Financial Impact Research Articles

SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONCEPT OF ENSURING SOCIO-ECONOMIC SECURITY OF ENTERPRISES IN THE CONDITIONS OF INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT

The article is aimed at defining and disclosing the scientific and methodological foundations for implementing the concept of ensuring socio-economic security of enterprises in the context of innovative development. The subject of the research in the article is the scientific and methodological principles of ensuring socio-economic security of enterprises in the context of innovative development. To achieve this goal, the following theoretical methods were used: analysis of the source base, comparison, systematisation and generalisation. The category of innovative enterprise development and socio-economic security has been identified. A number of indicators may be employed to evaluate the extent of social and economic security enjoyed by an enterprise. These may be classified according to their financial, social, innovative, operational or environmental impact. This paper considers the distinctive characteristics and principal consequences of the impact of innovative development on the social and economic security of enterprises. It has been established that the scientific and methodological principles of social and economic security comprise a set of theoretical and practical tools, methods and approaches that facilitate the identification, assessment and management of risks associated with innovative activities. In the context of outlining the scientific and methodological foundations, a number of principles for developing a system of socio-economic security for the enterprise were identified and expanded upon, and a list of scientific approaches for studying and providing socio-economic security for the enterprise was provided. The importance of a systemic approach in ensuring the socio-economic security of the enterprise in the context of its innovative development is demonstrated. It is determined that the methodological principles include the development and implementation of a system of indicators for assessing the level of socio-economic security, analysis of risks associated with innovation activities. The components of methodological support for the system of socio-economic security are proposed: monitoring, evaluation, risk management. The conclusions of the study are that the innovative development of enterprises determines the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of business. The socio-economic security of an enterprise can be defined as a dynamic state of stable functioning and development in the presence of external and internal threats. This encompasses the protection of the enterprise's economic interests, the assurance of financial stability, risk management, the optimisation of resource utilisation and the enhancement of production efficiency. The concept of the relevant scientific and methodological principles can be developed on the basis of the principal approaches to the study of the socio-economic security of the enterprise, as well as the principal principles of its development, which are presented in the article.

Recent Advances in Therapeutics for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

The most prevalent chronic neurodegenerative illness in the world is Alzheimer's disease (AD). It results in mental symptoms including behavioral abnormalities and cognitive impairment, which have a substantial financial and psychological impact on the relatives of the patients. The review discusses various pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to AD, including amyloid beta, tau protein, inflammation, and other factors, while emphasizing the need for effective disease-modifying therapeutics that alter disease progression rather than merely alleviating symptoms. This review mainly covers medications that are now being studied in clinical trials or recently approved by the FDA that fall under the disease-modifying treatment (DMT) category, which alters the progression of the disease by targeting underlying biological mechanisms rather than merely alleviating symptoms. DMTs focus on improving patient outcomes by slowing cognitive decline, enhancing neuroprotection, and supporting neurogenesis. Additionally, the review covers amyloid-targeting therapies, tau-targeting therapies, neuroprotective therapies, and others. This evaluation specifically looked at studies on FDA-approved novel DMTs in Phase II or III development that were carried out between 2021 and 2024. A thorough review of the US government database identified clinical trials of biologics and small molecule drugs for 14 agents in Phase I, 34 in Phase II, and 11 in Phase III that might be completed by 2028.

GAME, SET, STYLE: UNVEILING THE FASHION SECRETS OF TENNIS DRESS CODE

Clothing in the game of tennis is one of the most important elements in the sport, both in terms of the role it plays, and the impact of the historical tradition it holds. Over centuries, both clothing and tennis shoes have undergone massive evolution, transitioning from traditional attire to more practical and technologically advanced designs. This evolution has not only enhanced the players' performance but has also contributed to the financial development of tennis through effective marketing strategies. Clothing in the game of tennis has always had a set of specific characteristics, often passed down from one generation to another as an unwritten rule. Although it does not have a major role in how a tennis match is influenced, it has a significant financial impact, through the important role of marketing reflected by associating the apparel with important figures in tennis. Throughout history, tennis clothing has evolved, abandoning many of its traditional aspects, opting for a much more practical version of the way they are made in the context of innovation, technology and design (durability, style and sustainability). Despite embracing innovation and modern design principles, certain traditional elements persist, notably exemplified by the strict dress code of prestigious events like Wimbledon. Similarly, tennis footwear has experienced significant transformations, largely driven by changes in playing surfaces. These advancements aim to optimize players' performance at the professional level and, like clothing, contribute to the financial dynamics of the sport. Therefore, the present paper aims to illustrate how the evolution of these essential elements of tennis equipment have led to the improvement of the game of tennis, and how the preservation of traditions over time has helped in the rise of the marketing element in tennis.

