Search

Introduction: Clinical trials are crucial for advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes. Despite an increase in research publications in Saudi Arabia, clinical trial productivity has lagged behind. Understanding the barriers to conducting clinical trials in Saudi Arabia is essential. This study aims to explore the challenges and propose solutions for improving clinical trial capacity in the Kingdom. Specifically, we aim to develop national strategies to enhance clinical trial infrastructure, identify educational needs, and suggest ways to strengthen research education and training in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study utilized a qualitative research design with a grounded theory approach. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, including clinical trial professionals from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, who participated in three half-day workshops. Discussions focused on required skillsets, barriers to conducting trials, improvement recommendations, gaps in research education, and strategies for the Saudi National Institute of Health (SNIH) to support clinical trials. Data were collected through pre-workshop surveys and focus group discussions, and thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes. Results: A total of 35 participants, mainly from the government sector (67%), attended the workshops. Physicians represented the largest professional group (31%), with the majority being Saudi nationals (83%) and engaged in clinical practice (65%). The study identified key challenges, including limited resources (82%), inadequate infrastructure (82%), time constraints (80%), and insufficient funding (80%). While satisfaction with educational programs was mixed, a need for improved infrastructure and support for clinical trials in Saudi Arabia was evident. The focus group discussions further highlighted the importance of research competency, identifying 11 essential domains such as research methodology, data management, and project leadership. Nine major challenges were noted, including funding, infrastructure, and collaboration deficits. A total of 38 recommendations were proposed to address these challenges and enhance the national clinical trial ecosystem. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of addressing the challenges in conducting clinical trials in Saudi Arabia through targeted educational programs, training initiatives, and enhanced support from the SNIH. By implementing strategies that focus on funding, resources, training, and collaboration, Saudi Arabia can significantly advance its clinical trial landscape, improve research quality and efficiency, and position itself as a leader in global health research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the rapidly evolving field of quantum communication, the regulatory framework plays a crucial role in ensuring security, standardization, and international cooperation. This article examines various approaches employed by countries to regulate quantum communication. The purpose of this research is to comprehensively analyze and compare different international approaches to the regulation of quantum communication to identify key features characteristic of the current stage of development and regulation of quantum communication, as well as to develop recommendations for optimizing and improving regulatory governance in this area. The methodological basis of the study consisted of general scientific and special methods. A detailed study of various legal documents, strategies, and standards related to quantum communication was conducted using the following general scientific methods: analysis, synthesis, induction, and system analysis. Among the special legal methods used was the comparative legal method, which made it possible to identify general trends, differences, and unique approaches in the regulation of quantum communication, as well as the formal-legal method for studying legal categories and legislative techniques used in various acts in the studied area. The study systematically examines legislative measures, government policies, and industry standards to determine the relationship between technological innovation and regulatory governance in the field of quantum communication. The research revealed that the regulation of quantum communication is primarily carried out at the level of strategic documents, such as national roadmaps, which contain recommendations and guidelines for regulating quantum communication. It was found that technical standards play a vital role in the development of quantum communication, with this development occurring at both national and international levels. Special groups and centers have been established for the effective implementation, development, and regulation of quantum communication, which allows for the identification of social, legal, political, and ethical issues. The main conclusions include the need to monitor administrative barriers, identify priority sectors for the implementation of quantum communication, and recognize quantum communication as a dual-use technology. It is recommended that an international certification and tracking system be created for quantum communication devices for export and import control purposes.

