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Prior research documents deleterious consequences of the annual clock change to daylight saving time in many contexts, but little is known about the effect the policy has on consumer behavior. While policy debates around ending seasonal clock changes continue, millions of consumers worldwide are potentially adversely affected by the time change. Drawing on the notions of sleepiness and self-control, the authors propose a framework of how the onset of daylight saving time increases unhealthy behavior. The hypotheses are tested via two studies cast in the difference-in-differences modeling framework capturing consumption before and after the time change and across consumers who experience the transition versus those who do not. Results of the first study suggest that the onset of daylight saving time increases calorie consumption from packaged snacks that are largely unhealthy, specifically in the evening and on cloudy days. The effect of the end of daylight saving time is not significant, suggesting an overall asymmetric effect of the time change on unhealthy behavior. Study 2 reveals that the onset of daylight saving time decreases fitness center visits, particularly for consumers without healthy consumption habits and with high transaction costs. Analysis of social media data suggests that consumers find the time change disruptive. Overall, the findings imply that public policy makers and businesses should find ways to support consumers around the onset of daylight saving time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the transnational labor politics associated with the Europeanization of wage policy, based on process tracing of Irish minimum wage regulation reforms over the past two decades. The policy struggle in Ireland started as an employer-led domestic challenge to market-embedding regulation and was then affected by two EU interventions on wage policy: one with a de-regulatory orientation (during EU-IMF conditionality) and one with a re-regulatory one (with the approval of the EU minimum wage directive). Findings show that differences in collective action undertaken by employers and trade unions to influence wage policy at the national level can be explained by the intersection of each actor's preferences toward market-constraining or liberalizing labor regulation and their access to supranational (EU-level) institutions and support. This analysis contributes to debates on how transnational opportunity structures can alter labor's and employers' local power resources and strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into the proliferation of non-practicing entities (NPEs), a hot topic in academia and public policy, especially in the United States. The common belief is that Europe is less exposed to NPEs due to a robust patent system, higher enforcement costs, and smaller damage awards. Yet, using a new database of NPE patent applications at the European Patent Office (EPO), the study uncovers that NPEs activity in Europe is arising: they own nearly 20,000 EPO patents, primarily in Electrical Engineering. Moreover, we contribute the literature investigating the heterogeneity of the NPE business model and its relationship with the characteristics and use of the patents they target. Our econometric analysis provides threefold original evidence. First, NPEs with higher propensity for litigation (i.e. "Litigation" NPEs) acquire patents with higher infringement risk but similar technological quality than practicing entities. Second, patent aggregators (i.e. "Portfolio" NPEs) and technology companies (i.e. "Technology" NPEs) acquire higher-quality patents compared to those acquired by practicing entities. Third, patent acquisitions by "Litigation" NPEs and "Portfolio" NPEs reduce the subsequent use of protected technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the existence of physical activity policies across many countries, insufficient physical activity remains a major global public health problem. Physical inactivity is an emergent feature of complex systems; it results from a wide range of factors at multiple levels that interact to influence behavior. Traditional approaches to public policy often fail within complex systems, largely due to unpredictability in how the system will respond. Adaptive policies, which are designed to allow for uncertainty about future system behavior and to change over time, may offer a promising solution. In this paper, we introduce the concept of adaptive policies and illustrate how this innovative approach to policy making may be beneficial for reducing physical inactivity. Design: Drawing on existing literature and guiding principles for policy making, we provide 3 examples to illustrate how the concept of adaptive policies can be applied to address physical inactivity. Discussion: The examples illustrate how changes to the way policies and interventions are developed, implemented, and evaluated could help to overcome some of the limitations in existing practices. A key challenge will be engaging policymakers to take a broader perspective of the physical activity system, develop policies that are designed to be adaptable across a range of different future scenarios, and embrace uncertainty and long-term adaptability. Conclusion: Adaptive policies may support decision makers globally to achieve the widespread and sustained changes necessary to increase population levels of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "WHEN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS DETRACT VALUE FROM SOCIETY: A REJOINDER" by Gamble and Munoz examines the potential negative impact of some tax-exempt nonprofit organizations (TENPOs) on society. The authors identify 12 factors that contribute to this value detraction, including government policies and choices made by TENPO managers. They argue that the benefits of tax-exempt status and tax-deductible donations do not outweigh the lost tax revenues. However, the analysis has some limitations, such as a lack of clarity in defining TENPOs and a failure to estimate the value provided by TENPOs compared to lost tax revenues. The text also critiques the article for not considering the value provided by TENPOs and the impact of corporate tax avoidance and evasion. It emphasizes the importance of diverse approaches to organizing and governing, and acknowledges the valuable work of TENPOs in areas like education, diversity, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. The article concludes by calling for further research and policy changes related to TENPOs and tax exemption. [Extracted from the article]

