Development Organizations Research Articles

Development of an AI-Based Suicide Ideation Prediction Model for People with Disabilities

South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates among countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, and the suicide rate among people with disabilities is more than twice that of the general population. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence-based suicide ideation prediction model for people with disabilities in order to provide a proactive approach for managing high-risk groups and offer evidence for establishing suicide prevention policies. The support vector machine, adaptive boost (AdaBoost), and bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) models were used in this study. Data from the Disability and Life Dynamics Panel for 2018–2021 were used. The performance of the models was evaluated based on the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). All the prediction models demonstrated excellent performance, with AUC > 0.80 (0.83–0.87). The best-performing models were AdaBoost (0.87) for accuracy, Bi-LSTM (0.90) for sensitivity, and AdaBoost (0.90) for specificity. This study is the first to develop an artificial intelligence-based suicide ideation prediction model for disabled people and is significant in that it suggests ways to pre-emptively manage groups at high risk for suicide, providing evidence for the establishment of suicide prevention policies.

'Show me the money': An analysis of US global health funding from 1995 to 2019.

Historically, the US has been the largest contributor to development assistance for health (DAH), although its allocation has shifted in response to outside forces. This included, for example, the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, which emphasised child mortality, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. This led to funds being earmarked for disease-specific interventions rather than health system strengthening (HSS). In 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) published six health system building blocks, representing essential components of strong health systems. In 2015, the MDGs were replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasised capacity-building as opposed to specific health problems. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery, meanwhile, highlighted surgical capacity building as essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Given the renewed emphasis on a comprehensive approach rather than disease-specific interventions, one might anticipate the US aligning with this rhetoric in its allocation of DAH. However, we hypothesise that this is not the case. We queried the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) database for allocation of US DAH to low- and middle-income countries between 1995 and 2019, thereby excluding data after 2019 to avoid the influence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. OECD entries were assigned to health systems strengthening (HSS) or disease-specific interventions categories. The WHO building blocks were used as a framework for health systems strengthening. From 1995 to 1999, US DAH allocated to HSS decreased from 42% to 34%. The allocation decreased further from 34% in 2000 to 4% in 2007; correspondingly, DAH allocated to disease-specific interventions increased from 67% to 96%. Between 2008 and 2019, the distribution of US DAH remained relatively stable, with funds allocated to HSS versus disease-specific interventions ranging from 3-12% and 88-98% respectively. While total US DAH contributions in the 1990s and early 2000s were significantly lower compared to the decade that followed, the distribution of these funds was more evenly divided between HSS and disease-specific interventions. Despite attempts by the WHO and United Nations to redirect attention to HSS as the path to achieving UHC, the US continues to largely support disease-specific interventions and overlook the importance of HSS, including surgical capacity building.

Theoretical Approaches to the Regulation of Bioeconomy

The development of science and technology, as well as the introduction of innovations into the production sphere, have led to the emergence of such a phenomenon as the bioeconomy. At the present time, there is no versatile definition of the concept of bioeconomy either at the national level or at the level of interstate integration associations and international organizations. To analyze the key features of the concept of bioeconomy and to identify the main approaches to the essence of this phenomenon. This is important for the understanding of directions of development of the regulatory environment in relation to bioeconomy in the Russian Federation. The article analyzes the definitions of the concept of bioeconomy at the level of the International Advisory Council on Bioeconomy (IACB), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Union (EU), and individual states. The author examines a range of approaches to regulating bioeconomy. The research is based on formal-logical, dogmatic methods, the comparison method and the axiological approach. The paper presents approaches to the concept of bioeconomy as a phenomenon. The author analyzes how bioeconomy relates to the circular economy (closed-loop economy) and the linear (traditional) economy. The article presents a range of approaches to the regulation of bioeconomy through the lens of proactive law and proposes a mechanism for its regulation with the help of a symbiotic regulator. The main elements of such a reg ulator are referred to in the article. They include normative regulation, the presence of ef fectively functioning organizational structures, and properly functioning processes of interaction between organizational structures and entities. The author examines a regulation method entitled ‘ethical licensing’, highlights its advantages and disadvantages, and gives recommendation on the subsequent use of this method. Due to its complex nature, bioeconomy as a phenomenon requires specific approaches to its regulation.

Microgels With Electrostatically Controlled Molecular Affinity to Direct Morphogenesis.