The research aims to analyse the current legislative framework of Kazakhstan on public control. Several methods were used to implement the set tasks, namely formal-legal, dogmatic, method of legal hermeneutics, comparativelegal, deduction and others. As a result of the analysis of norms that are enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 410-IV "On combating corruption", 410-IV "On combating corruption", Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 383-V "On public councils", the Anti-Corruption Strategies for 2015-2025 and 2022-2026, conflicts were identified. During the study of statistical indicators that show the Kazakhstan Corruption Index in 2018-2022 and the number of detected offences of this category in 2022, the effectiveness of the state policy to combat and prevent corruption was assessed. The experience of such countries as Singapore, Georgia and Sweden was reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023 Alkhathami and colleagues from the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s transformative upgrades across various sectors, notably including enhancements to the healthcare system, and called for action to extend these upgrades to the military healthcare field. Prompted by this call to action, the leadership of the military healthcare system swiftly commenced initiatives, acting in less than three months from this pivotal appeal. In January 2023 the first author ordered a decree via the General Directorate of Armed Forces Medical Services of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with US central Command and international partners, to host the 3rd International Conference of Military Medicine. The event graciously welcoming more than 1000 military representatives from 20 participating nations. The Military Medical Conference, fostering a global military community dialogue on the necessity to explore collective capacities to endure and overcome humanitarian challenges, thereby sustaining health, promoting well-being, and nurturing life through strategies that align with the insights of Alkhathami et al. (2023). The response and the need underlined by the original article are discussed by the Major General, staff of the Saudi Military Medical Services and academics from the University of Sharjah.

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, while China blocked the spread of the coronavirus, its process safety status still maintained a positive trend. Hence, an in‐depth exploration of China's experience and lessons in coordinating epidemic control and process safety is an urgent need to exchange knowledge with other countries to prevent similar catastrophes. This paper comprehensively traces China's national strategies in coordinating epidemic control and safety regulation since the end of 2019 through information collection, literature surveys, and investigative interviews. According to the characteristics of these strategies, China's anti‐pandemic process is divided into three stages: outbreak, concentrated resumption of work, and normalization of epidemic prevention. On this basis, the main risks of each stage and the response measures taken by the Chinese government are further subdivided. Furthermore, the changes brought about by COVID‐19 on Chinese safety regulators are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023 Alkhathami and colleagues from the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s transformative upgrades across various sectors, notably including enhancements to the healthcare system, and called for action to extend these upgrades to the military healthcare field. Prompted by this call to action, the leadership of the military healthcare system swiftly commenced initiatives, acting in less than three months from this pivotal appeal. In January 2023 the first author ordered a decree via the General Directorate of Armed Forces Medical Services of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with US central Command and international partners, to host the 3rd International Conference of Military Medicine. The event graciously welcoming more than 1000 military representatives from 20 participating nations. The Military Medical Conference, fostering a global military community dialogue on the necessity to explore collective capacities to endure and overcome humanitarian challenges, thereby sustaining health, promoting well-being, and nurturing life through strategies that align with the insights of Alkhathami et al. (2023). The response and the need underlined by the original article are discussed by the Major General, staff of the Saudi Military Medical Services and academics from the University of Sharjah.

The paper analyzes the concept of financial literacy and the importance of national strategies as a pillar of financial literacy development. The authors start from the fact that the concept of financial literacy includes knowledge, education, abilities, competence and responsibility at the same time. The focus is on knowledge, the ability to apply knowledge, as well as the existence of self-confidence in people to undertake financial actions, risks, and recognizing opportunities in the business environment. In other words, financial literacy means that the knowledge and skills we possess in the field of finance serve us in the process of understanding finances and making the right decisions using available information. Good financial education and good financial understanding of individuals dictates their quality and adequate financial decisions. In addition, financial education and financial literacy are gaining importance and importance, which confirms the interest of the professional and scientific community, which is reflected in the increased number of published works and research at the national and international level. Recent history, the world economic crisis, the pandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus, war events in Ukraine, rapid technological changes and innovations represent a "trigger" for the development of financial literacy. If there are no national strategies, regulatory bodies should find an effective mechanism for implementing the concept of financial literacy either through existing action plans/national strategies or by forming working groups that will deal with this topic in a new strategic and national framework.

