Systems Approach Research Articles

Overview of the Current Advancements and Trends in the Transungual Drug Delivery System

Background: Drug delivery across human nails is termed a transungual drug delivery system. It is recommended for the amelioration of nail disorders and infectious nail diseases like onychomycosis. Thereby, vivid anti-fungal regimens have been prescribed in the form of different types of formulations, including nail lacquers, nail film, nail paint, and other types for treating onychomycosis. Method: All the formulations currently marketed or being marketed for the transungal drug delivery system were thoroughly studied, compared, and evaluated for their advantages and disadvantages so that a new vision can be sustained along the path of creating newer anti-fungal transunguals, keeping in mind the anatomy of the nail and various parameters that govern bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients across the nail bed. Accordingly, different techniques are devised to enhance permeation across the nail. The various parameters used to evaluate these formulations depend upon their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Conclusion: The recent approaches in transungual novel drug delivery systems have been reported while exemplifying a few patented and marketed formulations, along with the clinical trial status of these formulations. There is a need for the development of new techniques to overcome all the loopholes present in the ongoing treatment techniques and the formulations used nowadays for the treatments of diseases that occur in nails. After thoroughly detailing transungal novel drug delivery systems, we envisage great opportunities for the researchers to carry out novel work in chemotherapy through nails.

Information Resilience in Networks: An Analysis of a National Security Legislation Evidence Base

Governance theory emphasises that networks are pivotal to societal governance and related steering mechanisms. One important means of steering is legislation, the evidence base of which is built on the interaction between social actors and the expert hearings related to the legislative process. This research uses network analysis to examine the construction of a legislative knowledge base and the information resilience displayed in the related networks. The data are derived from experts (n=440) appearing in committee hearings on five proposed acts of parliament. The results show that the expert consultations behind the legislation are official-oriented and illuminate the limited information produced by the private sector and a narrow view of scientific expertise. The network reveals epistemic authorities – mainly representing the security cluster – acting as gatekeepers. A more systemic approach is needed to build an evidence base encompassing the views on societal phenomena derived from different disciplines.

One Health System Strengthening in India (OHSSIN): Learnings on Whole Systems Approach in Translating the One Health Approach into Action

One Health System Strengthening in India (OHSSIN): Learnings on Whole Systems Approach in Translating the One Health Approach into Action

Structural properties of linear discrete periodic systems based on fully actuated system approaches

AbstractIn this paper, the structural properties of linear discrete‐periodic systems are investigated using fully actuated system approaches and the related criteria are presented, with emphasis on the observability and controllability criteria based on fully actuated system approaches. Both the high‐order fully measured and high‐order fully actuated models of linear discrete periodic time‐varying systems are constructed, and it is shown that a sufficient and necessary condition for the linear discrete periodic system to be observable (controllable) is that it can be equivalently transformed into a step‐forward high‐order fully measured (fully actuated) model and a step‐backward high‐order fully measured (fully actuated) model. Finally, a numerical example is offered to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the approach.

Applying systems thinking in youth-centred participatory action research for health promotion in an underserved neighbourhood.

Childhood overweight is considered a complex problem influenced by a range of factors, including energy balance-related behaviours (EBRBs) and interacting drivers of these behaviours. There is growing support that applying a systems approach is required to tackle complex problems resulting in actions that attempt to change the system's dynamics. Additionally, a participatory approach is advocated to include the lived experience of the population of interest both in the understanding of the system as well as the development, implementation and evaluation of relevant actions. We therefore combined Intervention Mapping, Participatory Action Research (PAR) and system dynamics in the development, implementation and evaluation of actions contributing to healthy EBRBs together with adolescents. Four PAR groups comprising of 6-8 adolescent co-researchers (10-14 years) and 1-2 adult facilitators met weekly during 3-4 years. The structured Intervention Mapping protocol guided the process of the systematic development, implementation and evaluation of actions. System dynamics tools were included for the creation of Causal Loop Diagrams and development of systemic actions. Our approach comprised six steps that were executed by the PAR groups: (1) build Causal Loop Diagrams for each EBRB through peer research and identify overarching mechanisms, (2) determine leverage points using the Intervention Level Framework, (3) develop action ideas, (4) develop detailed actions including an implementation plan, (5) implement and, (6) evaluate the actions. PAR ensured that the actions fitted the lived experience of the adolescents, whilst system dynamics promoted actions at different levels of the system. The Intervention Mapping protocol ensured that the actions were theory-based. The main challenge involved integrating system dynamics within our practise in cooperation with adolescent co-researchers. We experienced that combining Intervention Mapping, PAR and system dynamics worked well in developing, implementing and evaluating actions that target different levels of the system that drive adolescents' EBRBs. This study serves as an example to other studies aimed at developing, implementing and evaluating actions using a participatory and systems approach.

