Transparency Guidelines Research Articles

Fantasies and Fallacies of ‘Aesthetic’ Instagrammers

AbstractThe influence of Instagram, as a social media platform, in shaping perceptions of aesthetic surgery cannot be understated. The idea of a more “aesthetic” self cultivates a desire for cosmetic enhancements. This article underscores the profound impact of Instagram on aesthetic surgery, shedding light on both its fantasies and fallacies. Instagram, a medium for dissemination of content, often blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Although the intent is to transfer credible information from the provider to the consumer, Instagram often contributes to the distortion of one's self-image and creates unrealistic expectations. Moreover, the glamorization of aesthetic surgery as a fast, effortless fix, often by commercially run enterprises, leads to misconceptions and impulsive decision-making. These fallacies are further compounded by the increase of misinformation and deceptive practices, presenting ethical challenges for influencers and surgeons alike. This study explores the ethical responsibilities of these “Aesthetic Instagrammers,” emphasizing the necessity for transparency and ethical guidelines, while analyzing all the social media stakeholders and providing suggestions for better engagement.

The figure of the influencer under scrutiny: highly exposed, poorly regulated

The figure of the influencer has generated an increase in their presence on social networks. Their ability to create content, their credibility and their identification with the consumer represent an added value in commercial communication. However, their disclosures are controversial due to the lack of transparency and differentiation between their commercial and opinion content. The absence of a clear definition of an influencer, the need to regulate their actions and the difficulty of identifying the commercial content of their publications are evidence of the concern to regulate their activity. The aim of this paper is to analyze, in the European context, the specific regulations on commercial disclosures by influencers, as well as to ascertain the point of view of the agents involved. To this end, a content analysis of the guidelines, regulations and/or laws of 24 European Union countries is carried out, complemented by an ad hoc questionnaire that brings together different aspects that can be defined and delimited. The results show a lack of unanimity in the rules and regulations governing influencers, as well as a manifest concern on the part of professionals in the sector to determine their communications. Only two countries, France and Spain, have specific legislation on the subject, limiting commercial disclosure to the existence of consideration and/or number of followers. It is clear that the existing guidelines are, in most cases, more comprehensive in terms of transparency guidelines for identifying advertising than the regulatory texts. The findings question whether the path of legislation is the right one, or whether efforts should instead focus on media and advertising literacy for both influencers and consumers.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Marketing Automation in China

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Marketing Automation in China Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing automation in China has revolutionized the marketing landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, personalization, and data-driven decision-making. AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, have enabled Chinese businesses to automate and optimize various marketing processes, leading to enhanced customer engagement and improved ROI. AI-powered marketing automation tools have facilitated precise targeting and segmentation, allowing brands to deliver highly personalized content and offers to individual consumers at the right time through the right channels. This level of personalization has significantly improved customer experiences, fostering stronger brand loyalty and higher conversion rates. Furthermore, AI has enhanced the ability of marketers in China to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, providing deep insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. This has enabled more informed strategic decisions, agile responses to market changes, and proactive identification of new opportunities. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Technology Acceptance Model, Social Cognitive Theory & Resource-Based View (RBV) may be used to anchor future studies on Role of Artificial Intelligence in Marketing Automation in China. Organizations should prioritize hiring skilled AI professionals and investing in robust AI infrastructure to effectively leverage AI technologies for marketing automation. This includes building in-house capabilities or partnering with external vendors to develop and implement AI-powered marketing solutions tailored to specific business needs. Encourage marketing teams to experiment with AI-driven tools and technologies in their campaigns and initiatives. Create a supportive environment that rewards innovation and learning from failures, enabling organizations to iterate and improve AI-driven marketing strategies over time. Policymakers should collaborate with industry stakeholders to develop regulatory frameworks that govern the ethical use of AI in marketing automation. This includes establishing guidelines for data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and consumer protection to ensure that AI technologies are deployed responsibly and ethically.

Ethical Issues in Artificial Intelligence Adoption in African Higher Education Institutions in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the ethical issues in artificial intelligence adoption in African higher education institutions. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Ethical concerns surrounding the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in African higher education institutions reveal key findings from recent studies. These include issues of data privacy, transparency in AI algorithms, and ethical implications in decision-making processes. Universities in Africa implementing AI technologies must navigate challenges such as ensuring ethical data handling and maintaining transparency in AI systems. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Ethical frameworks in AI adoption, critical theory & ethics of care may be used to anchor future studies on the ethical issues in artificial intelligence adoption in African higher education institutions. Embed ethics education into AI courses and training programs across African universities. Equip students, educators, and AI developers with the knowledge and skills to identify, analyze, and address ethical dilemmas associated with AI technologies. Develop and enforce clear, context-specific AI ethics policies and regulatory frameworks at national and institutional levels. These policies should outline guidelines for data management, algorithmic transparency, and ethical review processes.

