Global Initiative Research Articles

Eco-friendly approach for carboxymethyl cellulose isolation from durian peel waste and aerogel scaffold preparation

This research introduces a sustainable method for extracting carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) from durian peel waste via supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc.CO2) processing, leading to the development of advanced aerogel scaffolds. The study evaluates the influence of Sc.CO2 treatment times (60, 90, and 120 min) on the properties of the produced CMC, investigating enhancements in terms of thermal stability, crystallinity, and mechanical attributes through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical strength assessments. It was discovered that a 90-minute treatment duration yielded CMC aerogels with notable improvements in porosity, structural robustness, and mechanical resilience. This innovative approach not only proposes a viable strategy for repurposing agricultural by-products but also significantly augments the functional qualities of CMC aerogels, rendering them highly applicable in diverse fields. The outcomes underscore the efficiency of Sc.CO2 treatment in refining the mechanical and thermal characteristics of CMC derived from durian peel waste, facilitating the creation of aerogel scaffolds poised for use in various sectors including drug delivery, water purification, and eco-friendly packaging, thereby contributing to the global initiatives for sustainability and efficient waste management.

What's in a pledge? A qualitative analysis of a global public marketing campaign to support cancer survivors at work.

212 Background: Employment provides both integral psychological and financial benefits to cancer survivors and their caregivers. Yet cancer survivors often face employment disruptions, leading to worse financial hardship and deteriorated quality of life. In 2023, an advertising and public relations company launched the “Working with Cancer” global initiative, calling on companies across the globe to reduce the stigma of cancer in the workplace by pledging their commitment to building the most open, supportive and “recovery-forward” work cultures for their employees. This study examines the company pledges made in the “Working with Cancer” campaign. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, qualitative analysis of Working with Cancer campaigns for companies. In January 2024, we identified all campaigns through web scraping. Data from a total of 1,151 employer campaign pledges were extracted, and we recorded several variables including the company location, business sector, number of employees, the pledge signer and title/role, and the action/pledge the company stated they will take to support cancer survivors at work. Campaign pledges were imported into ATLAS.ti where we performed a content analysis. Results: We collected 1,151 company campaigns in total, 46 of which (4%) were Fortune 500 companies. Of the Fortune 500 companies (n=46), themes described the commitment to taking care of employees including the offering of comprehensive benefits including include paid leave for both patients and caregivers, guaranteed pay, and mental wellbeing support. Several companies described specific initiatives their organization provided, and many described how reducing the stigma of cancer at work required an open dialogue between all employees in an organization. In addition, companies pledged to know their own specific policies, make their employees aware of their commitment, and track their progress in improving the work experiences of cancer survivors. Conclusions: Employers play a significant role in the healthcare decisions made by employees, and are increasingly responsible for determining health plan benefits, providing resources and navigating care, and otherwise supporting employees as they navigate the complexities of a healthcare system. This global initiative provides a unique opportunity to identify issues related to working with cancer, and intervene at the employer level. More research is needed on employer-led initiatives to improve employment outcomes in cancer survivors and caregivers.

Influences of Global Health Initiatives in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Residents

Purpose: Over the last decade there is an increased awareness that the need for surgical care in under-resourced countries is contributing to significant health inequities and financial hardship across the globe. Plastic surgery has long been recognized as a surgical discipline that has been successful in deploying resources to help address these inequities but to be sustainable there must be a lasting commitment through teaching and education. The purpose of this study is to answer the question “In plastic and reconstructive surgical residents, how does participation in global health initiatives influence independent clinical practice and their perceptions of global health?” Methods: A survey was administered through Redcap to 59 total eligible current or previous Wake Forest School of Medicine plastic and reconstructive surgical residents. Results: About 33 out of 34 participants have had some kind of global health exposure with the majority being through mission trips, volunteering, and external rotations. There was a 33.3% improvement in awareness of global surgical disease burden ( P = .000093 < .05), 23.5% improvement in obligations to create global change ( P = .00021 < .05), 26.3% improvement in comfortability with language and cultural barriers ( P = .0013 < .05), and 20.9% improvement in doctor-patient relationships with patients of differing backgrounds ( P = .0019 < .05) when comparing participant’s views prior and after residency training. Overall, participants were inclined to continue with global health initiatives in the future as 75.8% see themselves participating in another global health experience and 90.9% believed participating in global health has an impact on independent clinical practice and professional development post-residency. Conclusions: Global health initiatives within surgical residency curriculums have had tremendous effects on the perceptions of global health amongst plastic and reconstructive surgical residents, which may improve physician shortage and global health needs in the future.

