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The activity report of the Library & Information Germany (BID) for the period from April 2023 to March 2024 was presented by President Dr. Sabine Homilius. The umbrella organization served as a platform for exchange between various library associations and was represented in national and international committees. A general assembly took place, in which various associations and institutions that are members of BID participated. The board of BID consisted of various individuals, including Dr. Sabine Homilius as president. The finances of BID developed positively. The permanent commission Library and Information International (BII) contributed to international professional exchange, with Barbara Lison serving as spokesperson until September 2023, and then Dr. Christoph Müller taking over this role. Activities were carried out as part of the partner country program with the Czech Republic, in which colleagues from both countries participated in events and exchanged ideas. Anke Buettner, director of the Monacensia in the Hildebrandhaus, received the Karl Preusker Medal for her commitment to promoting literature and public access to cultural treasures. The jury highlights Anke Buettner's work in relation to the interdisciplinary symposium series "Public! The City and its Libraries" at the Munich City Library. This series has promoted discourse on the role of libraries in society and provided important impulses for the library landscape. Anke Buettner emphasizes the social role of libraries as a reflection of the diversity of society, particularly in relation to feminism, gender, and diversity. The musical accompaniment was provided by Jelena Kuljic and the welcome was given by Prof. Robert Zepf. The meeting was jointly organized by EBLIDA and the IFLA Regional Division Europe Council. Thanks to EU funding, EBLIDA has created the E-Panema platform to facilitate partner search for EU projects in libraries and support sustainable library projects. Mikkel Christoffersen has assumed the position of director of EBLIDA. Hella Klauser represents the German umbrella organization in the Executive Committee of EBLIDA. There is no representation from Germany in the EBLIDA board for the term 2024-2027. Barbara Lison has completed her term as IFLA president. Dr. Christoph Müller was elected as her successor for the role of spokesperson for the BI-International commission. The BII panel consists of various members. The DeBiA program supports professional stays and conference participation for German library staff abroad. The AnD program supports foreign library staff coming to Germany. Approvals have already been granted for the first quarter of 2024. 27 international guests participated in BiblioCON in Hanover. The author thanks all participants for their cooperation and support. [Extracted from the article]

Earthquake drills are paramount in academic institutions, these drills are used for testing the plans and knowledge of learners, teaching, and non-teaching personnel. With the previous conduct of earthquake drills in Morong National Senior High School, it was determined that the school still needs to improve its performance feedback from the School Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee of the school. Ever since the implementation of the quarterly earthquake drill in the school, there are no available visual instructional materials. Thus a decline in the evaluation of earthquake drill performance. With the lack of teaching materials, the researchers came up with the DigiQuake digital interactive guide for enhancing the learners' conduct of earthquake drills. The study employed descriptivedevelopmental and experimental research design with the quantitative nature of research. Also, it followed the ADDIE model which refers to Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement and Evaluate. Six (6) DRRM-experts and seven (7) ICTexperts validated the DigiQuake digital interactive guide achieving a very satisfactory rating for content, instructional, and technical quality. The School Disaster Risk Reduction Committee evaluated the earthquake drill performance of learners with a very satisfactory result after the exposure. The posttest scores of learners increased after the exposure with a very high result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article tells the story of a three-decade delay in the publication of Masud Khan's personal diary, which he called his Work Books. They were meant for publication after his death in 1989, yet he neglected to name a literary executor prior to his death, and the copyright was subsequently allocated to the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA). The IPA chose to destroy their copy of the Work Books in 2019, alongside all other Khan-related materials in their possession, yet Linda Hopkins, author of an acclaimed biography of Khan, worked alongside Steven Kuchuck to obtain permission from the IPA Executive Committee to publish an edited version of an exact copy of the Work Books which Khan had given to his close friends Robert and Sybil Stoller for eventual publication. This is the story of a struggle to get permissions, after objections were raised by various psychoanalysts who mistakenly feared the contents of the Work Books would invade the privacy rights of Khan's patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this commentary, from our positionality as members of the LGBTQA Caucus executive committee, we consider the academic and embodied barriers that stand in the way of a more inclusive IR from the perspective of queer and trans scholars in the discipline. We offer our reflections from our positionalities as queer scholars applying queer theory in IR, including our work in the Caucus to support LGBTQ + scholars in the discipline as a means of confronting what continues to be a very narrowly accessible space – geographically, financially, socially and linguistically. Relatedly, we consider the embodied experience of not belonging to the discipline of IR; an experience that many LGBTQ + scholars will recognise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Customary Land Secretariats (CLS) are established to keep accurate and updated records of land transactions which would improve land governance. A case study of the Wassa Fiase traditional area was carried out to examine the role of CLSs in improving land governance in Ghana for understanding their prospects and challenges. The study revealed that the CLS would provide transparency and accountability in land administration. However, the chiefs do not understand the CLS concept, hence they do not own it. The CLS was not financially sustainable making it difficult to recruit the requisite and qualified staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health committees link formalised health services and the community. However, 'how, why, and for whom' health committees work warrants further exploration. This article presents the development of a middle-range theory for how health committees work for building community capacity for health. Resulting programme theories from a realist evaluation in Uganda were synthesised for demi-regularities and supplemented by four key informant interviews – substantive theories were used to help explain the findings from the case studies to develop the final middle-range theories. Eighteen existing programme