Conflict Of Interests Research Articles

Методологія профілактики великих акушерських синдромів

Aim - to develop a method of prevention of major obstetric syndromes (MOS) from the standpoint of a single genesis determined by morphofunctional disorders in the fetoplacental system (FPS), with an assessment of effectiveness by methodological standards of evidence-based medicine Materials and methods. The group I - 32 pregnant women, prevention of MOS was carried out with low doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) at 100-150 mg per os once a day, from 12 to 36 weeks of pregnancy; the group II - 31 pregnant women, who from 6 to 16 weeks were treated prophylactically with progesterone according to the scheme: 200 mg 1 time per day per vagina every day; the group III - 36 pregnant women who received prophylactic monotherapy, consisting of taking magnesium in combination with vitamin B6 for three courses of 6 weeks each; the group IV - 56 pregnant women who refused any preventive measures; the control group (CG) - 50 healthy pregnant women. Тhe effectiveness of prophylactic therapy was evaluated by dynamic examination of the pregnant groups of the study, which included the determination of the following indicators: placental alpha microglobulin (PAMG); placental growth factor; placental protein (PAPP-A), blood leukocyte elevation index, allergy index, concentration of magnesium in blood serum. To objectify the effectiveness of the developed method, the standards of evidence-based medicine were applied. Statistical processing of research results was carried out using standard Microsoft Excel 5.0 and Statistical 6.0 programs. Results. In pregnant women of the group IV, the level of the fibronectin (521±17 μg/ml) increased by an average of 17%, compared to patients of the groups I-III (355±12 μg/ml, 361±13 μg/ml, 368±16 μg/ml; p<0.05), which led to a subsequent increase in the frequency of spontaneous premature births in patients of the group IV; the level of PAMG exceeds the value in the CG by 7.7 times in the group IV; in the group III by 1.7 times, and in pregnant women of groups I and II, it was 25.2±3.8 ng/ml and 26.4±4.2 ng/ml, respectively, against 177±18 ng/ml in group IV (p<0.05). The concentration of the PAPP-A was reduced from the early stages of pregnancy in all studied groups - 6.9±1.8 mg/l, 8.8±1.9 mg/l, 9.2±2.1 mg/l, 7.5±1.6 mg/l (according to the groups I-IV) versus 15.7±2.5 mg/l in the CG (р<0.05). When using the magnesium drug (III group), there are differences with the group IV in most indicators. Conclusions. Methods for the prevention of a complicated course in the high-risk groups for the development of vasculitis when studying personalized and predictive value, which made it possible to divide them in order from more effective to less effective: the method with the appointment of low doses of ASA was in the first place; on the II - prophylactic appointment of micronized vaginal progesterone; on the III - the use of magnesium. The research was conducted according to principles of Declaration of Helsinki. Protocol of research was proved by local ethical committee, mentioned in institution’s work. A informed sonsennt was collected in order to carry out the research. The author is stating no conflict of interests is declared.

Методологические проблемы оценки капиталовложений электросетевых компаний

In the article the author reveals the most significant methodological problems in this most important area, which is the basis for the reproduction of economic systems, on the basis of considering the most widely used methods of capital investment assessment. The article also provides a brief theoretical characterization of capital investments. It is concluded that the reason for methodological problems in the assessment of capital investments is the issue of the nature of capital, which has not been fully resolved in the field of fundamental economic theory. The author draws attention to the fact that the detailed methods of capital investment assessment for specific conditions of management of individual sectoral economic systems, elaborated in scientific articles, dissertations and other works, do not receive scientific generalization and balanced assessment of the community. In fact, it means that there are no methods proven and used by many researchers and practitioners. It is shown that it is inappropriate to completely identify the investment process, project appraisal and capital investments of enterprises. The author points out the gap between financial and technological efficiency existing in the theory and practice of work with investments. Further, using the example of the Russian electric power transmission industry, the author shows how general methods of capital investment assessment may not be applicable depending on specific industry conditions, and how theoretical and methodological problems in practice turn into a lack of tools for decision-making. In conclusion, based on the consideration of disproportions in the mechanism of capital investment assessment, implementation and regulation, another fundamental issue of the theory arises – the need to change approaches to the conflict of interests and regulation of natural monopolies as a non-cooperative game.