The role of organizational culture in material and non-material incentives for employees

Aim. To identify the role played by organizational culture in material and non-material stimulation of employees.Objectives. To describe and structure the key components of organizational culture; to disclose the concept of organizational climate and identify its relationship with organizational culture; to characterize the influence of the type of corporate culture on the prevailing type of incentives.Methods. The conducted research is based on the descriptive method, analysis and comparative method. Innovative, systemic and scientific approaches were applied as basic ones.Results. In today's highly turbulent global economic space, the survival of a company serves as an essential element of its strategy. Within the framework of counteraction to destructive forces from the external environment it is the organizational culture that today acts as a staple that allows to maintain the company at the proper level. In the context of understanding the essence of organizational culture, the authors adhere to this approach. The author's definition of the concept under study is given in the article. The approach based on the position that organizational climate is a part of organizational culture is presented. The influence of the type of corporate culture on the prevailing type of incentives is estimated.Conclusions. The study of organizational culture as a process reflects the understanding that each type of it has its own peculiarity. Practically there is no strictly defined type, especially since each company creates an individual organizational culture. The article traces the understanding that in the formation of organizational culture should pay close attention to the role played by one or another of its type in the material and non-material stimulation of employees.

Usefulness of accounting information systems for small business profitability in South Africa: A systematic literature review

Accounting information systems are an important instrument in the hands of administrators seeking to maintain a competitive edge in the face of fast technological innovation, having the knowledge, and demanding expectations from customers and business owners. The objective of the study is to investigate the empirical literature pertaining to accounting information systems and companies. This study uses a systematic literature review method to provide responses to the research issue, and the bulk of the research was conducted in industrialized economies where computerized accounting system approaches were widely adopted. The selected method of inquiry consists of the following phases: study choice, development of both inclusion and exclusion guidelines, research designation, quality of research assessment, data collection, and data compilation. Based on the paper’s findings, most small businesses fail to implement accounting information systems in their operations, resulting in low-efficiency levels because of the difficulty of preserving company information records. Furthermore, this systematic literature review adds to the prior literature in three ways: (1) it indicates the usefulness of accounting information systems; (2) it expresses the suggestions that might be implemented to boost the accounting information system; and (3) it describes the research gaps that require to be filled to encourage an improved adoption of accounting information systems for small business profitability.

АНАЛИЗ ПОДХОДОВ К ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЮ СОДЕРЖАНИЯ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ ИННОВАЦИОННОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ

The article is devoted to the analysis of the main approaches to the formation of the state's innovation policy in the Russian Federation. The study considers three key areas: linear approach, commercial and non-commercial approaches to innovation. Special attention is paid to studying the impact of the state on the functioning of markets in order to increase the number of innovations. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the approaches are analyzed in the context of the strategic development of the domestic innovation industry, and proposals are made for improving state policy in this area. In conclusion, the need for a systems approach and the role of systemic innovations in the socio-economic development of the country are discussed.

Mediation and judicial conciliation in family disputes in Russia: Issues and perspectives for development

The article considers the factors influencing Russia’s insufficient spread of mediation and judicial conciliation. It is substantiated that eliminating these factors will contribute to the development of conciliation procedures. The article aims to analyze the factors influencing the insufficient spread of mediation and judicial conciliation in Russia and offers ways to overcome them. The authors applied formal legal analysis to investigate the legal regulation of mediation and judicial conciliation. A systemic approach was used to address the mediation and judicial conciliation issues in Russia and offer ways to solve them. The article gives examples from court practice illustrating positive results in the form of concluded amicable and mediation agreements with the court’s assistance in achieving reconciliation by the parties to the dispute and studies the terms of amicable agreements. It also substantiates the ability of family disputes to be resolved by mediation and reveals procedural violations, which courts allow when approving amicable agreements