Despite the growing evidence that many firms operate several multisided platforms (MSPs) simultaneously, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the managerial and public policy challenges involved. We examine the determinants and consequences of centralization decisions for firms managing MSP portfolios. A starting point is that on top of the indirect network effects and matching needs between user groups of the same MSP, in an MSP portfolio there are indirect network effects and matching needs across sides of the different MSPs managed by the firm. These additional interdependencies can amplify the effects of cross-selling and data-sharing in such portfolios. Our analysis suggests the higher relevance of a centralized design of an MSP portfolio due to the coordination benefits when indirect network effects and matching needs intensify the payoffs from cross-selling and data-sharing in MSP portfolios. We also explain how a more centralized design of such portfolios enables a broad set of pricing strategies, barriers to imitation, and acquisitions, and discuss managerial and public policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusive design considers usability first: to design with the needs of everyone to decrease the mismatch between the end-user and the design object. In advertising, the mismatch may be in the opportunity to process an advertisement due to design strategies (i.e., executional ad cues). Based on the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability model of information processing, we focus on legibility as an important but underexplored encoding issue that can enhance consumers' opportunity to process ads based on visual clarity and lead to perceptual fluency effects. Visual acuity declines with age, so legibility is particularly important for older adults and those with vision loss. In line with recommended accessibility guidelines, we manipulated two advertising design factors believed to impact legibility—color contrast and font style—in the supers of a video advertisement for a pharmaceutical drug and tested the communication outcomes (cognition, persuasion). Across three studies with three different-aged populations, we show that legibility was positively related to awareness of information in the supers and to positive perceptions of the advertisement. In line with accessibility guidelines, legibility was rated the highest for most people in the high-color contrast sans serif font supers. Implications for theory, accessibility and older people, and public policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Population-level physical activity increases are improbable without intersectoral collaboration across government levels and sectors to develop and implement physical activity promotion policies. This study aims to provide information about the development of the Interaction between National and Local Government Levels in Development and Implementation of Physical Activity Policies Tool (INTEGRATE PA-Pol). A framework was created to examine the development and implementation of national and subnational physical activity policies and the (mis)alignment between government levels. Methods: The work was conducted in 3 phases: (1) a scoping review was carried out to identify local government physical activity promotion policies and instruments for assessing them, (2) an expert group designed 6 questionnaires, and (3) cognitive response testing was employed for validity testing and item modification with a panel of research and policy experts. Results: The INTEGRATE PA-Pol Tool consists of 6 questionnaires assessing how national and subnational governments collaborate to develop and implement physical activity promotion policies. Conclusion: This tool can assist in better understanding the development and implementation of a public policy monitoring system that will allow for benchmarking and priority setting to comprehend how physical activity promotion policies are designed and executed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: National physical activity (PA) policy processes are only beginning to be studied in Latin America, and little attention has focused at the subnational level. This study examined national–subnational relations in the policy process (agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation) in selected Latin American countries. Methods: The Global Observatory for Physical Activity's (GoPA!) INTEGRATE-PA-Pol tool was applied in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico. Data were collected in matched pairs of the capital plus one noncapital city among national and subnational policymakers (n = 27), previously identified by the GoPA! Country Contacts. PA policy development and implementation were assessed using descriptive statistics. Results: Twenty-three (response rate = 85.2%) informants provided data, mainly from the health sector (52.2%), followed by the sport (26.1%), transport (13.0%), and education (8.7%) sectors. Most informants reported that their countries had a current PA policy embedded within noncommunicable diseases prevention plans (46.2%), other plans (46.2%), or obesity prevention/management/control plans (7.7%). Respondents at the subnational level rated PA promotion as central (64.3%), while the national-level role was important but not central (75.0%). National and subnational policymakers indicated low-to-little involvement in the other level's PA policy processes across the 5 policy stages. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that collecting national and subnational PA policy data across countries with the active collaboration of the GoPA! network was feasible. We also successfully identified governmental interactions throughout the PA policy process, suggesting suboptimal engagement between national and subnational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article talks about the need for libraries to analyze their collections, programs, toys, and policies by doing a diversity audit that can function as a steppingstone towards an improved collection development policy. Topics include the concept of diversity audits in libraries, automated diversity audit service offered by several vendors, and the features of the diversity audit tool completed by Cooperative Computer Services (CCS).

