scholarly journals The Dimension of Sustainability: A Comparative Analysis of Broadness of Information in Italian Companies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Spallini ◽  
Virginia Milone ◽  
Antonio Nisio ◽  
Patrizia Romanazzi
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Regulatory Interventions ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Key Dimensions ◽  
Positive Correlations

In recent years, sustainability has become one of the key dimensions of business performance. The results obtained in terms of sustainability must be adequately communicated in suitable reports, the quality of which is determined by several factors. One of these, the breadth of information provided, plays a significant role. The aim of this paper is to measure the broadness of non-financial information in sustainability reports and correlate this to some selected variables that refer to corporate governance, i.e., the presence of an internal sustainability committee and of female directors; the characteristics of the report e.g., Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) citation; company features, number of employees, revenues, and Return On Assets ROA. For this purpose, 134 Italian companies were studied and a score based on the conformity of the NFD (non-financial disclosure) with the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards was created. To test the research hypotheses, univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were performed. The results showed different behaviors by the companies in terms of sustainability policies. The GRISC (Global Reporting Initiative Score) has a greater concentration on mean values. Positive correlations were found between GRISC and the presence of an internal sustainability committee, SDG citation in the NFD and company size. This study offers support for policy makers and practitioners as it provides a measure of the breadth of sustainability information and relates this to the variables analyzed. The latter depend on regulatory interventions or company policies which are implemented, or could be implemented, to improve the extent of the NFD.

scholarly journals EU Labor Market Inequalities and Sustainable Development Goals

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2675
Author(s):  
Elena Jianu ◽  
Ramona Pîrvu ◽  
Gheorghe Axinte ◽  
Ovidiu Toma ◽  
Andrei Valentin Cojocaru ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Labor Market ◽  
Policy Issue ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Public Policy Issue ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
To Come ◽  
Business Practitioners ◽  
The Eu

Reducing inequalities for EU citizens and promoting upward convergence is one of the priorities on the agenda of the European Commission and, certainly, inequality will be a very important public policy issue for years to come. Through this research we aim to investigate EU labor market inequalities, reflected by the specific indicators proposed for Goal 8 assumed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, based on cluster analysis for all the 27 Member States. The research results showed encouraging results from the perspective of convergence in the EU labor market, but also revealed a number of analyzed variable effects that manifested regional inequalities that were generated in the medium and long term. Based on the observations made, we want to provide information for policy-makers, business practitioners, and academics so as to constitute solid ground for identifying good practices and proposing to implement policies aimed at reducing existing inequalities and supporting sustainable development.

scholarly journals Sustainable Development Goals in Early COVID-19 Prevention and Control

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8431
Author(s):  
Taejong Kim ◽  
Hyosun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Undue Influence ◽  
Death Rates ◽  
International Action ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
And Control

Recent failures in COVID-19 prevention and control in some of the richest countries raise questions about the relevance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the fight against pandemics. To examine this issue, we adopted the measure of countries’ progress for the SDGs in the SDG Index Scores (SDGS) and employed two analytical devices. The first was regression-aided adjustment of the number of deaths and confirmed cases. The second was the use of robust regressions to control the undue influence of outliers. The results are mixed. Between the SDGS and the adjusted infection rates, we found no significant correlation; however, between the SDGS and the adjusted death rates, the correlation was negative and statistically significant. These results provide a nuanced contrast to the hasty conclusions some of us might be tempted to draw from apparent positive correlations between SDGS and the cases and the deaths. The SDGs represent the fruit of painstaking global efforts to encourage and coordinate international action to enhance sustainability. We find the results reassuring, in that they suggest that the countries with higher SDGS have been able to control the devastation of deaths from COVID-19 more effectively, despite being unable to control the propagation of infections.

