Regulatory Framework Research Articles

Innovating corporate share listing frameworks: a comparative study of SPAC regulatory regimes in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong

ABSTRACT In the 2020s, special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) have swiftly emerged as an alternative vehicle for global corporations that seek a public listing. This article aims to critically analyse the regulatory frameworks governing SPAC listings in three prominent common law jurisdictions: the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong. It evaluates the latest corporate share listing reforms from a comparative perspective, shedding light on how each jurisdiction adapts to the dynamic nature of SPACs and addresses rising challenges regarding investor protection under their new listing regimes. The discussion focuses on the influence of international best practices and the cooperation among global regulatory authorities. By providing an in-depth comparative analysis of SPAC listing rules in London, Singapore, and Hong Kong, this article offers valuable insights for researchers, legal practitioners, policymakers, public companies, and their investors who seek to understand the regulatory landscape for SPACs and innovative corporate regimes in leading financial centres. The findings enhance our understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the SPAC regulatory frameworks in each of the three jurisdictions, thus assisting stakeholders in making informed decisions in the rapidly evolving global financial landscape.

Emerging post-Dobbs liability concerns for providers handling embryos.

This review outlines novel, emerging legal risks for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) providers and patients. This article reviews recent antiabortion legal developments that create novel legal risks to IVF. This article examines new potential liability for the handling or managing of embryos, and threats to safe, efficient, standard-of-care practice of IVF. It reviews established US and international judicial and regulatory frameworks based on scientifically grounded recognition of IVF embryos as deserving of 'special respect', and finds this approach to be an alternative for law and policy makers. Defining life as 'beginning at fertilization' (or 'conception') or otherwise embracing 'embryonic personhood' creates emerging legal vulnerabilities and concerns for IVF patients and professionals who handle embryos and threatens standard-of-care IVF. Internationally and domestically established, scientifically grounded understandings of IVF embryos, rather than religious beliefs, should be the basis for legal frameworks that accord appropriate - but not unlimited - protections to IVF embryos. This article presents this framework as an alternative to the current path being embraced by some US policymakers and courts, as a means of protecting the rights of patients, providers and the families they create.

Cost and competitiveness of green hydrogen and the effects of the European Union regulatory framework

Cost and competitiveness of green hydrogen and the effects of the European Union regulatory framework

Advanced Carbon Management: Innovations in Materials and Process Integration for Carbon Capture, Storage, and Utilization (CCSU)

Purpose: This article systematically explores the complex landscape of Carbon Capture, Storage, and Utilization (CCSU) technologies, emphasizing their critical role in global climate change mitigation. The article aims to provide a strategic framework for stakeholders to understand the integration of CCSU technologies into the broader energy and environmental policy landscape. Methodology: Through an integrated approach, this study examines the latest technological advancements in CCSU, studies the global regulatory frameworks influencing these technologies, and analyzes the economic factors that drive or obstruct their adoption. It also involves evaluating the role of international cooperation in standardizing and disseminating best practices for CCSU implementations worldwide. Findings: The study highlights the profound impact of legislative and financial mechanisms on the pace and scope of CCSU technology deployment. It discusses the potential of innovative materials and processes to reduce costs and increase the efficacy of carbon capture and storage. Furthermore, the review provides valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of CCSU technologies. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The article emphasizes the necessity of robust research and development, supported by a conducive policy environment and strategic economic incentives, to enhance the efficiency, scalability, and commercial viability of CCSU technologies. It concludes with targeted recommendations for policymakers, suggesting ways to refine regulatory approaches and foster market conditions conducive to rapid CCSU adoption.

Assessing the Copyright Infringement Risk of Generative AI Created Works

The rapid evolution of the Internet and big data technology has ushered in significant advancements in data production and utilization. However, this progress has brought to the forefront the intricate issue of copyright protection. This is particularly evident with the widespread adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI), where concerns regarding data source protection, data processing standards, and the boundaries of data application have garnered considerable attention from both academia and industry. Big data mining techniques coupled with generative AI algorithms offer robust support for data collection and processing, but they also introduce risks of data infringement and pose challenges regarding algorithmic compliance and ownership rights over generated works. Addressing these issues is imperative. This paper recommends enhancing legal compliance standards throughout each stage of the generative AI process, recalibrating the scope of acceptable copyright use, and establishing a regulatory framework for generative AI works. These measures are crucial for fostering the sustainable and orderly advancement of the generative AI industry.

