Initial Success Research Articles

Competitive advantages of transparency: How anti-corruption initiatives can drive innovation and growth in the energy sector

This review examines the role of anti-corruption initiatives in driving innovation and growth within the energy sector, with a particular focus on emerging markets. As global demand for energy continues to rise, the imperative for ethical and transparent business practices grows stronger. This study synthesizes current literature on anti-corruption measures, transparency initiatives, and their impacts on competitive advantage in the energy industry. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies and empirical research, we identify several key mechanisms through which transparency can foster innovation and drive growth. These include enhanced stakeholder trust, improved access to capital, attraction of top talent, and the creation of an ethical corporate culture that encourages innovation. Our findings suggest that successful anti-corruption initiatives in the energy sector require a nuanced understanding of local contexts, strong leadership commitment, and the strategic use of technology. The review also highlights the potential of open data platforms and blockchain technology in facilitating transparency and compliance. By identifying key factors contributing to successful anti-corruption efforts and their subsequent impacts on innovation and growth, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers working towards a more transparent and innovative energy sector. Future research directions are proposed to further explore the long-term impacts and scalability of these initiatives across different market contexts.

Sport Event Leveraging and Violence Against Women: The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and One Million Stars to End Violence

The connections between sport events and violence against women are an emerging area of research and align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5–Gender equality. This article explores the connection between sport event leverage initiatives and raising awareness about violence against women, through a case study of an arts and cultural initiative that ran in conjunction with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games: One Million Stars to End Violence (OMSTEV). Event leverage literature and a gendered lens informed our study. We focused on the official messaging of the initiative, as a key aspect in social event leverage. We conducted a document analysis of 30 documents including event reports, government media releases, and public media articles to explore how official messaging and media coverage reported the initiative to the broader public. We found official messaging and media coverage portrayed OMSTEV as a successful community engagement initiative that produced a beautiful artistic installation. However, the official reporting and media coverage failed to communicate in a way to raise the broader public’s awareness regarding violence against women. We provide suggestions for practice and research to better contribute to the value of sport events for targeted social causes.

Advancing data-driven decision-making for human papillomavirus (HPV)

Abstract Background HPV is among the most important infections associated with cancers in men and women, including cervical cancer which is the second most common cancer affecting women aged 15-44 years in the EU. Yet, data on vaccine uptake, HPV infection rates and incidence of related cancers is lacking across Europe, obstructing policymakers’ ability to build adequate prevention strategies towards the EU’s goal of eliminating HPV-related cancers. Methods Vaccines Europe analysed the landscape of data collection practices for HPV, highlighting discrepancies across Europe as well as successful initiatives. Results Our analysis reveals stark gaps in data collection across Europe. Some countries do not report disease levels and vaccination coverage for HPV. When reporting does occur, methods and timelines often differ between countries. Limited data availability exists for vaccination uptake in boys and young adults. This lack of standardisation hinders the comparability and reliability of collected data. It also impedes the integration and analysis of data within and across countries, hindering the development of effective elimination strategies. Concrete actions are needed at EU and national level to further develop and strengthen data collection, sharing and use in decision-making. Our research calls on strengthening ECDC’s role, promoting best practice sharing between countries, ensuring sustained resource allocation for data systems/surveillance, establishing electronic vaccination registries, an EU implementation roadmap to support countries in achieving the objectives of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and translating data into policy recommendations. The Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers provides a framework for EU Member States to establish electronic vaccination registries and the ECDC to develop an HPV dashboard by the end of 2024. Key messages • Current data collection practices leave Europeans more vulnerable in the fight against cancer. • Robust data can guide policy and support elimination strategies for vaccine-preventable cancers.

Exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices towards sustainable food aid programmes across Europe

Abstract Background Food insecurity has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. In some EU high-income countries, more than 70% of food aid users experience food insecurity, highlighting the need for food aid programmes to provide good quality and sustainable services and maximise the social inclusion of food aid users. The aim of this study was to identify areas that can promote sustainability in food aid programmes. Methods Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards sustainable food aid were assessed via a quantitative questionnaire. Socio-demographic data were also collected. The survey was translated and disseminated online across 5 EU countries (Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Portugal), targeting staff and volunteers involved in food aid programmes (20 per country, total N = 100). Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results Most participants were female (68%), 18-49 years old (87%) and occupied in a NGO (89%) as employee (55%). The mean total knowledge score was 11.8 out of 19 (SD 3.2) with low knowledge (% of correct answers) on household food waste (18%) and environmental impact of cooking appliances (29%). In all countries (except Austria) more than 70% of participants agreed that they can apply sustainability through their work; however, more than 50% agreed that sustainability is not always feasible in food aid programmes. Food loss/waste, access to local food and the economic crisis were the main parameters reported to impact sustainability in food aid (≥70% of N). The most frequently applied practices were storing food according to expiration date, monitoring quantities in food distribution, considering beneficiaries’ needs and reading food labels. The least frequently applied practices were composting food leftovers and using energy-efficient methods to distribute food. Conclusions Sustainability is considered important; however, more effort is needed to promote and embed sustainability parameters in food aid programmes. Key messages • Sustainability is considered important in food aid programmes; however, more effort is needed to promote and embed sustainability parameters in practice. • Identifying sustainability areas in food aid programmes can lead to successful educational and training initiatives.

4.N. Scientific session: Equity in Child Health: Leveraging Universal Health Promotion Services for Families Amid Uncertainty

Abstract This workshop addresses the urgent need to foster resilience and equity in child health within the context of an increasingly uncertain Europe. Rapid societal changes, exacerbated by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened risks of conflict, climate change and economic instability, underscore the importance of nurturing environments where children can thrive despite challenging circumstances. The workshop aims to explore strategies for promoting well-being and addressing social inequalities in child health within the context of universal health promotion services, such as school health services and child health clinics. Objectives are to 1) Elucidate the importance and impact of universal health promotion services in addressing social inequalities and promoting equitable opportunities for all children, regardless of background or circumstance; 2) Identify actionable steps for interventions mitigating social inequalities and promoting equitable opportunities focusing on health literacy among parents with immigrant backgrounds; 3) Showcase successful models and initiatives in universal healthcare and health promotion services for children and families, emphasizing early intervention and standardized evaluation tools; and 4) Facilitate dialogue and knowledge exchange among professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in child and adolescent health promotion. This workshop’s added value lies in its multidisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration for innovative solutions in child health resilience and equity. The coherence between presentations lies in their joint focus on addressing social inequalities in the context of universal health promotion services for children and families. Each presentation offers a unique perspective on these themes, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in child health promotion. • Hanne Nissen Bjørnsen’s presentation on the role of universal services in public health and addressing social inequality sets the stage by examining the structural factors contributing to disparities in child health outcomes. • Kirsti Riiseŕs presentation conveys the importance of user, stakeholder, and community involvement in creating culturally sensitive strategies for effective health promotion services in the context of health literacy among parents with immigrant backgrounds • Kristin Haraldstad’s presentation on Starting Right, an evidence-based assessment of children in municipalities healthcare centers, highlights the importance of early intervention and targeted support in mitigating health inequalities and promoting well-being. Format of the workshop: Three 10-minute presentations followed by a 20-minute moderated discussion to delve into empowerment and equity in child health, encouraging rich idea exchanges. Key messages • Leveraging universal health promotion services effectively empowers children and families while addressing social inequalities amidst periods of uncertainty. • Collaborative, user-centered approaches and evidence-based working strategies are key to promoting equity and building resilience in child health.

Do green practices and technologies mediate lean manufacturing’s impact on industrial performance? Evidence from the European manufacturing survey

Purpose This study aims to analyze the mediating role that green practices (GPs) and green technologies (GTs) play in the relationship between lean manufacturing (LM) and industrial performance (IP). It is suggested that GPs and GTs are crucial for transforming lean routines into enhanced performance that simultaneously meet current environmental requirements. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses are tested using a mixed methodology, which includes a partial least squares structural equation modeling approach and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) applied to a multisectoral sample from three European countries (Spain, Sweden and Croatia). Findings The results confirm that GPs mediate the relationship between LM and IP; however, in the case of GTs, this mediation does not appear to occur, although GTs emerge as a peripheral condition in the subsequent fsQCA. These findings highlight the need to avoid an exclusively technocentric approach and underscore the importance of implementing green organizational practices alongside technology investments to achieve successful lean initiatives. Practical implications It seems clear that managers should apply GPs, combined with LM, to improve sustainability and efficiency and should apply GTs once a more mature lean-green culture has been established. Originality/value In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly focused on the impact of implementing GPs and GTs on IP within LM plants. However, to the authors’ knowledge, no study has yet analyzed the combined effect of both initiatives. This paper seeks to address this gap by examining, in aggregate, the moderating effect of GPs and GTs on IP in LM plants.

