Top Positions Research Articles

Challenging the Status Quo: Headhunters and Gender Bias in Executive Recruitment: “Women have been at a Disadvantage, and it is long Overdue to Correct that”

This paper investigates the exclusion of women from the recruitment process for top management positions, focusing on the role of headhunters in Iceland—a country ranked first in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report for 15 consecutive years. Despite Iceland's reputation as a leader in gender equality, women remain significantly underrepresented in executive roles. This study addresses this paradox by exploring how headhunters' recruitment practices both perpetuate and challenge gender bias. Through semi-structured interviews with 44 board members (22 men, 22 women) and eight headhunters, this study uncovers structural and behavioral biases limiting women’s opportunities in executive roles Headhunters often rely on established networks and emphasize CEO experience, which favors male candidates. However, the study also highlights the potential of headhunters to act as change agents by expanding candidate pools and rethinking traditional hiring criteria. The theoretical contribution of this research lies in its exploration of how headhunters, positioned as both gatekeepers and agents of change, can influence gender diversity in leadership. This study also uses agency theory to explain the dynamic between headhunters and boards, examining how their conflicting goals shape executive recruitment outcomes.

Machine learning techniques for the smart faults detection and diagnosis of centrifugal compressor

In this work, we have conducted a comparative study among several machine learning techniques with the aim of selecting the best one for classifying faults affecting the compressor system to enable smart monitoring. This study encompasses various machine learning techniques, including Support Vector Machine, k-nearest neighbor, Decision Tree, Naive Bayes, AdaBoost, and Bag ensembles. To determine the optimal classification technique, we applied three distinct criteria: the confusion matrix, error histogram, and mean square error through cross-validation. Based on these criteria, the results indicate a tie for the top position between two classification models: Decision Tree and Bag ensemble. To solidify our choice of a single model, we employed the new AutoML technique to automatically identify the most suitable machine learning classification model for our case study. We evaluated this approach using process data obtained from an operational industrial centrifugal compressor. Consequently, the results presented in this work affirm that Decision Tree is the superior technique for classifying faults in the 3MCL compressor.

Theoretical model construction and static performance analysis of multi-leaf journal foil bearings

Abstract Multi-leaf journal foil bearing (MLJFB) structures are complex, making performance prediction challenging, and the accurate prediction of gas film thickness and pressure distributions is crucial. In this study, COMSOL finite-element software was used to establish an initial foil assembly and structural deformation simulation model for an MLJFB with bump foils. Using MATLAB, a compressible gas lubrication model was established and solved using the finite volume method (FVM). Real-time data transfer between COMSOL and MATLAB enabled a fully coupled fluid-structure interaction simulation. This model meticulously accounts for the pre-tension force in the multi-leaf bearing assembly, contact friction between adjacent foils, and the interaction between the top foil and gas film pressure. The effects of journal movement distance, direction, and top foil overlapping ratio on the bearing capacity as well as the effects of different external load directions on the journal equilibrium position were analyzed based on this model. The results indicate that increasing the top foil overlapping ratio enhances the bearing capacity of the MLJFB. Furthermore, compared to the direction of the top foil overlap position, external loads applied in the direction of the top foil midpoint are more beneficial for bearing operational stability.

The death education needs of patients with advanced cancer: a qualitative research

BackgroundCancer remains a global health concern, with nearly 20 million new cancer cases and approximately 10 million cancer-related deaths reported in 2020.An increasing number of individuals with advanced-stage cancer are likely to confront the reality of mortality.In China, cancer-related deaths hold the top position among factors contributing to resident mortality, accounting for nearly a quarter of all deaths. Patients with advanced-stage cancer contend with both physical challenges such as pain, physical decline, and functional impairments, as well as psychological issues including death anxiety, fear of death, and feelings of meaninglessness and hopelessness during disease treatment. Death education serves as a method to educate patients on coping with death, alleviating death-related anxieties and fears, and approaching death calmly, thereby facilitating a peaceful end-of-life experience. Currently, there is a dearth of death education content tailored to patients’specific circumstances in China. Consequently, this study aims to explore the content of death education needs among patients with advanced-stage cancer in China.MethodsA qualitative research based on phenomenology was used to select 19 patients with advanced cancer from November 2022 to June 2023. Semi-structured interviews were used to interview, and Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was used to organize and analyze the data.ResultsSix themes were extracted: 1. Death cognition and education; 2. Life review; 3. Ethics of death; 4. End-of-life decision-making; 5. Social support; 6. Disease treatment.ConclusionsPatients with advanced-stage cancer face significant distress caused by their illness and the prospect of death. This distress can impact their quality of life and even influence treatment decisions. It’s essential to comprehensively assess the current state and needs of patients, engaging in ongoing interventions tailored to individual patient circumstances. This approach involves implementing targeted death education content and methods.When executing death education, it’s imperative to consider the patient’s knowledge framework and their level of acceptance. Integrating the patient’s disease progression and treatment, as well as addressing their negative emotional states, becomes crucial for enhancing the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.

