Lack Of Transparency Research Articles

A qualitative look at bed net access and use in Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Rwanda following piloted distributions of dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets

BackgroundUniversal coverage with insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is important for malaria control and elimination. The emergence and intensification of insecticide resistance threatens progress made through the deployment of these interventions and has required the development of newer, more expensive ITN types. Understanding malaria prevention behaviour, including barriers and facilitators to net access and use, can support effective decision-making for the promotion and distribution of ITNs.MethodsIn-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in 3 to 4 villages per district, in 13 districts across Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Nigeria and Rwanda from 2019 to 2022. Interviews were conducted in the local language, translated and transcribed in English, French or Portuguese. Transcripts were coded and analysed using Nvivo and ATLAS.ti.ResultsITNs were obtained from mass distribution campaigns, antenatal care and immunization visits, and purchased on the private market in some locations. While there were divergent perspectives in whether the number of distributed nets were adequate, participants consistently expressed concerns of bias, discrimination, and a lack of transparency with the distribution process. ITNs were frequently used alongside other malaria prevention methods. The primary motivation for use was malaria prevention. While some participants reported using nets nightly throughout the year, other participants reported seasonal use, both due to the perceived higher density of mosquitoes and discomfort of sleeping under a net in the increased heat. Other barriers to consistent net use included activities that take place away from the home, sleeping patterns and arrangements, and sensitivity to the insecticides on the nets.ConclusionsITNs remain an important malaria control intervention. To ensure adequate and increased net access, distribution campaigns should consider family structures, available sleeping spaces, and other bed sharing preferences when identifying the number of nets needed for distribution. In addition, campaigns should allow for multiple options for net distribution points and timing to accommodate households remote to health services. Continuous distribution channels and complimentary distribution through the private sector could help fill gaps in coverage. Solutions are needed for outdoor malaria transmission, including alternative designs for ITNs, and improving access to complementary personal protective measures.

IMPLEMENTATION OF VOTING SYSTEM USING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY

In the era of digital transformation, traditional methods of conducting college elections face challenges such as logistical inefficiencies, limited participation, and a lack of transparency. To address these issues, we propose the development of an online voting system leveraging blockchain technology for college elections. This project aims to modernize the election process by providing a secure, transparent, and accessible platform for selecting student leaders. By harnessing the immutability and transparency of blockchain, the system ensures the integrity of the voting process, enhances voter participation, and promotes democratic values within the college community. Through this initiative, we aspire to empower students to actively engage in shaping their college governance and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.

Developing a Model for Understanding the Factors that Affect Individuals' Intentions to Share Personal Information

With the outbreak of COVID-19, digital contact tracing (DCT) applications have been implemented to track the transmission of the highly contagious disease. However, there has been significant resistance to using these apps due to individuals' concerns about disclosing personal information. This study aimed to examine individuals' intentions to reveal their details on DCT applications. A conceptual framework was developed incorporating theories of dual calculus, Hofstede's cultural theory, information boundary theory, and individual factors. A quantitative approach was employed, using a random sampling methodology to gather data from 533 respondents. The proposed framework was validated through partial least squares path modeling. The findings revealed that COVID-19-related stress, lack of transparency, and uncertainty avoidance negatively predicted intentions to disclose personal information. Conversely, collectivism, expected community-related outcomes of sharing information, expected personal outcomes of sharing information, and information privacy concerns positively predicted intentions to disclose personal information. This research provides insights into the factors that influence the widespread acceptance of DCT applications and can assist related authorities in ensuring their successful implementation.

Assessing the benefits of urban consolidation centres: an overview based on a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT Urban consolidation centres (UCC) have often been highlighted as a solution to reducing freight vehicle kilometres, emissions, and congestion in urban areas. However, previous studies have presented vastly different results regarding the environmental and social benefits when UCCs are implemented. Therefore, this study aims to provide an overview of research on the sustainability assessment of UCCs, to describe dominant themes, and identify why assessments differ. A systematic literature review approach employing a content analysis was used to create the overview and identify the dominant themes in the quantification of the sustainability benefits of UCCs. As a complement, a cross-case analysis was applied to compare the results and to identify underlying differences between the studies. The content analysis revealed three dominant themes, relating to: (i) modelling aspects, (ii) different UCC set-ups, and (iii) the different performance measurements applied. Furthermore, improved consolidation is often described as the largest environmental benefit of implementing UCCs but our results show that the largest benefit can be found in switching to more environmentally friendly vehicles. However, the cross-case analysis revealed difficulties in determining the benefits of implementing UCCs because the assessment of benefits differ vastly between studies. These differences can be explained by the different scope of the system and whether or not other measures were implemented alongside a UCC. This review also highlights seven important gaps in the research that can be used to guide future research, such as a lack of methodological diversity, since most studies employ mathematical modelling, as well as a lack of transparency regarding input and output data. This is a barrier when evaluating the benefits of introducing UCCs.

