Exchange Of Ideas Research Articles

10.Q. Scientific session: Evolving landscape of scientific publishing practices: implications for public health

Abstract In the landscape of scientific publishing, questionable research practices pose significant threats to the integrity and reliability of health research. This is occurring alongside notable changes in both the quantity and quality of published work. This scientific session aims to dissect the implications of such changes and practices on public health, fostering a critical examination and encouraging proactive discourse among public health professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Meta-research can explore the nuances of publishing ethics and the idea behind this session is seeking to heighten awareness of these issues and initiate meaningful discussions among public health professionals on maintaining the integrity of scientific literature in the health domain. The session will delve into the complexities of contemporary publishing, including the proliferation of mega-journals, trends in retracted papers, journals delisted from scientific databases, and the disturbing trend of paper mills which produce fraudulent research papers. Each aspect will be scrutinized for its potential impact on the credibility of health research and the consequential risks to public health. Structured as an interactive panel discussion, the format of this session is designed to maximize engagement and foster an open exchange of ideas. Participants will be encouraged to contribute their experiences and perspectives after each of the three presentations, enriching the dialogue and enhancing collective understanding. The distinct topics presented will underscore the pervasive nature of publishing practices and malpractices across different aspects of health research, highlighting the interconnectedness of ethical challenges and their broader implications. This session will merge meta-research empirical evidence with practical repercussions, offering attendees a comprehensive perspective on how publishing ethics might be shaping public health outcomes. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge to identify dubious practices and advocate for higher standards in scientific publishing. Improving research integrity is a cornerstone for effective health policies and interventions. The subject matter is poised to stimulate debate, invite scrutiny, and inspire action. Through this discourse, the session will articulate key messages about the urgency of upholding ethical standards in publishing to safeguard health research, providing clear, actionable insights for attendees to implement in their respective fields Key messages • Unethical publishing practices endanger health research integrity and might have consequences for public health outcomes. • Acknowledging good publishing practices and combating malpractices will foster higher ethical standards in health research.

GLOBAL IDENTITY AS A TYPE OF SOCIAL IDENTITY

Globalization has affected, perhaps more than any other force, the way people live, configure their physical environment, create the institutions that govern their activities, and build the markets in which they exchange resources, goods, and services. Economic and cultural exchanges brought about by waves of globalization have led to changes in consumer demographics and psychographics, i.e. changes in consumer aspirations, motivations, and behaviour. Advances in technology, transportation, global exports, and media innovation have made global flows of information, products, and services more widespread and rapid. Cultural exchanges not only contribute to the formation of an expansive culture but also affect the psychological and social identity of people. Globalization promotes the free exchange of ideas and communication throughout the world, which leads to an increase in people’s awareness of the world around them as a whole. Globalization leads to the formation of the general consciousness of people about humanity. In its purest form, this common consciousness of people about humanity is called «global identity». The article aims to consider global identity as a type of social identity. Research methods applied: analysis and generalization of scientific literature to clarify approaches to defining the essence of global and local identity; theoretical generalization for formulating conclusions about global identity as a type of social identity. The psychological effects of local culture on identity are just as effective as the effects of global culture on identity. Local identity can take many forms, from ethnicity to nationality to even smaller local identifications such as neighborhood.

9.N. Practice session: From Data to Action – Joining forces to close the inequity gap in adolescent health

