Government Guidelines Research Articles

The implementation and impact of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for Down's syndrome into antenatal screening programmes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a widely adopted maternal blood test that analyses foetal originating DNA to screen for foetal chromosomal conditions, including Down's syndrome (DS). The introduction of this test, which may have implications for important decisions made during pregnancy, requires continual monitoring and evaluation. This systematic review aims to assess the extent of NIPT introduction into national screening programmes for DS worldwide, its uptake, and impact on pregnancy outcomes. The study protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD42022306167). We systematically searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Embase for population-based studies, government guidelines, and Public Health documents from 2010 onwards. Results summarised the national policies for NIPT implementation into screening programmes geographically, along with population uptake. Meta-analyses estimated the pooled proportions of women choosing invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD) following a high chance biochemical screening result, before and after NIPT was introduced. Additionally, we meta-analysed outcomes (termination of pregnancy and live births) amongst high chance pregnancies identified by NIPT. Results demonstrated NIPT implementation in at least 27 countries. Uptake of second line NIPT varied, from 20.4% to 93.2% (n = 6). Following NIPT implementation, the proportion of women choosing IPD after high chance biochemical screening decreased from 75% (95% CI 53%, 88%, n = 5) to 43% (95%CI 31%, 56%, n = 5), an absolute risk reduction of 38%. A pooled estimate of 69% (95% CI 52%, 82%, n = 7) of high chance pregnancies after NIPT resulted in termination, whilst 8% (95% CI 3%, 21%, n = 7) had live births of babies with DS. NIPT has rapidly gained global acceptance, but population uptake is influenced by healthcare structures, historical screening practices, and cultural factors. Our findings indicate a reduction in IPD tests following NIPT implementation, but limited pre-NIPT data hinder comprehensive impact assessment. Transparent, comparable data reporting is vital for monitoring NIPT's potential consequences.

Quality and safety actions in primary care practices in COVID-19 pandemic: the PRICOV-19 study in Spain

BackgroundPrimary Health Care (PHC) has been key element in detection, monitoring and treatment of COVID-19 cases in Spain. We describe how PHC practices (PCPs) organized healthcare to guarantee quality and safety and, if there were differences among the 17 Spanish regions according to the COVID-19 prevalence.MethodsCross-sectional study through the PRICOV-19 European Online Survey in PCPs in Spain. The questionnaire included structure and process items per PCP. Data collection was due from January to May 2021. A descriptive and comparative analysis and a logistic regression model were performed to identify differences among regions by COVID-19 prevalence (low < 5% or high ≥5%).ResultsTwo hundred sixty-six PCPs answered. 83.8% of PCPs were in high prevalence regions. Over 70% PCPs were multi-professional teams. PCPs attended mainly elderly (60.9%) and chronic patients (53.0%). Regarding structure indicators, no differences by prevalence detected. In 77.1% of PCPs administrative staff were more involved in providing recommendations. Only 53% of PCPs had a phone protocol although 73% of administrative staff participated in phone triage. High prevalence regions offered remote assessment (20.4% vs 2.3%, p 0.004) and online platforms to download administrative documents more frequently than low prevalence (30% vs 4.7%, p < 0.001).More backup staff members were hired by health authorities in high prevalence regions, especially nurses (63.9% vs 37.8%, p < 0.001. OR:4.20 (1.01-8.71)). 63.5% of PCPs provided proactive care for chronic patients. 41.0% of PCPs recognized that patients with serious conditions did not know to get an appointment.Urgent conditions suffered delayed care in 79.1% of PCPs in low prevalence compared to 65.9% in high prevalence regions (p 0.240). A 68% of PCPs agreed on having inadequate support from the government to provide proper functioning. 61% of high prevalence PCPs and 69.5% of low ones (p: 0.036) perceived as positive the role of governmental guidelines for management of COVID-19.ConclusionsSpanish PCPs shared a basic standardized PCPs’ structure and common clinical procedures due to the centralization of public health authority in the pandemic. Therefore, no relevant differences in safety and quality of care between regions with high and low prevalence were detected. Nurses and administrative staff were hired efficiently in response to the pandemic. Delay in care happened in patients with serious conditions and little follow-up for mental health and intimate partner violence affected patients was identified. Nevertheless, proactive care was offered for chronic patients in most of the PCPs.