Innovation in distributed energy services for sustainable development: case studies from sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract In this work, we explore how locally led innovations can advance sustainable energy access in low-income regions of Africa. Given the emphasis of the Sustainable Development Goals on the importance of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, we critically assess how local innovations can address the unique challenges of regions characterized by informality and low purchasing power and where existing grid-based electricity supply is weak. Through case studies, we highlight successful initiatives in expanding energy services access, including product bundling, pay-as-you-go financial models, leveraging existing supply chains, and securing strong funding support. Our findings underscore the importance of local ownership, contextual knowledge, and the adaptation of innovations to specific socio-economic and cultural conditions. By comparing the case studies, we identify common strategies that can contribute to the effectiveness of local innovations in improving energy access and sustainability that can inform efforts to replicate and scale up such initiatives. We conclude by identifying common elements contributing to the success of these cases and their significance, focusing on those crucial for achieving speed, scale, and impact.

Real-world federated learning in radiology: hurdles to overcome and benefits to gain.

Federated Learning (FL) enables collaborative model training while keeping data locally. Currently, most FL studies in radiology are conducted in simulated environments due to numerous hurdles impeding its translation into practice. The few existing real-world FL initiatives rarely communicate specific measures taken to overcome these hurdles. To bridge this significant knowledge gap, we propose a comprehensive guide for real-world FL in radiology. Minding efforts to implement real-world FL, there is a lack of comprehensive assessments comparing FL to less complex alternatives in challenging real-world settings, which we address through extensive benchmarking. We developed our own FL infrastructure within the German Radiological Cooperative Network (RACOON) and demonstrated its functionality by training FL models on lung pathology segmentation tasks across six university hospitals. Insights gained while establishing our FL initiative and running the extensive benchmark experiments were compiled and categorized into the guide. The proposed guide outlines essential steps, identified hurdles, and implemented solutions for establishing successful FL initiatives conducting real-world experiments. Our experimental results prove the practical relevance of our guide and show that FL outperforms less complex alternatives in all evaluation scenarios. Our findings justify the efforts required to translate FL into real-world applications by demonstrating advantageous performance over alternative approaches. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of strategic organization, robust management of distributed data and infrastructure in real-world settings. With the proposed guide, we are aiming to aid future FL researchers in circumventing pitfalls and accelerating translation of FL into radiological applications.

Unlocking innovation and sustainability: lessons from Dubai Expo 2020 for business transformation

Research methodology The data used in the case are collected through both primary and secondary sources. The interview method was used to collect data on the experience of the protagonist on visiting the expo and details about the Expo was collected using secondary sources. Case overview/synopsis The case study examines the success factors of initiatives implemented by the Dubai Expo 2020 team, with a focus on sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, people-centric spaces, biodiversity preservation, water efficiency, waste management, green building and communication. Even though not all objectives were met, the overall progress demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and positive effects on environmental, social and economic aspects. In addition, the case study demonstrates how businesses can incorporate social and environmental factors into their decision-making processes, supply chain management and responsible procurement practices. It highlights the significance of sustainability in business operations, stakeholder collaboration and continuous improvement. In addition, the case study provides innovative business models and practices that promote circular economy principles, waste reduction, resource efficiency and inclusivity. This case provides business students with valuable insights into successful sustainability initiatives and strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable economy. Complexity academic level This case study is appropriate for intermediate undergraduate students in their third year or postgraduate students in their first year, particularly those enrolled in courses on sustainability, operations management, strategic management, supply chain management and corporate social responsibility. The case study is designed to enhance cognitive skills by analyzing and evaluating real-world examples of successful initiatives in sustainability, energy efficiency, people-centric spaces, biodiversity preservation, water efficiency, waste management, green building and open communication. It also aims to develop affective skills by fostering a commitment to sustainable practices and psychomotor skills through practical applications and projects. By analyzing these initiatives, students can comprehend how businesses can integrate social and environmental factors into their decision-making processes, supply chain management and responsible procurement practices to create a more inclusive and equitable economy. In addition, the case study introduces innovative business models and practices that promote circular economy principles, waste reduction and resource efficiency while fostering economic inclusion and equity. Overall, the case study equips students with the knowledge and motivation necessary to drive sustainable change within organizations and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Digital Transformation Strategy and Management