Abstract Background Psychiatric disorders are among the most common health problems in children and adolescents, with a recent prevalence rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing demand for service provision in this patient population, together with infrastructural, financial and staff limitations in child and adolescent mental health services, calls for an adaptation/advancement of current models of service provision. This review offers an internationally informed overview of best-practice child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) strategies and care models, with the aim of assisting decision-makers in implementing topical CAMH care models. Methods Using a pre-defined structured search strategy, we aimed to identify core topics within published CAMH strategies and care model documents from seven countries within the Global North, which represented a range of differing healthcare systems, geographical regions, and public health traditions. From the retrieved documents, we then systematically extracted data in an iterative process, and summarised these narratively by applying qualitative content analyses. Results Our search retrieved the following key components of CAMH strategies: awareness-raising activities, prevention/promotion, detection, treatment, telemedicine, care pathways, transitional psychiatry, vulnerable patient groups, user participation, infrastructure, workforce development, implementation, digital case management tools, and data acquisition/research. Recommendations for CAMH care organisation often followed a public mental health approach, with a focus on mental health promotion, cross-sectional organisation, and funding of CAMH care services. As key principles of best-practice CAMH care models, we identified increased flexibility of care settings, early intervention, and a strengths-oriented approach, with overarching mental health services research alongside. Conclusion In order to design robust models of CAMH care and to mitigate current shortcomings, actions on the policy level (e.g., CAMH strategy development with a focus on mental health promotion, installation of cross-sectoral governance), at the organisational level (e.g., re-organisation of treatment settings and pathways of care) and at the individual level (e.g., user involvement, workforce development) are recommended. To this purpose, we strongly advocate the use of cross-sectoral and participatory approaches for CAMH care structures with accompanying health services research.

North Macedonia’s accession negotiations are conditioned by the country’s progress on fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria. Respect for human rights, defined as one of the founding values of European Union, it is associated with the fundamental political criteria for full membership for every candidate state. In the Progress Report for 2022, European Commission raised the concerns that North Macedonia had made “limited progress in improving the rights of persons with disabilities”. Considering that the country since its independence ratified several international treaties on human rights and assumed obligation not only to guarantee but also to protect the fundamental human rights, in this paper will be analyzed: the national legal framework on the protection of the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities, national strategies on the rights of persons with disabilities, and national policies on the integration of persons with disabilities. The purpose of this study it is to analyze the responsibilities and commitment of the state authorities in providing equal rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities, especially focusing on the access of women with disability to the labor market and access of children and young people with disability to education. The research it is in-depth analysis and guided by two research questions: What are the responsibilities of North Macedonia as a candidate country in promoting and enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities? What have done North Macedonia for social inclusion of persons with disabilities? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychiatric disorders are among the most common health problems in children and adolescents, with a recent prevalence rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing demand for service provision in this patient population, together with infrastructural, financial and staff limitations in child and adolescent mental health services, calls for an adaptation/advancement of current models of service provision. This review offers an internationally informed overview of best-practice child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) strategies and care models, with the aim of assisting decision-makers in implementing topical CAMH care models. Methods: Using a pre-defined structured search strategy, we aimed to identify core topics within published CAMH strategies and care model documents from seven countries within the Global North, which represented a range of differing healthcare systems, geographical regions, and public health traditions. From the retrieved documents, we then systematically extracted data in an iterative process, and summarised these narratively by applying qualitative content analyses. Results: Our search retrieved the following key components of CAMH strategies: awareness-raising activities, prevention/promotion, detection, treatment, telemedicine, care pathways, transitional psychiatry, vulnerable patient groups, user participation, infrastructure, workforce development, implementation, digital case management tools, and data acquisition/research. Recommendations for CAMH care organisation often followed a public mental health approach, with a focus on mental health promotion, cross-sectional organisation, and funding of CAMH care services. As key principles of best-practice CAMH care models, we identified increased flexibility of care settings, early intervention, and a strengths-oriented approach, with overarching mental health services research alongside. Conclusion: In order to design robust models of CAMH care and to mitigate current shortcomings, actions on the policy level (e.g., CAMH strategy development with a focus on mental health promotion, installation of cross-sectoral governance), at the organisational level (e.g., re-organisation of treatment settings and pathways of care) and at the individual level (e.g., user involvement, workforce development) are recommended. To this purpose, we strongly advocate the use of cross-sectoral and participatory approaches for CAMH care structures with accompanying health services research. Central message: Cross-sectoral, participatory approaches, which focus on the educational sector as well as on prevention and workforce development strategies, have a great potential to improve the mental health of children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Die Pathologie is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