theories and 47 supporting context-mechanism-outcome configurations were synthesised into four middle-range theories for how health committees work for community capacity building for health at the individual, organisational, community and societal levels. The middle-range theories developed in this study provide important insight for those implementing health committees. Given the little guidance available for developing and refining middle-range theories, this study provides transparent methodological processes, which may assist future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife plays significant roles in many societies that go beyond its ecological importance and economic rationale associated with conservation. This article examines the meanings of antelopes for the Khwe people in Bwabwata National Park in north-eastern Namibia. It underlines the importance that indigenous communities attach to wildlife and advocates for a more comprehensive understanding of human-wildlife relationships beyond ecological and economic values and the usual framing of conflicting relationships. The article explores how antelopes go beyond being merely "wild animals" to being intertwined in the lives and spaces of the Khwe. Drawing from secondary data, lived experiences and empirical data collected through qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, we engage Khwe residents in Bwabwata National Park, including elders, traditional leaders and the management committee of the Kyaramacan Association. Our fundamental question is: what lessons can we draw from the relations of the Khwe with certain antelope species to foster coexistence in Namibia's community conservation landscapes? Conceptually, we adopt the concept of mechanical solidarity, which emphasises a collective conscience based on shared knowledge, norms and values. We propose that integrating this approach into community conservation practices could enhance conservation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted 31 interviews with audit committee (AC) members, chief executive officers (CEOs), and chief audit executives (CAEs) to investigate the role of the internal audit function (IAF) in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) processes and related risks. We find that multiple possible combinations of the maturity of companies' ESG practices and CAE's perception of the IAF stakeholders' salience drive the type of IAF's involvement in ESG. In ESG‐mature companies with more salient ACs, the IAF provides assurance over ESG practices, ESG reporting, and reputation risks related to ESG, and it focuses on the governance dimension of ESG. When the CEO is perceived as more salient, the type of IAF's involvement includes both assurance over ESG controls in the supply chain and consulting on ESG activities. In contrast, in low ESG maturity companies with more salient AC, the IAF's role is limited to providing assurance over internal controls established to comply with environmental, health, and safety legal requirements, and prevent managers' unethical behavior. Finally, we discuss the implications for the IAF's ability to add value to the organization. We contribute to the underexplored research area of IAF's involvement in ESG practices and related risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We test the effect of the establishment of a risk management committee on bank risk, bank loan performance and bank profitability. The Dodd–Frank Act of 2010 provides us with quasi‐experimental variation on risk management committee establishment that facilitates identification. We identify the risk management committee effect using an instrumental variable model based on the difference‐in‐differences design. We find that the establishment of a risk committee has effectively reduced bank risks. In addition, risk committee member independence, more risk committee meetings and more risk committee members are all instrumental to bank risk reduction. We also find evidence that the risk reduction effect from the risk management committee is more pronounced among asset‐diversified banks. Finally, the establishment of a risk committee helps with loan quality improvement and firm profitability increment, which sheds light on the bright side of stringent bank regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is the front matter of the Journal of Economic Perspectives, a publication of the American Economic Association. It provides information about the editors, associate editors, and advisory board of the journal. It also includes a table of contents for the Summer 2024 issue, which features symposia on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and expanding the appeal of economics, as well as articles on federal student loans and the economics of extinction. The journal aims to bridge the gap between the general interest business and financial press and standard academic journals of economics. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: To share the experiences of a scientific committee of an academic-scientific event proposed as a teaching activity for postgraduate studies. Methodology: It is a descriptive, exploratory, and applied study; the methodology consisted of bibliographic research that sought inputs on scientific communication and good project management practices for their application in the management of the scientific committee. The management, organization, and monitoring of activities and tasks were carried out through a shared electronic spreadsheet with the team, stored in the cloud. Results: The main milestones, activities, and artifacts produced by the scientific committee of the event were presented, as well as the details and chronological order of the activities, in guide format, to contribute to the academic training of postgraduate students and those interested in organizing academic-scientific events. The activities and artifacts in other events should be replicated to improve the documentation presented in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document contains the minutes of the 2024 meetings of the Executive Committee of the Society of Southwestern Entomologists. The committee discussed filling the position of Editor, with Carlos Blanco agreeing to write a job announcement for the position. They also reviewed and approved the job announcement and decided to encourage both editors to attend the annual meeting, increasing their stipend for travel expenses. The committee made changes to the positions of Editor and Associate Editor, appointing Helga George as co-editor for English language manuscripts. They also decided to discontinue print publication of the journal and only provide online publication. The annual membership meeting was held, where the minutes of the previous year's meeting were approved, and Helga George was introduced as the new co-editor. The decision to discontinue print publication was discussed, and the treasurer's report was given. The committee also made donations to support the Insect Expo and the ESA Chrysalis fund. They accepted an increase in student awards and agreed to contribute to the SW Branch mixer at the ESA national meeting. The election for President-elect resulted in a tie, so both candidates were appointed to serve as President-elect for different terms. The incoming President thanked the members for their support and announced the location of the next meeting. [Extracted from the article]

