Active Labor Research Articles

Vaginal Uncomplicated Delivery Rate as a Quality Indicator Compared to Cesarean Delivery Rate: A Quantitative Analysis of a Population Database

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to compare the vaginal uncomplicated delivery (VUD) rate, defined as all vaginal deliveries (including forceps and vacuum) without an adverse maternal or neonatal labour outcome, to the cesarean delivery (CD) rate, as a performance indicator. MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort analysis from a provincial database of all term deliveries by an obstetrician in a single year, excluding diagnoses preventing active labour. Most obstetricians in this jurisdiction practice consultative obstetrics, focused on supporting primary maternity care. We investigated the association of adverse delivery (AD), measured by the adverse outcome index, with CD and VUD rates. ResultsWe report 16 620 deliveries by 210 obstetricians, with a vaginal delivery rate of 39.6%, of which 36.6% were operative vaginal delivery. The overall AD rate was 9.9%, and the overall VUD rate was 34%. While the CD and VUD both correlated with the mode of delivery, only the VUD rate was correlated to the AD rate. ConclusionsQuality assurance in obstetrics must balance the needs of 2 patients based on limited data. Our data shows the shortcomings of the prevailing performance indicator, CD rate, which does not correlate with birth outcomes for the pregnant patient or infant. The VUD rate provides an alternative that assesses both mode of delivery and labour outcomes. Shifting the quality lens to focus on the VUD rate will provide a better metric that measures optimal outcomes for pregnant people and their babies.

In Search of a Connection: Public Procurement and Active Labour Market Policies in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia

ABSTRACTGovernments in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have increasingly utilised public procurement—their power to purchase goods and services—to assist disadvantaged groups in accessing better‐quality jobs. This approach is part of a broader effort to create ‘good jobs’. However, it is necessary to examine whether this represents a new strategy for addressing persistent issues of inequality in labour markets. This review critically assesses whether public procurement and Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) form a coherent, sequential and complementary framework. The conclusion, however, is that this connection is not well‐established. Instead, there is a disjointed situation where the two approaches lack meaningful integration, despite some efforts at the local level.

Labor market policies in high- and low-interest rate environments: Evidence from the euro area

Do labor market policies initiated in periods of loose monetary policy yield different outcomes from those introduced when monetary tightening prevails? Using data from 11 euro-area members up to 2010–and extending to 17 countries up to 2020–we analyze three labor market policies: replacement rates, spending on active labor market policies (ALMPs), and employment protection. We find that these policies deliver different macroeconomic outcomes in low- and high-interest rate environments. In particular, ALMPs reduce unemployment if implemented under a loose monetary policy but not otherwise, whereas higher employment protection delivers expansionary effects under a tight monetary policy. These findings highlight that the effectiveness of labor market policies is significantly influenced by the monetary policy environment, emphasizing the need for coordinated policy design. Methodologically, we contribute by proposing to average local projections using Mallow’s Cp criterion, allowing for inferences that are robust to mis-specification and accommodate non-linearities.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE FUNCTIONING OF THE LABOUR MARKET IN THE CONTEXT OF ENSURING EMPLOYMENT OF THE POPULATION

In modern terms, the labour market is a complex socio-economic process that develops within the framework of social reproduction of labour potential. This mechanism creates a link between workers acting simultaneously in the roles of consumers and suppliers of labour resources. In today’s highly dynamic and innovation-oriented economy, there is a need for new forms of labour activity. These forms provide for flexibility, efficiency and constant renewal in the content, structure and types of labour, contributing to the improvement of the quality of human capital and the realisation of the intellectual and creative potential of the population. Innovative economic models supporting these trends have already attracted the attention of many countries striving for post-industrial development. The development of the labour market is determined both by the impact of market forces and government policies aimed at stimulating labour activity and innovation in employment. Additionally, the labour market is undergoing transformations due to globalisation, technological progress and changes in the demographic structure of the population. This requires the adaptation of employment policies and the development of new economic mechanisms to regulate labour relations, taking into account changing skill requirements, the increasing importance of continuous learning and the need to support the balance between labour market flexibility and social protection of workers. Keywords: labour market, employment, labour market regulation, labour market economics, labour market transformation.

