Key Experts Research Articles

Strategic analysis of startup ecosystem in Iran’s agricultural sector

This study aimed to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) encountered by the Iranian agriculture startups ecosystem. The study was performed in two steps. In the first step, a list of SWOT of the agricultural startups ecosystem was identified via interviews with 15 key experts. In the second step, each of the points was ranked in the form of a structured questionnaire through a 5-point Likert scale by 50 agricultural startups actors. The findings showed that the position of the Iranian agricultural startup ecosystem is in the defensive zone. Five key strategies were identified and prioritized using the QSPM method to exit this area and improve the ecosystem situation. The proposed action plans related to the five strategies can be used as a practical guide for policy makers in agricultural startups to improve the existing ecosystem. The results could cover the lack of a comprehensive scientific and empirical study of startup ecosystem analysis, with a focus on the agricultural context, and provide a basis for further studies in this area.

DECIDE: Delphi Expert Consensus Statement on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Dysplasia Shared Management Decision-Making.

Inflammatory bowel disease colitis-associated dysplasia is managed with either enhanced surveillance and endoscopic resection or prophylactic surgery. The rate of progression to cancer after a dysplasia diagnosis remains uncertain in many cases and patients have high thresholds for accepting proctocolectomy. Individualised discussion of management options is encouraged to take place between patients and their multidisciplinary teams for best outcomes. We aimed to develop a toolkit to support a structured, multidisciplinary and shared decision-making approach to discussions about dysplasia management options between clinicians and their patients. Evidence from systematic literature reviews, mixed-methods studies conducted with key stakeholders, and decision-making expert recommendations were consolidated to draft consensus statements by the DECIDE steering group. These were then subjected to an international, multidisciplinary modified electronic Delphi process until an a priori threshold of 80% agreement was achieved to establish consensus for each statement. In all, 31 members [15 gastroenterologists, 14 colorectal surgeons and two nurse specialists] from nine countries formed the Delphi panel. We present the 18 consensus statements generated after two iterative rounds of anonymous voting. By consolidating evidence for best practice using literature review and key stakeholder and decision-making expert consultation, we have developed international consensus recommendations to support health care professionals counselling patients on the management of high cancer risk colitis-associated dysplasia. The final toolkit includes clinician and patient decision aids to facilitate shared decision-making.

Intercultural Competences in Chilean Dental Education for Inclusive Healthcare

Cultural diversity in Chile and inequities in access and quality of care require the development of cultural competencies in health professionals. Internationally, cultural competence has been integrated into the curricula of health professional programs; however, in Chile it is still in its early stages. A mixed methodology included documentary review (searches and analysis in databases and official documents), key informant interviews and expert consensus. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was carried out using ATLAS.ti software. The documentary review identified domains, objectives and instruments used to measure cultural competence in dentistry. The interviews revealed four main categories: conceptions of health, facilitators and barriers, and characteristics of health professionals. Experts developed, evaluated and agreed upon content and learning outcomes. Including cultural competence in dental curricula is essential for more inclusive and culturally safe health care. Its longitudinal integration into various courses, employing effective teaching and assessment methodologies, is recommended. The results of this study provide a guide to identifying the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to train health professionals who ultimately deliver appropriate health care with cultural pertinence.

SHARIAH-COMPLIANT STOCKS: HARMONIZING INDEX INSTITUTION SCREENING METHODOLOGIES

The purpose of this study is to uncover an acceptable screening method used by index institutions to reduce the gaps inthe Shariah-compliant status of stock.The initial concepts are based on academic literature and followed by interview sessions of nine key experts recognized in the field of Shariah-compliant stocks as respondents.The results of this study have yielded some notable findings. Fund managers who are aware that the investors who appoint them are very much in favor of Shariah-compliant securities will certainly use methods that suit their investors' appetite. Shariah advisers have also concurred that the differences between the global index institution's screening methods are not significant and the differences found are not related to Shariah requirements.Studies on the methodology of such Shariah-compliant stock screenings are important and have a great impact on ensuring the continued viability of Islamic financial developments so that they are not frustrated by the issue of non-uniformity of Shariah-compliant stock screening methods. In Malaysia, the stock screening method is performed by the Shariah Advisory Council of the Securities Commission of Malaysia (SACSC), while in the global market, there are several index institutions such as the Dow Jones Islamic Indexes (DJII), FTSE Shariah Global Equity Index Series (FTSE) and MSCI Islamic Index Series (MSCI), which also have their own Shariah-compliant stock screening method.

