International Agency Research Articles

Towards Sustainable Development in South Asian Countries: The Role of Economic Complexity and Globalization on Environmental Pollution

In the context of developing economies, this study aims to investigate the insights found in the literature on economic complexity, globalization, and environmental pollution institutions. The available theoretical and empirical literature on the subject is reviewed and summarized in this work. It begins with a summary of Pakistan's environmental contamination, globalization, and economic complexity. By using the theoretical and empirical insights from the published literature, it identifies the literature in the second place. This article also clarified theoretical approaches that explain how and why they function. Third, this paper suggests three useful areas for additional study. By critically examining and combining current environmental theory and research institutions, this work advances the fields of economic complexity, institutions, globalization, and environmental degradation. The rapid urban expansion, there is frequently an increase in the quantity of energy utilized, the amount of trash created, and the amount of pollution produced. In order to lessen the amount of environmental damage that is caused by urban areas, it is essential to implement waste management systems that are both effective and environmentally friendly. This is accomplished via the use of urban planning strategies.

Health effects of indium compounds in animal experiments.

Before 2000, very little attention had been paid to the health effects of indium, a rare metal, because there was very little information in the literature on its toxicity. A fatal case of indium-tin oxide (ITO) inhalation occurred in 2001, followed by concerns regarding occupational exposure to indium compounds and their health effects. Epidemiological studies and case reports have established a causal relationship between the inhalation of insoluble indium compounds, mainly ITO and the development of lung damage. This review has focused on the results of animal studies of ITO and other insoluble indium compounds. Available data indicate that insoluble indium compounds such as ITO, indium arsenide (InAs), indium phosphide (InP), copper indium gallium, and diselenium (CIGS) solar cell materials are toxic to the lungs of animals. In addition to lung damage, ITO nanoparticles have been found to cause kidney damage, while InAs, InP, and ITO cause testicular damage. Furthermore, InP has demonstrated compelling evidence of its carcinogenic potential in long-term inhalation studies using rats and mice, which was evident in rats exposed to ITO. Based on the results of these animal experiments, the International Agency for Research on Cancer evaluated InP as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) and ITO as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2 B). Hence, occupational exposure of humans to insoluble indium compounds not only causes lung damage, but also lung carcinogenesis and kidney or testicular damage. Greater attention should be directed towards human occupational exposure to insoluble indium compounds.

Singapore-US Relations 2004-2024:From the Perspective of International Relations Theories

Throughout the period from 2004 to 2024, Singapore's foreign policy towards the United States has been characterized by pragmatism and adaptability. As a small but economically significant state, Singapore has effectively leveraged its strategic location in Southeast Asia to build strong ties with the U.S., securing economic and security cooperation while navigating the challenges posed by the rise of China and the rebalancing of global power structures. The study also delves into Singapore's participation in key regional and global institutions, such as ASEAN and the United Nations, where it balances its support for U.S. interests with an emphasis on regional stability and multilateralism. Singapore has maintained an unwavering commitment to free trade, demonstrating a liberal economic outlook that aligns with American values, especially in the context of their close partnership in areas like defense, trade, technology, and investment. Constructivist theory also provides valuable insight into the shaping of their bilateral relationship, as both countries share an identity as global middle powers advocating for rules-based international order, human rights, and sustainable development. As global power dynamics continue to evolve, Singapore remains an important player in U.S. foreign policy strategies, positioning itself as a bridge between East and West in an increasingly multipolar world.