An update from the new Chair and Executive Committee of the Students and New Professionals Group of the International Society of Biometeorology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: We investigate whether the new critical audit matters (CAMs) disclosure requirement for auditors under the PCAOB Standard AS 3101 affects audited firms' financial reporting decisions in the context of goodwill impairment recognition. We argue that an auditor's intense engagement with management and the audit committee in the CAMs determination and evaluation process improves management's information sets. Specifically, we report that the propensity to recognize goodwill impairment loss increases for firms with goodwill-related CAM disclosure relative to those without. This result is more pronounced when the likelihood of expected impairment is higher, suggesting that CAMs reporting lowers managers' discretion in delaying impairment loss recognition. Additionally, we find that goodwill-related CAM disclosure increases the length and use of uncertain words in goodwill-related footnote disclosure by management but has no significant impact on audit costs. Overall, these findings suggest that adopting CAMs requirements can reduce management's discretion in financial reporting decisions. Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text. JEL Classifications: M41; M42. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is a summary of the minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee of the American Economic Association (AEA) held on January 4, 2024. The committee discussed various financial matters, including cost-reducing measures and the Association's current financial position. They also approved the 2024 budget. Other topics discussed include appointments and reappointments to the editorial boards of the AEA's journals, reports from various committees, and concerns about institutional diversity within the Association's leadership and activities. The meeting covered a wide range of topics related to the AEA's operations and initiatives. [Extracted from the article]

The minutes of a meeting held by the Executive Committee of the American Economic Association (AEA) on April 28, 2023, via Zoom, were discussed. Various topics were covered, including the election of new committee members, nominations for positions, awards, job market conditions, considerations for the annual meeting, equity, diversity, and professional conduct, reappointments of key personnel, audit report, financial outlook, and funding requests. The committee made decisions and voted on matters such as approving the relocation to Chicago in June 2024 and a budget request. The audited financial statements showed a decrease in the operating deficit compared to the previous year. Appointments were made for editorial positions, and the request to award the Elaine Bennett Research Prize annually was approved. The winners of the 2023 AEJ Best Paper Awards were announced, and planning for the 2024 annual meeting was reported to be progressing well. Updates on various programs and initiatives were provided, and an Ad Hoc Committee on the Future of the AEA Meetings was formed. Potential conflicts of interest were disclosed by several members, including Erik Hurst, Robin Lee, Nina Pavcnik, and Gaffney. The meeting concluded with a vote to adjourn. [Extracted from the article]

This study aims to examine the association between carbon emission disclosure and corporate capital structure, moderated by the presence of a risk management committee. Specifically, we aim to explore whether the existence of a risk management committee can mitigate the risks faced by companies when formulating capital structure strategies. We use data from non‐financial companies listed in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) from 2015 to 2021 that disclose information on carbon emissions. To test our hypotheses, we employ fixed‐effects regression with standard error estimates. Our findings provide evidence that carbon emission disclosure is positively related to corporate capital structure, and that the moderating effect of the risk management committee is also positively associated with carbon emission disclosure and corporate capital structure. In addition, we conduct robustness and endogeneity tests, including Heckman (1979) two‐stage least squares, entropy balancing, propensity score matching, and two‐step GMM using Arellano‐Bond estimation. Furthermore, our study includes a batterary of cross‐sectional tests to rigorous the main findings. Finally, our study contributes to the literature on sustainable strategies and sustainable financing at the corporate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian Pacific Endodontic Confederation (APEC) Executive Committee recently held an online meeting to discuss various issues. These included the current account balance, annual sponsorship renewals, and the organization process for the APEC2025 Dhaka Congress, which will be hosted by the Bangladesh Endodontic Society. The congress is scheduled to take place from February 14 to 16, 2025, with the theme of 'Unveiling New Horizons of Endodontics'. More information can be found on the official APEC2025 Dhaka website. [Extracted from the article]

Ghana's Disability Fund aims to build the capacity of persons with disabilities, particularly those outside of formal employment, to engage in livelihood generation activities as a way to reduce poverty. The objective of this paper is to investigate the kind of knowledge that exists on the District Assemblies Common Fund program, understand the experience of beneficiaries when they access the program, and examine the benefits on beneficiaries' livelihoods. The research consisted of five focus group discussions with 35 beneficiaries, key informant interviews with six member organizations of Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, and interviews with eleven Disability Fund Management Committees members. This research found the experiences of beneficiaries on the program are varied yet the program on the whole has had a positive outcomes on their livelihoods. Persons with disabilities who participated in this study demonstrated knowledge of the program. Beneficiaries further described issues relating to the quality of purchased items, the procurement process, as well as reductions and changes to requested items. Disability-specific issues in accessing the funds were also noted. These limited the effectiveness of the Fund to meet its stated goals. The findings of the study can inform the Common Fund Secretariat efforts to improve the performance of the fund as well as the advocacy of the disability movement. The findings are also relevant to the design and implementation of other social protection programmes in low-and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commons' problems and solutions have the elements of local, proximate, and large‐scale distal processes. Solutions, therefore, require accessing, implementing, and coordinating information and actions at multiple scales. Restoring commons, such as fisheries, will require a better understanding of how stakeholders access and use information at various scales to resolve governance and restrictions problems. In 179 household interviews, perceptions of fisheries conflicts and their causes were identified, and 16 management committee key informants