A Critical Review of Developers’ Decision Criteria for Brownfield Regeneration: Development of the BRIC Index

The complexity of processes and constraints associated with redevelopment of brownfield lands calls for provision of relevant, adequate, sufficient, up-to-date, and easily accessible information on brownfield lands to enable developers make an informed decision when navigating the hurdles of brownfield redevelopment. Furthermore, the various obstacles and barriers that developers encounter during decision making for brownfield redevelopment has continued to contribute to the limited uptake of brownfield lands in England by developers for redevelopment and regeneration. This study was conducted to explore the factors that developers consider when redeveloping brownfield lands and to present a decision criterion that will support brownfield site selection and subsequent regeneration. A mixed methodology using qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted to investigate the factors, criteria, and information that developers consider when making decisions for brownfield redevelopment. Data collection was carried out using a literature review and interviews with brownfield experts. Using a purposeful sampling approach, a total of 11 brownfield stakeholders, which cut across key experts involved in brownfield redevelopment within the Black Country region of England, was interviewed. Each expert interviewed holds a stakeholder critical role in regulatory organisations and construction industry organisations, including local authorities, geo-environmental organisations, land remediators and consultants, housing developers, etc. A comparative analysis of evidence obtained from developer interview responses, the literature review, and the brownfield register showed that 57% of factors, criteria, and information such as cost/capital expenses, funding, contamination level, infrastructure, water risk, neighbours, connectivity (digital, energy networks/grid), and access and transport, which developers require for decision making relating to redevelopment of brownfield sites, are not available on a standard local authority’s brownfield land register. To address the identified information gaps, this study developed “The BRIC Index”, a decision-making tool that incorporates a GIS-based system to facilitate screening of brownfield sites based on specified criteria and to help identify risks, contamination, and remediation costs of brownfield development. The effectiveness of the BRIC Index was validated through successful usage for site selection by various SMEs in the Black Country.

Adaptation of a model for integration of interventions for alcohol use disorders in primary health care in Tanzania

BackgroundIntegrating evidence-based interventions for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) into primary healthcare (PHC) can increase access to care and reduce morbidity, mortality, and population burden. However, for the integration to be feasible, acceptable, and sustainable, there is a need to contextualize the approach and involve stakeholders. Therefore, this study aimed to use participatory methods to adapt a model for integrating AUD interventions in Tanzania’s PHC system at the community, facility, and organizational levels.MethodsA mixed-methods study was used. Participants include key mental health stakeholders, experts, and PHC providers. We conducted a situational analysis to investigate opportunities and constraints in the existing systems of care, utilizing data available from the routine collection and/or in the public domain, individual semi-structured interviews (n = 11), and focus group discussions (3 groups; total n = 26 participants) and a series of theory of change (ToC) workshops (n = 32). Data from the three methods were triangulated to develop the adapted model for integrating interventions for AUD in PHC.ResultsA situational appraisal revealed limited community, facility, and organizational resources and infrastructures for supporting services delivery of integrated AUD interventions. Also, shortage of health workforce, inadequate health management information systems, and limited medical supply and financing. Nevertheless, the theory of change proposed integrated AUD intervention packages and strategies to facilitate integrated care for people with AUD. Additionally, the barriers and facilitators for implementing these integrated AUD interventions and how to overcome them were explored.ConclusionsThe adapted model for the integrated AUD intervention in Tanzanian PHC revealed limited resources and system functioning for facilitating integrated AUD services. Nevertheless, it proposes the needed integrated AUD interventions and its barriers, facilitators, and strategies for overcoming them. There is a need to pilot the adapted model to inform plans for more comprehensive implementation or scaling up.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Restaurant: Recommendations Based on an Expert Interview

This study examines how the impact of the coronavirus spread on business operations in the restaurant business varies depending on the level of restaurants adaptability to the challenges encountered during the pandemic, using three dimensions (analysis of consumer demand problems, optimization of corporate strategy and use of the company’s innovative potential). Through in-depth interviews with eight key food service industry experts in St. Petersburg, Russia, this study describes and fleshes out the rapidly transforming challenge of identifying major market changes in the restaurant business during the pandemic. The analysis showed that chain restaurants with sufficient resources to deal with employee turnover, technology development, brand building and customer loyalty are more resilient to the challenges resulting from the impact of the coronavirus spread than similar food service companies. While the presence of serious problems associated with consumer demand, the optimization of the offered dishes format and service had a significant impact on the relationship between the impact of the coronavirus spread and the inability to adapt to the new reality of doing business. The results of the research can be useful for entrepreneurs and managers of chain restaurants who develop marketing strategies to establish or adjust management decisions to adapt catering companies during a pandemic.