Appendicitis in Diabetics: Predictors of Complications and Their Incidence

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (8) ◽  
pp. 753-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay Bach ◽  
Andrew Donovan ◽  
Whitney Loggins ◽  
Stephanie Thompson ◽  
Bryan Richmond
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
General Surgeon ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Chi Squared

Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency encountered by the general surgeon. Literature has demonstrated that diabetics may manifest atypical signs of infection, often clouding the diagnostic picture. We conducted a 3-year retrospective analysis of adults with appendicitis to determine differences in presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for diabetic versus nondiabetic patients. Demographics, symptoms, imaging, procedure(s), complications, and length of stay (LOS) were obtained via chart review. Factors were compared between patients with and without diabetes using chi-squared test, t test, or Mann-Whitney U test (significance at P ≤ 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis identified variables predicting longer LOS or perforation at diagnosis. Overall, 339 patients met inclusion criteria [303 were nondiabetic (ND), 36 were diabetic (D)]. On univariate analysis, diabetics were more likely to have other comorbid illnesses: obesity ( P < 0.001), chronic kidney disease ( P = 0.003), hypertension ( P < 0.001), coronary artery disease ( P < 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (PVD, P = 0.31), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( P = 0.002). Diabetics presented with lower white blood cell counts (mean 14.2 ND, 11.9 D, P = 0.02), and were more likely to present with perforation (18.5% ND, 38.9% D, P = 0.008). LOS was longer in diabetics (1.0 day for ND, 3.0 day for D, P < 0.001). Complications were more frequent in diabetics (19.4% D vs 8.6% ND), which trended toward but failed to reach significance ( P = 0.066). On multivariate analysis, however, old age was the only characteristic associated with perforation [odds ratio: 1.05 (1.02–1.06), P < 0.001], whereas diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and older age predicted longer LOS ( P ≤ 0.001). Diabetics present a more complicated clinical picture having significantly more comorbidities and a trend toward postoperative complications necessitating a higher index of suspicion to detection complications. Further study is needed to evaluate the optimal diagnostic and management approach in this challenging population.

Socioeconomic differences in access to care in Australia for women fearful of birth

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jocelyn Toohill ◽  
Emily Callander ◽  
Haylee Fox ◽  
Daniel Lindsay ◽  
Jenny Gamble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Midwifery Care ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Caseload Midwifery ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Equity In Access

Objective Fear of childbirth is known to increase a woman’s likelihood of having a Caesarean section. Continuity of midwifery care is known to reduce this risk, but less than 8% of women have access to this relationship-based, primary care model. The aims of this study were to determine whether healthcare use and access to continuity models are equal across different indicators of socioeconomic status for women who are fearful of birth. Methods A secondary analysis was conducted of data obtained during a randomised controlled trial of a psychoeducation intervention by trained midwives to minimise childbirth fear (the Birth Emotions and Looking to Improve Expectant Fear (BELIEF) study). In all, 1410 women were screened, with 339 women reporting high levels of fear (Wijma-Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire ≥66). Demographic, obstetric information, birth preference and psychosocial measures were collected at recruitment and at 36 weeks gestation for the 339 fearful women, with the birth method and health service use returned by 183 women at 6 weeks after the birth. Results Univariate analysis revealed no significant difference in the number of general practitioner and midwife visits between women of high and low income and high and low education. However, women with higher levels of education had 2.51-fold greater odds of seeing the same midwife throughout their pregnancy than women with lower education (95% confidence interval 1.25–5.04), after adjusting for age, parity and hospital site. Conclusions Given the known positive outcomes of continuity of midwifery care for women fearful of birth, health policy makers need to provide equity in access to evidence-based models of midwifery care. What is known about this topic? Caseload midwifery care is considered the gold standard care due to the known positive outcomes it has for the mother and baby during the perinatal period. Pregnant women who receive caseload midwifery care are more likely to experience a normal vaginal birth. What does this paper add? There is unequal access to midwifery caseload care for women fearful of birth across socioeconomic boundaries. Midwifery caseload care is not used for all fearful mothers during the perinatal period. What are the implications for practitioners? Health policy makers seeking to provide equity in access to maternity care should be aware of these inequalities in use to target delivery of care at this specific cohort of mothers.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Anterior Chamber Depth in 28,709 Adult Cataract Patients in China using Swept-Source Optical Biometry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiong Lei ◽  
Haixia Tu ◽  
Xi Feng ◽  
Yong Wang
Keyword(s):  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Anterior Chamber ◽  
Axial Length ◽  
Corneal Thickness ◽  
Anterior Chamber Depth ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Swept Source ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cataract Patients