A detailed analysis of game statistics of professional tennis players: An inferential and machine learning approach.

Tennis, a widely enjoyed sport, motivates athletes and coaches to optimize training for competitive success. This retrospective predictive study examines anthropometric features and statistics of 1990 tennis players in the 2022 season, using 20,040 data points retrospectively obtained from the ATP official source after the end of the season. These data were cross-verified with information from other sources before categorisation to address any discrepancies. Employing various analytical methods, the results emphasize the strategic importance of tournament participation and gameplay for financial gains and higher rankings. Prize money analysis reveals a significant disparity favoring top players. Multivariate Analysis of Variance highlights the need to consider multiple variables for understanding ATP rankings. Multinomial Logistic Regression identifies age, height, and specific service-related metrics as key determinants, with older and taller players more likely to secure top positions. Neural Network models exhibit potential in predicting ATP Rank outcomes, particularly for ATP Rank (500). Our results argue for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Neural Networks, in handling complex interactions and emphasize that AI is a supportive tool in decision-making, requiring careful consideration by experienced individuals. In summary, this study enhances our understanding of ATP ranking factors, providing actionable insights for coaches, players, and stakeholders in the tennis community.

Broken rung roles in the female leadership deficit phenomenon in Indonesia

The underrepresentation of women in top management positions is marked by a decline in participation as the hierarchy rises. This study investigates the impact of the "broken rung" phenomenon—referring to unfair promotion systems as a key barrier to female career advancement—on the leadership deficit among women in Indonesia. Using a qualitative methodology and a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The research analysis followed four stages of coding: open coding, axial coding, selective coding, and process coding. Findings reveal that gender stereotypes in certain industries and occupations contribute to the scarcity of female leaders. The shortage of female leaders initially stems from the limited presence of women in specific industries, influenced by these stereotypes. The "broken rung" is not the primary factor in Indonesia’s female leadership deficit, as there were already few women in specific sectors before unfair company systems impacted them. The root cause is not an unfriendly promotion system, but rather the unequal distribution of female workers across industries. Feminine-dominated sectors see higher female representation, while masculine-dominated sectors do not. Unfortunately, a significant portion of jobs are perceived as masculine, leading to an overrepresentation of male-dominated industries.

Https://www.questjournals.org/jrbm/v12-i11.html

Rich countries, developing countries and Underdeveloped countries differ in their capacity to invest in capital assets. Some countries developed in-depth knowledge and wisdom in applying science and technology. To achieve synergy, some countries import capital, human resources, materials, and technology from the open market. Countries use different approaches to mix and use their resources with imported resources. This article focuses on how the United States of America is in the top position economically and politically in the world. The priority of this article is to explain the type of business strategy America uses to achieve financial supremacy.

Effect of warehouse storage on the alteration, cooking and organoleptic characteristics of Kponan yam (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) of Côte d'Ivoire

Yam holds the top position in food crop production, and Kponan yam is highly prized by Ivorians. However, storage deterioration poses economic challenges for wholesalers and producers. This study assesses Kponan yam quality in warehouse storage, considering its geographical origin. To achieve this, yams from the Bondoukou, Bouna, and Kouassi-Kouassikro regions were kept at a warehouse in Abidjan, allowing an assessment of alterations, cooking properties, and organoleptic characteristics over a 3-month storage period. Kponan yam tubers were placed on boards at the warehouse's temperature (27.98 °C) and relative humidity (85.61 %). Temperature and humidity levels were recorded three times per week and four times daily at 08:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00. Physical, cooking, and sensory characteristics were checked at harvest and during each month. The results showed that the main damage observed during storage at the warehouse was rotting and dehydration of the tubers. Rot rates were 47.53 % for yams grown in Bondoukou, 51.96 % for those grown in Bouna and 60.65 % for those grown in Kouassi-Kouassikro. Dehydrated tubers rates were 17.88 %, 25.04 % and 29.20 % for yams from Bondoukou, Bouna and Kouassi-Kouassikro, respectively. The browning indices of Kponan yams decrease (P < 0.05) during storage, with a much more marked effect for yams grown in Bouna (23.43-18.56) and Bondoukou (24.73-18.11), in contrast to those grown in Kouassi-Kouassikro (26.09–22.96). Hardness also dropped for Kponan yams grown in Bouna, Bondoukou and Kouassi-Kouassikro (38.94–25.19 N, 39.39–26.52 N and 35.59–26.66 N respectively). Sensory analysis showed that yams from Bouna stored for three months were rated highest in taste (score = 4). The storage quality of Kponan yams was influenced by the cultivation region. Organic production of Kponan yams benefits the environment and human health, while increasing shelf life.

