data collection in thisstudy using two ways, namely in-depth interviews and secondary data view Results indicate thatthe existing policy of both the central and provincial to district borders do not solve the problembecause it is made on the island of Sebatik with other border regions. The policy does not includelocal knowledge, where it is desperately needed by the people Sebatik. In addition to policies onprograms and infrastructure development of the center, the district adopted a policy of inactionagainst the illegal cross-border trade, which on the one hand against the rules but if enforced thenpeople can not perform economic activities that impact well-being. Policies like this gets a positiveresponse from the public. Expectations for the future border policy is to load local content orlocal knowledge.Keyword: border policy, local knowledge, dependent relationship

An Analysis of the Link between Water Infrastructure Financing and Water Provision South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3(J)) ◽  
pp. 74-83
Author(s):  
Lerato C. Bapela ◽  
Collins C. Ngwakwe ◽  
Mokoko P. Sebola
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
P Value ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Water Infrastructure ◽  
Control Variables ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Infrastructure Finance ◽  
Water Provision

This paper evaluated the relationship between water infrastructure financing and water provision in South Africa. The research followed a quantitative research design; secondary data for water infrastructure financing and water provision in South Africa was obtained from the Trans - Caledon Tunneling Agency (TCTA) and the World Bank for the period 1994 - 2014 . The regression results indicated two separate findings which offers unique contribution to the current literature; results from water asset finance as a single independent variable on water provision showed a significant relationship. However, an addition of two control variables , corruption and violence, neutralised the effectiveness of water asset finance on water provision to the extent that water asset finance became less significant with a P value of 0.05. The paper makes a nuance contribution from the findings, which specifically is that finance alone may not deliver target water provision if corruption and violence is left unbridled. The paper thus recommends the need for public policy makers to control the rate of corruption and violence to enable effective application of water infrastructure finance in water provision. The paper also recommends the need for further research on other government departments to integrate corruption and violence as control variables. 

scholarly journals Small firms and the COVID-19 insolvency gap

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Oliver Dörr ◽  
Georg Licht ◽  
Simona Murmann
Keyword(s):  
Financial Distress ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
English Summary ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Policy Response ◽  
Special Role ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Large Wave ◽  
Using Data

AbstractCOVID-19 placed a special role on fiscal policy in rescuing companies short of liquidity from insolvency. In the first months of the crisis, SMEs as the backbone of Germany’s economy benefited from large and mainly indiscriminate aid measures. Avoiding business failures in a whatever-it-takes fashion contrasts, however, with the cleansing mechanism of economic crises: a mechanism which forces unviable firms out of the market, thereby reallocating resources efficiently. By focusing on firms’ pre-crisis financial standing, we estimate the extent to which the policy response induced an insolvency gap and analyze whether the gap is characterized by firms which were already struggling before the pandemic. With the policy measures being focused on smaller firms, we also examine whether this insolvency gap differs with respect to firm size. Our results show that the COVID-19 policy response in Germany has triggered a backlog of insolvencies that is particularly pronounced among financially weak, small firms, having potential long-term implications on entrepreneurship and economic recovery.Plain English Summary This study analyzes the extent to which the strong policy support to companies in the early phase of the COVID-19 crisis has prevented a large wave of corporate insolvencies. Using data of about 1.5 million German companies, it is shown that it was mainly smaller firms that experienced strong financial distress and would have gone bankrupt without policy assistance. In times of crises, insolvencies usually allow for a reallocation of employees and capital to more efficient firms. However, the analysis reveals that this ‘cleansing effect’ is hampered in the current crisis as the largely indiscriminate granting of liquidity subsidies and the temporary suspension of the duty to file for insolvency have caused an insolvency gap that is driven by firms which were already in a weak financial position before the crisis. Overall, the insolvency gap is estimated to affect around 25,000 companies, a substantial number compared to the around 16,300 actual insolvencies in 2020. In the ongoing crisis, policy makers should prefer instruments favoring entrepreneurs who respond innovatively to the pandemic instead of prolonging the survival of near-insolvent firms.

scholarly journals The Deterministic Evolution Of Illicit Drug Consumption Within a Given Population

