Organisation For Economic Co-operation And Development Research Articles

Academic Productivity in Ophthalmology and Its Correlation to National Economic Indicators Among the OECD Countries: A Bibliometric Analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose Prompted by the clinical concern that limited healthcare resources allocation affects physicians’ research productivity, this study examines the association between bibliometric indices of ophthalmologic research and national economic indicators in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Methods The Scimago Journal and Country rank source was searched for research productivity data in ophthalmology among OECD countries between 1996 and 2019. Bibliometric indices included: documents number, number and percent of citable documents, citations number, citations per document, and H-index. The updated economic indicators of each country (gross domestic product [GDP] per capita, health spending as percent of GDP (health expenditure), gross domestic expenditure on research, and development as percent of GDP [GERD]) were collected from the World Bank and the OECD websites. Correlation between economic and bibliometric metrics and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Results Among 267,444 documents analyzed, correlation analysis found a strong correlation between health expenditure and H index (r = 0.711, p < 0.001); a moderate correlation between health expenditure and documents number (r = 0.589, p < 0.001), number of citable document (r = 0.593, p < 0.001) and citations number (r = 0.673, p < 0.001); and a moderate correlation between GERD and H index (r = 0.564, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis controlling for economic factors, population and language showed the independent association of these parameters with bibliometric indices. Conclusions This study demonstrates a positive correlation between bibliometric indicators of ophthalmology research and economic factors, particularly health expenditure, among the OECD countries. Our results suggest an advantage of domestic investment in health to expand academic productivity in the field of ophthalmology.

Did aid to the Ebola crisis divert aid for reproductive, maternal, and newborn health? An analysis of donor-reported data in Sierra Leone

BackgroundInfectious disease outbreaks like Ebola and Covid-19 are increasing in frequency. They may harm reproductive, maternal and newborn health (RMNH) directly and indirectly. Sierra Leone experienced a sharp deterioration of RMNH during the 2014–16 Ebola epidemic. One possible explanation is that donor funding may have been diverted away from RMNH to the Ebola response.MethodsWe analysed donor-reported data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)’s Creditor Reported System (CRS) data for Sierra Leone before, during and after the 2014–16 Ebola epidemic to understand whether aid flows for Ebola displaced aid for RMNH. We estimated aid for Ebola using key term searches and manual review of CRS records. We estimated aid for RMNH by applying the Muskoka-2 algorithm to the CRS and analysing CRS purpose codes.ResultsWe find substantial increases in aid to Sierra Leone (from $484 million in 2013 to $1 billion at the height of the epidemic in 2015), most of which was earmarked for the Ebola response. Overall, Ebola aid was additional to RMNH funding. RMNH aid was sustained during the epidemic (at $42 m per year) and peaked immediately after (at $77 m in 2016). There is some evidence of a small displacement of RMNH aid from the UK during the period when its Ebola funding increased.ConclusionsModest changes to RMNH donor aid patterns are insufficient to explain the severe decline in RMNH indicators recorded during the outbreak. Our findings therefore suggest the need for substantial increases in routine aid to ensure that basic RMNH services and infrastructure are strong before an epidemic occurs, as well as increased aid for RMNH during epidemics like Ebola and Covid-19, if reproductive, maternal and newborn healthcare is to be maintained at pre-epidemic levels.

Valuing a Reduction in the Risk and Severity of Asthma: A Large Scale Multi-Country Stated Preference Approach

Abstract Asthma is a non-communicable and non-curable lung disease that affects 10% of children and 4% of adults worldwide and is associated with an array of environmental contaminants and chemicals. This article offers values suitable for use in cost–benefit analyses of the willingness to pay (WTP) for reduced severity of asthma in adults and children and in reduced probability of getting asthma for these two population groups, all in the context of reducing chemical exposures. To this end, an online survey was administered between November 2021 and May 2022 to 12 727 respondents from seven countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This article applies two stated preference methods for eliciting WTP: the contingent valuation method for reduced asthma severity and choice experiments for reduced probability of getting asthma of various severities. The context for such elicitations was a set of household products that contain fewer hazardous chemicals than what is currently available in supermarkets but are more expensive. The study finds that the WTP for reducing asthma severity in adults by one step, e.g. from “moderate plus” to “moderate”, is USD2022 529 per year on average. The parental WTP for reducing asthma severity in their children is USD2022 PPP 948 per year and is on average 1.8 times higher than their WTP for themselves. The mean value of a statistical case (VSC) of adult asthma which would be applied to predictions of new cases of asthma avoided by a regulation equals USD2022 280 000, while the mean VSC of childhood asthma equals USD2022 430 000.

