Transparent Criteria Research Articles

Blockchain based intelligent disbursement in National Scholarship Portal

AbstractThe National Scholarship Portal in India serves as a one‐stop solution for students seeking financial aid for their studies across the country. However, in this digital era, the national‐level portal faces challenges such as limited provision for only government scholarships, non‐automated systems, complex application processes, reliance on physical verifications, and delays in scholarship disbursement. This research proposes a blockchain‐based scholarship module to address these challenges and automate the entire scholarship process. The paper emphasizes upon the transformative impact by the usage of Hyperledger fabric network, which provides a fool‐proof system that streamlines the entire application process and fund disbursement. The proposed integration also ensures robust application verification, accountability of stakeholders, transparent scholarship selection criteria, automated and thorough tracking of fund disbursement, immutable transaction history, secure authorization; and stringent compliance measures. Thus, the implementation of the proposed system aims to alleviate the financial insecurities faced by students during their studies, simplify their search for scholarship opportunities, and enable them to focus more on their academic pursuits.

Insights from the U.S. Admissions System for the Reform of International Student Recruitment in China

The current international student recruitment system in China is fraught with challenges such as an incomplete standardized examination framework and an inadequate performance-based assessment system, which fail to holistically evaluate students’ true capabilities and potential for growth. By examining the successful experiences of the U.S. admissions system, particularly the shifts in Stanford University’s admission policies before and after the pandemic, this study explores the implications of these experiences for the reform of China’s international student recruitment system. It is suggested that future reforms in China should focus on establishing unified and transparent admission criteria, strengthening performance-based assessments, and improving the preparatory education system to enhance the global competitiveness of Chinese higher education institutions, attract more outstanding international students, and promote the internationalization of higher education.

Evaluating the Impact of Mini-Competition on Pharmaceutical Procurement: Challenges, Risks, and Regulatory Implications in Indonesia

This study evaluates the impact of the mini-competition method in pharmaceutical procurement in Indonesia, focusing on its challenges, risks, and regulatory implications. Mini-competition, a procurement method designed to promote competitive pricing in e-purchasing, has been introduced to streamline the procurement process, especially for essential goods such as pharmaceuticals. However, this method faces legal and practical challenges, including risks of fraud, reduced competition, collusion, and issues concerning product quality and innovation. The legal framework governing mini competition, including Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2021, is analyzed to identify potential weaknesses in ensuring transparency and accountability. The research also includes a case study of pharmaceutical product procurement, highlighting the significant price reductions resulting from mini competition but revealing adverse effects on industry sustainability. The analysis of the cost structure of pharmaceutical companies shows that continued price reductions may force companies to cease operations due to unprofitability. Drawing on international case studies, this study concludes that while mini competition can lower procurement costs, it also poses significant risks to product quality, innovation, and market competition. Traditional tender methods are proposed as a more balanced and sustainable approach for pharmaceutical procurement, emphasizing the need for transparent and comprehensive evaluation criteria.

Comparative analysis of Russian language textbooks for primary school using quantitative methods

Despite the intense scientific and practical interest in assessing the textual content quality of a school textbook, there is still no transparent algorithm and objective criteria for such evaluation. This article aims to outline objective linguistic criteria for textbook text assessment using quantitative methods on the example of one of the main components of a Russian language textbook, i. e. exercise texts. The analysis was performed on the material of 8 lines of modern Russian language textbooks for primary school and 1 line of the digital educational service Yandex Textbook. The research employed the methods of automatic natural language processing, statistics, and corpus analysis of texts. As a result, we propose an algorithm for analysing the text library of a Russian language textbook according to the criteria of structural and lexical complexity, genre, stylistic and thematic diversity, and the degree of correspondence between the text library and the current state of the Russian language. The obtained results form an idea of the textual content of a modern Russian language textbook for primary school. Moreover, they highlight the specific features of text selection for modern traditional and digital Russian language textbooks and resources. Finally, the research outcomes raise questions concerning the methodological optimality of certain authorial decisions when compiling the text library of a textbook. The results of the study will be useful to authors of school textbooks on the Russian language and specialists in educational and methodological work.