UNDERSTANDING DEEPFAKE TECHNOLOGY: IMPLICATIONS, CHALLENGES AND CASE STUDIES

The rise in deepfake technology has sparked serious worries about how it may distort the facts, sway public opinion, and jeopardise personal privacy. This study explores the complex world of deepfakes, looking at its technological underpinnings, social effects, and moral ramifications. This study investigates the diverse uses of deepfake technology, spanning from political misinformation operations to entertainment, through an analysis of academic literature and case studies. Moreover, it explores the difficulties that deepfakes provide for media legitimacy, dependability, and the accuracy of visual proof. This research delves into the legal and regulatory frameworks pertaining to deepfakes and suggests some approaches to alleviate their adverse effects. Finally, by fostering a thorough knowledge of deepfakes, our research hopes to enable people, decision-makers, and technology developers to properly navigate this quickly changing digital terrain.

How social innovations emerge in a rigid regulatory context: the case of demand responsive transport in Switzerland

ABSTRACT Demand responsive transport (DRT) solutions may improve rural transport systems. These solutions often emerge as social innovations in rural areas. In Switzerland, their planning process is embedded in a rigid regulatory framework of the public transport system. The objective of this paper is to understand in which way the regulatory framework of the public transport system influences planning processes of a DRT solution in a rural setting. The methodological approach of social innovation biographies helps to examine the necessary planning steps to start mybuxi, a DRT in two Swiss rural municipalities. Our findings show that regulatory constraints dominate the final planning stage of the social innovation. Protections of current public transport regulations hinder federal offices from subsidizing the DRT, having direct implications on the financial sustainability of the system. The findings of this paper help actors to better address regulatory questions in the early stage of the respective innovation process.

Credit Growth and Risk Management in Indian Banks: Analysis Through Sectoral Deployment

This research paper explores the dynamics of sectoral credit deployment and its impact on risk management within the Indian banking sector over three fiscal years (2021-2023). Utilizing data from the Reserve Bank of India's annual reports, the study delves into the growth patterns of credit allocation to agriculture, industry, services, and personal loans, and assesses corresponding risk metrics such as the Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPA) ratio, Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR), and Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression modelling were employed to identify relationships and impacts. The findings reveal substantial credit growth in the services and personal loan sectors, accompanied by significant improvements in risk management indicators, including a marked reduction in the Gross NPA ratio and enhanced Provision Coverage Ratios. These trends highlight the sector’s increasing resilience and risk preparedness, reflecting broader shifts towards a consumer-driven financial landscape. The paper discusses the implications of these findings for banking stability and economic policy, emphasizing the need for nuanced regulatory frameworks to manage sector-specific risks. Future research could extend this analysis to predict long-term impacts of credit expansion on financial stability using advanced econometric models.

Food stamps: systematisation of Russian practice

The paper presents an analysis of food stamp programmes in Russia. These programmes are funding the purchase of food in the form of directed payments or auxiliary payment instruments. However, there is no unified concept of food stamps. Indeed, the separate regional programs are launched. They controlled both by the State and non-profit associations. Additionally, there are various practices in Russia using similar tools to ensure national food security. The paper attempts to formulate mandatory criteria for food stamps. It also presents a classification for assessment of food stamp programmes structure. Hence the work assesses the organisational changes in terms of digitalisation of food stamp programmes. Nowadays, the Russian Federation is in the process of accumulating experience in the use of food stamps. The independent programs are being launched and assessed in various regions, the regulatory framework for the launch of larger-scale projects are being developed, etc. The most significant change increasing the efficiency of using food stamps is the digitalisation of the process. Modern food stamps have undergone a profound organisational transformation through the use of digital tools. Their use is more convenient for all stakeholders and makes it possible to effectively provide food support to the indigent people. Hence introducing of food stamp programme in the Russian Federation will improve public access to food and contribute to an increase in living standards. Moreover, the programme expands the demand for food products, increases the economic stability of producers, and forms conditions for import substitution programmes for food production.

CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR AND DECISION MAKING IN HEALTHCARE PURCHASES

In the complicated healthcare environment of today, obtaining health insurance is essential to guaranteeing both financial stability and access to high-quality medical care. However, there are still many unknowns when it comes to consumer behaviors while choosing health insurance, which affects market dynamics and decision-making procedures. By combining knowledge from the fields of economics, psychology, marketing, and public policy with a thorough investigation of consumer behaviors in the healthcare insurance market, this study seeks to close these gaps. The research attempts to elucidate the elements influencing decision-making, the complexities of choosing insurance, and the implications for market dynamics, consumer welfare, and policy development through theoretical investigation, empirical analysis, and practical implications. Important conclusions highlight the need for focused marketing and governmental interventions by revealing the intricate interactions between social, marketing, and personal aspects in decision-making. The study emphasizes how crucial decision support tools and consumer education are to enhancing consumer comprehension and decision-making. Furthermore, it highlights how important it is to have regulatory frameworks that support competition, consumer welfare, and market efficiency that are based on a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour. Through the utilisation of these insights, interested parties can endeavor to establish a healthcare insurance market that is reasonably priced, easily accessible, and adaptable to the various requirements of people and communities, guaranteeing access to top-notch medical care while upholding financial stability. Key Words: health insurance, consumer behaviours, decision-making, market structure, policy formulation, safety of consumers, regulatory frameworks, affordability, access, quality care.

АНАЛИЗ КАЧЕСТВА ВЕДЕНИЯ МЕДИЦИНСКОЙ ДОКУМЕНТАЦИИ ПРИ ОЦЕНКЕ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ СТОМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ КЛИНИКИ

One of the criteria for assessing the quality of medical care is the complete maintenance of medical records. Defects in the preparation of medical documents lead to serious errors, such as incorrect diagnosis, unreasonable choice of diagnostic methods and treatment. To clarify the causes of their occurrence and adverse consequences, the study and analysis of medical records in dental organizations is of no small importance. Properly completed medical documentation serves as the basis for conducting forensic investigations within the framework of a criminal case in case of defects in the provision of medical dental care. The outpatient card of a dental patient is the object of quality control of medical care in dental organizations in the event of conflict situations. Purpose of the study: To analyze the quality control and safety of medical activities and the examination of the quality of medical dental care carried out in the dental clinic of the Military Medical Academy named after. CM. Kirov. Material and methods. During the study, analytical and statistical methods were used. The collection of primary information was carried out on the basis of data from primary medical documentation - 1067 outpatient records of dental patients. Results and condemnation. A statistically significant influence of a doctor’s work experience on the completeness of providing information about patients’ complaints was revealed. Doctors with less experience provide more complete descriptions of patient complaints. Among all complaints, aesthetic ones were most often described; complaints of a morphological and functional nature were noted quite rarely. In the cards of form No. 043/u, in 46.67% there was no information about the bite, the hygiene index was not determined, treatment plans and visit diaries were not filled out correctly. Conclusions. Internal quality assessment helps to detect defects in filling out dental patient outpatient records. The importance of adequate medical record keeping is beyond doubt; the form of the medical record must meet the needs of dentists and contain information that complies with the legal and regulatory framework.

Safety considerations for hydrometallurgical metal recovery from lithium‐ion batteries

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive overview of the critical process safety considerations inherent in hydrometallurgical metal recovery within the lithium‐ion battery (LiB) recycling process. As hydrometallurgy application in LiB recycling is still in the early stages of development, it is crucial to identify the hazards and provide safety recommendations. Hazards related to hydrometallurgy are identified and categorized in process, toxic, fire, explosion, corrosion, environment, storage, and transport hazards. Risk reduction measures are suggested using the hierarchy of control methodology to eliminate and reduce risks to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP), based on UK regulatory framework.

Analysis of Antibiotics in Milk from Smallholder Farmers from Kenya Shows Traces Above the Recommended Maximum Residue Limits

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rising globally and is likely to cause more deaths because of antibiotic-resistant microbial infections and antibiotic residues in animal foods and products as a result of misuse of antibiotics in dairying. Thus, we determined the presence and quantities of sulfonamide, tetracycline, and beta-lactam drug residues in milk sampled in Nyandarua, Meru, and Kiambu counties in Kenya using the Charm TRIO® test kit and liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to the triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy (MS) (LC-MS/MS). The TRIO® test kit showed dicloxacillin as the most prevalent at 9.3%, followed by penicillin and cloxacillin at 3.7% each, and nafcillin at 0.9% among the beta-lactams. Among the tetracyclines, demeclocycline and tigecycline were the most prevalent at 10.3% each, followed by oxytetracycline at 9.3%, chlortetracycline at 7.5%, and doxycycline at 3.7%, while sulfaquinoxaline was the only sulfonamide drug detected at 4%. The LC-MS/MS detected the presence of all the tested β-lactam and tetracycline antimicrobial traces and all sulfonamide drugs except sulfamerazine in all three counties. All the tetracycline antibiotics recorded between 3 and 10.5% of antibiotic residues above the recommended Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in milk across all three counties, with beta-lactam antibiotics recording between 2 and 33.3%, indicating their misuse in the three counties. Sulfaquinoxaline was the only sulfonamide detected in milk samples above the recommended MRLs, indicating sulfonamides are less used in those counties. Therefore, it is important to enforce a regulatory framework to control antibiotic use in livestock to minimize potential health risks related to their traces in the foods.