described their methods for mediating hypothetical small‐scale fisheries problems in Kenya. The 6 studied sites varied in human development and demographic contexts but had notable similarities that reflected a respondent's focus on localized, direct, and proximate fishing conflicts. The most cited problems included limited space, disagreement about gears, poor resource conditions, and locally inadequate benefits. The most cited sources of information were local households and the community, and there was considerably less acknowledgment of distal problems and solutions. Key informants selected a limited number of local community‐focused solutions. For example, informants chose to mediate conflicts between neighbors with local community meetings rather than through formal national institutions. Therefore, distal solutions were likely to be perceived as ineffectual, possibly due to the challenges of polycentric governance coordination. However, widespread overfishing arises from overarching distal processes not fully amenable to local solutions. Therefore, a focus on local action is expected to limit the ability to address distal problems. These include conflicting values, demographic changes, supportive governance frameworks, emerging technologies, resolving conflicting local rules, fair between‐group enforcement, responding to temporary shortages of fish, and intercommunity border and rule disputes. Improved coordination and integration of information and institutions to simultaneously address both proximate and distal common's problems are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theories of race-making have recognized the confusion and contradiction in state-led racial projects but have not sufficiently elaborated their unintended consequences. Focusing on the relationship between the state, racial science, and immigration policy in the early twentieth century United States, this article illustrates how practical challenges in racial projects can jeopardize and thereby eventually trigger innovations in modes of racial governance. The Dillingham Commission (1907–1911) was a Congressional investigative commission that attempted to collect comprehensive data on immigrants in order to provide a scientific foundation of immigration policy. Specifically, the most powerful members of the Commission's executive committee wanted to single out Southern and Eastern Europeans (SEEs) and portray them as "undesirable races." Developing such a classification scheme, however, proved to be difficult, and the facts collected from the field did not support their goal, instead demonstrating that in many cases SEEs were not very different from other immigrants and their native-born counterparts. The idea for national quotas, as well as the theoretical foundation for the inclusion of SEEs, emerged in this process, not as an outcome of ideological design but as an unintended byproduct of knowledge production. I highlight the pursuit of facts-based governance and relative autonomy of middle-level managers as key factors that enabled such process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research aims to examine the moderating role of the existence of risk management committee between risk-taking behavior and companies' performance. Design/methodology/approach: Research sample includes 383 manufacturing company-year that listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange period of 2017–2020. The risk-taking behavior includes the use of leverage, capital intensity, research and development intensity, and earnings uncertainty. The hypothesis test uses company fixed-effect regression. Findings: The result shows that risk management committee moderates the effect of risk-taking behavior on companies' performance. This research also finds the similar result when risk management committee and risk-taking behavior are examined on the future performance. In the further analysis, the result also finds that the expertise of risk management committee moderates the effect of risk-taking behavior on companies' performance. Originality/value: This research contributes to fill the previous gap of risk-taking behavior and companies' performance by considering the existence of risk management committee to promote oversight role on risk-taking behavior. This research also contributes to give new evidence in Indonesia about the role of risk management committee to improve the benefits or to reduce the costs of risk-taking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the disruption risk and congestion deterioration caused by recurrent outbreaks of COVID-19 in several ports, this study developed a port capacity decision three-stage game model by adopting a sharing approach, which comprised a combined port management committee and a two-port system. The former determines the capacity-sharing rate, and the latter sequentially chooses its terminal handling charge (THC). Through backward induction, the capacity-sharing decisions among multiple extrema are derived, and then the "siphon effect" and "spillover effect" of capacity-sharing are analyzed. A case study of Shanghai and Ningbo Zhoushan Ports is presented to further illustrate the findings. • Three-stage game model is developed by first adopting a capacity sharing approach in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. • The three-stage game model focuses on the imbalanced capacity and congestion deterioration. • A combined port management committee and a two-port system are considered. • The optimal capacity-sharing decisions among multiple extremums are derived. • "Siphon effect" and "spillover effect" of capacity-sharing are comparatively analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ISSMGE TC309/TC304/TC222 and ASCE Geo-Institute Risk Assessment Management Committee Fourth Machine Learning (ML) in Geotechnics Dialogue was held at the Okayama Convention Center on 5 December 2023. The dialogue focused on "machine learning supremacy projects", which involve the use of novel ML techniques to analyse emerging data, potentially bringing disruptive value to transform research and practice. The discussions centred around four real-world projects covering tunnelling, pile foundations, and geophysical investigation, to showcase the latest developments and implementations of ML, exchange views on the associated technical and non-technical challenges, and explore further developments to transform practice on a broader scale. These projects highlight the need for efficient ML techniques to analyse large volumes of real-time data for 3D heterogeneous soil/rock domains, and the benefits of standardising data formats among practitioners and researchers. Meanwhile, as data become valuable assets, there is a need to establish guidelines or protocols to protect data privacy and ensure data trustworthiness while creating incentives for owners to share data. Several recommendations include (1) creating benchmark examples using real data and Class A prediction (i.e. prediction made before the event) exercises from real projects to accelerate research in ML methods and (2) involving regulators in future dialogue and exploring the incorporation of data-driven approaches in design codes to complement traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

Copyright of Taiwan Law Review is the property of Angle Publishing Co., Ltd 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.)

