Higher Employment Rates Research Articles

P-546. Eligibility and Factors Associated with Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir – Rilpivirine Initiation in a South Side Chicago HIV Clinic

Abstract Background We evaluated eligibility for long-acting injectable (LAI) cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) treatment among PWH in a Ryan White-funded HIV clinic and assessed factors associated with initiation to identify potential disparities in uptake. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis among PWH who attended the University of Chicago HIV clinic from January 1, 2021 to May 31, 2023. PWH were considered eligible for LAI-CAB/RPV if they had HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL for ≥3 months, no active hepatitis B virus infection, no resistance to rilpivirine or cabotegravir on historical genotypes, and/or no history of treatment failure on integrase inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. We used a logistic regression model to identify socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with treatment initiation among eligible PWH. Results Of the 655 PWH, 413 (63%) were eligible for LAI-CAB/RPV. Median age was 45 years, median time from HIV diagnosis was 9 years, 33% were women, 84% Black, 70% had permanent housing, 52% were employed, 56% had Medicaid insurance, 9% had active substance use, 26% had an active mental illness, 69% were taking other daily oral medications, 13% were receiving another ongoing injectable treatment, 48% had no historical genotype available, and 6% had a CD4 count < 200/mm3. Of the 413 eligible PWH, 64 (15%) initiated LAI-CAB/RPV. PWH who initiated LAI-CAB/RPV were significantly younger (34 vs. 48 years, P< 0.001), diagnosed with HIV more recently (6 vs. 11 years, P=0.002), had a higher employment rate (67% vs 50%, P=0.03), and tended to have no mental health issues (19% vs. 28%, P=0.14). They were also less likely to take other daily pills (48% vs 73%, P< 0.001) but more likely to be receiving another injectable treatment (17% vs 12%, P=0.002). In multivariate analysis, younger age (P< 0.001) and not taking other daily pills (P=0.048) were associated with LAI CAB/RPV initiation. Conclusion Younger age and not taking other daily pills were associated with LAI-CAB/RPV initiation. More work is needed to understand the reach of LAI-CAB/RPV for those eligible and interested in receiving it. Disclosures Eleanor Friedman, PhD, Gilead health sciences: Grant/Research Support Aniruddha Hazra, MD, Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Grant/Research Support|ViiV Healthcare: Advisor/Consultant Katerina Christopoulos, MD, MPH, Janssen: Honoraria Moira McNulty, MD, Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Advisor/Consultant

Effects of acupuncture and foot reflexology on sleep quality in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A clinical trial.

Sleep disturbances are common among individuals with leukemia, and they can significantly impact their overall well-being. Acupuncture and foot reflexology, two alternative therapies rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have gained recognition for their potential to address sleep issues and alleviate associated symptoms. This single blinded, three-groups randomized controlled trial was navigated at Tohid Hospital, involving 132 leukemia patients divided into acupuncture (n = 44), foot reflexology (n = 44), and control (n = 44) groups via random card selection. All patients completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before the intervention. The acupuncture group received routine care along with twice-daily acupuncture at the SP6 point for four successive weeks. Reflexology group had daily ten-minute sittings for the same weeks using sweet almond oil on their feet. Control group continued by only routine cares. Post-intervention assessments were conducted using the same instruments after four weeks. The study analyzed patient demographics, finding no significant gender differences and a majority of high school graduates. All groups had similar proportions of singles, high employment rates, and urban residency. Average ages were comparable, with no significant pre-intervention sleep quality differences found. However, both acupuncture and reflexology groups showed significant improvements post-intervention, unlike the control group. While both interventions resulted in lower sleep quality scores compared to the control, no significant difference was observed between the acupuncture and reflexology groups. Trends indicated slight reductions in fatigue for the intervention groups, suggesting both therapies effectively improved sleep quality. Acupuncture and foot reflexology are suggested as simple and budget-friendly complementary methods that may improve sleep quality for those with leukemia. These therapies provide non-invasive methods to address sleep disturbances and improve overall well-being in leukemia patients.