Copyright of Contemporary Accounting Research is the property of Canadian Academic Accounting Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

From a public policy standpoint, it is now generally agreed that gig workers and small businesses should have easy access to simple, low-cost ways to save for a satisfactory level of financial security in their retirement years. The harsh reality is that more than one-half of all private sector workers--approximately 55 million Americans--do not have access to retirement savings programs through their employer. However, workers are 15 times more likely to save for their retirement if they have a way to save through an employment-based plan. We look at pooled-employer plans (PEPs) as possible solutions to this need. A PEP may offer an attractive and cost-effective alternative to a single-employer retirement plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our paper advances a subcategory of influencers who mobilise their audiences towards consumption-driven change; we label them 'ethical influencers'. Using netnography and an archival dataset on ten ethical influencers, we delineate their unique challenges and positioning. Ethical influencers legitimate their accounts via a close-up of personal practices, as opposed to an articulated persona, and connect with divergent audiences to advocate for the needed change. Our paper describes the divergent audience groups and engagement styles: allies, inquisitives, detractors, and enigmatics. We also identify the ethical influencers' linking strategies to connect these audiences with other market actors (e.g. ethical businesses and other ethical influencers) which include acting, humanising, framing, pivoting, and evangelising. This research advances influencer marketing literature and offers important managerial and public policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanuatu is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its intense tectonic activity. The country is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, affecting about 12% of the population and causing an average loss of 42.8% of GDP. Internal displacement of population is one of the elements of the strategy to adapt to the consequences of climate change and natural disasters. This article, based on government documents and legislative acts, examines the national policy of the Republic of Vanuatu on climate change and natural disasters, analyzing it to highlight relevant aspects for Ukraine that, after critical reflection and thorough study, should be considered when developing appropriate legislation in Ukraine. It was found that the basis of this policy consists of the following documents: «National Sustainable Development Plan for 2016-2030», «Vanuatu Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy for 2016-2030», «National Adaptation Program of Action», «Disaster Risk Management Act No. 23 of 2019», «Meteorology, Geological Hazards and Climate Change Act No. 25 of 2016», «Vanuatu's Revised and Enhanced 1ST Nationally Determined Contribution», «National Policy on Climate Change and Disaster-Induced Displacement». From the perspective of legal support for the rights of displaced persons and the regulation of this process, the most important act is the «National Policy on Climate Change and Disaster-Induced Displacement», which ensures the functioning of institutions involved in planning potential emergencies and combating their consequences, in cooperation with the government of Vanuatu to meet the needs of all affected displaced communities and host communities, including different types of displaced persons: controlled displaced, internal migrants, residents of informal settlements, as well as those threatened with displacement. It is noted that displacement occurs in accordance with international law, with mandatory adherence to fundamental human rights. Considering the limited possibilities for population displacement due to the geomorphological structure of the islands of the Republic of Vanuatu, the efforts of the government of the country are concentrated on disaster prevention and climate change control measures. This is the focus of other important foundational documents of national environmental policy, the analysis of which indicates the construction of a successful system of state management of processes, synergy between the public sector and non-governmental organizations involved, and innovative methods of economic reform. The reviewed documents address a wide range of problems caused by climate change, containing solutions that are undoubtedly useful for legislators, politicians, and executive authorities of many countries, including Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of China's bilateral currency swap agreements (BSAs) on bilateral direct investments (BDIs). We treat signing China's BSAs as a quasi-natural experiment and employ the gravity model with a staggered difference-in-differences (DID) method to explore the relationship between signing China's BSAs and BDIs. Our empirical results suggest that signing China's BSAs and increasing their value can effectively boost BDIs. The findings remain robust after utilizing the propensity score matching DID (PSM-DID) method, the instrumental variable method, adding additional explanatory variables, and eliminating interference from critical events. In addition, we find that the impact of China's BSAs on BDIs varies significantly depending on partner country features, such as level of development, whether to sign the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), trade relations with China, and the degree of capital account openness. Moreover, the governance quality in the host country has a positive moderating effect on the impact of China's BSAs on the country's FDI. Our study has vital policy implications for governments worldwide that have