Evaluation of Teratogenic Profile of Combination of Lumacaftor and Ivacaftor in Sprague–Dawley Rats

Background The individual teratogenicity profiles of Lumacaftor and Ivacaftor are known, but the combined effects remain unexplored. Purpose To evaluate the teratogenic profile of a combination of Lumacaftor and Ivacaftor in Sprague-Dawley Rats. Materials and Methods This study adhered to the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. Sprague–Dawley rats were acclimated and housed individually under controlled conditions. A polygamous breeding scheme was implemented, and pregnant female rats were assigned to control, vehicle control or treatment group following OECD Test Guideline 414. Lumacaftor and Ivacaftor were administered to pregnant rats at various doses, such as MRHD, 5MRHD, 8MRHD and 10MRHD, from gestation days 6 to 17. Clinical observations, body weight and food consumption of pregnant rats were monitored. Postmortem examinations included caesarean section, reproductive performance (the number of corpora lutea, implantation sites, early and late resorptions and live foetuses) and assessment of foetal analysis. The foetal analysis incorporated external malformation evaluation, visceral examination and skeletal examination using alizarin red solution. Results In pregnant rats exposed to Lumacaftor and Ivacaftor, the external examination was conducted on 206, 209, 199, 184, 198 and 201 foetuses in their respective groups, each consisting of 19 litters. Within this cohort, approximately 33% of foetuses underwent visceral examination. Additionally, across six groups approximately 50% of foetuses underwent skeletal examination. Importantly, no abnormalities were detected in skeletal, visceral or histopathological assessments across the treatment groups encompassing doses of a combination of Lumacaftor and Ivacaftor at MRHD, 5MRHD, 8MRHD and 10MRHD. Additionally, no significant morbidity or mortality related to the treatment was observed. Conclusion In conclusion, the study indicates that the combination of Lumacaftor and Ivacaftor at doses equivalent to MRHD, 5MRHD, 8MRHD and 10MRHD did not induce significant teratogenic effects, affirming their safety during pregnancy in rats.

From policy stringency to environmental resilience: Unraveling the dose-response dynamics of environmental parameters in OECD countries

In the pursuit of sustainable development and the mitigation of negative externalities arising from environmental stressors, a multitude of member countries within the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have embraced various environmental policies. Nevertheless, previous empirical research has largely overlooked investigating the causal relationship between the Environmental Policy Stringency (EPS) and environmental indicators. To bridge this gap, we conduct an empirical study to examine the dose-response relationship between EPS, as a continuous treatment variable, and selected environmental indicators. Our findings reveal evidence of a mixed treatment effect of policy stringency on the environment. Notably, the implementation of EPS leads to a reduction in carbon emissions per capita and an overall decline in ecological footprint. However, despite OECD countries moving towards a negative trajectory to preserve the environment, carbon intensity remains steadfastly on a positive path. Moreover, the intensification of policy stringency demonstrates positive effects on total renewable energy production, encompassing solar, wind, and eco-innovation. Building upon these empirical results, we offer several policy implications for the adoption and implementation of environmental policies within OECD countries.