The Potential of Body Mass Index-Adjusted Calf Circumference as a Proxy for Low Muscle Mass in the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria

Background & AimsReduced muscle mass is one of the diagnostic components for Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM), with various assessment methods proposed. Calf circumference (CC), a representative anthropometric marker of skeletal muscle mass, is now recommended to adjustment based on body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to evaluate the validity and efficacy of BMI-adjusted CC in very older adults, compared with other methods of assessing muscle mass. MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 284 patients aged 65 years and older who were admitted to the Department of Geriatric Medicine at the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Hospital. Health indicators, including nutritional status, were assessed upon admission. Three months after discharge, a telephone survey was conducted to assess patients’ living conditions and survival status. Skeletal muscle mass was estimated using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); moreover, anthropometric measurements (unadjusted and BMI-adjusted CC) were used as markers of muscle mass. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between mortality and GLIM-based malnutrition, using each muscle mass assessment method. ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 86.2 ± 6.2 years, and 60.9% were women. The prevalence of GLIM-based malnutrition ranged from 55.3% to 58.8% across the three methods used to assess reduced muscle mass. Three months after discharge, 244 patients were followed up, of whom 29 (11.9%) died. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities, showed that all methods significantly predicted 3-month mortality, with odds ratios of 5.67, 5.44, and 4.90 for unadjusted CC, BMI-adjusted CC, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index using DXA, respectively. The prevalence and survival-predictive ability were similar across all methods. ConclusionGLIM-based malnutrition, diagnosed using different methods for assessing muscle mass, similarly predicted 3-month mortality in patients admitted to an acute geriatric ward. These results suggest that BMI-adjusted CC are sufficient alternatives when technical measurements such as DXA are not feasible.

Advances in the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis in Mexico: A Local Perspective on the Global Initiative.

Viral hepatitis (A-E) presents a major global health challenge. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched an initiative to eliminate viral hepatitis, with the aim of reducing new infections by 90% and deaths by 65% by 2030. Mexico is one of 38 focus countries identified by the WHO, collectively accounting for 80% of global infections and deaths. While hepatitis B and C are commonly diagnosed in Mexico, routine diagnosis for hepatitis D and E is lacking, with no specific epidemiological data available. In 2020, Mexico implemented the National Hepatitis C Elimination Program, focusing on preventing new infections, reducing complications like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, ensuring access to treatment, and improving patient care. However, this program has not been extended to hepatitis B and E. Addressing the challenges of viral hepatitis control in Mexico requires increased resource allocation, expanded diagnosis, vaccination for hepatitis A and B, and treatment coverage for hepatitis B and C, along with multisectoral engagement. This work provides an overview of Mexico's response to the global initiative, highlighting its progress, challenges, and areas of opportunity.

Prevalence of malnutrition based on different combinations of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) phenotypic and etiologic criteria and association with the course of Crohn's Disease (CD)

Prevalence of malnutrition based on different combinations of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) phenotypic and etiologic criteria and association with the course of Crohn's Disease (CD)

The global leadership initiative on malnutrition criteria in adults and older patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia

The global leadership initiative on malnutrition criteria in adults and older patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia

Association between malnutrition assessed by the global leadership initiative on malnutrition criteria in community-dwelling older adults

Association between malnutrition assessed by the global leadership initiative on malnutrition criteria in community-dwelling older adults

GLIS-defined sarcopenia increases the mortality of esophagus cancer patients after esophagectomy: a Chinese real-world cohort study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the impact of definition of the Global Leadership Initiative on Sarcopenia (GLIS) on mortality in esophageal cancer (EC) patients post-esophagectomy within a Chinese cohort and to validate the effectiveness of a new GLIS framework in oncology. MethodsWe performed an observational real-world cohort study in a single center at Daping Hospital, spanning from December 2014 to July 2022. The combined definition of muscle mass and muscle strength in a new GLIS framework was used for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Potential covariates were identified through univariate and multivariate analyses. The association between GLIS-defined sarcopenia and mortality was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox models. We also conducted stratified analyses to assess the stability of multivariate Cox models. ResultsA total of 520 EC patients were included in the study, with a median follow-up of 48.7 months. 229 (44.0%) EC patients were identified with GLIS-defined sarcopenia. Patients with GLIS-defined sarcopenia had significantly worse overall survival in Kaplan-Meier curves (log-rank P = 0.015). Age, sex, TNM stage, blood glucose, bleeding volume in operation and operating time were introduced as covariates in a fully-adjusted Cox model. Multivariable-adjusted Cox models revealed that GLIS-defined sarcopenia was an independent prognosis factor for EC patients post-esophagectomy (HR = 1.87, 95%CI = 1.28 - 2.74, P = 0.001). Stratified analyses confirmed the stability of the relationship between GLIS-defined sarcopenia and mortality in EC patients. ConclusionGLIS-defined sarcopenia is prevalent among Chinese EC patients and is linked with increased mortality risk post-esophagectomy. This finding offers compelling evidence and serves as a valuable reference for the establishment of an operational definition of GLIS-sarcopenia.

