International Standards Research Articles

A Study on E-Commerce and Consumer Protection in India Along with International Standards

This study examines the existing legislative framework in India that safeguards the interests of online customers in light of the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector and its impact on consumer preferences for online shopping. Electronic commerce platforms allow for Internet-enabled trade in unprecedented ways. One of the main drivers underlying e-commerce growth is the rise in the number of individuals using the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a platform to trade.. This article analyses the present trends in consumer law in e-commerce in India and the challenges faced in protecting the consumers in the virtual online space..Important conclusions include the following: cash on delivery is the preferred method of payment for online purchases; website content and efficient customer support services foster consumer confidence; and safe and dependable systems are critical to the success of e-business firms.. In addition to elements like website information, customer service, warranty, security, privacy, and redressal, laws protecting consumer rights in e-commerce also have an impact on consumers' confidence. Expanding e-commerce appears to be promising given the strong legal framework and consumer protection policies in place. The findings add to the body of knowledge on e-commerce and the protection of consumer rights by clarifying the critical elements influencing customer loyalty and trust as well as providing an insightful viewpoint on e-consumer protection in the Indian context with wider implications.

Effects of Radiation Dose of Photon and Electron Beam Energies and Angles in Radiation Therapy

This study explores the effects of varying radiation beam energy levels and angles on the doses administered to adjacent healthy tissues and tumors during cancer treatment. While electron beams are best suited for superficial tumors because of their shallow penetration depth, photon beams produced by linear accelerators are useful for deep-seated tumors. Radiation doses were measured at different angles with 6 MV and 15 MV photon beams at 0° and 60° and with 6 MeV, 12 MeV, and 15 MeV electron beams at 0° and 15°. The findings demonstrate that larger angles and higher energy produce higher doses at different positions in photon therapy. Energy levels in electron therapy have a greater effect on dose distribution than angles. Our linear regression model analysis found that energy level angles and dose measurements in photon therapy strongly correlate with high R2 scores (above 0.8). Substantial and inconsistent correlations were observed with electron therapy. Despite these variations, a positive correlation was seen between various dose measurements for both treatments. These results emphasize the significance of choosing the right angles and energy levels to maximize treatment efficacy and minimize harm to healthy tissues. The use of these treatment protocols in clinical settings is supported by comparing our results with international standards which guarantee safety and efficacy.

Rapid assessment of pre-service midwifery education in conflict settings: findings from a cross-sectional study in Nigeria and Somalia

BackgroundThere is a dearth of evidence on the scale, scope and quality of midwifery education programs in conflict-affected settings. This study sought to assess the extent to which midwifery pre-service education programs meet national and global standards, and to explore how conflict affects pre-service midwifery education in Yobe State Nigeria and the Benadir and Galgaduud regions of Somalia.MethodsA rapid assessment of midwifery education programs was conducted in the two midwifery education programs in Yobe State, Nigeria and in seven purposively selected programs in Somalia using an adaptation of the Midwifery Education Rapid Assessment Tool. Information was collected through interviews with program leadership, teachers, students, and clinical preceptors during school and clinical practice site visits. Researchers adapted the tool to reflect national and international standards, incorporating supplementary questions to capture considerations specific to conflict-affected contexts. Data were analyzed by program and country using Stata and Excel.ResultsIn Nigeria, each school met 17 and 18 standards, respectively, out of 22 across assessment domains (77.3%–81.8%). In contrast, in Somalia, schools met between 6 and 10 standards out of the 18 standards for which data were available (33.3%–55.6%). The biggest gaps in Somalia were in leadership, infrastructure and resources. No schools in either setting had sufficient space or clinical practice sites that met International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) criteria, and only two were led by midwives. In Nigeria, all infrastructure, curriculum and student- and regulatory-related standards examined were met, but gaps were identified in program staffing and preceptor capacity, and support for faculty and clinical practice sites. In both countries, none of the programs met the average number of clinical practice experiences stipulated in the ICM guidelines due to a lack of teaching hospitals. Students in both countries felt safe on campus but did not feel safe traveling to and from the schools and clinical practice sites.ConclusionsMore investment in midwifery education is needed to ensure international standards for quality education are met. Proactive measures are needed to enhance student safety between school and practice settings in conflict-affected settings. By addressing these gaps, we can strive toward improving midwifery education.