This literature review explores the evolving landscape of digital transformation strategy and management, emphasizing the critical role of strategic alignment and leadership in facilitating successful transformation initiatives. As organizations navigate the complexities of digital change, understanding the key drivers, barriers, and best practices becomes essential for achieving long-term competitive advantage. This review synthesizes existing research on digital transformation frameworks, management approaches, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. It highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy that integrates technology investments with organizational goals, ultimately guiding firms toward effective adaptation in the digital economy. Keywords: Digital Transformation, Strategy, Management, Leadership, Innovation, Competitive Advantage.

Global burden of ischemic stroke attributable to high body mass index in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021

BackgroundA high body mass index (hBMI) is one of the major risk factors for ischemic stroke (IS), although independent estimates of the global burden and trend of IS attributable to hBMI are unclear.MethodsStudy data were extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study and analysed by age, sex, year, and geographical location. The sociodemographic index (SDI) and the human development index (HDI) were used as indicators of national socioeconomic status. Geographic distributions and trends were assessed by calculating the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). Associations between the age-standardized death rate (ASMR) or disability-adjusted life year rate (DALY) and socioeconomic status were analysed.ResultsDeaths and DALYs increased worldwide from 1990–2021, with increases of 95.74% for the former and 133.00% for the latter; the ASMR and ASDR decreased, with an ASMR and ASDR-related EAPCs of -1.10 (95% CI: -1.24–-0.96) and 0.04 (95% CI:-0.47–0.55), respectively; women had greater numbers of deaths and DALYs, and the majority of deaths and DALYs were shared by those aged ≥ 70. The highest burden rates were shared by Eastern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The ASMR-related EAPCs were associated with the ASMR in 1990 (R = -0.35, P < 0.001) and the SDI in 2021 in different countries (R = -0.66, P < 0.001); these patterns were similar to those of the ASDR; the HDI in 2021 was associated with the ASMR-related EAPC (R = -0.71, P < 0.001) and the ASDR-related EAPC in different countries (R = -0.71, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe number of deaths and DALYs from ischemic stroke attributable to hBMI worldwide increased substantially from 1990–2021. Successful population-wide initiatives targeting hBMI may mitigate a wide range of burdens on this disease. Taking into account variations in the SDI burden, future prevention and control strategies must be developed and implemented according to country-specific development status.

Eyedealistic Vision: Optimizing Oxygenation to Reduce Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Rates of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) continue to rise globally despite advances in healthcare. Differences in practices related to optimizing oxygenation is among key factors that increase the risk of severe ROP. A recent increase in severe ROP rates at 2 local neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) prompted further investigation into potential preventative practices. The project team's goal was to reduce rates of severe ROP by 20% in the 2 participating units. A level IV and level III NICU were targeted, including 255 infants at risk for ROP. Interventions included staff education, implementation of new established oxygen guidelines, as well as use of order sets, and alarm limits. Compliance rates and severe ROP rates before and after new guideline implementation were assessed. After implementing the new guidelines, average alarm limit compliance met project goals of 90% at both sites. Severe ROP rates declined from 10% to 7% in the level IV NICU site and from 6% to 0% in the level III NICU site during the 24-month study period from 2022 to 2023. Education and increased understanding regarding risk factors for ROP patients are crucial to successfully implementing and sustaining standardized oxygenation guidelines. Including the entire healthcare team and patient families is key to successful QI initiatives and improving patient outcomes. Further research is needed for optimal standardized oxygen alarm limits for this patient population. One of the leading causes of childhood blindness is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).1 ROP is a disease of the retina that affects premature infants, with the highest risk to very low birthweight (VLBW) infants born with a gestational age of less than 30 to 32weeks or infants weighing less than 1500 grams.2 There are 5 stages of ROP. Stages 1 and 2 are considered mild and resolve on their own. Stage 3 is considered moderate-severe and sometimes resolves independently, with many cases requiring treatment. Stages 4 and 5 ROP are deemed severe and require treatment.

