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Given the growing global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) alongside the widespread use of mobile phones, efforts have emerged to collect NCD risk factor surveillance data in low- and middle-income countries using mobile phones, increasingly so with the involvement of “outside” commercial actors. In this paper, we consider multiple potential ways to realize and support the distribution of benefits, traditional and non-traditional, from such digital public health surveillance activities, acknowledging the need for careful considerations of likely implementation risks and challenges. We put forward the concept of “digital benefit sharing”: the provision of resources or services of value commensurate with the digital data contributed or collected from mobile phone users, in recognition of their contribution to the advancement of public health. These benefits can be directed towards individuals and the communities, professionals, and governments where the data collection activity occurred. We ground digital benefit sharing in global health justice, as it makes visible the obligations of data collectors and commercial actors towards data contributors. We also consider financial, logistical, data privacy, and data quality-related challenges associated with digital benefit sharing and call for additional governance and stakeholder engagement to facilitate a transition from concept to practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife is an important global commodity that generates significant revenue along the supply chain, including economic benefits in range states for sought‐after species. However, international trade in wild species is often associated with over‐exploitation and illegal extraction. To regulate, monitor, and ensure the sustainability of such trade, over 180 countries have ratified the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Using national data collected through CITES processes, we undertook a network analysis to evaluate the structure and dynamics of international trade in six CITES‐listed species of Colombian endemic poison frogs (Dendrobatidae). We assessed the magnitude of the international trade and the countries that were reporting legal imports/exports, both before and after Colombia allowed legal exports of these species, to examine the changes associated with Colombia's export legalization and to draw conclusions about the country's role and benefits from trade in these species. Our analyses show that, for over two decades, international trade of CITES‐listed species likely in contravention of the Convention resulted in significant exports—and likely greater financial benefits—accruing in non‐range states through reported captive breeding programs. Although the market was reconfigured when Colombia legalized the export of certain endemic frog species, non‐range states with founder stocks obtained from unknown and possibly illegal sources continue to account for a significant portion of the trade volume of some species (mostly, Phyllobates spp.). We discuss the importance of enforcing regulations and collaborations that promote better traceability of international commerce of endemic species to ensure the legitimacy of transactions, economic benefits for origin countries, and the conservation of species in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accelerated development of economic globalization has given rise to the formation of supply chain networks for cross-regional agricultural products. However, the unequal rights and status of the partners and an imperfect benefit linkage mechanism have made it difficult to reasonably distribute and share benefits. Understanding how to establish a benefit-sharing mechanism among partners has been a popular topic in the industry, but thematic research and discussions are lacking in the academic community. Therefore, in this study, we utilized a grounded theory approach and selected five supply chain master enterprises with different supply chain systems as samples. We constructed a theoretical model of a benefit-sharing mechanism and systematically revealed the key elements and theoretical logic of benefit sharing. The results of this study showed that (1) the five elements of benefit creation, benefit integration, benefit distribution, benefit constraint, and benefit coordination have important impacts on benefit sharing in the supply chain; (2) the dimensions within these five elements are independent of each other, and these elements can be combined to demonstrate a common impact on benefit sharing. The dynamic interaction among the five elements constituted a self-regulating and self-optimizing cyclic system; (3) benefit integration and benefit distribution have a dynamic cyclic facilitating effect on benefit sharing. This study has refined the key elements of the benefit-sharing mechanism, and the results provide theoretical references for benefit sharing and in-depth collaboration among supply chain members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and background: The increasing trend of large-scale land investments by both local and international investors has had a significant impact on agricultural production in rural Africa over the past two and a half decades. Some of the investments have had transformative impacts, while others have resulted in negative outcomes. The outcomes of these projects are typically contingent on the unique circumstances of each case. Goal and Objectives: This research article discusses the findings of a study conducted on the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project (GKFSP) in Galana Kulalu, Tana River County, Kenya. The Kenyan government to address food security challenges in the country and the surrounding region established the GKFSP. Given the historical marginalization of rural communities in Tana River County and their limited access to benefits from large-scale investments in land in the county, as well as the influence of commercial and political interests on land utilization and livelihoods, this study aimed to analyze benefit sharing from GKFSP within the context of large-scale land deals. Methodology: The data of this article rely on the primary data collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions and observations. Secondary sources of data involving land deals were also used to complement primary data from the study. Results: Findings from the study highlight the importance of adopting responsive policies when entering into large-scale land deals to ensure equitable benefit sharing among different stakeholders, including the investors, local communities, and other relevant institutions. Failure to do so could lead to conflict dynamics that hinder project implementation and may even cause the failure of such land deals, leading to high turnover of investors and apathy within the local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of effective