While there are indications that many project organisations, including those involved in Large Infrastructure Projects, do not take Risk Management (RM) seriously, a closer look would suggest they would rather relegate it to an ad-hoc, optional extra, or nice-to-have practice. For instance, on a multi-billion Rand capital programme, the executive committee once turned down a seasoned RM practitioner; instead, an individual with no proper training was assigned to learn on the job. It is rare to come across a properly constituted RM team, with Risk Management professionals; if they have not merely appointed a lone ranger practitioner, RM would be neglected altogether. To many organisations, Risk Management is like a buckler one shall only raise when the situation around the project gets "risky", not something that should always remain activated. As a result, the entire concept of Risk Management is typically employed either at the project's outset or, more commonly, when setbacks or impending massive cost and schedule overruns threaten the project. The author contends that Risk Management should serve as the "immune system" for the project, not only when a threat lurks around--not like the near-blind man who only puts on his pair of glasses afterwards, to figure out how to come out of a ditch he could not see and has fallen in it. Is prevention (i.e., an ongoing approach to RM) not better than cure (i.e., a sporadic approach)?. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The report provides an overview of the EMS Executive Committee's online meeting held from 17-20 November 2023. The meeting covered various topics, including reports from the EMS President, Treasurer, and Secretary, as well as discussions on membership, scientific meetings, standing committees, publishing, and funding. The report also mentioned upcoming events such as the 9th European Congress of Mathematicians in 2024 and the preparations for the 10th ECM in 2028. Additionally, updates on EMS Press, the EMS Magazine, and zbMATH Open were provided. The meeting concluded with plans for future meetings and the president expressing gratitude to all participants. [Extracted from the article]

Background: In Ghana, the community-based health planning and services (CHPS) policy highlights the significance of both community health management committees (CHMCs) and community health volunteers (CHVs) in the Ghanaian health system. However, research into their specific effects on health system improvement is scarce. Some research has focussed on the roles of the CHMCs/CHVs in implementing specific targeted health interventions but not on improving the overall health system. Therefore, this research aims to examine the role of the CHMCs and CHVs in improving the Ghanaian health system. Methods: The study was conducted in three districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A total of 35 participants, mainly health service users and health professionals, participated in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured individual in-depth interviews. Participants were selected according to their patient–public engagement or community health activity roles. Data were transcribed and analysed descriptively using NVIVO 12 Plus. Results: We found that the effectiveness of CHMCs and CHVs in health systems improvement depends largely on how members are selected. Additionally, working through CHMC and CHVs improves resource availability for community health services, and using them in frontline community health activities improves health outcomes. Conclusions: Overall, we recommend that, for countries with limited healthcare resources such as Ghana, leveraging the significant role of the CHMCs and CHVs is key in complementing government's efforts to improve resource availability for healthcare services. Community health management committees and CHVs are key in providing basic support to communities with limited healthcare personnel. Thus, there is a need to strengthen their capacities to improve the overall health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the association between specific attributes of risk management committees (RMCs) and the performance of financial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). The chosen period, from 2017 to 2022, allows for the examination of trends and changes over time (Callahan & Soileau, 2017). The results indicate that the size of the RMC, independence, and gender diversity within the committee are positively and significantly related to company performance. By contrast, the frequency of meetings and the experience of RMC members do not seem to have a significant impact on performance. The results have potential implications for both managers and boards of companies. By understanding the positive relationship between certain RMC characteristics and firm performance, decision-makers can make informed choices when structuring their RMC. This, in turn, would contribute to enhancing the overall corporate governance of the company, which is crucial for its success. We acknowledge that the association between RMC attributes and firm performance is not yet fully understood. Despite this ambiguity, our research contributes to prior studies by shedding light on the specific roles that various RMC characteristics play in driving firm performance, thereby deepening our understanding of the complex interactions between corporate governance mechanisms and company outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee meeting that was held in Abuja, Nigeria, from November 8-14, 2023. Topics discussed include conflict in Palestine and Israel, consequences of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, climate justice took precedence, and solidarity with Africa's climate efforts. It is reported that the committee issued statements condemning violence in the Middle East and advocating for peace.