Concentration gradients of soluble signaling molecules-morphogens-determine the cellular organization in tissue development. Morphogen-releasing microgels have shown potential to recapitulate this principle in engineered tissue constructs, however, with limited control over the molecular cues in space and time. Inspired by the functionality of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) in morphogen signaling in vivo, a library of sGAG-based microgels is developed and designated as µGel Units to Instruct Development (µGUIDEs). Adjustment of the microgel's sGAG sulfation patterns and concentration enabled the programming of electrostatic affinities that control the release of morphogens. Based on computational analyses of molecular transport processes, µGUIDEs provided unprecedented precision in the spatiotemporal modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gradients in a microgel-in-gel vasculogenesis model and kidney organoid cultures. The versatile approach offers new options for creating morphogen signaling centers to advance the understanding of tissue and organ development.

Corporate Governance: Exploring Key Concepts, Mechanisms, and Historical Evolution

Corporate governance involves several key concepts that help define its scope and purpose. Though review of key corporate governance concepts and historical evolution is widespread in the extant literature, detailed review across the globe is limited. Motivated by this dearth, this study reviewed these concepts and explored how firms rely on them to implement effective corporate governance. The study employed documentary and descriptive research methods to review concepts of corporate governance, systems, mechanisms and historical perspectives around the world. Our study discovered that understanding internal controls helps ensure compliance, minimize risks and safeguard the firm’s assets. Similarly, the study discovered that executive compensation structures help align management interests with shareholder value and external oversight through auditing and regulation which provides an unbiased assessment of the firm’s financial reports. Our historical perspective of corporate governance highlighted significant milestones that have shaped its evolution. Importantly, these include reports and acts aimed at addressing corporate scandals and improving governance practices. We also discovered that to improve corporate governance standards worldwide, multilateral organizations like the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) among others have played a number of roles in developing international guidelines and codes of best practice. Further, the study explored the dynamic nature of corporate governance in response to evolving economic, social and technological trends. The study concluded that understanding the concepts, systems, mechanisms and historical perspectives of corporate governance is essential for firms and stakeholders to maintain transparency, accountability and sustainable performance.

The International and the Local Worker: Understanding Multi-layered Processes of Racialisation in International Development Organisations

AbstractThis article seeks to examine how institutional hierarchies relate to processes of racialisation in development organisations that are multiracial. Complementing and building on existing literature focussed on race and development it shows how processes of racialisation help to produce and legitimate distinctions between local and international development professionals. It argues these divides cannot always be neatly mapped onto phenotype but are related to processes of racialisation tied to knowledge and class and this, in turn, helps to produce inequalities—power imbalances, pay differences and differential access to organisational benefits—between development workers. Therefore, while forms of racism and their material impacts shape the experiences of international staff of colour, there is another layer of racialisation at play that cannot be explained through existing racial categories but that draws on colonial ideas of epistemic superiority to create specific forms of racialisation within development organisations.

Does competitive school climate really harm to students’ anti-bullying attitude: empirical evidence from China

BackgroundSchool bullying remains a social problem and changing students’ attitudes towards bullying is crucial for effective prevention in schools. Based on social-ecological system theory, this study examines how school climate influences anti-bullying attitudes among students. Specifically, it studies how a competitive school environment influences these attitudes, and how students’ competitive attitudes mediate these attitudes.MethodsThe data for this study comes from The Programmed for International Student Assessment (PISA), which is a global student assessment initiative led by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The sample consists of 12,058 Chinese students from the 2018 PISA survey. Data analysis was conducted using STATA (version 14.0) software.ResultsSchool competitive climate has a positive and substantial impact on their anti-bullying attitudes (r = 0.1551, p < 0.001). Students’ competitive attitudes are also positively and significantly correlated with their anti-bullying attitudes (r = 0.2249, p < 0.001). Competitive attitudes partially mediate the relationship between the school bullying climate and students’ anti-bullying attitudes.ConclusionIn the context of Chinese education, a competitive school climate clearly has a positive effect on students anti-bullying attitudes. Students’ competitive attitudes also act as partial mediator in this relationship. These findings suggest that a healthy school ecosystem that reflects sound value guidance and fair rules is imperative for fostering anti-bullying attitudes in students.

The potential footprint of alternative meat adoption on corn and soybean producers

Alternative meat (AltMeat), which includes plant-based and cultured meats, has the potential to improve the global food supply chain on numerous environmental and societal dimensions. Some of these gains, derived from lower animal meat consumption, could disrupt the supply chain of crops that are used as animal feed. This study evaluates the potential impact of animal meat displacement on major corn and soybean-producing regions, globally or in developed regions. We combine trading patterns and regional cost structures with potential crop demand reductions caused by animal meat displacement, to occur by 2032 on top of an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (OECD-FAO) baseline projection without AltMeat. We find that potential animal meat displacement in the US and the European Union (EU) would have a minor effect on crop markets. Worldwide displacement, however, would lead to significantly lower corn and soybean prices relative to the baseline OECD-FAO projection without AltMeat. We explore quantitatively the heterogeneous impact of such developments in crop-producing regions. Our findings shed light on a trade-off associated with the significant benefits of more sustainable meat production.

