Research In European Countries Research Articles

EU Recovery Plans and Digitalization in Public Value Creation: An Exploratory Research in European Countries

EU Recovery Plans and Digitalization in Public Value Creation: An Exploratory Research in European Countries

Evolution of Tick Vaccinology Highlights Changes in Paradigms in This Research Area.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases affect human and animal health worldwide. Although some tick-protective antigens have been identified and characterized, further research is needed for the development and application of effective anti-tick vaccines, which currently are unavailable for human protection. To study the trends and gaps in anti-tick vaccine approaches, herein we used scientometric analysis to evaluate several aspects of tick vaccinology. Co-authorship and citations networks pointed out two main research fronts, one focused on the laboratory protocols driving the recognition of candidate antigens and the other devoted to field experiments of protection against ticks. The analysis demonstrated the prominence of research in European countries on the topic. The scientometric approach allowed the recognition of isolated teams working casually on the topic, the lack of cooperation between middle- and low-income countries, and the need for sustained and integrated research. Most important, we identified a considerable lack of new candidates for vaccine development, as well as the participation of African and Asian countries. These results provide significant insights obtained from bibliographical analysis, suggest the strength and weaknesses in this field of research, and highlight new directions to advance in the development of effective vaccines for the control of tick infestations and tick-borne pathogens.

Mapping the literature of internal auditing in Europe: a systematic review and agenda for future research

Purpose Although many firms are investing considerable resources in building and designing strong and effective internal auditing (IA) to improve corporate governance and internal control processes, IA literature is still relatively fragmented. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a systematic review of studies on IA in 27 European countries and the UK. Design/methodology/approach Based on the Scopus database, 142 papers published between 1987 and 2022 were analyzed. This study focused on evaluating and analyzing the characteristics of literature and the themes investigated with a focus on four key aspects: governance, the effectiveness of IA, the relationship between internal auditors and other parties and risk management to provide directions for future research. Findings This study found that IA literature did not provide the integrated knowledge of internal audit functions (IAFs) and the factors that could contribute to their implementation as required. The results showed that the UK, Greece and Italy dominate the published literature in terms of the number of studies. There are a few studies that investigate IA in private institutions and nonprofit organizations. Interestingly, a vast majority of studies are not based on theoretical grounds. The results also showed that there is an absence of studies that discuss the impact of cultural and political systems as well as the demographic characteristics of auditors on the implementation of IAFs. Originality/value This study is useful for researchers, organizations and regulators because it contributes to the literature by highlighting the intellectual development of IA in the European countries and the UK, providing several directions for future studies. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first study to use a systematic review approach in evaluating the intellectual development of IA research in European countries, identifying areas and elements that received less attention in previous studies and providing a roadmap for future studies.

Problems of Contemporary Public Administration: Content Analysis of Scientific Publications

The purpose of this article is to characterize the current trends in public administration research in European countries. Methodologically, the article is based on the content analysis of the leading journals in the field of research of the theory and practice of public administration in European countries. The journals, which form the basis for the analysis of the subject area of the European science of public administration, are a theoretical and methodological platform in the field of public administration, which serves as a unifying framework for scientists and practitioners interested in the public sector and public sector management. Analysis of current trends and research provides a factual basis for decision-making, presents an accessible format, and encourages discussion. Journals on public administration in European countries are an institutional whole, not the least role in the stable significance of which is played by the «hypothesis — method» bundle, which does not allow writing and further publishing articles of a proveless nature. A total of 410 articles from six top journals (1–39 place (Q1) Scimago Journal & Country Rank) for 2017–2020 were analyzed. The analysis of articles shows that most of the journals are aimed at publishing articles of an analytical, methodological, and theoretical nature on five main topics: theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of public policy and public administration; national public political events and processes; the European Union as an actor in regional and international affairs; institutions, politics, and political processes in the European Union and other countries of the world; state policy of interaction between the European Union and other states, as well as comparative studies related to multidimensional issues of public administration. The practical result of the article is the formation of a pool of hypotheses for the study of public administration in conjunction with specific methods that allow these hypotheses to be tested. The reviewed articles reflect a steady interest among scientists and practitioners in understanding projects, the effectiveness of public policy instruments, and the organizational level factors that make it possible to implement them. They reveal how public policy embodies broader trends in society in terms of new regulatory approaches, initiatives, and mechanisms.

Catastrophic Household Expenditure Associated with Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Payments in Spain.