signed China's BSAs and those that want to promote BDIs by signing China's BSAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EU containment and Tunisian domestic policies have produced a new, Black migrant, urban underclass. Based on in-depth ethnographic fieldwork among Ivorian migrant women in Bhar Lazreg, a Tunis banlieue, this paper explores how the women navigate and negotiate everyday life. On the urban margins of society, forgotten and far from the border, migrants reinvent ways to keep moving. The paper suggests that their stuckness is still all about movement as encapsulated in the emic term bouger – akin to treading water, involving a constant motion to stay afloat, but without ever getting anywhere. Tension operates across many levels, between the physical, the temporal–spatial, and the existential. Embedded in this tension is a second emic term prison à ciel ouvert (open-air prison). Juxtaposing a space that feels carceral and limiting while simultaneously bursting with potential for movement, the paper contributes to the literature on immobility within mobility. But beyond that, the empirical findings show a far more complex reality, complicating the notion of transit. By exploring the tensions and entanglements between the emic terms it becomes clear that to understand spaces of transit it is essential to understand stuckness and movement as fundamentally intertwined, overlapping, and co-constitutive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using micro-data of Chinese listed firms from 2008 to 2020, this study explores the effects of the expanding scope and intensity of the R&D tax credit policy on firms' innovation quantity and quality through two policy adjustments. We find that expanding the scope of the policy can only increase the quantity of innovation, while increasing the intensity of the policy can improve both the quantity and quality of innovation. Increasing policy intensity is also more effective based on the heterogeneity analysis in terms of firm ownership and industry. The findings have policy implications for the government to change the R&D tax credit policy further to promote practical innovation by firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high level of imports indicates robust domestic demand and a growing economy, and trade facilitation as one of the important trade methods that insure efficiency of trade movement between the borders. 11 trade facilitation indicators were used from 40 selected developing countries from different regions over a period from 2015 to 2019, GMM was used to examine how trade facilitation impacts the economy and imports of a country. In our study, 10 trade facilitation indicators recorded a positive impact on imports. The findings of this study indicate that it would be progressive for developing nations to adopt a well-functioning trade facilitation measures and must work on reviewing their law and policies to adopt the new knowledge of facilitating things in line with current best practices and conduct a reformation of existing policies and national development strategies for trade to further their economic enhancement agenda, which can shorten clearance time and increase the import volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is indicated that a significant number of scientific works are devoted to the issue of defining the term, as well as the powers and characteristics of official and official persons. However, research in the field of public policy formation in the field of public administration and effective control over officials and civil servants who conceal administrative offenses is relevant and important for ensuring democracy, the rule of law, and citizens’ trust in government structures. Despite existing regulations and mechanisms that regulate the powers and responsibilities of officials, the problem of hiding administrative offenses remains a serious challenge. According to the principle of the rule of law, the state is obligated to ensure equality before the law and accountability for violations. In the modern world, issues of public administration and control over the activities of officials and civil servants are crucial for upholding the rule of law and fostering trust in governmental structures. The problem of concealing administrative offenses by officials has become pressing due to the expansion of their powers and responsibilities to society. This article undertakes a deep analysis of the legal definitions and legislative precision in defining the terms of officeholders and civil servants, their granted powers, and explores cases of concealing administrative offenses. Various aspects are examined in the article, specifically the delineation of powers vested in officials (civil servants) and the accountability of officials for their actions. The authors emphasize the necessity of establishing effective mechanisms for oversight and supervision to prevent impunity within governmental structures and ensure fair application of the law. All facets explored in the article aim to promote the development of legal culture, strengthen trust in governmental bodies, and ensure transparency and legality in society. The authors provide a detailed examination of the harm caused to the state and society by officials and civil servants through their actions of concealing administrative violations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper reveals the organisational and legal framework for participation of higher education institutions of Ukraine in the implementation of the state’s anti-corruption policy. Based on the analysis of current legislative and subordinate legal acts on combating corruption in Ukraine, as well as legislation on education, the author highlights the legal capabilities of higher education institutions in terms of implementing national anti-corruption policy measures. It is