Parents' and guardians' experiences of barriers and facilitators in accessing autism spectrum disorder diagnostic services for their children: a qualitative systematic review.

The objectives of this review were to comprehensively identify the best available qualitative evidence about parents' and guardians' experiences of barriers and facilitators in accessing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic services for their children; and to develop recommendations based on the review for addressing barriers to timely diagnosis and early intervention. Early identification of ASD is a priority because the best chance for improving symptoms occurs through early and intensive intervention. A definitive ASD diagnosis is often a prerequisite for children to access publicly funded services, yet obtaining a diagnosis in itself can be stressful, frustrating, and time-consuming for many families. It is essential to understand the barriers and facilitators parents and guardians face in accessing ASD diagnostic services for their children. This qualitative systematic review considered studies conducted worldwide that included parents and guardians of children up to 18 years of age who had accessed or who were attempting to access ASD diagnostic services for their children. This review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. A literature search included CINAHL (EBSCOhost), CINAHL Plus (EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), APA PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Social Services Abstracts (ProQuest), ERIC (EBSCOhost), and Embase. Gray literature sources included ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Google Scholar, Google, OpenGrey, other online resources (government and organizational websites), and reference lists of retrieved records. No language, date, or country limits were applied to the searches. Retrieved records from the academic databases, gray literature, and reference lists of retrieved records were screened, with potentially relevant records examined in full against the inclusion criteria. Eligible studies were critically appraised for methodological quality and those included in this review were subjected to data extraction of descriptive details and study findings relevant to the review question. Study findings were synthesized and assigned confidence scores. All reviewers agreed upon the categories and finalized synthesized findings. The 36 included studies varied in qualitative research designs with high methodological quality. There were approximately 661 eligible participants, and 55 credible and unequivocal research findings. The research findings yielded 6 categories and 3 synthesized findings with moderate confidence scores. Parents' and guardians' ability to access ASD diagnostic services for their children is affected by i) encountering health care providers who actively listened to and addressed parents' and guardians' concerns instead of dismissing them, providing a sense of support and validation; ii) facing extended waiting times and associated financial burdens resulting in frustration and associated financial impact when delays occurred; and iii) encountering health care providers lacking specialized knowledge about ASD contributing to parents' and guardians' confusion due to inaccurate or conflicting diagnoses related to ASD comorbidities. Many parents described their journey in accessing ASD assessment and diagnostic services for their children as cumbersome. Parents' and guardians' experiences were affected by the level of perceived support by and knowledge of health care providers; confusion surrounding inaccurate/mixed diagnoses related to ASD; lengthy delays; and systemic and contextual barriers in navigating the pathway to ASD assessment and diagnosis that included socioeconomic and cultural disparities. PROSPERO CRD42018100127.

Strategic plans on the context of business excellence models and its financial impact: the case of the Cavendish banana grower cooperatives

PurposeThis study was conducted to assess the alignment of the strategic plans of the Cavendish banana grower cooperatives to business excellence models (BEMs) and to determine its financial impact to elucidate the performance of the respective cooperatives. This is anchored on the primary objectives of cooperative business sustainability, expansion and sustained competitiveness, all of which are significantly impacted by the strategic plans. The BEMS establish the parameters that are useful in determining how well the strategic plans correspond.Design/methodology/approachQualitative and quantitative methods were used in this study. Strategic plans and audited financial statements (FS) for calendar year (CY) 2021 and 2022 of two Cavendish banana grower cooperatives in Region XI on the context of BEMs were evaluated and examined using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and Philippine Quality Award. Of the seven criteria, only five were considered as follows: organizational profile, leadership, strategy, workforce, process and result. The first four were taken from strategic plans, while result was from audited FS.FindingsThe strategic plans of the two cooperatives selectively satisfy some of the sub-criteria of each of the four criteria. Furthermore, the cooperatives followed the usual basic contents of and briefly presented in the strategic plans the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis, strategic objectives, plans, targets and timelines. This suggests that the cooperatives are not familiar with the BEMs which could be attributed to the educational qualifications of the directors and officers, or possibly not introduced by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). On the financial performance, one cooperative has impressive records but generally had lower performance in 2022 compared to 2021.Research limitations/implicationsThis study covers only Cavendish banana grower cooperatives particularly located in the Southeastern part of Mindanao (CDA, 2021) in the Philippines where people are mostly of similar culture. This does not represent much diverse culture; thus, this may work only in organizations with similar culture. In other industries or organizations where cultural diversity occurs, there may be a need to conduct study to determine the level of adoption of BEMs by the cooperatives. On the other note, the samples are very limited that generalizability cannot be made. Conducting a similar study involving many cooperatives is suggested.Originality/valueThis study explores the alignment of the Strategic Plans of the Cavendish banana grower cooperatives to BEMs which has long been neglected.