mechanisms for traditional knowledge governance and regulation of access and benefit sharing (ABS) is one of the most challenging and complicated issues facing the global community. These challenges are being addressed by a dramatic increase in national and international efforts in recent years. China's support for the international regime on ABS was later reflected by its development of a range of laws, policies and administrative measures and also, at times, by its amendments to existing statutes to implement its international obligations and frame the general ABS regime, particularly governing access to traditional knowledge and benefit sharing. This article addresses the practicality of implementing a range of policy, legal and administrative ABS schemes and its potential impacts on traditional knowledge governance in China's historical, social and cultural context, in which China's traditional knowledge is deeply rooted and nurtured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopted in 2010 as a supplementary agreement to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol (NP) mandates the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources provided by Indigenous peoples. Member states must newly enact or amend domestic laws to align with the NP. Consequently, many countries are currently implementing legislative, administrative, and policy measures to ensure fair benefit sharing from the use of Indigenous genetic resources. We examined the inclusion of intellectual property (IP) protection in the sharing of benefits from research and development that utilizes Indigenous genetic resources. The NP does not specify guidelines for IP‐related benefit sharing, leaving each member state to establish its own rules. We used an economics‐based approach to explore the optimal scope and duration of IP protection for maximizing stakeholder interests, including those of Indigenous peoples, at the national level. The optimal duration of IP protection was when the marginal social cost and benefit of IP protection were equal. When this point occurred varied depending on various factors, such as the type of genetic resources in the country, existence of alternatives, number of users, and competing actors. The optimal scope of IP protection was when the social benefit of investment in fundamental research equaled the social benefit of application development. Likewise, this point of implementation also varied based on various factors, such as the type, uniqueness, potential for further discovery, and diversity of providers in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nile River has been both an engine of development and a cause of controversy among its riparian states for millennia. This paradox took on an international dimension with the inception of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Using a qualitative research method, this paper investigates the GERD controversy and the role of a benefit-sharing approach in the Nile Basin. The dam negotiations have been hampered by unjust colonial treaties, the hardline interests of Egypt and Ethiopia, politicisation, uncertainty about the consequences of the dam's use and lopsided third-party intervention. The paper argues that the adoption of a benefit-sharing approach in the basin can sustain the Nile ecosystem, promote regional peace, increase water flow and decrease unnecessary expenses through modest intraregional cooperation. The resolution of the Nile Basin conflict thus relies on identifying the potential of the basin and on integrated cooperative frameworks adopted by the technocrats of its riparian states and international experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in international development projects, especially those funded by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC). Their social safeguard policies were adopted because of neglect of social impacts by projects. Although development assistance goals have shifted from economic growth towards poverty reduction and shared prosperity, mitigating adverse impacts of projects does not necessarily address the multiple dimensions of poverty or the Sustainable Development Goals. 'Do no harm' has limited ability to achieve social development objectives. Instead, a significant contribution to international development could come by embedding community investment in the environmental and social frameworks of international financial institutions, and social impact assessment and international development practise. This would ensure that projects contribute to improving the lives of project affected peoples. We propose changes to the IFC Performance Standards that could be implemented by other multilateral development banks and in the Equator Principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding public attitudes to genomic data sharing is widely seen as key in shaping effective governance. However, empirical research in this area often fails to capture the contextual nuances of diverse sharing practices and regulatory concerns encountered in real-world genomic data sharing. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting public attitudes to data sharing through responses to diverse genomic data sharing scenarios. Methods: A set of seven empirically validated genomic data sharing scenarios reflecting a range of current practices in Australia was used in an open-ended survey of a diverse sample of the Australian public (n = 243). Qualitative responses were obtained for each of the scenarios. Respondents were each allocated one scenario and asked five questions on: whether (and why/not) they would share data; what sharing would depend on; benefits and risks of sharing; risks they were willing to accept if sharing was certain to result in benefits; and what could increase their comfort about sharing and any potential risk. A thematic analysis was used to examine responses, coded and validated by two blinded coders. Results: Participants indicated an overall high willingness to share genomic information, although this willingness varied considerably between different scenarios. A strong perception of benefits was reported as the foremost explanation for willingness to share across all scenarios. The high degree of convergence in the perception of benefits and the types of benefits identified by participants across all the scenarios suggests that the differentiation in intention to share may lie in perceptions of risk, which showed distinct patterns within and between the different scenarios. Some concerns were shared strongly across all scenarios, particularly benefit sharing, future use, and privacy. Conclusions: Qualitative responses provide insight into popular assumptions regarding existing protections, conceptions of privacy, and which trade-offs are generally acceptable. Our results indicate that public attitudes and concerns are heterogeneous and influenced by the context in which sharing takes place. The convergence of key themes