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Complex IT outsourcing relationships aptitude several benefits such as increased cost likelihood and lowered costs, higher scalability and flexibility upon demand. However, by virtue of its complexity, the complex outsourcing typically necessitates the interactions among various stakeholders from diverse regions and cultures, making it significantly more challenging to manage than traditional outsourcing. Furthermore, when compared to other types of outsourcing, complex outsourcing is extremely difficult because it necessitates a variety of control and coordination mechanisms for project management, which proportionally increases the risk of project failure. In order to overcome the failure of projects in complex outsourcing relationships, there is a need of robust systematic research to identify the key challenges and practices in this area. Therefore, this research implements systematic literature review as a research method and works as a pioneer attempt to accomplish the aforementioned objectives. Upon furnishing the SLR results, the authors identified 11 major challenges with 67 practices in hand from a total of 85 papers. Based on these findings, the authors intend to construct a comprehensive framework in the future by incorporating robust methodologies such as AHP and fuzzy logic, among others.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting information of Bangladeshi listed commercial banks and explores the potential effects of corporate governance (CG) elements on CSR disclosures. The annual reports of all private commercial banks (PCB) for the year 2007-2008 are examined to analyse the banks' CSR reporting practice using content analysis. It also considers three elements of CG such as non-executive directors, existence of foreign nationalities and women representation in the board. The multiple regressions were used to measure the impact of CG elements on banks' CSR reporting initiatives. The results of the study demonstrate that though voluntary, overall CSR reporting by Bangladeshi PCB are rather moderate, however, the varieties of CSR items are really impressive. The results also displayed no significant relationship between the women representation in the board and CSR reporting. Conversely, non-executive directors and existence of foreign nationalities have been found the significant impact on the CSR reporting. The main limitations of the paper are that it considers PCB from only one country and uses annual reports disclosures from a single year. The results of the study can be used by researchers to analyse the benefits of including the non-executive directors and foreign nationals on different types of CSR initiatives and standard setters to set the suitable CSR policy guidelines with a view to reinforce such initiatives. This unique paper divulges the CSR related disclosure with possible impact of CG in the specific context of a transitional economy's banks such as Bangladesh. The paper contributes to the CSR literature as it presents empirical evidence of the influences of CG structure on the practices of CSR activities in developing countries' banking sector setting.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313210.].

The adoption of Financial Technology (FinTech), along with the enhancement of Human Resource (HR) competencies, service innovation, and firm growth, plays a crucial role in the development of the banking sector. Despite their importance, obtaining reliable results is often challenging due to the complex, high-dimensional correlations among various features that affect the industry. To address this issue, this research introduces a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model that integrates the Entropy-Weighted Method (EWM) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The primary objective of this study is to systematically evaluate and rank multiple alternatives based on key criteria using the EWM-TOPSIS approaches. Specifically, the analysis considers eleven multifaceted characteristics and eight potential alternatives (A 1 to A 8 ), revealing the significant influence of the proposed MCDM approaches in assessing FinTech adoption, HR competency, service innovation, and firm growth. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the entropy-TOPSIS approaches in providing a structured analysis for a smarter and well-informed decision-making. Ultimately, this research proposes the best alternative from the evaluated options, contributing valuable insights into the future role of FinTech, HR competencies, service innovation, and firm growth within the banking sector.

The metaverse is touted as an exciting new technology amalgamation facilitating next-level immersive experiences for users. However, initial experiences indicate that a host of privacy, security and control issues will need to be effectively resolved for its vision to be realized. This paper highlights the security issues that will need to be resolved in the metaverse and the underlying enabling technologies/platforms. It also discussed the broader challenges confronting the developers, the service providers and other stakeholders in the metaverse ecosystem which if left unaddressed may hamper its broad adoption and appeal. Finally, some ideas on building a viable Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA) model for the metaverse are presented.

Purpose This study examines the association between Chief Executive Officer (CEO) power and the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure, as well as the moderating role of stakeholder influence on this association. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 986 Bangladeshi firm-year observations, this study uses a content analysis technique to develop a 24-item CSR disclosure index. The ordinary least squares regression method is used to estimate the research models, controlling for firm-specific factors that potentially affect the levels of CSR disclosure. Findings The study findings indicate that CEO power is negatively associated with the level of CSR disclosure, and that the negative effects of CEO power on the level of CSR disclosure are attenuated by stakeholder influence. CEO power is documented as reducing the positive impact of CSR disclosure on a firm’s financial performance, with this negative impact attenuated if stakeholders have greater influence on the firm. Practical implications This study suggests that CEO power and stakeholder influence are important factors in determining firms’ incentives to disclose CSR information. Both CEO power and stakeholder influence need to be considered in the CSR – firm performance nexus, given the mixed findings documented in the literature. Originality/value This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on CSR practices by documenting that firms with a powerful CEO have lower levels of CSR disclosure, and that stakeholder influence affects CSR disclosure in the emerging economy context.