Legal Issues of Fusion Technologies

Abstract A comprehensive regulatory framework for fusion must consider the unique characteristics and challenges of fusion technology, including safety, environmental protection, waste management, export/import control, and nuclear liability. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established safety standards and guidelines related to fusion, but more needs to be done to address the gaps in the existing legal frameworks. The article emphasizes the need for clear and predictable regulations to provide confidence for investors and promote the research, development, and deployment of this promising technology. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, commercial fusion power is still likely many years away from being a reality, but a legal framework is essential for its eventual success.

Principles versus rules based standards: Differential impact on accounting quality and relevance

AbstractThis research explores the transition from rules‐based to principles‐based accounting standards, particularly focusing on the implementation of ASC 606, and its impact on the quality and value relevance of financial reporting. The study draws on the debate between the detailed, prescriptive nature of rules‐based standards versus the flexible, judgment‐reliant principles‐based standards. Through a comprehensive empirical analysis, it finds that the adoption of ASC 606 has led to a significant improvement in accounting quality, supporting the theory that principles‐based standards, which emphasize reflecting the economic substance of transactions, result in more accurate and informative financial statements. Additionally, the paper reveals that this transition has varied effects across different industries, with the most pronounced improvements in sectors characterized by complex customer contracts and multiple performance obligations. The research further indicates an increase in the value relevance of financial reporting post‐ASC 606 adoption, suggesting that financial statements now provide more relevant information for investors, thereby enhancing market efficiency. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the optimal approach to financial reporting standards, highlighting the benefits of principles‐based standards while also acknowledging the need for strong regulatory frameworks and professional judgment to mitigate the risks of earnings management and ensure high‐quality financial reporting.

Regulating surrogacy intermediaries: a comparative analysis of regulatory approaches and implications in the Chinese context

Abstract This article addresses the significant research gap concerning the regulation of surrogacy intermediaries in China’s rapidly growing surrogacy market. Employing a ‘law in context’ perspective, it explores the question of how to effectively regulate surrogacy intermediaries in the Chinese context. Situated within China’s unique socio-cultural landscape, where procreation carries profound significance, the study navigates the complexities of surrogacy regulation, including ethical dilemmas, rights infringements and regulatory ambiguities. The article advocates for the regulation of surrogacy in China to prevent possible exploitation, referencing three international models: prohibiting commercial surrogacy, governing non-profit surrogacy organisations and imposing duties on for-profit surrogacy agents. The aim is to construct a robust, context-sensitive regulatory framework for surrogacy in China, focusing on identifying suitable intermediaries and defining the scope of effective regulatory oversight.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Legal Systems: Challenges and Opportunities

The integration of artificial intelligence into legal systems has engendered a paradigm shift in the legal landscape, presenting a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities for the legal profession and the justice system. This Comprehensive research delves into the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence on legal systems, focusing on its transformative potential and implications. Through an extensive analysis of the integration of artificial intelligence technologies, including natural language processing, machine learning, and predictive analytics, the study illuminates the profound improvements in legal research, decision-making processes, and case management, emphasizing the unprecedented efficiency and accessibility that artificial intelligence offers within the legal domain. Furthermore, the research critically examines the ethical and societal challenges stemming from artificial intelligence integration, including concerns related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the accountability of artificial intelligence-driven legal solutions. By scrutinizing the existing regulatory frameworks governing artificial intelligence implementation, the study underscores the necessity of responsible and ethical artificial intelligence integration, advocating for transparency, fairness, and equitable practices in the legal profession. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the ethical implications and effective management of artificial intelligence integration in legal systems, providing valuable insights and recommendations for stakeholders and policymakers to navigate the complexities and ensure the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence technologies within the legal sphere

Modernizing and harmonizing regulatory data requirements for genetically modified crops—perspectives from a workshop