Analyzing risk contagion and volatility spillover across multi-market capital flow using EVT theory and C-vine Copula

There exists a potential interdependence among the United States markets, alongside an exceptional dependence on the East Asian stock markets. This transmission of risks is similarly evident in funds that are traded within markets. The current study seeks to uncover the pathways of risk contagion among various financial markets. This study examines how risks of funds spread across borders among China, the United States, and East Asia using Extreme Value Theory (EVT) and C vine copula quantile regression. It uses models such as AR (1), EGARCH (1, 1), Peak over Threshold (POT), and Copula methods to predict volatility events and correlation patterns during times of high volatility versus regular periods. Notably, the United States exhibits a risk transmission effect on the East Asian market compared to China. Furthermore, the findings indicate that, in times of high volatility, the risk spillover effect is comparatively weak, which is contrary to the situation of the US market. The study suggests that China's financial impact could progressively rise due to initiatives aimed at sector integration and enhancing financial independence. These findings have enlightening consequences for macro-prudential regulatory agencies, emphasizing the necessity of effective regulation to address cross-border risk spillovers. International investors can benefit from these results by incorporating risk-hedging strategies, accurately evaluating derivatives, and making wise investment decisions.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on medical and non-medical students at a private university in Malaysia

Background: Worldwide the COVID-19 pandemic affected people in various ways. Despite all the constraints students were in a unique position of being thrown into a lockdown situation where they had to learn from home and online. This had its own repercussions, and our aim was to study the effect of learning, as well as the mental and financial impact it had on the students at this private university. Methods: Using a pre-validated google questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional study amongst the undergraduate students from the various faculties. We used a modified DASS-21, with 15 questions rated on a Likert’s scale to assess mental health. Academic assessment and the financial impact assessment had 8 questions each. Sample size was 177. Cronbach’s for overall internal consistency was 0.860. Results: We had 208 respondents, where 66.3% were female and 62% Chinese. The mean score for medical students (mean=38.3, SD=12.9) was slightly higher than non-medical students (mean=37.3, SD=11.6). Overall non-medical students faced more challenges than the medical students academically as seen in poor contact with lecturers (chi square 10.73, p=0.030), their home environment was not conducive for learning (chi square 4.38, p=0.036) and have significantly more distraction from family members (chi square 4.87, p=0.027). Financially, a significant number of non-medical students struggled to pay for food expenses (chi square 12.92, p≤0.001). Conclusions: There was no significant difference between medical and non-medical students on mental health issues. Non-medical students were impacted more academically and financially.

FOREX EFFICIENCY AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF INDIAN DEFENCE COMPANIES – EXAMINING CONNECTION

This study explores the impact of financial performance on forex efficiency of the selected Indian Defence companies. To meet this objective the sample of five companies selected from nifty defence index based on availability of data. This research uses a descriptive research design and the analysis spans over ten years from April 2014 to March 2024. The financial performance indicators, including profitability, liquidity, asset efficiency, and solvency are examined in relation to forex efficiency through correlation and panel regression analysis. This research aims to address two key questions: the overall relationship between financial performance and forex efficiency in selected Defence companies and the influence of selected financial indicators on forex efficiency. The previous studies have explored related themes but they have not specifically targeted the Defence sector or detailed how particular financial indicator impact forex efficiency. This study fills this gap by providing a meticulous analysis of how financial performance influences forex efficiency. This contributes in valuable insights for strategic financial management and policy formulation in the Defence industry.