Abstract Persistent adolescent health inequalities exist in Europe, necessitating interventions that address both individual and societal factors, especially those pertinent to youths in unfavourable contexts. Collaborative efforts involving cross-sectoral partnerships and adolescent engagement are crucial in identifying and mitigating these disparities. Three case studies exemplify this approach. Case study 1: Effective intervention development hinges upon the translation of epidemiological insights into tangible actions. Heiko Schmengler will discuss how individual and contextual-level data is made actionable for the development of ePro-schools, an e-health intervention to promote healthy dietary habits and physical activity amongst adolescents in socially disadvantaged settings. ePro-schools brings together stakeholders from academia, the health sector, the education system, and local communities. This collaborative approach ensures that the intervention is not only grounded in solid scientific evidence but also fits the specific cultural, social, and economic contexts of the adolescents it aims to serve. Case study 2: Adolescents are not passive consumers of interventions, but active agents who frequently understand best what they need to improve regarding their health. Lourdes Cantarero Arevalo will share innovative methodologies and best practices for involving adolescents in data collection, intervention design, and policy development processes with the final aim to empower the voices of adolescents in vulnerable situations while addressing problems that are relevant for them. Case study 3: Filipa Alves da Costa will draw attention to the health concerns of adolescents resulting from incarceration. This talk will outline the development of a policy brief derived from UN global study data, which highlights the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in developing actions to safeguard access to high quality healthcare for adolescents within the criminal justice system. A cross-sectoral approach is critical given that criminal justice systems typically fall outside the direct oversight of health ministries. The goal is to encourage policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to consider inter-sectoral strategies to address the complex health challenges these adolescents face. Following the presentations, we will facilitate a dynamic discussion with the audience, encouraging an exchange of ideas on strategies to address adolescent health inequalities from a multilevel perspective. This discussion aims to draw on the collective expertise of participants from diverse backgrounds, including practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. This dialogue aims to identify common barriers and opportunities, fostering a collaborative approach to tackling inequalities. The goal is to emerge from the workshop with a richer understanding of effective strategies that can be leveraged to close the gap in adolescent health across Europe. Key messages • Health inequalities among adolescents must be tackled collaboratively across different sectors and with participation of adolescents. • Participants will gain valuable insights on innovative solutions and effective methodologies from the case studies to inform their own efforts in addressing adolescent health inequalities.

2.I. Scientific session: Addressing vaccine hesitancy: from understanding determinants to implementing targeted strategies

Abstract Supported by NextGenerationEU (no. PE00000007) and EU4Health (VAXaction), the workshop will present a pan-European perspective on vaccine hesitancy and the effectiveness of counteracting interventions, especially when facing potentially pandemic infectious threats. Analysing human responses to epidemics is crucial to improve mathematical disease modelling and develop strategies to monitor behaviours during outbreaks, including assessing levels of vaccine hesitancy. This session will explore the multifaceted issue of vaccine hesitancy, which remains a significant barrier to achieving optimal vaccination coverage and is identified as one of the top threats to global health. By integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications, the workshop aims to present a comprehensive overview of strategies employed to mitigate hesitancy across various demographics and regions. The first presentation will cover a thorough overview of the strategies employed to counteract vaccine hesitancy, leveraging existing infrastructure, health promotion policies, and educational initiatives. It will also explore the role of digital health tools and regulatory measures, such as health passes and nudging techniques, in enhancing vaccination uptake. Furthermore, the session will cover a systematic review of immunisation information systems (IISs) and the proposal of an innovative unvaccinated registry. This part of the workshop will delve into technological advancements and the integration of behavioural insights, which are essential for enhancing vaccine coverage and informing public health strategies. Another significant aspect of the discussion will be the evolution of vaccine mandates, from their historical roots to their contemporary applications. This discussion will reflect on policy shifts necessitated by emerging public health challenges and the need for adaptable strategies that can respond effectively to fluctuating vaccine coverage and acceptance rates. Panel discussions will feature notable experts such as Prof. Carlo Signorelli, President of the Italian NITAG, and Prof. Maria Ganczak, Vice President of the EUPHA Infectious Diseases Control section. These discussions will provide a comparative analysis of vaccination policies across different European countries, highlighting diverse approaches to mandates and the implementation of public health interventions aimed at combating vaccine hesitancy. By providing a unified approach to understanding and combating vaccine hesitancy, we aim to facilitate a critical exchange of ideas and strategies among experts in the field. It will serve as a dynamic platform for discussing evidence-based interventions tailored to specific population needs, enhancing public health outcomes across Europe. This engaging session promises to offer valuable insights into the complexities of vaccine hesitancy and the collaborative efforts required to address this global health challenge effectively. Key messages • Enhanced data collection and analysis are essential to combat vaccine hesitancy, allowing for tailored interventions that address specific community needs and barriers to vaccination. • Effective strategies against vaccine hesitancy require historical understanding and flexibility to adapt to new challenges, ensuring public health policies are responsive and culturally sensitive.