Global cervical cancer elimination: quantifying the status, progress, and gaps

BackgroundTo address the public health concern of cervical cancer (CC), 194 countries committed to eliminate it at the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO). We summarised quantitative results concerning CC elimination across these countries, including the progress in implementing three prevention levels (human papillomavirus [HPV] vaccination, CC screening, and treatment for patients with CC) and achievement of interim Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination targets.MethodsData were obtained from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, and country responses to the WHO National Capacity Survey on Non-Communicable Diseases. This retrospective analysis examined data from 194 countries and regions, stratified by national income (high-income countries (HICs) vs low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)) and geographic location (continents such as Europe, Asia, and North America). A quantitative assessment evaluated global progress in primary, secondary, and tertiary CC prevention.ResultsBy 2020, four countries had achieved Target 1 (90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15). A total of 115 countries (51 (44.35%) HICs and 64 (55.65%) LMICs)) included HPV vaccination in their national immunisation programs. As of 2021, 133 countries (50 (37.59%) HICs and 83 (62.41%) LMICs)) implemented CC screening programs. Most of these were in Europe (41, 30.83%), Asia (32, 24.06%), and North America (20, 15.04%). Additionally, 126 countries (44 (34.92%) HICs and 82 (65.08%) LMICs)) had published national guidelines on CC management. These countries were primarily in Asia (32, 25.40%) and Europe (32, 25.40%). Furthermore, 69 countries provided palliative care under both scenarios. The 10 countries with the highest annual opioid consumption (excluding methadone) for CC, in oral morphine equivalence per capita (2017), were all HICs.ConclusionsMajor inequalities persist in CC vaccination and screening across 194 countries, and access to these services is limited in most LMICs. Focusing on vulnerable populations with lower incomes and regions with stunted economic growth may help alleviate inequity and accelerate CC elimination. We also found that tertiary prevention was achieved in most LMICs, but the indicator-reported annual opioid consumption in oral morphine equivalents indirectly illustrates the under-utilisation of cancer treatment services.

Stolen Ukrainian universities: An invisible russian weapon

This paper explores the issue of “stolen” Ukrainian universities. Over 1,500 Ukrainian educational and research organizations have been seized by Russia, including 289 higher education institutions such as universities, institutes, academies, colleges, and their branches. These institutions are now exploited to further Russia’s geopolitical agenda through propaganda, territorial annexation justification, and the assimilation of the Ukrainian population in occupied regions. The study examines this using the following examples: the perception of stolen Ukrainian universities as Russian entities by international organizations and academic communities; recognition of stolen Ukrainian intellectual property as Russian, with silent approval or facilitation, such as the registration and confirmation of stolen Ukrainian academic journals by the International ISSN Centre. The paper highlights the use of these stolen institutions’ resources as propaganda tools, their role in ideological manipulation, and their contribution to the assimilation of occupied territories. Recommendations include removing stolen universities from academic affiliations and databases, revoking ISSN registrations for stolen Ukrainian journals, and urging COPE to issue ethical guidelines for preventing collaboration with stolen universities. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for Ukrainian authorities and the academic community to engage proactively with global publishing institutions, database owners, and organizations handling publishing ethics to address these challenges. By bringing attention to this “silent war on knowledge”, the paper underscores the urgency of addressing the misuse of stolen academic institutions by Russia to uphold the integrity of global academia and international law.

Human development welfare of renewable energy technology innovation under carbon reduction targets

ABSTRACT Renewable energy technology innovation (RETI) is widely recognised as a crucial solution to the energy crisis encountered during the human development process. However, there is a scarcity of studies that systematically investigate the impact of RETI on human development. Utilising panel data from 68 countries spanning the years 2006 to 2020, this study explores the effect of RETI on human development index (HDI) and reveals several important findings. First, RETI significantly promotes HDI. Second, RETI indirectly improves HDI through energy structure optimisation, energy efficiency improvement, and energy poverty alleviation. Third, RETI is more effective in improving HDI in countries with high quality of government governance, as well as in international energy agency (IEA) member countries. This research provides a novel perspective on HDI improvement from the perspective of RETI for the first time to the best of our knowledge.

Abstract TP148: The Need for Standardized Stroke Care: Assessing Global Provider Training and Institutional Disparities