HSC Honest Broker Service, Applying the Health Data Research UK Transparency Guidelines in Northern Ireland

HSC Honest Broker Service, Applying the Health Data Research UK Transparency Guidelines in Northern Ireland

Lived experiences of COVID-19 disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, various aspects of human life were changed around the world. The present study aimed to provide a systematic review of the available evidence on lived experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a systematic review of the meta-synthesis type. Evidence from studies from 2019 to 2021 was used. Keywords of lived experiences, experiences, people, nation, patients, community, COVID-19, corona, and corona disease were searched in PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of articles. A qualitative meta-synthesis was performed by a researcher based on a three-step meta-synthesis method described by Thomas and colleagues. MAXQDA 10 was used for data analysis. The present study is based on the guidelines for Enhancing transparency in reporting the meta-synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ). The reliability of this study had a Kappa coefficient of 0.660 with a consistency rate of 98.766%. Results: Finally, the data from 11 articles were analyzed. The main and sub-themes obtained in this study included negative aspects (chaos, hustle associated, dualities, bad body, value decay, seclusion, psychological challenges) as well as positive aspects (opportunities arising from the individual, family, and social stability). Conclusion: Problems of life during COVID-19 should be considered as part of the COVID-19 pandemic care program. Individual assessments should normally be considered in a public health crisis. It is recommended to conduct serious, in-depth, and practical research in this field.

Influence of Influencer Marketing on Consumer Purchase Intentions

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of influencer marketing on consumer purchase intentions. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicate that consumers are more likely to trust and be influenced by recommendations from individuals they perceive as authentic and knowledgeable. Influencers, especially those with niche audiences, can create a sense of personal connection and trust with their followers, making their endorsements more persuasive than traditional advertising. This trust translates into higher engagement rates and a greater likelihood of consumers trying and purchasing products endorsed by these influencers. Additionally, the interactive nature of social media platforms allows influencers to engage directly with their audience, answering questions and providing real-time feedback, further enhancing their impact on purchase decisions. Overall, influencer marketing effectively taps into the power of social proof and word-of-mouth, driving consumer interest and purchase intentions more effectively than many conventional marketing strategies. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social influence theory, informational social influence theory and theory of planned behavior may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of influencer marketing on consumer purchase intentions. Encourage brands to establish strategic collaborations with influencers based on authenticity, trustworthiness, and alignment with brand values. Advocate for transparency and ethical guidelines in influencer marketing practices to build consumer trust and credibility.

Investigating the nature of open science practices across complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine journals: An audit.

Open science practices are implemented across many scientific fields to improve transparency and reproducibility in research. Complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) is a growing field that may benefit from adoption of open science practices. The efficacy and safety of CAIM practices, a popular concern with the field, can be validated or refuted through transparent and reliable research. Investigating open science practices across CAIM journals by using the Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) guidelines can potentially promote open science practices across CAIM journals. The purpose of this study is to conduct an audit that compares and ranks open science practices adopted by CAIM journals against TOP guidelines laid out by the Center for Open Science (COS). CAIM-specific journals with titles containing the words "complementary", "alternative" and/or "integrative" were included in this audit. Each of the eight TOP criteria were used to extract open science practices from each of the CAIM journals. Data was summarized by the TOP guideline and ranked using the TOP Factor to identify commonalities and differences in practices across the included journals. A total of 19 CAIM journals were included in this audit. Across all journals, the mean TOP Factor was 2.95 with a median score of 2. The findings of this study reveal high variability among the open science practices required by journals in this field. Four journals (21%) had a final TOP score of 0, while the total scores of the remaining 15 (79%) ranged from 1 to 8. While several studies have audited open science practices across discipline-specific journals, none have focused on CAIM journals. The results of this study indicate that CAIM journals provide minimal guidelines to encourage or require authors to adhere to open science practices and there is an opportunity to improve the use of open science practices in the field.