Labor activity of Chechens and Ingush forcibly resettled to Kazakhstan in the 40s of the twentieth century (using the example of Central Kazakhstan)

Labor activity of Chechens and Ingush forcibly resettled to Kazakhstan in the 40s of the twentieth century (using the example of Central Kazakhstan)

Optimization of human capital in the agrarian sphere: goals, principles and methods

Sufficient provision of agricultural enterprises with labor resources, their territorial and structural balance, rational use, high level of labor productivity are the key directions of effective functioning of agro-industrial complex, growth of production volumes and increase of its efficiency. Purpose - to analyze the criteria of human capital optimization in the agrarian sphere, to identify existing problems and to determine promising directions. Methods - the study used quantitative and qualitative analysis methods, including the collection and processing of statistical data, questionnaire survey of employees of the agrarian sector, as well as interviews with farm managers. Using the correlation and regression method, the influence of the studied factors on the optimization of labor activity was substantiated. Results - the article identifies the main issues of agricultural staffing, which consist in the decline in the professional qualification level of specialists, low staffing levels, outflow of able-bodied population from rural areas, loss of prestige of agricultural professions. Conclusions - this study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to the management of labor potential in agro-industrial production of the republic. The introduction of advanced training programs, improvement of working conditions and social infrastructure is the basis for sustainable development of the industry. It is also recommended to strengthen state support and stimulate the attraction of capital of domestic and foreign private investors and investment funds in rural regions to ensure stable activity of agricultural enterprises. It shows further prospects for increasing human resources to ensure the competitiveness of domestic agricultural producers and as the main driving element in the establishment of innovation economy and the expansion of globalization processes.

The Forgotten Narratives: Mobilization, Recruitment and Wartime Experiences of World War Two African Servicemen from Southern Rhodesia, (Colonial Zimbabwe) c.1939–1945

Abstract This article discusses the mobilization, recruitment and wartime experiences of Africans who participated in the Second World War. Centred on the accounts of ex-servicemen, their families, and friends, this article argues that some Africans were either hoodwinked or forced to join the imperial forces. Consequently, they began to question their position as colonial subjects in the war. Their experiences revived anticolonial sentiments and abetted the rise of labour activism and mass nationalism in the colony during the war. The bulk of the material for this article was obtained from written family records, oral histories, and archival sources.

Обеспечение качественного сервиса и поддержание конкурентоспособности предприятий гостеприимства: переосмысление подходов к стимулированию персонала отрасли

Every company, including those in the hospitality industry, faces an important task — finding and using effective approaches to distributing tasks in order to reveal the capabilities of each employee of the company and improve overall productivity. The leading role in increasing productivity is played by activating the interest of employees. Analysis of this area allows us to understand what serves as a stimulus for labor activity and what elements influence decision-making when performing tasks. An effectively designed incentive system is an important resource for management, contributing to increased employee loyalty and growth of the organization's profits. Such a system must be well-thought-out, balanced and really attractive to employees. In the hotel business, such strategies become key due to the specifics of the starting conditions, where employee salaries are often lower than in other industries. This leads to an outflow of qualified specialists and a drop in overall efficiency. However, a well-designed and implemented motivational system can radically change the situation.

The process of youth formation in the Kyrgyz Republic

This article examines key aspects of the process of youth formation and development in Kyrgyzstan. The author analyzes the current situation in the areas of employment, education and digital skills of young people, and identifies the main challenges faced by the young generation of the country. Key points that young people in Kyrgyzstan are predominantly employed in the service sector and agriculture, while the share of unemployed and non-studying youth remains high (19–21 %). There is a significant gender gap the share of young women not involved in labor or educational activities is more than 2 times higher than that of men. The share of education expenditure in Kyrgyzstan’s GDP is declining, despite the high priority of this area in budget policy. The digital skills of young people, especially women, are underdeveloped, limiting their opportunities in the labor market. The author proposes to intensify programs for employment, advanced training and development of entrepreneurial competencies of young people as a response to these challenges, which will allow them to fully realize their potential.