The article summarizes and systematizes the causes and consequences of food loss and waste. The uncontrolled accumulation and inefficient management of loss and waste is a serious problem of food security in many countries. Moreover, the world annually loses or wastes about a third of food produced while natural resources are inefficiently used. A significant number of definitions and terms in the field of food loss and waste cause international inconsistency in management systems. So, systematization of terms and research methods for food loss and waste has been carried out. The review analyzes the stages of food supply chain, i.e. the production of agricultural raw materials, their collection, processing, transportation and consumption, where the largest loss and waste occur. Furthermore, environmental, social and other problems associated with the accumulation of loss and waste are considered. Prevention of food loss and waste has been shown to be a potential strategy to improve the balance of food supply and demand and is essential for improving food security while reducing environmental impact and providing economic benefits to various participants in the food supply chain. Separately, the actions taken by the Russian Federation in the field of waste management and reduction of food loss are considered. Attention is drawn to the fact that the difficulties in solving these problems are associated with insufficient progress in legislation and low funding of relevant research projects. Possible approaches for simulation and optimization of actions to support specific strategies to reduce loss and waste are considered, taking into account the following factors: improving the management of various inventories; developing a clear strategy for planning and allocating resources; forming the supply chain based on variability (uncertainty) of customer demand and supply. Knowledge comparison and integration, as well as optimization of food supply chain management are essential for development of strategies and decisions about where and how to focus efforts to most effectively ensure the reduction of loss and waste at each stage of food supply chain. The main decisions and practices for FLW prevention and management have been systematized.

Abstract This article examines the design dynamics and process of the Brazilian National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (EBIA). We argue that Brazil has a long history of policies for digital development, covering a range of policies that encourage research and development and deploy AI-based digital technologies in industry and governments. Specifically for the AI policy, we analyze how these policies are fragmented into different initiatives without an approach to integrating the instruments and their mixes. We analyze how and why the Brazilian National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence design fails to implement and create an integrated perspective of these policies. This perspective for AI policy in Brazil results in fragmentation and failures to involve actors in the formulation and implementation process. The article concludes that the Brazilian perspective for artificial intelligence, emerging with EBIA, reproduces a situation of path dependence without promoting significant policy changes for the development and application of this technology in society.

Bioeconomy development requires the adoption of a comprehensive concept of biorefinery. This study analyzes the experts' perceptions regarding biorefinery concepts and discusses the implications for development of the bioeconomy in Brazil. Forty‐five statements about biorefinery concepts were prepared. Statements were grouped accordingly to assess whether the experts agree more with a conventional, transitional or comprehensive biorefinery concept. The statements were organized and submitted to the experts following the procedures outlined by Q‐methodology. Thirty‐six experts from the government (13), academia (17) and industry (6) participated in the study. Government, academic and industry experts answered 'what is a biorefinery?' differently. Biorefinery as a biobased value chain, a bioecological economic model and the basis for sustainable energy production were the most relevant among the eight factors explaining the experts' perspectives on biorefinery (63.35% of the total variation). Since the perspectives on biorefinery vary among experts from different sectors, we conclude that joint efforts should be made to adopt a comprehensive biorefinery concept to enhance the transition to the bioeconomy. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planning consists of thinking about the future and allows territories to be better prepared to take advantage of opportunities and face challenges that arise. In Portugal, tourism is one of the pillars of the economy, generating wealth and creating various job openings. In recent years, this destination has won several international awards and distinctions due to the quality of services and tourism offerings. Part of this success is due to the planning carried out by the entity responsible, Turismo de Portugal. This study aims to analyse the content and structure of national tourism plans implemented in Portugal since 2000. Furthermore, we want to understand: (1) the vision outlined for the Portuguese territory and the changes it has undergone in recent decades; (2) the methodologies that were used in the formation process of these plans, for instance, if public auscultation was used; (3) the main objectives defined for the territory and which were the actions that have been defined to achieve them. A qualitative methodology of document analysis was used, combined with the presentation of a case study related to tourism planning at a national level. The results show the growing importance of the tourism sector for the Portuguese economy. Since 2020, the growing involvement of stakeholders in the construction of strategic plans has also been evident through public consultation and an emphasis on sustainability practices in the tourism sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging information and communication technologies (ICT) related to Industry 4.0 play a critical role to enhance supply chain performance. Employing the smart technologies has led to so-called smart supply chains. Understanding how Industry 4.0 and related ICT affect smart supply chains and how smart supply chains evolve with the support of the advanced technologies are vital to practical and academic communities. Existing review works on smart supply chains with ICT mainly rely on the academic literature alone. This paper presents an integrated approach to explore the effects of Industry 4.0 and related ICT on smart supply chains, by combining introduction of the current national strategies in North America, the research status analysis on ICT assisted supply chains from the major North American national research councils, and a systematic literature review of the subject. Besides, we introduce a smart supply chain hierarchical framework with multi-level intelligence. Furthermore, the challenges faced by supply chains under Industry 4.0 and future research directions are discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the design dynamics and process of the Brazilian National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (EBIA). We argue that Brazil has a long history of policies for digital development, covering a range of policies that encourage research and development and deploy AI-based digital technologies in industry and governments. Specifically for the AI policy, we analyze how these policies are fragmented into different initiatives without an approach to integrating the instruments and their mixes. We analyze how and why the Brazilian National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence design fails to implement and create an integrated perspective of these policies. This perspective for AI policy in Brazil results in fragmentation and failures to involve actors in the formulation and implementation process. The article concludes that the Brazilian perspective for artificial intelligence, emerging with EBIA, reproduces a situation of path dependence without promoting significant policy changes for the development and application of this technology in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the role of the bioeconomy concept started in the Cologne paper and initiated by Christian Patermann for bioeconomy strategies in Germany and around the world. Patermann is and has been an important actor and a highly appreciated colleague in the first German Bioeconomy Council and the International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB). IACGB is a think tank with the mission to promote the Global Bioeconomy as a sustainable and future looking movement for the benefit of planet and people. The Global Bioeconomy Summits (GBS) series initiated in 2015 by the German Bioeconomy Council and perpetuated by the IACGB has become a truly global meeting and conference event that gathers bioeconomy experts and high level politicians from all areas and hemispheres. The IACGB provides leadership for setting the themes of GBS. Communiques and reports on national strategies are signature outcomes.