A Multicenter Physician Survey Evaluating the Use of Ki-67 in Breast Cancer Management in Canada

Background: Ki-67’s response to pre-operative endocrine therapy (ET) in early breast cancer is an evidence-based tool to guide adjuvant treatment decisions. Physicians across Canada were surveyed to explore current practice patterns and perceived barriers to the use of Ki-67 in practice. Methods: Physicians were invited to participate in an anonymous survey and were eligible if they prescribed systemic therapy for breast cancer in Canada. Respondents were asked to describe their usage of Ki-67, perceptions of the evidence surrounding Ki-67 ET response, and interest in future trials using this approach. Results: The survey received 48/163 responses (29.4%). The majority of respondents (97.6%) reported access to Ki-67 testing upon request. Treatment decisions for adjuvant Abemaciclib was the most common reason (97.6%), followed by adjuvant chemotherapy decisions (16.7%). Only 19.0% had used Ki-67’s response to pre-operative ET in practice. Common barriers to this approach that were identified included a lack of awareness from other providers (54.8%), an increased resource requirement (54.8%), and a lack of timely medical oncology consultation (52.4%). The majority of physicians (85.3%) reported that they would participate in future trials using the Ki-67 endocrine response, and that rate of treatment decision change (95.2%) and cost analysis (42.3%) were important endpoints. Conclusions: Despite the widespread availability of Ki-67 testing, few physicians in Canada currently use it to assess endocrine response, predominantly due to logistical and resource constraints. There is a high level of interest in participating in future trials using this strategy, which should focus on disease related outcomes, feasibility, and the financial impact on the public healthcare system.

The economic and social burden of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) in Italy

Background: Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by an abnormal clotting process leading to serious health complications such as thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. Despite its clinical significance, the estimated broader economic and social impacts in Italy on patients and society remain underexplored. Methods: A detailed questionnaire, developed and validated by a panel of cTTP experts, was distributed to healthcare professionals and patient associations to gather comprehensive data on the economic and social burden of cTTP in Italy. The study was focused on direct and indirect costs associated with the disease management of 15 patients with cTTP, as well as out-of-pocket expenses incurred by patients. Results: The analysis revealed that of the 15 patients diagnosed with cTTP in Italy, 60% were adults aged 40-55 years. Productivity loss and diminished quality of life dominated the economic burden of cTTP, accounting for 81.05% of total costs. Direct medical costs, while substantial, represented a smaller portion of the overall financial impact. Additionally, out-of-pocket expenses, though constituting the smallest fraction, underscored the financial contributions made by patients towards their own care management. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to cTTP management that extends beyond the clinical treatment. Addressing the economic and social implications of the disease is crucial for improving patient well-being and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems. The study advocates for increased awareness, research, and access to care for cTTP patients, highlighting the importance of comprehensive support networks to mitigate the disease’s broader societal impacts, estimated to be around 2 million euro for 15 patients in 10 years.

Optimising liver screening in patients with a Fontan circulation: a cost-effective approach to detection of Fontan associated liver disease which enhances patient care

Abstract Introduction Patients with Fontan circulation, require screening for liver cirrhosis and malignancy, to which they are susceptible with time. Surveillance biopsies reveal nearly all adult Fontan patients develop asymptomatic fibrosis, and a majority have abnormal liver function tests (LFTs). This presents significant financial healthcare burden and psychological stress with testing for patients. Objective We aim to present "real-world" liver screening data, from a leading Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) centre, to propose a cost-reducing testing regimen, which delivers effective screening, while taking account of the challenges of current guidance, patient compliance, and clinical practice. Methods We analysed liver screening data for Fontan patients at a leading ACHD centre, focusing on biochemical tests (bilirubin, ALT, GGT) and imaging. We evaluated the 10-year financial impact of current practices, versus a hypothetical model based on age and risk factors, alongside biannual and annual screening strategies. Tariffs for biochemical test were provided by the local pathology service and we used NHS HRG tariffs for imaging and phlebotomy. Results We included data from 114 patients with a Fontan circulation (median age 32 range 19-56, 42% females). Eighteen patients developed liver cirrhosis diagnosed on imaging (median age 32, range 22-48). None developed hepatocellular carcinoma. A lack of clear and agreed local screening guidelines (over years) resulted in vastly different investigations for FALD, with inconsistent time intervals for testing. Bilirubin was elevated in 59% (55% in age 18-29), ALT was elevated in 41% (31% in age 18-29), GGT was elevated in 83% (80% in age 18-29). We found 3 cases of cirrhosis in the age group 18-29, all with hypoplastic left heart; 4 cases of cirrhosis in age group 30-34 - all had significant comorbidities; 33% had normal bilirubin, LFT and GGT, potentially not requiring further screening until the age of 35. Eleven patients (22%) age 35+ had confirmed cirrhosis (Figure 1). Performing full FALD screening with biochemistry and liver ultrasound every 12-24 months would increase the cost of screening three- to six-fold. We propose rationalising liver screening by age and underlying risk (Figure 2) to minimise the economic burden and equally the psychological impact of frequent testing on patients. Conclusions Our analysis underscores the necessity for an optimised liver screening protocol in Fontan patients, balancing diagnostic accuracy with cost-efficiency. By integrating this data, we have identified a pathway to streamline screening, tailoring it to individual risk profiles and age groups, thereby reducing unnecessary tests, lowering costs and reducing the impact of testing on patients. This approach not only fosters better patient care, but also provides a framework for developing clearer, cost-effective screening guidelines, to monitor liver health, in these complex CHD patients.