Assessment of the economic benefit of smoking cessation in cancer patients

Introduction. In 2021, the results of the first large-scale prospective cohort study were published showing the negative impact of post-diagnosis smoking on the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (I-IIIа). The purpose of the study is to assess the possible benefits of postdiagnosis smoking cessation of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC) stage I–IIIa to both the health care system society as a whole. Materials and methods. A mathematical model (calculator) has been developed to calculate the economic benefits of smoking cessation among patients with a confirmed diagnosis of NSCLC (I–IIIa). The calculator uses indicators characterizing the postdiagnosis smoking status of patients with stage I–IIIa NSCLC, the probability of disease progression and survival in the groups of those who continue to smoke and those who quit smoking. These data were obtained from the prospective epidemiologic study performed in the department of clinical epidemiology, N. N. Blokhin NMRC of oncology in cooperation with the IARC. The calculator takes into account the average cost of treating patients with late-stage NSCLC (IIIb-IV stage) in 2020–2022, which is calculated based on an analysis of the medical records of patients who were treated in the Department of Medical Cancer Therapy No. 3 of the of the Federal State Budgetary Institution «N. N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology» (Head K. K. Laktionov), statistical data on incidence and mortality from NSCLC in Russia, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita indicator, and the MINEC Forecast of socio-economic development of the Russian Federation for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Results. Stopping smoking after diagnosis of NSCLC stage I–IIIa results in cost savings due to a reduced likelihood of relapses and an increased number of patients who avoid relapses when quitting smoking. Taking into account the fact that the average cost of treatment for patients with stage IIIb–IV NSCLC is 4,000,000 rubles, savings on treatment due to a decrease in the likelihood of relapses and as a result of an increase in the number of relapse-free patients who quit smoking amounted to 3,321 million rubles. and 9,251 million rubles, respectively, per year. Thus, the total cost savings on treatment will amount to 12,588 million rubles or slightly more than 2.3 million rubles per patient who quit smoking. The second source of saving is maintaining the economically active potential of some patients diagnosed with stage I–IIIa NSCLC, due to increased progression free survival as a result of smoking cessation аmounts to 3 304 million rubles per year in terms of per capita GDP. If 100 % of patients with stage I–IIIa NLCLC hypothetically quit smoking, the potential budget savings could reach a significantly greater value of 29,480 million rubles per year. The economic benefit to society in the total metric of per capita GDP, obtained as a result of increased survival and possible preservation of labor activity, could exceed 14 billion rubles over a 5-year period. Conclusion. Smoking cessation in cancer patients is accompanied not only by clinical benefits, i. e. it reduces mortality and improves survival rates, but also by economic benefits for the healthcare system and the country as a whole.

Praxis of compliance: feminist solidarity for women tech workers in India during Covid-19

ABSTRACT Feminist activism persisted even in the isolating times of the COVID-19 pandemic. But how did the crisis shape feminist solidarity, especially for subjects facing multiple marginalities? In this article, based on in-depth interviews and participant observation, I examine how women tech workers in India – as gendered labour in the Global South – participated in various online groups to overcome their isolation. These women ostensibly acted as compliant neoliberal and heteronormative subjects, but their compliance paved the way for feminist solidarity. I theorize this paradox as the ‘praxis of compliance.’ As a theoretical framework, ‘praxis of compliance’ foregrounds the structural barriers to women workers’ participation in collective feminist activism. It also reveals some alternative strategies of building feminist solidarity within the constraints of the neoliberal economy as well as local and global crises that deepen inequality. I identify three potential areas of praxis of compliance for women tech workers in India: professional, personal and labour activism.

