Strong Connection Research Articles

Examining the Influence of Gratitude on Sleep Quality Among Young Adult Population: A Scientific Exploration

The study investigates the intricate relationship between gratitude and sleep quality within the young adult population, delving into the realms of positive psychology, diverse cultural perspectives, and the physiological underpinnings of these phenomena. The study also uncovers the cross-cultural relevance of gratitude in influencing sleep quality among young adults. The methodology employed encompasses a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative surveys to measure gratitude levels and sleep quality. The sample comprises a diverse group of young adults, ensuring the study's applicability across various demographic backgrounds. The results demonstrate the cross-cultural significance of gratitude in promoting well-being by showing a strong positive connection between gratitude and sleep quality. These results underscore the importance of fostering gratitude as a means to enhance sleep quality among young adults, irrespective of cultural backgrounds.

Genetic differentiation of wild boar populations in a region affected by African swine fever

In the European Union, African swine fever (ASF) affects wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations in several Member States. Knowledge of population connectivity is important for the implementation of control measures, in particular the establishment of effective barriers. Population genetic comparisons of neighbouring populations can be very helpful in this respect. The present study investigated the genetic differentiation of wild boar in eastern Germany. This region has been affected by ASF since September 2020. A total of 1,262 wild boars from 31 hunting grounds (populations) in ASF-affected and ASF-free districts were sampled over a total area of almost 100,000 km². The study area encompassed a network of geographical factors that promote (roads, rivers, cities) or inhibit (natural areas, habitat corridors) genetic differentiation between wild boar populations. The genetic differentiation of the areas was based on 12 microsatellite markers. Three different Bayesian algorithms were used to analyse the data. The results were combined into a common approach with 9 clusters. Based on the cluster distribution in each population, the connectivity between the areas was quantified. The strongest differentiation was found along an imaginary line along the lower Elbe valley through Berlin and the A11 freeway to the Szczecin Lagoon. In contrast, the Mecklenburg Lake District and the south-east of the study area showed strong connectivity between areas. The special features of the landscapes along the lower Elbe valley, which was assessed as highly connective, and the high barrier effect of the A11 freeway in contrast to the other freeways in the study area show that barrier effects cannot be generalised in principle, but are actually determined by the circumstances of individual structures. The results of the connectivity analysis were compared with the distribution of viral lineages and variants. The genotypes of the wild boar populations and the ASFV lineages and variants showed a good explanatory approach for the observed disease dynamics in the study area. The newly gained knowledge on barriers and regionally different connectivity between wild boar populations can support considerations and measures for the containment of ASF in the affected areas by improving the understanding of wild boar dispersal dynamics.

Distributed representations of prediction error signals across the cortical hierarchy are synergistic

A relevant question concerning inter-areal communication in the cortex is whether these interactions are synergistic. Synergy refers to the complementary effect of multiple brain signals conveying more information than the sum of each isolated signal. Redundancy, on the other hand, refers to the common information shared between brain signals. Here, we dissociated cortical interactions encoding complementary information (synergy) from those sharing common information (redundancy) during prediction error (PE) processing. We analyzed auditory and frontal electrocorticography (ECoG) signals in five common awake marmosets performing two distinct auditory oddball tasks and investigated to what extent event-related potentials (ERP) and broadband (BB) dynamics encoded synergistic and redundant information about PE processing. The information conveyed by ERPs and BB signals was synergistic even at lower stages of the hierarchy in the auditory cortex and between auditory and frontal regions. Using a brain-constrained neural network, we simulated the synergy and redundancy observed in the experimental results and demonstrated that the emergence of synergy between auditory and frontal regions requires the presence of strong, long-distance, feedback, and feedforward connections. These results indicate that distributed representations of PE signals across the cortical hierarchy can be highly synergistic.