Financial Impact on Aviation Industry Before and During Covid-19: Passenger Demand as Moderator

This study analyses the impact of the pandemic on the financial performance of airlines, with a specific focus on financial ratios. The travel limitations imposed as a result of the pandemic, coupled with a significant decline in passenger demand, resulted in significant financial losses. This study investigates how passenger demand moderates the relationship between financial ratios and the performance of the aviation industry. This study gathered data from 20 premier Asian airline companies, as acknowledged by Skytrax. The data was collected from 2016 to 2022, with the timeframe from 2016 to 2019 designated as the 'pre-Covid19' period, and the timeframe from 2020 to 2022 designated as the 'during Covid19' period. The study uses static panel data analysis to accomplish its objective by integrating cross-sectional and time series analysis. Based on this analysis, it was determined that the company's financial condition had a substantial impact on its performance and operating worth before the COVID-19 outbreak. This influence was observed across all variables, except TATO (Total Assets Turnover). However, the company’s financial condition does not affect its performance during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is due to the implementation of government initiatives and bailouts offered some respite, while also underscoring pre-existing structural weaknesses within the business. The results emphasize the crucial requirement for airlines to implement adaptable financial strategies and strong risk management techniques to successfully navigate future disruptions. Hence, the aviation sector should embrace a comprehensive strategy centered on minimizing expenses, expanding income sources, and implementing digitalization.

Assessing the Financial Impact of CSR Initiatives in Indian IT Companies

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is increasingly recognized as a vital component of modern business strategy, particularly in the IT sector. CSR initiatives reflect a company’s commitment to ethical practices, environmental sustainability, and social welfare, thereby enhancing its reputation and stakeholder trust. This study explores the financial health and the impact of CSR on the financial performance of Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS) and Infosys Limited over a five-year period from 2018-19 to 2022-23. In this study ratio analysis and regression techniques have been used to analyses the financial health of these leading IT companies and examining the impact of CSR spending on financial performance such as net profit margins and Return on Assets (ROA). The comparative analysis highlights that while both companies have shown a strong commitment to CSR, there is no direct impact of CSR spending on their net profit margins or ROA. TCS has consistently demonstrated higher CSR spending, net profit margins, and ROA compared to Infosys, reflecting superior financial management and asset utilization. This study underscores the importance of CSR as a strategic component for reputation and sustainability, even though its direct financial impact remains indeterminate.

Out-of-pocket costs for patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma and their carers

Abstract Background This study aimed to describe the out-of-pocket costs incurred by patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma and their carers in the standard care arm of the Care-IS trial in the six to eight months following their diagnosis. Methods Carers completed monthly cost surveys detailing the out-of-pocket costs incurred by patients and carers over a six-month period. Seventy carers reported out-of-pocket costs at baseline (within two months following patient diagnosis), and a maximum of 50% of participants reported costs in any subsequent month. Costs were adjusted to 2023 AUD and reported as medians with interquartile range. Demographic factors were assessed to determine if any were significantly associated with being in the first or fourth quartile of total out-of-pocket costs at baseline. Results Median monthly costs for patient-carer dyads were highest at baseline ($535(IQR:$170-$930)), and two months post-recruitment ($314 (IQR:$150-$772)). The largest contributors to patient-carer costs were patient health service use and patient medications. Patient and carer health service use and medication costs varied over time. The median health service use and medication out-of-pocket costs for patients and carers were mostly below $100 per month, however, there was large variance in the upper 75th percentile for these cost categories. No factors were significantly associated with higher baseline out-of-pocket costs. Conclusion A HGG diagnosis has a significant and sustained financial impact on people who are diagnosed and their carers. Patients experience significant additional costs relating to their diagnosis and travel to receive care, and their carers also continue to experience sustained costs whilst managing the additional tasks associated with informal caregiving.