Risk of postpartum hemorrhage with increasing first stage labor duration

With increasing rates of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in high-income countries, an important clinical concern is the impact of labor duration on the risk of PPH. This study examined the relationship between increasing active first stage labor duration and PPH and explored the role of second stage labor duration and cesarean delivery (CD) in this association. Including 77,690 nulliparous women with spontaneous labor onset, first stage labor duration was defined as the time from 5 cm to 10 cm, second stage duration from 10 cm dilation to birth and PPH as estimated blood loss > 1000 ml. Using modified Poisson regression for risk ratios (RR) and confidence intervals (CI), we found a 1.5-fold (RR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.41‒1.66) increased PPH risk when first stage of labor exceeded 12.1 h compared to the reference (< 7.7 h). Mediation analysis showed that 18.5% (95% CI, 9.7‒29.6) of the increased PPH risk with a prolonged first stage (≥ 7.7 h) was due to a prolonged second stage (> 3 h) or CD. These results suggest that including first stage duration in intrapartum assessments could improve PPH risk identification in first-time mothers with a singleton fetus in vertex presentation at full term with spontaneous labor onset.

Child Labour Challenges and Security Implications in Selected Local Government Areas in Ondo State, Nigeria

The increasing presence of young people on the Nigerian streets participating in child labour has continued to attract public policy attention. Available research on child labour reveals sparse scholarly information on the security implications for young people in South-West Nigeria, particularly Ondo State. The study aims to understand the argument that child labour poses major security threats to the overall well-being of child labourers. A total of 147 questionnaires were distributed, with 12 focus group discussions and 12 semi-structured interviews conducted with young people and guardians (mostly mothers). Frequency distributions were employed to analyse the quantitative data, and NVivo (v.14) qualitative software was used to identify themes and sub-themes. A content analytical tool was used to make sense of the themes. Child labour activities include street trading, hawking, domestic help and construction work. Causes of child labour activities include lack of access to basic education, cultural and societal beliefs, poverty, and family breakdown, among others. Security threats include occasional kidnapping for ransom, sexual molestation, slavery, exploitation, risk of injury, diseases, and death. The study suggests a more responsive Child’s Rights Act in Nigeria for the protection of the rights and dignity of every child.

The Expanding Domains of Degraded Work in the United States: Constructing a More Comprehensive Typology of Non-standard Employment Arrangements

The spread of non-standard employment (NSE) is widely considered to have contributed to the deterioration of labor standards. Yet, in the United States, there is no definitive roster of non-standard work arrangements and no reliable estimate of the size of the non-standard workforce. For over 25 years, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has produced artificially low estimates of employers’ use of ‘alternative employment arrangements’. Its 2018 Contingent Work Supplement (CWS) reported that since 1995 the proportion of US workers in these arrangements had declined. This article proposes a more systematic framework for understanding NSE in the United States and fleshes out a more comprehensive typology better suited toward addressing the needs of policymakers and labor activists. It fundamentally reorients the study of NSE by recognizing that so-called ‘alternative’ arrangements are abusive and more aptly understood as degraded work arrangements (DWAs). The article then explores the key categories of DWAs and provides a deeper analysis of one group, dissociative arrangements, that enable the flourishing use of ‘non-employee’ workers. Concluding sections address the undertheorized state of this subject area and the challenge of union organizing in fractured labor markets.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Entonox in Reducing Labor Pain During Active Labor: A Case-Control Study.

The experienced of pain amid labor is women’s most extreme event, which causes intemperate stress. Assorted in strength, every woman bears intensity of labor is varied. Entonox is one of the non-invasive analgesic methods used during the process and identifying its potency is the foremost article’s purpose. A hospital-based prospective case control-single-centered study was done. The subject’s information and feedback on entonox use were gathered and analyzed with suitable statistical SPSS. The explicit parameters of parturient were interpreted by descriptive frequencies comparison between the different variables were calculated using the T-test. Many entonox users showed positive responses with reduced pain compared to non-users. The Apgar score showed no significant variation in both I and II groups, which proves no alliance of entonox with neonatal outcomes. Entonox is a choice alternative for managing pain during the initial labor phases. The success of this preferable technique (Entonox) can be attributed to most females choosing non-intrusive methods during labor.