Expanding Export Markets for Vietnamese Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is one of the main fruits of Vietnam, bringing high economic value and contributing significantly to agricultural export turnover. However, Vietnam's dragon fruit exports are facing many challenges. The decline in demand from China due to the country's increased domestic production, combined with technical barriers and strict phytosanitary requirements from major markets, has reduced export turnover. The lack of solidity in production linkages and limitations in post-harvest preservation technology are also weaknesses that need to be overcome. In this context, the study proposes many solutions to expand export markets. Solutions focus on improving product quality, complying with international standards, investing in preservation and deep processing technology, promoting product marketing to new markets, as well as taking advantage of free trade agreements to reduce costs and improve export efficiency.

The impact of gestational age limits on abortion-related outcomes: a synthesis of legal and health evidence

BackgroundGestational age limits (GLs) are common in abortion laws and policies. They restrict when lawful abortion may be accessed by reference to the gestational duration of a pregnancy, in some cases specifying that abortion is a criminal offense after, but not before, the GL. This synthesis of legal and health evidence addresses knowledge gaps on the health and non-health outcomes plausibly related to the effects of GLs on abortion-related outcomes.MethodsThis paper synthesizes the results of a systemic review with the identification and application of relevant international human rights standards. A search strategy was drawn up to capture public health, international human rights law, and policy evidence related to the impacts of GLs. We limited our search to papers published in English since 2010, including quantitative studies (comparative and non-comparative), qualitative and mixed-methods studies, reports, PhD theses, and economic or legal analyses. Only studies that undertook original data collection or analysis were included. Review of treaties, opinions, interpretations, general comments, and special procedures of UN human rights bodies identified relevant human rights standards, which were then synthesized with the extracted data to create a comprehensive evidence synthesis.ResultsGLs do not prevent people from seeking abortion but do operate as a regulatory barrier that can result in people seeking abortion outside of the formal health system or unwillingly continuing pregnancy. In many jurisdictions, they interact with the criminalization of abortion, with significant health and non-health impacts. GLs impact most on people who are least able to access abortion because of later detection of pregnancy, lack of access to abortion provision, and lack of access to the resources required to avail of abortion.ConclusionsAlthough paradigmatic in abortion law, GLs are not based on evidence of either the safety or effectiveness of abortion or the needs and preferences of pregnant people. They produce rights-limiting impacts for pregnant people and, in some cases, result in arbitrary and disproportionate violations of legally protected rights. The persistence of GLs as part of the regulatory framework for abortion provision cannot be said to ensure an enabling environment for quality abortion care.

Diagnosis, screening, and follow-up of patients with familial interstitial lung disease: Results from an international survey

BackgroundAdvances in the field of genetics of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) have led to the recent consensus statements made by expert groups. International standards for genetic testing in ILD have not yet been established. We aimed to examine current real-world strategies employed by pulmonologists working with familial ILD.MethodsA panel of pulmonologists with expertise in ILD developed an international survey aimed at clinicians working with ILD. The survey consisted of 74 questions divided into eight topics: characteristics of respondents, diagnosis, screening of first-degree relatives, screening tools, genetic testing methods, lung transplantation, ethical concerns, and future needs.ResultsOverall, 237 pulmonologists from 50 countries participated. A family history of ILD was asked for by 91% of respondents while fewer asked for symptoms related to telomere disorders. Respondents stated that 59% had access to genetic testing, and 30% to a genetic multidisciplinary team (MDT). Many respondents were unaware of specific genetic testing methods. Pathogenic genetic variants were seen as a potential contraindication for lung transplantation in 6–8% of respondents. Genetic screening of relatives was supported by 80% of respondents who indicated insufficient evidence and a lack of formal guidelines for genetics and ILD. Only 16% had a standardized program.ConclusionMost pulmonologists ask for a family history of ILD and recommend genetic testing for ILD and screening in relatives but have limited knowledge of specific tests and access to genetic MDT. Evidence-based guidelines to inform patients, relatives, and physicians are still warranted.