FUTURE SCENARIOS FOR TOURISM PROGRAMS OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BUGA AND ITS AREA OF INFLUENCE HORIZON 2021-2030

This research presents an analysis of the strategic prospective of the tourism academic training programs in higher education institutions in the municipality of Guadalajara de Buga and its area of ​​influence: El Cerrito, Ginebra, Guacarí, Restrepo, San Pedro, Yotoco and Calima Darién, (Government of Valle del Cauca., 2016). The objective of this study revolves around two axes: 1. Identify the possible and probable future scenarios of the tourist programs offered by higher education institutions in Guadalajara de Buga and its area of ​​influence; 2. From the identified scenarios, the bet scenario is defined to which the educational institutions that offer the tourist programs should be directed. According to the opinion of experts and key actors, the policies and strategies for the improvement oriented to the development and competitiveness of comprehensive academic training for professional training in tourism are determined by public and private institutions of higher education in Guadalajara de Buga and its area of ​​influence, seeking to generate a positive impact on the environment of the central region of the Valley and enriching its development for its insertion in an international context. This study applies the methodology proposed in "the toolbox of strategic foresight" and involves other methods such as analysis of importance and governance, as well as elements of sectoral analysis. This research was carried out in two phases: diagnostic and prospective. In the diagnosis, a documentary analysis was carried out, consultation with key actors and experts; Tools such as brainstorming, Regnier's Abacus, structural analysis were applied, and for the design of the scenarios the detailed analysis of the results was used in order to propose the exploratory scenarios and from these propose the bet scenario.

Water well drilling: tips and key points to consider in water well design

Thousands of water wells are drilled every day to abstract groundwater for a range of purposes. These wells are frequently sited and designed without adequate knowledge of the local hydrogeology and the targeted aquifer. Unfortunately, uninformed well siting and design is a common practice not only in Europe but also in many developing countries. The practice can not only jeopardize basic well function but also lead to a number of widely cited consequences to the environment, such as, undesired aquifer water mixing, hazardous soil subsidence, and the drying up of surface water bodies or springs. This brief paper highlights the key groundwater investigation procedures for more informed well siting and design to help mitigate against undesired environmental consequences. The subject has been discussed in recent literature, however this paper contributes practical insight based on the author’s real-world experience that may be valuable to the practitioner. The paper describes important procedures which should always be part of any water well project, regardless how much water is to be extracted. The paper addresses three issues critical to siting and designing wells: 1) the need for preliminary investigations and potential environmental impacts 2) the key experts that should be involved in these investigations; and 3) the core tasks of the hydrogeologist. Explanatory figures and references are given.

Problematisation of Parental Alcohol Abuse Related Harm to Children: The Results of Professionals’ Response

Problematisations as taken-for-granted “truths” practices making it crucial to look at them critically and to draw attention to any potentially harmful consequences they may have. The main aim of this article is to examine how the issue of parental alcohol’s harm to children is problematised in the child protection and support processes in Lithuania. Data from 20 semi-structured interviews with key child welfare and protection experts were analysed using Bacchi’s problematisation approach strategy. Professionals think that parental intoxication is damaging to children, and because of the issues they perceive, most of their work is focused on measures to enhance parental behaviour. This approach to the problem distances professionals from the harm that children are experiencing. It is typical to remove children from intoxicated parents and re-unite them once the parents sober up. Professionals rely on their own moral principles and ideals, particularly the desire to maintain “family unity”. Long-term harm develops when children who need support are undervalued and neglected. Because child welfare practices focus on a small portion of the problems, the harm to the children’s personalities and development is not adequately addressed. Analyses showed that the problematisation of parental alcohol abuse-related harm to children by professionals impacts the presumed result, which is that children are the “visible but unprotected victims”. The professional field of problematisation of alcohol’s harm to children brought on by parental alcohol misuse must consider crucial elements such as understanding childhood trauma and its long-term effects on child development, knowing how to respond to it when it occurs, and understanding how to avoid harmful long-term consequences.

How do courts contribute to policy integration? A comparative study of policy integration processes in Colombia, Ecuador, and Guatemala.