Effect of Government Guidelines and Corporate Governance on Telework Adoption and Occupational Health Measures in Taiwanese-Listed Companies

BackgroundTelework adoption in Taiwan has surged because of government guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the disclosure practices of Taiwanese-listed companies, assessing their adherence to government telework guidelines and their correlation with corporate governance, focusing on occupational health measures. MethodsWe conducted a guideline-adherent cohort analysis of the 2020 and 2021 sustainability reports of 295 Taiwanese-listed companies. We assessed their disclosure of corporate measures for teleworking in alignment with two government guidelines, specifically occupational health measures. Using the McNemar test and general estimating equation analysis, we compared the 2020 and 2021 responses and examined their associations with corporate governance rankings. ResultsTelework adoption increased significantly from 2020 to 2021, with 68% of companies reporting new work modes. The mentioning of government guidelines also increased to 67% by 2021. Companies with higher governance rankings were more likely to adopt online occupational health measures, including occupational health services (RR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.41–2.94; p < 0.001) and mental health promotion activities (RR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.06–3.82; p = 0.032), than those with low rankings. Although on-site and online occupational health services increased, home workspace assessments did not. ConclusionOur findings highlight significant upward trends in the disclosure of telework measures following the issuance of government guidelines. Corporate governance is significantly associated with the implementation of occupational health measures. Amid the evolution of teleworking, both government guidelines and corporate governance have become essential for shaping work arrangements and ensuring workforce well-being.

Factors in Community Adaptation for Climate Change Mitigation in Thailand

This study reflects the experiences of communities who have adapted to climate change in three different geological locations in the country of Thailand: by the riverside, coast, and in the mountains. The communities presented the lessons learned and identified key adaptation factors. The study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, with results showing that the community’s learning and adaptation to climate change were at a high level. The results broaden understanding of climate change in these locations and provide information for resource management approaches. Among the seven factors, five factors illustrated that they were highly adapted, including: (1) applying knowledge about nature, ecosystems, and traditional wisdom; (2) management that allowed the use of adaptations; (3) a shared vision of success; (4) collaboration; and (5) having a variety of options and approaches. Two factors that illustated that the community was only moderately adapted included: (1) learning about violent events and disasters; and (2) following government guidelines. It was found that a lack of information about the ecosystems and environmental resources they required for large-scale infrastructure construction caused issues. This is a problem, and the government must consult with local communities when setting long-term plans and assessing needs, because communities have diverse livelihoods and depend on natural resources. Hence, future studies should include climate change awareness and understanding of what is required by adding community needs linked to climate change adaptation into state development plans as well as utilizing the wisdom and traditional knowledge involving ecology held by these communities into sustainability plans.

The influence of the performance of livestock farming groups on the development of government assisted livestock populations in Lima Puluh Kota District

This research is motivated by the increasingly vital role of farmer groups. The government stipulates that almost all assistance is provided through group mechanisms. This study aims to: (1) indentify farmer groups performance, (2) determine livestock population development, (3) determine the effect of farmer groups performance on livestock population development. This research was conducted in November-December 2022 in livestock farmer groups receiving government assistance in Lima Puluh Kota District in 2018-2022. The research areas were Harau and Payakumbuh sub-districts. The data were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively based on the government guideline for assessing the ability of farmer group classes issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture’s Agricultural Human Resources Development and Extension Agency 2018 and to identify the effect of using analytical methods product moment correlation. The results showed that: (1) The average performance of farming groups was in a poor position, namely with a value of 213.1 or being in the beginner class category, (2) The development of the livestock population with government assistance in farmer groups was an increase of 3.6% a year, (3) Farmer groups performance has not have a significant effect on the development of the livestock population in Lima Puluh Kota District.