The Impact of Job Satisfaction on Teacher Mental Health: A Call to Action for Educational Policymakers

Abstract Job satisfaction significantly impacts teachers’ overall well-being and mental health. Research reveals a strong connection between employment status and mental health, with teaching being a particularly stressful profession. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, with the shift to online education and limited support causing heightened stress, anxiety, and depression. This study analyses scientific literature exploring the link between job satisfaction and mental health (depression, stress, and anxiety) in teachers. By examining relevant articles in major databases like Web of Science, PSYNDEX, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, the research identifies numerous sociodemographic and institutional factors contributing to teachers’ mental health struggles, including workload, teaching experience, job satisfaction, gender, and the nature of online education. The findings highlight the urgent need for educational policymakers to develop policies prioritizing teacher well-being, especially during times of crisis. This involves addressing factors affecting job satisfaction and implementing strategies to promote mental health support for educators.

Ethnographic Analysis to Identify Customer Experience and Customer Behavior in The Food and Beverage Industry

This research aims to understand and describe the behavior of a group of people who consume craft beverages. We will conduct this research using a type of ethnography known as particularistic ethnography. We will use qualitative research techniques like group meetings and in-depth interviews in this research. In the analysis of men's mind maps, the words friends and food appeared most frequently, indicating that men associate drinking craft beverages with strong relationships with friends and consume them in a relaxed and informal setting, often accompanied by food consumption. On the other hand, in the analysis of women's mind maps, although the compartments are similar to men's with the dominance of the word friend, the difference lies in the consistent use of pink in writing words, especially friendship. This suggests that women associate craft beverages with camaraderie with friends in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Both men and women equated craft beverages with femininity. They describe these characteristics as being informal, wearing jeans, having a friendly attitude, and having positive energy. This suggests that craft beverage typically evokes an informal and relaxed atmosphere, lacking the structure of other products or services. This shows that consumers see craft beverages as fun, warm, and suitable for enjoying in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Craft beverages and social interactions between friends have a strong connection, and drinking craft beverages occurs in a relaxed and laughter-filled atmosphere.

Resistance spot welding defect detection based on vectorized dynamic resistance signal and LightGBM classifier

The problem of real-time detection of welding defects is a difficult problem in resistance spot welding. It is found that the dynamic resistance has a strong connection with the growth of the nugget. The dynamic resistance signals with welding defects are significantly different from those of normal welding, and the dynamic resistance signals between different welding defects show different characteristics, and the dynamic resistance signals of the same kind of welding defects may also differ from each other. The most common practice today to realize the detection of resistive defects is by extracting the time-domain features of the signal waveforms. However, this approach is highly subjective, so this article proposes a double-size mesh division method to process the dynamic resistance signal. Experiments prove that the method can retain the characteristics of the signal curve well, and it is also improves the training speed and accuracy compared with the mesh division method. Finally, the processed signals are classified using the light gradient boosting machine classifier with an accuracy of 98.55%.

Developmental stage‐dependent effects of perceived predation risk on nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor)

AbstractThe risk of predation directly affects the physiology, behavior, and fitness of wild birds. Strong social connections with conspecifics could help individuals recover from a stressful experience such as a predation event; however, competitive interactions also have the potential to exacerbate stress. Few studies have investigated the interaction between environmental stressors and the social landscape in wild bird populations. In 2 years of field studies, we experimentally simulated predation attempts on breeding female tree swallows (Tachicyneta bicolor). At the same time, we manipulated female breast plumage color, a key social signal. Simulated predation events on tree swallows early in the nestling period reduced young nestlings' mass by approximately 20% and shortened telomere lengths. Ultimately, only 31% of nestlings in the predation group fledged compared with 70% of control nestlings. However, the effects of experimental manipulations were timing dependent: the following year when we swapped the order of the experimental manipulations and simulated predation during incubation, there were no significant effects of predation on nestling condition or fledging success. Contrary to our expectations, manipulation of the social environment did not affect the response of tree swallows to simulated predation. However, manipulating female plumage during the nestling period did reduce nestling skeletal size and mass, although the effects depended on original plumage brightness. Our data demonstrate that transient stressors on female birds can have carry‐over effects on their nestlings if they occur during critical periods in the breeding season.