determined that higher education institutions shall organise educational and awareness-raising campaigns with anti-corruption content, carry out activities to ensure the integration of anti-corruption topics into the content of higher education, work to form an attitude of intolerance to corruption in all its manifestations among students, introduce their own forms of activity to cultivate respect for corruption whistleblowers, implement measures to eradicate corruption risks in the internal activities of educational institutions and participants in the educational process, prevent conflicts of interest in the field of education and science, etc. The author proposes the classification of anti-corruption measures initiated and implemented by higher education institutions at the local level. In particular, such measures, depending on the specifics of the subject matter, are grouped into several groups: measures to create and introduce special educational components on anti-corruption into the educational process, organisation of special scientific research on the most pressing issues of anti-corruption and participation in targeted grant programmes on the prevention of corruption, development, adoption and implementation of local regulations on anti-corruption, introduction of a position of a responsible person for anti-corruption activities, and establishment of a special unit for anti-corruption activities. The author substantiates the existing organisational and legal problems of ensuring a high level of efficiency higher education institutions’ participation in the implementation of the state’s anticorruption policy. In particular, these include legal uncertainty of the criteria and methods for assessing the effectiveness of higher education institutions’ participation in the state’s anti-corruption policy, insufficient legal regulation of preventive anti-corruption measures taken by higher education institutions in the academic environment, and the lack of algorithmisation of the introduction of foreign experience in anti-corruption activities of foreign academies and universities into national practice. The author substantiates the expediency of creating a special international inter-academic platform for borrowing the best foreign experience of anti-corruption activities among participants in educational processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive analysis of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy and its implementation measures aimed at the growth of Canada’s scientific and research potential in the field of artificial intelligence forms the foundation of this study. Canada’s selection as the subject of study is attributed to its distinction as a pioneering country to adopt a strategy of this nature, and proving its status through drafting the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, known as AIDA. The authors have discerned and deliberated on the main organizational factors that have positioned Canada as one of the leading nations in artificial intelligence in accordance with AI country rankings. This article presents the components of the Pan-Canadian Strategy, encompassing principal tasks and areas, including the practical introduction of novel technologies due to second-phase commercialization. It outlines the key focus areas of Canada’s public policy, including research, development and retention of skilled professionals, and the creation of essential infrastructure. The article also consolidates some significant societal outcomes realized during its implementation while identifying current trends. The foundation and activities of national institutions are underscored as pivotal in fostering scientific and research potential, with special emphasis on the initiative to establish a new institute dedicated to the safety of artificial intelligence under the strong influence of AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park. The authors identify the key participants in the artificial intelligence ecosystem who have the most influence on implementing the Strategy. The conclusions drawn from the article aid in fostering a deeper comprehension of the role played by organizational and administrative processes in propelling advancements in the field of artificial intelligence. The favorable impact on societal development is highlighted, provided risks are mitigated. Given Ukraine’s historical association with high intellectual potential, the findings of this study can be instrumental in honing the national policy pertaining to artificial intelligence in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and birth outcomes among refugee women in Denmark, leveraging a natural experiment. METHODS: This register-based study included 15 118 infants born to women who arrived in Denmark as refugees during 1986 to 1998, when a dispersal policy was in place that quasirandomly assigned newcomers to neighborhoods with varying degrees of socioeconomic disadvantage. Neighborhood disadvantage was measured using a composite index representing neighborhood-level income, education, unemployment, and welfare assistance. These data were linked to individual-level birth register data. Outcomes included low birth weight, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational-age infants. Associations between neighborhood disadvantage at resettlement and birth outcomes up to 20 years after resettlement were examined using multivariable regressions adjusting for characteristics of the women at resettlement. RESULTS: Each SD of increase in neighborhood disadvantage was associated with an 18% increase in low birth weight risk (0.61 percentage points [pp], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19-1.02), 15% increase in preterm birth risk (0.64 pp, 95% CI: 0.22-1.07), and 7% increase in small-for-gestational-age risk (0.78 pp, 95% CI: 0.01-1.54) 5 years after