HIV associated neurocognitive disorder screening and diagnosis pathways in Australia: a scoping review and international implications

ABSTRACT Symptomatic HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is a complication of HIV (cognitive impairment, difficulties with everyday functioning). If detected early, interventions assist with optimizing care, avoiding rapid decline and enhancing coping. There remains inconsistency surrounding screening/diagnosis information within Australian healthcare professionals and community settings. A scoping review of academic literature, government policies and non-government organisations (NGOs) was conducted to map existing screening/diagnosis information using the guidelines of Joanna Briggs Institute. A literature search of EBSCOhost and Medline (dates: 2015–2021), the Australian government NGO web domains, Google and unpublished academic works was conducted (July 2021) and updated (December 2022) to identify Australian items (past 5 years). Seventeen items met the inclusion criteria. No government guidelines were identified. Various HIV-related organisations proposed different diagnostic guidelines. Most HAND research originated in Sydney. The most accessible information was from Dementia Australia, with some inaccuracies noted. There is scant Australian research/information on HAND screening/diagnosis. HAND translational research and screening/diagnosis standards are urgently needed to inform best practices. The Australian context is used to discuss international implications regarding higher-income countries with similar patterns/healthcare.

Status of MyHealthWay and Suggestions for Widespread Implementation, Emphasizing the Utilization and Practical Use of Personal Medical Data.

In the Fourth Industrial Revolution, there is a focus on managing diverse medical data to improve healthcare and prevent disease. The challenges include tracking detailed medical records across multiple institutions and the necessity of linking domestic public medical entities for efficient data sharing. This study explores MyHealthWay, a Korean healthcare platform designed to facilitate the integration and transfer of medical data from various sources, examining its development, importance, and legal implications. To evaluate the management status and utilization of MyHealthWay, we analyzed data types, security, legal issues, domestic versus international issues, and infrastructure. Additionally, we discussed challenges such as resource and infrastructure constraints, regulatory hurdles, and future considerations for data management. The secure sharing of medical information via MyHealthWay can reduce the distance between patients and healthcare facilities, fostering personalized care and self-management of health. However, this approach faces legal challenges, particularly relating to data standardization and access to personal health information. Legal challenges in data standardization and access, particularly for secondary uses such as research, necessitate improved regulations. There is a crucial need for detailed governmental guidelines and clear data ownership standards at institutional levels. This report highlights the role of Korea's MyHealthWay, which was launched in 2023, in transforming healthcare through systematic data integration. Challenges include data privacy and legal complexities, and there is a need for data standardization and individual empowerment in health data management within a systematic medical big data framework.

Reinforcement Learning from AI Feedback A Review

Reinforcement Learning from AI Feedback (RLAIF) is a big step forward compared to Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF). It's especially useful for large language models like GPT-4. RLAIF is better because it can handle more data at scale and is more efficient. It uses AI-generated feedback instead of human feedback. This shift to AI-generated feedback enhances the efficiency and speed of training AI systems. Additionally, RLAIF optimizes the AI's ability to align with desired outcomes, although it may not directly improve understanding human preferences. RLAIF uses a Preference Model (PM) that follows constitutional principles. This ensures that AI responses are ethical, safe, and high -quality. The constitution sets rules for AI decision-making. It makes sure AI follows ethical and social standards. This is important as AI keeps evolving. RLAIF is moving towards an automated, moral feedback system focusing on responsible AI governance and ethical guidelines.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS SUPPORTING IT AND BUSINESS STRATEGY ALIGNMENT FOR SUSTAINED COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

