Financial Support Research Articles

The future of academic librarianship: the imperatives of embedded librarianship practice and implementation

PurposeThe present study discusses the future of academic librarianship, emphasizing the essential aspects of embedded librarianship practice and implementation. In addition, it also explores the changing role of academic librarians, addressing challenges and opportunities in various contexts and highlighting the significance of embedded librarianship practice.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a literature review to understand the significance of embedded librarianship and its implementation in academic libraries. The researchers searched a range of electronic data sources, including Emerald Insight, Taylor and Francis, Science Direct, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Scopus, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), etc. Moreover, only peer-reviewed articles were considered for the review.FindingsThe study identified five major competencies, i.e. communication and interpersonal skills, teaching, research, collaboration and coordination and technological expertise, that are essential for implementing embedded librarianship in the academic library. However, in developing countries, there are various challenges faced by academic librarians such as inadequate ICT infrastructure, resource accessibility, cooperations, cultural diversity and a lack of financial support from the authority were major barriers to the successful implementation of embedded librarianship.Practical implicationsThe study findings are of considerable value to academic librarians, providing them with the opportunity to assess and evaluate their competencies and acquire the essential skills for implementing embedded librarianship. Further, the study also recommended some practical implications of embedded librarianship practices in the academic environment.Originality/valueThe findings and insights from this investigation provide a valuable perspective on the future of academic librarianship, shedding light on the critical role that embedded librarianship plays in shaping its direction.

The principle of adequate social protection in the European Pillar of Social Rights: Assessing the instruments used to realise its potential

Improving the social security protection of atypical workers has been high on the EU agenda in recent years. With the adoption of the European Pillar of Social Rights in 2017, the EU wished to break away from a decade of austerity measures. The EU further developed the right to adequate social protection in the Pillar through the Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed. This instrument urges EU Member States to ensure adequate access to social protection for workers, regardless of their employment relationship, and the self-employed. As part of the EU's recovery strategy during and after the Covid-19 crisis, several financial instruments were developed to support EU Member States. Through the Temporary Support to Mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency, EU Member States received support for job retention schemes. The EU also adopted the Recovery Resilience Facility, which provided grants and loans. Another support instrument was the European Social Fund Plus. This article discusses those recent EU initiatives, focusing on unemployment and the protection of atypical workers and the self-employed. With the introduction of the European Employment Strategy (1997), a closer link was made at EU level between unemployment, increasing labour market participation and activation measures. Less attention was paid to ensuring adequate unemployment protection. In recent years, however, it appears that the EU has been playing an increasing role in providing funding for temporary support and in introducing changes to EU Member States’ policies.

The role of practical knowledge in keeping existing systems: a qualitative study of Finnish homeowners with oil heating

The uptake of homeowner energy retrofits and related policy instruments are lagging behind targets. The Finnish government has decided on the phasing out of oil heating by 2035, but despite financial and other support for homeowners, only 14 per cent of homeowners with oil heating reported planning to switch their heating systems. Homeowner decision-making on energy investments is typically seen as an outcome of rational evaluation based on calculations about costs, payback times, and savings in energy and money. However, informal, experience-based knowledge contributes centrally to situations where people end up keeping their current heating system, yet there is little research on practical knowledge when households consider energy investments. This article presents findings from interviews with Finnish homeowners (N=29) living in detached houses with oil heating systems and argues that homeowners’ embodied heating habits and practical knowledge are important in understanding homeowner willingness to keep existing heating systems. In the in-depth interviews conducted in spring 2022, homeowners discussed their energy use practices, past renovations and future renovation needs, as well as concerns related to switching oil heating to a low carbon heating system. The findings suggest that homeowners’ practical knowledge on heating with their existing system and the lack of such knowledge in relation to alternative heating systems may be one reason why homeowners are reluctant to switch their heating systems. The study contributes to a growing body of research which highlights the relevance of everyday practices in homeowner energy renovations.