Abstract PO2-26-04: Nature and Trends of Pharmaceutical Payments to the Board Certified Breast Cancer Specialists in Japan between 2016 and 2019

Abstract Background The field of breast cancer care has experienced a rapid influx of new treatments, making it a potential focus for promotional activities by pharmaceutical companies. These financial relationships could turn into significant sources of conflict of interest within the healthcare sector, possibly leading to undue influence on breast cancer care. Despite the potential ramifications of these ties, there is a noticeable lack of understanding about the details of financial relationships between pharmaceutical companies and breast cancer specialists. The aim of this investigation was to understand the extent and distribution of financial relationships between pharmaceutical companies and breast cancer specialists, along with their trends over recent years in Japan. Methods Our study included all 1733 board-certified breast cancer specialists registered with the Japan Breast Cancer Society as of May 2021. We obtained data on the payments they received, along with the intended purpose of each payment, from 92 leading Japanese pharmaceutical companies between 2016 and 2019. This data was disclosed by the companies following the transparency guidelines set forth by the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association. Firstly, we conducted a descriptive analysis of the extent and distribution of payments to specialists, including a calculation of the Gini index to illustrate the disparity of payments among these specialists. Secondly, we assessed the overall trends and individual-based payment patterns over a four-year period. Finally, we explored whether the introduction of new agents was associated with variations in payment values at the company level. Results In total, 64 companies made 11,774 payments, collectively amounting to 13,329,919 USD, with speaking fees comprising 81.4% of this total. Among the 1733 specialists, 1306 (75.4%) received at least one payment from these companies. The average payment per physician was 7,692 USD (with a standard deviation of 24,162), and the median payment was 2,044 USD (with an interquartile range from 798 to 5,207 USD). Among these specialists, 27 received payments of 100,000 USD or more. The Gini index was 0.99, indicating a significant disparity in payment distribution among the specialists. There was a rising trend in total payment values, from 2,883,954 USD in 2016, to 3,037,888 USD in 2017, 3,589,583 USD in 2018, and finally 3,820,041 USD in 2019. A notable increase in payment value occurred with Pfizer in 2018, following the launch of Palbociclib in December 2017. Similarly, Eli Lilly, which launched Abemaciclib in November 2018, also increased its payments to specialists from 2018 onward. Conclusion: The majority of board-certified specialists in Japan received payments from pharmaceutical companies between 2016 and 2019. However, these payments were concentrated among only a small fraction of the specialists. During the study period, the overall value of payments increased. This surge likely resulted from the launch of key drugs within the same class and with similar indications, specifically CDK4/6 inhibitors. Citation Format: Akihiko Ozaki, Kenji Gonda, Masahiro Wada, Hiroaki Saito, Erika Yamashita, Tetsuya Tanimoto. Nature and Trends of Pharmaceutical Payments to the Board Certified Breast Cancer Specialists in Japan between 2016 and 2019 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-26-04.

Exploring the effectiveness and safety profile of TAU protein antibodies as potential therapies for alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review

Background With few effective treatments, Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a substantial worldwide health burden. Potential disease-modifying treatments have gained attention due to recent developments in immunotherapy that target TAU protein. The purpose of this thorough analysis is to investigate the safety and efficacy of TAU protein antibodies in the treatment of AD. Methodology This review investigates the safety and efficacy of TAU protein antibodies as possible treatments for AD. Using a variety of databases, a thorough literature search was carried out with an emphasis on clinical trials and academic publications regarding TAU protein antibodies in AD. Predetermined criteria were used to select eligible studies, and pertinent data were then retrieved and compiled. PRISMA guidelines for transparency were followed in the reporting. Conclusion TAU protein antibodies have shown some potential in trials for treating Alzheimer's disease, including a little improvement in cognitive deterioration. Safety considerations highlight the need for cautious interpretation, especially with regard to imaging abnormalities due to amyloid. Optimizing efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness requires further studies.

Public health nurses' experiences with mental health promotion for adolescent immigrants in schools: Aqualitative study.