In today's dynamic business environment, the alignment between information technology (IT) and business strategy is critical for organizations seeking sustained competitive advantage. This paper presents a comprehensive examination of theoretical frameworks supporting this alignment, aiming to provide insights into how organizations can effectively integrate IT capabilities with strategic objectives. The theoretical foundations explored include the Resource-Based View (RBV), which emphasizes leveraging unique resources and capabilities to achieve competitive advantage. Additionally, the Dynamic Capabilities Framework underscores the importance of an organization's ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing market conditions, highlighting the role of IT in facilitating agility and flexibility. The Strategic Alignment Model offers a structured approach to ensuring coherence between business strategy, IT strategy, and organizational infrastructure, enabling seamless integration and alignment. Value Chain Analysis provides a framework for understanding how IT can add value across different stages of the value chain, informing strategic decision-making and resource allocation. Moreover, IT Governance Frameworks, such as COBIT and ITIL, offer guidelines for effective management and governance of IT resources to support strategic objectives. Business Process Reengineering (BPR) is also examined as a methodology for redesigning business processes to align with strategic goals and leverage IT capabilities. Through an exploration of these theoretical frameworks, this paper aims to equip organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve sustained competitive advantage through the strategic alignment of IT and business strategies. Keywords: Theoretical Frameworks, IT, Business Strategy Alignment, Sustained Competitive Advantage.

Targeted information intervention among consumer clusters for electric vehicle penetration – A case study of Punjab, India

Low success rates of existing EV adoption policies in India highlight the need for targeted policies to boost EV adoption. The current study employs a single-arm information intervention to analyse the impact of information provision on electric vehicle (EV) adoption among consumer clusters in a developing country context. Using Gaussian Mixed Modelling clustering, the sample was grouped into four segments based on three psychological latent variables. Clusters with greater pro-environmental values had higher pre-intervention positive purchase intention, signifying that policies aimed at promoting EVs among environmentally conscious consumers have higher chances of success. The intervention showed significant desirable changes in every cluster. Results indicate that such campaigns would achieve higher success in consumer clusters with low eco-friendliness. Appropriate measures for each cluster are suggested. The characteristics of consumer clusters with higher pre-intervention purchase intention could serve as guidelines for businesses and governments while formulating new and updating their existing EV policies.

Challenges and barriers for gender-inclusive public transport policies and practice in Delhi, India

The importance of gender mainstreaming in transport services has been brought to focus by leading organisations such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. Commonly, women in South and Southeast Asian countries struggle with a public transport system that is not designed for them. National policy makers from these countries typically pick and choose when to follow international guidelines. The present study explores the challenges and barriers for implementation of international guidelines and standards on gender when designing inclusive public transport systems. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with leading national policymakers and transport practitioners to gain an in-depth understanding of current practices in Delhi, India. Discussions with policymakers revealed a significant lack of willingness to consider women as a distinct user group, largely due to a male-dominated sector. Women, when rarely considered, are often categorized within the vulnerable user group. This makes any gender-specific travel requirements absent from policies and guidelines for transport practitioners to implement. Without any adequate gender-inclusive policies and government guidelines, practitioners are hamstringed into designing and implementing services which negates women’s travel needs. Interviews with transport practitioners also revealed major barriers to include funding constraints and poor national data resources. The study concludes with critical gaps in the pipeline from international to national to transport practitioners which prevents gender-specific travel needs from being met for women riding public transport.

Audience engagement in outrage factors embedded in COVID‐19 news: A content analysis of South Korean news articles and reader comments

AbstractThe risk perception of lay people is believed to be guided by qualitative characteristics of risk they perceive. Outrage factors refer to perceived characteristics of risk that arouse emotional responses and thereby influence risk perception. Conducting a content analysis of coronavirus disease 2019 online news coverage, we identified outrage factors embedded in news stories to determine how those factors are associated with audience engagement, measured by counting news consumer comments and clicks on emotional expressions on each news story. As a result, the average outrage score for a news story was significantly associated with the number of clicks on emotional expressions and comments. When it comes to individual outrage factors, a news story covering a case of violation against social distancing or other governmental guidelines was found to be accompanied by more comments and more emotional expressions, indicating the strongest power of moral nature. The outrage factor of voluntariness, human origin, accident history and controllability were also associated with one or both types of the audience responses. The news stories of business owners who involuntarily shut down their businesses or those comparing the current pandemic to Middle East respiratory syndrome that broke out in 2015 in the nation showed a similar pattern of audience engagement. Furthermore, liberal media were more likely to convey outrage factors than media with a less liberal orientation, which was manifested in the outrage score for each story. We discuss the potential of outrage factors as a new content‐based factor for audience engagement in online risk communication.