Теоретики русского народничества о проблеме нравственной автономии личности

Introduction. The article analyzes the works of Russian populists, which contain a socio-philosophical solution to the problem of moral autonomy of the individual. Theoretical analysis. The socio-philosophical ideal of populist thought was closely connected with the theory of organizing a fair society based on the pattern of social solidarity, which implies socially responsible behavior of citizens who respect other people’s rights and act in the interests of human liberation. Individual autonomy can be achieved through various methods of liberation: through labor activity and the practice of cooperation, socio-political activity in the direction of realizing the social ideal of conscious solidarity. The moral autonomy of the individual, therefore, does not imply moral nihilism, but, on the contrary, is aimed at finding a compromise between private and public interests. Theorists of populism develop the thesis of N. G. Chernyshevsky’s «reasonable egoism», according to which intellectually and morally meaningful individualistic (autonomous) behavior can correspond to collective interests. The moral autonomy of the individual, according to most populists, does not deny the possibility of socially responsible behavior. Conclusion. Populist thought becomes a kind of counterpoint to the development of liberating social thought in Russia, transforming the ideal type of carrier of liberating ideas: a morally autonomous nihilist turns into a socially responsible populist.

The peculiarities of labor legal relations with a family doctor in the context of healthcare reform in Ukraine

According to national and international legislation, every person on the territory of Ukraine has the right to qualified medical assistance. As a result of healthcare reform in Ukraine, family doctors have started working, with whom patients conclude declarations in accordance with Ukrainian legislation. Consideration of labor legal relations with a family doctor is extremely important and relevant, as there are many problems and gaps in practice and legislative activities that require research and resolution. The full-scale invasion of Russia on the territory of our state had a negative impact on labor legal relations with family doctors. Due to hostilities, many patients have left for safer places in Ukraine or abroad. Many family doctors, who left their home and place of residence, are generally forced to seek for another place of work. These are significant drawbacks of labor law in the field of medicine, which we are currently facing in Ukraine and which require regulation and finding ways to resolve them. Therefore, consideration of theoretical and legislative material is relevant and extremely important. The purpose is to study the peculiarities of labor legal relations with a family doctor in the context of healthcare reform in Ukraine. The object is the legal basis and legislative framework, which regulate labor legal relations with a family doctor. Conducting research and summarizing qualifications, it can be said that general scientific methods, general methods, interdisciplinary methods, and specialized methods are applied. The analysis of the theoretical and legal source base, from the labor legislation, reveals ways to solve the problematic issues that family doctors face today. Incorporating positive international experience and making proposals for its further consideration and implementation in practice will make it possible to solve the current problems, taking into account all the risks. It is proposed to increase the salary of family doctors, regardless of the number of patients who have signed declarations with them. It is proposed to highlight the fundamental principles of labor activity with family doctors, which are based on the principles of legality, openness, voluntariness, normativity, transparency, control, and informativeness. The proposal is to enhance public awareness of the services of family doctors and the conclusion of declarations without being tied to the location.