RELATIONSHIP OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS AND ETHICS OF A CIVIL SERVANT

RELATIONSHIP OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS AND ETHICS OF A CIVIL SERVANT

“Let It Go”: Comparative Study on Zombie Water Projects in Europe and Asia

To date, there can be found numerous controversial large-scale water projects in Asia and Europe. The so-called “zombie water projects” are associated with insufficient communication, massive investments and prolonged marginalisation of the negative impacts. Traditional impact assessment studies backed by water engineers and other water professionals are struggling to accountably address the political issues. Hence, in the presented study, a new schematic political impact assessment was proposed to evaluate meaningful water dialogue. To dynamics of water dialogue over the zombie water projects was investigated upon the VUDU analytical framework at four micro-case studies (Navigational Channel Improvement Project, Myitsone dam, Oder-Danube-Elbe Canal and Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros dam). These studies were selected according to the extensive literature review to illustrate different development pathways and long-term behavioural changes. The results show that despite the conflict of interests and prolonged distrust towards zombie water projects, the justification of these projects were often driven by inconsistent empirical data, (i)rational justification and changing political environments. In addition, by comparing various four micro-case studies, we noticed that the meaningful water dialogue was more influenced by the degree of transparency and communication rather than the actual decision whenever to build such water project or not. By showing contemporary dilemmas towards the large-scale water project development, the presented study provides valuable feedback on the previous interdisciplinary studies regarding the transboundary water governance.

Epistemological Analysis of the Negotiation Process

The article examines negotiations as dialogues concerning conflicting interests among participants. It argues that negotiations represent the primary and most socially significant type of dialogue. This is evidenced by the disproportionate volume of research dedicated to negotiations compared to other forms of dialogue, as well as the multidisciplinary approach to their study. The purpose of the article is to investigate negotiations through the lens of epistemology, one of the disciplines involved in their analysis. The author contends that negotiations are epistemological processes governed by epistemological principles. To elucidate these principles, the article explicates key categories serving as research instruments, primarily focusing on the concepts of “negotiation” and “interest.” The relationship between “interest” and related concepts such as “desire,” “need,” and “benefit” is explored. There are two types of dialogue: those concerning the veracity of descriptions and those focused on the rationality of prescriptions. The article elucidates the distinct nature of negotiations as dialogues about prescriptions. The article also underscores the importance of the categories of “research” and “communication” in understanding the nature of negotiations. Since negotiations are fundamentally a form of communication, the examination of conflicting interests and the search for solutions to these conflicts do not fall within the negotiation process itself. These tasks are addressed prior to negotiations, during the research phase. The purpose of negotiations is to discuss and either accept or reject the outcomes of these preliminary investigations, particularly pre-drafted agreements on resolving conflicts of interest. Based on this framework, the article explores the epistemological mechanisms underlying negotiations related to the division, consolidation, and exchange of benefits. Additionally, the Harvard Negotiation Program, which seeks to transform negotiations from a confrontation of positions into a collaborative search for a shared solution, is subjected to epistemological analysis. The role of empathy in facilitating this transformation is also discussed. In conclusion, it is argued that an epistemological analysis of negotiations not only deepens our understanding of their nature as a distinct form of communication but also offers tools for enhancing negotiation practices, promoting the resolution of conflicts of divergent interests in various social conflicts without resorting to physical confrontation.