resettlement. Results did not differ after adjusting for urbanicity and conational density, but associations were attenuated after adjusting for municipality-level fixed effects, suggesting that local government characteristics may partially explain the associations. CONCLUSIONS: Resettling in a disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with higher risk of adverse birth outcomes among refugee women. This highlights how policy decisions affecting settlement of refugees can have long-term consequences, including on the health of the next generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-level literacy skills are required for full participation in the democratic process through voting. Consequently, adults with low-level literacy skills are at a disadvantage. This work investigated the disparity between the readability of U.S. ballot propositions for year 2022 state elections and grade level reading estimates (≤eighth grade) for adults. Educational attainment was also examined. Propositions (n = 140) from 38 states were included. Mean readability was 18 (range 7.0-64.0). Only four measures (3%) fell within range of national estimates for adult reading ability. Thirty-nine percent of adults completed high school or less, yet 74% of ballots were written well above a high school reading level. There is a discrepancy between the literacy skills of the average voter and the readability of most propositions. The findings of this study have important implications for individuals with learning disabilities. Policy changes and educational support efforts should be initiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To systematically review the research relating to views and experiences of people with disability eating out in cafés, restaurants, and other settings; and identify factors that impede or enhance accessibility of eating out experiences, inform future inclusive research, and guide policy development. Materials and Methods: This study involved systematic search and review procedures with qualitative metasynthesis of the barriers to and facilitators for participation and inclusion in eating/dining-out activities. In total, 36 studies were included. Results: Most studies reviewed related to people with physical or sensory disability eating out, with few studies examining the dining experiences of adults with intellectual or developmental disability, swallowing disability, or communication disability. People with disability encountered negative attitudes and problems with physical and communicative access to the venue. Staff lacked knowledge of disability. Improvements in the design of dining spaces, consultation with the disability community, and staff training are needed. Conclusion: People with disability may need support for inclusion in eating out activities, as they encounter a range of barriers to eating out. Further research within and across both a wide range of populations with disability and eating out settings could guide policy and practice and help develop training for hospitality staff. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Some people with disability require support for increased self-determination and self-advocacy to access eating out experiences satisfactorily. Goals and strategies to increase access and participation in eating out activities for people with disability should include attention to the environment and hospitality venues and to staff training. Rehabilitation professionals have a role in training hospitality staff about disability access and inclusion in eating out activities. To enhance community inclusion and participation, rehabilitation professionals could focus more on the skills and strategies needed for people with disability to participate in eating out activities. Rehabilitation professionals could implement a range of facilitators that might strengthen participation in eating out activities for people with disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated malaria molecular surveillance (iMMS) systems are essential for Africa's expanding malaria genomics initiatives. Here we highlight a few initiatives and demonstrate how iMMS can support evidence-based decisions and policies for National Malaria Programs and other malaria control stakeholders. We conclude with key considerations for advancing these malaria genomics initiatives towards sustainable iMMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dynamic transmission models are often used to provide epidemiological guidance for pandemic policy decisions. However, how economic evaluation is typically incorporated into this technique to generate cost-effectiveness estimates of pandemic policy responses has not previously been reviewed. Methods: We systematically searched the Embase, PubMed and Scopus databases for dynamic epidemiological modelling studies that incorporated economic evaluation of public health and social measures (PHSMs), with no date restrictions, on 7 July 2024. Results: Of the 2,719 screened studies, 51 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies (n = 42, 82%) modelled SARS-CoV-2. A range of PHSMs were examined, including school closures, testing/screening, social distancing and mask use. Half of the studies utilised an extension of a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) compartmental model. The most common type of economic evaluation was cost-effectiveness analysis (n = 24, 47%), followed by cost-utility analysis (n = 17, 33%) and cost–benefit analysis (n = 17, 33%). Conclusions: Economic evaluation is infrequently incorporated into dynamic epidemiological modelling studies of PHSMs. The scope of this research should be expanded, given the substantial cost implications of pandemic PHSM policy responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Jillian Roy, RN, MSN, being appointed president of The Providence Center (TPC).