Optimizing VAT threshold: The key to improving VAT performance

The low tax ratio in Indonesia is an issue often associated with suboptimal tax revenue performance. This study examines the role of the threshold for Value Added Tax (VAT), which is suspected to significantly influence the optimization of VAT revenue, while also exploring the effect of VAT rate and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. The study analyze data from member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2022 using multiple linear regression methods. The results show that increases in the VAT threshold and VAT rate positively impact VAT revenue performance, while an increase in per capita GDP has a negative effect. A higher VAT threshold allows the country to focus on larger taxpayers, while the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) benefit from reduced administrative burdens. These findings can serve as a basis for government evaluation in determining the appropriate threshold and VAT rates to enhance tax revenue performance optimally.

The Impact of Green Trade Openness on Air Quality

Environmental degradation is among the most pressing issues the world faces today. Air pollution is one of the many forms of environmental degradation and can drastically impact human health and ecosystem functioning. Research shows that rapid intervention strategies are required to achieve the environmental targets set out by international agreements. One strategy that has been widely accepted to combat this issue of environmental degradation is the introduction of green products. The adoption of green products can be increased through trade. However, knowledge of the impact of trading these products is limited. This study examines the relationship between the trading of green products and air quality in a case study of 33 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries from 2003-2016. We employ several panel strategies, such as the Westerlund (2008) Durbin-H method for cointegration and the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MM-QR). The trading of green products was proxied by the newly developed ‘Green Openness Index.’ Nitrous oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions served as proxies for air pollution. The relationship between the variables was explored in the context of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). The cointegration analysis reveals that there is a long-run relationship among the series. Long-run estimations prove that the EKC hypothesis is valid for the analyzed series. Additionally, the empirical findings reveal that trading environmentally friendly products increases air quality while energy consumption decreases. We provide several policy suggestions based on the study’s outcomes, such as supporting the trade liberalization of green goods, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers for environmentally friendly products, and promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly goods by providing subsidies and other tax incentives to consumers.

Navigating carbon neutrality pathway beyond energy and economic agents: the influence of media liberty across the OECD countries

Abstract Press freedom is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, playing a critical role in shaping public discourse, fostering transparency, and holding institutions accountable. Furthermore, its impact extends beyond political and social realms to encompass environmental sustainability, particularly in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. While extensive research has been conducted on the economic, social, and institutional factors that influence environmental outcomes, the role of press freedom in shaping ecological footprint remains underexplored. However, this study aims to address this gap by examining the relationship between press freedom and ecological footprint across 36 OECD countries from 2013 to 2022. Utilizing a system generalized method of moments (GMM) analysis and controlling for economic growth, trade openness, and energy consumption, this research reveals significant findings. Specifically, it demonstrates that press freedom serves as a catalyst for reducing ecological footprint, presenting OECD countries with a unique opportunity for environmental gains and potentially achieving carbon neutrality. In contrast, we find indicators such as economic growth, energy consumption, and trade openness have negative impact on environmental quality. Overall, this study underscores the importance of promoting press freedom as a key strategy for advancing environmental sustainability and calls for concerted efforts to harness its potential for mitigating ecological footprint in OECD countries and beyond.

Assessing the Socio-Economic Impacts of Solar Home Systems on Chingad, Surkhet

This study assesses the multifaceted socio-economic impacts of Solar Home Systems (SHS) on the remote community of Chingad, Surkhet. Employing a comprehensive research framework, we investigate the extent to which the adoption of SHS has influenced the livelihoods, economic activities, and social dynamics within the community. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we analyzed the economic benefits, social empowerment, and environmental sustainability associated with the integration of solar energy. The limitations of the study included its focus on Chindgad-5, Surkhet. This research employed a descriptive-analytic approach within an exploratory research design. In the study area, a total of 386 households were included, with 188 utilizing solar energy in December 2023 AD from field observation. The research focused on a subset of 36 purposely selected solar home system users. Energy consumption patterns varied among ethnic groups and social classes, and universal electricity access was not observed in the study area. The study integrated both descriptive and exploratory elements to comprehensively address its objectives, utilizing a combination of primary and secondary data. For policymakers, development professionals, and other stakeholders engaged in sustainable energy projects in similar circumstances, the findings offer insightful information about the complex relationships that are present between solar technology and the local socioeconomic fabric. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, energy planners, and development organizations working towards sustainable and inclusive energy solutions in rural Nepal. The successful integration of SHS not only addresses energy needs but also contributes to economic development and improved living conditions in off-grid communities.