The development of vascular neurology as the primary specialty for stroke evaluation and treatment is a relatively recent advancement. Vascular neurology is well-established in the United States, ensuring most stroke patients receive specialized care, but many stroke patients globally are managed by physicians without specialized training in cerebrovascular and neurological medicine that is partly manifested by the availability of institutions that incorporate dedicated stroke training. Our goal is to evaluate the training of stroke providers worldwide to identify who is leading stroke care in different regions, and to assess the availability of dedicated stroke education within these regions. This evaluation aims to highlight disparities and ultimately work towards the global standardization of stroke care. We distributed an international survey to assess level of training of physicians treating stroke, if dedicated stroke training (e.g., fellowships) is available at their institution and location where they practice. Preliminary results from our ongoing survey show the average age of 83 respondents was 38.29 ± 7.72 and no difference in proportion of males (n=44) and females (n=39, p=0.0025). Physicians who treat the hyperacute phase of stroke indicated their level of training (Vascular Neurologist n=19, Other n=40, p=0.0045) ( Figure 1 ). A subset analysis of non-vascular neurologists revealed that most ‘Other’ physicians worked in areas where no vascular neurology training was available (vascular neurology training available n=11, not available n=24, p=0.0410) ( Figure 2 ). Distribution of vascular neurologist’s vs other physicians treating stroke indicate countries where there is increased proportion (i.e UK, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Argentina, USA) and decreased proportion of dedicated vascular neurology training (Honduras, Colombia, Nepal, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Bolivia, Hungary) ( Figure 3 ). While the availability of vascular neurology is growing internationally, our preliminary results from this ongoing survey indicate there is still a disparity amongst currently practicing physicians who are taking care of acute and subacute patients. Accordingly, this disparity in training may affect patient outcomes; hence, these preliminary data serve to bolster stroke care internationally by identifying areas of training and institutional disparity, all with the goal of improving outcomes in stroke patients through global standardization of care.

IARC Workshop on the Key Characteristics of Carcinogens: Assessment of End Points for Evaluating Mechanistic Evidence of Carcinogenic Hazards.

The 10 key characteristics (KCs) of carcinogens form the basis of a framework to identify, organize, and evaluate mechanistic evidence relevant to carcinogenic hazard identification. The 10 KCs are related to mechanisms by which carcinogens cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs programme has successfully applied the KCs framework for the mechanistic evaluation of different types of exposures, including chemicals, metals, and complex exposures, such as environmental, occupational, or dietary exposures. The use of this framework has significantly enhanced the identification and organization of relevant mechanistic data, minimized bias in evaluations, and enriched the knowledge base regarding the mechanisms of known and suspected carcinogens. We sought to report the main outcomes of an IARC Scientific Workshop convened by the IARC to establish appropriate, transparent, and uniform application of the KCs in future IARC Monographs evaluations. A group of experts from different disciplines reviewed the IARC Monographs experience with the KCs of carcinogens, discussing three main themes: a) the interpretation of end points forming the evidence base for the KCs, b) the incorporation of data from novel assays on the KCs, and c) the integration of the mechanistic evidence as part of cancer hazard identification. The workshop participants assessed the relevance and the informativeness of multiple KCs-associated end points for the evaluation of mechanistic evidence in studies of exposed humans and experimental systems. Consensus was reached on how to enhance the use of in silico, molecular, and cellular high-output and high-throughput data. In addition, approaches to integrate evidence across the KCs and opportunities to improve methodologies of mechanistic evaluation of cancer hazards were explored. The findings described herein and in a forthcoming IARC technical report will support future working groups of experts in reporting and interpreting results under the KCs framework within the IARC Monographs or in other contexts. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP15389.

Liver cancer in Saudi Arabia: A registry-based nationwide descriptive epidemiological and survival analysis.

Liver cancer is a major worldwide health concern characterized by increasing rates of occurrence. It ranks as the sixth most prevalent form of cancer and is the third highest contributor to cancer-related fatalities globally. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of liver cancer in Saudi Arabia and to analyze the factors associated with it. This retrospective medical record review included all the patients diagnosed with a liver cancer from January 2014 to December 2020. The incidence data were obtained and collected from the Saudi Cancer registry. The net survival percentage was obtained in global cancer observatory website of the International Agency for Research on Cancer. There were 3066 occurrences of liver cancer among Saudi Nationals during the years 2014 and 2020. The majority of patients consisted of males, accounting for 2105 individuals, which represents 68.7 % of the total. The predominant morphologies are Hepatocellular carcinoma (2520, 82.2 %), choliangocarcinoma (267, 8.7 %), Adenocarcinoma (5.1 %), and malignant neoplasm (3.4 %). The age-standardized incidence rate for males between 2014 and 2020 varied from 4.0 per 100,000 to 4.8 per 100,000, whilst for females it ranged from 1.5 per 100,000 to 2.4 per 100,000. The age-standardized incidence rate among Saudi nationals is 4.7 cases per 100,000, while the age-standardized mortality rate is 4.6 deaths per 100,000. Liver cancer is a significant global health problem, marked by its high occurrence and typically poor survival rates. By emphasizing risk factors, it enhances the implementation practices that may help to provide appropriate care to maximize favourable outcomes.

