scholarly journals Confronting a Global Pandemic: Responses from Caribbean Extension Service Providers

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-33
Author(s):  
Jeanelle Joseph ◽  
Tessa Barry
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Extension Service ◽  
Limited Mobility ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Market Opportunities ◽  
Technological Barriers ◽  
Regional Basis

Agricultural Extension is an essential service, and this was even more so highlighted in this global pandemic which has significantly affected the agricultural sector. This rapid research sought to assess the capacity of Caribbean extension and advisory service providers. Seventy extension service providers from 11 Caribbean countries responded to an open-ended questionnaire administered via the Survey Monkey platform. The findings indicated that governments played an important role in providing opportunities such as distribution of seedlings to encourage producers, and promoted backyard gardening and other programmes to ensure continuity of country’s food security. Extension officers faced a number of barriers in the execution of their duties. Some of the barriers included technological barriers, limited resources, and limited mobility as a result of the necessary restrictions and in some cases psychological barriers such as the fear of contracting the disease in the execution of their duties. Officers however utilized strategies such as increased use of ICTs to train farmers and link them to market opportunities. In an attempt to increase the use of ICTs a number of challenges were highlighted. Challenges such as limited ICT resources for officers, poor connectivity in some remote areas, aged farmers literacy levels in the use of ICTs as well as access. This rapid research recommends policy development towards the increased use of e-extension with consultation among key stakeholders. This can be done on a regional basis, and eventually scaled up in an effort to further strengthen extension and advisory services globally.

scholarly journals Framing the Issue

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 725-725
Author(s):  
Brian Lindberg
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Legislative Process ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
Older Americans Act ◽  
Key Stakeholders

Abstract The GSA Public Policy Advisor will facilitate a discussion about the 2020 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act with key stakeholders from Washington, DC. Also, the presentation will include perspective on GSA's active role in policy development and the legislative process.

scholarly journals Development of clinical guidelines for service provision of functional electrical stimulation to support walking: mixed method exploration of stakeholder views

BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Bulley ◽  
C Meagher ◽  
T Street ◽  
A Adonis ◽  
C Peace ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Functional Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Clinical Guidelines ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Clinical Guideline ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Delphi Consensus ◽  
Stakeholder Views ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Over the past 20 years Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has grown in clinical use to support walking in people with lower limb weakness or paralysis due to upper motor neuron lesions. Despite growing consensus regarding its benefits, provision across the UK and internationally is variable. This study aimed to explore stakeholder views relating to the value of a clinical guideline focusing on service provision of FES to support walking, how people might use it and what should be included. Methods A mixed methods exploration sought the views of key stakeholders. A pragmatic online survey (n = 223) focusing on the study aim was developed and distributed to the email distribution list of the UK Association for Chartered Physiotherapists Interested in Neurology (ACPIN). In parallel, a qualitative service evaluation and patient public involvement consultation was conducted. Two group, and seven individual interviews were conducted with: FES-users (n = 6), their family and carers (n = 3), physiotherapists (n = 4), service providers/developers (n = 2), researchers (n = 1) and distributors of FES (n = 1). Descriptive analysis of quantitative data and framework analysis of qualitative data were conducted. Results Support for clinical guideline development was clear in the qualitative interviews and the survey results. Survey respondents most strongly endorsed possible uses of the clinical guideline as ensuring best practice and supporting people seeking access to a FES service. Data analysis and synthesis provided clear areas for inclusion in the clinical guidelines, including current research evidence and consensus relating to who is most likely to benefit and optimal service provision as well as pathways to access this. Specific areas for further investigation were summarised for inclusion in the first stage of a Delphi consensus study. Conclusions Key stakeholders believe in the value of a clinical guideline that focuses on the different stages of service provision for FES to support walking. A Delphi consensus study is being planned based on the findings.

The drivers of innovation diffusion in agriculture: evidence from Italian census data

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Avolio ◽  
E. Blasi ◽  
C. Cicatiello ◽  
S. Franco
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Diffusion ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Local Expenditure ◽  
Diffusion Dynamics ◽  
Italian Provinces ◽  
Market Opportunities

Innovation is a key issue in the discussion about the links between agriculture, food production and sustainability. Indeed, the creation, adoption and exploitation of innovations can interact with all three dimensions of sustainability – environment, society and economy. Despite the increasing support for innovation practices in the agrifood sector from institutions and public policies, innovation in this sector has spread quite slowly. Indeed, the diffusion of innovations strongly depends on the social, institutional and productive system behind the technological/structural features of the farms. The analysis of the drivers underpinning the innovation diffusion dynamics in agriculture is therefore a very interesting topic for studies in this domain. This paper aims to provide a map of the diffusion of innovations in the Italian agricultural sector, highlighting differences and territorial specificities. We try to explain the drivers and factors influencing such specificities, drawing from data on the agricultural sector as well as information on the institutional and regulatory framework. Data on the diffusion of product, process, organizational and marketing innovations in agriculture have been gathered for the 110 Italian provinces, drawing from the 2010 Agricultural Census survey. Maps of the diffusion of the different types of innovations have then been constructed and analysed. Results show that the diffusion of the different innovation types is not uniform within the country. Some are typical to specific areas where productive or market opportunities occur. Others are not territorial-specific but are linked to the features of the single farms. The influence of the regulatory context also seems to play a significant role. By analysing the local expenditure in rural development intervention, we analyses how the synergies among the productive and institutional systems may act as a driver for innovation diffusion in agriculture.