Multi-agent deep reinforcement learning based fully decentralized aggregation frequency regulation of electric vehicle

Electric vehicles (EVs) are high-quality flexible resources to provide frequency regulation services. However, the EV real-time participation in ancillary service market for frequency regulation (FRASM) under the existing aggregation framework faces data privacy and interest conflicts problems. To solve these issues, this paper proposes the fully-decentralized aggregator (FDA) as a trusted and non-profit agent to replace the traditional aggregator and help EVs interact with FRASM in a decentralized manner. Then a fully decentralized aggregation framework based on consortium blockchain is constructed to protect the interaction data security during frequency regulation process. Furthermore, the inference network is introduced so that EVs can learn better performance and optimize regulation mileage without sharing their private data. This paper proposes an inference network based multi-agent soft actor-critic (IN-MASAC) method that realizes the decentralized interaction between EVs and FRASM and considers multiple user preferences. The case studies demonstrate the efficiency and scalability of the fully decentralized aggregation framework and IN-MASAC method.

Why is this (K)night Different: Passover, Blood, War, and the Conflict Between Jewish and American Identity in Jo Sinclair’s Wasteland and Dara Horn’s All Other Nights

ABSTRACT For hundreds of years, non-Jews have accused Jews of dual identity. Living in the diaspora, Jews were often accused of loyalty to their own religion or people, which sometimes collided with allegiance to the country they lived in. In the U.S. Americans sometimes suspected Jews of preferring their own well-being when having a conflict of interests. In times of war, American non-Jews sometimes perceived Jews as unpatriotic, evading drafts or profiteers. Jews, for their part, highlighted their contribution to America, minimizing their own differences. However, among themselves, they sometimes struggled with a clash between their two identities. This paper analyzes two Jewish American novels that take place during wars – Jo Sinclair’s Wasteland and Dana Horn’s All Other Nights. While the former is set in WWII and the latter in the Civil War, both dramatize the conflict between American and Jewish identity. Examining the tropes of war, blood, and Passover, shared by both novels, I demonstrate that whereas Wasteland sweeps anti-Semitism under the carpet, depicting the conflict as easy to resolve and embracing the army, All Other Nights accentuates the clash between Jewishness and Americanness especially through the army, raising questions about American Jewry which are extremely relevant today.

Этические аспекты создания клинических рекомендаций для практикующих врачей

Clinical guidelines represent documents that contain structured information based on scientific evidence on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, and regulate professional activities of the medical community. Starting from January 1, 2025, it is planned to switch to the mandatory use of clinical recommendations approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, while the year of 2024 is an interim period for their application. However, various methodological and ethical issues arise while developing and discussing clinical recommendations. They include a conflict of interests of the authors, as well as aspects of its disclosure and settlement, accessibility of clinical recommendations for patients, as well as the discrepancy between the provisions of the recommendations and their evidence base such as results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Resolution of these problems will significantly improve the quality of clinical recommendations, and increase patient awareness of diseases and treatment approaches. This review analyzes a wide range of methodological problems related to the development of clinical recommendations, examines regulatory acts and ethical principles issued by government agencies, professional communities and international organizations, and makes suggestions to reduce the level of bias and, as a result, to increase the degree of evidence of clinical recommendations.

Modern approaches to the training of pediatricians and assessment of their professional competences: domestic and American experience

In the article, issues related to the effective training of students/pediatricians and assessment of their competencies are discussed, taking into account the specifics of pediatric care in modern conditions. Nowadays, pediatricians are using a number of innovative technologies and provide daily assistance to a larger number of patients than before, with much less time spent on professional communication. To a certain extent, this reduces the desire of pediatricians to take care of children, because under such conditions, the art of communicating with a patient and his fa­mily members is lost. The article provides recommendations on the experience of American educational institutions regarding the effective elimination of communication problems between students/ pediatric residents and a patient, members of his family, and colleagues. It describes methods that help learn the principles of cultural and effective professional communication in order to improve understanding of the psychology of a child and his family members in the context of the family medicine. Further, information is provided regarding the key approaches to the formation of the main components of professionalism in pediatric practice at the undergraduate and postgraduate stages of the training of pediatricians, collegiality, resolving issues of conflict of interests in the context of cooperation with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry.