Research on the Artistic Style and Singing Skills of Zhejiang Folk Songs

Zhejiang folk songs, as a gem within the realm of traditional Chinese musical culture, boast a rich array of artistic styles and distinctive vocal techniques. Their origins can be traced back to various facets of rural life, including agricultural labor, festive rituals, and folk activities, reflecting the diverse customs and cultural heritage of different regions within Zhejiang. Situated on the southeastern coast, the harmonious natural environment of Zhejiang has given rise to a variety of folk song forms, ranging from mountain ballads to farm songs and fishing tunes, each showcasing its own unique charm. Particularly, the refined and understated essence of Jiangnan culture endows Zhejiang folk songs with a poetic and delicate expression in melody and lyrics, culminating in a distinctive artistic style. The dissemination of Zhejiang folk songs is not confined to specific regions; as times change and society evolves, they have gradually integrated into contemporary art realms, becoming an essential part of national and local cultural heritage. Today, amid the diversification of popular culture, Zhejiang folk songs face the challenges of modernization and the struggle of preservation. Nevertheless, they remain a cultural symbol, carrying the memories and sentiments of traditional culture. This is not merely a testament to history but also a reflection of national emotions and artistic pursuits, deserving of in-depth study and preservation.

The role of the RHOA/ROCK pathway in the regulation of myometrial stages throughout pregnancy

BackgroundControlling uterine contractile activity is essential to regulate the duration of pregnancy. During most of the pregnancy, the uterus does not contract (i.e., myometrial quiescence). The myometrium recovers its contractile phenotype at around 36 weeks (i.e., myometrial activation) through several mechanisms. The RHOA/ROCK pathway plays a vital role in facilitating muscular contractions by calcium sensitization in humans. Yet, the role of this pathway during different myometrial stages, including quiescence, has not been elucidated. Objectivewe aimed to study the role of the RHOA/ROCK pathway in the regulation of the different myometrial stages throughout pregnancy. Specifically, we hypothesized that the inhibition of the components of the RHOA/ROCK pathway play an important role in maintaining uterine quiescence. Study designMyometrial samples were obtained from pregnant individuals who underwent cesarean section. Pregnant individuals who delivered preterm without labor (myometrial quiescence), preterm with labor (nonphysiological myometrial stimulation), term not in labor (activation), and term in labor (physiological myometrial stimulation) were included. The mRNA and protein expression of RHOA, ROCK I, ROCK II, RND1-3, and ROCK activity through pMYTP1 were evaluated. ResultsWe found that the human myometrium constitutively expressed RHOA/ROCK pathway components throughout pregnancy. No changes in the components of the RHOA/ROCK pathway were found during quiescence. Moreover, the RHOA protein and ROCK activity increased in the myometrium during labor, supporting the hypothesis that this pathway participates in maintaining the contractile activity of the myometrium. This study provides insight into the role of the RHOA/ROCK pathway in controlling myometrial contractile activity during pregnancy.

Discourses of Hate

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the global North has seen a drastic increase in usage of platform apps’ services. Platforms such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Deliveroo have become staples that connect consumers directly to workers on standby, ready to be activated at a moment’s notice to rideshare or deliver food orders. These companies offer low barriers of entry and flexible work hours, which is the ideal situation for many migrants looking for work. The scope of this research aims to build an understanding of the intersection between the rise of the far-right and the anti-immigration rhetoric in Canada and the EU that influences the hate faced by racialized migrants working highly visible gig jobs in the platform economy. By examining academic articles, news reports, and social media communications of far-right groups a major theme is apparent. The online rhetoric of the far-right can be categorized through its usage of fear and hate against racialized migrants. Migrants have been depicted as sexual threats to women, economic threats to workers, and an overall threat to the white population through demographic replacement. This conspiracy theory, known as the ‘Great Replacement’, found its way into the discursive attempts of far-right groups and political parties (ex. Chega - Portugal; VOX - Spain) to promote anti-immigration and violence against migrants. The threat that this rhetoric poses to racialized migrant workers has yet to be fully explored, and despite passing mention in a few academic articles, the violence faced by workers in the platform economy is not common in the literature, even more so in regards to its intersection with race based hate. This gap brings further questions concerning alliances among workers, advocacy groups, and trade unions based along the lines of ethnic, racial, and gendered differences to combat the growth of support for the far-right. With reasonable speculation, this research contends that far-right rhetoric and violence will continue to be targeted at racialized migrants in visible spaces and jobs, such as those in the gig economy which requires further labour solidarity and activism to aid migrants in vulnerable situations.