Efficiency and Super‐Efficiency in the CRO Industry, 2012–2021: A Two‐Stage Exploration

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the productivity of contract research organizations (CROs) by computing and exploring efficiency and super‐efficiency data envelopment analysis (SDEA) scores for a sample of companies over 2012–2021. Main findings suggest that CRO efficiency and super‐efficiency is high and has increased more than 25% over 2012–2021. The top positions in the rankings according to efficiency are not limited to a few companies; in contrast, many firms in the sample are able to reach a top position in at least one concept of efficiency, suggesting the high degree of rivalry and competition in this industry. A second‐stage preliminary analysis of variables associated with efficiency suggests that best performers implement a sound human capital policy, with controlled costs. Moreover, they also have a careful short‐term cash‐flow management, with brief collection periods. Big and small firms outperform the rest of the companies, suggesting the presence of increasing returns and niche advantages in some stages of the supply chain. Finally, results suggest that the COVID pandemic had an asymmetric impact on CROs, affecting positively only large CROs.

Occupational and social mobility of skilled migrants: an intersectional analysis

ABSTRACT Research on skilled migration has grown substantially in recent years. Drawing on 58 in-depth interviews with skilled Americans in China, this paper explores how the intersectionality of race, gender, and citizenship shapes their occupational and social mobility, and whether these two forms of mobility align. The findings suggest that skilled migrants’ social identities simultaneously create both advantages and disadvantages in their occupational and social mobility. I coined the term ‘glass box’ to describe their experiences: while many enjoyed enhanced occupational mobility, they eventually hit a ‘glass ceiling’ that blocked access to top positions and faced ‘glass walls’ that pigeonholed them into a narrow range of occupations. However, their social identities also brought privileges, forming a ‘glass floor’ that protected them from employment precarity. Their social mobility, extending beyond occupational mobility, improved to varying degrees after migration to China but declined rapidly and unexpectedly following the outbreak of COVID-19. While changes to skilled Americans’ occupational and social mobility aligned most of the time, there were notable exceptions where these two forms of mobility shifted in opposite directions. Such contradictory experiences highlight the persistent structural barriers that shape their professional and social trajectories.

GREEK SHIPPING ON THE BLACK AND AZOV SEAS AT THE TURN OF THE 40s - 50s OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY (BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE AUSTRIAN CONSULAR REPORTS AND THE AUSTRIAN PRESS)

The article aims to examine the participation of the Greek merchant fleet in the navigation of the Black and Azov Seas in the mid-nineteenth century on the basis of a complex of Austrian sources that has been little studied in Ukrainian historiography. The latter included published reports from Austrian consular offices in Odesa, Berdiansk, Mariupol, Trebizond, and Galați. Materials from the Austrian press of the time are also used, primarily from the Austrian Ministry of Commerce's “Austria” newspaper, which was published as a daily newspaper from 1849 to 1856 and as a weekly from 1856. During the period under review, the Greek fleet was in a leading position in shipping in the Black and Azov Seas, successfully competing with the Austrian, British and Italian fleets. The success of the Greek merchant fleet was due, among other things, to the fact that seafaring was an ancient Greek craft, and in Ottoman times they were able to maintain the continuity of experience and tradition. In addition, this was facilitated by the developed network of Greek trading houses, which were widely represented in the main area of their fleet's navigation, in the Mediterranean Sea, especially its eastern part, and in the Black and Azov Seas. Therefore, the radical political and economic changes in the Black and Azov Seas regions did not take them and the Italians by surprise, and they were the first to take advantage of the rapid development of trade and transport traffic there. And despite increased competition in the mid-nineteenth century from the Austrians and the British, the Greeks continued to hold top positions in the shipping of the Black and Azov Seas. Moreover, unlike the Sardinians, they were gradually involved in long-distance voyages beyond Gibraltar, mainly to Great Britain. At the same time, the challenges for the traditionally sailing Greek merchant fleet from the emergence of steamship lines on the Black Sea were outlined. The first indicators were the activities of some of the Greeks' main competitors, the Austrians, in the Danube ports and on the Bulgarian coast, and the British, Austrians and Turks in the Anatolian ports.

Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Currently, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer; however, the optimal treatment strategy remains undetermined. A comprehensive search of online databases was conducted to identify RCTs published until December 31, 2023. Network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate PFS, OS, TRAEs, irAEs, and the ranking of different treatment regimens. A total of 2702 patients from five RCTs (six reports) were included in the analysis. The combination therapy of ICIs significantly prolonged PFS (HR = 0.69, 95%CI 0.63-0.76, p < 0.0001) and OS (HR = 0.73, 95%CI 0.63-0.85, p < 0.0001) in the overall population. Among the different ICIs combinations evaluated, Durva-Olap-CP exhibited superior efficacy for both PFS and OS outcomes. In the pMMR population, both Durva-Olap-CP and Pembro-CP significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death compared to Avelu-CP and Atezo-CP treatments; however, no significant differences were observed among various ICI combination therapies in patients with dMMR. In the dMMR population, Dostar-CP demonstrates a 42.2% probability of achieving first rank in terms of PFS, whereas in the pMMR population, Pembro-CP exhibits a 60% likelihood of securing the top position. Importantly, the toxicity associated with ICIs combination therapy was manageable and well-tolerated. The combination of ICIs and chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer has demonstrated superior survival outcomes compared to chemotherapy alone. Durva-Olap-CP exhibited the most favorable PFS and OS benefits in the overall population. In patients with dMMR, Dostar-CP showed the greatest improvement in PFS, while Pembro-CP demonstrated the most pronounced PFS benefit in patients with pMMR.

Turbulent transport mechanisms and their impact on the pedestal top of JET plasmas with small-ELMs

Abstract Understanding the transport mechanisms that regulate the H-mode pedestal structure is crucial for developing regimes with edge dynamics that are compatible with the thermal and particle load constraints of plasma facing components. In this regard, at the JET tokamak, H-mode plasma regimes featuring small-ELM (BSE) dynamics have been developed, expelling less plasma energy per ELM compared to the standard type-I ELM. The pedestal of these new regimes remains stable against peeling-ballooning modes, leaving its structure unexplained.&amp;#xD;In this study, three baseline H-mode JET discharges, a reference with type-I ELM and two BSE regimes, are selected to investigate the turbulent transport mechanisms occurring in pedestals with different structures. The turbulence analysis is conducted using local gyrokinetic simulations around the pedestal top position. The results show that at ion-scales, while hybrid ITG-KBM and KBM are destabilized in the type-I ELM discharge, the BSE regimes are dominated by hybrid ITG-TEM, suggesting a different role of turbulent transport in the two cases. At electron-scales, both regimes are dominated by toroidal and slab ETG, the latter extending up to very small scales. Simulations of turbulence driven by hybrid ITG-TEM focuses on the impact and competition of electromagnetic (EM) effects and equilibrium $\vb*{E}\times\vb*{B}$ shearing. A strong EM stabilization mechanism is found, resulting in a saturated turbulence regime with spectra different from those in the electrostatic limit (ES$_l$). Additionally, while increasing $\vb*{E}\times\vb*{B}$ shearing reduces transport in ES$_l$ simulations, it is observed to have the opposite effect in the EM regime. Finally, stiff ETG transport is also shown to produce transport levels compatible with experimental observations.&amp;#xD;The findings of this study suggest the EM stabilization and its competition with $\vb*{E}\times\vb*{B}$ shearing as new key elements determining the nature of the turbulent transport mechanisms around the pedestal top, which need to be considered in reduced models for pedestal limits.