Background. The financial effect of households’ out-of-pocket payments (OOP) on access and use of health systems has been extensively studied in the literature, especially in emerging or developing countries. However, it has been the subject of little research in European countries, and is almost nonexistent after the financial crisis of 2008. The aim of the work is to analyze the incidence and intensity of financial catastrophism derived from Spanish households’ out-of-pocket payments associated with health care during the period 2008–2015. Methods. The Household Budget Survey was used and catastrophic measures were estimated, classifying the households into those above the threshold of catastrophe versus below. Three ordered logistic regression models and margins effects were estimated. Results. The results reveal that, in 2008, 4.42% of Spanish households dedicated more than 40% of their income to financing out-of-pocket payments in health, with an average annual gap of EUR 259.84 (DE: EUR 2431.55), which in overall terms amounts to EUR 3939.44 million (0.36% of GDP). Conclusion. The findings of this study reveal the existence of catastrophic households resulting from OOP payments associated with health care in Spain and the need to design financial protection policies against the financial risk derived from facing these types of costs.

Understanding the gender dimension of low fertility: Employment and childbearing in Europe

In this text, the gender dimension of low fertility is considered on the basis of the relevant literature and statistical data regarding the impact of employment on reproductive behaviour in postmodern societies. A review of fertility rates and employment rates of women with young children from 2010 onwards leads to several interesting observations. For example, during the period of study, the birth rate in Hungary increased, while it decreased in Finland by 0.4 children per woman. The most stable and relatively high fertility rates are observed in France and Sweden. At the same time, the employment rate of women with children aged three to five grew in Hungary, but the employment rate of those with children under the age of three was extremely low. In countries with higher fertility, the lowest employment rates for women with children under the age of three are in Finland and France, but they are about four times higher than the rate in Hungary. During the observed period, the employment of mothers remained stable at a relatively high level in Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands, without differences in female employment according to the age of their children. The fertility rates in these countries are relatively high. The results of empirical research in European countries suggest that the gender dimension of low fertility cannot be understood outside the specific social context, nor without considering the conditions at the micro level. Central to this consideration is the link between low fertility and women?s employment, as raising children is still gender-specific to an extent. However, men can participate in parenthood not only in terms of their reproductive behaviour, but also their right to participate in raising children. In addition, this text identifies negative perceptions of employment that refer to the modalities of worklife balance and the uncertainty regarding female and male employment. Both aspects produce certain effects on the socioeconomic position of the family, which can influence decisions relating to parenthood and the number of children the parents would like to have. In terms of taking action on low birth rates, it could be concluded that endangering families? economic status and reproducing patriarchal gender regimes are not favourable outcomes. This article provides a framework for more concrete research into these issues in Serbian society.

Meaning well while doing harm: compulsory genital examinations in Swedish African girls

In this article, I discuss compulsory genital examinations in Swedish African, mainly Somali, girls. The discussion is based on data from 122 police files, including criminal investigations regarding suspected “female genital mutilation” (FGM). A growing body of research in European countries indicates that processes of cultural change are occurring among immigrant communities from areas where traditionally girls are subjected to what is construed as “circumcision”. Many studies show growing opposition to these practices among people who have migrated to Europe, and there is little evidence to support the assertion that large-scale illegal activities are prevalent. Yet there is a dominant discourse stating that FGM is secretively practised on a large scale among some immigrant groups in Europe, and policies encourage the detection of cases to charge in criminal court. I describe the current situation in Sweden and highlight some of the drawbacks of a very harsh, although well-intended, policy to check for FGM in Europe. While the ultimate aim is to protect girls at risk for FGM, current policies have ramifications that are invasive and sometimes even traumatising for the girls involved. This paper offers an empirical example of how politics in western multicultural societies may negatively influence the sexual health and rights of a target group, in this case, girls and young women whose families originate from countries where circumcision of girls is practiced.

Feasibility of the "Cyclic, symmetric and integrated timetable (Taktfahrplan)" in Japan on the basis of the result of timetable research in European countries.

Feasibility of the "Cyclic, symmetric and integrated timetable (Taktfahrplan)" in Japan on the basis of the result of timetable research in European countries.

Analysis of Rice Production and Research in European Countries

Analysis of Rice Production and Research in European Countries

Reliability of the Suchey-Brooks method for a French contemporary population

The Suchey-Brooks method is commonly used for pubic symphyseal aging in forensic cases. However, inter-population variability is a problem affected by several factors such as geographical location and secular trends. The aim of our study was to test the reliability of the Suchey-Brooks method on a virtual sample of contemporary French males.We carried out a retrospective study of 680 pubic symphysis from adult males undergoing clinical Multislice Computed Tomography in two hospitals between January 2013 and July 2014 (Toulouse and Tours, France). The reliability of the Suchey-Brooks method was tested by the calculation of inaccuracy and bias between real and estimated ages, and the mean age for each stage and the mean stage for each 10-years age interval were compared.The degree of inaccuracy and bias increased with age and inaccuracy exceeded 20 years for individuals over 65 years of age. The results are consistent with an overestimation of the real age for stages I and II and an underestimation of the real age for stages IV, V and VI. Furthermore, the mean stages of the reference sample were significantly lower for the 14–25 age group and significantly higher for individuals over 35 years old.Age estimation is potentially limited by differential inter-population error rates between geographical locations. Furthermore, the effects of secular trends are also supported by research in European countries showing a reduction in the age of attainment of indicators of biological maturity during the past few decades. The results suggest that the Suchey-Brooks method should be used with caution in France. Our study supports previous findings and in the future, the Suchey-Brooks method could benefit from re-evaluation of the aging standards by the establishment of new virtual reference samples.