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 139-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusra Bibi Ruhomally ◽  
Nabeelah Banon Jahmeerbaccus ◽  
Muhammad Zaid Dauhoo
Keyword(s):  
Drug Users ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Drug Consumption ◽  
Dynamic Evolution ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Epidemic Threshold ◽  
Drug Usage ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Reproduction Numbers

We study the NERA model that describes the dynamic evolution of illicit drug usage in a population. The model consists of nonusers (N) and three categories of drug users: the experimental (E) category, the recreational (R) category and the addict (A) category. Two epidemic threshold term known as the reproduction numbers, R0 and μ are defined and derived. Sensitivity analysis of R0 on the parameters are performed in order to determine their relative importance to illicit drug prevalence. The local and global stability of the equilibrium states are also analysed. We also prove that a transcritical bifurcation occurs at R0 = 1. It is shown that an effective campaign of prevention can help to fight against the prevalence of illicit drug consumption. We demonstrate persistence when R0 > 1 and conditions for the extinction of drug consumption are also established. Numerical simulations are performed to verify our model. Our results show that the NERA model can assist policy makers in targeting prevention for maximum effectiveness and can be used to adopt evidence-based policies to better monitor and quantify drug use trends.

Measures of success for self-employed mothers in Spain

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Gabaldon ◽  
Celia De Anca ◽  
Concepcion Galdón
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Financial Indicators ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Employed Mothers ◽  
Time Use Survey ◽  
Alternative Measures

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate alternative measures to better understand and measure success for self-employed mothers in addition to the usual financial indicators. Design/methodology/approach – The present study is a comparative analysis of time spent at work and undertaking childcare by female workers with children in Spain between 2009 and 2010, using a combination of descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis based on the Time-Use Survey 2009-2010. Findings – The results of the paper indicate that self-employed working mothers tend to spend more time with their children when these are under the age of ten, and that they work longer hours than salaried mothers. Research limitations/implications – This paper has some limitations due to the quantitative approach to secondary data. Further qualitative research could clarify some of the findings; moreover the study is based on Spain, so extending to other countries would help validate the results. Social implications – Policy makers, in general – but more specifically in high unemployment scenarios – can facilitate self-employment for both men and women to reduce unemployment and to offer workers the prospect of a more balanced life. Originality/value – This research contributes to the existing literature, which fosters a more holistic approach to the analysis of female-run ventures by measuring performance using not only economic indicators, but also personal achievements.

scholarly journals ANALISIS DAN PENGHITUNGAN INDEKS KESEJAHTERAAN MASYARAKAT KELAUTAN DAN PERIKANAN (IKMKP)

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yayan Hikmayani ◽  
Irwan Muliawan ◽  
Tukul Rameyo Adi
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Data ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Government Programs ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Economic Dimension ◽  
Central Kalimantan ◽  
Weighted Factor ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive ◽  
Welfare Index