Factors Affecting Academic Performance of Dental Graduates (2008-2016): A Study from A Colombian Public University

Graduate follow-up studies are essential tools used by higher education institutions to evaluate training effectiveness and employment outcomes in dental education. This study analyzed survey data from 100 dentistry graduates (2008-2016) from a Colombian public university to examine the influence of academic factors on dental training and assess current employment status. Using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis, the research revealed a high employment rate (79%) among graduates, with predominant participation in private practice and urban settings. Significant gender-based differences were found in the perception of academic training factors, while the majority of graduates reported satisfaction with their professional preparation and current employment situation. The findings challenge previous assumptions about inadequate dental education preparation for current market demands and provide valuable insights into graduates' professional trajectories, contributing to the limited literature on dental graduate outcomes in developing countries.

Georgia’s potentials for sustainable intensification, increasing food security and rural incomes

Abstract Increasing global demand for agricultural commodities spurs conversions of natural ecosystems. Sustainable intensification in areas of high yield gaps has been proposed as a pathway to achieve food security, support rural livelihoods, and improve resource efficiency while also reducing the impact of commodity production by narrowing yield gaps on existing agricultural lands. Following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Georgia experienced one of the highest losses of agricultural productivity among all former USSR countries and is now highly dependent on food imports. Closing yield gaps in Georgia through sustainable intensification has the potential to increase food self-sufficiency, support rural livelihoods, and strengthen food security and sovereignty. We estimated Georgia’s potential for sustainable intensification in current agricultural areas to achieve self-sufficiency for wheat, maize, and barley. We found that crop yields can be doubled to tripled under high-input production systems, using high-yielding varieties, optimized inputs, fertilizers, and pest control. Yet, self-sufficiency in wheat can only be reached if at least 80% of the attainable yields are achieved and if land is strategically allocated between crops. To achieve such increases, farmers need access to and training for using different crop varieties, fertilizers, and pest and disease control practices and products. Intensification with very high levels of inputs can increase the ecological and human risks of agriculture and raise equity concerns. Yet, intensifying very low input agricultural production systems is often found to be more sustainable, with high yield increases compared to limited impacts on the environment. The high employment rate in the agricultural sector in Georgia provides opportunities for intensification to help reduce poverty and improve livelihoods by increasing incomes and food security.

Current Patterns of Use and Acceptability of Consumer Wearable Activity Trackers in Emergency Department Patients

Introduction: Obesity and the metabolic syndrome are leading causes of increased healthcare utilization, preventable illness, and premature death. Future emergency department (ED) based strategies may include the use of consumer wearable activity trackers (WATs). Our objective was to characterize patterns of use and acceptability of WATs in ED patients and examine differences based on demographic and socioeconomic factors. Methods: This was a survey-based study addressing: 1) current or prior use of WATs, and 2) future interest in WAT use and willingness to share associated data with researchers. Any adult patient presenting to the ED was included, with enrollment at two large, urban academic medical centers. Results: A total of 169 participants were included, with 27% reporting current WAT use. WAT users were significantly younger (p<0.01) with higher rates of employment (p=0.01), income (p=0.03), and education (p=0.02) compared to non-WAT users. WAT users were less likely to report comorbidities including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus (all p<0.01). Cost was the most prohibitive barrier among non-WAT users. Importantly, >90% were open to wearing WATs and sharing activity data with researchers. Conclusions: Results indicate that although current WAT use is limited, most ED patients express interest in future use and willingness to share activity data with researchers.

Sorting and Wage Premiums in Immoral Work

Abstract We use surveys, laboratory experiments and administrative data to study how heterogeneity in the perceived immorality of work and in workers' aversion to acting immorally impact labor market outcomes. Immoral work is associated with higher wages, both in administrative data and in causal experimental evidence. Individuals more willing to engage in immoral conduct find employment in firms and industries perceived as immoral less aversive and have higher employment rates in immoral work in the laboratory. These phenomena appear to be driven by impure social motives, reflecting a desire not to be involved with immoral work, rather than by consequentialist concerns.