Analyzing the effectiveness of energy aid for driving the transition towards energy decarbonization; Evidence from Asian developing countries

Environmental degradation poses a significant challenge in many developing countries, as they heavily rely on fossil fuels to drive economic activities. The transition towards renewable energy is crucial to mitigate ecological depletion, yet numerous Asian developing countries may struggle to achieve the desired levels of renewable energy adoption due to financial constraints. Foreign aid in the energy sector can expedite this transition process. This study aims to examine the impact of foreign aid on the energy decarbonization transition in 22 Asian developing countries from 2003 to 2022 to analyze its contributions and challenges to promote renewable energy adoption. This paper incorporates the two types of foreign aid in the energy sector (nonrenewable and renewable energy aid) provided by the OECD to developing economies. Utilizing the System-Generalized Method of Moments (Sys-GMM), the findings reveal that energy aid significantly contributes to the transition towards energy decarbonization by providing financial support for embracing renewable energy technologies. Specifically, the analysis indicates that a 1% increase in energy aid leads to approximately 3% enhancement in the decarbonization transition process. Moreover, this study adds to the existing body of knowledge by examining the mediating impact of human capital and financial development as well as the moderating effect of institutional quality and demand for clean fuel. These factors play a pivotal role in energy decarbonization transition by fostering financial development and enhancing human capital through capacity-building initiatives and facilitating the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Assessment of Impacts of Flood and Coping Strategies among Rural Households in Gicumbi District, Rwanda

Abstract Floods have become recurrent events in Rwanda, causing diverse effects on rural households across the country. However, little is known about the effects of floods encountered by people and their coping strategies, which are crucial for reducing vulnerability. Gicumbi District is among the most exposed to climate hazards and is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The effects of floods on rural households in Gicumbi district and their coping strategies were examined. A mixed approach was adopted where quantitative data was collected to inform wider understanding of a population and qualitative ones to acquire deep contextual insights about individual’s lived experiences. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 399 heads of households stratified into six district sectors. The study employed descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis. Common effects of flooding experienced by the respondents included crop destruction, house damage, lack of sufficient food and safe drinking water. The coping strategies adopted by the respondents included saving money and food, support from friends and families, selling assets, borrowing money to restore losses, and migrating to other communities. In addition, flood victims received support from local authorities and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), including financial support, temporary shelters, and life support materials. Adaptation strategies adopted by households included drainage channels, plantation of trees, radical terraces and sandbags. The results showed that lack of flood risk knowledge and access to early warnings, inadequate housing, living in high-risk areas, and dependence on a single source of income were the main factors influencing the severity of flood effects. Early warnings (p<0.001) and flood risk awareness (p=0.009) significantly elicited positive coping mechanisms. Governments and relevant stakeholders should develop effective strategies and establish programs enabling timely access to early warning systems and increasing disaster risk awareness to reduce vulnerability for improved livelihoods and community resilience.

Co-designing strategies to improve advance care planning among people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with cancer: iCanCarePlan study protocol

BackgroundAdvance care planning (ACP) describes the process of supporting individuals at any age or stage of health to consider and share their personal values, life goals, and preferences regarding future health care. Engaging in ACP is associated with better-quality of care in which people receive care in lines with their wishes, values and preferences. Direct translations of ACP guides and resources do not attend to the considerable inter- and intra-ethnic variations in cultural and religious or spiritual beliefs that shape preferences among people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. ICanCarePlan is a three-year project that aims to determine the prevalence of ACP documentation among people from CALD backgrounds with cancer, identify resources available and their use to support ACP among CALD communities, identify barriers and facilitators of person-centred ACP, and to develop, through co-design with consumers and clinicians, approaches that enhance the process ACP for people from CALD backgrounds.MethodA mixed-method sequential approach will be used comprising of four studies. Study one is retrospective medical record review of approximately 1500 medical records to establish the prevalence of ACP documentation among CALD patient records in cancer services. Study two is a document analysis synthesising the resources available in the Australian health system to support ACP. Study three is a qualitative study with healthcare staff and consumers to explore barriers and enablers of person-centred ACP. Evidence generated from studies one to three will inform the conduct of co-design with stakeholders to develop approaches to improve ACP processes among CALD communities. Language, technical and financial support for meaningful involvement with consumers from CALD backgrounds throughout this project is outlined. A plan for distress management is also made due to sensitive nature of the topic. The research project has also established a project steering group consisting of three consumer members who are from CALD backgrounds.DiscussionThe project will address a national priority issue for a growing population of CALD communities in Australia. The project will provide novel evidence of ACP among CALD communities and novel strategies developed with stakeholders to enhance uptake and experiences of ACP.

Funding Opera in the Changing Landscape: Should Opera Be Funded or Accepted as a Fading Culture in South Africa?