Magnify Cascades of Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) on Social Networks: The Roles of User, Product, and Relationship Characteristics

Firms are increasingly relying on electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), in the form of online reviews and social media posts, to sell their products or services. A pivotal component of managing eWOM is to understand and, potentially influence, how one consumer's eWOM can lead to another's—a process called behavioral cascading. While prior eWOM research has established the importance of behavioral cascading between connected users, there is little understanding of what factors could impact the likelihood of such cascades. To address this gap, we draw on the theory of competitive altruism to identify several moderators of behavioral cascading in eWOM. Our empirical tests using an online review dataset from Yelp show that eWOM cascading between a followee and a follower is less likely when the followee is a high-status member, a female, or has a strong connection with the follower; and more likely when the product in consideration is inexpensive. These findings provide valuable insights about the behavioral cascading process in eWOM and hold implications for social media platforms and sellers to facilitate the cascades of eWOM between connected consumers.

Status of the Children's Socio-Emotional Well-being Before and During the Pandemic: A Scoping Review

Positive mental health thrives on strong social and emotional connections. Cultivating a child's ability to forge close, secure, and meaningful relationships is the cornerstone of well-being. Yet, pandemic-induced isolation has created barriers to face-to-face interaction with friends, posing a significant challenge to this critical developmental task. This scoping review delves into previous research concerning children's socio-emotional well-being before and during the pandemic. We screened studies, focusing solely on those directly addressing the core issues impacting children's emotional landscape. Our findings reveal disturbing trends: the pandemic has amplified anxieties, particularly among vulnerable children. The evidence speaks for itself – this global health crisis has inflicted a negative impact on children's socio-emotional health. In response, researchers have proposed a range of policy recommendations to equip teachers and parents with the tools to recognize and mitigate the pandemic's consequences on children. Among these, ongoing debriefing sessions for teachers can foster understanding and gradually alleviate anxieties that ripple through classrooms. Simultaneously, parents – as children's primary caregivers – must remain informed and offer unwavering support, actively monitoring and addressing anxieties within their homes.

Enhancing NICU Care and Communication: Perspectives of Moderately Preterm Infant Parents.

Moderately preterm infants (MPTI) comprise a large proportion of NICU admissions and are an understudied population. The unique experience of families with MPTIs has yet to be examined in the literature. Describing MPTI parent needs and preferences may inform interventions to improve care and outcomes for this population. Semistructured qualitative interviews were performed with English-speaking birth parents of infants born between 32 and 34 weeks gestation to describe their NICU experience and identify areas for improvement specifically surrounding care team inclusion, education, discharge, and communication. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using directed content analysis. Enrollment ceased when the data reached thematic saturation. Sixteen birth parents participated. Four themes emerged around parent-medical team connectedness, parental confusion, discharge readiness, and the desire for a use of a mix of in-person and electronic communication methods (e-mail, texting, apps, etc) for communication. MPTI parents valued a strong connection with the medical team; however, they described a lack of knowledge regarding the reasons for admission and ongoing management. Near discharge, parents desired more information regarding feeding, reflux, and breathing patterns. Parents preferred in-person discussions but described a role for electronic methods to improve their understanding of their infant and discharge readiness. From the MPTI parent perspective, clinicians can focus improvement efforts on communication, specifically around reasons for admission, discharge planning, and anticipatory guidance. These results may serve as a foundation for initiatives to improve the MPTI parent experience and potentially parent and MPTI outcomes.

A critical analysis on quality-of-life in women with visible facial disfigurements.

