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Alcohol industry involvement in the delayed South Africa Draft Liquor Amendment Bill 2016: a case study based on Freedom of Information requests
Get PDFBackground South Africa is reported to have one of the highest per capita rates of alcohol consumption among drinkers globally, with alcohol harms exacerbating socio-economic inequalities in the country. The Draft Liquor Amendment Bill 2016 proposed new restrictions on alcohol advertising, availability, and liability of retailers and manufacturers for harm related to any contravention of the regulations. To date, the Bill has not progressed through the legislative process. The alcohol industry is known to use a diverse set of strategies to delay evidence-based policies globally. Methods We aimed to explore Bill-related activity by industry within the National Economic and Development Labour Council, a multi-stakeholder forum that assesses socio-economic policies before they reach parliament. On 06 July 2023 we made a Request for Access to Record, using form two of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), no. 2 of 2000 to the National Economic and Development Labour Council for access to minutes of all meetings, reports, and any other publications related to the Bill between January 2016 and December 2022. Informed by Ulucanlar et al’s (2023) model and taxonomies of corporate political activity, we extracted data on industry Bill-related activity and thematically analysed key events, presented here as a narrative synthesis. Results We identified activity by 14 alcohol industry organisations related to the Bill between 2016 and 2022. Industry representation on five National Economic and Development Labour Council-related committees identified between 2017 and 2021 facilitated their involvement in Bill-related discussions and supported access to other government departments. Community representation was low in all committees compared to industry, labour, and government. Industry funded two socio-economic assessments of the Bill in 2017 and 2022, despite an independent socio-economic impact assessment having already been completed. The 2017 report delayed progress of the Bill, and the 2022 ‘re-evaluation’ was more critical of the proposed measures, with the differing conclusions attributed to different methodologies. During the covid-19 pandemic, industry used a ‘carrot and stick’ approach of legal threats and donations to attempt to move towards self-regulation via a social compact. The National Economic and Development Labour Council confirmed in 2023 that the social compact was unsuccessful. Conclusions Early ‘regulatory capture’ gave the alcohol industry the opportunity to shape assessment of the Bill within the National Economic and Development Labour Council. Our findings are in line with previous studies on corporate influence on policy globally, and support calls for a reassessment of the role and proportion of industry representation within the National Economic and Development Labour Council locally
Combining optical and SAR satellite data to monitor coastline changes in the Black Sea
Get PDFThe coastal environments of the Black Sea are of high ecological and socio-economic importance. Understanding changes along this extensive and complex coastline can help us comprehend the pressures from nature, society, and extreme events, providing valuable insights for more effective management and the prevention of future adverse changes. Current methods for monitoring coastal dynamics rely on the accurate extraction of coastlines from optical and/or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images, providing information only on the rate of change. This study developed a simple yet novel approach by combining Sentinel-1 SAR image for surface change detection and Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument (MSI) optical image for coastline detection, which provides data on both the rate and area of change. Coastlines were extracted from the Modified Normalised Difference Water Index (MNDWI) calculated from MSI images and rates of change were calculated from the extracted coastlines. SAR images for the same areas were stacked and differences during the analysis period were calculated, allowing the determination of the area of change. Another new method was developed to combine the changes detected from optical and SAR images, and only results in locations showed consistent change direction (erosion or accretion) were retained. The extracted coastlines were validated using in situ-measured coastlines along the Romanian and Georgian coasts. The validation analysis showed that the average difference between satellite-derived and in situ coastlines was 11.8 m. The method developed was then applied to the entire Black Sea coast, revealing 35.1 km2 of changes between 2016 and 2023. These observed changes include 23.9 km2 (68 %) coastal advance and 11.3 km2 (32 %) of retreat. A total of 54 % of the changes are estimated to be the result of natural coastline erosion or accretion, whilst 35 % can be attributed to artificial changes related to construction activity. Around 11 % are attributed to random occurrences due to boat/ship movement or land cover changes on adjacent land. Natural coastline changes were mainly observed in the vicinity of deltaic and estuarine system and along sandy shorelines, including along the Danube Delta, Kızılırmak-Yes¸ilırmak deltas, Chorokhi-Rioni-Kodori River mouths and the coast from Dnieper-Bug Estuary to Karkinit Bay. Artificial changes were mainly found along the southern Black Sea coast, where airports, ports, harbours, and jetties have been constructed in recent years. The proposed method provides a simple, efficient and accurate way for coastline change monitoring, and findings in this study can support the sustainable coastal zone management in the Black Sea
