Greater Transparency Research Articles

'Charge what you think you're worth': a qualitative study exploring the gender pay gap in medicine and the role of price transparency.

The gender pay gap in medicine is entrenched and has a negative impact on economic growth, institutional reputation and financial success, recruitment, retention and job satisfaction of female specialists and patient care. It also discourages women from entering specialist fields of medicine. In the Australian unregulated market setting, female specialists are not simply getting paid less, they are choosing to set lower fees than their male counterparts. We examine how implicit and explicit gender biases affect how fees are set and the potential role of price transparency in addressing the gender pay gap. We conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with medical specialists recruited via social media and medical society newsletters between June 2021 and March 2022. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Twenty surgeons and seven anaesthetists, 15 of whom identified as male and 12 as female, participated in this study. The primary outcomes and measures focused on the perspectives of surgeons and anaesthetists regarding fee-setting practices. A combination of contextual and market- and gender-related factors was the source of the biases that determine fee setting. Further, information asymmetry in medicine in Australia underlies current fee-setting practices, exacerbating and entrenching false perceptions about women's skills as surgeons and anaesthetists. Women tend to internalise these biases, self-regulating their behaviours and how they set their fees. The gender pay gap is pervasive. Greater transparency on fees and quality could be explored as a potential solution to reduce pay inequality.

A Research on How Companies Integrate ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) Factors into Their Financial Decision-Making

As companies, investors, and legislators realise how crucial it is to include Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in financial decision- making, the idea of sustainable finance has grown in popularity. In order to promote sustainable development, this review paper investigates how incorporating ESG factors can improve financial decision-making. The growth of ESG, its guiding principles, and its expanding impact on financial markets are all critically examined in this article. It outlines the main forces supporting ESG integration, including investor demand, business responsibility, and regulatory pressures, by examining recent research and industry practices. The study also emphasises how ESG considerations affect business transparency, long-term value development, and risk management. Issues with standardisation, data quality, and the dangers of greenwashing are among the difficulties that come with integrating ESG. This paper concludes by outlining recommendations for policymakers and financial institutions to enhance the integration of ESG factors, emphasising the need for improved regulatory frameworks, greater transparency, and consistent reporting standards. The study illustrates that although there is increasing agreement regarding the value of ESG in mitigating financial risks and contributing to sustainable economic growth, practical implementation remains inconsistent across industries and regions. The review also assesses various methodologies for evaluating ESG performance and how these are linked to financial returns, showing that well-implemented ESG strategies can result in competitive advantages and increased investor confidence. The results highlight the significance of sustainable finance as a driver for accomplishing more general environmental and social goals while preserving the long-term viability and financial success of enterprises. The report urges more work to remove current obstacles and promote a more uniform, internationally recognised method of incorporating ESG considerations into financial decision- making. Key Words: Sustainable Finance, ESG Integration, Financial Decision-Making, Risk Management, Sustainable Development, Investor Demand.

Generative AI: Crafting Tomorrow’s Creativity

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has impacted creativity, providing artists, writers, designers, and innovators with powerful tools. This research explores the intersection of AI and human creativity, demonstrating AI’s ability to create unique content, perform tasks, and introduce new drama. Disruption poses significant challenges, including misinformation, transfer of labor, fraud, and bias in AI output. Addressing these issues requires strict regulation, greater transparency, and public awareness of the risks involved. Future efforts should focus on addressing ethical implications, ensuring transparency, and aligning technological changes with the needs of society. This is good for creating stability and balance, but people use these thing for fraud that is very harmfull for our society. Solutions include using intelligence-based search tools, improving cybersecurity, encouraging ethical behavior, and developing a skilled workforce. This study highlights the importance of balancing the benefits and risks of generative AI to foster meaningful creativity as well as its role in integrating into society. With strong ethical protections, generative AI offers many opportunities for innovation. The Telecom company should block all kinds of messages such as,(Phishing, lottery prize scams, tech support scams, love scams, bill or payment scams, tax scams, investment scams) for the customers, and also send the alert message for the scam to all the users via Voice.