In the last 40 years, "developmentalism with Chinese characteristics" has creatively combined the main dimensions that in the postwar era spurred the industrialization process in East Asia, where the State, through planning and control mechanisms, governed the markets, leading economic growth, and the process of structural change. The main characteristic that distinguishes the Chinese experience is the structure of its political power formed by a party-state that has great political autonomy and strong penetration in economic power. This power structure helped China to persevere its state-led national development strategy at a time when most national economies adhered to global neoliberalism, giving up such coordination in favor of an accumulation regime led by private corporations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to identify the factors that impact on the quality of life of people and their impact on health guidelines based on the area of strategic management. Methodology: quantitative research, in which the National Quality of Life Survey 2015-2016 and information from the Chilean health services to the year 2019 were used. A sample of 6.818 people was determined on which a model of structural equations was applied. Results: a global goodness of fit index, GoF of 0.5131 was obtained, considered a good fit of the model, and 48.2% of quality of life was explained by the internal and external factors considered. In addition, the strategic health guidelines were explained in 32.1% by the quality of life, verifying that it affects the health guidelines of the country. Conclusions: quality of life has a multidimensional character that can be visualized through a model that brings together internal and external factors and, because quality of life is essential to improve the well-being of the population, it is present in health guidelines of the Chilean health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Forecasting in social philosophy is aimed at anticipating and forming a conceptual image of the future society. The methodological basis for constructing a development scheme for achieving the desired state of the social system is ideological and cultural-historical paradigms. A philosophical analysis of the historical process, despite all its diversity, allows us to identify fundamental determinants that are used for geopolitical shifts in the world. The unification of the nature of the interaction algorithms does not mean the exclusion of national interests and the levelling of the civilizational characteristics of the actors. The main goal is formulated in the context of the need to reach a compromise acceptable to all parties in the face of competition in the geopolitical space. In a situation of confrontation, attitudes aimed at one-sided gain will inevitably adjust the parameters of social forecast on the part of the actors who are regarded as the object of such influence.Methodology and sources. As a methodological basis for work, the authors use the philosophical methodology of comparative analysis on the material of worldview and political narratives in geopolitical scenarios, which are basic for the conceptual substantiation of ways to achieve specific political goals. The article analyzes the paradigm of civilisational globalisation and expert-prognostic recommendations substantiating influence mechanisms for the implementation of tasks aimed at isolation of social systems whose values, from the point of view of the Western political elite, are incompatible with liberalism.Results and discussion. The article examines the features of social forecasting, which are determined by the availability of an objective resource base for the implementation of the intended goals and the mechanism for making political decisions. Due to the large number of variables in society that affect the dynamics of its development, the presence of a subjective factor makes it possible to realize the variability of its development. Competition of the geopolitical interests of the main actors in the historical process increases the range of uncertainty in the ways and mechanisms for achieving the set goals. The subjects of political control determine the specifics of the formation of an adequate response in response to the doctrine of unipolar strategic domination. The mobilization of economic and political resources allows maintaining civilizations identity in opposition to expansionary geopolitical strategies.Conclusion. In the real world, liberal values do not have the status of general universality. Theoretical and methodological principles in the formation of social prognosis become the most important link in modern conditions. In the sphere of geopolitics, Russia should position itself as a humanitarian-oriented political force, ensuring the preservation of traditions and the identity of all peoples. This would help to create a platform for uniting social movements advocating similar world view positions in the political struggle.