Open access publications drive few visits from Google Search results to institutional repositories

AbstractGiven the importance of Google Search in generating visits to institutional repositories (IR), a lack of visibility in search engine results pages can hinder the possibility of their publications being found, read, downloaded, and, eventually, cited. To address this, institutions need to evaluate the visibility of their repositories to determine what actions might be implemented to enhance them. However, measuring the search engine optimization (SEO) visibility of IRs requires a highly accurate, technically feasible method. This study constitutes the first attempt to design such a method, specifically applied here to measuring the IR visibility of Spain’s national university system in Google Search based on a set of SEO-based metrics derived from the Ubersuggest SEO tool. A comprehensive dataset spanning three months and comprising 217,589 bibliographic records and 316,899 organic keywords is used as a baseline. Our findings show that many records deposited in these repositories are not ranked among the top positions in Google Search results, and that the most visible records are mainly academic works (theses and dissertations) written in Spanish in the Humanities and Social Sciences. However, most visits are generated by a small number of records. All in all, our results call into question the role played by IRs in attracting readers via Google Search to the institutions’ scientific heritage and serve to underscore the prevailing emphasis within IRs on preservation as opposed to online dissemination. Potential improvements might be achieved using enhanced metadata schemes and normalized description practices, as well as by adopting other actionable insights that can strengthen the online visibility of IRs. This study increases understanding of the role played by web indicators in assessing the web-based impact of research outputs deposited in IRs, and should be of particular interest for a range of stakeholders, including open access and open science advocates, research agencies, library practitioners, repository developers, and website administrators.

Management of scientific and technological regional development in the Volga Federal District: review of government programs

Relevance. In light of the growing interest in the scientific and technological development of regions, setting goals for scientific and technological advancement at the national level, the issue of developing programs for the development of science and education leading to the technological sovereignty of the country becomes relevant.The purpose is to analyze the ongoing programs for scientific and technological development of the regions of the Volga Federal District, as well as individual indicators characterizing the dynamics of the scientific and educational sector of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.Objectives: conduct an economic and statistical analysis of the main indicators characterizing the scientific and technological progress of the regions of the Volga Federal District; identify regions of the Volga Federal District in which state programs for scientific and technological development have been developed, and consider their features.Methodology. The study used methods of economic-statistical and comparative analysis.Results. A review of state programs for scientific and technological development shows that four pilot regions of the Volga Federal District (Nizhny Novgorod region, Republic of Tatarstan, Republic of Bashkortostan and Republic of Mordovia) have already developed corresponding programs, and two regions (Orenburg region and Perm Territory) are under development. The remaining regions either have state programs that indirectly indicate the development of scientific and technological potential, or they do not exist.Conclusions. Scientific and technological development programs represent an important document that defines strategic guidelines for the development of science, technology and higher education. Regions that have already developed state programs for scientific and technological development have a high scientific reserve and are located in the top positions in the National Rating of Scientific and Technological Development of Regions. Such regions show strong results in the scientific and educational sector, which contributes to improving the economic and social development of the region. A systematic analysis of these programs makes it possible to identify their impact on various aspects of social life, as well as determine the effectiveness of the measures taken and mechanisms for achieving the set goals. It is important to take into account the variety of approaches to the development and implementation of strategic programs, which should be aimed at the unique characteristics of the country’s regions, their bottlenecks and development prospects, taking into account an assessment of their potential.

Analysis of the Implementation of the Merit System in the Mataram City Government from a Gender Perspective

Human resources (apparatus) are the basis of the bureaucratic reform movement. Human resources are one aspect of achieving the goals of government organizations, namely providing optimal public services. Therefore, it is necessary to implement a merit system to obtain human resources, in this case specifically the best State Civil Apparatus (ASN) who do not consider male or female gender, including in the process of filling pratama high leadership positions (JPT) in scope of the Mataram City Government. This research aims to describe the implementation of the merit system in the Mataram City government from a gender aspect. This research uses a qualitative approach with data collection methods consisting of in-depth interviews and document review. Data analysis uses qualitative data analysis techniques. The validity of the data was tested using triangulation techniques. Research provides an illustration that the Mataram City government has basically implemented a merit system in ASN management. When filling out the JPT, preparation, implementation and evaluation stages have been carried out in accordance with the provisions. Basically, the number of female ASNs in the city of Mataram is more than male. Likewise, the educational level of female ASN is better than that of men. However, if we look at it in terms of rank and class, the number of men is increasing, this will make the opportunity for men to occupy top positions in the bureaucracy greater. The Mataram city government consistently provides opportunities for women at the rate of 10 percent and hopes that in the future this will be further increased.