such as benefits and future uses point to core concerns that must be centred in regulatory responses to genomic data sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PA) often adopt buffer zone program to share PA benefit with local people and improve community support for conservation. However, the effectiveness of such policies is still unknown. By utilizing household survey data from six PAs (n = 2,121), we assessed contribution of Nepal's Buffer Zone Program in conservation and sustainable development. While the residents showed limited knowledge about the program's specific details and perceived that the funds were too minimal to have a substantial development impact, those who were aware valued the program. Perceived effect was greater on increasing conservation awareness and improving park-people relationships than reducing human-wildlife conflict or funding development projects. Trust, satisfaction, and perception of the program's contribution varied significantly relative to proximity to PA, history of wildlife damage, PA income, minority status, gender and education. Effectiveness of such programs may be enhanced by investing the fund in mitigating wildlife damage than funding development projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world has come closer than ever to discovering a viable HIV vaccine. However, it remains less certain whether HIV vaccines should be made available to participants and communities in which trials are run no or subsidized cost. Hence the essence of this inquiry. This is a case study design using in-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD) with researchers of HIV vaccine trials, institutional review board (IRB) members, HIV advocates, a policy maker, and members of community advisory board (CAB) in Tanzania. Participants were purposively selected and data thematically analyzed using MAXQDA software. Hosting a vaccine trial and the financial incapacity of individuals at increased risk of HIV were among the reasons in favor of free access to HIV vaccines. In contrast, the view that vaccines should be provided at a subsidized cost was related to high costs of vaccine development, financial return expectations by investors, and the fear of labeling the free vaccine as less important. Moreover, apart from governments and international organizations, well-off individuals could share the cost burden. Stakeholders engaging in active discussion about sharing the viable vaccine ought to take the aforementioned concerns into account and ensure unhindered access to individuals and host communities in Tanzania and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Mahanadi basin as a case, the study demonstrates benefit-sharing can improve water allocation among riparian states experiencing water stress. The results show the basin having a yearly average water deficit of 5429 million cubic metres (MCM) under business-as-usual which increases to 6781 MCM under high economic growth for 2011–2050. Even after various water supply augmentation and demand management interventions and climate change-induced increased runoff, the upper riparian state continues to have a water deficit. This can be reduced if the lower riparian state allows the upper one to divert 1500 MCM of additional water annually which will require a strong governance mechanism in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate policy will inevitably lead to the stranding of fossil energy assets such as production and transport assets for coal, oil, and natural gas. Resource- rich developing countries are particularly affected, as they have a higher risk of asset stranding due to strong fossil dependencies and wider societal consequences beyond revenue disruption. However, there is only little academic and political awareness of the challenge to manage the asset stranding in these countries, as research on transition risk like asset stranding is still in its infancy. We provide a research framework to identify wider societal consequences of fossil asset stranding. We apply it to a case study of Nigeria. Analyzing different policy measures, we argue that compensation payments come with implementation challenges. Instead of one policy alone to address asset stranding, a problem-oriented mix of policies is needed. Renewable hydrogen and just energy transition partnerships can be a contribution to economic development and SDGs. However, they can only unfold their potential if fair benefit sharing and an improvement to the typical institutional problems in resource-rich countries, such as the lack of rule of law, are achieved. We conclude with presenting a future research agenda for the global community and academia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province, has begun developing liquified natural gas (LNG) mega projects that can transport Canadian resources to foreign markets across the Pacific region. These projects have gained significant profile due to high-level debates over their environmental, social and economic impacts. While LNG projects are required to undergo environmental impact assessment procedures, there is growing recognition of the need to ensure that positive social, economic and environmental impacts are fairly distributed to local communities. Similar to other extractive industries, many corporations leading the development of these projects engage in negotiations over so-called "impact benefit agreements (IBAs)"—legal agreements between a corporation, a government and/or a community that details how projects can benefit the local community and on what timeline so as to build social license to operate and investor confidence. This contribution details the findings of a qualitative study highlighting the perspectives of First Nations, provincial and federal government, and industry leaders to examine what makes an IBA successful and from whose perspective. The paper provides an introduction to IBA structures and processes, a brief review of the legal context, a qualitative methodology co-developed between academic researchers and Indigenous community leaders, and describes key criteria to inform future successful IBA agreements that create equitable multi-party benefits in an era of Indigenous reconciliation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) in developing countries was initially envisioned to incentivize forest protection through payments for ecosystem services (PES). Nevertheless, our global understanding of REDD+ project benefits proposed by proponents to local communities is limited. To address this gap, we ask: globally, how do REDD+ projects propose to provide local community benefits? We use and update the international database on REDD+ projects (ID-RECCO) to analyze the REDD+ benefits proposed by 347 REDD+ projects in 55 countries. Logistic regression and chi-square tests explore relationships between the probability of a benefit type being proposed and the influencing factors. Our global-level analysis can serve