Impact and evaluation report of the DTA3/COFUND programme

Background This report evaluates the outcomes and effectiveness of the DTA3/COFUND doctoral fellowship programme, which ran from 2019 to 2023. Funded by the Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD Fellowship programme, DTA3 aimed to foster interdisciplinary, international, and industry-focused research across 15 UK universities. Methods The programme supported 71 international fellows from diverse countries, emphasising inter-sectoral skills and post-doctorate employability. A mixed-methods study design was employed, involving online surveys, focus groups, and interviews with fellows, supervisors, and university programme leads. Results Key areas of evaluation included research activities, employment outcomes, wellbeing, doctoral training experiences, and institutional impact. The data revealed that 72% of fellows had submitted their PhD theses, with 66% having completed their viva by the report's conclusion. The programme also recorded a high employment rate, with 55% of fellows in the final stages of their PhD already employed. The DTA3 programme featured an enhanced training component, including annual summer schools, spring refresh events, autumn schools, and residential writing retreats. These events focused on enhancing employability, academic skills, research impact, and intersectoral collaboration. Despite challenges such as visa complications, COVID-19 restrictions, and international supervisor movements, the programme maintained a strong completion rate. Conclusions The report highlights the programme's success in providing fellows with significant international mobility opportunities, with many securing employment in their home countries or abroad shortly after completing their PhD. The DTA3 legacy includes ongoing cohort tracking, an alum network, and a dedicated legacy fund to support further international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Overall, the DTA3/COFUND programme demonstrated substantial impact in training and developing skilled researchers, promoting international collaboration, and enhancing employability in diverse sectors, thereby contributing positively to the global research community.

Tracer Study of St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College Radiology Graduates: Career and Curriculum Insights.

Saint Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) is one of Ethiopia's premier radiology training institutions. This study aimed to trace graduates of SPHMMC's radiology program and examined their career outcomes and perspectives on the training received. A cross-sectional study design was employed, recruiting 78 participants. Data on employment status, career outcomes, job satisfaction, and perceptions regarding the program's strengths, weaknesses, and curriculum relevance were collected through a web-based questionnaire from May 31 to June 8, 2024. SPSS version 26 was used for data processing and analysis. The study revealed a high employment rate among SPHMMC radiology graduates, with 97% employed and 75% securing jobs within one month of graduation. Most graduates held permanent positions (86%) as radiology specialists, sub-specialists, and academicians. There was notable regional variation, with 65% working in Addis Ababa. Job satisfaction levels were 79% for radiology careers and 53% for current jobs. Satisfaction with the program overall and curriculum relevance was 69% and 96%, respectively. High employment rates, and career and curriculum satisfaction levels might be reflective of the high market demand for radiologists in Ethiopia and the effectiveness of SPHMMC's radiology program in preparing graduates for professional careers. The regional disparity in radiologist distribution suggests underlying systemic issues that require further investigation.

Age-friendly human resource practices: a comparison of Baltic and Nordic countries

PurposeDue to population ageing, the European Union (EU) has adopted active ageing as a guiding principle in labour and retirement policies. Among the strategies for active ageing, age-friendly workplaces play a crucial role. This study compares age-friendly human resource (HR) practices in the Baltic and Nordic countries. The latter are pioneers in active ageing, and as the employment rate of older employees in the Baltics is like that in the Nordic countries, we may assume equally age-friendly workplaces in both regions.Design/methodology/approachWe used the latest CRANET survey data (2021–2022) from 1,452 large firms in seven countries and constructed the fuzzy logic model on age-friendliness at the workplace.FindingsDespite a high employment rate of older individuals in the Baltics, HR practices in these countries fall short of being age-friendly compared to their Nordic counterparts. Larger firms in the Nordic countries excel in every studied aspect, but deficiencies in the Baltics are primarily attributed to the absence of employer-provided health and pension schemes. The usage of early retirement is more frequent in the Nordic countries; however, its conceptualisation as an age-friendly HR practice deserves closer examination. Our findings suggest that the success of active ageing in employment has translated into age-friendly HR practices in larger organisations in the Nordics, but not in the Baltics. It is likely that high employment of older individuals in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is a result of the relative income poverty rate.Originality/valueOur model represents one of the few attempts to utilise fuzzy logic methodology for studying human resource practices and their quantitative evaluation, especially concerning age-friendly workplaces.