Exclusion and the growth of AI technology: a trade-theoretic analysis

This study provides a four-good general equilibrium framework with international trade for assessing the impact of the advancement of automation and artificial intelligence (A&AI) on the welfare of a group of agents who are excluded from both owning productive assets, such as capital and land, as well as consuming digital output (digital exclusion). We show that, depending on the magnitude of the factor intensities, the accumulation of A&AI capital may negatively affect the income of the excluded group, who provide unskilled labor, or the owners of land. In doing so, we bring out the conflict of interests that may arise between the owners of A&AI capital and other groups within society, which has implications for the pressure that exists to slow down the adoption of A&AI in an economy.

Media framing on news of the Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) movement in Malaysia: a quantitative content analysis of two Malaysian newspapers

Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) Movement first surfaced in June 2021 following prolonged dissatisfaction towards the contract appointment policy of medical doctors in Malaysia. On the 26th of July 2021, an unprecedented strike (Hartal) was organised by contract doctors across Malaysia. It generated major media attention. This study sought to evaluate how the HDK movement was framed in the mainstream media and to analyse the framing trend in conjunction with the chronology of HDK movement events. A total of 109 news articles in two major national newspapers were analysed from 1st June 2021 until 28th February 2022 using quantitative content analysis method. The five-dimension media frame (responsibility, human interest, conflict, morality, and economic consequences) by Semetko & Valkenburg was applied to determine the trend of media framing. MANOVA test was performed to scrutinise the differences in frame portrayal before and after Hartal. Overall, the responsibility frame was the most used (76.2%) both pre- and post-strike, with the most frequently highlighted items being solutions to the HDK issue and the roles played by the government. The human interest frame and conflict frame followed next, with at least one item of each frame being featured in 33.0 and 32.1% of all news articles. Despite more news articles published post-strike, the aggregate mean scores of all the frames were higher during the pre-strike period, demonstrating how media framing in the earlier period significantly affected the subsequent events of the HDK movement and its impact on the contract appointment policy. In this case, media framing set an agenda for stakeholders to implement necessary policy changes to prevent subsequent strikes and to seek long-term solutions. Lastly, this study presents a novel approach to evaluating certain controversial matters that may not be suitably addressed by the conventional research method such as primary quantitative data collection or qualitative interviews.

Exploring the Evolution Mechanisms of Social Risks Associated with Urban Renewal from the Perspective of Stakeholders

The urban renewal (UR) process involves various stakeholders and related activities, and the various risks arising from this endeavor can affect these stakeholders. Additionally, the impact of adverse factors such as policy discontinuity and inequitable distribution of benefits among stakeholders can easily result in collective tensions or conflicts, as well as the gradual emergence of potential social frictions and confrontations. These social risks (SRs) not only impede the smooth execution of urban renewal projects but also pose challenges to social harmony and stability. Hence, to mitigate and control the SRs in the UR process (URSRs) and ensure the successful implementation of effective and sustainable UR projects, it is of paramount importance to gain a comprehensive understanding of the occurrence and evolution mechanisms of these SRs. Although existing studies have touched upon the influence of stakeholder conflicts on URSRs, there remains a lack of systematic examination of the evolution mechanisms of these risks from the perspective of stakeholder theory. The resulting fragmented and specialized comprehension of URSRs has hindered the effectiveness of risk governance strategies. This study adopts stakeholder theory to analyze the potential sources of risk throughout the entire UR process. By considering the conflicts of interests among stakeholders, a systematic analysis of the evolution mechanisms of URSRs is explored and targeted governance recommendations for URSRs are proposed.

Legal gaps in the peruvian corporate network: Negative practices in boards of directors

Introduction: The networks generated among firms’ boards through their shared directors can cause conflicts of interests, generating potential negative business practices. Objective: This paper identifies the risks of negative managerial practices driven by theabsence of proper regulations to control the formation and behavior of interlocking directorates in Peru. Methodology: It discusses the interlocking directorates’ literature, and reviews current Peruvian regulation. Results: In addition to the identified risks, itemphasizes in the expectations of a proper behavior of directors as a decision of their own, due to the nature of their role. Conclusions: This interdisciplinary study between management and law evidences gaps in Peruvian regulation for the operation of interlocking directorates and suggests the development of future empirical research in Latin America towards the prevention of these negative corporate practices.