as a useful benchmark for empirical case studies. Our findings show the diversity of benefits REDD+ projects propose. Most REDD+ projects (89%) proposed a mix of monetary and non-monetary benefits; employment was proposed in >¾ of the projects, while forest restrictions were proposed in 52% of REDD+ projects. Many projects proposed infrastructure (107) or services (181). Factors that influence the probability a benefit type being proposed by a project include carbon certification standards, de facto forest user types, and country. PES-style conditional payments are no longer emblematic of benefits from REDD+ projects to local communities. Instead, REDD+ projects typically propose employment, livelihood activities, tenure clarification, and public goods and services. Further empirical research is needed to understand how meaningful these benefits are to local people, and their contribution in producing effective and equitable project outcomes. National policy and legal frameworks on benefit sharing, more explicit standards on benefit sharing among carbon standards, and better risk management related to community expectations from REDD+ projects are important avenues to ensure REDD+ benefits are aligned with the needs and realities of local communities.

Traditional knowledge has garnered enough debate in the domain of intellectual property. The protection of traditional knowledge has become an argument. Traditional knowledge has been knocking at the boundaries of intellectual property for a long time. Irrespective of the legality or illegality of the activity, the situation attracts traditional knowledge. Traditional knowledge seems to be very simple in the first instance, but it is not so. The author argues that it is a multifaceted concept and has always had an independent existence, even before its introduction into intellectual property. Legal text and the definition of traditional knowledge are being debated in the World Intellectual Property Organisation, and it seems that this term is difficult to define. The definition should be left open, allowing respective nations to go for a definition suiting their national interests. This would also allow parties to achieve a minimum consensus and explore the horizons of traditional knowledge. Even today, many people rely on traditional knowledge. A balance between technology and traditional knowledge, in the sense that technology is applied over traditional knowledge to sustain a viable economic ecology to contain and protect traditional knowledge, is becoming a requirement. This may be called 'Traditionolgy'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As climate change impacts and competition for water increases, sharing of water resources is becoming a challenging endeavour. This becomes harder in a transboundary setting where a basin is shared by different countries in a region that is 60% arid and semi-arid areas, such as the Horn of Africa where tensions due to water scarcity are high. Stakeholders in the transboundary settings often represent varied interests, drawn from different sectors and levels from local to national to regional scales in the riparian countries. Hence the need for a benefit-sharing dialogue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This breeding project, initiated at the United States Potato Genebank (USPG) in collaboration with Peruvian partners Instituto Nacional de Innovacion Agraria (INIA), International Potato Center, Peru (CIP), and local farmers, sought to enhance cold hardiness and frost tolerance in native potato cultivars in Peru. The Andes and Altiplano are often affected by frost, which causes significant reduction in yield; creating varieties with superior resilience is a critical undertaking. The goal was to transfer outstanding non-acclimated cold tolerance and acclimation capacity found in wild potato species Solanum commersonii (cmm). Breeding families segregating for cold hardiness were created using (a) a somatic hybrid cmm + haploid Solanum tuberosum (tbr) (cv. Superior, US variety from Wisconsin) as male and (b) seven cultivars native to Peru of the species S. tuberosum sbsp. andigenum (adg) as females. All plant materials were part of the USPG germplasm collection. Sexual seeds of each family were sent to Peru for evaluations under the natural conditions of the Andean highlands and Altiplano. The plants were assessed for their response to frost, and genotypes showing exceptional tolerance were selected. Plants were also evaluated for good tuber traits and yield. Initial planting involving ~2,500 seedlings in five locations resulted in selecting 58 genotypes with exceptional frost tolerance, good recovery capacity after frost, and good tuber traits. Over the years, evaluations continued and were expanded to replicated field trials in the harsher conditions of the Altiplano (Puno). All trials confirmed consistency of frost tolerance over time and location, tuber quality, and yield. After 8 years, two advanced clones were considered for cultivar release because of their exceptional frost tolerance and superior field productivity that outyielded many of the established cultivars in the region. In November 2018, a new native cultivar named Wiñay, a Quechua word meaning "to grow" was released in Peru. In 2022, a second cultivar followed with the name Llapanchispaq (meaning "for all of us"). This project evidenced that a multinational and allencompassing approach to deploy valuable genetic diversity can work and deliver effective results. This is even more significant when outcomes can promote food security and sustainability in very vulnerable regions of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate policy will inevitably lead to the stranding of fossil energy assets such as production and transport assets for coal, oil, and natural gas. Resource-rich developing countries are particularly affected, as they have a higher risk of asset stranding due to strong fossil dependencies and wider societal consequences beyond revenue disruption. However, there is only little academic and political awareness of the challenge to manage the asset stranding in these countries, as research on transition risk like asset stranding is still in its infancy. We provide a research framework to identify wider societal consequences of fossil asset stranding. We apply it to a case study of Nigeria. Analyzing different policy measures, we argue that compensation payments come with implementation challenges. Instead of one policy alone to address asset stranding, a problem-oriented mix of policies is needed. Renewable hydrogen and just energy transition partnerships can be a contribution to economic development and SDGs. However, they can only unfold their potential if fair benefit sharing and an improvement to the typical institutional problems in resource-rich countries, such as the lack of rule of law, are achieved. We conclude with presenting a future research agenda for the global community and academia.