This study aimed to explore public health nurses' experiences with mental health promotion for adolescent immigrants in lower secondary and high school, aiming to enhance knowledge and insights for effective mental health promotion. A qualitative design employing a hermeneutic approach was chosen. Thirteen public health nurses were selected using purposive criterion sampling and snowballing. Thematic analysis was applied, adhering to COREQ guidelines for transparency. The research was approved by the Norwegian Centre for Research Data. The guidelines of the National Committee for Research Ethics in the Social Sciences and the Humanities were followed. Data were collected through three focus-group interviews (n = 13), using semi-structured interview guides to explore the experiences of public health nurses in promoting mental health among adolescent immigrants. This study identified three key themes: (i) Striving to understand adolescent immigrants' mental health aspects, including both positive and negative aspects; (ii) Different strategies for promoting mental health, viewing adolescents as both recipients and contributors to their well-being; and (iii) Barriers to public health nurses' promotion of mental health, including language, cultural, and knowledge-related obstacles and trust issues. Public health nurses noted that language barriers and trust issues often delayed adolescent immigrants from seeking help for mental health concerns. Cultural competence and empathy were deemed crucial. To meet these needs, public health nurses must build rapport with parents, collaborate with professionals, implement follow-up programmes, and advocate for policy changes. Limitations of this qualitative study include potential bias from the authors' background and non-generalizability of results to other contexts. In conclusion, public health nurses' experiences reveal the need for enhanced cultural competence, language proficiency, and trust-building to better serve adolescent immigrants. Collaborative efforts, follow-up programmes, and policy advocacy are essential to improve mental health promotion in school settings.

Impact of Early Bonding During the Maternal Sensitive Period on Long-Term Effects: A Systematic Review.

This research project examines the long-term effects of maternal-neonatal bonding during a mother's "sensitive period." The review explores how early contact between a mother and her newborn can affect their psychosocial and emotional well-being in the future. Within an hour after birth, oxytocin levels increase for mothers, while catecholamine surges enhance neonates' memory retention to encourage immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC), which promotes breastfeeding with benefits, such as quicker placenta expulsion, less bleeding, and lower stress. As per sources to date, there is no systematic review on this subject; however, numerous studies exist regarding short-term outcomes, exclusive breastfeeding, and childhood problems. The exploration involves rigorous searches of academic databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for transparency and reproducibility by using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) framework. Of the 516 initially identified articles, only five were relevant based on refined selection criteria, making it clear from the analysis that sensitive-period bonding produces long-term impacts in infants. Few studies are available, particularly in recent years; thus, more research is required in this area.

Scientific journals: guidelines for creating a data collection

This article aims to suggest actions for the opening of scientific data, deposit, use and dissemination, so that scientific journals, linked to Higher Education Institutions, create open data collections. It is an applied social research, with a qualitative, exploratory, documentary approach and with action-research dimensions. A survey of the scientific data openness policies of the journals that use the Dataverse repository of Harvard University was carried out, based on the requirements of the quality seal of reliable digital repositories Core Trust Seal and the Transparency and Openness Promotion Guidelines. The information obtained in this survey supported the implementation of action-research steps, through which guidelines were formulated to meet the proposed objective. With such results, other journals will be able to join the movement of open data adjacent to the articles they publish, expanding the scientific practices related to the movement for open science and the democratization of scientific knowledge.

Evaluation of Transparency and Openness Guidelines in Physical Therapist Journals.

The goals of this study were to evaluate the extent that physical therapist journals support open science research practices by adhering to the Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) guidelines and to assess the relationship between journal scores and their respective journal impact factor (JIF). Scimago, mapping studies, the National Library of Medicine, and journal author guidelines were searched to identify physical therapist journals for inclusion. Journals were graded on 10 standards (29 available total points) related to transparency with data, code, research materials, study design and analysis, preregistration of studies and statistical analyses, replication, and open science badges. The relationship between journal transparency and openness scores and their JIF was determined. Thirty-five journals' author guidelines were assigned transparency and openness factor scores. The median score (interquartile range) across journals was 3.00 out of 29 (3.00) points (for all journals the scores ranged from 0 to 8). The 2 standards with the highest degree of implementation were design and analysis transparency (reporting guidelines) and study preregistration. No journals reported on code transparency, materials transparency, replication, and open science badges. TOP factor scores were a significant predictor of JIF scores. There is low implementation of the TOP standards by physical therapist journals. TOP factor scores demonstrated predictive abilities for JIF scores. Policies from journals must improve to make open science practices the standard in research. Journals are in an influential position to guide practices that can improve the rigor of publication which, ultimately, enhances the evidence-based information used by physical therapists. Transparent, open, and reproducible research will move the profession forward by improving the quality of research and increasing the confidence in results for implementation in clinical care.