The impact of board gender diversity on healthcare financial performance during Covid- 19: Evidence from Italian Healthcare Organizations

Over the past few decades, European institutions and policymakers have promot-ed gender diversity in management and strategic leadership roles. Prior literature has highlighted the importance of board gender diversity; neverthe-less, previous studies have mainly focused on the private sector, while the public sector – particularly the healthcare sector – remains under-investigated. Hence, to fill this gap, the present paper aims to examine the impact of board gen-der diversity on Italian public health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the calls for more excellent representation of women in leadership roles. The research methodology uses an OLS linear regression model to examine the re-lationship between the number of women in top positions in Italian Healthcare Or-ganizations (roles of general, administrative, and health managers) and their fi-nancial and non-financial performance. Results show that women's involvement in governance positively impacts the per-formance of Italian healthcare organisations, while no significant association has emerged regarding non-financial performance. This study could represent a starting point for implementing measures that focus on the health sector. The sector has been experiencing a severe crisis for years and, therefore, needs innovative strategies for its relaunch.

Der Standort Österreich aus Sicht der ökonomischen Komplexität

Abstract Economic complexity indicators attempt to map latent factors for long-term growth. In this analysis, we shed light on Austria as a business location using multidimensional complexity indicators that allow statements to be made about regional specialization, key technologies for the green transition and individual sectors such as the semiconductor industry. Austria usually occupies top international positions or is at least among the leaders, and this has remained stable over the last 20 years. This implies extensive opportunities for diversification into promising technologies. For individual brown industries, however, there is a risk of getting locked into products whose demand will decline in the course of the green transition.

AI-Driven Realtime Monitoring of Early Indicators for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Infection of Rainbow Trout.

A novel video-based real-time system based on AI (artificial intelligence) was developed to detect clinical signs in fish exposed to pathogens. We selected a White Spot Disease model involving rainbow trout as the experimental animal and the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis as a pathogen. We compared two identical fish tank systems: one tank was infected by co-habitation, whereas the other tank was kept non-infected (sham infection). The two fish tanks were separately video monitored (full top and side view) during the course of infection, during which fish were removed whenever they developed clinical signs (direct visual inspection by the observer). Image analysis (object detection, classification and tracking) was used to track behavioural changes in fish (in every recorded video frame), focusing on movement patterns and spatial localisation. Initially, the two fish groups (infected and non-infected) exhibited similar behaviour and non-infected fish did not change behaviour during the 15 d observation period (from 5 d before infection until 10 dpi). At 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 dpi some infected fish showed clinical signs (equilibrium disturbance, gasping and lethargy) and were removed from the experiment. Anorexia occurred from 5 dpi and a gradual progression of gasping behaviour was noted, whereas the frequency of fish flashing (rubbing/scratching against objects) was low. Equilibrium disturbances and the development of white spots in the skin appeared to be a much later (8-10 dpi at this temperature) indicator of infection. The video analysis showed a general distribution of non-infected fish in all parts of the fish tank during the entire experiment, whereas infected fish already at 4-5 dpi moved towards higher water currents in the top and bottom positions. This change of fish positioning within the tank appeared as a promising early indicator of infection. The study suggests that continuous monitoring of fish behaviour using AI can potentially optimise the timing of humane endpoints, indicate disease signs earlier and thereby improve animal welfare in both animal experimentation and in aquaculture settings.

Consumer views on the healthiness of meat from various animal species: A comprehensive survey including fish

The study aimed to assess respondents’ opinions on healthiness of various types of meat derived from different animal species across multiple countries. A total of 1116 questionnaires from Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary and China were analysed. According to the perception of all respondents, the ranking on the healthiness of different types of meat is as follows: fish (39.9%), rabbit (20.8%), chicken (15.1%), beef (13.4%), pork (4.9%), lamb (4.3%) and horse meat (1.6%). In specific countries, variations in rankings were observed. In Italy, Poland and Hungary fish claimed the top position, while in Spain rabbit meat was ranked the highest. Conversely, in China, fish and beef were considered the healthiest options. Gender exhibited only a marginal effect. Fish was considered the healthiest for all ages. With the exception of China, where beef overtook the second place, rabbit meat was in the second position. Regarding household income, a difference emerged only in the case of fish; the 'Live well' and 'Live very well' groups considered it healthier than those with lower incomes. The findings suggest that respondents’ opinions on the healthiness of different meat types could be leveraged for the development of marketing strategies with the meat industry.