Abstract Background: To create an anterior chamber depth (ACD) regression model for adult cataract surgery candidates from China, and to evaluate the distribution of their ocular biometric parameters.Methods: The ocular biometric records of 28,709 right eyes of cataract surgery candidates who were treated at Aier Eye Hospitals in nine cities from 2018 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All measurements were taken with IOLMaster 700. We included patients who were at least 40 years old and were diagnosed with cataract.Results: The mean age of the patients was 68.6 ± 11.0 years. The mean values recorded were as follows: axial length (AL), 24.17 ± 2.47 mm; mean keratometry (Km) value, 44.09 ± 3.25 D; corneal astigmatism (CA), 1.06 ± 0.98 D; ACD, 3.02 ± 0.45 mm; lens thickness (LT), 4.52 ± 0.45 mm; central corneal thickness (CCT), 0.534 ± 0.04 mm; and white to white (WTW) corneal diameter, 11.64 ± 0.46 mm. The proportion of patients with long axial length (AL >25 mm) decreased with age. ACD, LT, AL, Km, WTW, and age were correlated. In the multivariate regression analysis of ACD, which included LT, AL, WTW, sex, Km, CCT, and age, there was a reasonable prediction with adjusted R2 = 0.629.Conclusions: The results show that high myopes are inclined to schedule cataract surgery at a younger age. LT and AL were found to be important factors that affect ACD. This study provides reference data for cataract patients from China.

scholarly journals Evidence to Action: Research to Address Illegal Wildlife Trade

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.J. Milner-Gulland ◽  
Laure Cugniere ◽  
Amy Hinsley ◽  
Jacob Phelps ◽  
Michael 't Sas Rolfe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Wildlife Trade ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Illegal Wildlife Trade ◽  
Research Collaborations ◽  
Development Goals

Tools and expertise to improve the evidence base for national and international Illegal Wildlife Trade policy already exist but are underutilised. Tapping into these resources would produce substantive benefits for wildlife conservation and associated sectors, enabling governments to better meet their obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals and international biodiversity conventions. This can be achieved through enhanced funding support for inter-sectoral research collaborations, engaging researchers in priority setting and programme design, increasing developing country research capacity and engaging researchers and community voices in policy processes. This briefing, addressed to policy makers and practitioners, is part of the 2018 Evidence to Action: Research to Address Illegal Wildlife Trade event programme, organised by five of the UK’s most active IWT research institutions, to support the London 2018 IWT Conference.

scholarly journals Policy interventions for attraction and retention of female teachers in rural secondary schools

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-59
Author(s):  
Isabela M. Kamere ◽  
M I Makatiani ◽  
Arthur Kalanza Nzau
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Female Teachers ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Life Long Learning ◽  
Key Policy ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Attraction And Retention

The potential role of female teachers in achieving the Education for all (EFA) and the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically on  ensuring  inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting life-long learning opportunities for all (Goal 4), achieving gender equality and empowering  all women and girls(Goal 5 ) is well documented. Available evidence, however, suggests that attraction and retention of female teachers in secondary schools located in rural areas remains a significant and on-going challenge. In response, policy makers in Kenya have recommended three key policy interventions namely decentralization of teacher recruitment, payment of hardship allowance and provision of housing. A literature search reveals a dearth of information on the perspectives of rural educators on the effectiveness of these interventions. The paper presents findings based on one objective of a broader study which was to: Establish the views of female teachers’ and other stakeholders’ regarding the effectiveness of strategies for attraction and retention of female teachers in Makueni County. This study adopted a mixed methods design. The paper presents findings from the qualitative component of the study. Interviews were used to gather data. Based on their interpretations, the authors provide useful   insights and offer suggestions on how the implementation of these policies could be improved.  