This is the second of three articles which explore trends in health science libraries. It is based on a series of articles called New Directions in Health Science Libraries published in a HILJ regular feature (International Perspectives and Initiatives) between June 2017 and March 2020. The series covered 12 countries: The United States, Canada, Australia, China, England, two countries in Africa (Uganda and Tanzania) and five in Europe (Sweden, Romania, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland). The commissioning editor identified potential authors and invited them to write a short piece. They were given a briefing sheet which said: 'Your article should serve as a road map, describing the key changes in the field and explain the factors driving the changes'. A review of the 12 articles identified 11 trends. This is the article which explores the trends four trends, using examples provided by the authors. The trends covered are: Involvement in systematic reviews and data synthesis; Professional development for health science librarians; Providing education and training to students, researchers, and clinicians; Supporting the delivery of health literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – to assess the integration and management of the formation and implementation of the competitive advantages of the Visegrad Four countries in the European market of information, computer, telecommunication (ICT) services based on their analysis in the individual market segments. Design/Method/Research approach - this study aims to determine the presence and nature of the competitive advantages of countries in the European ICT services market based on the calculation of export specialization indicators, to establish factors for their growth and effective implementation based on the results of structural, regressive, comparative analysis and synthesis. Findings. It has been suggested that the introduction of the European rules for market organization stimulated the building-up in the Visegrad Four countries of their competitive advantages in the European ICT services market through innovative investment resources, effective management of private, public sector and international investors and personnel. Practical implications. The accession of Eastern European countries to the European digital market and digital space requires a generalization of the experience of the Visegrad four countries and the identification of factors, directions and priorities of the national policy for the development of the ICT sector. Originality/Value. Scientific novelty of the study - based on the calculation of the comparative advantage index, different integration and effectiveness of managing the competitive advantages of the Visegrad Four countries, primarily the sphere of IC services to the European market (relatively high - in the Czech Republic due to state financing, moderate – in Poland due to financial support from the state, in Slovakia due to private investment in R&D, low – in Hungary), this situation requires a balanced innovation and investment strategy of the countries in the future, the training of a sufficient number of qualified IT specialists, stimulation of private investment in R&D and business cooperation with the sphere of knowledge by means of tax and administrative incentives, facilitating the transition of small and medium-sized businesses on the principles of economics 4.0. Paper type – empirical.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide and are responsible for a high burden of disease. Many countries have developed national strategies for the management and prevention of NCDs to improve the care of chronically ill people or prevent NCDs. This article aims to provide an overview of national NCD strategies from selected countries and their implementation. The focus was on cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes type II, and depression. A comprehensive, structured hand search was conducted in various databases and websites for national strategies on the 4 NCDs. According to pre-defined criteria, 18 strategies from 8 countries (Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Finland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia) were selected. The included NCD strategies differ considerably in terms of level of detail, structure and implementation. All strategies include information on planned activities, but only a few provide detailed information on these interventions, including their evaluation. A structured approach from the macro to the micro level seems crucial for a comprehensive, coordinated overall policy. Strategies should be evaluated regularly using appropriate methods to measure target achievement. For the prevention and management of NCDs, it is important to start in early childhood and to adequately consider the social determinants of health with a “Health in All Policies” approach.