Assessment of Occupational Radiation Exposure Among Various Medical Professions in Interventional Cardiology: A Five-Year Study (2018-2022)

Background: Occupational radiation exposure in medical settings is a growing concern, especially in interventional cardiology. This study aims to assess the occupational radiation exposure among medical personnel in interventional cardiology from 2018 to 2022. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the annual mean effective doses (AMED) and the average over a five-year period (MED-5y) among various medical professionals, including anesthesiologists, cardiologists, nurses, radiologists, and radiologic technologists. The effective doses were estimated using thermoluminescent dosimeters and analyzed to compute the AMED and MED-5y. Statistical significance was determined using T-tests and ANOVA, with subsequent Tukey Post-Hoc Tests for specific group comparisons. Results: The AMED varied significantly among professions, with cardiologists experiencing the highest exposure (3.469 ± 7.81 mSv in 2022). An overall increase in AMED doses was observed from 2018 to 2022. The results of the T-Test showed a significant difference in the radiation exposure across the years under study (p < .001). The MED-5y were anesthesiologists (0.62 ± 0.30), cardiologists (3.23 ± 7.37), nurses (1.17 ± 0.56), radiologic technologists (1.13 ± 0.38), and radiologists (0.86 ± 0.26). The study also found significant differences in MED-5y across professions (F = 14.8, p < .001). Gender-based analysis indicated significant differences in MED-5y, particularly among nurses and radiologists. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the annual effective dose received by anesthesiologists, cardiologists, nurses, radiologists, and radiologic technologists was below the recommended occupational dose limit of 20 mSv per year, as stipulated by both national and international standards.

Bridging the Digital Gap: A Quantitative Study on ICT Integration in Antiguan Secondary Schools

In this article, specific quantitative findings from a mixed-methods study that examined the leadership strategies Antiguan school principals employed to integrate technology into the curriculum are examined. The goal was to provide a critical analysis of the impact of ICT integration in Antiguan Secondary Schools from the perspectives of teachers and students. This study was anchored by the International Standards for Technology in Education (ISTE), as well as the TPACK theoretical frameworks. In order to gather data about participants perceptions of the impact of integrating technology into the curriculum, online questionnaires were administered via Google Forms to educators (N=163) from nine secondary schools, as well as to students (N=256) in Forms 4 and 5. The quantitative data were then subjected to descriptive analyses, independent Samples T-Tests, and One-Way ANOVAs using SPSS 26. The quantitative data analyses highlighted findings that included significant T-Tests related to ICT training and perception of the value of technology among teachers, as well as positive correlations related to higher levels of principal’s involvement and support of ICT integration. To make ICT integration smoother, schools should invest in both pre-service and in-service training for teachers and principals. Additionally, having an up-to-date technology use policy can provide clear guidance for everyone.

EU PNR Directive: A Comprehensive Review and Its Implications for China

Following the 9/11 attacks, countries around the world increased their focus on aviation security. Although the EU had already implemented high-standard data protection regulations in 1995 to safeguard passengers’ rights, the extensive collection of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data for aviation security purposes raised concerns about privacy violations and discrimination, exacerbating the conflict between security measures and privacy protection. This paper uses a historical analysis to explore how the EU addressed the challenge of balancing aviation security and passenger rights. It shows that bilateral agreements on the protection of PNR data were insufficient, and that a dual-track legislative approach eventually emerged as the most effective solution. Furthermore, by applying the principle of proportionality, the paper assesses the effectiveness of the EU PNR Directive. It examines whether the EU PNR Directive’s objectives are clear, whether the data categories are welldefined, and whether the retention period is reasonable. This evaluation seeks to determine if the EU PNR Directive strikes an appropriate balance between respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms while ensuring aviation security. Finally, through a comparative analysis, the paper argues that despite the differing legal and social contexts between China and the EU, the EU PNR Directive provides a functional and adaptable framework for China to balance aviation security with privacy concerns, in compliance with international standards.