This study aimed to examine whether surgical treatment for a facial disfigurement influenced an individual's quality of life. One-on-one interviews were conducted with the aim of synthesizing participant's medical experiences into common themes. Additionally, participants completed the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. The WHOQL-BREF is a standardized testing instrument with four domains of 26 questions, meant to analyze participants' overall quality of health, physical health, psychological status, social relationships, and environmental health. Our study revealed that women with visible facial differences experienced a quality of life below the average of the general population. However, in those who reported above-average quality of life, a key theme emerged: active participation in the choice to undergo surgical treatment. Participants who felt this sense of agency in the decision-making process also reported a more positive healthcare experience. They felt more respected by others, indicating a strong connection between personal agency, surgical choices, and overall well-being. These findings reveal that personal agency plays an important role in the decision-making process for patients undergoing surgical treatment for facial differences, as it improves quality of life and has a positive impact on overall healthcare experience and well-being.

Brain functional network changes in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: a study based on graph theory and Granger causality analysis

Many resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies have shown that the brain networks are disrupted in adolescent patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). However, previous studies have mainly focused on investigating brain connectivity disruptions from the perspective of static functional connections, overlooking the dynamic causal characteristics between brain network connections. In our study involving 37 JME patients and 35 Healthy Controls (HC), we utilized rs-fMRI to construct whole-brain functional connectivity network. By applying graph theory, we delved into the altered topological structures of the brain functional connectivity network in JME patients and identified abnormal regions as key regions of interest (ROIs). A novel aspect of our research was the application of a combined approach using the sliding window technique and Granger causality analysis (GCA). This method allowed us to delve into the dynamic causal relationships between these ROIs and uncover the intricate patterns of dynamic effective connectivity (DEC) that pervade various brain functional networks. Graph theory analysis revealed significant deviations in JME patients, characterized by abnormal increases or decreases in metrics such as nodal betweenness centrality, degree centrality, and efficiency. These findings underscore the presence of widespread disruptions in the topological features of the brain. Further, clustering analysis of the time series data from abnormal brain regions distinguished two distinct states indicative of DEC patterns: a state of strong connectivity at a lower frequency (State 1) and a state of weak connectivity at a higher frequency (State 2). Notably, both states were associated with connectivity abnormalities across different ROIs, suggesting the disruption of local properties within the brain functional connectivity network and the existence of widespread multi-functional brain functional networks damage in JME patients. Our findings elucidate significant disruptions in the local properties of whole-brain functional connectivity network in patients with JME, revealing causal impairments across multiple functional networks. These findings collectively suggest that JME is a generalized epilepsy with localized abnormalities. Such insights highlight the intricate network dysfunctions characteristic of JME, thereby enriching our understanding of its pathophysiological features.

Investigating the indirect impact of transformational leadership on performance and work alienation: evidence from school principals navigating COVID-19

PurposeAlthough significant research has examined the concept of transformational leadership, few studies have explored the indirect impact of transformational leadership on individual and organizational outcomes within the context of crisis. Accordingly, this study aims to advance our understanding of the indirect impact of transformational leadership on school performance and principals' work alienation within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, this study contributes to this developing stream of literature by hypothesizing the indirect effect of two relational resources, namely employee trust and relational coordination, which mediate the relationship between transformational leadership, school performance and principals' work alienation.Design/methodology/approachThis study draws on a unique sample of 634 principals from Irish primary schools navigating the COVID-19 crisis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed using Mplus 8.3 to test the hypothesized model.FindingsMixed findings emerged concerning the mediating process of relational resources and their impact on transformational leadership, school performance and principals' work-alienation. In particular, support is found for the critical role of principals whose transformational leadership style can help increase school performance. However, evidence suggests that employee trust does not mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and principals' work alienation.Practical implicationsThis study provides several practical insights for education professionals, policymakers and HRM practitioners across each phase of the crisis management cycle. Firstly, regarding the pre-crisis stage, educational institutions should invest in targeted leadership development programs that prioritize relationship-building and effective communication among stakeholders. Second, during crises, the study emphasizes the role of relational resources in mediating the impact of leadership on school performance. Moreover, the study illustrates the importance of proactively cultivating strong connections with stakeholders, fostering timely, problem-solving-based communication. Finally, in the post-crisis phase, collaboration with government stakeholders is recommended to inform recovery policies.Originality/valueThis study makes several contributions to the literature on leadership and crisis management. First, this study adds new insights suggesting how principals as leaders influence school performance during crisis. Second, by adopting a relational perspective, this study suggests two types of relational resources (i.e. employee trust and relational coordination), as the mediators between transformational leadership, school performance and principals' work alienation. Third, this study moves the existing research on leadership during crisis forward by focusing on the functional effectiveness of leadership while focusing on the principals' work alienation during the pandemic.