Pre-trial procedures in disputes on the protection of intellectual rights

Pre-trial conflict resolution procedures do not cease to be in demand, and the development of their legal regulation does not lose its relevance. Disputes on protecting intellectual rights are no exception, and most countries have established special pre-trial procedures. However, specific difficulties emerge when applying the legal norms related to pre-trial conflict resolution procedures in disputes on the protection of intellectual rights, which can be clearly demonstrated while studying the Russian experience using the mentioned pre-trial procedures. The paper aims to analyze and define the peculiarities of pre-trial procedures in disputes on protecting intellectual rights in Russia. Using systemic approach, as well as comparative legal and formal legal analysis allowed author to define the peculiarities of pre-trial procedures in disputes on the protection of intellectual rights in the Russian Federation: special requirement on the mandatory pre-trial claim procedure is a departure from the general approach, according to which such procedure is required for disputes arising from transactions or unjust enrichment, and is probably due to the complexity of these disputes; in the administrative pre-trial procedure of dispute examination in the Chamber of Patent Disputes the parties have a wide enough set of procedural rights and opportunities, and the procedure is quite close to the judicial procedure, and in some respects even exceeds it.

The legal policy in fostering the use of alternative dispute resolution procedures

The complications of social relations contribute to the growth of the number of disputes that result from conflict situations. In these conditions, the role of the state’s legal policy, aimed at stimulating the participants of social relations to choose economical, efficient, and prompt methods of conflict resolution, is significantly increasing. Improving the quality of dispute resolution directly correlates with a drop in the number of cases pending before a judge. This is achievable only through the development of the mechanisms of pre-trial dispute resolution and conciliation procedures. This paper aims to study legal issues and perspectives on the development of alternative dispute resolution based on the analysis of the legal policy of the Russian Federation. To achieve the mentioned goal, comparative legal analysis, a systemic approach, and formal-juridical methods were used to show the current developments of the legal policy of the Russian Federation in the sphere of stimulating and incentivizing alternative dispute resolution. Authors concluded that, unlike the domestic legal order, in foreign states, there is not only a formed normative basis for the procedures of alternative dispute resolution but also political acts of stimulating tone, designed to actively involved in these procedures more and more participants of social relations in a state of conflict. It has been established that the legal policy on introducing alternative dispute resolution procedures in foreign legal orders is characterized by a shifted emphasis on family law.

Enhancing aircraft crack repair efficiency through novel optimization of piezoelectric actuator parameters: A design of experiments and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system approach

This study addressed the critical problem of repairing cracks in aging aircraft structures, a safety concern of paramount importance given the extended service life of modern fleets. Utilized a finite element (FE) method enhanced by the design of experiments (DOE) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) approaches to analyze the efficacy of piezoelectric actuators in mitigating stress intensity factors (SIF) at crack tips—a novel integration in structural repair strategies. Through simulations, we examined the impact of various factors on the repair process, including the plate, actuator, and adhesive bond size and characteristics. In this work, initially, the SIF estimation used the FE approach at crack tips in aluminum 2024-T3 plate under the uniform uniaxial tensile load. Next, numerous simulations have been performed by changing the parameters and their levels to collect the data information for the analysis of the DOE and ANFIS approach. The FE simulation results have shown that changing the parameters and their levels will result in changing of SIF. Several DOE and ANFIS optimization cases have been performed for the depth analysis of parameters. The current results indicated that optimal placement, size, and voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuators are crucial for maximizing crack repair efficiency, with the ability to significantly reduce the SIF by a quantified percentage under specific conditions. This research surpasses previous efforts by providing a comprehensive parameter optimization of piezoelectric actuator application, offering a methodologically advanced and practically relevant pathway to enhance aircraft structural integrity and maintenance practices. The study innovation lies in its methodological fusion, which holistically examines the parameters influencing SIF reduction in aircraft crack repair, marking a significant leap in applying intelligent materials in aerospace engineering.