Innovations in primary healthcare in Slovenia 2011-2020: Exploring the stepwise process behind effective implementation.

Countries worldwide seek to strengthen their primary healthcare systems often through introducing health promotion and disease prevention, multidisciplinary teams, group practices and community approaches to advance universal health coverage. These strategies are underpinned by scientific evidence and international standards. Slovenia's primary healthcare system reflects many of these features, with universally accessible, multidisciplinary, and integrated health services, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and equity. Municipal primary healthcare centres serve as hubs within local communities. Slovenia's efforts to strengthen the delivery model are continuous and follow a controlled stepwise implementation process. This approach has strong policy support and organizational and implementation capacities. This paper describes Slovenia's primary healthcare model and three innovations between 2011 and 2020: (1) family medicine model practices, (2) health promotion centres, and (3) mental health centres. These innovations are used both to showcase the efforts of Slovenia to enhance primary healthcare and as a lens to explore Slovenia's established primary healthcare innovation implementation approach. The three innovations have had a positive impact on health outcomes in the short- to medium-term, but mixed health system and implementation outcomes. Slovenia's experience can inspire other countries looking to sustainably integrate primary healthcare fully or effectively introduce single innovations in their primary healthcare systems.

Enhancing integrated English course teaching: A strategy for achieving international standards

Myriad of studies have shown that Content-Based Instruction (CBI) has become a widespread approach in EFL settings, particularly in developing students ‘writing and speaking skills since these productive skills need more efforts and persistence. Some considerable strategies have been applied in adopting Content-Based Instruction (CBI) in today's language classrooms. Teachers may apply this approach by asking students to work in groups and ask them to discuss text on selected topics, activate their prior knowledge, and then report the results by restating what they have read in both written and oral performance. These activities could be extended by providing tasks demonstrating students ‘lexical, syntactic, morphological and grammatical knowledge as well. In the workshop, presenters are going to demonstrate how content-based approaches may increase students' motivation, content-knowledge, and independent thinking as well. It is hoped that by applying these approaches, students may develop strategies for collecting, synthesizing, and interpreting new information as this promote students' autonomy as one of the significant principles to meet international standards of language learning.

Sovereign Immunity as an Obstacle to Enforcement: The Luxembourg Approach

The article examines the complex interplay between sovereign immunity and the enforcement of arbitral awards, particularly in Luxembourg. It highlights the distinction between immunity from jurisdiction and execution, as well as their implications for enforcement. Luxembourg courts adopt a restrictive approach to sovereign immunity from jurisdiction and execution. Through and analysis of key international conventions like the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (the 'ICSID' Convention) and New York Conventions, alongside Luxembourg’s procedural rules, their complementary roles in enforcement processes is emphasized. It is furthermore explained that the exequatur procedure – meaning the recognition of an arbitral award as legally binding – is separate from execution, which in turn involves seizing the debtor’s assets. Luxembourg’s judiciary aligns with international standards, ensuring state assets used for sovereign purposes remain protected, while commercial assets may be subject to enforcement. Case law is explored to demonstrate Luxembourg’s pro-arbitration stance, including the conditions under which waivers of immunity are recognized. The article concludes that Luxembourg strikes a balance between upholding sovereign immunity and facilitating enforcement, positioning itself as a reliable forum for arbitration, while safeguarding state sovereignty and creditors’ rights within a stable legal framework.

Measurement of Convexity Characteristics: A Transdisciplinary Consensus Conference.