Analisis terhadap perkembangan nilai Indeks Kesejahteraan Masyarakat Kelautan dan Perikanan (IKMKP) telah dilakukan sejak tahun 2014 sampai 2016. Permasalahan penentuan tingkat kesejahteraan dengan menyusun indikator yang mengarahkan pada pembangunan sektor kelautan dan perikanan secara sektoral dan menjadi wewenang Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan (KKP) adalah penting. Tujuan penulisan makalah ini untuk melihat kinerja pembangunan kelautan dan perikanan dilihat dari indikator kesejahteraan masyarakat pelaku usaha perikanan. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode desk study. Data terdiri data sekunder yang meliputi data ekonomi dan sosial kelembagaan yang dikumpulkan dan diperoleh dari Eselon 1 lingkup KKP. Verifikasi data dilakukan melalui diskusi kelompok terfokus yang dihadiri oleh pengambil kebijakan di Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan (KKP). Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai Indeks Kesejahteraan Masyarakat Kelautan dan Perikanan (IKMKP) tahun 2016 sebesar 48,33. Nilai dimensi sosial dan kelembagaan sebesar 43,31 dan nilai dimensi ekonomi sebesar 43,27. Daerah yang memiliki Nilai IKMKP terbesar yaitu Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat dengan nilai sebesar 100. Sementara itu, daerah yang memiliki nilai IKMKP paling kecil yaitu Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah dengan nilai sebesar 0,00. Hasil tersebut mengindikasikan bahwa program-program pemerintah yang telah dialokasikan di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat telah memberikan dampak positif terhadap peningkatan kesejahteraan dan sebaliknya untuk Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah masih belum memberikan dampak terhadap peningkatan kesejahteraaanya. Adapun dari analisa faktor penimbang, peningkatan kesejahteraan masyarakat kelautan dan perikanan akan lebih efektif jika semakin banyak jumlah Lembaga Ketahanan Masyarakat (LKM) yang terfasilitasi permodalan dan tidak terjadi perubahan komposisi pada struktur ongkos usaha perikanan.Title: Analysis of The Development Marine and Fisheries Welfare  Community Index (IKMKP) Analysis of the development of Marine and Fisheries Community Welfare Index (IKMKP) has been carried out since 2014 until 2016.  It is important to determine the welfare level by formulating indicators to the development of the marine and fisheries sector through Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF). The purpose of this paper is to measure the performance of marine and fisheries development based on fisheries businessmen welfare indicators. The research used desk study method and secondary data of economic and social institutional which are collected from Echelon-1 of MMAF. Data were verified in focus group discussions among policy makers of MMAF and were analyzed using quantitative descriptive approach. The results showed that Marine and Fisheries Community Welfare Index (IKMKP) value in 2016 was 48.33. The value of social and institutional dimensions is 43.31 and value of economic dimension is 43.27. Regions that have the highest IKMKP value is West Nusa Tenggara Province with a value of 100. Meanwhile, Central Kalimantan Province has the lowest IKMKP value of 0.00. These results indicate that government programs has contributed to the improvement of welfare in West Nusa Tenggara Province, meanwhile, it has not contributed to the welfare in Central Kalimantan Province. Based on weighted factor analysis, the welfare of marine and fisheries community will be more effective if there are more number of Community Resilience Institutions (MFIs) facilitated by capital and there is no changes in the structure of fisheries business costs.

scholarly journals Responses and Impacts of COVID-19 on East Africa’s Tourism Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10(6)) ◽  
pp. 1711-1727
Author(s):  
Peter Ezra ◽  
Benard Kitheka ◽  
Edwin Sabuhoro ◽  
Geoffrey K. Riungu ◽  
Agnes Sirima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Support ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Collaborative Management ◽  
East African ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
East African Community ◽  
Global Engagement ◽  
Media Reports ◽  
Robust Measures

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all economies and life support systems world-wide. Owing to the pandemic's unpredictable nature, experts and policymakers struggle to find a headway to slow infections and further economic deterioration. The purpose of this study is to assess East African Community (EAC) states’ early responses and the pandemic’s impacts on the tourism industry. Data were collected through a review of secondary data, including academic and media reports. Special attention was paid to respective policy responses during the early stages of the pandemic outbreak. Findings show that Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda employed more robust measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, whereas Tanzania and Burundi resorted to censorship and protectionism. The EAC should quickly learn from the current crisis and devise strategies to handle future shocks to the tourism-system. The states should prioritize economic diversification, retraining of the workforce, global engagement, and collaborative management.

scholarly journals Impact of Environmental Performance on Financial Performance: Empirical Evidence from Indian Banking Sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-24
Author(s):  
Parul Munjal ◽  
P. Malarvizhi
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Capital Intensity ◽  
Environmental Disclosure ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Environmental Practices

There has been long-standing debate over whether or not firms gain economic competiveness from reducing their impact on the environment. Although ample literature is available on association between environmental performance and financial performance across various sectors, little empirical evidence is available in context of Indian banking sector. This research aims to analyze whether there is any significant relationship between environmental performance and financial performance of banks operating in India for a period 2013-14 to 2017-18. Secondary data has been collected for a sample of 83 banks operating in India. Content analysis was applied to extract information about environmental performance disclosed by sample banks followedby construction of environmental disclosure score index. Hierarchical multiple regression was applied to analyze relationship between environmental performance and financial performance after controlling for effects of size, financial leverage and capital intensity. Results exhibit no significant relationship between environmental performance and financial performance of banks operating in India. Findings of this research are expected to provide insight to users and readers of financial statements to have better understanding about the environmental practices carried out by banks. It would also contribute significantly towards decision making for policy makers in Indian banking sector to establish mandatory environmental legislations for reporting on environmental practices in order to improve non financial disclosure and financial performance in Indian banking sector.

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