Unveiling the mechanism of diachronic changes and regional characteristics differences in the built environment of traditional villages from the perspective of color data: evidence from Macheng City, China

Traditional villages hold a vital place in Chinese vernacular built heritage continuation with their colors being a significant constituent of the built environment. While digital technology has advanced our understanding of built environment, current research pays little attention on how color influences the environment, often overlooking temporal changes and regional differences, especially neglects color protection measures. This study establishes an diachronic image dataset using national traditional villages in Macheng City, Hubei Province. By using of K-Means and CIEDE2000 algorithms, we analyze color characteristics differences among 4 regions in Macheng City in 2022. And, we select five year’ s diachronic image data of Dongyuan Village (2017–2022) to elucidate the color changes mechanisms. The results show that: (1) Elements influenced by the government, construction techniques dissemination, and environmental factors exhibit regional similarity, while the color of wall differs significantly. Specifically, K-Means values for northern and eastern wall elements indicate light brown tones [RGB: (159, 151, 136), (163, 159, 147)], whereas southwestern and central wall elements exhibit distinct colors, including grayish brown [RGB: (132, 127, 119)] and light yellow [RGB: (190, 182, 161)], respectively. (2) Dongyuan Village underwent color corrections in accordance with government policies, resulting in a shift from blue [RGB: (138, 154, 213)] to yellow [RGB: (223, 206, 196)] for the walls and a gradual unification of road colors into light gray [RGB: (239, 238, 243)]. This initiative led to increased consistency with government guidelines, and the color data stabilized with minimal changes in the surrounding environment. This study enhances our comprehension of traditional village color and regional characteristics changes, contributing to effective measures for the preservation of these culturally significant built heritage.

A Tough Balancing Act – The Evolving AI Governance in Korea

AI governance began to emerge as a focal point of discourse in Korea from the mid 2010s. Since then, multiple government and public bodies have released guidelines for AI governance, and various tech companies have announced their own AI ethics and governance principles. Beyond its borders, Korea has also actively participated in efforts to establish international norms and guidelines on AI governance. These developments were in part propelled by events that increased public awareness of the importance of trustworthy AI. This has also led to numerous legislative proposals that purport to increase technical and legal checks on such systems. At the same time, Korea has maintained its emphasis on the promotion of new technologies as a fundamental principle of legislative policy. Pursuing the dual goals of spurring innovation in the field of AI while at the same time ensuring its safety has led to confusion and, in some cases, incongruity within the AI governance framework in Korea. The Korean experience sheds light on factors that can influence the trajectory of a jurisdiction's AI governance, including public awareness of AI's potential for both benefit and harm, and the existing legislative and policy framework for governing technology.

Exploring the concerns, attitudes and experiences of health professionals regarding a vegan diet during pregnancy and early life; a mixed-method study