Does women’s higher education reduce wage inequality? Evidence from Palestine using repeated cross-sectional data

Despite the increase of the share of highly-educated women, gender wage gap remains an ongoing issue in developing countries. The increase in women’s education would provide them with more job opportunities resulting in higher employment rate amongst women and, thus, lower gender pay gap. In Palestine, the share of women with high education is 62% while their labor force participation rate is only 18%. This paper examines the effects of gender higher education on wage inequality in the Palestinian context. The study applied the Mincer equation to study the determinants of wage, while the decomposed Gini coefficient is used to measure the contribution of education and other factors to overall wage inequality. The study used data from the labor force survey (LFS) which is conducted by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) covering the period from 2010 to 2020. Results show that those with higher education have relatively higher wages as compared to those with only high education or with school education. Results also show that gender wage inequality has increased during the study period (2010–2020), but the contribution of both gender and education differences to the overall wage inequality has decreased. In general, the gender pay gap remains a crucial issue in the Palestinian context with a persisting decreasing pay gap over time across all education levels. Policymakers shall orient efforts towards investing in women’s education, thus increasing their empowerment in the labor market, which in turn would improve the level of development and economic growth in the country.

Macroeconomic determinants of labour costs in the EU: a comprehensive panel and cluster analysis

Abstract Labour costs are a fundamental component of production expenses, significantly impacting both the quantity and quality of output. This study explores the determinants of labour costs within EU member states that have implemented minimum wage policies over the past two decades. The research technique includes a comprehensive panel analysis of EU member states to identify significant variables influencing labour costs, as well as cluster analysis to discover underlying patterns across the nations under examination. Our findings reveal that higher minimum wage levels, higher employment rates, increased labour productivity, and greater trade openness are positively correlated with higher labour costs. Specifically, increases in these variables lead to higher wages and a broader tax base, while greater trade openness results in elevated labour costs due to expanded market opportunities. Conversely, gross fixed capital formation negatively affects labour costs, as investments in production assets tend to reduce labour requirements or hours worked. The cluster analysis led to the identification of three distinct groups. The first cluster consists of well-developed economies with modest labour cost increases and average minimum wages. The second cluster includes countries with substantial labour cost increases, low minimum wages, and significant productivity gains. The third cluster features nations with high minimum wages and high employment rates. This paper contributes to the field by highlighting the complex interplay between labour costs and economic factors, offering insights for decision-makers to tailor macroeconomic and company-level strategies to specific local conditions. The findings emphasise the importance of balancing wage policies with sustainable economic development to enhance competitiveness while ensuring fair labour conditions.

Financial Portfolio Analysis of Single Households: Monthly Saving and Financial Assets

The purpose of this study was to analyze the financial portfolios of single-person households. For the analysis, data from the Korean Labor Panel Survey (2021) was utilized, comprising 2,905 single-person households. The major findings are as follows: First, the proportion of households with monthly savings was 32.0%, while the proportion of households holding financial assets was 72.1%. Second, regarding the composition of monthly savings, single-person households predominantly held savings accounts (93.3%), followed by insurance (4.7%), with cumulative funds at a mere 0.8%. The composition of financial assets showed that the majority were in bank deposits (78.5%), followed by risk management assets (18.0%), and investment assets (2.4%). Third, multivariate analysis results revealed that younger age, higher education level, and better financial factors were associated with a higher probability of having monthly savings. The results for financial assets were largely similar, with females showing a higher likelihood of asset possession compared to males. Fourth, the proportions of both bank savings in total savings and insurance generally had opposing effects. Fifth, age group had the greatest influence on the proportions of safety and insurance assets, followed by income group. Middle-aged households had lower proportions of safety assets but higher proportions of insurance assets compared to young households, while the opposite trend was observed for elderly households. Middle-income households had higher proportions of insurance assets compared to low-income households, whereas high-income households had higher proportions of investment assets. Lastly, cluster analysis categorized single-person households' financial portfolios into five groups: Group 1 (32.2%): "Old-Sustain" characterized by insufficient current income but economically stable retirement. Group 2 (29.4%): "Financially Active" engaging in various financial activities due to relatively high education and employment rates. Group 3 (28.0%): "Financially Inactive" classified as elderly groups with minimal financial activities. Group 4 (9.1%): "Risk Financial Structure" consisting of relatively young individuals focused on risk management assets but facing issues in financial asset management due to high-risk assets and financial loans. Group 5 (1.3%): "Stable-Insurance Oriented" with high financial assets and income concentrated in insurance for both savings and financial assets.