Understanding environmental decision-making in forest restoration: the role of latent attitudes, attribute non-attendance, and choice behavior
Get PDFIntroduction: As forests face growing threats from fires, pests, and disease, understanding public preferences for restoration policies has become increasingly urgent. This study addresses the need for more behaviorally realistic approaches in environmental valuation. Methods: A discrete choice experiment was conducted in Korea to explore how individuals make environmental decisions. The study incorporates latent environmental attitudes, attribute non-attendance (ANA), and heterogeneous choice behavior using advanced econometric models, including the independent availability logit and latent class analysis. Results: Findings reveal that respondents do not ignore entire attributes but selectively disregard specific attribute levels. Distinct behavioral classes were identified, ranging from deterministic to probabilistic decision types. Latent attitudes significantly influenced willingness to pay (WTP), with some groups showing reluctance to pay due to self-benefit orientation. Discussion: These results highlight the importance of recognizing behavioral subgroups when designing restoration policies. Integrating behavioral insights into valuation enhances the relevance and acceptability of forest restoration programs. This research provides practical guidance for developing targeted, socially accepted environmental policies.RECEIVED March ACCEPTED April PUBLISHED May; TYPE Original Research PUBLISHED May United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Austria REVIEWED B
"You are helping from the heart not just from the head": a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis of the experiences of peer workers working with people experiencing homelessness and substance use
Get PDFBackground: Increasingly, substance use and homelessness services have peer workers, those with lived or living experience of substance use and homelessness, who provide support to those experiencing similar challenges. While research regarding the effectiveness of such peer workers in helping others achieve better outcomes is growing, little is known about their experiences in this role. Methods: A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted to better understand the experiences of peer workers who have lived/living experience of substance use and homelessness who are providing support to those experiencing similar challenges within substance use and homelessness settings. Nine electronic databases were searched for primary qualitative research published from 1990. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data from included studies were extracted, entered into NVivo, and analysed using a thematic synthesis approach. Results: Nine studies were identified, published from 2006 from three countries with 272 participants. Three themes were identified: peer workers' reflections on the key components of their role; peer work as enabling individual growth and recovery; and destabilising challenges peer worker growth and recovery.. Peer workers described many essential qualities, and their lived experience was valued as a way of enabling deeper trust and empathy with the people they supported. Strong relationships with other peer workers were described as important. Many benefits to the peer workers were described, including positive life changes and increased responsibility. Challenges were also identified, with professional boundaries causing particular tensions. Conclusions: This qualitative evidence synthesis provides unique insight into the experiences of peer workers who are working at the intersection of homelessness and substance use. Their experiences highlight the real benefits that peer workers have, whilst working in challenging situations in often precarious contracts. Such insights can inform the employment of peer workers. Those employing peer workers should prioritise clear job descriptionsCarver et al. BMC Public Health (2025) 25:1714 This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article' s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article' s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. BMC Public Healt
Implementation of an Australian Football Themed Men’s Health Program in Rural Australia. A Mixed-Methods Study
Get PDFRural men face a greater risk of ill-health than their urban counterparts but often lack access to appealing health programs. Aussie Fans in Training (Aussie-FIT) is an engaging men’s health program delivered in urban professional sports contexts. This study examines the feasibility of implementing an adapted version of Aussie-FIT in rural Western Australia, focussing on the recruitment and retention of program coaches and participants. Men (aged 35–65) with overweight or obesity were recruited via Facebook, word of mouth, and local media for the 12-session Aussie-FIT program in 3 rural towns. Coaches were recruited via local stakeholder networks. A mixed-methods approach included process data relating to the number of coaches expressing interest and delivering programs, program reach, attendance registers, and five post-program participant focus groups (total n = 25). Qualitative data exploring barriers and facilitators to engaging men were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Eighty-three of 124 men (67%) expressing interest enrolled, with most residing in low-to-middle socioeconomic areas (n = 77; 96%) and not university educated (n = 60; 74%). Half (n = 40) were recruited via Facebook and a third by word of mouth. Average attendance was 8.2 of 12 sessions, with 57 (69%) completers. Retention varied by site (59–79%), partly due to Covid-19. An inclusive and supportive environment, the football theme and setting, and intragroup connectedness supported engagement. Findings suggest that it is feasible to implement Aussie-FIT in rural Western Australia without a professional club affiliation or setting, and that popular local sporting codes and community sports settings can be utilized to engage rural men in behavioural health programs
