Sustained Rates Research Articles

A Texting- and Internet-Based Self-Reporting System for Enhanced Vaccine Safety Surveillance With Insights From a Large Integrated Health Care System in the United States: Prospective Cohort Study.

SMS text messaging- and internet-based self-reporting systems can supplement existing vaccine safety surveillance systems, but real-world participation patterns have not been assessed at scale. This study aimed to describe the participation rates of a new SMS text messaging- and internet-based self-reporting system called the Kaiser Permanente Side Effect Monitor (KPSEM) within a large integrated health care system. We conducted a prospective cohort study of Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) patients receiving a COVID-19 vaccination from April 23, 2021, to July 31, 2023. Patients received invitations through flyers, SMS text messages, emails, or patient health care portals. After consenting, patients received regular surveys to assess adverse events up to 5 weeks after each dose. Linkage with medical records provided demographic and clinical data. In this study, we describe KPSEM participation rates, defined as providing consent and completing at least 1 survey within 35 days of COVID-19 vaccination. Approximately, 8% (164,636/2,091,975) of all vaccinated patients provided consent and completed at least 1 survey within 35 days. The lowest participation rates were observed for parents of children aged 12-17 years (1349/152,928, 0.9% participation rate), and the highest participation was observed among older adults aged 61-70 years (39,844/329,487, 12.1%). Persons of non-Hispanic White race were more likely to participate compared with other races and ethnicities (13.1% vs 3.9%-7.5%, respectively; P<.001). In addition, patients residing in areas with a higher neighborhood deprivation index were less likely to participate (5.1%, 16,503/323,122 vs 10.8%, 38,084/352,939 in the highest vs lowest deprivation quintiles, respectively; P<.001). Invitations through the individual's Kaiser Permanente health care portal account and by SMS text message were associated with the highest participation rate (19.2%, 70,248/366,377 and 10.5%, 96,169/914,793, respectively), followed by email (19,464/396,912, 4.9%) and then QR codes on flyers (25,882/2,091,975, 1.2%). SMS text messaging-based surveys demonstrated the highest sustained daily response rates compared with internet-based surveys. This real-world prospective study demonstrated that a novel digital vaccine safety self-reporting system implemented through an integrated health care system can achieve high participation rates. Linkage with participants' electronic health records is another unique benefit of this surveillance system. We also identified lower participation among selected vulnerable populations, which may have implications when interpreting data collected from similar digital systems.

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH RATE OF LISTED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISES IN VIETNAM

The article clarifies the basis for discussion on sustainable growth and models for measuring sustainable growth rate. The article uses Higgins' sustainable growth model to determine the steady growth rate of the Securities Telecommunications technology enterprise in Vietnam. The results were found: Listed telecommunications technology enterprises in Vietnam had an average solid growth rate of -0.04 - 0.078, the highest solid growth rate in 2017 with a value of Quantity value 0.2189, 2021 recorded a return to growth; however, the period from late 2022 to early 2023 saw businesses in the industry gradually decreasing in growth due to weak demand. by the risks of deterioration in world economic exchange and applying detection capabilities. Despite facing complex and large-scale difficulties with benefits from policies to promote digital economic development, the business community in the industry is still able to maintain a steady growth rate and develop strongly in the near future.

Facile, sustainable, and innovative inclusion of a highly fluorescent isoindole-sulfonate-based probe for the quantification of fluvoxamine, a CNS antidepressant drug; comprehensive method sustainability evaluation