Volumetric, embodied and geologic geopolitics of the seabed: offshore tin mining in Indonesia

ABSTRACT This paper introduces empirical research on tin divers’ bodily experience of seabed mining concerning offshore Bangka and Belitung Islands, Indonesia, critical seabed mining sites. To govern the seabed off these Islands, ‘classic’ geopolitical approaches such as marine spatial planning (MSP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) hierarchically construct the seabed through two-dimensional mapping and policy, occluding specific tin diving practices on the seabed. Moving from such flat geopolitical understandings of the ocean floor, this paper offers new engagements with feminist geopolitics, volumetric territory and social ocean studies to think about the seabed through its volume, the bodies that are immersed within and animate it, and its geologic materiality. It does so by examining intimate tin diving relations between human bodies, volumetric space and ore bodies in relation to the contemporary geopolitical making of the seabed territory. Whilst many scholars have engaged with this volumetric-embodied-geologic approach, this paper argues that the nexus of volumetric space, bodies (embodied experiences) and geologic materiality in tin diving are a crucial tactical point for diverse mining governance actors, sustaining dangerous labour, mining accidents and death in tin diving.

A Comparison of In Vitro Metabolic Clearance of Various Regulatory Fish Species Using Hepatic S9 Fractions.

Bioaccumulation predictions can be substantially improved by combining in vitro metabolic rate measurements derived from rainbow trout hepatocytes and/or hepatic S9 fractions with quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling approaches. Compared with in vivo testing guidelines Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 305 and Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP; an office of the US Environmental Protection Agency) 850.1730, the recently adopted OECD test guidelines 319A and 319B are in vitro approaches that have the potential to provide a time- and cost-efficient, humane solution, reducing animal use while addressing uncertainties in bioaccumulation across species. The present study compares the hepatic clearance of the S9 subcellular fraction of rainbow trout, bluegill, common carp, fathead minnow, and largemouth bass, discerning potential differences in metabolism between different warm- and cold-water species. With refinements to the in vitro metabolic S9 assay for high-throughput analysis, we measured in vitro clearance rates of seven chemicals crossing multiple classes of chemistry and modes of action. We confirmed that data from rainbow trout liver S9 fraction metabolic rates can be utilized to predict rainbow trout bioconcentration factors using an in vitro to in vivo extrapolation model, as intended in the OECD 319B applicability domain per the bioaccumulation prediction. Also, we determined that OECD 319B can be applied to other species, modified according to their habitat, adaptations to feeding behavior, and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature). Once toxicokinetics for each species is better understood and appropriate models are developed, this method can be an excellent tool to determine hepatic clearance and potential bioaccumulation across species. The present study could be leveraged prior to or in place of initiating in vivo bioconcentration studies, thus optimizing selection of appropriate fish species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1390-1405. © 2024 SETAC.

Exploring the anti-inflammatory, sedative, antidiabetic, and antioxidant potential in in-vitro and in-vivo models and phenolic profiling of Atractylis aristata Batt.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAtractylis aristata batt., as an endemic plant from the Asteraceae family, holds a significant position in the Ahaggar region of southern Algeria's traditional medicine. The aerial parts of Atractylis aristata was used to cure inflammation, fever, and stomach disorders. Aim of the studyThe objective of the present investigation was to ascertain the overall bioactive components and phytochemical components and examine the antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, acute toxicity, and sedative properties of the crude extract obtained from the aerial portions of Atractylis aristata (AaME). Materials and methodsThe AaME's antioxidant activity was assessed by the use of pyrogallol autoxidation, (1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and reducing power (RP) techniques. 1 mg/mL of AaME was used to evaluate the antidiabetic activity by applying the enzyme α-amylase inhibitory power test. At the same time, the bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation method was employed to quantify the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity at different concentrations (1.5625, 0.78125, 0.390625, 0.1953125 and 0.09765625 mg/mL). In contrast, following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline No. 423, which covers acute oral toxicity testing protocols, the limit dosage test was employed to assess in vivo acute toxicity. At the dose of 0.08 mg/mL, the carrageenan-induced paw edema approach was used to assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy in vivo, and the sedative activity was carried out at the dose of 0.08 mg/mL using the measurement of the locomotor method. Different bioactive compounds were identified within AaME using LC-MS/MS and HPLC-UV analysis. ResultsThe acute toxicity study showed no fatalities or noticeable neurobehavioral consequences at the limit test; this led to their classification in Globally Harmonized System (GHS) category Five, as the OECD guideline No 423 recommended. At a concentration of 0.08 mg/mL (2000 mg/kg), AaME showed apparent inhibition of paw edema and a significant (p = 0.01227) reduction in locomotor activity compared to the control animals. Our findings showed that AaME exhibited considerable antioxidant (IC50 = 0.040 ± 0.003 mg/mL (DPPH), IC50 = 0.005 ± 5.77 × 10-5 mg/mL (ABTS), AEAC = 91.15 ± 3.921 mg (RP) and IR% = 23.81 ± 4.276 (Inhibition rate of pyrogallol) and rebuts antidiabetic activities (I% = 57.6241% ± 2.81772). Our findings revealed that the maximum percentage of BSA inhibition (70.84 ± 0.10%) was obtained at 1.562.5 mg/mL. Thus, the AaME phytochemical profile performed using phytochemical screening, HPLC-UV, and LC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated that A. aristata can be a valuable source of chemicals with biological activity for pharmaceutical manufacturers. ConclusionThe phytochemical profiling, determined through HPLC-UV and LC-MS/MS applications, reveals this plant's therapeutic value. The aerial parts of Atractylis aristata contain bioactive molecules such as gallic acid, ascorbic acid, and quercetin, contributing to its significant antioxidant capabilities. Furthermore, identifying alizarin, the active compound responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties, could provide evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory capabilities of this subspecies.