Patient-reported outcomes in GI cancer: Leading change to meet the needs of the gastrointestinal cancer community.

813 Background: According to the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer, globally gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for 1 in 4 cancer cases and 1 in 3 cancer deaths, with an estimated 4.8 million new cases and 3.4 million GI cancer deaths reported annually. Understanding the global burden of GI cancers and the importance of understanding the real-world impact of a GI cancer diagnosis, the GI Cancers Alliance (GICA) conducted a 12-month patient-reported outcomes (PRO) research initiative that included a workshop at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting. In addition, our PRO research was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (J Clin Oncol 42, 2024 suppl 3; abstr 731) with a poster presented at the 2024 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. Methods: Based on our 2022-2023 PRO research of 1,122 patients highlighting the unmet needs and critical gaps in services of the GI cancers community, we developed a series of follow-up initiatives. Nutrition education 17%, biomarker/precision medicine education 19%, patient-centered care education 11% and caregiver support 16% were four of the highest levels of unmet need based on our global research. Subsequently, in 2023 we created the ‘GI Cancers Patient & Caregiver Advisory Board’ representing all GI cancers. The board hosts educational forums supporting patients and caregivers throughout the care continuum. Our pilot nutrition program launched at the 2024 ASCO annual meeting, consisting of in-person and online video components, and an extensive nutrition guide with recipes tailored for GI cancer patients. In 2024, we partnered with our gastric cancer advocates to develop ‘Test Your Biomarkers’ enhancing education and awareness of biomarker testing and precision medicine. Results: Implementing direct patient feedback from our published research, we are creating actionable solutions to unmet needs and gaps in services. Our ‘Patient & Caregiver Advisory Board’ continues to amplify the patient and caregiver voice participating in global engagement opportunities. GICA provided 10,000 nutrition guides to community oncology centers, and our online messaging reached 250,000 individuals across digital platforms and partner websites in the first three months from launch. In the first six months of the ‘Test Your Biomarkers’ campaign our messaging reached 1.7 million individuals across all digital platforms, campaign, and partner websites. Conclusions: Our PRO research provides the roadmap for new initiatives and programming to meet the needs of our GI cancer community. The GI Cancers Alliance will proceed to collaborate with our 100+ partner organizations to activate change by targeting the needs of our patient community while eliminating critical gaps in services. By doing so, we will continue to provide greater patient impact through the amplification of the patient voice.

Comprehensive review for aflatoxin detoxification with special attention to cold plasma treatment.

Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens and pose significant risks to food safety and public health worldwide. Aflatoxins include Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), Aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), Aflatoxin G2 (AFG2), and Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). AFB1 is particularly notorious for its carcinogenicity, classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Chronic exposure to aflatoxins through contaminated food and feed can lead to liver cancer, immunosuppression, growth impairment, and other systemic health issues. Efforts to mitigate aflatoxin contamination have traditionally relied on chemical treatments, physical separation methods, and biological degradation. However, these approaches often pose challenges related to safety, efficacy, and impact on food quality. Recently, cold plasma treatment has emerged as a promising alternative. Cold plasma generates reactive oxygen species, which effectively degrade aflatoxins on food surfaces without compromising nutritional integrity or safety. This reviewconsolidatescurrent research and advancements in aflatoxin detoxification, highlighting the potential of cold plasma technology to revolutionize food safety practices. By exploring the mechanisms of aflatoxin toxicity, evaluating existing detoxification methods, and discussing the principles and applications of cold plasma treatment.