The suggested study employs a specific technique to ensure the sustainability and ecological friendliness of an analyte evaluation procedure. The utilization of various recently developed methodologies as potential indicators of ecological sustainability and feasibility necessitates attention and consideration. The established analytical methodology employs a novel reagent mixture composed of phthalic dialdehyde and sulfite ion. This reagent is used to create a new fluorescent core that can be monitored using fluorimetric techniques at a wavelength of 385 nm after being excited at 320 nm. Condensation of the amino group of fluvoxamine can occur in a pH-controlled solution containing phthalaldehyde/sulfite. The present investigation presents a new, environmentally sustainable, and accurate fluorometric technique for identifying the medication. A linear relationship was detected for fluvoxamine over the 0.06–1.50 μg mL−1 concentration range. The method's validation and quantum yield determination were assessed following the International Council for Harmonization's (I.C.H.) established guidelines. The results exhibit remarkable precision and accuracy, consistent with the different methodologies published in the literature. Subsequently, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the environmental sustainability of the suggested technique, employing a range of contemporary indicators for determining environmental safety. The WAC concept, which combines ecological and operational elements and makes use of the Green/Red/Blue (RGB 12) scheme, interestingly identifies the current analytical method as white. Finally, BAGI, a novel tool for evaluating the method's applicability, was used in this study and showed that the planned method achieved a high applicability score.

Two decades of evaluating evaluation capacity building: A bibliographic coupling review

AbstractEvaluation capacity building (ECB) has emerged as a dominant tool in evaluation. Several reviews have taken stock of ECB over the past 20 years, examining how understanding of ECB has developed over time. By examining this existing research on the evaluation of ECB design, effectiveness, measurement, integration, and sustainability, opportunities to advance the field's existing knowledge base around ECB evaluation forward become apparent. This landscape review uses bibliographic coupling and content analysis to offer a robust analysis of publications on the evaluation of ECB. The results of this review of multidisciplinary ECB publications shed light on areas of strength within the existing literature and identify opportunities to build upon current scholarship. Promising areas for future research include exploring how moderators and mediators influence ECB outcomes, eliminating threats to internal validity in ECB studies, and strengthening the rigor required for external generalizability.

Communities of practice as an effective ECB approach for nonevaluation specialists: A case study in an Australian state government department

AbstractAmong the various evaluation capacity building strategies, there is an important opportunity to enhance the evidence on the effectiveness of communities of practice (CoPs). We argue that evaluation CoPs have great potential to develop evaluative thinking among nonevaluation specialists and build the foundations of a sustainable organizational evaluation culture. This article presents a case study of an evaluation community of practice in an Australian state government agency, with evidence collected over 4 years against a comprehensive evaluation framework. It outlines in detail an empirically tested evaluation‐CoP good practice from the initial design and logic model to implementation and measurement against individual, group, and organizational outcomes.

Sustainable Entrepreneurial Process in the Deep-Tech Industry

To date, deep-tech entrepreneurship and sustainable entrepreneurship are both attracting the interest of researchers. Indeed, deep-tech is being employed to address future sustainable challenges in the present. Nevertheless, the process of deep-tech startups is filled with distinct obstacles. These types of startups may necessitate a more targeted sustainable entrepreneurial process and specialised knowledge compared to conventional technological startups or general sustainable entrepreneurial processes. Currently, most publications discuss either a sustainable entrepreneurial process or conventional technical startups. Therefore, this article aims to investigate the process of sustainable entrepreneurs as they transition from startup ventures to scaleup enterprises within the context of the deep-tech industry. Based on previous sustainable entrepreneurial processes, a multiple case study was conducted within six deep-tech startups, using a narrative progress research strategy, to find the sustainable process pattern. A conceptual model of a sustainable entrepreneurial process in deep-tech industry is established, including five phases with six activities: (i) Sustainable idea definition; (ii) Sustainable opportunity recognition and evaluation; (iii) Venture launch; (iv.i) Sustainable products/services development; (iv.ii) New sustainable enterprise financing; and (v) Sustainable enterprise scaleup. This process enables sustainable deep-tech entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financial investors to necessarily have an overview of the key entrepreneurial stages to navigate from the startup to the scaleup process.