Lived experiences of South African bariatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Patients having bariatric surgery require comprehensive support both socially and professionally for successful surgery outcomes. With the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many bariatric patients were negatively impacted due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing practices. This study used a qualitative research design using a phenomenological approach to gain a better understanding of bariatric patients’ difficulties and lifestyle challenges between 3 months and 6 years after having bariatric surgery, and to determine the impact that COVID-19 had on patients’ daily lives. A sample of 17 adults were recruited from three hospitals in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with open-ended questions that allowed participants to express their feelings and describe their lived experiences during the pandemic. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The research data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Most participants were women (88.2%) and married (64.7%). The study identified five main categories: (1) physical impact; (2) psychological impact; (3) social impact; (4) medical and follow-up care; and (5) financial impact. The study yielded results that were in support of existing COVID-19 bariatric surgery literature. Many participants in the study regained weight during the pandemic due to stress and the disruption of physical routines and healthy eating habits. Many experienced an increased anxiety of contracting the virus due to a compromised immune system. The need for professional support during this time was emphasised. All follow-up appointments were cancelled due to the pandemic. Virtual support groups were not favoured above in-person support groups. This research study concluded that bariatric patients regained weight due to the pandemic because of their healthy routines being disrupted. Bariatric patients are reliant on social and professional support for successful outcomes. In-person support group meetings are highly favoured amongst these patients.

The financial impact of participant attrition from randomised trials: a case-study from the Occupational Therapist Intervention Study (OTIS).

Loss to follow-up of participants can compromise the statistical validity of randomised trials. Moreover, it can have financial consequences for trial teams and funders. This study explores the Occupational Therapist Intervention Study (OTIS) where, despite a withdrawal rate of less than 10%, the trial team incurred opportunity costs related to participants who were initially recruited but subsequently decided to withdraw from the trial. To estimate the cost of participant losses to follow-up in the OTIS trial and thus introduce a costing framework to research teams on how they could estimate the opportunity costs of participant withdrawal from their randomised trials. The participants lost to follow-up are differentiated by (1) the time point at which they were lost to follow-up; (2) the treatment group they were allocated to; (3) their response patters to follow-up questionnaires; these elements were considered to identify the relevant types of attrition. Protocol-driven costs of trial materials, including administration, print, and shipping, were gathered. We calculated unit costs for each type of attrition by multiplying protocol-driven and intervention costs with the relevant number of participants. Summing up unit costs by type of loss to follow-up yields aggregate figures, enabling the estimation of aggregate and average opportunity costs of attrition. The average cost per participant loss to follow-up in the OTIS trial is £98.41. The aggregate cost of participant loss to follow-up is £10,234.90 from the economic perspective of the trial team. Therefore, 1.42% of the allocated funding has been misallocated because of participant loss to follow-up. Despite the low attrition rate of the OTIS trial, loss to follow-up has still generated considerable opportunity costs. It is recommended that decision makers focus on identifying strategies which could improve participant retention in randomised trials to optimise their budget.

The basic income for care leavers in Wales pilot evaluation: Protocol of a quasi-experimental evaluation.