MONITORING HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS IN RURAL AREAS

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2384-2369
Author(s):  
V.G. Zakshevskiy ◽  
◽  
Z.V. Gavrilova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Main Stage ◽  
Human Capital Development ◽  
Integral System ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Capital Development

The article discusses the problems that arise when monitoring the conditions for the development of human capital in rural areas, since, despite the sufficient number of works on monitoring the human capital in rural areas or the agricultural sector, the integral system of quantitative socio-economic indicators for assessing the human capital development conditions in rural areas remains poorly studied. First of all, a basic concept of monitoring is given, as well as an applied concept - monitoring the human capital development conditions in rural areas, which is understood as a system of constant monitoring, collection, registration, storage and analysis of several key parameters that assess the conditions for the formation and development of congenital and accumulated physical, mental and personal abilities and qualities of the population of rural areas, as well as acquiring knowledge and skills that can be used by them in order to deliver economic income or social effect. The monitoring process is presented in detail in the relationship of this category with concepts close to it (diagnostics, as a preliminary stage, monitoring as the main stage, appropriate policy development, as the final stage). The diversity of monitoring indicators used in the social sphere of human life is reflected: for rural areas, for the agrarian sphere, for the regional socio-economic system, for the development of municipalities' social and labor systems, for social factors of the region's development, etc. The authors' idea of an integral system of indicators for monitoring the human capital development conditions in rural areas is given, which is a combination of six blocks: health care, education, culture and sports, demography and migration, infrastructure, as well as socio-economic conditions.

scholarly journals Who Are the Key Players Involved with Shaping Public Opinion and Policies on Obesity and Diabetes in New Zealand?

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1592
Author(s):  
Willemijn de Bruin ◽  
Cherie Stayner ◽  
Michel Lange ◽  
Rachael Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Public Opinion ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Health Service Providers ◽  
Beverage Industry ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Diabetes And Obesity

There is an urgent need for strategic approaches to address the high prevalence of obesity and diabetes in New Zealand. Such approaches rely strongly on input from multiple actors in the diabetes and obesity policy space. We conducted a social network analysis to identify influential actors involved with shaping public opinion and/or policy regarding obesity and diabetes in New Zealand. Our analysis revealed a diverse network of 272 individuals deemed influential by their peers. These individuals represented nine professional categories, particularly academics (34%), health service providers (22%), and government representatives (17%). The network included a total of 17 identified decision-makers. Relative capacity of professional categories to access these decision-makers was highest for representatives of the food and beverage industry (25%), compared with nongovernment organisations (9%) or academics (7%). We identified six distinct brokers, in academic (n = 4), government (n = 1), and nongovernmental (n = 1) positions, who could play a key role in improving communication and networking activities among all interest groups. Such actions should ultimately establish effective networks to foster evidence-based policy development to prevent and reduce the burden of diabetes and obesity.

scholarly journals Insights from the evaluation of a provincial healthy eating strategy in Nova Scotia, Canada

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1870-1878
Author(s):  
S Meaghan Sim ◽  
Sara FL Kirk
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Strategy Implementation ◽  
Canadian Province ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Health Model ◽  
Document Review ◽  
Depth Interviews

AbstractObjectiveHealthy Eating Nova Scotia represents the first provincial comprehensive healthy eating strategy in Canada and a strategy that is framed within a population-health model. Five years after strategy launch, our objective was to evaluate Healthy Eating Nova Scotia to determine perceptions of strategy implementation and strategy outputs. The focus of the current paper is on the findings of this evaluation.DesignWe conducted an evaluation of the strategy through three activities that included a document review, survey of key stakeholders and in-depth interviews with key strategy informants. The findings from each of the activities were integrated to determine what has worked well with strategy implementation, what could be improved and what outputs have resulted.SettingThe evaluation was conducted in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.ParticipantsParticipants for this evaluation included survey respondents (n 120) and key informants (n 16). A total of 156 documents were also reviewed.ResultsSignificant investments have been made towards inter-sectoral partnerships and resourcing that has provided the necessary leadership and momentum for the strategy. Policy development has been leveraged through the strategy primarily in the health and education sectors and is perceived as a visible success. Clarity of human resource roles and funding within the context of a provincial strategy may be beneficial for continued strategy implementation, as is expansion of policy development.ConclusionsKnown to be the first evaluation of its kind, these findings and related considerations will be of interest to policy makers developing and implementing similar strategies in their own jurisdictions.