Research on artificial intelligence policy is still at an early stage. Artificial intelligence policy is an emerging domain of technology policy that is twofold: firstly, research and deployment of AI technology and, secondly, the design of regulatory instruments that focus on the impacts of technology on society, the economy, and politics. This article presents the concept of artificial intelligence policy regimes for analysis of design and technology dominance strategies. A typology of artificial intelligence policy regimes is formulated by relating political regimes to governance modes to understand ideas, actors, and institutions that establish AI policy dynamics. This framework is applied to an analysis of six national strategies for artificial intelligence: those of the United States, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, China, Singapore, and Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principles of good governance, approved by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in 2008, are seen as markers that determine the level of implementation of democratic values in Ukraine, which is confidently moving along the European path of social development chosen by the people. The role of civil society as a subject of implementation in Ukraine of the principles of good governance and its influence on the state policy on the implementation of European democratic values is substantiated. In order to identify the state of implementation in Ukraine of the principles of good governance contained in the European Strategy for Innovation and Good Governance at the local level, an analysis of the process of their implementation in Ukraine through the National Strategy for Civil Society Development for 2016-2020 (hereinafter - National Strategy). 2020). In particular, the current state of reflection in the legislation of Ukraine of the recommendations of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the implementation of the principles of good democratic governance is analysed. It is revealed to what extent the freedom of expression of different opinions and participation of citizens in the processes of social development during the implementation of the National Strategy 2020 is ensured in Ukraine. The article substantiates a set of measures to update the process of implementing the principles of good governance in the implementation of state policy to promote the development of civil society. In particular, the ways of further implementation of the principles of good democratic governance in Ukraine in the next National Strategy for 2021-2026 (hereinafter - the National Strategy-2026) are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023 Alkhathami and colleagues from the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's transformative upgrades across various sectors, notably including enhancements to the healthcare system, and called for action to extend these upgrades to the military healthcare field. Prompted by this call to action, the leadership of the military healthcare system swiftly commenced initiatives, acting in less than three months from this pivotal appeal. In January 2023 the first author ordered a decree via the General Directorate of Armed Forces Medical Services of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with US central Command and international partners, to host the 3rd International Conference of Military Medicine. The event graciously welcoming more than 1000 military representatives from 20 participating nations. The Military Medical Conference, fostering a global military community dialogue on the necessity to explore collective capacities to endure and overcome humanitarian challenges, thereby sustaining health, promoting well-being, and nurturing life through strategies that align with the insights of Alkhathami et al. (2023). The response and the need underlined by the original article are discussed by the Major General, staff of the Saudi Military Medical Services and academics from the University of Sharjah., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2024 Mandourah Y et al.)

Scanning and Forecasting the Dynamics of External and Internal Environments, Opportunities, Threats, Strengths, and Weaknesses.