Let the students be heard – student voices on teaching excellence awards

ABSTRACT Globally, academics are encouraged to facilitate teaching excellence. Many business schools use teaching excellence awards to recognize exceptional efforts toward students’ learning, foster pedagogical innovation, and improve faculty motivation. However, prior literature has noted that many business schools lack clear and transparent criteria for TE awards, which can hinder the process and potentially reduce the motivational effects. Research has yet to fully incorporate student voices across a global setting into the evaluation criterion. As a result, this study seeks to identify universal criteria for TE awards based on a large-scale survey of 2,775 business students across eleven countries and five continents intending to capture global student perspectives. First, we reveal whether the possession of a TE award for an educator has any importance from students’ perspectives. Second, we find that students across the globe have a general agreement regarding the criteria for awarding an excellent educator by identifying 30 criteria for TE awards students noted across our global sample. Third, we reveal 15 criteria that are specific to some countries but not globally. Lastly, we explore the differences in TE award criteria across different study levels. Overall, our study makes a significant contribution by identifying global criteria based on student voice to inform the development of teaching excellence award criteria in business education or by higher education providers and professional bodies.

Supercontinua from integrated gallium nitride waveguides

Supercontinua are broadband spectra that are essential to optical spectroscopy, sensing, imaging, and metrology. They are generated from ultrashort laser pulses through nonlinear frequency conversion in fibers, bulk media, and chip-integrated waveguides. For any generating platform, balancing the competing criteria of strong nonlinearity, transparency, and absence of multiphoton absorption is a key challenge. Here, we explore supercontinuum generation in integrated gallium nitride (GaN) waveguides, which combine a high Kerr nonlinearity, mid-infrared transparency, and a large bandgap that prevents two- and three-photon absorption in the technologically important telecom C-band, where compact erbium-based pump lasers exist. Using this type of laser, we demonstrate tunable dispersive waves and gap-free spectra extending to almost 4 µm in wavelength, which is relevant to functional group chemical sensing. Additionally, leveraging the material’s second-order nonlinearity, we implement on-chip f-to-2f interferometry to detect the pump laser’s carrier-envelope offset frequency, which enables precision metrology. These results demonstrate the versatility of GaN-on-sapphire as a platform for broadband nonlinear photonics.

Politics in the Name of Women’s Reservation

The discussion highlights concerns regarding gender-based reservations in India, particularly the potential for these policies to disproportionately benefit wealthier and upper-class women, sidelining women from lower socio-economic strata and disadvantaged castes. It proposes solutions such as ‘reservation within reservation’ for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure equitable distribution of benefits and advocates for a shift towards economic-based reservations, considering financial need rather than gender alone. The importance of education, awareness campaigns and transparent criteria for reservation is emphasized, promoting equal access to opportunities. An intersectional approach that addresses both gender and caste factors is deemed essential to bridge existing disparities. The discussion concludes by emphasizing the need for regular reviews and data-driven policy adjustments to create an inclusive reservation system that empowers individuals from all backgrounds, aligning with the broader goal of fostering a just and balanced society.

The time for ambitious action is now: Science-based recommendations for plastic chemicals to inform an effective global plastic treaty

The ubiquitous and global ecological footprint arising from the rapidly increasing rates of plastic production, use, and release into the environment is an important modern environmental issue. Of increasing concern are the risks associated with at least 16,000 chemicals present in plastics, some of which are known to be toxic, and which may leach out both during use and once exposed to environmental conditions, leading to environmental and human exposure. In response, the United Nations member states agreed to establish an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, the global plastics treaty. The resolution acknowledges that the treaty should prevent plastic pollution and its related impacts, that effective prevention requires consideration of the transboundary nature of plastic production, use and pollution, and that the full life cycle of plastics must be addressed. As a group of scientific experts and members of the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, we concur that there are six essential “pillars” necessary to truly reduce plastic pollution and allow for chemical detoxification across the full life cycle of plastics. These include a plastic chemical reduction and simplification, safe and sustainable design of plastic chemicals, incentives for change, holistic approaches for alternatives, just transition and equitable interventions, and centering human rights. There is a critical need for scientifically informed and globally harmonized information, transparency, and traceability criteria to protect the environment and public health. The right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment must be upheld, and thus it is crucial that scientists, industry, and policy makers work in concert to create a future free from hazardous plastic contamination.