Enhancing Low Voltage Ride-Through Resilience using Empowering Solar Energy Strategies

The rapid advancement of Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) technology has been highlighted by the exponential rise of photovoltaic (PV) generation systems. An extensive analysis of LVRT methods specifically designed for PV generating systems is presented in this research. Important topics like main causes, current control schemes, power balance and overall solutions are the main focus of the review. Moreover, it provides comprehensive insights and elaborates on integrated solutions intended for large-scale PV systems. The objective of this research is to improve the resilience and reliability of renewable energy sources, especially solar photovoltaic systems, against grid disruptions and voltage changes by investigating LVRT approaches in solar power systems. Enhancing the integration of solar power systems into current electrical grids, reducing downtime, and optimizing system performance are the objectives in order to accelerate the shift to a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with early onset cholangiocarcinoma: A large database analysis.

e23294 Background: Although the average age of onset of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is ≥ 65 years, recent data have demonstrated an alarming rise in incidence of CCA in the United States (US) among people younger than 50 years of age. However, robust data regarding the characteristics and outcomes of CCA among young patients are lacking. Methods: We used TriNetX, a national database comprising approximately 74 million patients across 54 healthcare organizations in the US, to perform the current analysis. We retrospectively identified patients with CCA (using ICD-10 code C22.1) from Jul 2009 to Jan 2022. We then performed comparative analysis between patients ≤ 49 years (early-onset CCA or EOCCA) and ≥ 50 years old (average-onset CCA or AOCCA). We performed a comparative analysis of baseline characteristics, treatment patterns and overall outcomes. We used the Chi-square test for the comparative analysis and Kaplan-Meier estimates were plotted for survival analysis. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We included a total of 1,343 patients with EOCCA. Compared to AOCCA, patients in the EOCCA group were more likely to be females (51% vs 48%, p < 0.0001), African Americans (13% vs 9%, p < 0.0001) and have a history of primary sclerosing cholangitis (7% vs 1%, p < 0.0001). Patients in the EOCCA group were more likely to undergo surgical resection (9.7% vs 8%, p = 0.007), liver transplant (4.5% vs 1.6%, p < 0.0001) and adjuvant chemotherapy (39.2% vs 33.5%, p < 0.0001). Young patients were also more like to receive palliative chemotherapy (16.7% vs 12.6%, P < 0.00001) and FGFR-directed targeted therapy (1.5% vs 0.3%, p < 0.00001). Compared to older patients, we noted a significantly higher overall survival among young patients undergoing surgical resection (85 months vs 43 months, p = 0.008) and patients with advanced disease (28 months vs 15 months, p < 0.0001), however, no difference in overall survival was noted between young and older patients undergoing liver transplant (88 months vs 117 months, p = 0.6). Conclusions: We present a large real-world analysis highlighting treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with EOCCA. Young patients received more surgical resections, both adjuvant therapies and palliative therapies, and had a significantly longer overall survival than their older counterparts. Although more patients underwent liver transplant in the EOCCA group, post-transplant survival was not significantly better compared to their older counterparts. Prospective clinical studies tailored to assess surgical and systemic therapeutic approaches specific to EOCCA patients are warranted.

Glomerular Hypertrophy and Splenic Red Pulp Degeneration Concurrent with Oxidative Stress in 3xTg-AD Mice Model for Alzheimer's Disease and Its Exacerbation with Sex and Social Isolation.

The continuously expanding field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) research is now beginning to defocus the brain to take a more systemic approach to the disease, as alterations in the peripheral organs could be related to disease progression. One emerging hypothesis is organ involvement in the process of Aβ clearance. In the present work, we aimed to examine the status and involvement of the kidney as a key organ for waste elimination and the spleen, which is in charge of filtering the blood and producing lymphocytes, and their influence on AD. The results showed morphological and structural changes due to acute amyloidosis in the kidney (glomeruli area) and spleen (red pulp area and red/white pulp ratio) together with reduced antioxidant defense activity (GPx) in 16-month-old male and female 3xTg-AD mice when compared to their age- and sex-matched non-transgenic (NTg) counterparts. All these alterations correlated with the anxious-like behavioral phenotype of this mouse model. In addition, forced isolation, a cause of psychological stress, had a negative effect by intensifying genotype differences and causing differences to appear in NTg animals. This study further supports the relevance of a more integrative view of the complex interplay between systems in aging, especially at advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease.