Opera is considered a significant part of cultural heritage in many societies. In the South African context, opera has a rich history and has contributed to the development of various art forms. Opera has continued to play a significant role in preserving and promoting cultural diversity in South Africa. Opera production contribute to the economy by creating jobs for artists, musicians, technicians, and other professionals. Additionally, opera events can attract tourism and boost local economies. Public funding for opera may be seen as an investment with economic returns. The purpose of this article is to examine the funding of opera in South Africa against the backdrop of a changing cultural landscape. It aims to investigate whether opera should continue to receive funding or if it should be accepted as a fading cultural form. Employing a qualitative approach, ten participants, including opera company managers and artists, share their perspectives through semi-structured interviews. Colaizzi's phenomenological data analysis method reveals key themes of financial viability, challenges, and opportunities. Findings were presented in themes and supported by quotes from research participants. Opera company managers and artists shared valuable insights into financial viability, challenges, and opportunities. Strategic collaborations, revenue diversification, and the pivotal role of public funding emerged as central themes. The findings shed light on the adaptive measures undertaken by stakeholders in response to the changing cultural and financial climate. The conclusion synthesises the key findings, emphasising the resilience of South African opera in the face of funding challenges. It underscores the importance of balancing financial support and cultural acceptance for sustained vitality. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on the intersection of funding, cultural relevance, and the future of opera in South Africa.

Parent–child relationship typologies and associated health status among older adults in the United States and China: A cross-cultural comparison

Abstract Background and Objectives Cultural differences in intergenerational relationships have been well established in prior research. However, cross-national comparison evidence on the parent–child relationship and its health implications remains limited. Research Design and Methods Data from the 2014 U.S. Health and Retirement Study and the 2015 Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in China were used (Nus, non-Hispanic Whites only = 3,918; NChina = 4,058). Relationship indicators included co-residence, living nearby, having weekly contact, receiving assistance with daily activities, providing grandchild care, and financial transfer to/from children. Latent class and regression analyses were conducted. Results Four classes were identified for non-Hispanic White older Americans: (1) distant and uninvolved (6.58%), (2) geographically proximate with frequent contact and downward support (47.04%), (3) co-resident with frequent contact and upward support (13.1%), and (4) geographically proximate with frequent contact (33.28%). Three classes were identified among older Chinese: (1) co-resident with frequent contact and upward support (37.46%), (2) co-resident/interdependent (25.65%), and (3) geographically proximate with frequent contact and upward financial support (36.89%). For non-Hispanic White older Americans, providing downward support was associated with fewer functional limitations and better cognition. Receiving instrumental support from children was associated with more depressive symptoms, more functional limitations, and poorer cognition among older Chinese. Discussion and Implications Cultural contrasts were evident in parent–child relationship typologies and their health implications. Compared to the U.S. non-Hispanic Whites, parent–child relationships in China tended to be more tight-knit and associated with poorer health status. The findings call for culturally relevant strategies to improve parent–child relationships and ultimately promote the health of older adults.

Industry Peer Information and the Equity Valuation Accuracy of Firms Emerging from Chapter 11

Valuation plays a central role in determining Chapter 11 reorganization outcomes. However, obtaining accurate valuation estimates of reorganized firms is challenging because of limited firm-specific market-based information and the oft-conflicting incentives of claimholders. We examine the role of industry peer information in reducing misvaluations and its implications for unintended interclaimant wealth transfers and postreorganization performance. First, we find that the availability of relevant industry peer information is negatively associated with equity valuation errors for firms emerging from Chapter 11. Cross-sectional results suggest that the relation between industry peer information and valuation errors varies substantially with debtors’ information environment and case characteristics. Second, we find that industry peer information quality is associated with better ex post financial performance of emerged firms because of lower overvaluation. Finally, we document the role of industry peer information in substantially reducing the frequency and magnitude of unintended wealth transfers between claimants arising from equity valuation errors. This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting. Funding: The authors appreciate financial support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [Grant 435-2020-0583] and the Canadian Academic Accounting Association. B. Fang acknowledges financial support from the Della Suantio Fellowship. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01233 .

The Cold War in pharmacology: a bibliometric analysis of Berlin's contributions to Naunyn‑Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology (1947-1974).