Success Stories of Multilingual Literacy: A Case Study of Ife 1970 Nigeria’s Project and the 2002 Western Cape’s LOITASA’s Project in South Africa

In a progressively interrelated world, the advancement of strong multilingual literacy skills among learners is of great importance. This article showcases successful multilingual literacy initiatives, analyzing their implementation and impact. The study revealed a great positive influence on communities and individuals after the initiatives. The predominant aim is to give extra weight to the indispensable importance of appreciating and paying attention to linguistic diversity through effective multilingual/translanguaging literacy opening moves. Using a survey design, this study paid attention to documenting instances of multilingualism implementation in educational settings, purposefully selecting South Africa and Nigeria as central points. Using a qualitative approach, the research examined success stories by analyzing reports, publications, archival materials, and scholarly articles associated with the projects. Special attention was paid to the Ife 1970 Nigeria’s Project and the 2002 Western Cape LOITASA’s project and the findings were presented in a descriptive narrative format. The study elaborated on the objectives, strategies, and results of these projects, presenting findings in a descriptive narrative format. Moreover, the study contributes valuable insights to the debates surrounding effective literacy practices in multilingual contexts. By presenting success stories from these African nations, the study provided practical guideposts for policymakers, educators, and practitioners who want to develop or improve multilingual literacy programs. Lastly, the findings stressed the significance of culturally responsive and context-specific approaches to literacy, proposing the adoption of multilingual/translanguaging pedagogies within school systems. Through these, the study will promote inclusive and efficient educational practices that honor and celebrate linguistic diversity. Keywords: Educational Outcomes, Language Diversity, Multilingual Education, Multilingual Literacy, Repertoire Knowledge

A new approach to pupil agency: A collaborative evaluation study

AbstractThis article explores the concept of student agency within the Thrive Co‐operative Learning Trust. It details the Trust's journey in developing student voice and influence, using the Lundy Model of Child Participation as a framework. This article highlights the importance of authentic pupil agency and showcases successful initiatives undertaken by the Trust.

The Impact of Host Factors on the Spread of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

This study uses a survey of the affected human population to evaluate the impact of host variables on the spread of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in Indonesia. The study investigated observable factors influencing DHF transmission by operationalizing important variables drawn from theoretical frameworks. The findings highlight the significance of host-related factors in understanding the dynamics of DHF, offering useful insights for the development of successful public health initiatives. The study's goal is to lessen the impact of DHF on communities, safeguard vulnerable groups, and reduce the frequency of serious health problems. The study recommends focused interventions to improve community resilience against DHF, emphasizing the importance of health practices and environmental effects. Finally, the study emphasizes the importance of continued public awareness and education measures in Indonesia to tackle this persistent health threat and prevent future epidemics.

Creating an Exhibition Space to Attract Students in the University Library of Ukraine in Times of Crisis

Crisis times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the martial law in Ukraine have actualized the creation of various exhibitions in academic libraries to reach and attract users. In particular, to overcome social isolation, anxiety, and emotional and mental exhaustion. This study discusses the authors’ practical experience of building a partnership between the academic library and the Graphic Design Department of the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts (Ukraine). The cooperation aims to create a physical and online exhibition space to reach and attract students to the library. The study provides examples of the joint creation of a library thematic exhibition space with students and teachers for interaction and moral support, formation of common values, self-realization, and motivation, as well as examples of using the exhibition space to hold exhibitions of students’ artwork as part of the library’s engagement program in times of crisis. The examples confirm that the university library, in times of crisis during martial law, positions its exhibition space as a place that unites the university community, inspires, promotes cultural development, supports successful initiatives, and presents the achievements of university students and teachers. The results of this article complement previous research on library exhibitions as a means of reaching, engaging, highlighting collections, and educating students. It also informs practitioners about the Ukrainian experience of creating an exhibition space to attract students to the academic library in times of crisis. This article may be helpful to library practitioners looking for ideas and experience organizing exhibitions in academic libraries.