Closer to Home: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Optimize Satellite Site Bed Capacity.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic resulted in the underutilization of inpatient beds at our satellite location. A lack of clarity and standardized admission criteria for the satellite led to frequent transfers to the main campus, resulting in patients traveling larger distances to receive inpatient care. We sought to optimize inpatient resource use at the satellite campus and keep patients "closer to home" by admitting eligible patients to that inpatient unit (LA4). Our aim was to increase bed capacity use at the satellite from 45% to 70% within 10 months. Our process measure was to increase the proportion of patients needing hospitalization who presented to the satellite emergency department (ED) and were then admitted to LA4 from 76% to 85%. A multidisciplinary team used quality improvement methods to optimize bed capacity use. Interventions included (1) the revision and dissemination of satellite admission guidelines, (2)steps to create shared understanding of appropriate satellite admissions between ED and inpatient providers, (3) directed provider feedback on preventable main campus admissions, and (4) consistent patient and family messaging about the potential for transfer. Data were collected via chart review. Annotated run charts were used to assess the impact of interventions over time. Average LA4 bed capacity use increased from 45% to 69%, which was sustained for 1 year. The average percentage of patients admitted from the satellite ED to LA4 increased from 76% to 84%. We improved bed capacity use at our satellite campus through transparent admission criteria and shared mental models of patient care needs between ED and inpatient providers.

Investigating the Influence of Simulation-Based Instruction on Advancing Nursing Proficiency: A Rapid Review.

Nursing practice is continuously evolving, requiring nurses to update their knowledge and skills. A common approach in nursing education is simulation-based training. Although its effectiveness was studied in a sample of undergraduate students, evidence of its effectiveness in nursing continuing education is lacking. This review examined the effectiveness of simulation-based instruction in advancing nursing proficiency in lifelong or continuing learning. Searches of EMBASE, MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were performed. Studies conducted between 2000 and 2023, focusing on postregistration or postlicensure nurses undergoing simulation-based training to improve their nursing proficiency, were considered for review. The quality of the studies was assessed using the transparency, accuracy, purpose, utility, propriety, accessibility, and specificity (TAPUPAS) criteria. Data were synthesized with narrative summaries. A total of 14 studies with a total sample size of 1,204 nurses met the eligibility criteria. Studies showed that simulation-based instruction in nursing continuing education improves knowledge and skills. Some studies showed disagreements on the effectiveness of simulation-based training on other factors. Embracing high-fidelity simulation in continuing education is crucial for advancing proficiency. Tailoring simulation scenarios to specific competency domains is recommended to address variations in outcomes. Policymakers are encouraged to integrate simulation into education policies and support ongoing research to refine best practices and align policies with evolving nursing needs. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 202x;5x(x):xx-xx.].

Compliance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2021 price transparency requirements among proton therapy centers.

e23034 Background: Since 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has required hospitals to publish gross charges for all goods and services provided. In 2021, CMS amended this requirement to include publishing standard charge files, which include cash and payer-negotiated prices for all goods and services provided. This was enacted in an attempt to reduce healthcare prices by reducing information asymmetry and generating competition among both insurers and hospitals. Since complex proton therapy is one of the most expensive modalities of cancer treatment, we aimed to determine proton therapy center compliance with CMS price transparency requirements. Methods: We searched for online standard charge files for the 44 proton therapy centers in the United States. To assess compliance with the nine CMS price transparency criteria, we obtained prices for proton therapy using keyword searches and billing code 77525, the CPT code for the per fraction technical charge billed for complex proton treatment delivery. Results: Out of 44 operating proton therapy centers, 5 (11.4%) are free-standing private practice centers that are not affiliated with a hospital system, and thus not required to publish standard charge files per CMS policy. Of the 39 centers required to publish, 39 (100%) published their standard charge files free of charge with appropriately named files, thus meeting Criteria 1-3. Twenty-seven (69.2%) centers met Criteria 4 by including data on complex proton therapy (CPT code 77525) and Criteria 5a by including the gross charge for the service. One (2.6%) center partially met Criteria 4. Seventeen (43.6%) centers included negotiated prices for commercial insurers, thus meeting Criteria 5b, while 3 (7.7%) partially met this criterion. Twenty-two (56.4%) centers met Criteria 5c and 5d by including the deidentified minimum and maximum negotiated commercial prices, respectively. Twenty-six (66.7%) centers met Criteria 5e by listing the cash price for complex proton therapy, which is typically paid out-of-pocket by patients. One (2.6%) center partially met Criteria 5c-e. In total, 17 (43.6%) out of 39 proton therapy centers were in complete compliance with the 2021 CMS price transparency requirements. Conclusions: In summary, 17 out of 39 eligible proton centers were fully compliant with the 2021 CMS price transparency requirements in regard to complex proton radiation therapy. This suggests that deficiencies exist among hospital compliance and the CMS review process used to identify non-compliance. Future directions are aimed at expanding this analysis to include evaluation of proton center compliance with other billing codes, such as simple and intermediate proton treatment delivery. [Table: see text]