Challenges in the development of the geodiversity concept

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Brilha
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Well Being ◽  
University Education ◽  
Conservation Areas ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Environmental Impact Assessments ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Nature Play ◽  
Development Goals

&lt;p&gt;The concept of geodiversity, despite being in use for almost 30 years, still has little impact on society. It is not easy to explain the reason for this dissociation, considering that the elements that constitute geodiversity are intrinsically part of nature, play an essential role in ecosystem services and, consequently, in human well-being.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During the last decade we have seen a great development in the interest of the geoscientific community in this subject, represented by the increase in the publication of papers and doctoral and master theses all over the world. One of the main challenges is now to transpose all this scientific knowledge into society. Obviously, theoretical and conceptual discussions about geodiversity are an integral part of science and must continue, but if we want that society recognizes the importance and value of geodiversity, we must be able to demonstrate clearly how geodiversity can help to solve some of the problems we face today.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Among other priorities, the geoscientific community has to be able to demonstrate in an structured way:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The importance of geodiversity in implementing nature conservation actions and its direct relationship with biodiversity;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;The contribution of geodiversity for ecosystems restoration and its accounting as part of natural capital;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;The need to quantify the role of geodiversity in ecosystem services;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;The urgency of make environmental impact assessments including all possible effects that may affect geodiversity elements and processes;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;The importance of integrate the concept of geodiversity in pre-university education curricula;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;That the information and environmental interpretation provided to visitors of protected areas and other conservation areas should always include geodiversity.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once the importance of geodiversity is fully recognized by policy-makers, managers, and the society in general, the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will be for sure closer than it is today.&lt;/p&gt;

Abstract WP502: Predictors Of First Pass Reperfusion In Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Mohammaden ◽  
Leonardo Pisani ◽  
Catarina Perry da Camara ◽  
Mehdi Bousalma ◽  
Alhamza Al bayati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Performance Metric ◽  
First Pass ◽  
Thrombectomy Device

Introduction: The speed and completeness of endovascular reperfusion strongly correlate with functional outcomes. First-Pass Reperfusion (FPR) has been recently established as a critical procedural performance metric for mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aimed to study the predictors of FPR and its effect on the outcome Methods: Review of a prospectively collected database of MT patients with large vessel occlusion strokes (LVOS) from 05/2012-11/2018. Patients were included in the analysis if they had an anterior circulation LVOS that was successfully reperfused (mTICI 2b-3). FPR was defined as the achievement of mTICI 2c-3 after a single pass with any thrombectomy device. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the independent predictors of FPR. Results: A total of 563 patients qualified for the analysis (mean age, 64.4±12.3 years, baseline NIHSS 16.2). FPR was achieved in 202 (35.9%) patients. On univariate analysis, FPR was significantly associated with higher ASPECTS (8.1 vs. 7.8, p=0.008), higher usage of balloon guide catheters (BGC) (88.1% vs. 75.3%, p<0.001), lower use of general anesthesia (9.5% vs. 18.2%, p= 0.006), and shorter procedure duration (mean, 45.5 vs. 79.9 min, p <0.001 and 90.5%). Both BGC (OR, 2.26; 95%CI [1.32-3.87], p=0.003) and ASPECTS (OR, 1.15; 95% CI [1.03-1.28], p= 0.01) were independent predictors of FPE on multivariate regression analysis. Conclusion: Higher baseline ASPECTS score and the use of BGC are strong predictors of First-Pass Reperfusion in mechanical thrombectomy.

Determinant Factors of Trade Industry Performance in Indonesia: AHP Approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-08
Author(s):  
Malik Cahyadin ◽  
Sutomo Sutomo ◽  
Lely Ratwianingsih
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Determinant Factors ◽  
Traditional Markets ◽  
Industry Performance ◽  
Business Efficiency ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Objective - This research analyses determinant factors and priority factors of trade industry performance based on 15 industries in Indonesia. Today, trade industry tends to develop well in Indonesia. It covers exporters, importers, modern markets (hypermarket and minimarket), and traditional markets. Methodology/Technique - This research uses Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to analyse primary data on factors of trade industry performance. Findings - Research results indicate that there are seven factors on trade industry performance. These are NF (AHP score: 0.37), ICT (0.19), BIT (0.10), BR (0.10), BP (0.09), DC (0.08), and BE (0.07). It means that number of firm becomes the first factor while business efficiency becomes the last factor that drives business performance. Novelty - This finding can be used by trade industry associations and policy makers to manage and regulate firms involved in commerce. In addition, governments can support ICT development to improve trade industry performance. Type of Paper: Empirical Keywords: Determinant Factor; Trade Industry; Business Performance; AHP. JEL Classification: L11, L25.

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