Modulatory effect of Echium plantagineum oil on the n-3 LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity of chicken (Gallus gallus)
Get PDFPoultry can be a sustainable source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) through the bioconversion of dietary alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3). However, this process is currently limited by the high n-6/n-3 ratio in poultry diets affecting the competition between n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FA) for the same biosynthetic enzymes, and the rate-limiting Δ6 desaturase which act at both, the first and final steps of DHA synthesis pathway. Echium plantagineum oil (EO) is an unusual source of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) which bypasses the first Δ6 desaturase step potentially increasing n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) synthesis. To explore this hypothesis, 60 Canarian male chickens at 18 weeks of age were divided into three groups and fed diets differing only in their FA formulation: soy oil (SO) rich in linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6); linseed oil (LO) rich in ALA; and EO, a balanced LA/ALA oil also rich in SDA and γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6). The dietary treatments did not affect the total lipid (TL) content (p>0.05) and did not substantially vary the lipid class (LC) profiles in the brain, liver, intestine, and muscle tissues. However, the inclusion of LO and EO equally increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels in the brain, liver, and intestine compared to animals fed with SO (p<0.05). Moreover, EO increased hepatic relative expressions of the fatty acid elongases (elovl2 and elovl5). Consequently, and in alignment with our hypothesis, EO was more effective than LO in enriching chicken thigh meat with n-3 LC-PUFA (6.0 vs 4.2%; p<0.05). We concluded that lowering the dietary LA/ALA ratio and increasing the SDA content in poultry diets enhance the potential of chicken metabolism for enriching poultry products with n-3 LC-PUFA. Emerging evidence suggest that local plants like those including in Echium genus, rich in SDA and with a balanced LA/ALA ratio, could offer a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional ALA sources in poultry production
Keeping Active with Texting after Stroke (KATS): A single-arm feasibility and acceptability study of a behavioural intervention to promote community-based physical activity after stroke rehabilitation
Get PDFObjectives: To test the feasibility and acceptability of a text-message-delivered behavioural intervention to promote and maintain physical activity and recovery after stroke rehabilitation. Design: A single-arm acceptability and feasibility study. Setting :Community rehabilitation services in two Health Board areas in Scotland. Participants: People with stroke who could participate in physical activities and use a mobile phone were recruited during rehabilitation and community rehabilitation. Intervention: Keeping Active with Texting after Stroke (KATS) is an automated text message-delivered intervention informed by behaviour change theory. It delivers a structured sequence of 103 messages over 14 weeks to support the uptake and maintenance of physical activities following stroke rehabilitation. Outcomes: Data on recruitment, retention and satisfaction were collected. Semistructured interviews explored intervention acceptability. Preintervention and postintervention measures provided preliminary information on step count, functional independence, mental well-being, self-efficacy and quality of life. Results: 18 men and 13 women were recruited; three withdrew before intervention commencement. All 28 participants who received at least one text message completed the study, indicating 100% retention. Median satisfaction score was 23/25 (range 12–25). All but one participant read and responded to texts, indicating good engagement. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d; per cent change) were demonstrated in step count (0.2; 13%), extended activities of daily living (0.24; 8.3%) and mental well-being (0.35; 7%). Participants perceived KATS as acceptable, valuing messages and motivational prompts, but personalised tailoring was desired by some. Conclusions: Recruitment, retention and outcome measure completion were feasible, and KATS was perceived as acceptable. Findings suggest some modifications of messages and goal-setting processes are required to accommodate participants with diverse physical activity capabilities before a definitive trial. Promising indicators of effects were detected, although interpretation must be cautious because the study was not powered to determine efficacy, and there was no control group. Based on these findings, KATS will be further optimised before evaluating effectiveness in a randomised controlled trial
The Role of Non-Native Plant Species in Modulating Riverbank Erosion: A Systematic Review