Effectiveness evaluation of Construction 4.0 technologies in improving built environment resilience

Purpose Built environments are highly vulnerable to climatic disasters such as extreme floods, droughts and storms. Inaccurate decisions in adopting emerging construction technologies can result in missed opportunities to improve the resilience of built environments. Therefore, understanding the effectiveness of emerging construction technologies in improving built environment resilience can help in making better strategic decisions at the national and organizational levels. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Construction 4.0 technologies in improving built environment resilience. Design/methodology/approach A list of Construction 4.0 technologies was adopted from a national strategic plan. Then, the data were collected using the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution technique from selected built environment experts to determine the relative effectiveness of Construction 4.0 technologies in improving built environment resilience. Findings Six Construction 4.0 technologies are critical in improving built environment resilience (in rank order): building information modeling, autonomous construction, advanced building materials, big data and predictive analytics, internet of Things and prefabrication and modular construction. In addition, adopting Construction 4.0 technologies collectively is crucial, as moderate to strong connections exist among the technologies in improving built environment resilience. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first papers that evaluate the effectiveness of Construction 4.0 technologies in improving built environment resilience. Industry professionals, researchers and policymakers can use the study findings to make well-informed decisions on selecting Construction 4.0 technologies that improve built environment resilience to climatic disasters.

An electrochemical sensor based on electrochemically activated carbon cloth and poly (o-aminothiophenol) cross-linked nanogold imprinted layer for the determination of tert-butylhydroquinone

In this study, an electrochemical sensor based on MoS2 with enhanced electrochemical signals from electrochemically activated carbon cloth (EACC) electrodes and cross-linked o-aminothiophenol functionalized AuNPs (o-ATP@AuNPs) was developed for the detection of the unsaturated vegetable oil antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). In this approach, carbon cloth is activated through the implementation of electrochemical methods, thereby effectively increasing its specific surface area. The resulting EACC, serving as an electrode substrate, enables the growth of additional nanomaterials and enhances conductivity. The incorporation of MoS2 effectively augments the sensitivity of the electrochemical sensor. Subsequently, MIP/MoS2/EMCC is formed via electropolymerization, utilizing TBHQ as the template molecule and o-ATP@AuNPs as the functional monomer. The SS bond of o-ATP ensures a strong and stable connection between MoS2 and o-ATP@AuNPs, thereby facilitating the immobilization of MIP. In addition, the high conductivity possessed by o-ATP@AuNPs could effectively improve the sensitivity of the electrochemical sensor. Under the optimal conditions, MIP/MoS2/EMCC could determine TBHQ in the range of 1 × 10−3 μM to 120 μM by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with a detection line of 0.72 nM. The proposed MIP/MoS2/EMCC is expected to be applied in the future for the selective and sensitive detection of TBHQ in vegetable oils.