Programmes and calls for public health research in European countries

Public health research, at population and organizational level, needs to be identified independently within 'health' research from biomedicine and life sciences. In PHIRE (Public Health Innovation and Research in Europe), we investigated the extent and character of public health research calls and programmes in European countries. Country respondents, identified through national member associations of the European Public Health Association completed a standardized recording instrument. Public health research was defined, and the call period limited to the latest full year (2010). Of the 30 countries included (EU 27 plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland), there were reports for 25 countries A simple classification of the calls was developed. There were 75 calls and programmes included. Of these, 41 (55%) together were in France and the UK, and 34 in a further 14 countries, while 9 countries reported there were no calls or programmes opened in 2010. Calls were categorized across diseases, behaviours, determinants, services and methodologies. Some calls were broad, while others--particularly in the countries with several calls--were more detailed towards specific issues. Levels of funding varied markedly and were difficult to define. Where stated, in 32 responses, 19 calls were only open to national applicants and 13 from abroad. Most European countries have competitive programmes and calls relevant for public health research, but they are poorly identified. Only a minority of countries present a wide range of topics and specific fields. Effort is needed to develop classifications for public health programmes and calls for public health research, improve information (including financial) collection to enable systematic comparisons and build greater recognition of public health research within research communities, with national and European research funding organizations, and for practitioners and policymakers.

Competitive funding and structures for public health research in European countries: Table 1

The European Union is giving increasing emphasis to research as a driver for innovation and economic development. The European collaborative study PHIRE (Public Health Innovation and Research in Europe) investigated the funding and structures of public health research at national level in European countries. Background materials were prepared for national public health associations of European countries to hold workshops or discussions with research and policy stakeholders on their public health research systems. The reports, supplemented from internet sources for 23 EU countries (four did not contribute), provided information for framework analysis. All countries have public funding and administrative structures for research, but structures for public health research are more varied. In most countries, competitive health research funding is controlled by the Ministry of Science, with little input from the Ministry of Health. In four countries, Ministries of Health provide competitive funding alongside Ministries of Science, and in two countries there is a single health research council. There is no comparative reporting of public health research funding, and little connection with European public health research programmes. Europe needs a comprehensive picture of national and regional systems of public health research, in order to critically assess them and better adapt to changes and challenges, and to achieve a European Research Area for public health.

Do UK Higher Education Students Overestimate Their Starting Salary?*

AbstractThe wage expectations of university students have relevance for human capital theory, models of student enrolment, and public policy on the provision of higher education. However, these expectations have been the subject of relatively little research in European countries, with no contemporary evidence available in the UK. There has also been little consideration in the literature thus far of how much estimates may be biased by non‐response and sample selection. This paper thus makes an original contribution to the literature by comparing UK undergraduate students' wage expectations with the actual wages earned by the same cohort on graduation, after attempting to correct for the aforementioned statistical issues in terms of observable characteristics. In contrast to other European studies, I conclude that, on average, full‐time students overestimate their starting salary. Yet I also find substantial variation in the extent of overestimation between different subgroups.

A bibliometric overview of infectious diseases research in European countries (2002–2007)

This study analyses the distribution of papers published by authors from the European Union (EU) in 47 international infectious diseases journals from 2002 to 2007. The Web of Science of the Institute for Scientific Information was used to collect medical articles. From 46,149 papers recovered, 24,064 (52.1%) were from the EU. The EU15 countries published 23,239 papers (96.7%). The ten countries that joined the EU in 2004 published only 767 (3.2%) and the two countries that last joined the EU in 2007 contributed only 0.1% of the papers. The United States contributed 41.2% of the documents. The leading EU27 countries in number of publications were the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. After taking the population into account, Denmark, Sweden, and The Netherlands headed the list, and after correcting for gross domestic product the greatest producers were Malta, Estonia, and Sweden. In conclusion, the production of scientific papers on infectious diseases during the last six years was greater in the EU than in the United States. The contribution to the infectious diseases research of the 12 countries that joined the EU in the last few years has yet been limited.