A Gastronomic Approach to Industrial Aquaculture Waste Utilization

Aquaculture, while offering significant contributions to global food security, generates substantial amounts of industrial waste, posing environmental and economic challenges. However, this waste also presents untapped potential for innovation in gastronomy. This paper explores the emerging trend of utilizing aquaculture industrial wastes in culinary practices, aiming to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and create novel gastronomic experiences. Through a review of literature and case studies, we examine various methods for repurposing aquaculture waste, including upcycling into new food products, incorporation into culinary dishes, and extraction of valuable components. Additionally, we highlight successful initiatives that have integrated aquaculture waste into gastronomy, emphasizing the benefits of waste reduction, sustainable food practices, and culinary innovation. Challenges such as food safety, taste, and consumer acceptance are acknowledged, with strategies proposed for addressing these issues. Finally, we discuss future directions for research and development in this field, identifying opportunities for collaboration between the aquaculture industry and the gastronomy sector. By exploring the utilization of aquaculture industrial wastes in gastronomy, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of sustainable food practices and culinary creativity in the context of aquaculture waste management.

The association of vaccine hesitancy with other public health practices in well child care: a cross-sectional study

Vaccination is one of the most successful public health initiatives in human history. Despite all the benefits of vaccination, it is noteworthy that the number of vaccine hesitant parents has increased in recent years. Individuals with vaccine hesitancy are known to have similar attitudes towards other scientific initiatives. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the attitudes of vaccine hesitant parents and other practices and interventions in well child care. The “Parental Attitudes Towards Childhood Vaccinations (PACV) scale was applied to parents of children aged 2-6 without chronic diseases. A PACV score of 50 or above was considered as vaccine hesitancy. Sociodemographic characteristics, economic status and practices in well child care were questioned. Parents' vaccine hesitancy and their approaches to other practices in well child follow-up were compared. A total of 329 parents were included in the study. The rate of parents with vaccine hesitancy was 22.8% (n=75). In both groups, most participants had an undergraduate/graduate level of education. Those with vaccine hesitancy were less likely to have received vitamin K at birth (81.3% vs. 97.6%, p&lt;0.01), and use of prophylactic vitamin D (72% vs. 88.2%, p&lt;0.01) and iron supplements in the first year of life (66.7% vs 78.3%, p=0.038) were lower. No difference was found for developmental hip dysplasia and hearing screening. The current attitudes of vaccine hesitant parents are not limited to vaccination, but also affect other health initiatives. In our study, we have shown that vaccine hesitant individuals are also opposed and/or reluctant to child health initiatives. Taking this into account when developing strategies to overcome vaccine hesitancy may lead to more effective results.

Aligning buzzword trends of sustainability with true sustainable development

ABSTRACT ‘Sustainability’ has become such a buzzword that its widespread use impacts both its research and practical application, for better or worse. Effective sustainability research should guide implementation, while successful initiatives depend on strong research. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, collaboration between researchers and stakeholders is crucial. High-quality research can amplify the positive effects of sustainability, while flawed research may hinder progress. Harnessing the benefits of its buzzword status is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030.

The Ongoing U.S. Struggle with Maternal Mortality.

Despite significant efforts over the past two decades, the maternal mortality rate (MMR) in the United States remains at least double that of most other high-income countries (HICs). In addition, substantial racial disparities exist with MMRs among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women two to three times higher than White, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander counterparts. Of the three surveillance systems currently in place, Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) are widely considered to provide the highest quality data. MMRCs in combination with Perinatal Quality Collaboratives and other successful initiatives provide the best hope of reversing these concerning trends. The state of maternal health in the United States is at a critical juncture. To reach the ultimate goal of rendering the United States as one of the "safest countries in the world to give birth" will require greater coordination and consolidation of national efforts across the entire prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum continuum. The authors make suggestions to create a robust federal infrastructure to finally provide equitable high-quality maternal care and bring U.S. maternal mortality into alignment with other HICs. KEY POINTS: · U.S. MMRs are double that of other HICs.. · Black MMRs are two to three times higher than White MMRs.. · "Maternity care deserts" show a marked increase in maternal mortality.. · Listed strategies have shown success in reversing these trends..