Vegan diet consumption is gaining popularity globally and in New Zealand. However, plant foods provide absent or limited quantities of important micronutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-three fatty acids(1). A restrictive and unplanned vegan diet may thus increase risks of nutrient deficiencies especially during pregnancy and early life if the nutrient demands are not fulfilled. Health professionals who provide primary support for pregnant women and their children are important figures in monitoring the nutritional statuses during the antenatal and postnatal periods(2). (Being knowledgeable about the nutritional risks of poorly-planned vegan diets, and having access to appropriate educational resources would support vegan mothers and children to achieve a well-balanced diet. Currently, there are insufficient studies investigating the perspectives of New Zealand’s health professionals within the realm of vegan diets during pregnancy and early life. The aim of the research is to utilise a mixed-methods approach to explore these concerns, attitudes, and experiences. Healthcare professionals, including dietitians, nurses, general practitioners and midwives were invited to participate in the study. Knowledge and attitude scores were collected with an online questionnaire and scores were recorded as a proportion of the participants. Subsequently, descriptions of experiences, concerns, and perspectives about the adoption of vegan diets during pregnancy and early life were collected with semi-structured interviews. A total of 14 health professionals completed the study. All health professionals showed positive attitudes towards the adoption of vegan diets during pregnancy but some exhibited greater concern about their restrictive nature especially in early childhood. Achieving intake adequacy and subjecting young children to intensive assessments for nutrient adequacy were among the concerns raised. More than 90% of health professionals were concerned about iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies while less than 50% were concerned about deficiencies in protein, omega-three fatty acids, iodine, zinc and vitamin D. Less than 50% of participants were aware that plant foods do not provide sufficient vitamin B12. More than 50% disagreed that sufficient information about vegan diets during pregnancy and early life is available. Insufficient evidence-based consensus and government guidelines, and limited access and referrals to dietitians for guidance on vegan diets were highlighted as challenges that reduce the overall knowledge and confidence. Hence, continual professional education and updated evidence-based resources would be important steps to support health professionals in providing guidance to individuals on vegan diets.

Government-University Relationship in China’s AI Talent Development: A Triple Helix Perspective

Using the Triple Helix model, this study explores the government-university relationship in the context of China’s AI talent development, and their outcomes in terms of AI program deployment, enrollment and faculty. Their interaction may best be summarized as a model of government pull and university response, but with more support and autonomy for the Shuang Yiliu groups. Specifically, the state has maintained a dominant role as a policymaker in promoting the production of AI personnel and showed strong mobilizing abilities to integrate universities into the national AI strategy. Government guidelines outlined the roadmap for training top AI talent with a focus on Shuang Yiliu universities, universities with Shuang Yiliu disciplines, and interdisciplinary graduate students. Universities have responded with quick launch of AI programs, large enrollment and faculty with advanced training and overseas experience. A multi-level AI personnel training system has taken shape. With their privilege in financial and policy support and more autonomy, Shuang Yiliu universities, and universities with Shuang Yiliu disciplines will be the main producers of AI-concentrated graduate students. Theoretical contributions are discussed and policy and practice implications for addressing AI program distributions, talent development and retention, faculty and research, and AI as a discipline provided.

IJCM_44A: Analysis of Health System and Community Readiness for Adhering to Government Guidelines on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in India

Background: GDM affects approximately 7% of all pregnant women worldwide. India has one of the highest prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in the world. In a field study in Tamil Nadu, the prevalence of GDM was 17.8% in the urban, 13.8% in the semi urban and 9.9% in the rural areas. It is estimated that at any given time, approximately 4 million women in India are affected by GDM. Though there is availability of national guidelines, screening and management of GDM is challenging and controversial in India due to conflicting guidelines and treatment protocol. There are huge challenges in GDM management both at the individual and provider level. Objective: To understand the challenges and possible solutions for successfully implementing the GDM program Methodology: Data were collected from both public and private health facilities in two districts of Maharashtra. Self-administered questionnaire, IDIs and FGDs were conducted with medical officers and staff of PHCs, RH, SDH and District Hospital. Thematic analysis was done. Results: There were lack of training to Staff and Doctor of the government and private health system regarding GDM guidelines. Infrastructure was lacking for conducting the OGTT. Staff were not willing to conduct OGT and MNT(Medical nutrition therapy) on regular basis. Conclusion: Improvement in infrastructure, manpower and training of the staff is needed. Training in OGTT and MNT is must for the filed staff. More involvement of private players is needed for better implementation of GoI guidleines.