Rancangan Manajemen Talenta Guru Pada Lembaga Pendidikan Anak Langit

The present study explores the implementation of talent management at Anak Langit Educational Institution, aiming to design a comprehensive talent management framework tailored to the organization's unique needs. The research uses a qualitative approach to identify talent criteria, assess selection methods, and examine on-boarding, development, and retention practices. The findings reveal that Anak Langit demonstrates a strong commitment to shaping a 'rabbani' generation through structured talent management practices. The institution actively engages in recruitment using various methods, including social media promotion and campus relations. Talent development primarily consists of workshops and training programs, with opportunities for individual skill enhancement. Performance evaluation extends beyond job performance to personal development and interpersonal skills. In talent retention efforts, Anak Langit provides informal appreciation, support, and work-life balance programs. However, the study suggests opportunities for further development, such as the creation of detailed talent management guidelines for transparency and effectiveness. The comprehensive talent management framework proposed includes specific talent criteria, a Talent Development Center, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) implementation, and flexible individual development plans, ensuring a structured, flexible, and individual-focused approach.

Front-end AI vs. Back-end AI: new framework for securing truth in communication during the generative AI era

The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital platforms has complicated the concept of truth in communication studies. The article presents the dichotomic framework of Front-end AI and Back-end AI to tackle the complexity of distinguishing truth. Front-end AI refers to AI technology used up-front, often as the face of a product or service, challenging the authenticity and truthfulness of content. In contrast, Back-end AI refers to AI technology used behind the scenes, which can generate misleading or biased content without disclosing its AI-generated nature. Addressing these challenges requires different approaches, such as verification and ethical guidelines for Front-end AI and algorithmic transparency, bias detection, and human oversight for Back-end AI.

Rigour and reproducibility in perinatal and paediatric epidemiologic research using big data.

Rigour and reproducibility in perinatal and paediatric epidemiologic research using big data.

Gut Microbes Meet Machine Learning: The Next Step towards Advancing Our Understanding of the Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease

The human gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health and has been a focus of increasing research in recent years. Omics-based methods, such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metabolomics, are commonly used to study the gut microbiome because they provide high-throughput and high-resolution data. The vast amount of data generated by these methods has led to the development of computational methods for data processing and analysis, with machine learning becoming a powerful and widely used tool in this field. Despite the promising results of machine learning-based approaches for analyzing the association between microbiota and disease, there are several unmet challenges. Small sample sizes, disproportionate label distribution, inconsistent experimental protocols, or a lack of access to relevant metadata can all contribute to a lack of reproducibility and translational application into everyday clinical practice. These pitfalls can lead to false models, resulting in misinterpretation biases for microbe-disease correlations. Recent efforts to address these challenges include the construction of human gut microbiota data repositories, improved data transparency guidelines, and more accessible machine learning frameworks; implementation of these efforts has facilitated a shift in the field from observational association studies to experimental causal inference and clinical intervention.

Exploring enablers and barriers to implementing the Transparency and Openness Promotion Guidelines: a theory-based survey of journal editors.

The Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) Guidelines provide a framework to help journals develop open science policies. Theories of behaviour change can guide understanding of why journals do (not) implement open science policies and the development of interventions to improve these policies. In this study, we used the Theoretical Domains Framework to survey 88 journal editors on their capability, opportunity and motivation to implement TOP. Likert-scale questions assessed editor support for TOP, and enablers and barriers to implementing TOP. A qualitative question asked editors to provide reflections on their ratings. Most participating editors supported adopting TOP at their journal (71%) and perceived other editors in their discipline to support adopting TOP (57%). Most editors (93%) agreed their roles include maintaining policies that reflect current best practices. However, most editors (74%) did not see implementing TOP as a high priority compared with other editorial responsibilities. Qualitative responses expressed structural barriers to implementing TOP (e.g. lack of time, resources and authority to implement changes) and varying support for TOP depending on study type, open science standard, and level of implementation. We discuss how these findings could inform the development of theoretically guided interventions to increase open science policies, procedures and practices.

Is Reforming the Corporate Governance System Necessary?

Due to lax corporate governance practices over the past few decades, fraud has both increased in severity and frequency. The goal of this research is to improve current governance systems to help businesses deal with issues in the global corporate environment. For a public company to succeed, it needs a solid corporate governance system. It is critical to establish appropriate transparency guidelines and procedures. Reforms are required to address existing issues and improve global corporate governance in the following ways: a. The audit committee must monitor and enforce financial and disciplinary matters; b. The board structure must be balanced; c. Continuous disclosure must be prioritized; d. CFOs and CEOs must be held explicitly accountable for their actions; e. The selective mechanism must be completed; and f. The auditor's role must be changed from that of a watchdog to that of a whistleblower.