After World War II, Berlin was divided into the West, controlled by The United States, the UK, and France, and the East, controlled by the Soviet Union, resulting in a Cold War for decades. This bibliometric study analyzes the influence of the Cold War on pharmacological research in Berlin by evaluating publication patterns in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology from 1947 to 1974 (n = 383). The publications highlight the political disparities in scientific output, exacerbated by the founding of the Free University of Berlin (FUB) as a countermeasure to Soviet repression, promoting academic freedom in West-Berlin. Researchers in West-Berlin published many more papers in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology than researchers in East-Berlin and received much more citations. West-Berlin adopted English as a scientific language much more rapidly than East-Berlin. West-Berlin and East-Berlin focused on totally different research topics. This paper demonstrates how political freedom, financial support, and internationalization boosted research productivity in West-Berlin. In contrast, political suppression, financial scarcity, and restricted international ties hindered scientific development in East-Berlin.

Possible Ways to Help Raise China's Fertility Rate

This paper explores the reasons why the current problem of fertility reduction in China is mainly due to the unclear future family planning of women and young people and the incomplete inclusion of the responsibility of raising children in their future planning. By comparing the three types of countries in the world - backward countries, developing countries and developed countries - as "three small islands" and comparing the welfare they provide to their citizens, as well as their demands for different productive forces and human resources, we gradually determine the orientation of China and its future development direction. Finally, by citing and learning from the fertility policies of Japan and South Korea, the article gives several feasible plans to help China raise its fertility rate. With mild encouragement and some financial support, young families can be helped to settle down in their plans to start a family.

The Gatekeeper Effect: The Implications of Pre-Screening, Self-Selection, and Bias for Hiring Processes

We study the problem of screening in decision-making processes under uncertainty, while focusing on the impact of adding an additional screening stage, commonly known as a “gatekeeper.” Although our main analysis is rooted in the context of job market hiring, the principles and findings are broadly applicable to areas such as educational admissions, patient healthcare selection, and financial loan approvals. The gatekeeper’s role is to assess applicant suitability before significant costs are incurred. Our study reveals that although gatekeepers are designed to streamline selection processes by filtering out the candidates who are less likely to be selected, sometimes they inadvertently affect the candidate’s own decision-making process. We explore the conditions under which the introduction of a gatekeeper can enhance or impede the efficiency of these processes. Additionally, we consider how gatekeeping strategies can be adapted to influence the accuracy of selection decisions. Our research also extends to scenarios in which gatekeeping is influenced by historical biases, particularly in competitive settings like hiring. We discover that candidates confronted with a statistically biased gatekeeping process are more likely to withdraw from the job application process, thereby perpetuating the previously mentioned historical biases. The study suggests that measures such as affirmative action can effectively address these biases. Although centered on hiring, the insights and methodologies from our study have significant implications for a wide range of fields to which screening and gatekeeping are integral. This paper has been This paper was accepted by Nicolas Stier-Moses for the Special Issue on the Human-Algorithm Connection. Funding: Financial support from the Center of Mathematical Sciences and Applications (CMSA) at Harvard University and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Israel (Yitzhak Shamir Fellowship) is gratefully acknowledged.

Spatial distribution and geographical heterogeneity factors associated with households' enrollment level in community-based health insurance

BackgroundHealthcare service utilization is unequal among different subpopulations in low-income countries. For healthcare access and utilization of healthcare services with partial or full support, households are recommended to be enrolled in a community-based health insurance system (CBHIS). However, many households in low-income countries incur catastrophic health expenditure. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and factors associated with households' enrollment level in CBHIS in Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design with two-stage sampling techniques was used. The 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS) data were used. STATA 15 software and Microsoft Office Excel were used for data management. ArcMap 10.7 and SaTScan 9.5 software were used for geographically weighted regression analysis and mapping the results. A multilevel fixed-effect regression was used to assess the association of variables. A variable with a p < 0.05 was considered significant with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsNearly three out of 10 (28.6%) households were enrolled in a CBHIS. The spatial distribution of households' enrollment in the health insurance system was not random, and households in the Amhara and Tigray regions had good enrollment in community-based health insurance. A total of 126 significant clusters were detected, and households in the primary clusters were more likely to be enrolled in CBHIS. Primary education (AOR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.31), age of the head of the household >35 years (AOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 2.04, 3.02), poor wealth status (AOR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.21, 1.31), media exposure (AOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.27), and residing in Afar (AOR: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.03), Gambela (AOR: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.08), Harari (AOR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.18), and Dire Dawa (AOR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.06) regions were significant factors for households' enrollment in CBHIS. The secondary education status of household heads, poor wealth status, and media exposure had stationary significant positive and negative effects on the enrollment of households in CBHIS across the geographical areas of the country.ConclusionThe majority of households did not enroll in the CBHIS. Effective CBHIS frameworks and packages are required to improve the households' enrollment level. Financial support and subsidizing the premiums are also critical to enhancing households' enrollment in CBHIS.