4.N. Scientific session: Equity in Child Health: Leveraging Universal Health Promotion Services for Families Amid Uncertainty

Abstract This workshop addresses the urgent need to foster resilience and equity in child health within the context of an increasingly uncertain Europe. Rapid societal changes, exacerbated by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened risks of conflict, climate change and economic instability, underscore the importance of nurturing environments where children can thrive despite challenging circumstances. The workshop aims to explore strategies for promoting well-being and addressing social inequalities in child health within the context of universal health promotion services, such as school health services and child health clinics. Objectives are to 1) Elucidate the importance and impact of universal health promotion services in addressing social inequalities and promoting equitable opportunities for all children, regardless of background or circumstance; 2) Identify actionable steps for interventions mitigating social inequalities and promoting equitable opportunities focusing on health literacy among parents with immigrant backgrounds; 3) Showcase successful models and initiatives in universal healthcare and health promotion services for children and families, emphasizing early intervention and standardized evaluation tools; and 4) Facilitate dialogue and knowledge exchange among professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in child and adolescent health promotion. This workshop’s added value lies in its multidisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration for innovative solutions in child health resilience and equity. The coherence between presentations lies in their joint focus on addressing social inequalities in the context of universal health promotion services for children and families. Each presentation offers a unique perspective on these themes, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in child health promotion. • Hanne Nissen Bjørnsen’s presentation on the role of universal services in public health and addressing social inequality sets the stage by examining the structural factors contributing to disparities in child health outcomes. • Kirsti Riiseŕs presentation conveys the importance of user, stakeholder, and community involvement in creating culturally sensitive strategies for effective health promotion services in the context of health literacy among parents with immigrant backgrounds • Kristin Haraldstad’s presentation on Starting Right, an evidence-based assessment of children in municipalities healthcare centers, highlights the importance of early intervention and targeted support in mitigating health inequalities and promoting well-being. Format of the workshop: Three 10-minute presentations followed by a 20-minute moderated discussion to delve into empowerment and equity in child health, encouraging rich idea exchanges. Key messages • Leveraging universal health promotion services effectively empowers children and families while addressing social inequalities amidst periods of uncertainty. • Collaborative, user-centered approaches and evidence-based working strategies are key to promoting equity and building resilience in child health.

MARKETING IN THE SPHERE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

The article reveals the relevance of using marketing tools in the field of public administration. The concept of «marketing» is analyzed, the approaches of modern scientists to this concept are considered. Today, there are about 2,000 definitions of the concept of «marketing», in which the main tasks, processes and concepts of marketing are reflected in various combinations. A significant impact on the variety of definitions of marketing was made by the variety of points of view on the goals, objectives and content of marketing and marketing activities. Quite often, definitions of marketing are based on concepts of an economic nature (for example, profit maximization, increasing income, market, competitiveness, etc.), on management concepts (planning, regulation, organization, etc.). Emphasis is placed on a large number of derivative concepts of marketing, including «state marketing», «territorial marketing», «regional marketing», etc. It is indicated that marketing in the field of public administration is, first of all, an approach in public administration that puts the satisfaction of consumers and producers of public services in a prominent place, which acts as a specific form of marketing implementation. More specifically, this is the marketing activity of management bodies and/or their representatives who act as producers, consumers or intermediaries (suppliers) in the processes of exchange of goods, services, ideas and other values. The tools of state marketing were proposed, and the results of the use of the tools were analyzed. An analysis of the main types of marketing in the field of public administration was carried out: macro-marketing; direct state marketing; state internet marketing; de-marketing This classification is generally correct, as it takes into account the subject composition and various goals of marketing in the field of public administration. It has been proven that marketing in the field of public administration is based on real mechanisms of market functioning, and is also focused on achieving the maximum social effect from increasing the degree of satisfaction of the needs of the country's population. It is proven that the state uses marketing tools in its policy. However, so far it has a single character, and the use of such tools should be systematic. The application of marketing in the field of public administration and the activities of public bodies can be a means of achieving and increasing the competitiveness of both the national economy and the entire national state.

Does micro-geographical proximity matter for knowledge spillovers? Evidence from the quasi-natural experiment of university relocation in China

With the rapid development of knowledge economy, much attention has been paid to establishing university-based innovation zones, which are often believed to facilitate knowledge spillovers from universities to enterprises. However, relatively little is known about the impact of micro-geographical proximity between universities and firms on knowledge spillovers. This paper employs university relocation as a quasi-natural experiment to explore the effective scale and the causal impact of geographical proximity on knowledge spillovers of 98 Chinese universities, as represented by patent citations. Empirical results, based on difference-in-difference strategy and an instrumental variable approach, suggest that university relocation significantly promotes knowledge spillovers to both local and non-local firms. Moreover, universities that have established their new campuses in areas with more local enterprises tend to generate more knowledge spillovers after relocation. The effect of micro-geographical proximity is further verified through a comparative analysis of two specific cases.