The Nexus between Corporate Governance and Economic, Social and Environment (ESE) Practices: Bangladeshi Banking Paradox

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and sustainability practices at 45 scheduled commercial banks in Bangladesh. The study specifically focused on the impact of corporate governance on bank sustainability practices, using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI-4) sustainability guidelines. The resource-based view theory was used to explain the relationship between corporate governance and sustainability practices. Panel data used for this analysis was derived from the annual and sustainability disclosure reports of these banks from 2017 to 2021. This study explores dimensions of corporate governance, including board size, independent board members, CEO duality, gender diversity, audit committees, risk management committees, and audit firm size, highlighting their importance in strategic decision-making. It also explores sustainability practices from a corporate perspective, focusing on economic, social, and environmental performance indicators and emphasizing the importance of strategic resource allocation and disclosure. Four hypotheses were formed, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was employed to test the relationship between corporate governance and bank sustainability practices. The statistical results showed that CG has a direct effect on firms overall sustainability as well as social and environmental sustainability practices. It was also seen that the size of the board has a significant effect on the overall sustainability measures (ESE). The study suggests that pro-active measures should be taken to improve sustainability practices in Bangladesh.

Research Output, Key Topics, and Trends in Productivity, Visibility, and Collaboration in Social Sciences Research on COVID-19: A Scientometric Analysis and Visualization

COVID-19 has caused a surge in scientific publications, with increased collaboration. This study aims to elucidate scientific output, focal topics, emerging themes, and trends and patterns of productivity, visibility, and collaboration within social sciences research (SSR) on COVID-19. A scientometric analysis was conducted utilizing Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software. About 65,742 records published on WOS between 2020 and 2022 were analyzed. Topics such as “telehealth,”“well-being,” and “inequalities,” were among the key topics while “interventions” and “mental well-being” were among emerging key topics. Collaboration patterns were regional. Harvard Medical School, the University of Toronto, and the University of Oxford emerge as leaders in collaboration, productivity, and influence. The USA, Italy, India, Spain, and Brazil serve as regional hubs for facilitating collaboration. The USA, England, and China exhibit leadership and influence, playing pivotal roles In shaping the global research. These findings are important for policymakers, funding agencies, and researchers in cultivating future research topics and collaborative efforts. The findings can inform strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and policy development to address present and future health crises. Additionally, these efforts contribute to advancing global sustainability initiatives and promoting human well-being. Encouraging international collaboration is essential, particularly for tackling the regional challenges encountered by countries with limited domestic research capabilities. Future research can improve the methodology used by di-versifying data sources beyond WOS.

Fiscal decentralisation and renewable energy development: Inhibition or promotion?

In line with global green development and decarbonisation initiatives, China has prioritized renewable energy advancement in recent decades. Given the critical role of financial support, scholarly attention has increasingly focused on the impact of fiscal decentralisation (FD) within this sector. This study investigates FD's effect on renewable energy development, analyzing data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2008 and 2022. Findings reveal that FD tends to impede renewable energy progress. Specifically, a one-standard-deviation increase in FD leads to a decrease of 23.1775 % of a standard deviation in renewable energy development. However, this hindrance can be mitigated by foreign direct investment and central transfer payments, while research and development intensity exacerbates the negative impact. Notably, regions with limited natural resources, weaker environmental regulations, fiscal transparency, high marketisation, energy demand, and vertical fiscal imbalances experience a more pronounced decentralisation-renewable-energy relationship. Anti-corruption campaigns in China can alleviate but not reverse this effect. Furthermore, the diffusion of technology and cooperative efforts in nearby regions positively influence renewable energy development. Nonetheless, overall effects still turn out negative due to competition among local governments under the FD framework. Based on these findings, policy recommendations for accelerating renewable energy development are summarized.