Remote interrogation and confrontation: problems of practice and prospects

The article, based on the results of an empirical study conducted by the author, states the absence in the Russian Federation of a wide practice of remote interrogation and confrontation. The objective factor in the form of insufficient technical equipment of the preliminary investigation bodies is analyzed as the reason for this. A separate reason is the incompleteness of legal regulation, which excludes the indication in the law of an investigator who is obliged to establish the identity of a remotely participating person when applying the norms of Article 189.1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation, as well as the absence of legally regulated features of the investigator’s exercise of the authority to present material evidence, a document during remote interrogation and confrontation.It is indicated that such circumstances create the risk of incomplete provision of the procedural rights of an uncontrolled subject of the process, including for a reasonable period of criminal proceedings, a full and comprehensive investigation of the circumstances of the criminal case. In this regard, the author notes the need to allocate budgetary funds for sufficient technical support for the preliminary investigation bodies. There is also a proposal to improve the norms of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation in the part under consideration.

Developing a Dyslexia Diagnostic Team: A Feasibility Project

Purpose: Dyslexia, a neurobiological phonological processing deficit, can be identified early; however, there is a substantial variation between and within states regarding who makes this diagnosis and when. Dyslexia evaluations are often challenging to obtain and very expensive for families who need to seek them outside of the school setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of developing a free dyslexia diagnostic team within our university speech and hearing clinic. Method: We developed a team of academic and clinical faculty and students at the doctoral, master's, and undergraduate levels. We developed a 6-hr (1 day) testing battery and recruited families via social media. Children needed to be between the ages of 8 and 11 years and reported to have classroom difficulty related to word reading and/or spelling. Results: We were able to create a strong and successful team, testing battery, and recruitment plan. Master's students were interested in the opportunity and families drove between 246 and 453 miles to participate. We allocated enough time in our summer schedule for all parties. However, we have concerns about the sustainability of this program, especially during the academic year. Conclusions: Broadly, this dyslexia diagnostic team is a feasible endeavor. There was internal and external community interest. We identified small and solvable barriers related to debriefing and test interpretation. We also identified larger issues related to funding, faculty availability, and student support.

The Influence and Mechanism of Digital Village Construction on the Urban–Rural Income Gap under the Goal of Common Prosperity

Digital village construction is not only a vital component of the digital China strategy but also a crucial measure by which to realize common prosperity. This study theoretically elaborates the influence of digital village construction on the urban–rural income gap (URIG) and its mechanism and empirically tests it by using a panel fixed-effect model, a mediating-effect model, and a moderating-effect model based on the provincial data of major producing areas from 2011 to 2020. The results show that digital village construction can significantly narrow the URIG, and rural industry revitalization is a vital channel for digital village construction in driving the decline of the URIG. The construction of transportation infrastructure can significantly enhance the inhibition effect of digital village construction on the URIG. Moreover, there is a human capital threshold for the impact of digital village construction on the URIG; after crossing the threshold, digital village construction better suppresses the URIG. So, the government should increase the financial support and technical support for digital village construction, improving the rural production conditions and industrial development environment and establishing a rural digital talent cultivation mechanism so as to achieve the goal of common prosperity.

The positive relationship between female employment and fertility rates: The role of family benefits expenditure and gender-role ideologies

This article interrogates the impacts of different types of family benefits expenditures on the positive relationship between female employment and fertility rates in developed welfare states. It does this by theorizing how these family benefits align with welfare state regimes’ preferences for different normative gender-role ideologies. Rather than treating family benefits as a monolith, this article investigates the impact of disaggregated expenditures in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) family policy database (1. services and in-kind benefits, 2. child-related cash benefits and 3. tax-based financial support for children) on both female employment and fertility rates. This is done using pooled time-series analysis covering the period 2000–9. The analysis yields evidence that expenditure most reflecting a ‘full egalitarian’ gender ideology including service and in-kind benefit provision has the most positive association with female employment and fertility due to an emphasis on defamiliarization. The picture for child-related cash benefits is mixed due to the presence of cash transfer provisions not employment-contingent captured in the indicator. In contrast, tax-based financial support for children harms female employment, reflecting a maternalistic ‘traditional’ ideological orientation, but is positive for fertility rates indicating a moderate pro-natal effect of tax-based financial support for children.