The stability and acceptance of the “system of competency‐based curriculum design” framework: Perspectives of teachers

AbstractThe “System of Competency‐Based Curriculum Design” (SCCD) framework was developed to meet the requirement for reform in competency‐based education and overcome the limitations of Understanding by Design (UbD). This comprehensive framework, incorporating knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values, aligns with competency ingredients as defined by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and integrates diverse curriculum theories. It provides educators with clear steps and empowers them to make iterative calibration while designing units/courses, ensuring a dynamic and responsive approach to curriculum development. To assess the stability and acceptance of the SCCD framework, a research instrument was developed, encompassing five stability subscales with a total of 25 items and an additional acceptance subscale featuring five items. A total of 455 participants who participated in SCCD training workshops were involved in the study. The research outcomes affirm the robustness of its theoretical foundation. Additionally, the unequivocal endorsement of its concept by teachers from diverse backgrounds serves as further validation of its integrity. The study concludes with recommendations derived from the obtained results.

Safety, Analgesic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Aqueous and Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Hypericum revolutum subsp. keniense

In light of the enduring obstacles encountered in analgesia and anti-inflammatory therapeutics despite the strides made in contemporary medical sciences, the quest for alternative efficacious strategies is an imperative pursuit. Thus, this study investigated the safety profiles, as well as the analgesic and anti-inflammatory attributes, of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts derived from Hypericum revolutum subsp. keniense—a botanical entity entrenched in historical ethnomedicinal practices in the Kenyan context. The assessment of acute oral toxicity of these extracts was conducted in accordance with the Up- and-Down method advocated by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), utilizing Swiss albino mice as the experimental subjects. Subsequent investigation entailed the evaluation of antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties employing the acetic acid-induced writhing and carrageenan-induced paw oedema methodologies, respectively, in the same murine model. The findings of this study evince the safety of both aqueous and methanolic extracts, with LD50 values surpassing 2000 mg/kg body weight and the absence of discernible signs of toxicity. Furthermore, a notable dose-dependent (P&lt;0.05) manifestation of analgesic effects was observed for both extracts, with the aqueous variant demonstrating heightened potency compared to its methanolic counterpart (P&lt;0.05). Moreover, the anti-inflammatory efficacy escalated significantly with escalating extract doses and prolonged treatment duration (P&lt;0.05), wherein the aqueous extract showcased superior effectiveness vis- à-vis the methanolic extract across all dosage regimens and temporal checkpoints (P&lt;0.05). Therefore, this investigation underscores the latent promise of the examined extracts as reservoirs of safe and efficacious analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, thereby meriting further meticulous exploration. Subsequent research endeavours ought to pivot towards elucidating the phytochemical constituents underpinning the observed effects, alongside unravelling their mechanistic underpinnings across a spectrum of animal models and clinical milieus.