Abstract Evaluating the positive impacts of private investor (PI) contributions in improving distribution network (DN) technical, environmental and economic features are considered in the recent studies. In this paper photovoltaic investor (PVI) participates in improving technical constraints of DN. DN operator (DNO) is the owner of wind turbine (WT). The main functions are formed as benefit functions. Benefits which are obtained by improving technical constraints (impacts of contributing PVI and WTs in improving technical constraints) are written in the benefit functions. Technical constraints include: voltage deviation (VD), active and reactive power loss. By designating weight with high value to each of technical constraints, genetic algorithm (GA) solves the optimization problem. Different scenarios are considered in the siting and sizing problem. Furthermore, comprehensive study is done by defining benefit contribution parameter (ψ). Changing the value of ψ from 0 to 100%, gives the best interaction between PVI and DN operator (DNO). Since the presented optimal siting and sizing problem is formed as multi criteria, by applying multi‐attribute decision making approach based on technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), the optimal contribution of DNO and PVI is determined. Obtained results from simulation reveal that in a case without sharing benefit between DNO and PVI, the PVI could not receive benefits from project (all of solutions are negative value) but in the case with benefit sharing, the project has attractiveness for the PVI (it is illustrated as a positive benefit values for PVI). The optimum solution is received by making a trade‐off between DNO and PVI benefits. The optimum values are 2.287E6 and 2.201E6, respectively.

This breeding project, initiated at the United States Potato Genebank (USPG) in collaboration with Peruvian partners Instituto Nacional de Innovacion Agraria (INIA), International Potato Center, Peru (CIP), and local farmers, sought to enhance cold hardiness and frost tolerance in native potato cultivars in Peru. The Andes and Altiplano are often affected by frost, which causes significant reduction in yield; creating varieties with superior resilience is a critical undertaking. The goal was to transfer outstanding non-acclimated cold tolerance and acclimation capacity found in wild potato species Solanum commersonii (cmm). Breeding families segregating for cold hardiness were created using (a) a somatic hybrid cmm + haploid Solanum tuberosum (tbr) (cv. Superior, US variety from Wisconsin) as male and (b) seven cultivars native to Peru of the species S. tuberosum sbsp. andigenum (adg) as females. All plant materials were part of the USPG germplasm collection. Sexual seeds of each family were sent to Peru for evaluations under the natural conditions of the Andean highlands and Altiplano. The plants were assessed for their response to frost, and genotypes showing exceptional tolerance were selected. Plants were also evaluated for good tuber traits and yield. Initial planting involving ~2,500 seedlings in five locations resulted in selecting 58 genotypes with exceptional frost tolerance, good recovery capacity after frost, and good tuber traits. Over the years, evaluations continued and were expanded to replicated field trials in the harsher conditions of the Altiplano (Puno). All trials confirmed consistency of frost tolerance over time and location, tuber quality, and yield. After 8 years, two advanced clones were considered for cultivar release because of their exceptional frost tolerance and superior field productivity that outyielded many of the established cultivars in the region. In November 2018, a new native cultivar named Wiñay, a Quechua word meaning “to grow” was released in Peru. In 2022, a second cultivar followed with the name Llapanchispaq (meaning “for all of us”). This project evidenced that a multinational and all-encompassing approach to deploy valuable genetic diversity can work and deliver effective results. This is even more significant when outcomes can promote food security and sustainability in very vulnerable regions of the world.