Acrylamide content in popcorn from Spanish market: risk assessment

Snacks, including popcorn, are increasingly consumed in Spain and are susceptible to acrylamide (AA) formation. AA, classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is produced via the Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids, particularly glucose, and asparagine, when foods are heated above 120°C. This study aims to analyze the AA content in 91 popcorn samples, categorized by flavor (salted, butter, caramel, flavored, colored, unflavored) and cooking method (ready-to-eat, popcorn maker, microwave), and assess dietary AA exposure in the Spanish population. Samples were collected from supermarkets, grocery stores, and cinemas across Spain and analyzed using solid-liquid extraction (SLE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The average AA concentration in the samples was 277 ± 119 μg kg−1, with only two samples below the limit of quantification (LOQ, 60 μg kg−1). At the same time, no significant correlation between flavor and AA content was found. Whereas microwave cooking notably increased AA levels. Estimated AA intake for adults and children ranged from 0.011 to 0.045 μg kg⁻1 day⁻1, depending on the exposure scenario. In children, a margin of exposure (MOE) below 10,000 was observed for Harderian gland tumors in realistic and pessimistic scenario.

Conflicts of interest in the International Agency for Research on Cancer process of identifying carcinogenic hazards to humans.

Managing conflicts of interest (COIs) in scientific decision-making is important for minimizing bias and fostering public trust in science. Proper management of COIs has added significance when scientists are making decisions that impact public policy, such as assessing substances for carcinogenicity. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) organizes expert working groups to identify putative carcinogens and determine whether or not the hazard is likely to present significant potential harm to humans. While IARC has policies for managing COIs, prior professional experience with the substance being assessed is not defined as a COI. Indeed, IARC working group members are chosen based on subject matter expertise, including prior publication on the substance under review. However, a person's prior experience with a substance poses a significant potential COI by equipping them with strong pre-existing views about the substance's toxicity and carcinogenicity. To minimize the risk of bias in IARC working groups, participants with voting powers should be independent scientific experts with sufficient professional experience to review carcinogenicity data but with no substantial prior experience with the substance under review. A related IARC practice restricting data review by working groups to selected publications is another significant COI. Instead, all accessible data should be available for consideration by working groups in assessing the carcinogenic hazard of substances. Another recommendation to reduce potential bias would be to reinstate the option of "probably not carcinogenic to humans".

Knowledge Representation of Sensor Dataset with IoT Collaboration of Semantic Web and IoT: Storage of Temperature and Humidity Details

Introduction: Today, Internet of Things applications offer new opportunities in all domains like home automation, transportation, medical diagnosis, agriculture, etc. According to McKinsey Global Institute research, IoT will cover a market share of over $11.1 trillion by 2025. Moreover, Semantic web technology approaches are used in IoT applications so that machines can understand and interpret sensor-collected data. Method: Our proposed system uses a DHT11 sensor, NodeMCU for data collection, and ThingSpeak cloud for data analysis and visualization. It utilizes the Protégé tool to develop semantic data modelling using Ontology/RDF graphs and retrieval for future SPARQL queries. Result: This approach ensures the optimal presentation of sensor data and the meaning of data and controls the information for the Home Automation System. By semantic layer, we improved integration, interoperability, discovery, and data analysis. Conclusion: As far as applications are concerned, semantic technologies and IoT sensor data can be transformed into a more valuable and practical format, enabling intelligent applications and systems development across multiple fields, such as smart cities, industrial automation, healthcare, and environmental monitoring.

Cancers of the brain and central nervous system: global patterns and trends in incidence.

Global comparisons of the burden and impact of cancers of the brain and central nervous system (CNS) are critical for developing effective control strategies and generating etiological hypotheses to drive future research. National incidence estimates were obtained from GLOBOCAN 2022, and recorded incidence data from the Cancer in Five Continents series, both developed and compiled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. We examined the estimated age-standardized incidence rates in 185 countries, as well as time trends in recorded incidence in 35 countries, quantifying the direction and change in the magnitude of the rates using the estimated average percentage change (EAPC). In 2022, 322,000 new cases of brain and CNS tumors were estimated globally. By world region, the highest incidence rate was seen in Northern America (5.46 per 100,000), Eastern Asia (3.95), and Western Europe (5.56). Africa had relatively lower incidence rates. By country and age group, Austria and the U.S. exhibited the highest rates in boys (3.5 in both), while in adolescents and young adults (AYA), Norway had the highest incidence rates in both males (4.7) and females (3.8). Among adults (+ 40yo), the highest rates in males were observed in the Northern European countries of Norway (18.6), Lithuania (18.4), and Latvia (16.7). In terms of time trends, incidence rates tended to be rather stable in most world regions over the last decade, though increases were observed in selected countries. Trends-based predictions indicate that if incidence rates remain stable, population ageing and growth would mean there would be 474,000 new cases by the year 2045, a 47% increase from 2022. While the increased incidence rates in certain populations require further study, the future predictions based on stable rates to 2045 are of particular concern, with a close to 50% increase in the number of brain and CNS cancer patients expected over the coming decades. A global 2% decline in rates would be needed to ensure the future brain and CNS cancer burden does not exceed present levels.