This study will evaluate the Basic Income for Care Leavers in Wales pilot (BIP), which is the most generous basic income scheme in the world. A cohort of care-experienced young people who become aged 18 during a 12-month enrolment period (July 2022-June 2023) are receiving £1,600 (before tax) per month for two years, and the Welsh Government intends this to have a range of benefits. This evaluation will examine the impact of BIP, the implementation of the pilot and how it is experienced, and its value for money. The study is a theory-based quasi-experimental evaluation, and the design and methods are informed by ongoing co-production with care-experienced young people. We will estimate the impact of BIP on participants using self-reported survey data and routinely collected administrative data. This will include outcomes across a range of domains, including psychological wellbeing, physical and mental health, financial impact, education, training and volunteering. Comparisons between temporal (Welsh) and geographical (English, using administrative data) controls will be done using coarsened exact matching and difference in differences analysis. The process evaluation will examine how BIP is implemented and experienced, primarily through monitoring data (quantitative) and interview, observational, and focus group data (qualitative). The economic evaluation will take a public sector and a societal perspective to identify, measure and value the costs and outcomes of BIP, and to synthesise the evidence to inform a social cost-benefit analysis at 24 months post-intervention. BIP is unusual in that it targets a wide range of outcomes and is available to an entire national cohort of participants. The evaluation also has several practical constraints. Therefore, the study will use a range of methods and triangulate between different analyses to assess how successful it is. Findings will inform policy in relation to care leavers, social security and basic income studies worldwide.

Need of Feature Extraction in Coconut Tree Disease Detection: A Review

Agriculture has served as the primary means of sustenance for mankind for thousands of years. Even in the present day, it continues to support approximately 50% of the global population. Plant diseases pose a significant threat to crop production, resulting in substantial losses each year on a global scale. To mitigate the financial impact of these diseases, it is crucial to maintain the health of plants throughout their growth and development. The symptoms of infections are predominantly visible on plant leaves, making them a common indicator for disease detection and identification. However, visually observing and identifying diseases is a challenging task that requires extensive human expertise. To provide farmers with improved assistance in disease detection, image processing techniques combined with computational intelligence or soft computing techniques can be employed. These methods offer a more effective approach to disease detection. By extracting features from the symptoms of a disease, it becomes possible to identify and detect the presence of a disease in plants. Therefore, feature extraction techniques play a vital role in such systems. This paper focuses on reviewing the feature extraction methods, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. It provides a comprehensive discussion on various image features, including color, texture, and shape, for different types of disorders found in diverse agricultural practices.

Initial Public Offering (IPO) and Value Aggregation: a Systematic Literature Review

Objective: The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review on Initial Public Offerings (IPO) and value aggregation, identifying the key articles and authors who investigate the topic. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework is based on life cycle, market timing, and pecking order theories, highlighting the benefits and risks of IPOs for companies, such as raising capital and increasing market value. Method: The method used was a systematic review, based on the Web of Science, focusing on articles about IPOs and value creation. Stages such as research operationalization, application of filters, and bibliometric analysis were followed. Results and Discussions: The results indicate a significant increase in the number of publications after 2007, with emphasis on the seminal work of Loughran and Ritter. The discussions reveal that most research focuses on pricing and governance aspects, with few investigations on financial value aggregation. Research Implications: The research implications suggest the need for future studies focusing on the financial impact of IPOs, especially in emerging markets. Originality/Value: The originality and value of this work lie in the systematization of a vast literature on IPOs and the identification of gaps for future research

Utilizing the CFIR framework for mapping the facilitators and barriers of implementing teachers led school mental health programs - a scoping review.

Ample evidence has been generated regarding the effectiveness of school-based mental health interventions as part of the continuum of care for children and capacity building of teachers to deal with the emotional and behavioral challenges of students. The increasing trend of utilization of teachers as the natural support system of children and the huge financial impact of public health interventions highlights the need to review all available evidence regarding multilevel factors that facilitate or pose a challenge to the provision of School Mental Health Programs (SMHP) using teachers as providers. The current review aims to map extracted evidence under the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) domains to support future implementation research on school-based mental health services. The scoping review included experimental, qualitative studies, and systematic reviews involving teacher-led mental health programs conducted in the school setting to improve the socio-emotional well-being of children and adolescents irrespective of time and geographical limitations. All (published and unpublished) evidence in English from Pubmed, Cochrane database of systematic reviews and clinical trials, Scopus, and Science Direct was searched using keywords and Boolean combinations and extracted using study designs, place of study, year of publication, sample size, and target population. A qualitative analysis of implementation facilitators and barriers cited by the studies was carried out and mapped on CFIR. This review identified barriers and facilitators of implementation across school-based mental health Programs in 29 studies. The major emerging themes were those related to the inner setting of the organization, the process of implementation, and the characteristics of individuals involved in implementation. These included the availability of structural characteristics, positive school culture, organizational readiness, committed leadership, and beliefs of the providers. Findings highlight the need for early assessment of contextual factors acting as barriers and facilitators and careful execution following realistic planning and stakeholders' engagement to ensure the success of SMHP.