This article analyses the ways Australia's overseas 'public information campaign' on asylum based around the phrase 'No way. You will not make Australia home' has been adopted by far-right movements in Europe. Considering examples of anti-asylum online video campaigns and activism in a range of European countries, we note semiotic and discursive similarities with the Australian campaign. We discuss the implications of such discursive transfer from official Australian government policy to far-right campaigns promoting a blatantly racist agenda in Europe. We also consider the broader question of the fundamental challenge to international law inherent in the promulgation of information that denies the right to seek asylum in Refugee Convention signatory states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cabinet shuffles in multiparty democracies do not equally affect all posts as they are caused by changes in the composition of government coalitions and by shifting political conditions. With data from the 340 individual cabinet appointments in Chile's presidential system in seven presidential terms (1990–2022), we find that the type of cabinet position and prior experience as cabinet ministers impact the length of service, but party members do not last longer than independents and neither do ministers with technocratic credentials. Ministers in low‐prestige positions are less likely to being sacked. As cabinet stability is associated with the delivery of public policies, studying the determinants of longer cabinet positions helps identify factors that contribute to governability and good governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of clinical research in decision-making for therapy provision, focusing on the debate between qualitative and quantitative research methods. It explores the differences, strengths, and weaknesses of each approach, particularly in the context of psychodynamic psychotherapy. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the philosophical foundations of each method and how they shape our understanding of people and reality. It also delves into the practical application of research in clinical settings, using therapy endings as a case study to illustrate how research can inform psychodynamic practice. [Extracted from the article]

Context.--: Autopsies performed on COVID-19 patients have provided critical information about SARS-CoV-2's tropism, mechanisms of tissue injury, and spectrum of disease. Objective.--: To provide an updated database of postmortem disease in COVID-19 patients, assess relationships among clinical and pathologic variables, evaluate the accuracy of death certification, and correlate disease variables to causes of death. Design.--: The 272 postmortem examinations reported in this paper were submitted by 14 pathologists from 9 medical or forensic institutions across the United States. The study spans the eras of the 3 principal COVID-19 strains and incorporates surveyed demographic, clinical, and postmortem data from decedents infected with SARS-CoV-2, including primary and contributing causes of death. It is the largest database of its kind to date. Results.--: Demographics of the decedents reported here correspond well to national statistics. Primary causes of death as determined by autopsy and official death certificates were significantly correlated. When specifically cited disease conditions found at autopsy were correlated with COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 deaths, only lung findings characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 infection or the absence of lung findings were significantly associated. Conclusions.--: Changes in hospitalization and disease likely stem from longer lifespans after COVID-19 diagnosis and alteration in treatment approaches. Although Omicron variants preferentially replicate in the upper airways, autopsied patients who died of COVID-19 in that time period showed the same lung damage as earlier decedents. Most importantly, findings suggest that there are still unelucidated risk factors for death from COVID-19 including possibly genetic susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to articles in the issue is presented on topics including the creation and pilot evaluation of a dissonance-based intervention (DBI) designed to change variables that previously have not been the focus of DBI research and prevention programming, adaptation and implementation of the Body Project, and ecological perspective in designing policies and programs.