Institutionally eclipsed organizational practices

Purpose Institutional theory is focused on the prevalence of social value over economic imperatives in organizational life, but what happens when taken-for-granted practices offer neither technical nor institutional value at all? In this paper, the authors theorize an important but omitted in the organizational literature scenario and a class of institutionalized practices. The authors conceptualize them as institutionary eclipsed practices. The paper offers a theory of institutional shadow and institutional eclipsed practices that explains the remarkable persistence of institutions despite the obvious absence of value. Design/methodology/approach The authors offer a theoretical framework for studying institutional practices that have neither economic nor social value. The authors illustrate institutionally eclipsed practices with an example of educational organizations and practices, but the theory of institutional shadow developed in this paper goes beyond this case. Findings Organizations adopt global institutional standards for local organizational fields where different institutional norms prevail and different meanings and values are attached to these global institutions. In some cases, such institutions may lose their technical value and have no social (legitimizing) value in a new institutional context. Such practice is taken for granted, enacted, reproduced and maintained as necessary because it is encoded into the very institutional image of a profession (and social role). An institutionally eclipsed practice becomes a taken-for-granted, integral part of organizational members’ daily routines. Still, neither efficiency nor social benefits and value are offered by such a practice for organizational members. At the same time, as institutionalized practices are resistant and usually immune to technical, economic and social changes, they tend to endure and persist in organizations. Both a disintegrated practice and organizational members who enact it get into the limbo of the institutional shadow. Originality/value The authors distinguish and theorize three main conditions that allow institutionally eclipsed practices to emerge, proliferate and persist in organizations and across organizational fields. These factors include the presence of institutional meaning, the taken-for-granted quality (which means the immunity to technical, social and material changes) and the absence of contradictions. Together these three virtues allow institutionally eclipsed practices to be easily embedded into organizational contexts, being enacted by organizational members and avoiding abandonment and deinstitutionalization despite uselessness.

Strategic human resources management in times of economic uncertainty: a lifebuoy for employees?

PurposeDrawing on social exchange and street-level bureaucracy (SLB) theories, the authors of the present paper seek to identify how public banks in Egypt strategically manage their frontline employees to maintain high performance even during periods of economic uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical sample comprises semi-structured interviews with 28 frontline employees working in 4 public banks. The authors used the Gioia mechanism to analyze their data.FindingsThe authors identified job-related (discretionary power of bank employees, nature of banking jobs and hiring elite individuals for banking jobs); learning-related (continuous learning of bank employees, spread of MBA programs and resilience of bank employees) and context-related categories of factors (career support and more financial rewards during economic uncertainty) that explain the stability of the performance of the frontline bank employees addressed in this study despite the economic uncertainty their country is passing through.Practical implicationsGiven the findings of the present paper, the authors propose that the administration of the addressed banks maintain the policy of providing training opportunities to their employees. However, such training should pay more attention to issues such as crisis management, customer-employee engagement and the mental health of employees during crises, among others. Second, as dissatisfaction is very high with other public sector organizations in Egypt, their top management should try to learn from public banks, follow the best practices and collaborate with them to improve their service offerings to the citizens. Finally, for global financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund who are involved in rescuing Egyptian economy should incorporate strategic human resources management implementation in public sector organizations in their recommendations, along with economic reforms package.Originality/valueThis paper contributes by filling a gap in the literature on strategic human resources management and economic uncertainty in which empirical studies of the association between them, particularly in the context of North African countries such as Egypt, have been limited so far.

Neuro-reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity of 1-bromopropane - studies for evidence-based preventive medicine (EBPM).