With Supreme and Constitutionalcourts or tribunalsplaying an increasingly significant role in shaping extractive policies in Latin America, scholars should turn their attention to the impacts of judicial decisions on policy processes. This phenomenon is of considerable interest to scholars of policy integration, as constitutional interpretations by the courts have the potential to reframe policy issues and address the effects of policy fragmentation. In this paper,we investigate the influence of high courts onthe creationof integrative spaces that seek to convey a commitment to guaranteeing constitutional rights. Our study focuses on Colombia, Ecuador, and Guatemalawhere we analyze the role of high courts in initiating policy integration processes. First, it contributes to the processual approach to policy integration by highlighting the role of thecourts in initiating policy integration processes. In doing so, we depart from the usual focus on integration as a design of governments, instead highlighting howgovernments and other actors react to integration mandates issued by the courts. Furthermore, we contribute to current debates on how high courts enhance the State's responses to social conflicts by protecting constitutional rights, identifying the conditions under which judicial decisions can produce effective policy integration. Our research is based on the analysis of court documents gray literatureandsemi-structured interviews conducted with key informants and country experts. Thefindings underscore the importance of goal compatibility between high courts and dominant actors within policy subsystems, in mobilizing the resources required to form and operate integrative spaces. Applicable enforcement mechanisms and conflict expansion by policy challengers complete the conditions that allow court decisions to produce effective policy integration. Finally,the strategic and contextual nature of actors' engagement in integration processes suggests that policy integration is no panacea for tackling complex issues and improving policy delivery.

Improving Nutrition Security for Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses: A Partnership of Public and Nonprofit Agencies.

In conjunction with multiple partners (state agencies, nonprofits, a university, and key stakeholders and content experts), the authors are implementing and evaluating an intervention intended to enable individuals with serious mental illnesses living in community residences (i.e., group homes) and supportive housing apartments to-with support from residential staff-access, purchase, prepare, and enjoy healthy, local produce. The three-component intervention makes fresh produce more accessible; improves its affordability; and conveys knowledge and skills related to purchasing, preparing, and eating healthy foods, especially vegetables. The intervention is being evaluated in preparation for possible larger-scale implementation and potential dissemination to other populations experiencing nutrition insecurity.

Problems and Solutions of Taxation to Control Unhealthy Goods: A Qualitative Study

Background: Taxes on unhealthy goods, in addition to reducing the consumption of these goods, preventing related diseases, and promoting public health, can provide significant financial resources for the health sector. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the problems and solutions of taxation to control the consumption of unhealthy goods to improve public health. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2021. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were held to collect information. Sampling was performed by purposive and snowball methods with 31 managers and key experts. The data were analyzed using the content analysis method. MAXQDA software (version 12) was used for classification and coding. Results: This study labeled 2 main themes and 10 subthemes. The main themes included problems of controlling unhealthy goods and solutions to controlling unhealthy goods. Poor decision-making, planning, and execution, production-related problems, smuggling and poor supervision, increased consumption of harmful goods, conflicts of interest, and advertisements of unhealthy goods are the most important of these problems. Imposing taxes, duties, and price hikes, providing alternatives, paying attention to all determinants of supply and demand, and taxation on advertising are also solutions to control unhealthy products. Conclusions: The health level of individuals should be improved by imposing taxes on unhealthy goods, determining accurate tax rates, and simultaneously using measures, such as providing alternatives to unhealthy goods and controlling advertisements. Paying serious attention to the list of harmful goods, coordination and cooperation of related organizations in formulating and implementing tax policies, and providing suitable alternatives to harmful products are the practical suggestions of this study.

Territories in Transition: how social contexts influence wildland fire adaptive capacity in rural Northwestern European Mediterranean areas