REGULAÇÃO LEGAL DAS REDES SOCIAIS: PROTEÇÃO DE DADOS E LIBERDADE DE EXPRESSÃO

The legal regulation of social networks is a field in constant evolution, which seeks to balance two fundamental pillars in the digital era: data protection and freedom of expression. Social networks manage a huge amount of personal data, which makes the existence of legal frameworks that protect users’ privacy imperative. Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union and the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) in Brazil establish strict standards on how platforms must manage personal information. These laws not only allow users to access, correct or delete their data, but also impose sanctions on companies that do not comply with these requirements, ensuring a high level of security and transparency. At the same time, freedom of expression is a fundamental right that must be protected in the digital environment. However, exercising this right on social media often conflicts with the need to moderate content that may be considered offensive, dangerous or even illegal. Platforms implement moderation policies to mitigate the spread of hate speech, misinformation, and other harmful content. This, however, creates significant challenges in relation to censorship and the delimitation of permitted speech, which can affect the free expression of ideas and opinions. The challenge lies in finding an appropriate balance between protecting users’ privacy and data and enabling robust freedom of expression. An excessive focus on data protection can limit users’ ability to express themselves freely, while unrestricted freedom of expression can put individuals’ security and privacy at risk. As social media becomes more deeply integrated into everyday life and becomes a key platform for communication and the exchange of ideas, it is essential that regulations continue to adapt to address these dilemmas in a balanced and fair way. The future of regulation in this field will depend on the ability of legislators and platforms to adapt to rapid technological and social changes. ensuring that both rights are protected effectively and equitably.

Research on the spatial distribution and influencing factors of the maritime services: based on data from Chinese enterprises

ABSTRACT In the context of global maritime cluster development and the strategic evolution of port cities, the spatial distribution and determinants of Maritime Services (MSs) emerge as pivotal areas of inquiry. However, empirical analysis in this domain remains limited. To address this deficiency, our study meticulously processes and analyses data from Chinese Maritime Service Enterprises (MSEs) listed in the World Shipping Register Company until 2023, categorizing these enterprises into port-related, ship-related and maritime consulting enterprises. Utilizing instrumental variables and econometrics, our findings reveal that MSs in China predominantly aggregate in coastal cities, along major inland waterways, and within inland central cities, with a pronounced clustering near urban centers. This distribution is primarily influenced by two factors: firstly, geographic proximity to seaports and throughput levels markedly impacts the distribution, especially for port-related enterprises and ship-related enterprises. Secondly, the clustering of downstream supporting industries, shared labor pools and knowledge spillovers, which are essential elements of agglomeration economics, particularly affects maritime consulting enterprises. Such a pattern is also influenced by the broader business environment and governmental governance. This research not only clarifies existing disputes regarding the maritime industry’s spatial distribution but also offers insights for MSs development and the transformative planning of port cities.

Knowledge Spillovers and Integrated Circuit Innovation Ecosystem Resilience: Evidence from China

A resilient innovation ecosystem is an important guarantee for enhancing industrial competitiveness. Knowledge spillover is the key driving force to enhance system resilience. Firstly, we use the MEREC-CoCoSo method to calculate the resilience level of the integrated circuit (IC) innovation ecosystem and analyze the evolution trajectory of the resilience before and after the emergence of the “stuck-neck” problem. Secondly, based on the panel data of 30 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) in China from 2011 to 2021, this paper analyzes the mechanism of the impact of intra-regional knowledge spillovers on the resilience of IC innovation ecosystems using the fixed-effect model and analyzes the spatial effect of inter-regional knowledge spillovers on the resilience of innovation ecosystems using the spatial Durbin model under the human capital matrix. Finally, we analyze the regulating role of contractual and relational governance mechanisms and try to open the “black box” of governance. The result shows the following: (1) The polarization of innovative ecosystem resilience of integrated circuits is gradually increasing, with strong spatial agglomeration, high–high agglomeration, low–low agglomeration, and low–high dispersion, and there is an obvious “matthew effect” and “siphon effect”. (2) Both intra- and inter-regional knowledge spillovers contribute significantly to the resilience of IC innovation ecosystems. The contractual governance mechanism can effectively enhance the impact of knowledge spillovers on the resilience of innovation ecosystems in the region, and the relational governance mechanism has a positive impact on the resilience of innovation ecosystems in neighboring regions. (3) Heterogeneity results show that knowledge spillovers within the Pan-PRD region have a significant positive impact on innovation ecosystem resilience. Knowledge spillovers between regions with low innovation capacity have a double effect on innovation ecosystem resilience, and knowledge spillovers between regions with “talent highlands” have a facilitating effect on innovation ecosystem resilience. Accordingly, policy recommendations are put forward to open up channels for innovation knowledge spillover, realize effective allocation of innovation resources, and optimize the system of innovation talents.