Sustainability in street food: Elaboration likelihood model (ELM) and image theory perspective

Street food has become an essential sector that attracts tourists' attention daily. Despite its positive impact on local development, the street food sector does not receive sufficient attention from policymakers. The contributions of the local street food industry are linked to the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability. This research examined the relationship between tourists' cognitive and affective evaluations of street food in the context of sustainability. In addition, it investigated the role of tourists’ attitudes towards organic food and their pursuit of health and naturalness in this relationship. Data were collected online using a survey technique, with 343 volunteer tourists participating in the study. A convenience sampling technique was used, and the research model was analysed using the PLS-SEM technique. The findings supported that cognitive evaluations of sustainability in the context of street food influence the construction of the meaning of sustainability. In addition, the mediating effect of attitudes towards organic food and the pursuit of health and naturalness in this relationship was identified. The results provide theoretical and practical implications for the relationships explored.

Prevalence of masked and white-coat hypertension among individuals with diabetes: insights from web-based home blood pressure monitoring in the Brazilian population.

The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and masked hypertension (MH) in ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring is established, but its relationship with home BP monitoring (HBPM) remains uncertain. This web-based database study compared BP phenotypes in individuals using (n = 51,194; 6.05% with DM) and not using (n = 55,320; 0.63% with DM) antihypertensive medications (AH) undergoing HBPM. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed similar MH and white-coat hypertension (WCH) prevalence in individuals with or without DM, irrespective of AH use. However, among AH non-users, DM was associated with a higher likelihood of normotension (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.09-1.66; p = 0.006) and a lower likelihood of sustained hypertension (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.60-0.99; p = 0.039) compared to individuals without DM. These findings suggest that while DM does not significantly impact MH and WCH in HBPM, it may influence normotension and sustained hypertension rates in AH non-users. Likelihood of diabetes mellitus according to blood pressure phenotypes. AH - antihypertensive medications; CH - controlled hypertension; MH - masked hypertension; MUCH - masked uncontrolled hypertension; NT - normotension; SH - sustained hypertension; SUCH - sustained uncontrolled hypertension; WCH - white-coat hypertension; WUCH - white-coat uncontrolled hypertension.

Sustainability assessment of urban water public‐private partnership projects with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria

AbstractWith the acceleration of urbanization, the sustainability of urban water infrastructure projects has become pivotal to social development. This research aims to construct a comprehensive sustainability assessment model for urban water public‐private partnership (PPP) projects based on the environmental, social, and governance criteria. First, a multi‐level assessment indicator system is established considering the economic, social, ecological, and governance sustainability dimensions. Then, the extended analytic hierarchy process is utilized to determine the weights of indicators based on expert scoring. To address the ambiguity of qualitative linguistic variables, the interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy set method is applied to aggregate expert assessments. An empirical case study of an urban water project verifies the feasibility of the proposed approach. Results demonstrate that experts emphasize economic sustainability, while social sustainability is an overlooked dimension that requires improvement. The research contributes to the field by developing an applied, industry‐specific sustainability evaluation model for urban water PPP projects using advanced decision‐making techniques. This model provides practical tools for stakeholders to enhance the sustainable performance of urban water infrastructure projects.

The social impacts of circular economy: disclosing epistemological stances and methodological practices

AbstractThe essence of circular economy is about closing the loop of material flows by reducing, reusing, recovering and recycling, ensuring the economic prosperity without any detriment for the environment. However, few information is available about the contribution of circular systems to the social dimension of sustainability (such as well-being, quality of life), how these aspects are evaluated and why they are deemed as important. The purpose of this study is to review those scientific studies that dealt with the social sustainability evaluations of circular systems to highlight new aspects: not only which are the most applied methodologies, which impact categories and indicators are mostly taken into account, but, above all, which is the most diffused epistemological position underlying the evaluation of social aspects of circularity. This last aspect is often disregarded but of utmost importance because it shapes the approaches and procedures choice, and legitimate and justify the insights provided: indeed, they can be the most diverse when dealing with social sciences, which are multiparadigmatic sciences. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have so far emerged that directly investigate the epistemological basis of social impacts within the circular economy. A systematic and hermeneutic review of the scientific literature has been led through a two steps method. The first step, dedicated to search and acquisition, consisted in a standardized replicable process called Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). In a second phase, a hermeneutic review has been conducted on the selected publications. Among the 42 studies reviewed, 7 papers were framed within the post-positivism paradigms, while 83,3% were based on interpretivist paradigms, showing how it is difficult to find consensus on standardized quantification methods for social impacts in circular economy studies. The most recurring qualitative methods relied on personal interpretations, perceptions or observations.