Evaluation of a smoking cessation program for adults with severe mental illness in a public mental health service.

Smoking rates have decreased in the general population but remain high among people with severe mental illness (SMI). An individualized smoking cessation program was tested with 99 adults with SMI. The program showed it is possible to help people with SMI smoke fewer cigarettes and reduce nicotine addiction. Customized smoking cessation programs are essential for those with high nicotine dependence and mental health challenges. Mental health services should offer tailored tobacco cessation programs because these programs can improve the health of people with mental illness who smoke. It is important for mental health services to follow government guidelines and provide evidence-based support. INTRODUCTION: Despite significant reductions in smoking rates in the general population over recent decades, smoking rates remain relatively unchanged among people with SMI. To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the Keep Quitting in Mind pilot program, an individualized smoking cessation program for people experiencing SMI. In total, 99 adult participants with SMI and engaged with a community mental health service, participated in the intervention. The intervention included motivational interviewing and goal setting, in addition to provision of pharmaceutical aids (including nicotine replacement therapy). Analysis determined that the Keep Quitting in Mind pilot program was feasible in a public adult mental health service and participation in the program was associated with reductions in the number of cigarettes smoked daily and level of nicotine addiction. This real-world pilot program demonstrated feasibility and potential effectiveness in reducing smoking among adults with mental illness. Aligning with government guidelines, tailored smoking cessation programs are crucial due to high nicotine dependence and mental health complexities. Given the high rates of cigarette smoking by people with mental illness and the cardiometabolic health risks associated with this, mental health services should consider adding evidence-based and bespoke tobacco cessation programs as part of core business.

The Evolving Regulatory Paradigm of AI in MedTech: A Review of Perspectives and Where We Are Today.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies in the MedTech sector hold the promise to transform healthcare delivery by improving access, quality, and outcomes. As the regulatory contours of these technologies are being defined, there is a notable lack of literature on the key stakeholders such as the organizations and interest groups that have a significant input in shaping the regulatory framework. This article explores the perspectives and contributions of these stakeholders in shaping the regulatory paradigm of AI-enabled medical technologies. The formation of an AI regulatory framework requires the convergence of ethical, regulatory, technical, societal, and practical considerations. These multiple perspectives contribute to the various dimensions of an evolving regulatory paradigm. From the global governance guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to national regulations, the article sheds light not just on these multiple perspectives but also on their interconnectedness in shaping the regulatory landscape of AI.

Insights into UK Teachers’ Wellbeing and Workload during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: Testimonies from the Silent Voices and Lessons Learnt

This paper presents the findings of a national survey of over 3400 teachers across all phases of education in England, 10 weeks into school closure. In this paper we report on the teachers’ experiences and their testimonies of the effects of the lockdown on their wellbeing as they navigate the situation, trying to cope with teaching and adjusting to the use of new technology to deliver lessons in the confines of their home. We present their voices as they related their experiences and emotions in real time as the event unfolded. Teachers reported an increased workload with a proportionately large amount of time spent on administrative duties and planning, but less on actual teaching. On average, these teachers spent 15 h a week marking during the lockdown. Under half of the respondents said they felt happy and cheerful often, while only 17% said they did not feel this way often. Almost all teachers said they felt that what they were doing was important and worthwhile. The most common emotions expressed by teachers were fear, isolation, neglect, anxiety, and confusion. The inconsistency and lack of clarity of government guidelines added to teachers’ anxiety. The negative media portrayal of teachers did not help. The majority of teachers reported little previous experience in online teaching and only a quarter were confident in using edtech to deliver remote teaching. Only a third of teachers said they were adequately supported for online teaching. This has implications for future teacher development and initial teacher training. However, there were equally numerous positive experiences reported by teachers. Active support from parents and consistent school-home communication were seen as important in ensuring students’ continued engagement with learning. These lessons are beneficial in supporting the long-term sick and school refusers post-lockdown.