Exploring the Communication, Information, and Education Strategies of the Indonesian FDA for COVID-19 Vaccine Development

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a complicated problem faced by the world. The absence of specific antiviral drugs or vaccines at the beginning of the outbreak made the public health approach the primary strategy for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The lack of transparency at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak also led to public misinformation. WHO called it an infodemic, an excess of information, whether true or not, making it difficult for people to determine valid references. In Indonesia, misinformation on health matters is not a new difficulty and is in the top rank along with socio-political. The government utilizes social media to provide information to the citizens. Social media itself has a vital role in the infodemic as a medium for disseminating information, whether credible or not. The Indonesian FDA plays an essential role in conducting education through social media. This study aims to map the elements forming citizens' engagement in Indonesian FDA social media use, especially in disseminating information about the COVID-19 vaccine. This study uses a regression method with citizens' engagement (calculated from the number of likes and comments) as the dependent variable. Three independent variables form citizen engagement elements: media richness, content production, and content type defined by the government. The sentiment toward government Instagram posts was measured by analyzing citizens' comments using the dataset from InSet Semantic Lexicon. Based on negative binomial regression results, data obtained that the framework developed in this research was statistically significant in observing the phenomenon. Media richness and content production significantly affect citizens' engagement. On the other hand, original and informative content encourages more citizen engagement. Generally, public sentiment on Indonesian FDA Instagram content, both head office and regional offices, tends to be more positive than negative.

Use of iPSC-Derived Smooth Muscle Cells to Model Physiology and Pathology.

The implementation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) models has introduced an additional tool for identifying molecular mechanisms of disease that complement animal models. Patient-derived or CRISPR/Cas9-edited induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) have been leveraged to discover novel mechanisms, screen potential therapeutic strategies, and model in vivo development. The field has evolved over almost 15 years of research using hiPSC-SMCs and has made significant strides toward overcoming initial challenges such as the lineage specificity of SMC phenotypes. However, challenges both specific (eg, the lack of specific markers to thoroughly validate hiPSC-SMCs) and general (eg, a lack of transparency and consensus around methodology in the field) remain. In this review, we highlight the recent successes and remaining challenges of the hiPSC-SMC model.

An updated evidence synthesis on the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model: Umbrella review and commentary

PurposeTo conduct an umbrella review of Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) principles by synthesizing and appraising the consistency and quality of the underlying evidence base of RNR. MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, we searched three bibliographic databases, the Cochrane Library, and grey literature from 2002 to 2022 for systematic reviews and meta-analysis on RNR principles. We summarized effect sizes, including as odds ratios and Area Under the Curve (AUC) statistic. We evaluated the quality of review evidence by examining risk of bias, excess statistical significance, between-study heterogeneity, and calculated prediction intervals for reported effect sizes. ResultsWe identified 26 unique meta-anlayses that examined RNR principles. These meta-analyses indicate inconsistent statistical support for the individual components of RNR. For the risk principle, there were links with recidivism (OR = 1.6, 95% CI [1.1, 2.3]). For the need principle, although there were associations between adherence to intervention programs and recidivism, risk assessment tools reflecting this principle had low predictive accuracy (AUCs 0.62–0.64). The general and specific responsivity principles received some support. However, the overall quality of the evidence was poor as indicated by potential authorship bias, lack of transparency, substandard primary research, limited subgroup analyses, and conflation of prediction with causality. ConclusionThe prevalent poor quality evidence and identified biases suggests that higher quality research is needed to determine whether current RNR claims of being evidence-based are justified.

From currents to controversies: Unveiling performances of and perceptions on China's investments in the Philippine grid

The electrical grid system is a technology and a complex amalgamation of various factors, including geography, relationships, institutions, and socio-political-economic influences. Although China's involvement in international grids has primarily been analysed from the political economy perspective, little attention has been given to its impact on the electricity systems of host countries and how it affects their performance. This article addresses this gap by combining insights from international relations, political economy, and electricity systems transitions to analyse databases, news accounts and interview data on the performance and perceptions of energy actors regarding China's involvement in the Philippine electricity grid. Dissatisfaction with delays in project implementations, declining contributions to the development of in-house technological capabilities of the national grid company and transmission lines, diversification of local economic elites and oligarchs, and a lack of transparency have intensified mutual distrust between the Chinese grid company and prominent energy actors in the Philippines and failed to mitigate national security concerns. Our findings imply that changes in the constellation of local energy actors amid the electricity sector reform and integration of renewable energy in grids affect the role of the grid and justification for international grid investors. The perception of unsatisfactory performances raises concerns about national security during the worsening of bilateral relations.