The conciliation of the parties to a dispute by a mediator (mediation)

Mediation, one of the forms of conciliation of the parties, has acquired the character of a successful guide to the world of harmony. However, several barriers prevented the proper implementation of the mediation. In-depth research on mediation is needed to find a way to overcome the mentioned barriers. This paper aims to analyze mediation as a modern legal institution, defining its genesis, types, principles, and sources. To achieve this, the author used retrospective analysis to illustrate the peculiarities of the genesis of the concept of mediation, a systemic approach to study the implementation of the idea of mediation in different legal systems, and comparative legal analysis to show the development of the concept in various countries. The article reveals its formation, points of support and opportunities for resolving legal conflicts (disputes). The basic principles on which the mediation procedure is based and what actions the mediator performs are concretized, including in the form of principles and stages of mediation.

Navigating the Complexities of Brain Metastases Management.

The management of brain metastases, a potentially devastating complication of advanced cancers, has become increasingly complex with advancements in local and systemic therapies. Improved outcomes and extended survival for patients with metastatic solid tumors have led to a surge in the prevalence and possibly incidence of brain metastases, affecting up to 40% of individuals with solid tumors. Enhanced imaging technologies contribute to more accurate and early detection, shaping the understanding of the intricate landscape of this condition. Traditionally, surgery and radiation stood as the mainstays of treatment because of the limited efficacy of systemic therapies within the brain. However, emerging clinical data, particularly in melanoma, lung, and breast cancers, reveal promising results with novel systemic treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Despite the historical exclusion of patients with active brain metastases from clinical trials, a shift is occurring toward a more inclusive approach. This chapter delves into the multifaceted challenges associated with managing brain metastases, with a focus on the evolving landscape of systemic approaches as well as the intricacies of shared decision making, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions in navigating the complexities of brain metastases management.

The notarial mediation as an alternative way of resolving legal disputes in the Russian Federation

Mediation technologies are one of the alternative ways to resolve judicial disputes, and extrajudicial methods to resolve legal conflicts are a priority and promising direction. The mediation institute affects many aspects of social relations and is relevant in foreign legal orders and the Russian Federation. This paper aims to analyze the concept of notarial mediation as an alternative way of resolving legal disputes in the Russian Federation, define the issues related to its implementation, and further perspectives on its development. A set of methods was used to achieve the aim of the paper. Thus, the authors applied a systemic approach to study the implementation of the concept of “notarial mediation” in the Russian Federation. Also, comparative legal analysis was used to address the development of the concept of notarial mediation in different countries from a comparative perspective. The authors concluded that notarial mediation in the Russian Federation, one of the methods of out-of-court reconciliation, is becoming increasingly popular and in demand as an institution of dispute resolution with the help of a notary and a mediator (conciliator). Participation of a notary in the certification of the mediation agreement on the results of the mediation procedure guarantees the legality of the agreements reached and gives the mediation agreement executive force.

Digital opportunities for promotion of multi-door Courthouse concept

The article presents the prospects and new horizons of realization of a multi-door courthouse concept concerning modern digitalization processes. The legal system of contemporary Russia, deprived of several ideological institutions of the Soviet-era past, faced the same problem, which was relevant for the U.S.A. when creating the multi-door courthouse concept. The procedural legislation in force up to October 2019, which provided the possibility of non-judicial forms of protection of rights since the codification of 2002, proved ineffective in creating a worthy alternative to the state judicial procedure for protecting rights. Ground has been established to introduce the multi-door courthouse concept into Russian realities in a new way: a digital multi-door courthouse. This paper analyzes the modern approach to a “multi-door courthouse” in the Russian Federation, addressing its evolution, current issues and future perspectives. To achieve the paper’s aim, the authors used comparative legal analysis to show the development of the concept in different countries and a systemic approach to study the implementation of a “multi-door courthouse” in the Russian Federation.

Commentary on: an evaluation of a speech and language therapy eating, drinking, and swallowing service for adults with intellectual disability (Crocker et al., 2024)

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to expand upon some of the issues raised in “An evaluation of a speech and language therapy eating, drinking and swallowing service for adults with intellectual disability” (Crocker et al., 2024). Design/methodology/approach This commentary outlines considerations for multidisciplinary team working and professional roles both within and beyond the community learning disability team. It discusses models of service delivery and competency frameworks relating to eating, drinking and swallowing services. Findings Services should be integrated, include a broad multidisciplinary team and aim to increase competency in all contexts supporting people with eating, drinking and swallowing needs. Outcomes of service provision need to be measured outside of individualised care. Originality/value This paper broadens the discussion of quality of eating, drinking and swallowing services beyond speech and language therapy and considers a whole systems approach.