Association between malnutrition diagnosed according to the global leadership initiative malnutrition criteria and quality of life in older patients with cancer

Association between malnutrition diagnosed according to the global leadership initiative malnutrition criteria and quality of life in older patients with cancer

Transformational Leadership As A Catalyst For Enhancing Gender Equality And Women's Representation In Public Administration: Opportunities For Increased Access And Involvement In South Sudan

The Gender Equality in Public Administration Study was carried at the National Transformational Leadership Institute (NTLI) of the University of Juba in partnership with the Ministry of Gender Child and Social Welfare and UNDP South Sudan. The Study employed UNDP’s global GEPA initiative framework and UNDP-OECD Toolkit for Mainstreaming and Implementing Gender Equality in Public Life. which consists of four pillars, namely,1) Institutional and governance frameworks for gender equality and mainstreaming; 2) Gender-sensitive practices in parliaments; 3) Gender-sensitive public employment systems; 4) Gender-sensitive practices in the judiciary. Based on South Sudan context and the systems alreadyestablished,some key aspects of the UNDP-OECD tool with particular emphasis on Pillars (1) and (3) were adopted. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection that include surveys, face-to-face interviews, consultation workshops and focus group discussions were used to reach out to gender focal persons from all government institutions (ministries, commissions and parastatal organizations), organized forces, Academia and Civic groups that include Faith Based Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and Disability Persons Organisations.The collated information was analysed using SPSS and interpretation provided. The studyfound the existence of considerable gender differentials in terms of genderrights, accessto humanrights and access to justice. Gender inequality and Sexual Gender-Based Violence are widespread and mostly intensified by cultural norms and insecurity caused by interstate and intracommunal conflicts. Gender equality and women’s access, involvement and representation in Public Administration are linked to multiple structural and functional constraints which differ across sectors in South Sudan. Analysis from this study, clearly underlines that participation and access to formal political power structures is impeded by inherent gender imbalance in institutionalstructures, unequal power sharing, socio-economic context, culture, ideological and psychologicalfactors, which remain sticky, normalized and increasingly accepted as part of life. From the foregoing, it is imperative that directed policy initiatives and legal framework be established to address the issues. The Government of the Republic of South Sudan should conduct a review of the legislative and policy framework to integrate the minimum of 35% quotas for womenin all public administration (National Gender Policy; National Strategic Plan Framework; LabourAct, Civil Service Act and Public Service Regulations);

Digital Protection and Inheritance Path of Intangible Cultural Heritage based on Image Processing Algorithm

This research paper introduces a novel approach in the realm of digital preservation and inheritance of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) through a Customized 3D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The core of this study lies in the development of an advanced image processing algorithm tailored to accurately recognize, categorize, and archive diverse forms of ICH, which include traditional performances, ceremonies, oral traditions, and crafts. Utilizing a volumetric 3D CNN, this paper demonstrates how complex ICH elements can be effectively captured and analyzed, overcoming the limitations of traditional 2D image processing methods. The network is trained on a comprehensive dataset of ICH imagery, ensuring sensitivity to the subtle nuances and dynamic nature of these cultural expressions. This paper highlights the algorithm’s capability in not only safeguarding the visual aspects of ICH but also in providing an interactive, digital medium for education and cultural dissemination. The proposed method shows significant promise in aiding the efforts of cultural preservationists and educators, offering a technologically advanced pathway for the protection and inheritance of the world’s rich, yet vulnerable, cultural heritage. This study sets a precedent in the interdisciplinary field of cultural heritage conservation, digital technology, and artificial intelligence, providing a scalable and effective solution for global ICH preservation initiatives.

Recommendations for clinical implementation of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.

Blood-based biomarkers (BBM) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are being increasingly used in clinical practice to support an AD diagnosis. In contrast to traditional diagnostic modalities, such as amyloid positron emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, BBMs offer a more accessible and lower cost alternative for AD biomarker testing. Their unique scalability addresses the anticipated surge in demand for biomarker testing with the emergence of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) that require confirmation of amyloid pathology. To facilitate the uptake of BBMs in clinical practice, The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease convened a BBM Workgroup to provide recommendations for two clinical implementational pathways for BBMs: one for current use for triaging and another for future use to confirm amyloid pathology. These pathways provide a standardized diagnostic approach with guidance on interpreting BBM test results. Integrating BBMs into clinical practice will simplify the diagnostic process and facilitate timely access to DMTs for eligible patients.