Сучасні тенденції розвитку людського капіталу в глобальному середовищі.

The world’s development currently reflects the influence of globalization processes affecting the world economy, international relations, and human development. Therefore, it is relevant to study changes in human development under the impact of the growing interconnectedness and interdependence of the world. The objective of this article is to determine the impact of global processes on human development, as reflected by the global HDI. The novelty of the article is that it reveals trends in the development of human capital in a global environment under the influence of transnationalization processes, rising international migration, and the growth of global cities. The research relies on the methods of system analysis, scientific generalizations and comparisons, as well as economic and statistical analysis. The article postulates that multinational companies, which have spread in the process of globalization, contributed to the creation of millions of jobs throughout the world, stimulated the demand for highly qualified specialists and the rapid growth of all types of education, and promoted the introduction of new forms of production organization and control enhancing production culture and management. This caused the growth of employees’ incomes, boosted demand for consumer goods, thus stimulating a significant expansion of the range of supplied goods and services, the growth of national production and domestic market, and, finally, enhancing living standards and HDI indicators of the host countries. The rising importance of global demographic trends embraces a noticeable growth of the Earth’s population, which is uneven by country and region, the growth in the percentage of elderly people, especially in the developed countries. An important trend is the growth of international migration resulting from the liberalization of international relations, the development of communications, access to better education, the growth of well-being and expanding opportunities for education and self-realization abroad. The number of international migrants is growing faster than the global population, and this trend is likely to continue in the future. Urbanization and the growth of global cities have a significant impact on human development due to their high rates of employment, highly skilled labor, high professional and cultural level of workers, and high incomes. Such cities have become centers accumulating creative and intellectual capitals. The article exposes that investments in education, welfare, and health care in many countries had a positive long-term (over 30 consecutive years) effect on the growing values of the Human Development Index, as well as the global HDI, although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted it in 2020. Meanwhile, HDI changes occur differently in different country groups, with OECD countries permanently holding the leading positions. The research adds new qualitative knowledge about human capital, trends in its development in the new conditions of globalization, which strengthens traditional views and enriches alternative approaches to the formation of conceptual understanding of human capital.

DISPARITIES IN CHINA'S LABOUR MARKETS BETWEEN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS

This paper focuses on examining the urban-rural gap in China's labour market, using CHFS data. The findings indicate that rural workers in China exhibit a high employment rate due to lower education levels, making it easier for them to secure basic jobs in society. However, they often face lower wages and lack housing and medical insurance, making it challenging for them to sustain themselves in urban areas. It is crucial to recognize that the economic well-being of workers is not solely determined by wage income but also by working conditions and stability. Disparities between urban and rural labour forces cannot be overlooked, as migratory workers also encounter distinct labour agreements and social welfare rights. Research suggests that individuals with lower education levels tend to fare better in rural areas, whereas those with higher education levels typically thrive in urban settings.

Poverty and Disability: A State-Level Geospatial Analysis.