The biotechnology field has grown rapidly in recent years. Much attention is given to the potential of the biotechnology industry, from drugs and medical devices to environmental products which have the potential to generate tremendous opportunities for society, by improving the quality of health care and producing a cleaner environment. Redbiotechnology, or medical biotechnology, is one of the branches of the biotechnology and utilizes the organism to improve health, both in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, mainly bringing all the biotechnology applications to medicine. Romanian potential was recognized by important biotech companies as an attractive destination for biotechnology research development. Currently running large programs for research, development, and innovation, regulated within a national implementation strategy, and with an attractive higher education offer, Romania is contributing to biotech advances and has great potential for development of biological pharmaceutical products. It also represents a valuable and promising partner for future international collaborations as biotechnology continues to evolve and will remain a major field of innovation and development in many areas of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Getting ahead on the global stage of AI technologies requires vast resources or novel approaches. The Nordic countries have tried to find a novel path, claiming that responsible and ethical AI is not only morally right but confers a competitive advantage. In this article, eight official AI policy documents from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden are analysed according to the AI4People taxonomy, which proposes five ethical principles for AI: beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice and explicability. The principles are described in terms such as growth, innovation, efficiency gains, cybersecurity, malicious use or misuse of AI systems, data use, effects on labour markets, and regulatory environments. The authors also analyse how the strategies describe the link between ethical principles and a competitive advantage, and what measures are proposed to facilitate that link. Links such as a first-mover advantage and measures such as influencing international standards and regulations are identified. The article concludes by showing that while ethical principles are present, neither the ethical principles nor the links and measures are made explicit in the policy documents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of a common administrative space that aims at the major interest of each individual, determines in the field of education the construction of a laborious process of public educational policies in order to increase the quality of education with expected effects on the labor market. This paper offers us perspectives on the concept of public policy in the education system, integrated by decision makers, influenced by external factors, and applied by specialists in educational practice in order to develop the education process, a key element of integration into the community acquis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a comparative analysis of industrial policy strategies of major nations associated with the technological dispute over industry 4.0 emergence (United States, Germany, China, Japan, and South Korea). The national strategies of the selected countries are analyzed based on a cross-sectional and multidimensional approach. It is hypothesized that recent initiatives by central countries for industry 4.0 represent deliberate efforts to push ahead the technological frontier against China's threat to its productive and technological leadership, as well as Chinese consolidation as a central actor in the economic international system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores 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.)

This article is part of a series in this regular feature, which looks at new directions in health science libraries. It highlights the initiatives health science librarians in Tanzania are implementing to ensure that their service meets users' needs. To succeed, libraries must take steps to ensure that staff have access to education, training and professional development. Partnerships and collaborations are also vital to make the best use of scarce resources and to identify sources of funding. This article highlights the various challenges facing the library service and the opportunity for librarians to be recognised for the new roles they are taking on. J.M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is part of a series in this regular feature which looks at new directions in health science libraries. This paper highlights new initiatives aimed at ensuring health libraries can contribute to the development of Uganda in the 21st century and the challenges facing libraries. It stresses that for libraries to be successful they need to form networks and collaborations for resource sharing; take advantage of the benefits of information technology; computerise their library systems; as well as invest in the development of staff. The paper highlights the main challenge facing the library service as inadequate funding both from government for public‐funded health libraries and the private sector (for privately funded health libraries). The paper concludes that, despite the bottlenecks brought about by inadequate funding, Ugandan health libraries have taken positive steps to support health research and education, as well as patient care, not just for Uganda, but for the whole of the East African region. J.M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Timely access to evidence increases the prospects for evidence informed decision making. We evaluated user experiences of a Clearing House for Health Policy with the aim of increasing access to evidence about the Uganda health system and interventions. Methods: We conducted in‐depth interviews with 15 potential users including policymakers, health policy advisors, health managers and researchers to provide evidence on their experience with the clearinghouse. On average participants took 20 minutes to first navigate the site and 45 minutes to perform search tasks and complete the interview. Results: Most respondents successfully searched for information with accuracy and completeness in a short time. Participants commended the performance and expressed high regard for the credibility of the clearinghouse. The majority felt that using the resource was worth their effort. The clearinghouse provided appropriate functionalities for information searching. Navigating and finding information from the site was achievable. However, inadequate background information about the site and lack of current information were widely reported. Conclusion: Our paper provides insights on the issues that can be addressed to improve online resources for health policy and system information in a limited resource setting. Users' experience of such resources can be improved by regularly appraising and appropriately indexing the contents, and optimising the capacity to customise information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the elevated status of the prime minister in the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) government through the lens of Poguntke and Webb's presidentialization thesis. There are two distinctive characteristics in the Japanese case. First, its presidentialization does not occur as the evolution of the Westminster model and instead follows a unique path. Second, the reinforced position of the Japanese premiership is in essence the product of institutional reforms that the Japanese political class has enacted in the last two decades for the renewal of national strategies, which in turn means that the Japanese presidentialization is taking place by design at its core. Furthermore, the latter fact implies its potential risks—most importantly, the progress of presidentialization under the LDP's continued dominance can undermine check-and-balance functions in Japanese democracy to a hazardous degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]