Investigation of optical properties of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) thin films using neural networks

Nowadays, transition metal oxide, the semiconductor molybdenum trioxide (MoO3), is a favorable choice because it has several industrial applications and alluring qualities. It has a significant role as an industrial catalyst due to its electrochromic properties. The optical behavior of the MoO3 thin film onto various substrates of the powder of MoO3 was investigated. x-ray diffraction analysis revealed an orthorhombic structure. Measurements of the average crystallite size and dislocation density were obtained, which were 132.8 nm and 5.7× 10–4 nm−2, respectively. Spectrophotometric measurements of transmittance (T) and reflectance (R) at normal incidence in the 300–1400 nm wavelength range of the film onto various substrates were examined. The dispersion and indirect optical transitions and nonlinear optical parameters were identified for glass and quartz substrates. An estimation of the optical behavior of the MoO3 thin film using the artificial neural network (ANN) model was carried out. Experimental data were used as inputs. The optical characterization of ANN modeling outputs provides excellent results. Error values support the success of the modeling process, with a mean squared error value of < 10−1. Moreover, the theoretical equation describing the experimental results was obtained depending on the ANN model, representing the relation between the inputs and outputs. According to the findings of this research, the ANN model can be utilized as an efficient tool to simulate and predict the optical parameters of the MoO3 thin film. Additionally, it can establish strong connections between theoretical and experimental fields.

A Novel Approaches to Crop Variety Development for Sustainable Agriculture using Hybrid Machine Learning Model

The growing global population and changing climate need sustainable agriculture practices and new crop varieties. This study proposes a hybrid machine learning technique that combines linear regression and logistic regression to identify and extract unique traits from a broad range of crop species. The system integrates these qualities to create new crop types with a variety of benefits. The system begins by collecting detailed data on multiple crop species, including production potential, drought resilience, disease tolerance, nutritional content, and adaptation to different climates. Preprocessing ensures data quality. The hybrid machine learning algorithm uses the revised dataset. Linear regression identifies variables with strong connections with the required attributes, making it easier to find good candidates for the new crop variety. Logistic regression analyzes categorical data, including disease resistance genes and nutritional variables that affect crop quality. The method efficiently identifies and ranks the best characteristics across varied crop species by combining regression model findings. The traits have been strategically combined to create a pioneering cultivar that optimizes crop productivity, robustness, nutritional composition, and versatility while reducing vulnerability to pathogenic diseases and ecological challenges. The innovative crop variety is tested in various agricultural situations to determine the system's effectiveness. The topic under inquiry is compared to current kinds in terms of yield, quality, and sustainability. This unique hybrid machine learning technology may combine the best qualities from multiple sources to develop cutting-edge agricultural cultivars. The system's speed and accuracy in identifying beneficial traits promotes sustainable agriculture by reducing monospecific breeding and increasing crop resilience to environmental challenges. This work advances global food security and resource-efficient crop varieties.

Implementation of Trust Model for Social Internet of Things Using Centrality Feed Forward Networks

Recent advances of Internet of Things (IoT) lead to the most promising paradigm called Social Internet of Things (SIoT). These techniques are considered the strong amalgamation of the social networking features with the IoT objects. These networks are characterized by facilitating the IoT objects to establish the social networking between each other. In SIoT, an interconnection of networks formed by considering the important features such a object-object interactions, social relationship, reliable recommendations and mandates the careful attention towards the strong trustworthy connections. Hence Intelligent Trust Model Identification Model System (ITMIS) is required for the SIoT networks to identify the misbehaving objects by selecting only the reliable, credible and trustworthy objects before relying on the services provided by them. However, existing frameworks truly relay on the conventional approaches that is based on linear relationship between the inputs and outputs. These methods may lead to the high misclassification ratio of selecting the untrusted devices that even may cause untrust process in an application. To overcome this problem, in the proposed research work the novel ITMIS which ensembles the non-linear centralities relationships with the architecture Extreme Feed Forward Neural Networks (EFFNN) with the combination of hybrid algorithm of Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recuurent Unit (GRU) for the better accuracy compare with the existing model. The proposed model captures the number of key trust metrics based on centralities measurements and envisages the EFNN to classify the trusty and non-trust objects. The extensive experimentations are conducted using the real world datasets and various trust metrics were evaluated and compared with the other state-of-the-art trust learning models. The results demonstrate that the proposed model has outperformed with the other existing models by maintaining the accuracy of 95% to 94% with the decreasing untrusted rates and It illustrates conclusively that the LSTM's use of enhancing ensemble characteristics has shown to be more advantageous. While other models, like E-LSTM (90%) to 80%, Stacked LSTM (85% to 80%), SVM (85% to 79%), KNN (75% to 68%), and RF (65% to 58%), exhibit decreasing efficiency, the proposed approach illustrates that it is more productive as well as efficient for building an intelligent trust classification system that is appropriate for establishing trusted SIoT network communication.