Genetically modified (GM) crops that have been engineered to express transgenes have been in commercial use since 1995 and are annually grown on 200 million hectares globally. These crops have provided documented benefits to food security, rural economies, and the environment, with no substantiated case of food, feed, or environmental harm attributable to cultivation or consumption. Despite this extensive history of advantages and safety, the level of regulatory scrutiny has continually increased, placing undue burdens on regulators, developers, and society, while reinforcing consumer distrust of the technology. CropLife International held a workshop at the 16th International Society of Biosafety Research (ISBR) Symposium to examine the scientific basis for modernizing global regulatory frameworks for GM crops. Participants represented a spectrum of global stakeholders, including academic researchers, GM crop developers, regulatory consultants, and regulators. Concurrently examining the considerations of food and feed safety, along with environmental safety, for GM crops, the workshop presented recommendations for a core set of data that should always be considered, and supplementary (i.e., conditional) data that would be warranted only on a case-by-case basis to address specific plausible hypotheses of harm. Then, using a case-study involving a hypothetical GM maize event expressing two familiar traits (insect protection and herbicide tolerance), participants were asked to consider these recommendations and discuss if any additional data might be warranted to support a science-based risk assessment or for regulatory decision-making. The discussions during the workshop highlighted that the set of data to address the food, feed, and environmental safety of the hypothetical GM maize, in relation to a conventional comparator, could be modernized compared to current global regulatory requirements. If these scientific approaches to modernize data packages for GM crop regulation were adopted globally, GM crops could be commercialized in a more timely manner, thereby enabling development of more diverse GM traits to benefit growers, consumers, and the environment.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF ASSORTMENTS AND COSTS OF BUILDING PROFILES IN UKRAINE

Purpose. The main purpose of the publication is a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the changes associated with the implementation of new standards for rolled steel in recent years in the domestic regulatory framework. Also, an additional purpose is to estimate changes in the cost structure of certain types of rolled metal in Ukraine over the past 5 years. Methodology. In order to achieve the main purpose, both the rolled steel standards currently in force in Ukraine and the canceled previous standards were examined in detail. Comparison of standards for sheet profiles was carried out according to the criteria of the number of standard sizes and the profiles themselves in the standard. Comparison of standards for shaped profiles was carried out according to several criteria – the number of available standard sizes of profiles, the number of profiles themselves, the mass indicators of the largest and smallest profiles, as well as the efficiency indicators (nuclear distance and the square of the radius of inertia) of the largest and smallest profiles according to the standard. To assess changes in the cost structure of assortment profiles of various types, a quantitative comparison of their absolute and relative market value was carried out based on data from open electronic resources for the past 5 years. Findings. At present, in the part of standards for the range of steel products in Ukraine, a systematic and full-fledged update of the regulatory framework is taking place, with the full preservation of our own national heritage. The need to develop and implement a standard for flat hot-rolled broad-banded sheet, specialized and improved standards for hot-rolled bars and for cold-bent square and rectangular profiles, as well as the need to provide the official status of the standard for I-bars with parallel edges of the shelves are the main problematic issues in the part of the assortment normative base at the moment. Originality. In this publication, a theoretical estimation of modern changes in the current normative base of Ukraine, which regulates the issue of the range of steel rolled metal, is presented. In particular, 2 types of sheet metal, 5 types of shaped hot-rolled steel and 3 types of shaped cold-bent profiles, which are the most widely used for steel building structures, were analyzed. The main performance indicators of profiles according to old and new standards are calculated. Practical value. In the practical part of the completed review, changes in the cost structure of the main types of rolled steel over the past 5 years in Ukraine were estimated. The main problematic issues of the current assortment base of Ukraine are separately identified and practical recommendations for their elimination are provided.

Regulating Algorithmic Assemblages: Exploring Beyond Corporate AI Ethics

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, fueled by extensive research and development investments, has ushered in a new era where AI permeates decision-making processes across various sectors. This proliferation is largely attributed to the availability of vast digital datasets, particularly in machine learning, enabling AI systems to discern intricate correlations and furnish valuable insights from data on human behavior and other phenomena. However, the widespread integration of AI into private and public domains has raised concerns regarding the neutrality and objectivity of automated decision-making processes. Such systems, despite their technological sophistication, are not immune to biases and ethical dilemmas inherent in human judgments. Consequently, there is a growing call for regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in AI deployment, akin to traditional regulatory frameworks governing analogous processes. This paper critically examines the implications and ripple effects of incorporating AI into existing social systems from an 'AI ethics' standpoint. It questions the adequacy of self-policing mechanisms advocated by corporate entities, highlighting inherent limitations in corporate social responsibility paradigms. Additionally, it scrutinizes well-intentioned regulatory initiatives, such as the EU AI ethics initiative, which may overlook broader societal impacts while prioritizing the desirability of AI applications. The discussion underscores the necessity of adopting a holistic approach that transcends individual and group rights considerations to address the profound societal implications of AI, encapsulated by the concept of 'algorithmic assemblage'.