Decentering governance models: education policy and school accountability in Post-Devolution Wales

ABSTRACT This paper investigates education policy reform in post-Devolution Wales with a focus on school accountability. Specifically, it provides a historicist analysis of Wales’ decision to abandon publicly mandated school league tables and subsequent accountability reforms. The paper uses the literature on four governance models to investigate successive accountability regimes in Wales through time. These have changed from a Trust and Altruism model, via a Transparent Public Rankings model, to a new, emerging model that relies on self-assessment and collaborative accountability standards. Notably, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has played an increasingly important role in shaping this process. Central to our analysis is Mark Bevir and Roderick Rhodes’ decentered theory. The paper argues that governance models need to be understood with reference to the dynamic interplay of historical constraints, power struggles and new belief systems that respond to policy dilemmas. As Wales has embarked on several substantial education policy reform initiatives, the paper demonstrates the importance of a historically informed approach to policy design and implementation which is responsive to competing traditions and beliefs.

Global Problems and/or Local Solutions: Teaching and Learning Physical Education in the Wake of OECD Education 2030

This paper investigates physical education through a reading of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s 2019 report Making Physical Education Dynamic and Inclusive for 2030. Adopting a qualitative policy analysis approach, we identify and discuss the problems outlined in the report, and its proposed solutions for the future of physical education. Physical education appears in the pages of this document as a container for societal problems related to global physical activity, health, and academic performance. We aim to provide a critique of the OECD report, and suggest topics that require further discussion, such as the dependence of quality teaching and learning on local solutions. We also place more emphasis on local sustainable knowledge in physical education.

Jeopardizing Biomedical Creative Abduction Through Impoverished Epistemic Niches

In this article the problem of discoverability and abductive creativity in scientific cognition will be characterized by the analysis of current difficulties that affect various aspects of the scientific enterprise such as in the case of the organization of Research and Development in biopharmaceutical companies. I will contend that this case symbolizes a paradigmatic example of what I have called “impoverished epistemic niches” in which it seems that some of the fundamental aspects that qualify modern science are jeopardized. To refer to some recent challenges to the crucial role played in scientific abductive cognition by the so-called “maximization of eco-cognitive openness” and “optimization of eco-cognitive situatedness”, I will propose the new concept of “epistemic irresponsibility”. I will emphasize the importance of the so-called knowledge in motion – in multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary scientific research: the concept of knowledge in motion is also the necessary conceptual premise of the analysis of various kinds of epistemic irresponsibility. I indeed will illustrate the current increasing expansion of commodification and commercialization of science, marketing of technoscientific products, impoverishment of the epistemic niches, showing that a consequence is and could further be an attack to the possibility of a further flourishing of human fecund and successful abductive creative cognition in science, and so at the same time human creativity severely compromised.

Evaluation of acute and subacute dermal toxicity of antibacterial bioactive glass-infused surgical cotton gauze in Wistar rats

Mesoporous bioactive glass, with its versatile characteristics and morphology, holds significant potential as an ideal hemostatic material. However, limited data is available regarding its toxicity levels. Consequently, this research intends to assess the acute and repeated dose dermal toxicity of Mesoporous antibacterial bioactive glass microsphere impregnated nonwoven surgical cotton gauze (MABGmscg) dressing in albino Wistar rats, following the standards set by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In the acute dermal toxicity study, the impact of MABG (@2000mg/kg BW) mscg dressing was assessed following a single dermal application in both male and female Wistar rats (n = 10). Mortality, clinical signs, body weight fluctuations and gross observations were consistently monitored over a14 day period following the single dose. The results indicated that, MABG (@2000mg/kg BW) mscg dressing upon dermal exposure did not cause any adverse effect in acute dermal toxicity study in Wistar rats compared to control group. Given that 2000 mg/kg BW of MABG was deemed a nontoxic dose, a repeated dose dermal toxicity study of MABGmscg dressing was subsequently conducted at three dose levels (@200, 500, 1000 mg/kg BW) over 28 consecutive days in Wistar rats. During the study period, no unscheduled deaths occurred, and there were no clinical signs associated with treatment, body weight variations or abnormal gross findings at necropsy in any groups. The analysis concluded that, MABGmscg dressing is safe to be considered as a hemostatic dressing at the various tested dose levels in Wistar rats.

Oral Health Care Out-of-Pocket Costs and Financial Hardship: A Scoping Review.