Rethinking Organismic Unity: Object-Oriented Ontology and the Human Microbiome

Abstract In recent years, a vast array of thinkers have been invested in challenging the long-standing binary division between the human and nonhuman. The notion of the human microbiome especially attests to the truth of such a complication, since current research in biology strongly suggests that we are at the very least as much microbe as we are human and that the number of microorganisms in the human body outnumber distinctly human cells considerably. In this article, we aim to bring the biological notion of the human microbiome in dialogue with Object-Oriented Ontology (OOO) so as to ultimately show that there can be a fruitful exchange of ideas between the two currents of microbiome research and OOO more specifically, and that Graham Harman’s top-down account of objective emergence can be fruitfully a bottom-up approach according to which the parts of an object also impact and constrain the whole.

Multiple Truths and Many Roads: Leading Graduate Study Abroad

This panel will feature presentations from faculty from three universities with programs that offer study abroad opportunities for master’s-level Library and Information Science (LIS) students. This panel is designed to open a larger discussion pertaining to study abroad and will focus on the following objectives: To provide examples of creative study abroad initiatives. To generate discussion on the value of international experiences. To discuss the importance of cultivating an experience that fosters understanding of the “other” culture(s) through engagement and learning. To provide examples of in-person extended experience for students who may be in online programs. Marie L. Radford and Lilia Pavolvsky will describe study abroad opportunities at Rutgers. Radford leads a Master of Information (MI) hybrid course “British Collections and Archives.” This is a three-credit summer session course with nine days at Wroxton College in England in addition to online modules. It includes visits to libraries and archives in London and surrounding areas, such as the British Library, The National Archives, the Bodleian Library at Oxford University, the Library and Archives of the Shakespeare Center at Stratford-upon-Avon, and Bletchley Park. The course involves lectures by noted British scholars and librarians on trends in academic and public libraries, digital preservation, and archival studies. Students learn about how libraries and archives function with different systems of government, different funding models, and different credentialing practices. Additionally, Rutgers offers study abroad for an International Children’s Literature course, that includes a visit to the annual Bologna Children’s Book Fair, in Italy. This event attracts global book publishers and member organizations of "ibby" the International Board on Books for Young People. Graduate students have the unique opportunity to explore ways of creating text, art, and design for children and teenagers while meeting experts on youth literacy from many nations. Also, we will share plans to offer international experiences to graduate students that include professional conferences and other opportunities for open discourse to discover many truths beyond the boundaries of their local professional and scholarly communities. These experiences will be designed to offer travel to environments in which students have the opportunity to engage in dialogue that is not only inclusive of perspectives of international LIS scholars, practitioners, and students, but which also enables an exchange of cross-cultural ideas to promote mutual understandings. Lisa O’Connor will discuss the origins of her study abroad course to Northern Ireland and Ireland, which she first developed at the University of Kentucky. Frustrated with her predominately white, middle-class students’ intractable view of their culture as innocuous, she hoped that a study abroad experience would help students gain the distance and objectivity they needed to see patterns of domination and repression in another culture and, as a result, better see these patterns in their own. Her course examines whose culture is preserved and whose is not, and who controls the dissemination of information (and thus the narrative) surrounding cultural conflict. Students examine the narrative on “The Troubles” as it was promulgated by mainstream, pro-British American media prior to their in-country experience. Students are able to contrast (1) the treatment of indigenous Irish culture with colonized British culture, and (2) messages disseminated about Irish resistance with those of the colonizer, in order to understand the roles information and information policy play in reproducing cultural hegemony, Data gathered from students indicate that the study abroad experience does in fact increase cultural humility and provide a transformative experience that helps them see “truth” as conditional rather than absolute and to ask, “who controls the narrative” in cultural conflict. Matthew Saxton will describe the International Exploration Seminar program and how MLIS graduate students have engaged in study abroad for over 10 years in multiple countries (Netherlands, South Korea, New Zealand, Ghana, Denmark, United Kingdom, Austria, Ethiopia, and Portugal). Themes of seminars have included urban informatics, cross-cultural adoption of information technology, polarization and inclusion in different societies, information literacy, and children’s literature and “own voices” in publishing. The presentation will focus in depth on the South Korea seminar as a case study that has run for 12 years and engaged over 180 US students and an equal number of Korean students. Students examine the interaction of culture, adoption of information technology, and use of social media, and consider such questions as: Do US and Korean students use social media in similar or different ways? How do they communicate, share, and validate information? We examine the cultural, economic, social, and political factors that shape the online information environment of both societies. Presenters will engage the audience in lively discussion and exchange of ideas. Discussion topics will center on the purpose and value of international experiences in graduate study, planning and investment on part of the institution, incentives for student recruitment, preparation of faculty, and building effective international partnerships.