While convex skin barriers have been used in patient care for decades, regulatory bodies and manufacturers have not established consistent parameters for measuring the most essential characteristics of a convex skin barrier. A transdisciplinary panel of manufacturers, engineers, marketing specialists and clinical subject matter experts from the United States was convened to address this gap. An initial consensus meeting was held to establish consensus around measurement parameters for 5 characteristics of convex skin barriers: depth, slope, flexibility, compressibility, and tension location. Consensus around 3 characteristics (depth, slope, and tension location) was achieved. In contrast, while multiple possible techniques for establishing measurement parameters for the remaining 2 characteristics (flexibility and compressibility) were discussed, final consensus for standardized measurement parameters was not achieved. The proceedings of this initial and novel approach to achieving consensus on measurement parameters for essential convexity characteristics lay the groundwork for development of international clinical practice standards on convex ostomy products. These standards aim to ensure predictable outcomes for persons with ostomies who use these products.

Historical trend of ecological risk caused by copper sediment in Quintero Bay, Chile, associated with a copper smelter and refinery.

The Ventanas copper smelter began its activities in Quintero Bay in 1960, and it is estimated that it has released around 152 tons of copper per year into the waters of the bay since then. The increasing copper concentrations in the sediments exceed international standards and pose a potential danger for marine fauna. The object of this work carries out a present and historical ecological risk assessment of copper concentrations in the marine sediment of Quintero Bay. Copper concentration profiles in sediments from the bay were studied to compare present concentration data with a chronological estimate obtained using the 210Pb excess activity age model. A protective value of HC5 of 338mgkg-1 and a PNEC of 33.8mgkg-1 were estimated. The results showed a background concentration before 1964 with no ecological risk (30.3mgkg-1; RQ<1); subsequently, the concentration was found to increase from 45.2mgkg-1 in 1964 to a maximum of 85.4mgkg-1 in 1990, with RQ values between 1.3 and 2.5. Concentrations in sediments over the period 1997-2022 presented maximum values between 70 and 283.6mgkg-1. The ecological risk characterization showed that all sites presented a risk to biodiversity (RQ>1), with a probability of occurrence of 0.44-77.56%. This research highlights the need to develop quality standards that consider the sensitivity of local species, and to use the ecological risk assessment methodology to support business management and reduce the environmental impact in industrial areas such as Quintero.

International standardisation of the monocyte monolayer assay: utility of monoclonal antibodies for a quality assurance program

International standardisation of the monocyte monolayer assay: utility of monoclonal antibodies for a quality assurance program

Application and Recent Trends of Biotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture: A Brief Review

Biotechnology has emerged as one of the key tools in crop improvement and molecular breeding programmes. CRISPR, plant tissue culture, molecular breeding, transgenic development, marker assisted selection (MAS), and animal cloning are regarded as key methods in biotechnology. Over the last two decades this technology has abetted in improved quality, yield, tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stress; and plays a pivotal role in introduction of several new features in crop development programmes. In agricultural sector, it has multifarious applications in crop improvement, fisheries and in livestock enhancement. The introduction of GM and biofortified Crops has proved to be noteworthy in overall crop development programme. Biotechnology in agriculture not only has boosted farmer income in both developed and developing countries but also played a remarkable role in agricultural sustainability. To improve farmers' lifestyles and the status of agriculture while preserving international standards of food quality and nutritional value, it is essential to promote the use of biotechnology in agriculture and related fields. The article opens by defining sustainability and emphasizing the critical role of biotechnology in different fields in attainment of sustainable agriculture.

Content Analysis of Food and Beverage Advertisements on TV, Radio, and Billboards in Iran.

Food advertising may influence food preferences and consumption. Due to these advertisements' role in health, the present study has updated the data available on television and radio food advertisements in Iran until 2020. Meanwhile, food advertisements on billboards have been analyzed for the first time. All programs broadcast on two TV and radio channels were downloaded and saved 24 h daily for one week (November 10-16th, 2020). Also, on November 15th billboards located on the busy highways of Tehran were photographed. Validated protocols analyzed the advertisements. A total of 6026 advertisements were analyzed, including 4287 on TV, 1545 on radio, and 194 on billboards. The total duration of TV and radio advertising was 48.6 h. Food products were the most displayed advertisements on TV, radio, and billboards (33.6%). Overall, "condiments" and "desserts" were the most frequently advertised food products among all the studied media (20% and 17%, respectively). The most common advertising appeal included "High quality" on TV and billboards and "Stimulation of profiteering and profit-seeking" on the radio. Advertising violation based on Iran's regulations, Nutrient profile model for the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages to children in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, and International Network for Food and Obesity / Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Research Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) was reported to be 13%, 74%, and 51%, respectively. Food products ranked the highest among all the advertisements. A clear violation of domestic and international advertising regulations was observed which given the high share of food advertising in the studied media, could endanger public health. This study supports the need for stricter regulations and adherence to international standards to improve nutritional status.