This study examines policy uncertainty on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in South Africa, emphasising the extensive regulatory review by the Competition Commission under the 'public interest consideration' criterion. It aims to identify the cost implications and uncertainties associated with M&A transactions to propose measures to reduce these uncertainties. Utilising qualitative methodologies, the study gathers empirical evidence through interviews with companies and competition lawyers involved in the M&A processes. The findings reveal significant concerns about economic uncertainty, merger control, and policy and regulation impacting investment decisions. Policy uncertainty, particularly in the context of merger regulation, imposes substantial cost implications and delays on M&A activities, negatively affecting investment, growth, and economic development. It emphasises the necessity for a regulatory framework that minimises disruptions and costs to business participants. The findings suggest that addressing policy uncertainty and streamlining regulatory processes are crucial steps towards enhancing South Africa's attractiveness as an investment destination and fostering economic growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because repeated incidents of police violence against unarmed Black people are increasingly visible, as a result of technological advances, there is growing need to understand their potentially traumatic mental health effects for other Black people. This narrative review provides an overview of critical race theory, the stress, appraisal, and coping theory, trauma theory, racial trauma theory, and emotional contagion theory to develop an integrated conceptual framework for understanding and explaining psychosocial processes by which exposure to police violence against unarmed Black people affect the mental health of other Black people at individual and community-levels. Black and Blue, a new conceptual framework, adds to the social science literature on police violence in historically marginalized communities. The conceptualization of this framework suggests implications for practice, policy, and research about police violence and trauma exposure in Black communities. Future research is needed to expand and subsequently test the validity and rigor of the Black and Blue framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased public awareness of the influence of epidemiological and economic decision models on public policy decisions. Alongside this is an increased scrutiny on the development, analysis, reporting and utilisation of decision models for public policy making. Therefore, it is important that model developers can clearly explain and justify to all stakeholders what is included and excluded from a model developed to support decision-making, to both improve transparency and trust in decision-making. Our aim is to provide tools for improving communication between modellers and decision-makers, leading to improved transparency in decision-making. To do so, we extend the recently described directed acyclic graphs with omitted objects displayed (DAGWOOD) approach from Haber et al. (Ann Epidemiol 68:64–71, 2022) to decision analytic models, giving the decision analytic models with omitted objects displayed (DAMWOOD) approach. DAMWOOD is a framework for the identification of objects omitted from a decision model, as well as for consideration of the effects of omissions on model outcomes. Objects omitted from a decision model are classed as either an exclusion (known and unknown confounders), misdirection (alternative model pathways) or structure (e.g. model type, methods for estimating relationships between objects). DAMWOOD requires model developers to use explicit statements and provide illustration of included and omitted objects, supporting communication with model users and stakeholders, allowing them to provide input and feedback to modellers about which objects to include or omit in a model. In developing DAMWOOD, we considered two challenges we encountered in modelling for pandemic policy response. First, the scope of the decision problem is not always made sufficiently explicit by decision-makers, requiring modellers to intuit which policy options should be considered, and/or which outcomes should be considered in their evaluation. Second, there is rarely sufficient transparency to ensure stakeholders can see what is included in models and why. This limits stakeholders' ability to advocate to decision-makers for the prioritisation of specific outcomes and challenge the model results. To illustrate the application of DAMWOOD, we apply it to a previously published COVID-19 vaccine allocation optimisation model. The DAMWOOD diagrams illustrate the ways in which it is possible to improve the communication of model assumptions. The diagrams make explicit which outcomes are omitted and provide information on the expected impact of the omissions on model results. We discuss the usefulness of DAMWOOD for framing the decision problem, communicating the model structure and results and engaging with those making and affected by the decisions the model is developed to inform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have emphasized how Islamophobia is a gendered phenomenon that affects Muslim women's lives in Western countries. Nevertheless, research has most often focused on public debates on Islam within the mainstream media or on the effects of State laws and public policies such as veil bans. Much less attention has been paid to how gendered Islamophobia is produced and practiced by ordinary people on an everyday basis. Complementary to studies on Muslim women's everyday experiences and resistance to Islamophobia, one of the key features of this article is to focus on the position of the perpetrators. It explores the narratives and reasonings of people with racial and biased attitudes toward Muslim women, in the secular context of France. Drawing on an ethnographic study carried out in the southern French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) and 33 in-depth interviews, the article shows that attitudes toward Muslim women are framed in two main and somehow contradictory ways. First, Muslim women are categorized as systematically subjected to a Muslim patriarchy, through a process of racialization of sexism. Second, Muslim women are seen as active subjects, but are then perceived as agents of a dangerous proselytism. These categorizations have in common the fact that they place women under constant suspicion, especially when wearing the veil. Islamophobic policies and public discourses thus find active support among ordinary citizens, extending gendered Islamophobia even in places where religious symbols are not officially banned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]