Towards a robust approach for evidencing quality in higher education learning: The new CALOHEE model

PurposeKey to transnational higher education (HE) cooperation is building trust to allow for seamless recognition of studies. Building on the Tuning Educational Structures initiative (2001) and lessons learnt from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)-Assessment of Learning Outcomes in Higher Education (AHELO) feasibility study, this paper offers a sophisticated approach developed by the European Union (EU)-co-financed project Measuring and Comparing Achievements of Learning Outcomes in Europe (CALOHEE). These evidence the quality and relevance of learning by applying transparent and reliable indicators at the overarching and disciplinary levels. The model results allow for transnational diagnostic assessments to identify the strength and weaknesses of degree programmes.Design/methodology/approachThe materials presented have been developed from 2016 to 2023, applying a bottom-up approach involving approximately 150 academics from 20+ European countries, reflecting the full spectrum of academic fields. Based on intensive face-to-face debate and consultation of stakeholders and anchored in academic literature and wide experience.FindingsAs a result, general (overarching) state-of-the-art reference frameworks have been prepared for the associated degree, bachelor, master and doctorate, as well as aligned qualifications reference frameworks and more detailed learning outcomes/assessment frameworks for 11 subject areas, offering a sound basis for quality assurance. As a follow-up, actual assessment formats for five academic fields have been developed to allow for measuring the actual level of learning at the institutional level from a comparative perspective.Originality/valueFrameworks as well as assessment models and items are highly innovative, content-wise as in the strategy of development, involving renown academics finding common ground. Its value is not limited to Europe but has global significance. The model developed, is also relevant for micro-credentials in defining levels of mastery.

Artificial intelligence and outward foreign direct investment: Evidence from China

We investigate the impacts of robot adoption (a representative form of artificial intelligence) on outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) by firms in China. First, we construct a unique firm-level dataset of A-share listed firms and conduct empirical analysis by adopting a staggered difference-in-differences (DID) strategy. Second, we find that changes in robot adoption on both the extensive and intensive margins encourage firms to conduct more OFDIs. Specifically, robot adoption has positive effects on multidimensional categories of OFDI but has no significant impact on buying OFDI. Third, we explore the underlying mechanism to show that the rise in output and growth of total factor productivity (TFP) matter. Fourth, we conduct a series of empirical tests to check robustness and obtain consistent results. Finally, we analyze the heterogeneous effects and find that adoption firms with state-owned ownership or higher profit tend to send more OFDI projects, especially to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-rich countries. Our findings elucidate the impact of robot adoption on OFDI at the firm level in developing and transition countries.

Optimising nutrition and consumption for better health: An analysis of noncommunicable disease strategies in the organisation for economic co‐operation and development nations

AbstractThe role of nutrition in promoting health and reducing the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is vital, yet both inadequate and excessive food consumption can be detrimental. Moreover, excessive smoking and alcohol consumption contribute to higher mortality rates. Countries have implemented policies, strategies, and awareness campaigns to combat NCD‐related deaths. Within this context, the study aims to assess the relative efficiency of Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries in preventing chronic NCDs by considering nutritional supply and smoking and alcohol consumption as inputs. It also seeks to identify countries' best policies and strategies to reduce regular NCD‐related death rates, emphasizing the importance of selecting and implementing adaptive strategies locally. This study employs slack‐based measurement (SBM) data envelopment analysis (SBM‐DEA). The mean efficiency score across the countries is 0.95, with a standard deviation of 0.09, indicating a generally high‐efficiency level. Twenty‐nine countries with an efficiency score of 1 are deemed relatively efficient. Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Korea, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, and the United States did not achieve relative efficiency in NCD management. The findings highlight the importance of considering the unique context of each country when designing and implementing NCD prevention and management strategies. The study emphasizes the need for regular evaluation and appropriate measurement methods to assess the achievement of targets and address implementation challenges. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of adopting a comprehensive, coordinated approach to ensure the effectiveness of NCD policies and underscores the need for flexibility and adaptability in addressing NCDs.

Quantifying the reduction in coal and increase in renewables in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries: Proposal for a coal-renewable energy index and map

Reducing coal use and increasing renewable energy use are two major policies that have been recommended in many countries and regions to address climate change. However, the progress toward meeting these policy goals is unclear. Therefore, this study proposes the “C–R map”, which is a correlation map between the share of coal-fired plants and renewable energy in terms of annual consumption, and the “CR index”, which is an index composed of the above two indicators. The proposed methods objectively visualise and quantitatively analyse statistical data on global climate change associated with “reducing coal and increasing renewables”, whose trends or tendencies could only be obtained through fragmented statistical data and documents. Using the proposed C–R map and CR index, an international comparative analysis was conducted on the share of coal and renewables from 1990 to 2020 in 37 Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development member countries. The results quantitatively showed that 31 member countries clearly exhibited a trend of decreasing their share of coal and increasing their share of renewables, while only five countries, i.e. Chile, Turkey, Mexico, Japan, and Korea, showed unique and inconsistent trends relative to that of the other member countries. By using the highly transparent and simple map and index proposed here based on published statistical information and objective methods, the global trend of “reducing coal and increasing renewables” can be quantitatively visualised in graphs and numerical values, which are easily understood and interpretable, even for laymen.

Decarbonizing energy: Evaluating fossil fuel displacement by renewables in OECD countries.

Energy transition to greener systems has been a focal point in climate policy agendas across countries as the negative environmental impacts of fossil fuel technologies have become more evident Displacing fossil fuels with clean energy alternatives in this regard is essential for meeting global climate objectives. In this context, the study analyzes the role of disaggregated renewable energy sources on fossil fuel displacement in 36 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries in the period 2000-2020. The findings demonstrate a discernible trend in the displacement of fossil fuels by various forms of renewable energy sources. It is found that to effectively displace 1% of fossil fuels, it is necessary to achieve an average increase of 1.15% in renewable generation capacity. In addition, a one-to-one displacement of fossil fuels occurs with hydropower, demonstrating its higher level of competitiveness and effectiveness in displacing fossil fuels. Moreover, there is a partial displacement of fossil fuels by solar and wind power. These findings suggest that renewable energy sources are progressively advancing towards effectively displacing fossil fuels.

Considering inequities in national dementia strategies: breadth, depth, and scope

BackgroundConsidering that dementia is an international public health priority, several countries have developed national dementia strategies outlining initiatives to address challenges posed by the disease. These strategies aim to improve the care, support, and resources available to meet the needs of persons living with dementia and their care partners and communities. Despite the known impact of social determinants of health on dementia risk, care, and outcomes, it is unclear whether dementia strategies adequately address related inequities. This study aimed to describe whether and how national dementia strategies considered inequities associated with social determinants of health.MethodsWe conducted an environmental scan of the national dementia strategies of countries that are part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Included strategies had to be accessible in English or French. Sub-national or provincial plans were excluded. We synthesised information on strategies’ considerations of inequity through a thematic analysis.ResultsOf the 15 dementia strategies that met inclusion criteria, 13 mentioned at least one inequity (M = 2.4, median = 2, range:0–7) related to Race/Ethnicity; Religion; Age; Disability; Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity; Social Class; or Rurality. Age and disability were mentioned most frequently, and religion most infrequently. Eleven strategies included general inequity-focused objectives, while only 5 had specific inequity-focused objectives in the form of tangible percentage changes, deadlines, or allocated budgets for achieving equity-related goals outlined in their strategies.ConclusionsUnderstanding if and how countries consider inequities in their dementia strategies enables the development of future strategies that adequately target inequities of concern. While most of the strategies mentioned inequities, few included tangible objectives to reduce them. Countries must not only consider inequities at a surface-level; rather, they must put forth actionable objectives that intend to lessen the impact of inequities in the care of all persons living with dementia.

Investigating trees as an interdisciplinary phenomenon in climate regulation: an intervention study on iSTEM education and scientific literacy in secondary schools

ABSTRACT Climate change and CO2-emissions are key-issues of the 21st century. As a complex interdisciplinary phenomenon, educational systems appear to be forced to expand their curricula beyond disciplines or school subjects. Thus, cross-disciplinary concepts in science, such as iSTEM (integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) address this demand. Also, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stresses the need for interdisciplinarity in compulsory education. The present intervention study ‘CO2BS - Coole Bäume und Sensoren [Cool(ing) Trees and Sensors]’ focuses on the tree as a key-factor in the understanding of gas-exchange for which a proper scientific understanding demands thinking across disciplines. In accordance with a OECD competence framework, Scientific Literacy, the intervention aimed to foster secondary school students’ interdisciplinary conceptual knowledge (ICK) of how a tree’s exchange of O2 and CO2 can be investigated scientifically. Students’ changes in self-concept in science as well as their interest in climate and science along with epistemic emotions associated with scientific procedures were also investigated. The results showed positive changes in students’ self-concept and epistemic emotions. Though ICK increased significantly too, the results indicate that future interventions will need to focus more on how to establish interdisciplinarity within secondary education more effectively.

Redistribution Methods for Income Equality in the United States

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Redistribution for income equality is a contentious issue, with advocates citing increased economic stability and skeptics fearing potential negative impacts on economic growth. The United States (U.S.) faces notably high income inequality compared to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average, with wealth concentrated in the top brackets. This paper critically examines the existing U.S. redistribution methods, including the taxation system and welfare programs, highlighting challenges such as the lack of tax progressiveness in top brackets and limited redistribution compared to European counterparts. Based on this overview, the study evaluates alternative redistribution strategies, including wealth and business taxes. The paper compares theory with insights from pilot programs in other countries. Finally, the paper argues for a universal basic income (UBI) set at per-capita welfare spending, positing that this approach can empower individuals to escape poverty traps, enhance productivity, and introduce a choice mechanism for welfare consumption. Ultimately, this research seeks to propose the most effective and feasible income redistribution policies for the U.S. to bridge the income inequality gap.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

New approach methodologies to enhance human health risk assessment of immunotoxic properties of chemicals - a PARC (Partnership for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals) project.

As a complex system governing and interconnecting numerous functions within the human body, the immune system is unsurprisingly susceptible to the impact of toxic chemicals. Toxicants can influence the immune system through a multitude of mechanisms, resulting in immunosuppression, hypersensitivity, increased risk of autoimmune diseases and cancer development. At present, the regulatory assessment of the immunotoxicity of chemicals relies heavily on rodent models and a limited number of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guidelines, which only capture a fraction of potential toxic properties. Due to this limitation, various authorities, including the World Health Organization and the European Food Safety Authority have highlighted the need for the development of novel approaches without the use of animals for immunotoxicity testing of chemicals. In this paper, we present a concise overview of ongoing efforts dedicated to developing and standardizing methodologies for a comprehensive characterization of the immunotoxic effects of chemicals, which are performed under the EU-funded Partnership for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals (PARC).

A novel multi-criteria approach for evaluating social discrimination in OECD countries

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was established to unite countries from different geographical regions to achieve prosperity and economic progress. Different geographical regions have different cultures. The sociological perspective on gender varies in these cultures. As a result, gaps occur in terms of gender discrimination and its dimensions between countries. While social progress is a prerequisite for economic progress, society must be in harmony for social progress. The Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) was developed to measure progress in different countries. This study proposes a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model over the SIGI index to measure gender discrimination levels in OECD countries. However, since the differences in gender discrimination resulting from the multicultural structure of OECD lead to significant variability in terms of countries, countries are first clustered. Then, SIGI criteria significance levels are evaluated with a novel Importance of Criteria’s Indifference to Normalization (ICIN) method based on the differences between the two normalization approaches. Subsequently, a novel Modified Extended Alternative Ranking Order Method Accounting for Two-Step Normalization (ME-AROMAN) approach is employed to rank the member countries. While discrimination in the family is the most prominent factor for countries better at social equality and access to productive and financial assets is the major factor that separates the countries worse at social equality, the sensitivity and comparative analysis demonstrate the applicability and validity of ICIN and ME-AROMAN in MCDM literature.