Identifying the Key Drivers in Energy Technology Fields: The Role of Spillovers and Public Policies

This study investigates the salient roles of knowledge spillover and environmental policies on clean technology innovation. Employing a panel vector autoregressive model (PVAR) and connectedness network analysis with a comprehensive longitudinal dataset comprising 100 million patent documents across 26 countries, the study identifies clean technology fields that are most efficient in driving innovation and subsequently quantifies the spillover effects for each field. The impact of public environmental policies and regulations on clean technological innovations is also examined in depth. The results reveal that clean innovation is a complex and nuanced system, with significant knowledge spillovers occurring within and across energy and non-energy-related clean technology fields. The results also show that environmental policies significantly influence clean innovation, with technology support and adoption support policies having the most substantial impact. Furthermore, the results reveal that the impact of market-based policies on clean innovation is weaker than that of non-market-based policies, which is an important consideration for policymakers. The findings hold significance for policymakers in addressing sustainability goals and their implications.

Business services in regional economies: exploring the co-evolution of supply, demand, and sectoral interactions

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how economic growth stimulates business-service providers to develop new service varieties, which, in turn, enhance the productivity of business-service buyers. This creates a coevolutionary process where service suppliers and customers interact, leading to an increase in the number of differentiated service offerings. We introduce a framework for local economies, wherein business-service sectors evolve in response to local demand potential, while non-business-service sectors grow based on each economy’s supply potential. Business service growth is more rapid in local economies with higher demand potential, while non-business-service sectors expand faster in areas where the business-service supply potential is greater. A key assumption is that business service firms operate in a monopolistic competition environment, where an increase in business-service capacity leads to an expansion in the variety of services offered. This, in turn, enhances the diversity of service offerings in municipalities with strong demand potential. Additionally, service providers not only deliver innovation-related information to client firms but also unintentionally disseminate knowledge within the region, fostering knowledge spillovers among firms.

Exploring the nexus between exports’ economic complexity and institutional quality: insights from Italian provinces

ABSTRACT The present research aims to investigate the determinants of economic development and productivity by proposing an empirical analysis of the economic effects of institutional quality on the economic complexity of export at the intra-national level, focusing on 103 Italian provinces from 2004 to 2016. Using the System Generalised Method of Moments (System-GMM) estimator, the study assesses the influence of various institutional dimensions on provincial economic complexity, as measured by the Economic Complexity Index (ECI). The findings indicate that institutional quality, particularly rule of law, regulatory quality, and voice and accountability, significantly enhances economic complexity. Better formal and informal institutions such as completeness of contracts, social cohesion, contract enforcement, by reducing transaction costs and uncertainty, and by favouring knowledge dissemination and security of investments, are source of comparative advantage in complex industries that lead to diversified and sophisticated production, fostering economic growth and innovation. Moreover, the study emphasises the importance of related activities, which interact with institutions to support complex and innovative export-related activities through knowledge spillovers and related diversification. The analysis also highlights the pivotal role of human capital, social capital, and innovation, which should remain focal points for policymakers.