Research Projects towards an Innovative, Digitalised, and Responsible Extractive Industry: Examples from the Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics

Abstract Within the current digitalisation trend across industries, new technologies are reshaping the different stages of the mining life cycle. In this context, one of the focuses of the Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics of Montanuniversität Leoben is to promote and contribute to the implementation of multi-actor research projects to foster the adoption and development of new technologies in the minerals sector. Bringing the recent developments with practical needs and requirements from the industry closer together is critical to continue advancing towards more responsible extractive practices. As part of this effort, three EU-funded projects in which the Chair has significant participation are described in this article: S34I, focused on promoting further application of earth observation technologies in the mining industry; DigiEcoQuarry, a digitalisation initiative in the aggregate sector seeking to enhance environmental, economic, safety, and social aspects of quarries in Europe; and MaDiTraCe, a project aimed at integrating advanced digital and material traceability technologies to face the challenges of traceability in critical raw materials supply chains, greater transparency and accountability in the extraction and processing of mineral resources. All three projects advance the vision and strategy of the Chair by promoting digitalisation and integration of innovative approaches. Furthermore, their synergies lay the foundation for prospective projects and future industry-academia collaborations.

A systematic-narrative hybrid review of evidence: Exploring how corporate social responsibility initiatives impact population health.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to initiatives undertaken by corporations that aim to make a positive impact on society. It is unclear to what extent these aims are achieved in relation to population health. We explored the evidence for mechanisms by which CSR has positive or negative effects on population health through a systematic-narrative hybrid review of 97 relevant articles. We found few examples overall that could trace a CSR initiative through to verifiable impacts on the population. Our review found that generally the evidence for the impacts of CSR on population health was patchy, highly heterogenous and of varying quality. We found some potential positive impacts of CSR on health; including on poverty alleviation, development, health care, the environment and the health and wellbeing of workers. Some CSR initiatives were rebranding of core functions, such as HR practices and employee wellbeing strategies, or were a partial redressing of the problems the corporation itself is creating, such as CSR initiatives that sought to improve workplace safety, reduce corporate environmental footprints or relocate people displaced by mining activities. We situate these impacts in relation to the role and intent of CSR, and argue that meaningful progress on CSR can only be made with greater transparency and reporting of initiatives to more fulsomely evaluate their impacts - as well as the political economy in which these sit. It is further critical to strengthen government regulation and oversight to maximise any public good that can come from CSR, and minimise the negative consequences reported in research literature.

Unmasking Favoritism and Bias in Academic Publishing: An Empirical Study on Editorial Practices

This study investigates the impact of institutional bias on academic publishing, focusing on how manuscript acceptance rates, review times, and the diversity of scholarly discourse are influenced by the institutional affiliation of authors. Through a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative analysis of 2,000 manuscript submissions across 20 journals with qualitative interviews of editors, reviewers, and authors. The findings reveal a statistically significant bias favoring manuscripts from prestigious institutions, evidenced by higher acceptance rates and faster review processes. However, while institutional prestige significantly influences these outcomes, the quality of the research also plays a crucial role, indicating that bias operates alongside other factors. The study also highlights the negative impact of institutional bias on the diversity of published research, with manuscripts from less prestigious institutions contributing more to geographical and topical diversity. The implications are profound and suggest that current editorial practices may reinforce existing academic power structures and limit the representation of diverse perspectives. The study calls for reforms such as double-blind review processes and greater transparency in editorial decision-making to promote a more equitable and inclusive academic publishing environment. These findings are essential for advancing a global and diverse scholarly communication system.

Deconstruction of farm machine-related safety interventions: a systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Agricultural workplaces have a high number of incidents and fatalities, with the majority occurring from machinery use. Farmers' behaviour plays a critical role in maintaining safety, as improper or unsafe practices often lead to injuries and fatalities. This review categorises interventions targeting farm machine safety, examining both the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used and their reported outcomes to understand how the techniques influence safety practices and outcomes on farms. The systematic review is reported in accordance with the Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Seven electronic databases were searched for relevant studies published before June 2024, and the quality of included studies was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias assessment tools. Analysis of intervention behavioural components was guided by the behaviour change wheel framework and BCT taxonomy (v1). The findings were synthesised using a narrative review. Nine studies were included and a total of 21 BCTs were identified. The most frequently coded BCTs were 4.1 (instruction on how to perform the behaviour), 10.8 (incentive [outcome]), and 16.3 (vicarious consequences) (each n = 6). Reported outcomes included reductions in injury rates, improved adoption of safety devices, implementation of safety measures, and positive shifts in safety norms and perceptions. However, due to variations in intervention design and reporting, assessing the direct impact of specific BCTs on these outcomes proved challenging. The use of BCT taxonomy provided a common language for describing intervention components and enabled the standardisation of intervention content analysis. While patterns were observed regarding the commonly used BCTs, their implementation and outcomes, the heterogeneity and limited details provided by studies limited our ability to discern their effectiveness. Providing (i) greater transparency in reporting active intervention components and (ii) clearer connections between components and specific outcomes, will enable enhanced comparisons of future studies, and facilitate a greater understanding of how to support safe machine-related behaviours on farms.

An introduction to Bayesian geospatial analysis using a Bayesian multilevel model case study

ABSTRACT Despite the rapidly growing interest in Bayesian inference, recent publications reveal common issues that suggest even experienced researchers across disciplines, including geospatial research, may not always follow the proper procedure in conducting Bayesian analysis and report results. This study aims to promote Bayesian inference and the best practice guidelines of Bayesian analysis, targeting beginners in the geospatial community. We selected the Bayesian multilevel model (BMLM) to demonstrate proper Bayesian analysis through a case study examining the effect of neighbourhood-level social deprivation on birthweight in Fulton County, Georgia, USA. We constructed both frequentist multilevel models (MLMs) and BMLMs, and these were two-level varying intercept models. Following the Avoid the Misuse of Bayesian Statistics (WAMBS) checklist, we illustrated the BMLM workflow and highlighted key steps in fitting, reporting, and interpreting BMLM. Our case study shows several advantages of the Bayesian approach over the frequentist method, including incorporating prior information, better handling of uncertainty, more intuitive interpretation, and greater transparency in reporting. However, some benefits, such as avoiding multiple comparisons and generating robust estimations, are challenging to explicitly illustrate. Other benefits such as handling small sample sizes and complex models cannot be showcased with our simple models. Notably, BMLM is more computationally intensive compared to MLMs. Adhering to established guidelines can enhance the quality, transparency, and reproducibility of Bayesian analysis, allowing us to fully harness the potential of Bayesian inference in advancing geospatial knowledge.

The Role of Social Media Influencers in Shaping Sustainable Purchasing Behavior: Genuine Consumer Interest or Impulsive Trends?

The growing influence of social media influencers has reshaped consumer behavior, particularly in the context of sustainable purchasing. This study explores how influencers impact consumers' sustainable purchasing behaviors and attitudes toward eco-friendly products, focusing on the distinction between genuine interest and impulsive trends driven by online presence. The phenomenon of influencers promoting sustainability highlights the duality of their impact—either inspiring meaningful behavioral change or encouraging short-term consumption. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the psychological and behavioral factors influenced by social media campaigns. The novelty of this study lies in its investigation of influencers’ dual role, examining both their potential to foster authentic interest in sustainability and their tendency to fuel impulsive purchasing. The findings reveal that trust in influencers, coupled with emotional appeals and social proof, significantly impacts purchasing decisions. While 55% of consumers demonstrated genuine interest in sustainability, 45% exhibited impulsive tendencies, often abandoning products after campaigns ended. Recommendations include designing influencer campaigns with greater transparency, integrating educational content, and promoting long-term engagement through relatable narratives. This study provides actionable insights for brands, policymakers, and influencers, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and strategic alignment in promoting sustainable consumption.

The impact of public environmental concerns on port sustainability: evidence from 44 port cities in China

Port construction and operations significantly impact the surrounding environment, creating an urgent need to explore pathways for enhancing port sustainability. Public environmental concern plays a vital role in driving environmental governance and offers new directions for improving port sustainability. Using panel data from 44 coastal ports and their respective cities between 2010 and 2021, this study empirically analyzes the impact of public environmental concern on port sustainability and its underlying mechanisms. Additionally, we examine how this impact varies across different city samples. The baseline regression results demonstrate that public environmental concern has a significant positive impact on port sustainability. This finding remains robust after a series of robustness checks and addressing endogeneity issues. Mechanism analysis reveals that public environmental concern can enhance port sustainability by increasing local government environmental investments. Furthermore, the development of digital infrastructure can amplify the positive effect of public environmental concern on port sustainability. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the positive impact of public environmental concern on port sustainability is stronger in cities with lower government environmental regulation intensity, lower pollution emissions, higher education levels, and greater transparency in environmental information disclosure.

Sustainability Disclosure, Institutional Ownership and Value of Listed Companies in Nigeria

Research aim: This study seeks to examine the relationship between sustainability disclosure and the value of listed companies in Nigeria, using institutional ownership as a moderator. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: Data was collected from annual reports and accounts of the firms and daily price listings of the Nigerian Exchange Group from 2014 to 2021. The study uses the Feltham and Ohlson (1995) linear information valuation model to estimate industry-based influence on firm value variations. Research finding: The results show that economic and environmental disclosures as well as institutional ownership significantly and positively impact the value of listed firms, while social disclosure has an insignificant effect. Institutional ownership enhances the positive effect of economic disclosure, but does not enhance the effect of environmental disclosure on firm value, and there is no statistical evidence that it affects the impact of social disclosure on firms’ value. Theoretical contribution/Originality: The study uses stakeholder and legitimacy theories to guide decision-making in sustainability disclosure and institutional ownership. It suggests that greater transparency and accountability in sustainability reporting in Nigeria are needed. Practitioner/Policy implication: The study findings support regulators to mandate sustainability disclosure, raise awareness about its benefits and impact on value, and encourage investor participation in corporate sustainability decision-making. This would enhance the value creation and governance process, ultimately leading to better governance and increased firm value. Research limitation: This study focuses only on sustainability disclosure of Nigerian companies in selected sectors of the economy. Future studies can explore the long-term effects of sustainability disclosures on firm value to understand whether social disclosures yield delayed financial benefits, investigate the impact of sustainability disclosures on firm value across different sectors in Nigeria, and explore how governance frameworks influence the quality of sustainability disclosures and their subsequent effect on firm value.

Re-visiting professional ethics in psychotherapy: reflections on the use of talking therapies as a supportive adjunct for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and ‘medically unexplained symptoms’

Following years of debate over the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), public health bodies in the UK and beyond have determined that no psychotherapy...

Analysis of the Current Situation of Electronic Commerce and B2B Marketing Systems in the Oil and Gas Industry

The analysis of the current situation reveals that electronic commerce and B2B (business-to-business) marketing systems are rapidly evolving within the oil and gas industry, enabling more efficient collaboration and optimization of operations between companies. Traditionally, the oil and gas sector has complex supply chains, and the implementation of e-commerce systems provides greater transparency and flexibility in managing these chains. B2B marketing systems play a crucial role in building strong partnerships between enterprises, ensuring more accurate information exchange and effective resource distribution.The adoption of electronic commerce, particularly digital technologies, allows oil and gas companies to streamline their sales, procurement, and supply chain operations, making these processes faster and more efficient. Digital platforms enhance the interactions between companies, leading to savings in both time and financial resources. The development of B2B marketing systems also strengthens the competitive advantage of suppliers and customers in the industry, especially in international markets, by expanding opportunities for strategic partnerships. In addition, the development of electronic commerce and B2B marketing systems further amplifies the positive impact of digital transformation in the oil and gas industry. The faster and more efficient exchange of information between companies, automation of workflows, and monitoring of operations enhance the competitive advantage of businesses. Transactions conducted through e-commerce reduce costs and enable more efficient resource management.

Traceability and efficiency in supply management: Business optimization in industrial security warehouses

This study aims to implement an internal control system for supply management in industrial safety warehouses, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The methodology includes SWOT analysis and the 5 Whys Method to identify the root causes of supply management problems, facilitating decision-making and the implementation of effective solutions such as identifying inputs, product traceability, and process optimization. The implementation of specialized software for more effective management is proposed. The contribution of this project includes improving traceability and efficiency in supply management, greater transparency and control in the supply chain, reducing operational costs, optimizing inventory levels, and improving emergency response capabilities. Ultimately, it seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of companies in the industrial safety sector and promote a safer and more efficient work environment

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Assigning and Appointing Judicial Panels in Indonesian Courts

The development of 5.0 technology, which facilitates the integration of virtual and physical spaces, has significantly impacted various aspects of human life by incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI). This influence extends to the legal field. The purpose of this study is to examine and understand the use of AI in the assignment and appointment of judicial panels in the Indonesian judiciary's case handling processes. The research conducted is a type of library research employing a normative legal approach with a qualitative methodology. The approach utilized in this study is both juridical-normative and conceptual or analytical. The data sources used include primary and secondary data. The findings of this study indicate that the use of AI in the assignment and appointment of judicial panels is an effort towards greater transparency in case handling. This approach can potentially reduce or eliminate suspicions among parties involved in litigation or the public that a judicial panel could be influenced to favor a particular outcome. Additionally, assigning and appointing judicial panels based on the type and qualifications of cases, as well as workload, can improve the efficiency of judicial performance.

Transparency and changing stakeholder roles in the digital age of sustainable agri-food supply chain networks

Society and policy demand greater sustainability of food systems, driving practitioners to improve the transparency of supply chain networks through digital innovation. Uncertainties regarding the structuring of relationships with primary and secondary stakeholders for sharing intangible data and information diminishes the potential for exploitation of digital transparency. While businesses are accustomed to organizing efficient flows of tangible goods, management research integrating digital transparency considerations to investigate and conceptualize structural changes in agri-food supply chain networks (AFSCNs) is scarce. This gap motivates the following four questions of this study: (1) Who are the primary and secondary stakeholders in the AFSCNs of the digital era? (2) What are their transparency interests? (3) How do AFSCN structures change with the emergence of digital innovations that can facilitate sustainability transition through greater transparency? (4) How to conceptualize those structural changes to AFSCNs? The netchain approach and respective transparency concept are integrated with classical stakeholder theory. Data was collected via a series of 21 semi-structured pilot interviews with technology providers in the EU agri-food sector and analyzed using structured content analysis. Results paint a complex picture of contemporary primary and secondary stakeholders of AFSCNs and their interests. Primary stakeholder interests lead to coopetition in vertical and horizontal relationships of the netchain and low transparency efforts by intermediaries. Both hamper the dissemination of digital innovations and the exploitation of their potential to improve AFSCN sustainability. Among secondary stakeholders, policymakers and governments, NGOs, and technology providers excel in being drivers of digital transparency for sustainability, with social media as a strong direct communication tool to reach netchain stakeholders, consumers, and research institutes/universities as collaborators and customers. The emergence of “information AFSCN” and “digital AFSCN” increases the complexity of the whole supply chain network through intermediation, reconfiguration, and emergence modes of change to underlying structures. Agri-food business managers, scientists, and policymakers should innovate in private and public governance to facilitate collaborative advantage and sustainability in a combination aligned with innovative digital transparency solutions.

Effect of artificial intelligence on the financial performance of Indian banking sector

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the performance of Indian Banks in terms of financial metrics. The study focused specifically on the NIFTY Bank Index. The paper also advocates that a greater transparency in disclosing AI related information in a Bank’s annual report is required even if it is voluntary. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper uses a mixed method approach where quantitative and qualitative analysis is combined. A dynamic panel data model is used to understand the impact of AI of Return on Equity (RoE) of 12 Indian Banks in the NIFTY Bank Index over a five-year period. In addition to that, Content analysis of annual reports of banks was conducted to examine AI related disclosure and transparency. Findings: The paper highlights that the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) significantly influences the financial performance of sample banks of India. Return on Equity the specific parameter positively influenced with adoption of AI. The profitability of banks is positively impacted by reduced errors and improved operational efficiency. The content analysis of annual reports of the banks indicates different approach for AI disclosure where some banks give detailed information and some are not transparent about AI initiatives. The findings suggest that a higher level of transparency could enhance confidence of all stakeholders. Theoretical Implications: The positive relation between adoption of AI and financial performance, specifically ROE, gives a foundation for academic research to explore the dynamics of emerging technology and financial systems. The study can be extended to explore the impact on other performance indicators in different sectors. Practical Implications: The findings of this study emphasize the importance of transparent AI related disclosures. A detailed reporting about integration of AI helps in enhanced stakeholders’ confidence in case of banking industry. The regulatory framework of banks may also consider making mandatory AI disclosure practices to ensure due accountability to maximize the benefits of AI in banking.

Research on the Impact of ESG Rating Divergence on Financial Markets

This study explores the multifaceted impacts of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating divergence on financial markets, focusing on both equity and bond markets. Despite the growing importance of ESG criteria in investment decisions, discrepancies in ESG ratingsstemming from varying methodologies, standards, and data qualitypose significant challenges. We analyze how these divergences affect corporate reputations, influence investor behavior, and consequently, impact market volatility, funding costs, and liquidity. Our findings indicate that ESG rating discrepancies can lead to increased funding costs, heightened market volatility, and reduced market liquidity, all of which contribute to increased uncertainty for investors. The study suggests that the resolution of these issues requires the harmonization of ESG standards, enhanced regulatory oversight, and greater transparency in rating methodologies. Through comprehensive analysis, this paper contributes to understanding the implications of ESG rating divergence and proposes actionable strategies for stakeholders to mitigate its adverse effects, thereby fostering a more stable and transparent market environment.

Bridging the Archipelago: E-Governance and Access to Public Services in Sulu, Philippines

Geographic isolation, socioeconomic challenges, and security concerns have historically hindered public service delivery in Sulu, Philippines. This study investigated the role of e-governance in bridging this gap and enhancing citizen engagement with government services. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitative analysis of government records assessed service utilization pre- and post-implementation of e-governance initiatives. A survey of 300 Sulu residents evaluated experiences with e-governance platforms. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with citizens and government officials provided contextual insights. E-governance platforms significantly increased public service utilization. Citizens reported improved convenience, reduced travel time and costs, and greater transparency. Challenges include digital literacy, limited internet connectivity, and trust in online platforms. In conclusion, e-governance has the potential to improve service access in Sulu. Successful implementation requires addressing infrastructure limitations, promoting digital literacy, and building trust in online services. This study informs strategies for leveraging technology for inclusive service delivery in marginalized communities.

Scientific Validity and Fair Subject Selection: An Empirical Analysis of Recruitment Practices in Clinical Trials

This study investigates the relationship between scientific validity and fair subject selection in clinical trials, focusing on recruitment practices. By analyzing 200 clinical trials across oncology, cardiology, and neurology, this research identifies key barriers to diversity and assesses the effectiveness of institutional policies in promoting equitable recruitment. The findings reveal that despite efforts to improve inclusivity, demographic disparities persist, particularly in terms of racial and ethnic representation. Recruitment barriers, including logistical challenges, mistrust among minority groups, and insufficient outreach resources, are prevalent, with oncology trials exhibiting the most significant issues related to minority participation. Additionally, the study highlights that stronger Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies with enforced diversity guidelines lead to higher minority representation in trials. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining systematic trial reviews, surveys of recruitment personnel, and institutional policy assessments, the study emphasizes the importance of community engagement and culturally competent recruitment strategies. The research suggests that while progress has been made, greater transparency, targeted outreach, and mandatory diversity tracking are necessary to achieve equitable and scientifically valid clinical trial outcomes. The study concludes with recommendations for future research to explore technological innovations and broader therapeutic areas, offering potential solutions for overcoming the barriers to diversity in clinical trials.