AUTOMATED HATE SPEECH DETECTION USING RECURRENT NEURAL NETWORK

The spread of online entertainment and information sharing has indeed brought significant advances to humanity. However, it has also created various challenges, such as the spread of derogatory content through means such as voicemail. Addressing this emerging problem requires continued consideration, especially in virtual environments, where innovative approaches combining design methods and artificial intelligence are used to identify and filter such content from various data sets. While efforts are being made to combat this problem, there is still a gap in design strategies for that purpose and a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence algorithms. This includes the need for transparent evaluation criteria and publicly available datasets to benchmark performance and promote collaboration within the research community. Keywords — Deep Learning, Recurrent Neural Network(RNN), Hate Speech Detection.

Transparency Animations: Trusted Research Environments, Data Linkage and Synthetic Data

BackgroundWith funding from HDR UK, Research Data Scotland (RDS) commissioned award-winning production company Media Co-op to create three short graphic animations targeted at both researchers and members of the public, building on our existing text-based content by introducing educational resources in a new format. These videos highlight three topics that have generated substantial interest among RDS users: Trusted Research Environments, data linkage and synthetic data. IntroductionFounded in 2021, RDS’s brand values centre on providing clarity, encouraging simplicity and building public trust. These values closely align with the aims of the HDR UK Transparency Standards, particularly around transparent application processes and criteria (Standard 2) and consideration for target audiences (Standard 4). MethodsRDS worked with creative agency Media Co-op to develop the animations with input from both subject matter experts and members of the public. Data experts were consulted throughout the project to ensure information accuracy. Two rounds of feedback from the Scotland Talks Data public panel, run jointly by RDS and the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR), were also incorporated with the aim of ensuring appropriate and accessible language. ResultsThe resulting animations explain complex topics in layperson terms to aid comprehension. Each video also has a corresponding British Sign Language (BSL) version to aid wider accessibility. We anticipate that these videos will ensure both researchers and the public can glean a clearer understanding of these intricate concepts. ConclusionsBy applying a Creative Commons Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 license to all three videos, we intend for all partner organisations across the UK to be able to reuse or share these videos with their respective audiences. The more organisations share these videos, the more we will build a collective understanding of these complex topics. The final animations can be viewed on the RDS YouTube channel: How is data kept secure? What is data linkage? What is synthetic data? To honour our commitment to creating accessible content, BSL versions of all three animations are also available: How is data kept secure? (BSL) What is data linkage? (BSL) What is synthetic data? (BSL)

A Prototype Software Framework for Transferable Computational Health Economic Models and Its Early Application in Youth Mental Health.