Use of artificial intelligence in obstetric and gynaecological diagnostics: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionEmerging developments in applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare offer the opportunity to improve diagnostic capabilities in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G), ensuring early detection of pathology, optimal management and...

Ameliorating the profound gender wage gap in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry among the APEC members: The could and should

This research aims to discover the challenges and propose effective strategies to empower women by ameliorating the gender wage gap in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry among the APEC members. The study applied document review analysis and conducted focus group discussions, where thirty female professionals in the AEC industry from APEC participated. The results report four challenges contributing to the gender wage gap, namely gender bias and stereotyping, work-family conflicts, physical strength and lack of transparency. Based on the challenges, the study suggests several key strategies focusing on women's participation in the AEC industry, encouraging gender-friendly workplaces, healthy and safe workplaces, and fair career development opportunities to reduce the gender wage gap effectively. The findings suggest that by increasing awareness of the value of women's involvement in the AEC industry, pragmatic policies should be formulated for APEC members to break down the barriers to the gender wage gap.

Impact of Internet of Things (IoT) on Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency in Bangladesh's Agri-food Supply Chain

Background: The agri-food supply chain in Bangladesh is crucial for the nation's sustenance and economic stability but faces challenges like lack of transparency, inefficiencies, and information asymmetry. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies offers transformative potential, enhancing the Transparent Physical and Information Flow (PHF) and thereby influencing the Transparency in the Agri-food Supply Chain (TASC). Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of IoT integration on PHF and its subsequent effect on TASC in Bangladesh, framed around two core hypotheses: the significant influence of IoT on PHF and the consequent impact of an IoT-enhanced PHF on TASC. Methods: Employing a comprehensive methodological framework, the study utilized IBM SPSS for exploratory factor analysis and IBM AMOS for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the relationships between IoT technologies, PHF, and TASC. The analysis was based on data collected from 400 respondents in Bangladesh's agriculture sector. Results and Conclusion: The findings validate both hypotheses, demonstrating a significant and positive impact of IoT technologies on PHF and, subsequently, on TASC. The results highlight the crucial role of IoT in enhancing supply chain transparency and operational efficiency. Implications of the Research: This research provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of IoT technologies in addressing transparency issues within the agri-food supply chain. It underscores the potential of IoT to foster improved decision-making, efficiency, and consumer trust in the agricultural sector, particularly in developing contexts like Bangladesh. Originality/Value: This study contributes original insights into the role of IoT technologies in enhancing the agri-food supply chain's transparency and efficiency. By focusing on the context of Bangladesh, it offers valuable implications for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers, emphasizing the transformative potential of IoT in agricultural supply chain management.

Comparative technical analysis of legal and ethical frameworks in AI-enhanced procurement processes

This study presents a Comparative Technical Analysis of Legal and Ethical Frameworks in AI-Enhanced Procurement Processes. The research aims to evaluate the existing legal and ethical frameworks governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in procurement and to identify best practices for ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in AI-driven procurement processes. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with procurement professionals and legal experts. The research design allows for a comprehensive analysis of the legal and ethical challenges associated with AI deployment in procurement and provides insights into practical strategies for addressing these challenges. Findings from the study indicate a growing recognition of the need for clear guidelines and regulations to govern the use of AI in procurement. While respondents acknowledge the potential benefits of AI, such as improved efficiency and cost savings, they also express concerns about algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the lack of transparency in AI-driven decision-making processes. Based on these findings, the study recommends several strategies for enhancing the legal and ethical frameworks in AI-enhanced procurement processes. These include developing clear guidelines for AI deployment, providing training and support for procurement professionals, and establishing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating AI systems. Overall, the study highlights the importance of integrating legal and ethical considerations into AI deployment in procurement to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on AI governance and provide practical insights for policymakers, procurement professionals, and other stakeholders involved in AI-driven procurement processes.