Balancing Act: The Dual Role of Military Alliances in Contemporary International Relations

This paper critically examines the dual role of military alliances in contemporary international relations, particularly focusing on their impact on global stability and regional cooperation. By analyzing historical and modern examples, including NATO and the interactions among the United States, China, and Russia, the study elucidates how military alliances have transitioned from Cold War security mechanisms to multifaceted entities confronting today's geopolitical complexities. It delves into the security dilemmas alliances face, their strategic contractions, and the unique challenges posed by China's ascendancy and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The paper underscores that while these alliances are pivotal in upholding global order, they also generate substantial obstacles to regional cooperation, especially in East Asia. This dichotomy is evident in the alliances' evolution, which reflects a shift from primarily defensive postures to roles that encompass economic and diplomatic dimensions, influencing regional dynamics and power balances. This paper demonstrates the various differences and contradictions between today's military alliances and regional cooperation, including contradictions in mechanisms, differences in concepts, overlaps in functions, and conflicts of practical interests. The findings advocate for a reassessment of military alliances, suggesting that future frameworks should foster trust and inclusivity, accommodating the diverse interests of regional actors to enhance cooperative security and stability.

Strategic principles for co-existence in a multinodal world

In realist international relations theory, world order is assumed to be a vertical structure ordered by relative power, with the hegemon, or the contest of hegemons, at its apex. Power is viewed as the ability to coerce, and security lies in the avoidance of defeat. But the proportional changes in the globalized economy of this century have created a new reality, one in which effective pursuit of one’s own national interest is more complex than compelling or submitting. Differences in relative power and capabilities still matter, and differences in situations create conflicts of interests. But the horizontal dimension of continuing interaction among autonomous actors is more important than the vertical dimension of unilateral imposition. Without hegemony, states have agency, but they face greater uncertainty. The diplomatic calculus of each state is to pursue its national interests, but a major component of this pursuit lies in reducing uncertainty. Strategy for a post-hegemonic multinodal world stresses the complex ecology of action, the importance of relationships, the utility of partnerships, the encouragement of common interests, and the problems of conducting limited conflicts. These are principles of strategic prudence relevant to the global matrix of asymmetric international relationships.

The financialisation of Crypto: Designing an international regulatory consensus

Bitcoin was presented in 2008 as a technology-driven alternative to the weaknesses of the traditional monetary, payment and financial systems dramatically highlighted by the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. The underlying technology – blockchain and distributed ledger technology – was posed as a technological solution to the problems of trust, confidence, transparency and behaviour traditionally addressed in finance through a framework of law, regulation and institutions (including markets and the state). Cryptocurrencies, blockchain, distributed ledger technology and decentralised finance were designed to address the weaknesses and risks in traditional finance. Yet fifteen years of evolution culminating in the Crypto Winter of 2022–23 have demonstrated that crypto is neither special nor immune and has come to feature all the classic problems of traditional finance. As the crypto ecosystem has evolved, the market failures and externalities of traditional finance have emerged – a process we term the ‘financialisation’ of crypto. These include conflicts of interests, information asymmetries, centralisation and interconnections, over-enthusiastic market participants, plus agency, operational and financial risks. We argue that (a) in order to develop successfully going forward, the crypto ecosystem needs to assimilate the centuries of experience of underpinning traditional finance with law and regulation, and (b) in the aftermath of the Crypto Winter, an international consensus is crystalising in respect of the regulation of the crypto ecosystem. We argue regulatory systems are now being instituted to ensure the proper functioning of crypto and its interconnections with traditional finance. The lessons of the financialisation of crypto also apply more broadly: appropriately designed regulatory systems are central to financial market functioning and development.