BackgroundRural and semi-rural areas are complex and dynamic social-ecological systems, many of which have experienced profound impacts from wildland fires, particularly this decade. Under uncertain climate change conditions, these areas require new adaptive strategies to support landscape and community resilience. While these areas vary widely, some patterns of local social context have become apparent through wildland fire research. These patterns can help decision-makers better understand what influences communities’ abilities to adapt to fire. We focused our study on a northwestern European Mediterranean context, where communities are adapting to wildland fire and other climate change impacts through varied programs and policies. This area is composed of diverse landscapes, cultures, histories, languages and governance structures, but it also shares fire-based learning networks and collaborations, providing a sound indicator of shared elements of social context. Our study analyzed local social contexts in rural areas of Spain, Italy and France and assessed how these may inform adaptive capacity to wildland fire. A two-step process achieved this: (1) a targeted literature review of local social context elements as they relate to wildland fire in Mediterranean Europe; and (2) conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 key experts in rural Mediterranean areas, including fire managers, foresters, local administrators and technicians.ResultsResults illustrate numerous shared patterns in rural social contexts that influence local fire adaptive capacity. Dynamic local relationships among residents, local fire knowledge and environmental movements, the role of fire managers and administrators, and embeddedness in broader sociopolitical trends all interconnect to influence local fire adaptive capacity. Some key elements of context can act as primary enablers or barriers to this process, such as the presence (or lack) of local fire knowledge, and the opportunity (or lack thereof) for sustainable local economic development. Results also demonstrate high diversity in terms of governance structures and development trajectories.ConclusionsWe argue the need for deepened empirical transdisciplinary research to connect fire and land management tailored to local characteristics. Centering these local perspectives and diverse cultural values is necessary to foster long term adaptive wildland fire management strategies in rural Mediterranean communities and globally.

Ketamine as advanced second-line treatment in benzodiazepine-refractory convulsive status epilepticus in children.

Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most common neurological emergencies in children. To date, there is no definitive evidence to guide treatment of SE refractory to benzodiazepines. The main objectives of treatment protocols are to expedite therapeutic decisions and to use fast- and short-acting medications without significant adverse effects. Protocols differ among institutions, and most frequently valproate, phenytoin, and levetiracetam are used as second-line treatment. After failure of first- and second-line medications, admission to the intensive care unit and continuous infusion of anesthetics are usually indicated. Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist that has been safely used for the treatment of refractory SE in adults and children. In animal models of SE, ketamine demonstrated antiepileptic and neuroprotective properties and synergistic effects with other antiseizure medications. We reviewed the literature to demonstrate the potential role of ketamine as an advanced second-line agent in the treatment of SE. Pharmacological targets, pathophysiology of SE, and the receptor trafficking hypothesis are reviewed and presented. The pharmacology of ketamine is outlined with related properties, advantages, and side effects. We summarize the most recent and relevant publications on experimental and clinical studies on ketamine in SE. Key expert opinion is also reported. Considering the current knowledge on SE pathophysiology, early sequential polytherapy should include ketamine for its wide range of positive assets. Future research and clinical trials on SE pharmacotherapy should focus on the role of ketamine as second-line medication.

Identifying the Needs of Older Adults Associated with Daily Activities: A Qualitative Study

By 2050, older adults will constitute 16% of the world population; hence, there is an urgent demand and challenge to design solutions (products and services) that meet the needs of this age group. This study sought to analyse the needs that impact the well-being of Chilean older adults and present possible solutions through the design of products. A qualitative study was used, where focus groups were held with older adults, industrial designers, health professionals, and entrepreneurs on the needs and design of solutions for older adults. A general map was obtained that linked the categories and subcategories related to the relevant needs and solutions, which were then classified in a framework. The resulting proposal places the needs in different fields of expertise; and thus, enables positioning, broadening, and expanding upon the map to share knowledge, between the user and key experts, to co-create solutions.

Swiss Sepsis National Action Plan: A coordinated national action plan to stop sepsis-related preventable deaths and to improve the support of people affected by sepsis in Switzerland.

Sepsis is a devastating disease which causes yearly over 10 million deaths worldwide. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a resolution prompting member states to improve the prevention, recognition, and management of sepsis. The 2021 European Sepsis Report revealed that-contrary to other European countries-Switzerland had not yet actioned the sepsis resolution. A panel of experts convened at a policy workshop to address how to improve awareness, prevention, and treatment of sepsis in Switzerland. Goal of the workshop was to formulate a set of consensus recommendations toward creating a Swiss Sepsis National Action Plan (SSNAP). In a first part, stakeholders presented existing international sepsis quality improvement programs and national health programs relevant for sepsis. Thereafter, the participants were allocated into three working groups to identify opportunities, barriers, and solutions on (i) prevention and awareness, (ii) early detection and treatment, and (iii) support for sepsis survivors. Finally, the entire panel summarized the findings from the working groups and identified priorities and strategies for the SSNAP. All discussions during the workshop were transcribed into the present document. All workshop participants and key experts reviewed the document. The panel formulated 14 recommendations to address sepsis in Switzerland. These focused on four domains, including (i) raising awareness in the community, (ii) improving healthcare workforce training on sepsis recognition and sepsis management; (iii) establishing standards for rapid detection, treatment and follow-up in sepsis patients across all age groups; and (iv) promoting sepsis research with particular focus on diagnostic and interventional trials. There is urgency to tackle sepsis. Switzerland has a unique opportunity to leverage from lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic to address sepsis as the major infection-related threat to society. This report details consensus recommendations, the rationale thereof, and key discussion points made by the stakeholders on the workshop day. The report presents a coordinated national action plan to prevent, measure, and sustainably reduce the personal, financial and societal burden, death and disability arising from sepsis in Switzerland.