Regional Governance Based on Public Value: Study in East Ogan Komering Ulu Regency Government, Indonesia

Background: In East Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, the concept of Public Value seems to have been considered even though it is not yet optimal, due to low transparency and accountability, and basic infrastructure that has not been fully fulfilled. To overcome this challenge, cooperation between government, society and the private sector is needed to improve infrastructure, increase participation and develop human resources, so that public services can be more in line with the principles of Public Value. Theoretical Foundation: Public value is reflected in society's evaluation of organizations, services, and programs, based on strategic principles such as Mark Moore's Strategy Trilogy. The public management and policy perspective emphasizes the effectiveness and efficiency of public services. Public sector managers must maintain a balance between service, benefits and trust to create optimal public value. Political, procedural and balance dimensions with the external environment are also important in shaping public values. The concept of public value includes strategic, political and operational aspects, takes into account the needs and aspirations of society and requires a deep understanding of the relationship between inputs, production processes, outputs, clients and desired social outcomes. Method: This research uses a qualitative phenomenological approach to understand the public's experience of public value -based governance in the East Ogan Komering Ulu Regency Government. Data was obtained through interviews, observation and documentation, with analysis using the Miles and Huberman method. Research Results: Even though East Ogan Komering Ulu Regency has adopted the Public Value concept in its governance, research highlights limitations that hinder its optimal implementation. Community participation is recognized as key to relevant policies, but the main challenge is a lack of transparency and accountability. Increasing public participation, transparency, accountability and governance is essential in realizing Public Value effectively. Further steps are needed to ensure policies reflect community needs and improve the quality of public services, supporting community progress and prosperity. Research Implications: Research findings provide valuable insights for refining the Public Value theory proposed by (O'Flynn, 2007) . It was found that the dimensions of legitimacy and support, operational capability, and substantial value alone were not enough to create Public Value in the research location. Therefore, there needs to be dimensions of participation, transparency and accountability to create Public Value. Research Originality: Public Value creation does not only depend on dimensions such as legitimacy, support, operational capabilities, and substantial value. Additional factors are also needed such as participation, transparency and accountability so that the creation of Public Value can be optimal.

Challenges of Using Artificial Intelligence in the Process of Shi’i Ijtihad

This article aims to explore the potential challenges that may arise when employing generative AI models in the process of Shi’i ijtihad. By drawing upon academic literature and relevant primary sources, the essay surveys the most critical AI-related hurdles in this field, including issues of accessibility, privacy concerns, the problem of “AI hallucination” and the generative nature of AI models, biases in AI systems, the lack of transparency and inexplicability, the intricacies of interpreting and understanding sensitive topics, accountability, authority, trust and acceptance among lay believers. Using discourse and content analysis as method, the article concludes that, given these challenges, generative AI models are not yet suitable for utilization in this process. However, the rapid progress in AI may eventually make it an effective tool for this purpose.

Transforming vision into action: exploring collaborative governance strategies in the development of the Nusantara New Capital City

The research purpose to examine collaborative governance, the potential and opportunities for the Nusantara New Capital City. The research design utilizes a qualitative exploratory method, where collected data is then analyzed using descriptive techniques. The results showed that the realization of collaborative governance in the development of Nusantara New Capital City has not been optimized due to less intensive and sustainable communication.; low levels of trust among local stakeholders; failure to build ownership and lack of transparency in achievements; lack of shared vision, mission, and perspective on resolving common issues; suboptimal realization of common values in the development of Nusantara New Capital City; achievement of only 38.1% completion progress in development; and the realization of strategic planning being less accelerated. The model for the collaborative governance optimization of Nusantara New Capital City is developed as a model emphasizing the empowerment of equality and proportional aspects of local stakeholders supported by accommodated regulation. The model can be applied to various collaborative governance objects and in other regions because it is developed according to the flexibility, conditionality, actuality, and factual nature of the issues

BlockTender: A Trustworthy System

The tendering process is a critical component in the procurement practices of governments and companies worldwide. However, this process often encounters challenges that undermine its efficiency, transparency, and security. Traditional tendering methods are plagued by issues such as complex documentation, lack of transparency, susceptibility to corruption, and significant security vulnerabilities. To address these challenges, our project introduces a novel approach that integrates blockchain technology into the tendering process. This integration aims to revolutionize the way tenders are issued, managed, and awarded by leveraging the strengths of blockchain, such as decentralization, immutability, and advanced cryptographic security. Our system comprises three main modules—Admin, Tender Officer, and Bidder—each designed to streamline the respective functionalities within the tendering cycle. By utilizing smart contracts for process automation and cryptographic hash functions (SHA-256) for data integrity, the proposed system not only enhances the security and transparency of the tendering process but also significantly reduces the risks of corruption and breaches. The adoption of blockchain technology in tendering processes marks a significant leap forward in procurement practices, offering a more secure, efficient, and transparent method for conducting transactions.