Critical Review of the Application of the Principal International Standards and Guidelines on Indoor Microclimates for the Preventive Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Assessments of indoor microclimates are the first act of preventive conservation of cultural heritage. Interest in this subject has led to the development of an increasing number of standards and guidelines. This critical review examines the application of the main standards and guidelines for indoor microclimates for the preventive conservation of cultural heritage and proposes their synthesis in a common framework. In this manner, this study tries to shed light on their coordination and to propose guidance for better understanding and application. Generally speaking, there are two kinds of guidelines: the first is based on the fixed values of specific parameters, used as limits for the best preservation of the various materials, whereas the second identifies the historical microclimate specific to the environment as the reference for appropriate preservation, especially in the case of organic and hygroscopic materials. After analysing different standards and guidelines, the various parameters and calculation methods are discussed and summarised in a table for a synoptic comparison.

The Human Right to Enforcement: A Critical Analysis of Strasbourg’s Case-Law on Unenforced Arbitral Awards

The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly held that the refusal of a Member State court to recognize and enforce an arbitral award may violate the award-holder’s property rights under Article 1 of Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights. This contribution discusses the Court's growing case-law on unenforced awards. It argues that the framework developed by the Court in this context should be better aligned with the international standards governing the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards, and that the Court’s review should focus on whether a Member State court’s decision to annul an award or refuse its enforcement complied with such standards. Under Article 1 of Protocol 1, the Court might make this assessment without the deference that it normally extends to domestic courts when evaluating their interpretation and application of domestic or international law.

Optimizing Quality Assurance in Naval Hospitals: A Qualitative Study by Comprehensive Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat Analysis

Abstract Introduction: Quality assurance (QA) in healthcare is the degree to which healthcare services increase the likelihood of desired outcomes and are consistent with the current professional knowledge. It is a panacea to achieve higher levels of patient safety and satisfaction. This study aims to do a situational analysis of the current QA mechanism in naval hospitals through a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) analysis. Methods: The study is a qualitative study where data were collected by in-depth interviews and focused group discussions as well as by review of reports. The data were processed using transcription and anonymized to maintain the data security and integrity. Further, it was iterated and triangulated to establish credibility and reliability. Number and relevant events were analyzed to arrive at inferences. Based on these themes and inferences, a situational analysis of QA mechanisms in naval hospitals by SWOT method was done by the authors. Ethical consent was obtained from the institutional ethical committee. Results: National QA Standards (NQAS) developed by the National Health Systems Resource Centre, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is a comprehensive and objective QA tool. QA by modified NQAS tool has also been rolled out systematically in the naval hospitals over the past 1 year. The strengths identified with respect to the adoption of NQAS are improved patient safety and satisfaction, objective assessment to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance, ensure benchmarking against international standards, aid in comparison of hospitals, build accountability, and ensure trust among stakeholders. The weakness in the implementation of NQAS is the lengthy assessment process, implementation cost for training and infrastructure upgradation, biased internal audits, lack of felt need among users, and resistance to change. The strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. Conclusion: By leveraging the strengths, addressing existing weaknesses, capitalizing on opportunities, and mitigating threats, naval hospitals can significantly enhance their QA mechanisms. Thus, the adoption of a continuous improvement process by NQAS implementation is crucial in advancing healthcare quality. Spreading awareness to generate the felt need, emphasizing proactive training, focusing on patient satisfaction surveys, and incentivizing the process will ensure robust implementation. Through these measures, naval hospitals can maintain excellence in healthcare delivery and readiness to meet future challenges.