The last decade has seen a rise in big data approaches, including in the humanities, whereby large quantities of data are collected and analysed. In this paper, we discuss long-form audio recordings that result from individuals wearing a recording device for many hours. Linguists, psychologists and anthropologists can use them, for example, to study infants' or adults' linguistic behaviour. In the past, recorded individuals and communities have resided in high-income countries (HICs) almost exclusively. Recognising the need for better representation of all cultures and linguistic experiences, researchers have more recently started to collect long-form audio recordings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aim to help researchers to collect, analyse and use these recordings ethically. To do so, we identify four main ethical challenges linked to research that relies on long-form recordings in LMICs. We provide recommendations to overcome these challenges. These considerations should be useful to researchers employing other big data techniques collected via wearables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 (2019 Rules), India has developed the rules governing post-trial access (PTA) to new drugs or investigational new drugs. However, inconsistencies and interpretational challenges exist in the application of the 2019 Rules and the Indian Council of Medical Research Guidelines 2017. This conflation poses a real harm to the trial participants, specifically the ones with limited access to healthcare facilities. Since drug laws in India do not expressly deal with other forms of access like the 'Compassionate Use' or 'Expanded Access' mechanism, demarcating the scope and describing the strategies for PTA are the need of the hour. We propose possible strategies to address inadequacies in the regulatory regime and establish 'win–win' situations among all stakeholders. We further argue that India is well positioned to provide leadership by developing detailed PTA provisions and may set a potential path for the other clinical trial host countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the large number of joint power stations in the basin but the existence of disputes in the distribution of benefits, a more reasonable method of benefit distribution for cascade power stations is proposed. Based on Shapley value method and TOPSIS method, considering the contribution of power stations and the relative satisfaction of power stations with different objective allocation methods, this paper establishes a compensation benefit allocation model of cascade power stations based on TOPSIS-Shapley value method. At the same time, in order to solve the limitation of Shapley value method in solving the problem of joint scheduling gain allocation of multi-stakeholder cascade power stations, the paper introduces the idea of aggregation dimension reduction. The idea of the model is as follows : the increment of the cascade power generation benefits before and after the joint dispatching of the upstream power station is taken as the compensation benefit. Firstly, four different objective allocation methods are used to calculate the characteristic parameter indexes of the power station to form the basic decision matrix of TOPSIS. The TOPSIS principle is used to obtain the relative satisfaction of the power station to each allocation method. At the same time, the coalition game theory is used to calculate the power generation benefits of all possible coalition modes of the power station, and the compensation benefit allocation results based on Shapley value are obtained. Finally, the allocation coefficient obtained by TOPSIS principle is combined with the allocation coefficient obtained by Shapley value method to form a comprehensive allocation weight, which is applied to the compensation benefit allocation of eight-stage power station in the upper reaches of the Heihe River. The engineering application example shows that the method not only considers the marginal contribution of the union power station to the whole and the satisfaction degree of each power station, but also takes into account the difference of the characteristic index of the power station, and reasonably quantifies and distributes the power generation compensation benefit among the power stations. The allocation result is fair and reasonable and easy to be accepted by all parties, which can promote the power stations at all levels in the basin to participate in the joint dispatching so as to achieve the goal of maximizing the overall benefit. It has an important reference significance for the distribution of compensation benefits of a large number of cascade hydropower stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the dynamic stress characteristics of runner and distributor of pump-turbine, this paper establishes the solid domain models of stay vanes, guide vanes and runner, and carries out the FSI-based computation of runner and distributor. The calculation results show that the stress concentration at the "T" junction between the runner blade and crown is related to the vortex development state at the runner inlet the dynamic and static interference between runner and guide vanes is the main source of pressure pulsation in the vaneless zone, where the main frequency is the blade passing frequency ; the dynamic stress of guide vanes and runner is generally high because the pump-turbine is easily involved in the unstable area while working under smaller GVO (guide vanes opening) or low head conditions. The dynamic stress of guide vanes is greater than that of the runner owing to its constraint guidance effect on water flow, and increased flow rate is beneficial to reducing the dynamic stress of the runner. So for the purpose of improving the dynamic stress of runner, the measures could be ime, in order to solve the limitation of Shapley value method in solving the problem of joint scheduling gain allocation of multi-stakeholder cascade power stations, the paper introduces the idea of aggregation dimension reduction. The idea of the model is as follows : the increment of the cascade power generation benefits before and after the joint dispatching of the upstream power station is taken as the compensation benefit. Firstly, four different objective allocation methods are used to calculate the characteristic parameter indexes of the power station to form the basic decision matrix of TOPSIS. The TOPSIS principle is used to obtain the relative satisfaction of the power