A Roadmap for the Implementation of Building Energy Efficiency Codes Compliance in Tripoli-Lebanon: Key Actions in the Familiarity Stage

Objective: The objective of this study is to provide policy recommendations for strengthening governance and institutional capabilities to ensure effective climate action and sustainable development in Tripoli-Lebanon and to propose a multi-staged implementation framework for T-BEEC, focusing on familiarity, with the aim o To facilitate Lebanon's transition towards sustainable energy sources by implementing an effective Building Energy Efficiency Code (T-BEEC) in Tripoli. Theoretical Framework: The study employs environmental science, urban planning, and socio-economic theories, focusing on policy adoption and the diffusion of technological innovations to enhance urban energy efficiency and sustainability. Method: A mixed-methods approach is adopted, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with key personnel at the Tripoli Municipality Permit Office and thematic analysis of the barriers and facilitators to BEEC implementation. Comparative case studies from different geopolitical regions provide a broader perspective on the challenges and strategies of energy code compliance. Results and Discussion: Findings emphasize the critical need for infrastructure and resource optimization, including vehicle maintenance and replacements, spatial layout reorganization, and the prompt repair of computers and printers, to ensure operational efficiency. Additionally, the pursuit of diverse financial support sources highlights the reliance on municipal fees, international aid, NGO contributions, and educational partnerships to overcome financial and resource constraints Research Implications: This study impacts urban energy management theory and practice, providing key insights for policymakers and planners in similar settings. Originality/Value: This study outlines a unique approach to implementing energy codes during Tripoli's familiarity period, enhancing urban sustainability and policy effectiveness.

How Can China Overcome the Middle-income Trap?

China has experienced rapid economic development in the past few years and has become an upper-middle-income country. Becoming a high-income country is a difficult process. All middle-income countries should avoid falling into or overcome the middle-income trap. However, China inevitably fell into the middle-income trap. This work focuses on the methods of overcoming the middle-income trap in China. This work compares China and other countries that are facing or faced the same problem that China has met. Then, see if China can emulate other countries solutions. The conclusion drawn from the work is that China needs to implement policies to overcome the middle-income trap, like enhanced technology introduction and financial support for emerging technology industries, increasing the minimum wage, etc. This work points out and analyzes some of the problems facing China today and lists some practical solutions or policies that could be feasible to help China become a high-income country.

Comparison of HPV-positive triage strategies combining extended genotyping with cytology or p16/ki67 dual staining in the Italian NTCC2 study

Each high-risk HPV genotype has different oncogenic potential, and the risk of CIN3+ varies according to genotype. We evaluated the performance of different strategies of HPV-positivity triage combining cytology, p16/ki67 dual staining (DS), and extended genotyping. Samples from 3180 consecutive women from the NTCC2 study (NCT01837693) positive for HPV DNA at primary screening, were retrospectively analyzed by the BD Onclarity HPV Assay, which allows extended genotyping. Genotypes were divided into three groups based on the risk of CIN3+. HPV DNA-positive women were followed up for 24 months or to clearance. Combining the three groups of genotypes with cytology or DS results we identify a group of women who need immediate colposcopy (PPV for CIN3+ from 7.8 to 20.1%), a group that can be referred to 1-year HPV retesting (PPV in those HPV-positive at retesting from 2.2 to 3.8), and a group with a very low 24-month CIN3+ risk, i.e. 0.4%, composed by women cytology or DS negative and positive for HPV 56/59/66 or 35/39/68 or negative with the Onclarity test, who can be referred to 3-year retesting. Among the baseline HPV DNA positive/cytology or DS negative women, the extended genotyping allows to stratify for risk of CIN3+, and to identify a group of women with a risk of CIN3+ so low in the next 24 months that they could be referred to a new screening round after 3 years. Italian Ministry of Health (grant number RF-2009-1536040). Hologic-Genprobe, Roche Diagnostics, and Becton & Dickinson provided financial and non-financial support.