The effect and mediating mechanism of environmental, social, and governance information disclosure on sustainable growth rate: evidence from China

The effect and mediating mechanism of environmental, social, and governance information disclosure on sustainable growth rate: evidence from China

National Experience of Technology-based Eye Care Services (TECS): A Comprehensive Ophthalmology Telemedicine Initiative

Technology-Based Eye Care Services (TECS) is a tele-ophthalmology program operating in the Veterans' Administration since 2015. This study explores characteristics of the national TECS population, evaluates implementation and sustainability of TECS, and analyzes possible associations and effects of demographic characteristics and social determinants of health (SDOH) on being diagnosed with a vision threatening (VT) disease. Implementation and sustainability of TECS from 2015-2022 was examined along with the sociodemographic characteristics of Veterans served through TECS in 2021. Veteran patients seen in TECS nationwide. Characteristics, disease prevalence and diagnoses, implementation success rate, sustainability rate, preliminary analysis of outcomes and disparity. Per quarter from 2015-2022, TECS sites were classified as implementing, active, or sustained. Standard Query Language (SQL) was used to determine sociodemographic data and logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with VT eye diagnosis. 21,712 Veterans, 52.1% rural or highly rural, were served by TECS in 2021. The average age was 64.7 years, with females comprising 10.9% of the population served. From 2015-2022, of the 67 TECS sites initiated, 6 were implementing with 51 of 61 initiated sites still operational in the first quarter (Q1) of 2022 (83.6% success rate).Macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts were more prevalent in rural and highly rural populations (7.6% and 11.3%, and 48.8% and 55.0%, respectively) vs. urban populations; glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy (DR) had the opposite association. The prevalence of any type of VT eye disease was lowest in the Mountains/Central region (0.54%) and highest in the Southeast region (3.2%) of the US. Rural and highly rural residents were 1.3 and 2.5 times as likely, respectively, to be diagnosed with a VT eye disease than urban residents. Implementation and sustainability of TECS has been promising. The data provides key information that can be utilized to improve the deployment of TECS and similar programs, along with the possible future direction of TECS services. Moreover, experience from one national ocular telehealth program clearly illustrates that telemedicine can address eye care disparities in the Veteran population and may be utilized for other vulnerable groups as well.

Market Capitalization and Economic Growth Nexus A Mediation Analysis for selected countries

The study examined the mediating role of market capitalization in the relationship between economic growth and macroeconomic variables in twenty countries, including foreign direct investment, gross fixed capital formation, government spending, and inflation. The study has used panel data of twenty countries from the period of 2002-2021. The selection of countries involves three criterions, first; the study selected three regions; Asia, Europe, and Mena region. Secondly, among those selected countries, the study tried to select all three categories, higher income countries, middle income countries, and upper middle-income countries. The selection of these countries follows the criteria of GDP growth rate of 2021. Thirdly, these economies are either emerging economies or the economies who have established the stock market and getting its benefits for sustained GDP growth rate e.g. Australia, China, and Germany etc. Panel regression results show that foreign direct investment, gross fixed capital formation, consumption expenditures, inflation, GDP per employed person, and education expenditures all contribute to economic growth in selected countries, whereas an increase in the real effective exchange rate reduces growth. Hayes (2022) employs a mediation analysis approach that confirms market capitalization as a partially mediating variable between the rate of economic growth and various control variables in case of selected 20 countries. Providing more favorable policies for investors and enterprises, such as special economic zones and free tax breaks. Furthermore, emphasis on the money supply and preserving the currency's balance between face and interior worth. Increased foreign direct investment raises the country's workforce demand.