Individuals with disabilities are a growing yet understudied population. Nurses are in a prime position to address social determinants of health (SDOH), which is defined as the conditions in which people work, live, and learn that affect health. SDOH are largely responsible for the health inequities seen among individuals with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between state-level poverty rates and state-level social determinants, such as housing, education, employment, health, and health care for adults with disabilities using geospatial, state-level data. This secondary data analysis used national data from the 2021 American Community Survey. Data on state poverty rates and rates of particular social determinants were used to examine differences between high- and low-poverty states for adults with disabilities. Rates, rather than numbers of adults with disabilities in poverty, were used to control for state size. The median poverty rate (27.8%) for adults with disabilities was used to create a dichotomous variable for low-poverty (n = 26) and high-poverty (n = 25) states. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare geospatial and SDOH data to understand differences between high- and low-poverty states. More adults with disabilities, regardless of race, live in high-poverty states, particularly those with ambulatory and cognitive disabilities. Adults with disabilities residing in low-poverty states have higher employment rates and more private insurance coverage. More adults with disabilities in high-poverty states smoke, live in mobile homes, and are less educated. Using an SDOH lens in caring for individuals with disabilities helps nurses better understand how economic stability, education, health, health care access, the built environment, and the community, rather than individual factors, impact the health of adults with disabilities. To improve the health of disabled persons, nurses must have a greater awareness of the influence that social determinants have on health for individuals with disabilities. Nurse training programs must build disability cultural competence into nursing curricula. Universal screening for SDOH, particularly for individuals with disabilities residing in high-poverty states, is pivotal for the best chance of improving the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

Gender affirming treatment and employment rate in 3,812 Danish transgender persons and 38,120 controls.

Gender affirming care could be associated with higher employment rate. We assessed employment rates in transgender persons compared to controls and demographic, health and treatment-related factors associated with employment in transgender persons. National register-based cohort study in Danish persons with diagnosis code of gender dysphoria during year 2000-2021. Five age-matched controls of the same sex at birth and five age-matched controls of the other sex at birth were included. The date of study inclusion was the first date of transgender diagnosis. Employment was the primary study outcome. The cohort included 3,812 transgender persons and 38,120 cisgender controls. The median age (interquartile range) was 19 (15; 24) years for transgender men, n = 1,993 and 23 (19; 33) years for transgender women, n = 1,819. In transgender men compared to control cisgender women, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for employment was 0.33 (0.29; 0.38) before study inclusion and 0.24 (0.20; 0.29) in the fifth calendar year after index; in transgender women compared to control cisgender men, corresponding ORs were 0.30 (0.70; 0.34) and 0.21 (0.18; 0.25). Similar findings were found between transgender persons and cisgender controls of other sex. Use of gender affirming hormone in transgender men increased probability of employment at all time points with odds ratio after 5 years: 1.61 (1.08; 2.42), p = 0.02 (95% confidence interval). In transgender women, use of hormone treatment was not associated with changed employment rates, 5 years odds ratio 1.31 (0.94; 1.82), p = 0.11. Masculinizing hormone treatment was associated with higher probability of employment.

Trends of cervical tumours amongst women from perspectives of demographic, socioeconomic and geographic indicators: retrospective ecological study in Czechia.

For many infectious diseases, women are at higher risk and have a more severe disease course than men for many reasons, including biological differences, social inequalities, and restrictive cultural norms. The study focuses on infections with human papillomaviruses (HPV) in the form of cervical cancer as a gender-specific disease. The main goal is to evaluate cervical tumour incidence trends in the Czech female population in the HPV vaccination period 2012-2020 in relation to selected demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic indicators. This is a retrospective ecological study. Data from publicly available databases about the incidence and mortality of cervical tumours (C53 Malignant neoplasm of cervix uteri, D06 Carcinoma in situ of cervix uteri according to ICD 10) and HPV vaccination rate were analysed and compared with demographic, socioeconomic and territorial data. Associations were searched using correlation analysis. There was a decreasing trend in the incidence of cervical cancer in the observed period. Regarding cervical tumours (C53, D06) and malignant neoplasm of cervix uteri incidence (C53), the decrease was approximately 11 and 20%, respectively. Differences between regions were observed in incidences and vaccination rates. Based on correlation analysis, indicators connected with urban/rural aspects, such as a share of urban population and population density, were statistically significant. The indicators related to higher cervical cancer incidence are the high unemployment rate of women, the high number of divorces, the high number of abortions, the high share of the urban population, the high number of students, and the high number of women with only primary education. On the other hand, the indicators related to lower cervical cancer incidence are the high gross domestic product (GDP), the high average gross monthly wage per employee, the high employment rate of women, the higher average age of mothers at birth, and the high number of women with tertiary education. Results underline the problem of economically disadvantaged regions and families. Increasing vaccination rates, promoting regular screening for cervical cancer, and supporting awareness in the population, especially in regions with higher incidence rates, should be priorities for public health efforts.