Towards data-driven tropical forest restoration: Uncovering spatial variation, interactions and historical management effects on nutrients along soil depth gradients

Data scarcity hinders global conservation initiatives, and there is a pressing demand for spatially detailed soil and species data to restore human-altered tropical forests. We, therefore, aimed to generate foundational soil environment and habitat suitability data and high-resolution soil maps to aid restoration efforts in a critical ecosystem of the threatened Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot region, i.e., Tarap Hill Reserve (THR) in Bangladesh. Using multiple soil depths and vegetation data, we answered three major questions. (QI) How do spatial distribution and the relationships between soil physicochemical properties (i.e., pH, sand, silt, and clay percentages, organic carbon, and nutrients – N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn) vary from surface to deeper soils (top 1 m)? (QII) How do different forest management interventions, i.e., old-growth forests (OGF), mixed plantations (MXP), and mono-specific plantations (MOP), influence soil properties, nutrients, and carbon in different soil depths? (QIII) Which spatial interpolation methods are best suited for making more accurate soil property predictions at different depths? Our analyses reveal decreasing availability of critical nutrients like N, P, Mg, and Fe from surface to subsurface soils, while pH, soil organic carbon, and clay content increased with depth. Several soil properties showed significant interactions, although the strength of the interactions changed from surface to deeper soils. Besides, forest management interventions significantly influenced soil functionality by having higher nutrient availability and soil organic carbon in OGF than MXP and MOP. Predictive performances of the deterministic and geostatistical interpolation methods varied for different soil properties in different soil depths, and soil maps revealed substantial heterogeneity in the distribution of soil properties across space and along depths. This study represents a pioneering step in data-driven tropical forest restoration, and our novel findings and high-resolution soil maps could guide future studies focusing on species habitat preferences, restoration ecology, and spatial conservation planning in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot region and elsewhere in the tropics.

Interleukin-17 Genotypes in Egyptian Asthmatic Children at Zagazig University Hospitals.

Bronchial asthma (BA) is increasing among Egyptian children. It is affected by multiple factors including genetic ones. In the current study, we assessedthe relationship between interleukin-17 (IL-17) genotypes and the occurrence of BA among Egyptian children. This case-control study included 100 participants. Group I (the control group) comprised 50 healthy subjects. Group II (the asthmatic group) comprised 50 subjects diagnosed with atopic asthma according tothe Global Initiative for Asthma. Measurement of serum Ig E and eosinophilic count was performed. Detection of single nucleotide polymorphism rs2275913 of IL-17 gene by restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction was conducted. GA and AA genotypes were more frequent in the asthmatic group compared tothe control group (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Subjects carrying GA and AA genotypes were more susceptibleto have asthma [odds ratio (OR) = 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14-9.94, P = 0.03; OR = 7.78, 95% CI = 1.59-38.3, P = 0.01, respectively]. The A allele was higher in the asthmatic group (33%) compared tothe control group (10%). A allele carriers were more susceptibleto have asthma (OR = 4.43, 95% CI = 2.04-9.82 and P < 0.001). Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and eosinophil percentages were higher among the carriers of GA and AA genotypes when compared with the GG genotype. All pulmonary function tests were significantly lower among carriers of AA genotype compared with GG genotype. An A allele carrier, AA genotype, increased IgE level, and eosinophil level were significant predictors for occurrence of asthma (P = 0.01, 0.02, 0.004, and 0.01). In conclusion, AA genotype carriers and A allele carriers of the IL-17 gene are more likely to have asthma compared with controls.

Diagnostic value of impulse oscillometry in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicentre, retrospective, observational study

ObjectivesDiagnosis and assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rely extensively on spirometry, which necessitates patient cooperation. The clinical value of impulse oscillometry (IOS) as a non-volitional method in patients...

Evaluating progress and accountability for achieving COP26 Health Programme international ambitions for sustainable, low-carbon, resilient health-care systems.

A global initiative to develop low-carbon, resilient health systems-the COP26 Health Programme-launched at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021. As of May, 2024, 83 nations have committed to participate in this initiative. This analysis evaluates the effectiveness of existing and proposed indicators towards public monitoring and accountability to these commitments. Our findings reveal substantial gaps in data availability and indicator relevance, with many countries reporting process indicators that do not reflect actual progress towards achieving sustainable health-care systems. We found a dearth of suitable indicators and an urgent need to develop robust ones that are adaptable to different health-care system contexts. These indicators should be designed to capture tangible outcomes, support policy making, and prevent greenwashing. Integration of more robust indicators into independent scientific monitoring can support systematic inclusion of health care in global climate strategies, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the COP26 Health Programme.