We are developing an economic model to explore multiple topics in Australian youth mental health policy. To help make that model more readily transferable to other jurisdictions, we developed a software framework for authoring modular computational health economic models (CHEMs) (the software files that implement health economic models). We specified framework user requirements for: a simple programming syntax; a template CHEM module; tools for authoring new CHEM modules; search tools for finding existing CHEM modules; tools for supplying CHEM modules with data; reproducible analysis and reporting tools; and tools to help maintain a CHEM project website. We implemented the framework as six development version code libraries in the programming language R that integrate with online services for software development and research data archiving. We used the framework to author five development version R libraries of CHEM modules focussed on utility mapping in youth mental health. These modules provide tools for variable validation, dataset description, multi-attribute instrument scoring, construction of mapping models, reporting of mapping studies and making out of sample predictions. We assessed these CHEM module libraries as mostly meeting transparency, reusability and updatability criteria that we have previously developed, but requiring more detailed documentation and unit testing of individual modules. Our software framework has potential value as a prototype for future tools to support the development of transferable CHEMs.Code: Visit https://www.ready4-dev.com for more information about how to find, install and apply the prototype software framework.

Alleinerziehende in der Betreuungsplatzvergabe: Status quo und Handlungsempfehlungen

Abstract Single parents and their children benefit particularly from early childhood education and childcare programmes. Nevertheless, almost a third of single parents in Germany who need childcare for their children under the age of three are unable to find it. Although around 70 % of day care providers claim to take the single-parent criterion into account when allocating slots, the prevailing allocation procedures cannot guarantee that this is implemented. This article shows how transparent allocation criteria can be designed nationwide and how their implementation can be realised through suitable, centralised, municipal allocation systems. Particularly in (western) German regions with a high unmet demand for institutional childcare, single-parent status should be considered as an independent criterion in addition to other factors such as employment and child age.

SUSTAINABILITY TRANSPARENCY IN SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUNDS: BENCHMARK AND CASE STUDY APPROACH

The COVID-19 pandemic and the current food, energy, and safety crisis caused by the war in Ukraine strongly affected the existing gap in Sustainable Development Goals funding. Restoring global sustainability progress and the 2030 Agenda requires reshaping responsible investment architecture and rethinking the role of sovereign wealth funds as the largest investors in this process.The current study explores the ways in which the most transparent sovereign wealth funds act towards sustainability values and incorporate environmental, social, governance, and ethical criteria (ESGE) into their investment strategy, portfolio, and reporting. Also, 16 high-ranked funds by the Sustainability Transparency Index (Cavagnetto et al., 2022) were investigated by using the case study and benchmark analysis. Study results demonstrate the similarity of all funds disclosure within some questionnaire criteria like sustainability policy, scoring (voting) rules for decision-making, ESGE criteria, stakeholder engagements, and assurance of the financial information disclosed. Nevertheless, qualitative differences were identified between the sustainability transparency criteria of A and B-ranked funds. There is also huge variation in the implementation of funds’ ethical criteria, sustainability coherence, relevance of sustainability goals, disclosure of specific climate-related goals, and foundation membership criteria.Policy implications derived from the differences in sovereign funds' benchmarks are aimed at enhancing the sustainability context in funds’ operating frameworks, developing impact measurement metrics, prioritizing the most material stakeholder requests, sustainability verification procedures, and standardizing funds’ sustainability reporting. Specific channels, instruments, and regulatory measures towards greater funds’ sustainability transparency and their involvement in bridging the sustainable development funding gap may be the subject of further investigation.

Analysis of the Principles of Good University Governance at the University of Indonesia as a State University with Legal Entity (PTN-BH) in 2014-2019

To achieve its vision and mission, the University of Indonesia (UI) has undertaken a series of improvements across various domains, encompassing governance. However, despite these endeavours, the enhancements in UI's governance do not seem to correlate with its performance achievements as documented in the annual reports. This study aims to analyse the application of the principles of good university governance at UI, a state university, from 2014 to 2019. The findings reveal that the execution of good university governance at UI, operating as a State University with a Legal Entity from 2014 to 2019, has not been optimised. The study delineated obstacles to good university governance at UI, encompassing the lack of involvement in decision-making processes beyond the rectorate, particularly in academic management; absence of transparent selection criteria for critical leadership roles such as UI Rectors and Deans; disparities in workload distribution across UI units; and outdated information on the ui.ac.id website. Recommendations stemming from the study advocate for enhancements in regulatory frameworks, refinement of staff performance assessment mechanisms, dissemination of financial regulations, and exploration of avenues to augment non-tuition revenue streams. These proposed measures aim to mitigate the identified challenges and to implement sound university governance principles more effectively at UI