Get PDFRiverbank erosion is a naturally occurring process that influences riparian zone habitats. However, anthropogenic activities are increasing rates of riverbank erosion. Climate change and hydrological and physical modifications drive riparian zone perturbations. Whilst native riparian vegetation can reduce riverbank erosion, the proliferation of non-native riparian plant species has been linked to riverbank instability, with marked changes in fluvial erosional regimes attributed to invasion by species such as Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam) or Tamarix (Tamarisk) into riparian zones. Yet, the role of non-native plant species in modulating riverbank erosion remains unclear, in part due to the lack of investigations that quantify geomorphic change. We systematically assessed the relevant ecological and geomorphological literature to determine current understanding and to offer recommendations for future research on non-native plant—riverbank erosion. Included articles focused on a limited number of non-native plant species across a restricted range of habitats types, with dependency on topographic change and generally short study duration obscuring potential causal links or feedback cycles. It is critical in the face of parallel rapid proliferation of riparian non-native plant species and climate change effects, that we improve mechanistic understanding of their role in riverbank erosion
Checklist and reporting framework to support documentation and communication of GIS-based Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) models for aquaculture site selection
Get PDFGeographic Information Systems (GIS) are frequently used when conducting site suitability and site selection studies for aquaculture because the factors influencing the suitability of an area typically contain a spatial element. Multi-criteria evaluation (MCE), often based on the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) method, is commonly used in aquaculture as it allows the combination of numerous and often conflicting interdisciplinary criteria and the evaluation of the trade-offs between them. GIS-based MCE models can be implemented in different ways according to the modelling objectives, but a lack of transparency and unclear information on characteristics of the model and output(s) can affect their use in real-world decisions. This study analysed 71 scientific articles that developed and used GIS-based MCE for aquaculture site selection and site suitability modelling. The articles were identified using the PRISMA systematic review protocol and covered a wide range of locations, species, and production systems. Data on the reported model characteristics were extracted from the scientific articles and analysed to identify trends, similarities, and differences in the information provided within the studies. The analysis revealed inconsistencies in how models were described, with some articles missing important information that could limit their use for many aquaculture planning decisions. Based on these findings, a checklist and reporting framework were produced that can be used to ensure important information is easily accessible alongside GIS-based MCE models and their outputs. The checklist and reporting framework can act as a template to provide clear and consistent documentation that will facilitate the use of models and outputs by end users who may not have been involved in the modelling process and are unfamiliar with the technical aspects
The implementation of safer drug consumption facilities in Scotland: a mixed methods needs assessment and feasibility study for the city of Edinburgh
Get PDFBackground Scotland currently has amongst the highest rates of drug-related deaths in Europe, leading to increased advocacy for safer drug consumption facilities (SDCFs) to be piloted in the country. In response to concerns about drug-related harms in Edinburgh, elected officials have considered introducing SDCFs in the city. This paper presents key findings from a feasibility study commissioned by City of Edinburgh Council to support these deliberations. Methods Using a multi-method needs assessment approach, we carried out a spatial and temporal analysis of drug-related data in Edinburgh including health, mortality, consumption, crime and service provision indicators; and 48 interviews including 22 people with lived/living experience (PWLE) of drug use in the city, five family members affected by drug-related harms, and 21 professional stakeholders likely to be involved in commissioning or delivering SDCFs. Data were collected using a convergent parallel design. We carried out a descriptive analysis of quantitative date and a thematic analysis of qualitative data. Quantitative data provides an overview of the local context in terms of recorded harms, service provision and consumption patterns as reported in prior surveys. Qualitative PWLE and families data captures the lived experiences of people who use drugs, and affected loved ones, within that local context, including perceived consumption trends, views on the practicality of SDCF provision, and hopes and anxieties regarding potential service provision. Professional stakeholders data provides insights into how people responsible for strategic planning and service delivery view the potential role of SDCF provision within the context described in the quantitative data. Results In Edinburgh, drug-related harms and consumption patterns are dispersed across multiple locations, with some areas of higher concentration. Reported levels of opioid use, illicit benzodiazepine use and cocaine injecting are high. Qualitative interviews revealed strong support for the provision of SDCFs, and a preference for services that include peer delivery. However, PWLE also expressed concerns regarding safety and security, and professional stakeholders remained uncertain as to the prioritisation of facilities and possible opportunity costs in the face of restricted budgets. Conclusion There is a strong case for the provision of SDCFs in Edinburgh. However, service design needs to reflect spatial distributions of consumption and harm, patterns of consumption by drug type, and expressed preferences for both informality and security among potential service users. Models of SDCF provision used elsewhere in Scotland would therefore need to be adapted to reflect such considerations. These findings may apply more broadly to potential SDCF provision in the UK and internationally, given changing patterns of use and harm
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