The objective of this study is to characterize how financial hardship related to oral health care (OHC) out-of-pocket (OOP) spending has been conceptualized, defined, and measured in the literature and to identify evidence gaps in this area. This scoping review follows Arksey and O'Malley's framework and synthesizes financial hardship from OHC concepts, methodologies, and evidence gaps. We searched Ovid-Medline, Ovid-Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EconLit, Business Source Premier, and the Cochrane Library. Gray literature was sourced from institutional websites (World Health Organization, United Nations, World Bank Group, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and governmental health agencies) as well as ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis Global. We used defined inclusion and exclusion criteria to select studies published between 2000 and 2023. Of the 1,876 records, 65 met our criteria. The studies conceptualized financial hardship as catastrophic spending, impoverishment, negative coping strategies, bankruptcy, financial burden, food insecurity, and personal financial hardship experience. We found heterogeneity in defining OHC OOP payments and services. Also, financial hardship was frequently measured as catastrophic health expenditure using cross-sectional designs and national household spending surveys from high-income and to a lesser extent lower-middle-income countries. We identify and discuss challenges in terms of conceptualizing financial hardship, study designs, and measurement instruments in the OHC context. Some of the common evidence gaps identified include studying the causal relationship in financial hardship from OHC, assessing the financial hardship and unmet dental needs due to cost relationship, and distinguishing the effect between pain/discomfort and esthetic/cosmetic dental treatments on financial hardship. Financial hardship in OHC needs further exploration and the use of consistent definitions as well must distinguish between treatments alleviating pain/discomfort from esthetic/cosmetic treatments. Our study is relevant for policy makers and researchers aiming to monitor financial protection of OOP payments on OHC in the wake of universal health coverage for oral health.

A brief overview of the past, present and future of the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation

The Global Earthquake Model (GEM) is an initiative that originally emerged from discussions and proposals made by the Global Science Forum of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the early 2000’s. In 2009, GEM established itself as a non-profit legal entity, the GEM Foundation, and 15 years later, it continues to operate globally with a mission to provide transparent resources for seismic hazard and risk assessment, as well as to support disaster risk reduction for a wide range of natural hazards. This paper highlights the main milestones from the past 15 years and the vision of the foundation to 2030. An overview is also provided of the status of GEM products and services, all of which are made available for the benefit of society, under a strategy that aims to assure the continued financial sustainability of the organization.

The role of collective interest representatives in enforcing EU labour rights

This article explores the role of collective interest representatives (CIR) in the enforcement of EU labour rights. To that end, the article starts with an analysis of the regulation of CIR in other fields of EU law, particularly consumer protection law and non-discrimination law. The analysis follows the approach of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in cases on the legal standing of actors to enforce EU rights, namely, by defining first the protective scope as a matter of Union law itself based on a textual and teleological analysis and, second, the margin of discretion left to Member States to exercise their own procedural autonomy, including the possibility for Member States to determine locus standi according to their own legal systems. The article continues with drawing inspiration from forms of CIR in international and transnational law, particularly the collective complaints procedure of the European Social Charter (ESC), the representation procedure of the International Labour Organization, and the specific instances of the National Contact Points of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (NCP OECD). The article concludes with an assessment of the acceptance of CIR in the enforcement of (EU) labour rights from a substantive perspective and elaborates on the possible tasks, requirements, and powers of CIR in enforcing EU labour rights.

Agricultural Policies and Strategies in Ethiopia: A Review on Transformation Towards an Improved Agricultural Extension

In Ethiopia, economic development policy has historically been dominated by subsistence agriculture, leading to unrealized agricultural potential characterized by low productivity and a focus on subsistence farming practices. This would necessitate giving agricultural policies top priority and launching an improved initiative to speed up the transition from traditional farming. To this end, this review was to summarize the strengths and drawbacks of Ethiopia's agricultural policies and strategies, as well as make recommendations for improved interventions and the potential for scaling them up. This may be very helpful in directing policymakers to introduce the valuable interventions and handle related issues. Since 1991, the government of Ethiopia has implemented various agricultural policies in order to boost agricultural productivity and production, which in turn reduces poverty and food insecurity. However, the results have been found to be unsatisfactory. This is mainly due to the poor performance of the agricultural extension system in terms of its coverage and quality of implementation. Thus, the review argues, addressing such challenges and commercializing the sector could lead Ethiopia to further exploit its agricultural potential. In this regard, the recently implemented cluster farming is the right way to overcome these problems and support subsistence farming by increasing smallholder farmers bargaining power, increasing the faster diffusion of research recommendations and extension packages, knowledge transfer, and market linkage. Therefore, the review recommends that policymakers and development organizations should consider cluster farming as a main farming strategy to increase smallholder farmer’s productivity and support initiatives to attain the intended goals.