Purpose: This paper explores the level of corporate sustainability in large listed companies in India. It also aims to identify the importance of the board and its subcommittees in improving corporate sustainability. Methodology: This study employs an ordered probit model in a panel data framework. Findings: The study provides evidence of the importance of independence and gender diversity of the board of directors and its committees in the context of corporate sustainability. It also evaluates whether the insights of key theories in corporate finance (like agency theory and stakeholder theory) are applicable in the context of corporate sustainability. Specific characteristics like the independence and gender diversity of the board, and its subcommittees (namely the audit committee, risk management committee and corporate social responsibility committee) were found to impact corporate sustainability. Originality: This is the first study to identify the impact of characteristics of various subcommittees on corporate sustainability. This is also the first study to highlight the significance of a risk management committee in maintaining corporate sustainability. This study would be beneficial for researchers, practitioners and policymakers in the area of corporate sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network (3CTN, the Network), established in 2014 to address the decline in academic cancer clinical trials’ (ACCT) activity, has successfully achieved incremental year-over-year accrual targets as well as implemented recognized performance measures and supports for improving efficiency and quality of trial activities at member sites across Canada. As part of efforts to address ongoing challenges of staff recruitment, retention, and turnover in academic institutions that have been more recently exacerbated by the pandemic, the Network’s Performance Strategy Sub-Committee (PSC) oversaw surveys of site clinical research professionals intended to capture workforce development status and identify knowledge gaps using the Joint Task Force Core Competency Framework (JTF CCF) as the standard basis for assessment. Accountable to the 3CTN Management Committee, the PSC consists of clinical research operations experts across Canada responsible for overseeing implementation and monitoring progress of this initiative. Staff at 3CTN’s adult sites evaluated and reported trial personnel core competencies and gaps according to each domain/leveled competency statement of the framework. The most frequently noted competency gaps were in the domains of: Investigational Product Development and Regulation (28%); Scientific Concepts and Research Design (16%); and Study and Site Management (14%). Reported data was compiled and represented in the 3CTN Core Competency Report, developed as a web-based, interactive tool enabling members and stakeholders to filter data to enumerate and quantify workforce competency gaps at their site, within their node of affiliated sites, or across the national Network. Concurrently, an environmental scan and review of education resources was conducted and reviewed by the PSC. Embedded links to curated learning and development resources were incorporated into the report and associated with each domain/ leveled competency statement to provide ready access to high-quality learning and development resources where needed. In the remaining years of its current strategic plan, 3CTN will continue to monitor, develop collaborative initiatives to target prioritized clinical research competency gaps and create opportunities for ongoing assessment and reporting by sites to capture changes in workforce core competencies over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the main actions of the Executive Committee during the 2015–2018 period, including improving the efficiency and transparency of the IAU Administration, promoting junior astronomers and enhancing gender balance among individual members, and maintaining a strong connection between the Executive Committee and the IAU Divisions.

This article explores the relationship between the demographic variables of audit committee (AC) members and earning management (EM) practices in listed companies on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). The study finds that factors such as gender diversity, age, education, and experience can impact the effectiveness of the AC in monitoring and controlling EM practices. The research population includes Jordanian industrial firms listed on the ASE from 2017 to 2021. The findings have implications for policymakers, regulators, and practitioners in improving corporate governance practices in Jordan. However, the study acknowledges limitations and suggests further research to expand on these findings. [Extracted from the article]

INTRODUCTION: Increasing equality and diversity, widening access and maintaining a work–life balance are important aims for the future surgical workforce. The executive committee of the Rouleaux Club (the trainee association of vascular surgeons in the UK) sought to ensure that it represented its members fairly by establishing the diversity of the vascular surgery training workforce. METHODS: The Rouleaux Club committee devised an anonymous online survey covering an extensive topic range (including sex and gender identity, ethnicity, less than full-time working and children). The link to the questionnaire was distributed via email to all members, via social media and via pre-existing mailing lists. The survey was open for four weeks (26 September to 23 October 2020). RESULTS: A total of 117 vascular trainees participated in our survey (55% of 213 known with a national training number). There were 48 female (41%) and 69 male respondents (59%). This ratio is better than the national average in surgical specialties (35% female trainees) but lower than that in medical specialties (57%). One respondent's gender identity did not align with their biological sex. Almost two-thirds (60%) of the respondents were White. The ethnic backgrounds of the remaining trainees were Asian (24%), Arab (5%), Black (4%) and mixed (5%). Two trainees preferred not to state their ethnicity. The majority of the respondents (n=101, 86%) were heterosexual/straight, three (3%) identified as bisexual and two (2%) as gay. Eleven participants (9%) indicated that they preferred not to answer this question. Ten trainees (10/101, 10%) stated that they had worked less than full time at some point during their training. Three of these continue to work less than full time. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first of its kind to assess the equality and diversity of the vascular trainee workforce; improvements can only be made if baseline data are known. The Rouleaux Club confirms that it represents its members fairly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on the Norwegian case, this study examines the long‐term implications of board gender quotas on the advancement of gender diversity in managerial leadership. Previous research has indicated that, aside from the board, the quota had limited impact on achieving this objective. However, these studies have narrowly focused on the spill‐over effects of the quota, primarily concentrating on the positions of CEO and Chair. The findings of this study reveal contrasting effects of the board gender quota on the gender composition of the board and the executive committee of the board. Consequently, Norwegian companies have increased the representation of women on their boards, as mandated by the law, while simultaneously experiencing a reduction in the presence of female executive directors. Moreover, the strength of both opposing effects has diminished over time. In addition to the board of directors, the quota has not influenced the promotion of gender diversity at other managerial levels. Furthermore, our study suggests that the quota has led to a decrease in the average tenure and level of independence of the boards, although it has not affected the qualifications of board members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is the minutes of the International Society of Lymphology General Assembly held in Genoa, Italy on September 15, 2023. The meeting began with a welcome from President M Amore and the approval of the minutes from the previous General Assembly. Elections were held, and the proposed slate of officers was elected. Reports were given by the President, Treasurer, Secretary-General, and Editor. The Society currently has 187 members from 35 countries, and the 28th World Congress of Lymphology held in Athens, Greece in 2021 was successful. The Journal of Lymphology continues to function well, with 144 new articles received between 2021-2023. The journal's impact factor is 2.3, the highest in the field of Lymphology, and its articles remain relevant for a long period of time. The website has been revised and updated, and the membership list is available to ISL members only. [Extracted from the article]

This International Society of Lymphology (ISL) Consensus Document is the latest revision of the 1995 Document for the evaluation and management of peripheral lymphedema (1). It is based upon modifications: [A] suggested and published following the 1997 XVI International Congress of Lymphology (ICL) in Madrid, Spain (2), discussed at the 1999 XVII ICL in Chennai, India (3), and considered confirmed at the 2000 (ISL) Executive Committee meeting in Hinterzarten, Germany (4); [B] derived from integration of discussions and written comments obtained during and following the 2001 XVIII I CL in Genoa, Italy as modified at the 2003 ISL Executive Committee meeting in Cordoba, Argentina (5); [C] suggested from comments, criticisms, and rebuttals as published in the December 2004 issue of Lymphology (6); [D] discussed in both the 2005 XX ICL in Salvador, Brazil and the 2007 XXI ICL in Shanghai, China and modified at the 2008 Executive Committee meeting in Naples, Italy (7,8); [E] modified from discussions and written comments from the 2009 XXII ICL in Sydney, Australia, the 2011 XXIII ICL in Malmo, Sweden, the 2012 Executive Committee Meetings (9); [F] discussions at the 2013 XXIV ICL in Rome, Italy, and the 2015 XXV ICL in San Francisco, USA, as well as multiple written comments and feedback from Executive Committee and other ISL members during the 2016 drafting (10); informal discussions at the XXVI ICL in Barcelona, Spain; [G] discussions at a dedicated, focused Post-Congress session at the XXVII ICL in Iguazu, Argentina (2019) followed by additional written comments from the Executive Committee and others (11); and [H] discussions and written comments from the XXVIII ICL in Athens, Greece (2021), and the XXIX ICL in Genoa, Italy (2023). The document attempts to amalgamate the broad spectrum of protocols and practices advocated worldwide for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral lymphedema into a coordinated proclamation representing a "Consensus" of the international community based on various levels of evidence. The document is not meant to override individual clinical considerations for complex patients nor to impede clinical treatment or research progress. It is not meant to be a legal formulation from which variations could be used to describe or define medical malpractice. The Society understands that in some clinics the method of treatment derives from national standards while in others access to medical equipment, technical expertise, and supplies is limited; therefore, the suggested assessments and treatments might be impractical. Adaptability and inclusiveness do come at the price that members can rightly be critical of what they see as vagueness or imprecision in definitions, qualifiers in the choice of words ( e.g., the use of "may ... perhaps ... unclear", etc.) and mentions (albeit without endorsement) of treatment options supported by limited hard data (few randomized control trials). Most members are frustrated by the reality that NO treatment method has really undergone a satisfactory meta-analysis (let alone rigorous, randomized, controlled study). With this understanding, the absence of optimally conducted clinical trials and definitive answers, and with emerging technologies and new approaches and discoveries on the horizon, some degree of uncertainty, ambiguity, and flexibility along with dissatisfaction with current lymphedema evaluation and management is appropriate and to be expected. We continue to struggle to keep the document concise while balancing the need for depth, breadth, and details. With these considerations in mind, we believe that this 2023 version presents a Consensus that embraces the entire ISL membership, acknowledges national standards but rises above them, identifies, and stimulates promising areas for future research, and represents the best judgment of the ISL membership on how to approach patients with peripheral lymphedema in the light of currently available evidence. Therefore, the document has been and should continue to be challenged and debated in the pages of Lymphology (e.g., as Letters to the Editor) and ideally will remain a continued focal point for robust discussion at local, national, and international conferences in lymphology and related disciplines. We further anticipate as experience evolves and new ideas and technologies emerge that this "living document" will undergo further periodic revision and refinement as the practice and conceptual foundations of medicine and specifically lymphology change and advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) strives to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all its activities. We surveyed the transplant community's experiences and perspectives regarding EDI within ESOT as an organization and its educational activities, and research in general. A total of 299 respondents completed the questionnaire. About half agreed that ESOT's Executive Committee, Council, and Sections/Committees are diverse and inclusive (51%) and that ESOT promotes EDI in its live and digital educational activities (54%). Forty percent of respondents agreed that scientific and clinical trials in the field of transplantation are diverse and inclusive. Despite the wide distribution of the survey, most of the respondents self-identified as White and were either physician or surgeon. However, the results contribute a unique insight into the experiences and perspectives of the transplantation community regarding EDI. Whilst ESOT is committed to the principles of EDI, perceptions and the high number of proposals show the apparent need to prioritize efforts to embed EDI across ESOT and transplantation science. These data should constitute a starting point for change and provide guidance for future efforts to promote EDI within the transplantation community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the global financial crisis of 2008, new policies, rules and regulations were issued to improve corporate governance (CG) practices, particularly risk management practices, with a view to reducing excessive risk-taking. Hence, this study examined the effects