Estimating soil N2O emissions induced by organic and inorganic fertilizer inputs using a Tier-2, regression-based meta-analytic approach for U.S. agricultural lands

Consistent methods are essential for generating country and region-specific estimates of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions used for reporting and policymaking. The estimates of direct N2O emissions from U.S. agricultural soils have primarily relied on the use of emission factors (EFs, Tier-1) and process-based models (Tier-3). However, Tier-1 estimates are relatively crude while Tier-3 calculations can be costly. This work addressed this gap by developing a Tier-2, regression-based approach by leveraging a meta-database containing 1883 field N2O observations together with environmental and management covariates from 139 studies. Our results estimated higher monthly soil N2O emissions (N2Om, kg N/ha) during the growing season (0.38) than the fallow period (0.15), highlighting the importance of considering measurement periods when utilizing meta-databases for analyzing N2O drivers. Significantly different N2Om were found for tillage practices (conventional > no-till: 0.42 > 0.27), fertilizer type (liquid > solid manure: 0.55 > 0.32), and soil texture (fine > coarse: 0.36 > 0.22). The comparisons of the influence of crop type and rotation, water management, and soil order on N2O emissions are complicated by regional data availability and interactions among different factors. Additionally, the finding that N2O emissions reported based on area (N2Om), N input rate (EF), or yield can alter treatment rankings underscores the need to establish transparent criteria for rewarding or discouraging regionally-based management practices using N2O metrics. Finally, we show how General Linear Models (GLMs) can be used to estimate country and regional Tier-2 N2Om using a suite of covariates. Our GLMs identified tillage, water management, N input type and rate, soil properties, and elevation as the most influential covariates for the conterminous U.S. The limited accuracy of regional-scale GLMs, however, suggests the need to further improve the quality and availability of GHG and covariate data through concerted efforts in data collection.

Response to responsible research assessment I and II from the perspective of the DGPs working group on open science in clinical psychology

We comment on the papers by Schönbrodt et al. (2022) and Gärtner et al. (2022) on responsible research assessment from the perspective of clinical psychology and psychotherapy research. Schönbrodt et al. (2022) propose four principles to guide hiring and promotion in psychology: (1) In addition to publications in scientific journals, data sets and the development of research software should be considered. (2) Quantitative metrics can be useful, but they should be valid and applied responsibly. (3) Methodological rigor, research impact, and work quantity should be considered as three separate dimensions for evaluating research contributions. (4) The quality of work should be prioritized over the number of citations or the quantity of research output. From the perspective of clinical psychology, we endorse the initiative to update current practice by establishing a matrix for comprehensive, transparent and fair evaluation criteria. In the following, we will both comment on and complement these criteria from a clinical-psychological perspective.

Balancing best practice and reality in behavioral intervention development: A survey of principal investigators funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Preliminary studies play a prominent role in the development of large-scale behavioral interventions. Though recommendations exist to guide the execution and interpretation of preliminary studies, these assume optimal scenarios which may clash with realities faced by researchers. The purpose of this study was to explore how principal investigators (PIs) balance expectations when conducting preliminary studies. We surveyed PIs funded by the National Institutes of Health to conduct preliminary behavioral interventions between 2000 and 2020. Four hundred thirty-one PIs (19% response rate) completed the survey (November 2021 to January 2022, 72% female, mean 21 years post-terminal degree). Most PIs were aware of translational models and believed preliminary studies should precede larger trials but also believed a single preliminary study provided sufficient evidence to scale. When asked about the relative importance of preliminary efficacy (i.e. changes in outcomes) and feasibility (i.e. recruitment, acceptance/adherence) responses varied. Preliminary studies were perceived as necessary to successfully compete for research funding, but among PIs who had peer-reviewed federal-level grants applications (n = 343 [80%]), responses varied about what should be presented to secure funding. Confusion surrounding the definition of a successful, informative preliminary study poses a significant challenge when developing behavior interventions. This may be due to a mismatch between expectations surrounding preliminary studies and the realities of the research enterprise in which they are conducted. To improve the quality of preliminary studies and advance the field of behavioral interventions, additional funding opportunities, more transparent criteria in grant reviews, and additional training for grant reviewers are suggested.