CHANGES IN WOMEN ACCESS TO AND OWNERSHIP OF LAND IN NORTHERN GHANA

Purpose –– The paper sought to investigate some of the advocacy interventions on women’s rights and their impact on the evolution of culture surrounding women’s land rights. Methods –– The research adopted a qualitative approach; using key expert interviews comprising of planners, traditional authorities and land governance experts. The focus group discussions were composed of Twelve groups consisting of Seven to Nine participants in each group. Findings –– The evolution of culture on customary land governance has been as a result of advocacy interventions on human rights implemented mainly by NGOs in the Northern part of Ghana. Conclusion & Recommendation –– The study revealed that there are positive changes in women’s access to and ownership of land even though some challenges still exist. Hence, it is recommended that stakeholders need to equip themselves with the current realities of cultures that border on land ownership and accessibility in Northern Ghana. Keywords –– Land rights, women, customs, development, property commodification

Trend Impact Analysis (TIA) of community-based futures study for pediatric obesity in Iran

BackgroundChildhood obesity has been regarded as one of the main healthcare challenges in the last century, leading to critical health problems and reduced life expectancy. Many factors can play a role in its development or prevention. Using the Trend Impact Analysis (TIA), this study aimed to conduct a community-based futures study for pediatric obesity in Iran.MethodsWe obtained the prevalence of overweight and obesity from the database of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Moreover, we reviewed 21 documents, texts, and comments from three key stakeholders in Iran and prepared a list of key experts, who were stakeholders in the field of obesity prevention of childhood in different organizations. Then, we collected the expert opinions by Delphi method. Data analysis was performed using the Excel and R software.ResultsFourteen experts participated in the first stage and nine experts in the second stage. We identified two positive drivers, including the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the widespread expansion of online educational programs. Meanwhile, we identified five negative drivers as follows: (1) controlling and limiting obesogenic environments in the community, school, and family; (2) running annual compulsory anthropometry programs for students of all educational levels in health centers; (3) integrating nutrition education interventions in the curricula of all educational levels; (4) taxation of unhealthy and fast foods; and (5) preparing safe and appropriate sports environments for children and adolescents (on the streets, schools, parks, and sports clubs). Without considering the drivers, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is predicted to reach 29.10% in 2031. However, it is expected that the negative drivers can increase the prevalence trend from 23.40% in 2018 to 19.57% in 2031, the positive drivers to 32.61%, and the combination of all drivers to 23.07%.ConclusionIt seems that measures such as the effective communication of policy makers, basic evaluation of the programs and policies related to the prevention of childhood obesity, and localization of the programs of international organizations for the prevention of obesity can greatly control the prevalence of childhood obesity.

Regulation of shared electric kick scooters in urban areas: Key drivers from expert stakeholders

Shared electric kick scooters (SEKS) have become widespread in many cities worldwide with great expectations from both users and municipalities. Most cities have not yet passed specific legislation to regulate this new phenomenon, thereby increasing uncertainties across different players such as users, operators, etc. This research provides guidelines for regulating SEKS in urban areas for their successful implementation, taking advantage of a collaborative approach with expert stakeholders that look at the regulation problem from different perspectives. The study focuses on the case of Spain where SEKS have been booming over the last few years. The methodology applied follows a three-step process consisting of the identification of crucial issues and key expert stakeholders, a general survey to them, and a final focus group intended to reach consensus. The paper provides regulatory recommendations in four main areas: market access, technical requirements, traffic and safety, and supervision. It finds large agreement on key aspects such as promoting a homogeneous regulation across the municipalities within the same metropolitan area; establishing fixed bases for parking in the city centre while allowing free floating in low density areas located in the outskirts; and promoting an integration with the public transportation system.