The CHESME Health Economic Evaluations Database (CHESME HEED) project

Health economic evaluation is becoming an increasingly influential aspect of health technology assessment, both in Europe as well as worldwide [3, 6, 11-13]. This continuously increasing influence is partly revealed by the rapid growth of the international health economic evaluation literature, and mainly by the introduction of national health technology assessment agencies in several countries that explicitly require the cost-effectiveness of health-care interventions to be demonstrated before they are approved for use in the health-care system. Nevertheless, research in European countries indicates that the use of economic evaluation in health-care decision making still remains limited, and there is certainly room for improvement [3, 6, 11]. In Greece, relatively little health economic evaluation has been undertaken so far [14], and preliminary evidence from ongoing research suggests that its impact in decision making has been trivial (if any). One would expect that this rapid increase in the number of health economic evaluation studies would provide us with more information regarding the cost-effectiveness of competing health technologies, leading in this way to more rational health-care decision making. However, after a certain degree, this increase may ultimately constitute an important obstacle to the detection of information relevant to the interested user as the total amount of information is

Research Ethics Committees, Data Protection and Medical Research in European Countries Edited by: D. Beyleveld, D. Townend and J. Wright

Research Ethics Committees, Data Protection and Medical Research in European Countries Edited by: D. Beyleveld, D. Townend and J. Wright

Minority status and schooling—John U. Ogbu’s theory and the schooling of ethnic minorities in Europe

This paper discusses the relevance of John U. Ogbu’s cultural‐ecological theory regarding the variability in educational performance of different ethnic minority groups against the background of comparative data on the schooling of ethnic minorities in Europe. Aside from cultural differences and institutional barriers, it addresses the impact of minority group status and community forces on educational achievement. The author calls for more comparative ethnographic research in European countries in order to generate a better understanding of the similarities and differences in educational experiences between various ethnic groups.

Genetic and Cultural Diversity in Europe

The modern genetics of Europe can be conveniently described by means of special statistical methods of analysis. A geographic analysis by principal components is particularly useful in detecting hidden genetic patterns determined by ancient population expansions. The five statistically most important patterns identified in Europe correspond with archaeologically, linguistically, or historically known demographic expansions. These expansions were most probably determined by known technological innovations (in order of importance, the first four are the development of agriculture and animal breeding in the Middle East, adaptations to northern conditions in the Ural region, pastoral nomadism linked with domestication of the horse in the steppe, and nautical developments favoring Mediterranean trade and colonizations). The remote origins of Europeans from neighboring populations and the replacement of Neandertals, the effect of geographic distance on genetic distance, the major isolates, and the nature and meaning of existing genetic boundaries are also briefly discussed. The pattern of cultural differentiation, including linguistics, shows similarities with the genetic one, because the mechanisms of transmission are at least in part similar. However, recent changes in the patterns of communication and cultural transmission are causing profound changes which tend to destroy this similarity. The linguistic picture of Europe, its relations with genetics and history, and in general with cultural diversity are summarized. Apart from it, European cultural diversity is unfortunately not well studied, although it is clear to living observers. There is considerable historical knowledge, including the pattern of communication routes through the centuries, which is of major help for the study of cultural transmission and evolution. But the very rapid pace of cultural change in modern Europe implies that much knowledge, currently entrusted to the memory of living people, will soon disappear. The need to collect this information and make it available for present and future study seems a highly desirable scope for research in European countries. Apart from China, which has had a very different history, Europe is unique in the depth and extension of diachronic knowledge available, and useful, for the study of cultural and genetic coevolution.

Future trends in accident research in European countries

Singleton, W.T., 1984. Future trends in accident research in European countries. Journal of Occupational Accidents, 6: 3–12. In all European countries there has been extensive growth in accident studies since about 1970. This was stimulated and was also made possible by the increasing affluence of the period. Most of this work was practical and pragmatic with an emphasis on the collection and collation of data from real situations. The inevitable result has been in creased awareness of the industrial situation but a dearth of new theoretical concepts. Most current theories are of the “systems” type which can explain anything but predict nothing. For the remainder of this century studies are likely to be much more tightly controlled and assessed in cost/benefit terms with an emphasis on the epidemiological approach of monitoring the statistical situation to detect new hazards. The research emphasis will probably switch from accidents to the occupational diseases consequent upon the vast increase in the use of new chemicals in industry.

Maize–an alternative fodder crop in Britain

In the light of past experience with maize it may still be a little premature to suggest that the crop can make a significant contribution to British agriculture. Nevertheless, the continuing expansion of maize research in European countries indicates that further improvements in varieties and on techniques of crop production can be expected, and very little more is needed to make the crop economical for fodder or ensilage over considerable areas of central and southern England.