2024 International Conference on Education, Economics, Management, and Social Sciences(EMSS 2024)

Welcome to the official website of the 2024 International Conference on Education, Economics, Management, and Social Sciences (EMSS 2024), scheduled to take place from September 25-26, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia! EMSS 2024 offers a prestigious platform for scholars, educators, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of education, economics, management, and social sciences to share their latest research insights, innovative methodologies, and cutting-edge solutions. This conference serves as a global forum to foster interdisciplinary discussions, collaborations, and the exchange of ideas on some of the most critical and emerging issues in these fields. We are proud to gather participants from various sectors who will engage in thought-provoking discussions and debates on topics of major societal relevance, including advances in educational practices, economic strategies, management approaches, and social sciences. The conference aims to provide valuable contributions to both academic research and practical applications. EMSS 2024 is committed to highlighting original, high-quality research papers that advance theoretical understanding, offer practical implications, and contribute to policy-making. Each paper has been rigorously reviewed based on its technical merit, research significance, and real-world impact, ensuring a high standard of academic excellence. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the esteemed members of the technical and organizing committees, whose diligent efforts in reviewing and improving the submissions have significantly elevated the quality of the conference proceedings. Additionally, we express our heartfelt thanks to the authors for their contributions, collaboration in adhering to the conference guidelines, and for sharing their unique insights and innovative research. We look forward to the intellectual exchange, networking opportunities, and collaborative potential that EMSS 2024 will bring. We hope you enjoy the conference! EMSS 2024 Conference Chairs

Narcissism and Problematic Social Media Use: A Moderated Mediation Analysis of Fear of Missing out and Trait Mindfulness in Youth

Social media use has increased worldwide, facilitating social relationships as well as the widespread exchange of information, images, and ideas. However, some individuals may develop a compulsive and unregulated engagement with social media platforms, known as problematic social media use (PSMU), which can result in adverse consequences for personal, social, and professional functioning. This scenario leads to considering which factors are implicated in PSMU and how they can affect the disposition toward PSMU. The present study aimed to explore the mediating role of fear of missing out (FoMO) in the association between both grandiose and vulnerable facets of narcissism and PSMU while also investigating the moderating effect of trait mindfulness. The research was conducted with 208 youth participants from 19 to 28 years old through an online cross-sectional design. Participants completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-13, the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, the Fear of Missing Out Scale, the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised, the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, and a short socio-demographic questionnaire. Results revealed that FoMO mediated the association between both facets of narcissism and PSMU, while trait mindfulness moderated the interplay between FoMO and PSMU, dampening the effect of FoMO. These findings provide theoretical insights into the main mechanisms underlying PSMU as well as promising practical implications for the development of mindfulness-based interventions aimed at mitigating PSMU. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.

Meeting Report From the 2023 Cure Ocular Melanoma (CURE OM) Global Science Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, November 2023.

The 2023 Cure Ocular Melanoma (CURE OM) Global Science Meeting was held in Philadelphia on November 6, 2023. There is increased awareness and dedicated research in uveal melanoma (UM), but unmet needs remain in the prevention, detection, and treatment of UM. The purpose of this meeting was to provide an international forum for the exchange of research ideas, to allow for discussion of basic science as well as clinical research on UM, and to gather input about advocacy and patient needs.

Abstracts of the 2024 50th Annual NATAS Conference.

The 50th annual conference of the North American Thermal Analysis Society is being held jointly with the 8th Baekeland Symposium to bring those communities together. NATAS offers scientists and practitioners the opportunity to explore the frontiers of thermal analysis, rheology, and materials characterization, learn of developments in instrumentation and software, as well as applications in a variety of industrial settings. The Baekeland Symposium has a record of showcasing the latest scientific, technical and industrial innovations in the field of high performance thermosetting polymers. This year is the first joint meeting of the two organizations and is expected to provide opportunities for new collaborations and exchange of ideas. Presentations and posters by renowned scientists and graduate students set the stage for excellent discussions and an ideal environment to learn about state-of-the-art techniques and exciting new developments in thermal analysis and materials research.

Recent advances in the study of serpentine plants and ecosystems: Perspectives from the 10th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology, France: Part II

AbstractThe 10th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology was held in Nancy, France on June 12–16, 2023. The main goals of the conference were to create a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences and to promote scientific dialogue among scientists from numerous fields who share expertise in the study of ultramafic habitats worldwide. The proceedings of the conference are being published as two Special Issues of Ecological Research, of which this is the second. In this article, we present the major topics and provide some highlights of the contributions to the 10th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology.