Regional Priorities Research Articles

The role of collaborative governance in translating national cancer programs into network-based practices: A longitudinal case study in Canada.

Networks (multiple organizations or actors coordinating their activities towards a common goal) have been promoted in the cancer programs of a number of countries. But there is little empirical evidence on whether and how they overcome the siloed functioning endemic in specialized domains. This study examines how collaborative governance takes shape to support integrated network-based practices within a prescribed national cancer program. A longitudinal qualitative single-case study was conducted of the Quebec cancer network in Canada. Data were collected in 2018-2020 through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (n = 37) involved in regional and/or national cancer network structures and a review of documents (n = 45) generated at national and regional level. Abductive thematic analysis during and post-field work was based on Emerson's collaborative governance framework. It aimed to identify how collaborative governance mechanisms (principled engagement, shared motivation and capacity for joint action) were activated in the network, and their contribution to translating a national cancer program into network-based practices at the point of care. Principled engagement was driven through interdisciplinary committees at national and regional level, communities of practice and trajectory-development efforts. These mandated structures supported knowledge exchange and contributed to the recognition of interdependencies, distribution of leadership and development of mutual understanding and trust. Shared motivation benefitted from a vision of patient-centred care but was hindered by top-down communication vehicles that did not allow regional priorities to filter upwards to central level. Between care providers in different settings, trust and candidacy were identified as mechanisms important to shared motivation, though network actions did not sufficiently support trust across care settings, or even between members of the same profession. Candidacy issues hindered family physician participation in cancer network structures that mirrored ongoing difficulties to including them in cancer care practice. Institutional arrangements were important drivers of capacity for joint action in the network. Common indicators were recognized as important to generating efforts towards common goals; however, questions around their validity reduced their contribution to capacities for joint action. Despite favorable starting conditions from the national cancer program and its central leadership promoting collaborative governance, tensions that emerge through the pursuit of network integration limit the transition to a more collaborative practice. Taking the time to work out these tensions as integration proceeds in waves appears essential to arrive at a governance model that is appropriate and acceptable for all network members.

Do High-Level Visits Reflect Regional Priorities? A Study of U.S. News Media Data

This study examines the representation of regional organization (RO) interests during high-level visits of their member states to the United States using a novel dataset of 1,040 news articles from 1991 to 2023. The data analysis focuses on ASEAN, BRICS, ECOWAS, and GCC and employs sentiment analysis and topic modeling to explore how member states leverage these visits and how U.S. news media frames these events. The analysis of data reveals that member states strategically utilize high-level visits to promote RO agendas and interests, with varying levels of success depending on the RO and the U. S. media’s reception. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a shifting focus from bilateral issues to regional and international concerns over time, underscoring the evolving priorities of RO member states in a globalized world. The findings offer valuable insights into the interplay of national and regional interests during high-level diplomatic visits and the influential role of U.S. news media in shaping public perception.

Using social-network analysis to map institutional actors’ links with vulnerable municipalities under climate change in Honduras’ dry corridor. Pathways towards improved cooperation and territorial interventions

The Honduras dry corridor, located in Central America’s Pacific region, has high natural climate variability. Nearly half of the Honduran population depends on socio-economic activities linked to agriculture, making climate-change adaptation crucial for the agricultural sector to ensure food and nutrition security. This research analyzes how institutional structures function and interact as a network to investigate the spatial coherence and relevance of public- and private-sector interventions related to agriculture, climate change, and food security in 153 municipalities of Honduras’ dry corridor. We employed a Social Network Analysis (SNA) approach to examine these interactions over the territories, revealing two network patterns: the first favors a single municipality, observed only in the Central District where Honduras’ capital is located; the second is an egocentric network, favoring a single institution, observed in four cases, particularly in municipalities bordering with El Salvador and Guatemala. The SNA results reveal a spatial misalignment, where only 9% of interventions linked to climate-change adaptation are conducted in the highly vulnerable, outlying zones located farthest from the capital. The study highlights the need for improved coordination and strategic prioritization of interventions in the most vulnerable municipalities within the Honduras dry corridor, specifically improvement in collaborative actions, use of resources, and setting strategic priorities in regions where future demand will require progressively mobilizing institutional capabilities. By identifying the current gaps and misalignments in institutional actions, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance collaborative efforts to ensure that climate-change adaptation measures effectively target the most vulnerable areas.

Identifying WHO global priority endemic pathogens for vaccine research and development (R&D) using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA): an objective of the Immunization Agenda 2030

To date, global priorities for new vaccine R&D have not been systematically identified for endemic pathogens. As part of Immunisation Agenda 2030 (IA2030), we have systematically identified priority endemic pathogens for new vaccine R&D based on country and regional stakeholder values to address this need. MCDA surveys targeting policy makers and immunisation stakeholders in each World Health Organization (WHO) region were used to weight eight criteria for prioritisation. Applying those weights to regional pathogen data yielded regional top ten pathogen lists, which are intended to inform regional deliberations on R&D priorities. The regional top ten lists were combined into an IA2030 global priority list. To inform R&D, use cases for new vaccines and monoclonal antibodies were identified, then categorized in terms of the activities needed to accelerate progress. In five out of six WHO regions, Annual deaths in children under five and Contribution to antimicrobial resistance were the most heavily weighted criteria. How participants weighted the criteria was not associated with their region, biographical characteristics, or areas of expertise. Five pathogens were common priorities across all regions: M tuberculosis, HIV-1, K pneumoniae, S aureus, and Extra-intestinal pathogenic E coli. Six pathogens were priorities in single regions. Combining regional top ten lists provided a global list of 17 priority pathogens for new vaccine R&D. Thirty-four distinct use cases were identified for new products targeting these pathogens. While most are in the "Advance product development" category, ten are in the "Research" category and seven are in the "Prepare to implement" category. These priorities for new vaccine R&D will help stakeholders better respond to regional and country needs. The use cases will inform R&D and enable monitoring of R&D under IA2030. The work was funded by a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant to WHO (INV-005318).

Approaches to assessing the socio-economic effects of the implementation of strategic priorities in regional economic systems: The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug case

Subject. The article deals with a review and formation of approaches to the assessment of strategic priorities of resource-oriented regions. Objectives. The study aims at preparation of systems approaches to the assessment of strategic priorities of resource-oriented regions and regional economic systems in general, for further implementation in the adapted model of interperiod choice. Methods. The study rests on the theory of strategy and methodology of strategizing by V.L. Kvint, a foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and employs econometric, statistical, and cognitive methods. Results. I presented an overview of existing approaches to assessing strategic priorities, formulated proposals for formalizing and systematizing the priority assessment system based on specific and inclusive approaches. The paper shows how the results of this analysis can be implemented in the model of interperiod choice. Conclusions. The findings can be used by public authorities when devising strategies for socio-economic development, while theoretical insights can be adapted for use not only in regional economic systems, but also in the analysis of strategic development of other systems.

Developing a Taught Module on ‘Law, Religion, and Environment’

Building on the Arab Barometer seventh wave survey, which highlights the regional priorities on climate change, water resources, and environmental development in Middle East and North Africa, this paper explores the potential for a module on “Law, Religion and Environmental Sustainability”. The module aims to mainstream environmental sustainability in the legal education curriculum through forging the intersections between law, religion, and the environment. The growing body of interdisciplinary research on religion and environmentalism mainly involves scholars from academic disciplines such as sociology, theology, and religious studies, but not law. The Arab Barometer results indicate that citizens’ environmental concerns are mostly linked to the micro level, without directly reflecting on related macro level issues. However, religious beliefs and faith systems often cut across the micro and macro levels, and could potentially advance environmental and sustainable development objectives. Moreso, there have been pockets of non-international armed conflicts that are in some ways tied to religious beliefs and cultural values on access to natural resources such as land and water. This paper addresses how to train law students to embrace and contribute to the emerging field of religion and environmentalism. Such training would equip law graduates to (a) have a good understanding of the contemporary social, economic and political context of environmental governance and sustainable development laws; (b) appreciate the interlinkages between law, religion and environment at a theoretical and practical level; and (c) be better equipped to maximise the opportunities and resolve tensions that may arise from mainstreaming legal principles, including human rights and justice, in advancing sustainable development goals, including environmental sustainability. , , CurriculumDevelopment, MENA region, Legal Education,

Assessment of soil erosion risk and vulnerability in the transboundary Sio-Malaba-Malakisi watershed in Kenya and Uganda

Persistent soil erosion poses a significant threat to water quality, ecosystem viability and soil health in many regions of the world. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive understanding of local soil erosion rates, including the identification of vulnerable areas, to facilitate effective and integrated environmental management. In East Africa, however, many affected regions are data poor and lack measured hydrological data from which soil erosion estimates can be derived. This study used the physically based Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to estimate the annual rate of soil erosion in the transboundary Sio-Malaba-Malakisi catchment, straddling Kenya and Uganda. Soil erosion events were quantified by integrating input factors derived from physical datasets using a Geographical Information System (GIS). The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique was then used to assess the importance of selected physical factors influencing the soil erosion process in order to identify regions of increasing environmental vulnerability. The results obtained indicate a wide range of soil erosion rates across the region, with an estimated mean annual rate of 250 t ha−1 yr−1 for the whole catchment. Upstream areas characterized by intensive agricultural activity had erosion rates of up to 2000 t ha−1 yr−1, while downstream areas recorded erosion rates below 600 t ha−1 yr−1. Areas with intensive agriculture, unprotected soils, and a soil loss tolerance value above 12 t ha−1 yr−1 were found to be most vulnerable. Rainfall and vegetation cover were identified as key factors influencing erosion susceptibility. Regions with soil erosion rates above 50 t ha−1 yr−1 were identified as high priority regions for targeted soil and water conservation measures. The identification of vulnerability zones, including the classification of their severity, provides an opportunity to prioritize sustainable environmental management interventions; a process that can be replicated for such affected regions elsewhere.

Identifying Veterans with a Higher Risk of Social Needs Using Cluster Analysis.

Many social need screening to advance population health and reduce health disparities, but barriers to screening remain. Improved knowledge of patient populations at risk for social needs based on administrative data could facilitate more targeted practices, and by extension, feasible social need screening and referral efforts. To illustrate the use of cluster analysis to identify patient population segments at risk for social needs. We used clustering analysis to identify population segments among Veterans (N=2010) who participated in a survey assessing nine social needs (food, housing, utility, financial, employment, social disconnection, legal, transportation, and neighborhood safety). Clusters were based on eight variables (age, race, gender, comorbidity, region, no-show rate, rurality, and VA priority group). We used weighted logistic regression to assess association of clusters with the risk of experiencing social needs. National random sample of Veterans with and at risk for cardiovascular disease who responded to a mail survey (N=2010). Self-reported social needs defined as the risk of endorsing (1) each individual social need, (2) one or more needs, and (3) a higher total count of needs. From the clustering analysis process with sensitivity analysis, we identified a consistent population segment of Veterans. From regression modeling, we found that this cluster, with lower average age and higher proportions of women and racial minorities, was at higher risk of experiencing ≥ 1 unmet need (OR 1.74, CI 1.17-2.56). This cluster was also at a higher risk for several individual needs, especially utility needs (OR 3.78, CI 2.11-6.78). The identification of characteristics associated with increased unmet social needs may provide opportunities for targeted screenings. As this cluster was also younger and had fewer comorbidities, they may be less likely to be identified as experiencing need through interactions with healthcare providers.

Методический подход к согласованию стратегических приоритетов государственной региональной политики развития старопромышленных регионов Российской Федерации

The formation of strategic priorities of the state regional policy for the development of old-industrial regions is complicated by the multiplicity of its actors and the need to coordinate spatial and sectoral priorities of regulatory impact. The article presents a methodological approach to coordinating the priorities of spatial and sectoral development of old industrial regions in the format of a scheme reflecting the logic and sequence of actions aimed at achieving strategic goals of regional development in accordance with the strategic national priorities of the Russian Federation. The methodological approach was tested on the example of the Saratov region, one of the old industrial regions of Russia with growth potential within the framework of the industrial development model. The necessity of using two approaches in the coordination process is justified: the first should be used to achieve the strategic priorities of the federal Center in a coordinated manner, on the one hand, and the old industrial regions and enterprises and organizations of the "industrial core", on the other (coordination "vertically"); the second — in order to coordinate the regional priorities of spatial and sectoral development of the old industrial region (horizontal alignment). Proposals are presented for the formation of a list of agreed priorities for the spatial and sectoral development of the Saratov region, the implementation of which will contribute to the transformation of the region into a point of growth of the national economy of Russia.

Flood prevention benefits provided by Canadian natural ecosystems

The escalating impacts of climate change have heightened concerns about the frequency and severity of natural disasters, particularly extreme flooding events. Future projections underscore the necessity for innovative flood prevention strategies, including broad-scale nature-based solutions. Here, we present the first comprehensive assessment of the flood prevention benefits provided by Canadian natural ecosystems and identify key areas crucial for human well-being. Using spatially explicit modeling, we (1) evaluated the potential runoff retention by natural ecosystems and (2) identified downstream urban and agricultural areas critically dependent on these natural benefits, particularly those in floodplains and close proximity to upstream natural ecosystems. The natural ecosystems within the top 5 % of sub-basins, representing regions with a high priority for conservation practices aimed at flood prevention, play a crucial role in safeguarding approximately 54 % (∼6,000 km2) of the total built-up area and 74 % (∼16,900 km2) of the total cropland situated within floodplains. Additionally, they are positioned upstream of floodplain-based urban zones belonging to 358 population centers, directly benefiting 3.7 million people (∼10 % of the Canadian population) and indirectly benefiting almost 20.1 million people (∼56 % of the Canadian population). Moreover, among Canada’s 5.2 million km2 of flood-preventing natural ecosystems, we identified a small fraction (10 %) whose loss or degradation would result in a significant (>50 %) increase in runoff. Several of these crucial ecosystems are situated in less populated northern regions, where local governments might want to incentivize conservation initiatives to support flood prevention. Our research underscores the imperative to integrate nature-based solutions into national strategies that consider the results of spatial planning analyses. Establishing other effective area-based conservation measures in the priority regions highlighted in this study can contribute towards reaching current ambitious environmental goals and provide critical flood prevention benefits. Additionally, our methods are transferable to other regions worldwide, leveraging globally available datasets and ensuring computational feasibility.

Accurately uncovering the regional ecological restoration priorities: A multidimensional approach to eco-dynamic sustainable management

Accurate identification, projection and dynamic evaluation of ecological degradation priorities are important prerequisites for realizing ecological restoration and territorial protection. However, the complexity of ecological systems and environmental diversity often limit the effectiveness of single-model evaluation approaches. Utilizing Badong County as a case study, this paper integrated the InVEST-Circuit-PLUS model to comprehensively analyze the eco-dynamic sustainability and restoration needs. Through performing projection of land cover, construction of ecological source areas, calculation of ecological resistance characteristics and extraction of ecological elements, we were able to identify priority ecological restoration areas over a twenty-year period (2007–2027). The results revealed cyclical land cover transformations from forest to cropland and back to forest, with an overall trend of forest cover expansion. While the county's ecological quality showed a slight decline, the location and extent of high-value ecological source areas were mapped in detail. By integrating ecosystem service value assessments, driver factor analyses, and the development of a "One Belt, Two Axes, Three Sources and Four Zones" ecological management framework, we were able to uncover the nuanced spatial and temporal dynamics shaping the regional ecology. These findings provide an evidence-based foundation to guide targeted ecological restoration and sustainable land use planning, which has verified the feasibility of the framework.

A Host Tree and Its Specialist Insects: Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Availability Largely Determines the Future Range Dynamics of Its Specialist Insects in Europe.

Black locust is the only host of Robinia-specialist insects in Europe. However, no study to date has examined future range shifts of specialist insects, and the relative effects of host plant availability and other factors on their range shifts. Here, we characterized the future range shifts in the host and its four specialist insects and the factors contributing to changes in their ranges. We detected substantial range expansions in all target species. Climate predictors and host plant availability were expected to have the strongest effects on the range shifts in the host and its specialist insects, respectively, suggesting that the specialist insects will track the ranges of their host. Parectopa robiniella showed the largest potential and expanding ranges and should be made a priority species for controlling invasions of Robinia-specialist insects in Europe. The expanding ranges of all specialist species were largely identified in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, suggesting that these should be priority regions for mitigating their effects on ecosystems. Reducing future climate change is essential for preventing the spreading of specialist insects in Europe since specialist insects track their specialist host plants, and host range expansions are mainly driven by future climate changes.

Feasibility of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) implementation in Japan: A regional analysis of the electricity supply and demand adjustment market

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology forms a critical bridge between electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, playing a transformative role in the global shift towards a low-carbon future. Despite its promise, the impact of regional differences on V2G potential, particularly within specific application scenarios, remains largely unexplored. This study employs an agent-based modeling approach to evaluate V2G potential across Japan's 47 prefectures, with a focus on its integration into an energy reserve service business model. Our analysis reveals that EV ownership is the dominant factor influencing regional variability, with the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Aichi, and Kanagawa emerging as top candidates for V2G deployment. Interestingly, when EV ownership is excluded from consideration, regions like Okinawa, Kagoshima, and Ibaraki show leadership in V2G potential. These findings highlight the existence of regional priorities for V2G application. Moreover, a ‘High Demand Disparity’ is observed in the power supply and demand adjustment market, where V2G systems are often either underutilized or overwhelmed, leaving many idle. The study underscores the need for region-specific strategies and the integration of diverse business models to fully capitalize on V2G's potential in various demand adjustment scenarios.

A Strategic Framework for Establishing Additional In Situ Data Acquisition Sites for Satellite Data Calibration and Validation: A Case Study in South Korean Forests

This study aims to evaluate the representativeness of Calibration/Validation (Cal/Val) sites for satellite data, develop a framework for establishing new Cal/Val sites, and propose a heterogeneity index to be applied within this framework, specifically focusing on South Korea. The proposed framework assesses the representativeness of existing Cal/Val sites, and, if found inadequate, provides a methodology for optimizing the location and number of additional Cal/Val sites, along with a prioritization strategy for their installation. Furthermore, the framework includes a methodology for evaluating the suitability of utilizing existing ground observation networks as additional Cal/Val sites and for prioritizing their use. The heterogeneity index is derived by synthesizing differences in geographic, climatic, vegetation, and spectral characteristics between the current Cal/Val sites and the broader regions. A higher heterogeneity index indicates significant divergence from existing Cal/Val sites across these factors, highlighting areas with a need for additional Cal/Val sites and a higher expected impact from their establishment. This index serves as a key tool within the framework to determine the optimal locations and number of new Cal/Val sites, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of utilizing existing ground observation networks. The framework was applied to South Korea, where the representativeness of the current eight Cal/Val sites was found to be insufficient. The optimal number of Cal/Val sites was determined to be 33, requiring the addition of 25 new sites in South Korea. The southeastern peninsula and surrounding islands were identified as priority regions for new installations. Additionally, the potential for utilizing the existing ground observation network was examined. Twenty-three Automatic Mountain Meteorology Observation System (AMOS) sites in South Korea were selected and compared with the optimized Cal/Val sites. The inclusion of these 23 AMOS sites was found to significantly improve representativeness, approaching the level of the optimized Cal/Val sites. This strategic deployment is expected to enhance the accuracy and reliability of remote sensing data, contributing to improved environmental monitoring and research in South Korea.

Changing direction for health in Africa.

Current developments augurs well for sexual and reproductive health in Africa. With the African Union joining the G20 group, it is expected that its regional health priorities will be given special consideration. Social protection and empowerment of youth and women were prominent at the recent Summit of the Future. The impending change in leadership at the African regional office of the World Health Organization brings great expectations for sound policy formulation and surveillance for detecting outbreaks of epidemics. At the United Nations, Africa will benefit from reform of the Security Council besides intensified activities pertaining to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Challenges and opportunities in AI and digital transformation for SMEs: A cross-continental perspective

This study examines the impact of AI and digital transformation on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across continents. As AI and digital technologies increasingly reshape global business landscapes, SMEs face unique challenges and opportunities distinct from those of larger corporations. This research systematically reviews existing literature, guided by the PRISMA framework, to identify the barriers and enablers of AI adoption in SMEs across these diverse regions. The study identifies key challenges, including limited financial resources, lack of skilled personnel, data security concerns, and organizational resistance to change. These barriers vary across continents; for instance, African SMEs often struggle with the high costs of AI implementation and lack of resources and expertise, while European SMEs face stringent regulatory challenges and a lack of infrastructure and finances. In contrast, Asian SMEs, particularly in developing countries, grapple with sustainability and sustainable regulatory and cultural barriers. However, it's important to note that the potential of AI to enhance operations and customer engagement is a universally recognized benefit. Europe emphasizes risk management and automation, while Africa and Asia highlight cost reduction, market expansion, and scalability, reflecting their unique regional priorities and challenges. The study concludes that while AI adoption presents considerable growth potential for SMEs globally, the path to realizing these opportunities is shaped by regional contexts. The research underscores the need for tailored policy interventions, capacity-building initiatives, and cross-border collaborations to support SMEs in overcoming these barriers and fully leveraging AI technologies. This work contributes to understanding digital transformation in SMEs, providing practical insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and academics interested in the intersection of AI and business strategy across different continents.