Local economic development strategies in a medium-sized city on the European periphery: a path to become an economic center of Eastern Central Europe importance

Large cities are becoming increasingly valuable in the spatial structure of globalized economies. Although these centers vary significantly regarding population, economic structure, and income conditions, they—compared to their surroundings—generally show a higher productivity level, a higher rate of employment, higher education, and higher innovation performance. However, this metropolization and concentration of the economy in large cities made the development of cities regarded as medium-sized on an international scale an issue of competitiveness in Europe, characterized by dense town networks, a small number of metropolises, and a significant weight of medium- and small-sized towns. However, one of the main preconditions for achieving success in this competition is to form a comprehensive and complex concept with a significant emphasis on economic development. Therefore, the aim of our study is to analyze the local economic development strategies for the last three decades, as elaborated in Debrecen. In the framework of our empirical analysis, we examined how different mainstream concepts appear in local development strategies and which development objectives are determined by the local strategies. Furthermore, we also aimed to identify possible changes in ideas about city roles by referring to the organization of economic space.

A Tracer Study on the Employment Status of Accounting and Finance Graduates from Furra College, Hawassa Campus, from 2009-2013 Ethiopian Calendars (E.C.)

This tracer study focuses on the employment status of accounting and finance graduates from Furra College, Hawassa Campus, between 2009 and 2013 Ethiopian Calendars. The study adopts a pragmatic research philosophy, utilizing a combination of qualitative and quantitative research approaches to gather comprehensive data on the graduates' career outcomes. A descriptive research design is employed, with data collected through survey questionnaires and document reviews. Concerning the first specific objective, results show a high employment rate (80%) among graduates, with a significant portion (14%) engaged in entrepreneurship and a low unemployment rate (6%). In relation to the second specific objective, the findings from the survey of accounting and finance graduates from Furra College, Hawassa Campus, reveal a high level of job satisfaction among those employed in the accounting field. Based on the responses from the 15 purposively selected employers, it is evident that they are highly satisfied with the knowledge, skills, and attitude exhibited by accounting and finance graduates from the years 2009-2013 E.C. The study highlights the importance of quality education, support for entrepreneurship, and addressing unemployment issues to ensure the continued success and growth of graduates in the field. Generally, the study presents a promising outlook for accounting and finance graduates from Furra College, while also identifying areas for further improvement to sustain their success in the job market.

The Impact of Agricultural Productivity on Economic Growth in Africa

This study investigates the relationship between agricultural productivity and economic growth in five African countries: Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa. Secondary data from reputable sources are analyzed using statistical tests and regression models. The findings indicate that agriculture significantly contributes to Africa's economic growth. South Africa exhibits the highest agricultural productivity, followed by Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania. However, despite their agricultural strengths, South Africa and Morocco have relatively lower contributions to economic growth due to other factors like low employment rates. Ghana and Kenya show comparable performance, while Tanzania lags behind despite experiencing economic growth and having a high employment rate. It is emphasized that economic growth is influenced by various factors beyond agriculture, and countries with high agricultural productivity should diversify their economies and address other determinants of growth. Policy measures to strengthen the agricultural sector and promote diversification are crucial for sustainable economic development in Africa.