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Driving safety is a major concern all around the world of both the concerned authorities and the general public. In the context in which aggressive driving behaviour is generally considered to be a major cause of traffic accidents, the study of such a problem can help policy-makers in their endeavour to design better programs that aim at reducing aggressive driving behaviour. The purpose of the present paper is to analyse the above-mentioned problem by considering short- and medium-term alternative measures in terms of social cost. The optimal combination of short- and medium-term solutions will be shown to depend on the drivers' level of aggressiveness, which, naturally, also depends on the gap between the existent infrastructure and the volume of motorized traffic. Special attention is given to the impact of civic campaigns on the level of aggressiveness. (original abstract)

Today, innovation is perceived as a source of competitive advantage for firms, playing a vital role in both the survival and growth of firms. A general look at the existing literature on innovation points toward a lack of studies that explore the risk and reward topic in the conformation of innovation portfolios in a firm. Hence, the main purpose of the present paper is to analyse the relationship between investment in innovation and the gain of the process and how this relationship is affected by the type of industry in which the firm operates and by the intervention of the authorities (legal protection of innovation). Among others, results indicate that, contrary to what could be expected, firms would tend to invest in disruptive innovation projects in hard innovative industries, wherein the potential, disruptive innovation is much harder to generate given the natural protection against potential competition that characterizes these industries. On the other hand, investment in disruptive innovation in soft innovative industries would require a framework of legal protection in accordance with the level of natural innovativeness of the industry. In terms of practical implications, the management of the legal protection would be socially desirable for achieving a balanced innovation development framework in the economy, as well as for resource allocations in disruptive innovation in industries where, although it is easier to be successful, its usufruct is difficult.

The article discusses the challenges of ensuring safety in early phase clinical trials despite the extensive regulations and guidelines in place. While current frameworks provide a strong foundation for the safe conduct of clinical trials, there is limited consideration of early phase research, which is crucial for efficient drug development. The study highlights the importance of bridging the gap between regulations and practice, emphasizing the need for collaboration between investigators and regulators, adaptable guidelines, intelligent compliance monitoring, and a greater understanding of human factors and ergonomics. The authors propose a toolbox of standards, guidelines, and local work instructions that can be customized to the requirements of each trial, along with the training of a new generation of clinical trial researchers who possess knowledge in safety science. [Extracted from the article]

This paper develops a BCC input relaxation model for identifying input congestion as a severe form of inefficiency of decision-making units in fuzzy data envelopment analysis. The possibility approach is presented to obtain the models equivalent to fuzzy models. We use a one-model approach to determine input congestion based on the BCC input relaxation model. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed model and identify the congestion with precise and imprecise data. The proposed model is also used to determine the congestion in 16 hospitals using four fuzzy inputs and two fuzzy outputs with a symmetrical triangular membership function.

The article offers information on gaps in patient safety, highlighting areas that require attention. Topics discussed include the need for improved patient safety in clinics, small hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care, with a specific emphasis on the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

This paper presents the findings from a qualitative study that sought to understand the experiences of frontline staff working in Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) Children's Social Care Services and their views on a new family safeguarding model (Family Solutions Plus). Focus group interviews were conducted with 20 frontline staff and managers in different teams across OCC Children's Social Care Services using video conferencing software. Thematic analysis identified three overarching themes: Preparation for the implementation of Family Solutions Plus, staff views on the implemented model, and challenges to its implementation. Staff voiced strong support for the new model, which places a much greater emphasis than previous practice on supporting the whole family, developing parenting skills and keeping children safe with their families. The challenges associated with the transition to a new model were considerable in the short term, partly due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, but there was optimism that the new model could be sustained and stabilized over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]