Towards circular renovation: a comparative review of circular economy integration in sustainable building rating systems

ABSTRACT Building renovation is widely considered an effective strategy for reducing the environmental impact of urban housing stock. In recent years, interest in ‘circular renovation’ – the application of Circular Economy approaches to building renovation – has grown but implementation pathways for circular renovations are still lacking. This study investigates Sustainable Building Rating Systems (SBRS) as an effective method to implement circular renovation by conducting a rigorous comparative analysis of residential SBRS against the established ReSOLVE framework's circularity principles (Regenerate, Share, Optimize, Loop, Virtualize, Exchange). The study focuses on apartment buildings dgiven their importance to urban housing stock and employs a qualitative content analysis on three SBRS (Living Building Challenge, Green Star Buildings, Building Sustainability Index) applicable to renovation. The research revealed that SBRS are progressing towards circularity but to varying extents and with different approaches. While Regenerate, Optimize, and Exchange principles are prominent, Share, Virtualize, and Loop need further integration in SBRS to facilitate circular renovation. The research also highlighted the potential social gaps of ReSOLVE. Although limited to three SBRS, the findings provide valid insights into Circular Economy integration in SBRS, thus synthesizing SBRS and Circular Economy knowledge and its implementation in apartment building renovation and beyond

Growth rate dalam sektor barang baku dan primer di Bursa Efek Indonesia: Mana lebih baik?

The Sustainable Growth Rate is the maximum growth rate of a company so that it can grow without running out of funds from funding activities such as increasing shareholder capital ownership and drawing loans from creditors. This study measured, tested, and analyzed factors affecting sustainable growth. Some of the factors used in this study are leverage, profitability, and total asset turnover. This study uses objects from raw material sector companies and primary sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for 2018 - 2022, during which data collection was carried out using the purposive sampling method. The form of research used is associative research, a method that examines the relationship between variables, with a quantitative approach. The research data is based on secondary data, namely the company's annual financial report, which is available and has been audited by an independent auditor. Data processing uses multiple linear regression. The study results show that Leverage (DER) and Profitability (ROA) positively affect sustainable growth, providing practical insights for financial analysts and professionals in the raw material and primary sector industries. Total asset turnover (TATO) does not affect the sustainable growth rate. This study also shows that raw material sector companies have a higher sustainable growth rate than primary sector companies.

Clinical utility of a novel anchor pronged clip for mucosal defect closure after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (with video)

Abstract Background and study aims The MANTIS Clip (Boston Scientific) is a novel anchor pronged clip designed to enhance tissue grasping and facilitate the closure of defects in the gastrointestinal tract. This study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of the MANTIS Clip for closing mucosal defects following colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (C-ESD). Patients and methods A retrospective single-center study was conducted on patients who underwent C-ESD with MANTIS Clip closure from May 2023 to April 2024. The primary outcome measured was the complete closure success rate. Secondary outcomes included defect size, sustained closure rate, closure time, number of clips used, adverse events (AEs), and hospital stay duration. Results The MANTIS Clip was used in 52 cases. The complete closure rate was 98.1% (51/52), with a sustained closure rate of 96.1% (49/51). The median closed defect size was 32 mm, with the largest being 62 mm. The median closure time was 8 minutes. Typically, one MANTIS Clip per defect was used, with only one lesion requiring two clips. The median number of additional clips used was seven. AEs included one case of bleeding (1.9%) and one case of post-ESD coagulation syndrome (1.9%), both managed without extending hospital stays. The median C-reactive protein level on the first day post-ESD was 0.35 mg/dL and the median hospital stay was 5 days. Conclusions The MANTIS Clip is effective and practical for mucosal defect closure post-C-ESD, demonstrating high success and sustained closure rates with minimal complications. Future multicenter randomized trials are needed to further assess its efficacy and safety.