A Systematic Review of Loco-Sedative Anesthesia for Urologic Surgery

ObjectiveTo perform a systematic review of the characteristics and outcomes of conscious sedation and local anesthesia for various urologic procedures. Urologic care has much to gain from the routine integration of ambulatory surgery via loco-sedative anesthetic techniques for both surgeon and patient. MethodsA comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, and Scopus databases following PRISMA criteria from June to August 2021. Articles were included if they were English, prospective, randomized, or non-randomized controlled trials that used local anesthetic or conscious sedation for urologic interventions in adult patients. Additionally, included studies provided primary data on the use loco-sedative anesthesia and the efficacy and complications. All studies included were further reviewed to assess the biases and conflicts of interests. Results32 studies with 6897 patients were included in the review. Mean patient age was 46.4 years. The most common anesthetic and analgesic relief was the use of local anesthetic with 1% lidocaine. The majority used lidocaine as an injection, whereas the second most common route of administration was a topical cream. However, there was significant heterogeneity in the type of local or conscious sedation method and whether a combination was used. 44.4% of the studies used the visual analog scale as their primary endpoint. All the studies reported an 83% to 100% successful procedure rate without note of significant sedation-related complications. ConclusionsGiven the high efficacy rates, loco-sedative anesthesia is a promising technique for urologic interventions and should be further investigated to determine whether it may become be the standard of care.

Sustainable mining method selection by a multi-stakeholder collaborative multi-attribute group decision-making method

How to protect the ecological environment during mineral resource exploitation is a crucial issue for the survival and development of human society. In this context, mining method selection requires simultaneous achieving environmental protection and resource exploitation, while involving the coordination of multi-agent interests. Therefore, this study develops a multi-stakeholder collaborative multi-attribute group decision-making approach for mining method selection. This method enables multiple stakeholders and experts from different fields to make decisions together. First, a conflict resolution model is proposed to resolve cognitive conflict and interest conflict among multi-stakeholders. Then, the 2-tuple linguistic representation model is used to deal with the decision maker's fuzzy preference. Next, the comprehensive attribute weights are calculated and the alternatives are prioritized. A case study for mining method selection in a gold mine in Shandong Province, China, is presented to verify the validity of the proposed method. This method considers not only the coordination between mineral resource exploitation and ecological environment protection but also the conflicting views of stakeholders. The proposed method is a useful tool for the assessment and selection of development schemes involving multiple stakeholders.

THE DEATH AND PUBLIC REHABILITATION OF APOLLINARIS THE ELDER: INTERTEXTUALITY WITH LUCAN IN SIDONIUS APOLLINARIS, EPIST. 3.12

Abstract Sidonius Apollinaris’ Epist. 3.12 tells how one day, while leaving Lyons, he caught a couple of gravediggers about to violate his grandfather Apollinaris’ grave, which had become unrecognizable over time. He instructs the addressee, his nephew Secundus, to restore the tomb mound and provide it with a stone for which he attaches the text. Whereas this letter is usually interpreted as a piece of self-promotion by the author for his filial piety and expert storytelling, this article suggests that there is a significant subtext to be found in Lucan's Pharsalia which makes the letter first and foremost a rehabilitation of Apollinaris while strongly suggesting that the latter was executed. There follow some rather more tentative thoughts trying to grasp the precise critical moment in time for this rehabilitation. It is argued that this could be Sidonius’ departure for Clermont, in 469/470 to take on the episcopate, after his term as City Prefect of Rome and a stay in Lyons with Bishop Patiens. The letter is aimed at bolstering family cohesion in the conflict of interests between Auvergne and Provence and at securing Sidonius’ position as incumbent bishop.

Strategic Public Relations Communication in Higher Education: The Case of Raden Fatah State Islamic University Palembang

This study examines Raden Fatah State Islamic University Palembang's public relations (PR) communication strategies in establishing relationships with press agencies. The research highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by the university's PR department in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Utilizing a qualitative approach and case study methodology, the study explores the university's cooperative efforts with mass media outlets, focusing on internal and external stakeholders. Key findings indicate that effective PR strategies involve strategic communication, media engagement, and proactive crisis management. The study also identifies inhibiting factors, such as interest conflicts and coordination issues, alongside supportive factors like robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and collaborative media partnerships. These insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the PR practices at Raden Fatah State Islamic University and offer actionable recommendations for enhancing institutional communication strategies.