station to each allocation method. At the same time, the coalition game theory is used to calculate the power generation benefits of all possible coalition modes of the power station, and the compensation benefit allocation results based on Shapley value are obtained. Finally, the allocation coefficient obtained by TOPSIS principle is combined with the allocation coefficient obtained by Shapley value method to form a comprehensive allocation weight, which is applied to the compensation benefit allocation of eight-stage power station in the upper reaches of the Heihe River. The engineering application example shows that the method not only considers the marginal contribution of the union power station to the whole and the satisfaction degree of each power station, but also takes into account the difference of the characteristic index of the power station, and reasonably quantifies and distributes the power generation compensation benefit among the power stations. The allocation result is fair and reasonable and easy to be accepted by all parties, which can promote the power stations at all levels in the basin to participate in the joint dispatching so as to achieve the goal of maximizing the overall benefit. It has an important reference significance for the distribution of compensation benefits of a large number of cascade hydropower stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the past to the present, use of common water resources has caused conflicts between states, therefore international law has tried to prevent such conflicts. However, with scarcity of available water resources, international water conflicts have increased in recent decades; this can be considered as proof of inability of approaches adopted by states, which are based on quantitative division of water, in facing and solving such conflicts. The current research, using a descriptive-analytical method, indicates that transition from focusing on volumetric allocation of water between states sharing river to establishment of cooperation arrangements between them in order to use river in the most optimal way available and the fair sharing of benefits from this cooperation can be considered a more favourable option for using these valuable water resources. In fact, application of benefit sharing arrangements in the use of transboundary rivers, which is also supported by the fundamental principles of international water law, through transformation of win-loss result due to water sharing into a win-win result due to cooperation in the optimal use of common water resources, increases interests of states and not only prevents water conflicts, but is able to develop and strengthen international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the positive impacts of private investor (PI) contributions in improving distribution network (DN) technical, environmental and economic features are considered in the recent studies. In this paper photovoltaic investor (PVI) participates in improving technical constraints of DN. DN operator (DNO) is the owner of wind turbine (WT). The main functions are formed as benefit functions. Benefits which are obtained by improving technical constraints (impacts of contributing PVI and WTs in improving technical constraints) are written in the benefit functions. Technical constraints include: voltage deviation (VD), active and reactive power loss. By designating weight with high value to each of technical constraints, genetic algorithm (GA) solves the optimization problem. Different scenarios are considered in the siting and sizing problem. Furthermore, comprehensive study is done by defining benefit contribution parameter (ψ). Changing the value of ψ from 0 to 100%, gives the best interaction between PVI and DN operator (DNO). Since the presented optimal siting and sizing problem is formed as multi criteria, by applying multi‐attribute decision making approach based on technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), the optimal contribution of DNO and PVI is determined. Obtained results from simulation reveal that in a case without sharing benefit between DNO and PVI, the PVI could not receive benefits from project (all of solutions are negative value) but in the case with benefit sharing, the project has attractiveness for the PVI (it is illustrated as a positive benefit values for PVI). The optimum solution is received by making a trade‐off between DNO and PVI benefits. The optimum values are 2.287E6 and 2.201E6, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic has reinforced the critical role of ethics and community engagement in designing and conducting clinical research during infectious disease outbreaks where no vaccine or treatment already exists. In reviewing current practices across Africa, we distinguish between three distinct roles for community engagement in clinical research that are often conflated: 1) the importance of community engagement for identifying and honouring cultural sensitivities; 2) the importance of recognising the socio‐political context in which the research is proposed; and 3) the importance of understanding what is in the interest of communities recruited to research according to their own views and values. By making these distinctions, we show that current practice of clinical research could draw on anthropology in ways which are sometimes unnecessary to solicit local cultural values, overlook the importance of socio‐political contexts and wider societal structures within which it works, potentially serving to reinforce unjust political or social regimes, and threaten to cast doubt on the trustworthiness of the research. We argue that more discerning anthropological engagement as well as wider collaboration with other social scientists and those working in the humanities is urgently needed to improve the ethics of current biomedical and pharmaceutical research practice in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caribbean is the seventh largest biodiversity hotspot (36 are recognized worldwide). This biodiversity is under myriad of threats including biopiracy, inertia, inequitable land use, and climate change. The loss of potential income due to biopiracy has made the Caribbean poorer as it has only benefitted countries outside of the region while leaving the Caribbean footing the bill for maintenance of its bioresource. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) entered into force in 1993 and the Nagoya Protocol (NP) in 2014. The CBD, ratified by all UN members except the US, affirms that conservation of biodiversity is a common concern, reaffirms States have sovereign rights over their bioresources, while recognizing the close and traditional dependence of indigenous and local communities to this bioresource and the desirability of sharing benefits equitably with them for conservation and developmental purposes. The Nagoya Protocol provides a legal framework for access and benefit sharing when biodiversity, with or without associated traditional knowledge, from one party is sold as commercial products by another. As part of a recent UNEP project, which identified issues Caribbean nations face in ratifying and utilizing the NP, reported here are bioprospecting cases that have, or have not, benefitted the region. Included are biopiracy cases which had not but are now providing benefits to the Caribbean. Besides the obvious need for the Caribbean to invest more in valuing our own biodiversity and ratifying the NP, opportunities for the region include keeping more of the bioprospecting value-chain in the Caribbean, converting value-chains into value-rings, and developing regional registries and databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Although significant advances have been made in implementing international mechanisms to support the benefit sharing of natural resources in low and middle income countries, there are limited practical examples. Our research examines how the ornamental horticulture sector might be able to meet its benefit sharing requirements. Employing a consumer survey, we reveal the potential for monetary benefit sharing to emerge for plants with Known Wild Provenance. Our results indicate that although consumers value plants that have their Known Wild Provenance clearly labelled, the magnitude of this estimate is insufficient to generate meaningful monetary benefits. Summary The global trade in ornamental plants is significant and growing. Historically, the relationship between the acquisition of novel plants from the wild for use in ornamental horticulture has been referred to as plant hunting. However, questions are now being raised about the ethical utilisation of biological resources and if those countries providing access to material from the wild are receiving adequate benefits. It is in this context that we examine if plants of Known Wild Provenance (KWP) are valued by UK consumers, and if a potential premium could be the basis of a benefit‐sharing agreement. Employing a choice experiment, we assess consumers' preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for KWP. Our analysis reveals that KWP did not prove to be a strong driver for plant buyers. Although a positive WTP is generated it is relatively small. Thus, the ability of commercial horticulture to provide monetary benefits to support benefit sharing is likely limited. This result raises questions as to how benefit sharing might then be implemented if buyers of plants are not prepared to pay a price premium.

The "BBNJ Agreement" has created a benefit-sharing system for marine genetic resources and changed the existing legislation on the "first-come, first-served" commercial utilization rules for the resources; It also has established a global mechanism for Area-Based Management Tools and Environmental Impact Assessment, and improved the limitations of existing conservation rules that are relatively independent and lack coordination and cooperation. However, there are a series of problems in the draft, such as huge differences in the benefit sharing system of marine genetic resources, ignorance of scientific basis and objective practical needs, weak implementation and supervision mechanism, and failure to properly deal with the connection with the existing system, which will threaten the establishment, universality and regulatory effect of the agreement. China should clarify the different needs of developing countries and developed countries in order to exchange justice and take into account the interests of all parties; deeply participate in inter-governmental negotiations, and guide the construction of a more just and equitable international maritime order at the global level with the concept of Maritime Community with a Shared Future; strengthen BBNJ's sampling and commercial process, safeguard and expand maritime rights and interests.

Advances in genomic research have significantly enhanced modern drug development. However, equitable benefit sharing of the results of scientific advancement has not always been achieved. This paper shows how molecular biology has modified medicines development while also leaving open significant challenges for benefit sharing. Presented here is a conceptual modeling describing the processes in genetic-related medicines development and how these are related to specific ethical considerations. The focus is on three important areas: 1) population genetics and the need for discrimination prevention; 2) pharmacogenomics and the need for inclusive governance; and 3) global health to be achieved in open science frameworks. Benefit sharing is taken as the ethical value that underlies all these aspects. The implementation of benefit sharing requires a value shift in which the outcomes of health science are not viewed simply as trade commodities but also as a "global public good". This approach should lead to genetic science to contribute to promoting the fundamental human right to health to all members of the global community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kenya has various policy instruments that provide for local community participation in tourism. However, the impact of these policies has come into question as researchers continue to demonstrate the presence of limited community participation and benefits within the country's tourism industry. This analysis uses qualitative content analysis to examine the provisions of eight national-level and eleven local-level policies as far as community participation in tourism is concerned. It establishes that while Kenyan policies have had a positive impact on community participation in tourism, their effectiveness is undermined by inconsistencies in their approach to community participation. The country lacks a common framework to guide policymakers in planning for community participation. Without a unified policy direction, low levels of community participation and benefits will continue to be experienced even by countries that have a rich policy environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]