Priority areas for the use of solar water disinfection (SODIS) in Brazil: a spatial approach

ABSTRACT This paper presents a methodology for the development of a potential and priority use map for the application of the solar water disinfection (SODIS) method in Brazil. The assessment of solar radiation was conducted, with a particular focus on the annual average global horizontal irradiance (GHI). The water vulnerability index (WVI) and the economic-social-ecosystemic (ESE)-WVI were developed and employed as indicators to define the priority regions for the application of SODIS. The combination of the GHI and WVI maps yielded a SODIS usage potential index (SUPI). The combination of the SUPI map with information pertaining to the human, economic, and ecosystem dimensions of water vulnerability (ESE-WVI) yielded the SODIS usage priority index. The analysis revealed that the country exhibits favorable levels of solar radiation, making the implementation of SODIS a viable option, particularly in the Northeast region. Furthermore, the study identified regions with greater water vulnerability, such as the semi-arid region and some parts of the Amazon, as priorities for the application of SODIS. In conclusion, SODIS represents a viable water treatment technique for various regions in Brazil, particularly those with abundant solar radiation and concerns regarding water security.

First consensus document of waiting list prioritization for liver transplantation by the Spanish Society of Liver Transplantation (SETH).

Spain is worldwide leader in deceased donation rates per million habitants and count on a strong network of twenty-five liver transplant institutions. Although the access to liver transplantation is higher than in other countries, approximately 10% of patients qualifying for liver transplantation in Spain will die in the waiting list or would be excluded due to clinical deterioration. A robust waiting list prioritization system is paramount to grant the sickest patients with the first positions in the waiting list for an earlier access to transplant. In addition, the allocation policy may not create or perpetuate inequities, particularly in a public and universal healthcare system. Hitherto, Spain lacks a unique national allocation system for elective liver transplantation. Most institutions establish their own rules for liver allocation and only two autonomous regions, namely Andalucía and Cataluña, share part of their waiting list within their territory to provide regional priority to patients requiring more urgent transplantation. This heterogeneity is further aggravated by the recently described sex-based disparities for accessing liver transplantation in Spain, and by the expansion of liver transplant indications, mainly for oncological indications, in absence of clear guidance on the optimal prioritization policy. The present document contains the recommendations from the first consensus of waiting list prioritization for liver transplantation issued by the Spanish Society of Liver Transplantation (SETH). The document was supported by all liver transplant institutions in Spain and by the Organización Nacional de Trasplantes (ONT). Its implementation will allow to homogenize practices and to improve equity and outcomes among patients with end-stage liver disease.

Methodological Recommendations for the Creation of Sensor Measurement Systems for Respiratory Rate Monitoring Based on Photoplethysmographic Signal Processing

A methodical apparatus for creating sensor measurement systems for monitoring human respiration rate is proposed. It includes a method for estimating respiratory rate based on statistical analysis of photoplethysmographic signals (human pulse wave), a method for selecting priority regions for estimating respiratory rate, and a criterion for determining the required bracelet tension during measurements. The application of the respiratory rate estimation method involves calculating the Correntropy spectral density of the pulse wave signal. A distinctive feature of the method is the use of an algorithm for selecting the priority empirical mode of the Hilbert-Huang decomposition, which is most closely related to the respiratory rate. Experimental verification of the method showed that the mean value of the absolute error for 58.8% of the sample of calculated respiratory rate values did not exceed 1 breath/min, and the 95% confidence interval for the mean absolute error of the entire sample was [0.72–2.2] breaths/min.

Global disparities in cancer supportive care: An international survey.

The global cancer burden is rising, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), highlighting a critical research gap in understanding disparities in supportive care access. To address this, the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Health Disparities Committee initiated a global survey to investigate and delineate these disparities. This study aims to explore and compare supportive care access disparities between LMIC and High-Income Countries (HIC). An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among active members of MASCC. Members, representing diverse healthcare professions received email invitations. The survey, available for 3 weeks, comprised sections covering (1) sociodemographic information; (2) clinical service/practice-related disparities in their region/nation; (3) population groups facing disparities within their region or country. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test for cross-sectional analyses, and a multivariable logistic regression model was employed for statistical analysis. A total of 218 active members participated, with one-quarter (26.6%) from LMIC and 18.4% ethnic minorities, timely cancer care (43.7%) and timely supportive care (45.0%) emerged as the most pressing disparities globally. Notably, participants from LMIC underscored cancer drug affordability (56.4%) and supportive care guideline implementation (56.4%) as critical issues. Economically disadvantaged populations were noted as more likely to face disparities by both LMIC and HIC (non-US-based) respondents, while US-based respondents identified racial/ethnic minorities as facing more disparities. This global survey reveals significant disparities in cancer supportive care between LMIC and HIC, with a particular emphasis on medication affordability and guideline implementation in LMIC. Addressing these disparities requires targeted intervention, considering specific regional priorities.