of a standalone risk management committee and risk governance diversity on the risk-taking of Islamic banks. We utilized a set of 389 firm-year observations hand collected from the annual reports of 43 full-fledged Islamic banks drawn from fifteen (15) countries between 2010 and 2020. The findings indicate that the presence of a standalone risk management committee and the proportion of doctor of philosophy (PhD) holders on the risk management committee have a significant negative association with the risk-taking of Islamic banks. In contrast, the proportion of female directors in the risk management committee has a significant positive association with the risk-taking of Islamic banks. We find an insignificant positive association between the proportion of foreign directors in the risk management committee and the risk-taking of Islamic banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leadership and governance are critical for achieving universal health coverage (UHC). In South Africa, aspirations for UHC are expressed through the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which underscores the importance of primary health care, delivered through the district health system (DHS). Consequently, the aim of this study was to determine the existence of legislated District Health Councils (DHCs) in Gauteng Province (GP), and the perceptions of council members on the functioning and effectiveness of these structures. Methods: This was a mixed-methods, cross-sectional study in GP's five districts. The population of interest was members of existing governance structures who completed an electronic-self-administered questionnaire (SAQ). Using a seven-point Likert scale, the SAQ focuses on members' perceptions on the functioning and effectiveness of the governance structures. In-depth interviews with the chairpersons of the DHCs and its technical committees complemented the survey. STATA® 13 and thematic analysis were used to analyze the survey data and interviews respectively. Results: Only three districts had constituted DHCs. The survey response rate was 73%. The mean score for perceived functioning of the structures was 4.5 (SD = 0.7) and 4.8. (SD = 0.7) for perceived effectiveness. The interviews found that a collaborative district health development approach facilitated governance. In contrast, fraught inter-governmental relations fueled by the complexity of governing across two spheres of government, political differences, and contestations over limited resources constrained DHS governance. Both the survey and interviews identified gaps in accountability to communities. Conclusion: In light of South Africa's move toward NHI, strengthening DHS governance is imperative. The governance gaps identified need to be addressed to ensure support for the implementation of UHC reforms. Key messages: In 2018, only three of the five health districts in the Gauteng Province of South Africa established district health councils, the governance structures for primary health care. The mean score for the perceived functioning of the District Health Council (DHC) was 4.5 out of 7 (SD = 0.7), with the three lowest scoring items being for orientation of DHC members (score 3.8; SD = 2.1), punctuality of meetings (score 4.4 SD = 1.8), and the regular review of DHS performance data (score 4.7 SD = 1.9). The mean score for perceived effectiveness of the DHC was 4.8 out of 7 (SD = 0.7) with the lowest scoring items for tension among members of committees and management (score 3.4 SD = 1.6), the existence of criteria to monitor progress towards goals (score 4.6 SD = 1.7), and accountability to communities (score 4.6 SD = 1.7). The interviews found that a collaborative district health development approach facilitated governance. In contrast, fraught inter-governmental relations fuelled by the complexity of governing across two spheres of government, exacerbated by political differences, and contestations over limited resources constrained DHS governance. Both the survey and interviews identified gaps in accountability to communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Better sanitation and hygiene are very significant for sound health for human lives and it protects various water borne disease. This study aims to find sanitation-hygiene knowledge, practices and impacts on human health of coastal Bangladesh. Rajoir (Sarankhola), Gangarampur (Batiaghata) and Ganapatipur (Kalaroa) villages are purposively designated from shoreline, interim and inland coast. Data are collected with semi-structured questionnaire between July-October 2022 and analyzed through SPSS and map is produced with Arc GIS. Overall about 9.6, 36.3 and 54.1% respondents have good, moderate and poor knowledge regarding sanitation and hygiene. Overall about 57% respondents have accessed sanitary latrines. About 67% respondents claimed that their children deface are thrown in the toilet, followed by, around the house (16%). About 70, 83 and 84% respondents wash their hands with soap/handwash after defecation in shoreline, interim and inland area, followed by, 34, 35 and 27% before taking meal; 19, 19 and 4% before cooking; 9, 21 and 16% after household chores. Cleanliness index are categorized into satisfactory levels except water containers for shoreline (0.677) and inland (0.718) areas. About 96% (shoreline), 91% (interim) and 95% (inland) respondents claim women play a direct role during collection of water. Based on sanitation inspection tool, overall 6, 41, 47 and 3% tube-wells are grouped into very high, high, intermediate and low risk categories. About 57% (shoreline), 48% (interim) and 36% (inland) water sources are grouped into 'high's category. The study suggest to format management committee to monitor proper sanitation and hygiene systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research, which is based 0n a quantitative research design, aims to explore new evidence on the nature of the relationship between the existence of remuneration and nomination committee and earnings management in one of the emerging economies, Jordan. For this purpose, a panel data consisting of 65 industrial firms listed on Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) is used, covering the period between 2016 and 2020. Results show that the existence of a remuneration and nomination committee has a negatively signed as expected but not significant effect on earnings management. The result of this study failed to find evidence supporting the theory that the existence of a remuneration and nomination committee can reduce earnings management. Policy makers and professional accounting bodies in Jordan might benefit from these results, as they show that legislative reforms can motivate firms to adopt good governance practices to mitigate earnings management [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This document is a list of committees related to the field of pharmacology and toxicology. The Organising Committee is responsible for organizing an event, with Emilio Vargas Castrillón as the President and Guillermo Prada Ramallal as the Secretary. The Scientific Committee, led by Guillermo Prada Ramallal as President and Paula López Vázquez as Secretary, consists of various members involved in the field. Additionally, the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology Executive Committee is listed, with Antònia Agustí Escasany as the President and Emilio Vargas Castrillón as the Vice President. The document provides the names of the committee members for each committee. [Extracted from the article]