The Interaction of Sustainability Governance Structure and Sustainability Management Control Systems: An Italian Case Study

This study aims to analyze sustainability governance mechanisms and understand which roles and responsibilities fall under a governance system, as well as the pro-cesses of integrating sustainability into management control systems. Qualitative research focused on the case study analysis of SIT. Interviews were conducted with key figures within the firm regarding roles and responsibilities in sustainability issues to address the peculiarities related to sustainability governance design and implementation and to delve into the role of sustainability management control systems. Several documents were also analyzed: sustainability reports, sustainabil-ity plans, corporate monographs, and questionnaires related to participation in sustainability ratings and awards. Based on a review of the literature on corporate governance and the integration of corporate sustainability into it, including the analysis of previous studies on sus-tainability management control systems, this study found that good sustainability governance and a coherent sustainability management control system play a key role. They provide support in decision-making, enable the implementation of stra-tegic objectives consistent with sustainability targets, identify actions and best practices for effective improvement in sustainability performance, and enable the firm to pursue sustainable success. From a practical point of view, this case study represents a good example of how sustainability can permeate all business pro-cesses, thus providing opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.

The Impact of Peer-Led Learning Groups on First-Year Medical Students.

Active learning and peer instruction contribute to positive learning outcomes. We developed a 25-week, question-based program for first-year medical students (MS1). Senior students developed weekly question and answer sets. Second-year peer educators helped MS1s learn to collaboratively problem solve by working through the questions and answer explanations. Controlling for average MCAT 2015 score, attendance significantly correlated with improved academic performance in basic science coursework (beta = 0.196, p < .001) and one organ systems module (beta = 0.104, p = .033). Academic outcomes and an 83% sustained participation rate point to the benefits of peer-led, positive learning environments.

Conceptual framework for considering animal welfare in sustainability assessments of foods

In recent years, many studies analyzed the environmental, health and economic implications of the production and consumption of different foods – and, on this basis, evaluated their sustainability. However, associated impacts on animals have remained largely unexamined and existing assessment approaches are still immature and often lack reflection on their normative assumptions and resulting implications. As animal welfare concerns increase, this represents a shortcoming, leaving a critical sustainability issue without due consideration. To address this, we develop a conceptual framework that guides the key decisions for assessing animal welfare impacts of foods. The framework is derived from an integrative literature review and revised following external feedback from expert focus groups. It bridges the research fields of food system modeling, animal welfare science and animal ethics and can guide researchers in developing assessment approaches and assessing animal welfare impacts of foods, from individual food items to whole diets. The framework also directs transparent communication of the most important assessment decisions. We outline key considerations for animal welfare assessments of foods, highlight associated challenges and discuss quality criteria as well as technical and normative strategies to address them. Our contribution provides a basis for future research to integrate animal welfare into sustainability evaluations of food and investigate tradeoffs and synergies with environmental, social or economic issues. Following this framework in future assessments facilitates the integration of animal welfare into food-related policy assessments and public decisions.

Implementing resilience in sustainable building design: Testing selected resilience criteria in a case study

Abstract Climate change is causing unprecedented changes in precipitation, extreme temperatures, and weather-related threats. Without effective intervention, these changes are expected to escalate in the coming years, potentially causing substantial damage to buildings. Paradoxically, the buildings themselves possess the potential to both exacerbate and alleviate climate change. To achieve a balance, the design of the building must adhere to minimal sustainability standards, taking into account resilience. Popular building rating systems, currently skewed towards sustainability, often neglect resilience principles. This paper aims to assess five selected resilience criteria from a new module incorporated into an existing building certification system, SBToolCZ. Validation occurs through a multi-residential building case study in Prague, evaluating the effectiveness of the criteria in terms of feasibility, accuracy, consistency, and time/data requirements. The results of this criteria test determine the clarity, achievability, and informativeness of the selected criteria. If gathering information and meeting benchmarks within a specific time frame proves challenging, adjustments to the criteria may be necessary for attainability and specificity. Integrating resilience features into sustainability rating systems, typically used in the early stages of design, can encourage designers to incorporate resilience into their projects. This proactive approach could lead to long-term reductions in environmental, social, and economic impacts, especially during weather-related hazards.