Bromopropane was introduced commercially as an alternative to ozone-depleting and global warming solvents. The identification of 1-bromopropane neurotoxicity in animal experiments was followed by reports of human cases of 1-bromopropane toxicity. In humans, the most common clinical features of 1-bromopropane neurotoxicity are decreased sensation, weakness in extremities, and walking difficulties. Moreover, decreased cognition, abnormal findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging, urinary incontinence, and numbness in the perineal area have also been described in workers exposed to 1-bromoporopane. Murine histological studies showed that exposure to 1-bromopropane reduced the density of brain noradrenergic axons. Furthermore, proteome studies demonstrated 1-bromopropane-induced changes in the expression of proteins in the hippocampus of rats, similar to the changes seen in mice exposed to acrylamide, suggesting a common mechanism of electrophile-induced neurotoxicity. In addition to its neurotoxicity, 1-bromopropane also induces male reproductive toxicity in rats, though the targeted areas in the reproductive system differ from those affected by 2-bromopropane. However, exposure to high levels of 1-bromopropane was reported to induce spermatogenic cell degeneration, similar to that caused by 2-bromopropane, suggesting common mechanism(s) underlying 1- and 2-bromopropane-induced male reproductive toxicity. Plural approaches, including human, animal and mechanistic studies, are useful for identification of 1-bromopropane neurotoxicity. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) summarized that 1-bromopropane as well as 2-bromopropane share several key characteristics of carcinogens. Plural approaches can establish evidence-based preventive medicine (EBPM) by modification of the conventional evidence-based medicine (EBM), which has been developed for therapeutic medicine and represented by the EBM pyramid.

Nursing Shortage in India: Are There Solutions for Policymakers?

Abstract Investment in nursing is important to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage. Nurses play a critical role in achieving health goals, they ensure the continuum of care by providing comprehensive and integrated care 24 × 7. They are the largest workforce and it is essential to invest to take care of the shortage of nurses as it is a global crisis. India and other low- and middle-income countries have been struggling with this ubiquitous issue of nursing shortage for decades, preventing them from meeting their national health targets, with the majority of states failing to meet the World Health Organization standard of 4 nurses/1000 population. There are multiple factors leading to the shortage impacting the quality of patient care, patient safety and nurses. Since the nursing shortage is multifaceted, effective interventions necessitate a more in-depth comprehension of the issue. This article aims to give a glimpse of the nursing workforce’s current state in India, the reasons for the shortage, its impact on patient care, and the potential strategies to address the emerging challenges it entails. To achieve the objectives of this review article, a detailed literature review was conducted using published research articles, dissertations, review articles, newspaper articles and governmental, non-governmental and international agency reports.

Spotlighting Nigeria's New Health Agenda: A Case Study on the Alignment of Global Health Initiatives with National Health Priorities Through the SRMNCAEH+N Lens

Background: Alignment of global health initiatives (GHIs) with national health priorities is crucial for effective and sustainable healthcare interventions and strengthening health systems. Despite widespread recognition of this need, achieving alignment between GHIs and national priorities has proven challenging. The importance of addressing this challenge has led to a growing focus on GHIs alignment, evident in forums such as the Paris Conference in 2015 and the Lusaka Agenda in 2023. As Nigeria embarks on a new mid-term health agenda based on the sector-wide approach (SWAp), understanding the country-level implications of alignment becomes paramount. Method: This study utilized qualitative research methods to examine the issues affecting GHI alignment within the context of the sexual, reproductive, maternal, neonatal, adolescent, elderly, nutrition health plus nutrition (SRMNCAEH+N) program. Through 24 interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders including government officials, representatives of global health institutions, civil society actors, health workers, and community members, this research identified and validated six critical issues influencing GHI alignment at the country level. Result: The findings shed light on current practices, challenges, and recommendations, highlighting Nigeria's readiness to implement the new health agenda and SWAp effectively. The research identified and validated six critical issues influencing GHI alignment at the country level through the perspectives of diverse stakeholders. Conclusion: The paper underscores the importance of extensive stakeholder involvement, including communities, in achieving optimal alignment between GHIs and national health priorities. The study's insights into the alignment dimensions of Nigeria’s SRMNCAEH+N program reveal key areas for improvement and collaboration, essential for the successful implementation of Nigeria's new health agenda.