How Brazil Operators and Regulators Implemented, Audited and Learned from COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan Biddle ◽  
Jorge Siqueira ◽  
Anne Guedes ◽  
Mariana França ◽  
Nayara Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Response ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Exploration And Production

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it the potential risk for personnel abandonment of various oil and gas installations that was unprecedented in the industry. Uncertainties on how to implement and monitor these processes was a significant challenge. This pandemic scenario required that operators and regulators work together to reformulate their normal way of working to decrease the risk of virus exposure to personnel, while still ensuring critical elements were implemented for safe operations. Regulators were required to act quickly to implement and adjust regulations to meet the new demands for safe operations during the global pandemic. Through joint discussions with industry associations and an understanding of the situation, the Brazilian oil and gas industry regulator, ANP, was able to immediately implement tracking requirements and, within less than one month after formal declaration of a state of emergency, issued new regulations for the restart and operations of installations. These measures assisted in a better understanding of the COVID-19 situation onboard offshore installations and in disseminating learnings across Exploration and Production (E&P) industry. Operators across Brazil all implemented modified emergency response plans, new hazard identification measures and means to reduce the risks of these identified hazards in response to COVID-19. The ANP worked to oversee the manner in which these measures were conducted, while successfully assisting in reducing demands on offshore work during the pandemic by migrating to a fully-remote means of regulatory enforcement and auditing. Regulators and operators all worked across five key areas and within the joint efforts significantly mitigated the impacts which COVID-19 had on the industry in Brazil. These key areas were: Operational Safety Documentation, procedures within the regulations and management system to cope with the pandemic scenario; Tracking of COVID-19 cases and effective response measures/learnings across industry; Hazard Identification related to the operational conditions impacted by the COVID-19 crisis; Risk Assessment for the identified hazards because of the pandemic; and Emergency Response plans for response to the worst-case operational scenario during a pandemic. Although severe outbreaks did occur on several installations, causing temporary shutdowns, there have to date been no major operational accidents as a result of COVID-19 personnel evacuations or procedures. Additionally, the total oil and gas production levels for Brazil have been maintained or increased across the sector. These high-level performance indicators demonstrate that through the efforts of the ANP, operators, service providers and other regulators, the pandemic situation is being managed successfully while the industry also continues meet the necessary energy demands of the country. Although the global pandemic has been a sobering and dark period in history for all, there have been positive outcomes for the oil and gas exploration and production industry. The three most apparent positive outcomes are: Ability of regulators and operators to adapt together; A focus by all players on the safety of the workforce and environment;. Effectively operating under adverse conditions with reduced and essential workforce.

scholarly journals Critical Infrastructures: The Operational Environment in Cases of Severe Disruption

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ossi Heino ◽  
Annina Takala ◽  
Pirjo Jukarainen ◽  
Joanna Kalalahti ◽  
Tuula Kekki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Services ◽  
Critical Infrastructure ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Terrorist Attack ◽  
Critical Infrastructures ◽  
Operational Environment ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Administrative Structures

The functioning and resilience of modern societies have become more and more dependent on critical infrastructures. Severe disturbance to critical infrastructure is likely to reveal chaotic operational conditions, in which infrastructure service providers, emergency services, police, municipalities, and other key stakeholders must act effectively to minimize damages and restore normal operations. This paper aims to better understand this kind of operational environment resulting from, for example, a terrorist attack. It emphasizes mutual interdependencies among key stakeholders in such situations. The empirical contribution is based on observations from a workshop, in which participants representing the critical services and infrastructures in Finland discussed in thematic groups. Two scenarios guided the workshop discussions; nationwide electricity grid disruption and presumably intentionally contaminated water supply in a city. The results indicate that more attention should be paid to the interdependencies between critical infrastructures, as well as to the latent vulnerabilities hidden inside the systems. Furthermore, producing security seems to require continuous interaction and creation of meanings between extremely different actors and logics. This implies a need for changes in thinking, particularly concerning the ability to define problems across conventional administrative structures, geographical boundaries and conferred powers.

scholarly journals Understanding Practices and Critical Success Factors of FDA Human Factors Validation Projects – Preliminary Findings

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katia M. Rojas ◽  
Leon Cosler ◽  
Daryl L. Santos
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Key Stakeholders

Since the FDA published guidance on the application of human factors engineering to medical devices and combination products, the concerns about the quality and success of human factors validation projects have put a strain on key stakeholders. Failed HF validation submissions can have serious negative impact not only on manufacturers and HF service providers, but also on the regulatory system and patients. Previously, we remarked on the need for alignment between key stakeholders, and strategies that increase the quality and success of HF validation projects. Leveraging the application of project management was recommended for that purpose. However, there is currently no research about characteristics, practices and critical success factors of these projects. An online survey instrument was developed tailored to this specific context to inform the development of an industry-focused project management maturity assessment tool (which will be Phase II of this research). In this opportunity, the high-level, preliminary findings are presented and briefly discussed. This effort contributes much needed literature regarding the current practices and factors that influence the quality and success of FDA HF validation projects.

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