Identifying Novel Inhibitors of Workplace Support and the Importance of Value Congruence and Feeling Valued in General Surgery Residency Training

To explore residents' perceptions of workplace support inhibitors and their relationship to resident wellbeing. We aim to provide evidence-based targets to inform future work operationalizing support in surgical training. This is a 2-part mixed-methods cross-sectional study. Part 1 analyzed qualitative data from focus groups (April 2021-May 2022). Part 2 comprised an online survey (informed by findings in Part 1, May 2022) to assess the association between perceived workplace support (e.g. feeling valued and value congruence) and poor individual global wellbeing (e.g. languishing). National multi-center study including 16 ACGME-accredited academic programs. General surgery residents at all training levels, both clinical and research years. 28 residents participated in the focus groups which revealed three major themes around perceived inhibitors of workplace support: lack of trust in residency program (e.g. ulterior motives), poor communication from leadership (e.g. lack of transparency, ineffective dialogue), and unfair systems in residency training (e.g. exploitation of residents, paternal leave policies). These themes emphasized the importance of feeling valued and value congruence, with the latter reflected in the form of trust and communication with leadership, a key element of worker-workplace alignment. 251 residents responded to the survey (response rate 31%, 50.6% women) which revealed that a lower sense of feeling valued and lower perceived value congruence were significantly associated with languishing. Our findings suggest feeling valued and value congruence (specifically, having trust and communication with leadership) are important targets for increasing workplace support in surgical training, offering evidence-based targets for future work to operationalize support in surgical training.

Assessing Factors Influencing the Failure of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Projects in Education and Health Sectors in Zambia: A Critical Analysis

This study critically evaluates factors leading to the failure of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects within Zambia's education and health sectors, aiming to recommend effective strategies for improving project success rates. Utilizing a sequential mixed-method approach, the research examines the effectiveness of existing management strategies, identifies key factors contributing to project failures, and explores challenges faced by project committees. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, a literature review, and five focus group discussions (FGDs) with 46 respondents from Chongwe Constituency. Purposive sampling was employed to gather both primary and secondary data. Quantitative data were analyzed using the mean t-test to determine factors significantly impacting community engagement and project outcomes. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to explore themes from interviews, literature, and FGDs, enhancing the triangulation of findings. Findings reveal that despite the alignment of management practices with best practices, factors such as failure to use CDF, funding delays, lack of transparency and accountability, weak monitoring and evaluation, limited community involvement, and limited community knowledge of CDF, contractor incompetence, Key challenges faced by implementors included, volunteer status of WDCs which was unsustainable and challenging, lack of capacity building contribute to project failures. The study advocates for improved project management practices, enhanced stakeholder engagement and education about CDF to communities and robust monitoring to increase project success.

Computational complexity in explainable decision support system: A review

The rise of decision processes in various sectors has led to the adoption of decision support systems (DSSs) to support human decision-makers but the lack of transparency and interpretability of these systems has led to concerns about their reliability, accountability and fairness. Explainable Decision Support Systems (XDSS) have emerged as a promising solution to address these issues by providing explanatory meaning and interpretation to users about their decisions. These XDSSs play an important role in increasing transparency and confidence in automated decision-making. However, the increasing complexity of data processing and decision models presents computational challenges that need to be investigated. This review, therefore, focuses on exploring the computational complexity challenges associated with implementing explainable AI models in decision support systems. The motivations behind explainable AI were discussed, explanation methods and their computational complexities were analyzed, and trade-offs between complexity and interpretability were highlighted. This review provides insights into the current state-of-the-art computational complexity within explainable decision support systems and future research directions.

Restoring Children From Out‐of‐Home Care: Insights From an Aboriginal‐Led Community Forum

ABSTRACTRestoring children from out‐of‐home care (OOHC) to their families is the preferred outcome for all children removed by child protection services, yet little is known about how restoration processes are experienced by families and services supporting them. This paper provides important insights about Aboriginal child restoration from 40 practitioners and stakeholders at a community forum led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia. This is one component of larger Aboriginal‐led research, which investigates child protection experiences and pathways to successful restoration in NSW and the data source for this paper. The community forum explored the issues for families navigating family preservation, OOHC and restoration within child protection and legal systems. Findings include the need for a continuum of support for families throughout their engagement with child protection systems and crucially following the removal of their children. Barriers to effective restoration practice included a lack of access to meaningful and ongoing preservation services, insufficient cultural care planning and family finding efforts that are often too late, the pressure on services to support families without adequate capabilities or enough resourcing, the lack of transparency and the complexities in navigating the restoration process, and the lack of culturally informed support for children and their families while children are in care. Implications for policy and practice are discussed. This paper contributes to understanding practice, processes and barriers for restoration, particularly focused on the perspectives of Aboriginal families and communities, with potential insights for practice within Australia and internationally.