Foreign experience of legal regulation of criminal liability for violation of the procedure for transplantation of human anatomical materials established by law

The article examines the experience of individual countries in matters of legal regulation of criminal liability for violation of the procedure for transplantation of human anatomical materials in order to determine important legal assets of foreign legislation, which could be discussed for the purpose of further implementation in Ukrainian legislation. Within the framework of the article, we will analyze national and international legislation, namely, we will compare the content of Articles 143 and 144 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine with the content of the corresponding articles and provisions in the legislation of several countries from the perspective of the used terminology, interpretation of concepts, descriptions of crimes, measures of criminal liability, etc. The Constitution of Ukraine guarantees every person the right to life. However, experts increasingly raise questions about various violations of this right from the perspective of transplantation of human anatomical materials. Today, criminal offenses in relation to both donors and recipients become difficult to detect due to high self-interest and profitability, disguised nature, network systematicity, extensive illegal infrastructure and fast mechanisms for its recovery, group organization and strong connections with other criminal groups, use of deception, coercion, intimidation and other methods of forced donation, corruption in the field of donation, large-scale latent level of crimes related to transplantation. Detection of illegal transplantation is also burdened by their contradictory geography, when potential donors are recruited in the so-called "depressed" countries around the world, and anatomical materials are seized in countries that are highly developed in the field of transplantology, having loyal legislation to carry out such operations. In Ukraine, the detection of such crimes is also aggravated by the fact that people who are ready to illegally donate their organs for payment, travel to remove the organ outside the country and carry out their plans in other countries ("transplant tourism"). Due to the low level of information and enlightenment of the society in matters of transplantation, the detection of crimes in this area is also complicated by the so-called "victimhood" of people (both donors and recipients) – a set of personal traits that cause a high probability of becoming the object of a criminal attack (a tendency to become a victim of crime). These grounds contribute to a dynamic increase in the number of violations of the law-enforced procedure for the transplantation of human anatomical materials, which constitutes a high public danger. At the same time, the legal regulation of criminal liability for such violations still has certain differences. Therefore, the study of foreign experience in matters of transplantation, the comparison of the norms of articles in the Criminal Codes of different countries, and the analysis of concepts used in normative legal documents and their interpretations help to identify gaps in Ukrainian legislation, clarify the wording, expand the range of crimes and facilitate the qualification of their composition, adaptation of the Ukrainian legal system according to European standards.

Competence vs. Independence: Auditors’ Connections with Members of their Clients’ Business Community*

Prior research finds that auditors’ social connections with their clients harms audit quality. We examine auditors’ social connections with members of their clients’ business community, a setting in which auditors’ connections may improve audit quality. While social ties within a client’s business community should improve auditor competency, they also threaten auditor independence. We test the effects of auditors’ network connections on audit quality using data from China, where data on social connections and individual auditors are available. Auditors’ business connections should be particularly beneficial in a relational economy like China, where clients heavily rely on social networks for contracting. We find that auditors with strong local business and government connections deliver higher quality audits as evidenced by fewer financial irregularities among their clients. Our findings are consistent with the improved competency that arises from auditors’ business connections outweighing the potential costs of impaired auditor independence.