SummaryGuidelines for doctors managing osteoporosis in the Asia-Pacific region vary widely. We compared 18 guidelines for similarities and differences in five key areas. We then used a structured consensus process to develop clinical standards of care for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis and for improving the quality of care.PurposeMinimum clinical standards for assessment and management of osteoporosis are needed in the Asia-Pacific (AP) region to inform clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and to improve osteoporosis care. We present the framework of these clinical standards and describe its development.MethodsWe conducted a structured comparative analysis of existing CPGs in the AP region using a “5IQ” model (identification, investigation, information, intervention, integration, and quality). One-hundred data elements were extracted from each guideline. We then employed a four-round Delphi consensus process to structure the framework, identify key components of guidance, and develop clinical care standards.ResultsEighteen guidelines were included. The 5IQ analysis demonstrated marked heterogeneity, notably in guidance on risk factors, the use of biochemical markers, self-care information for patients, indications for osteoporosis treatment, use of fracture risk assessment tools, and protocols for monitoring treatment. There was minimal guidance on long-term management plans or on strategies and systems for clinical quality improvement. Twenty-nine APCO members participated in the Delphi process, resulting in consensus on 16 clinical standards, with levels of attainment defined for those on identification and investigation of fragility fractures, vertebral fracture assessment, and inclusion of quality metrics in guidelines.ConclusionThe 5IQ analysis confirmed previous anecdotal observations of marked heterogeneity of osteoporosis clinical guidelines in the AP region. The Framework provides practical, clear, and feasible recommendations for osteoporosis care and can be adapted for use in other such vastly diverse regions. Implementation of the standards is expected to significantly lessen the global burden of osteoporosis.

The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and breast cancer are both high among women living in Karachi, Pakistan. A matched case control study was conducted in two hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan to evaluate the association of vitamin D (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D) concentrations, vitamin D supplementation and sun exposure with breast cancer among Pakistani women. A total of 411 newly diagnosed histologically confirmed primary breast cancer cases were enrolled and 784 controls, free of breast and any other cancers, were matched by age (year of birth ± 5 years), residence in the same geographic area and study site. Information was collected on sociodemographic history, history of vitamin D supplementation, past medical and obstetrical history, family history of breast cancer, sun exposure history, histopathology reports and anthropometric measurement and venous blood was collected to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Compared to patients with sufficient serum vitamin D (>30 ng/ml), women with serum vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/ml), had a higher risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.10, 2.50). Women with history of vitamin D supplementation one year prior to enrollment, had significant protective effect against breast cancer (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.43). Serum vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased risk of breast cancer, while vitamin D supplementation was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer. In Pakistani women, where vitamin D deficiency is common, raising and maintaining serum vitamin D at population level is a safe and affordable strategy. It may play a role in reducing the incidence of both vitamin D deficiency and breast cancer, particularly among poor women where the breast cancer mortality is highest due to limited resources for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The effects of vitamin D with regard to breast cancer risk in Karachi Pakistan should be further evaluated.

Children with beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) commonly experience metabolic bone diseases. Understanding fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels in these children can shed light on phosphate dysregulation. This study aimed to assess changes in phosphate homeostasis and associated factors, including FGF-23 and explore relationships between iron overload, FGF23 levels, and phosphorus regulation for clinical management of phosphate disorders, in children with β-TM. 143 β-TM patients (57.3% male, median age 12 years) were recruited from Fatimid Foundation Karachi, a blood transfusion facility from January to October 2022. Clinical and biochemical evaluations were conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, including serum ferritin, calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), vitamin D levels, and FGF-23. Descriptive and inferential statistics including multivariable analysis were applied. This study enrolled 143 patients, with 57.3% males. The median age was 12 years, with 53% underweight. Blood transfusion rates varied, with 66.4% receiving 2/month. Bone/joint pain was reported by 76.2%, with 60.8% requiring analgesics. Median serum ferritin was 2768.3 ng/mL. Hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia were observed in 5.6% and 3.5% of participants, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency affected 92.3%. Plasma c-FGF23 was elevated in 60.8%, while i-FGF23 was high in 14%. A low TMP-GFR (glomerular filtration rate) was associated with high c-FGF23 and low i-FGF23. Multivariable regression revealed c-FGF23, TMP:GFR, Corrected Ca, iPTH, and an interaction term between corrected Ca and iPTH as predictors of serum P variability (~75%). The study identified contributors to the variations observed in serum P levels in individuals with β-TM and recommends multidisciplinary care and prospective future studies to form targeted interventions for this population.

The primary aim of the current study was to recognize the biomarker approach as the finest tool to identify the geno-toxicological effects of copper, chromium, and lead inside the blood of grass carp using micronucleus test and comet assay. The induced micronuclei frequency in response to the administered concentrations of LC50 metals was discovered in the erythrocytes of metal-exposed fish at four-time intervals. The genotoxic effect of these metals with respect to the formation of micronuclei was ranked as chromium > lead > copper. Percentages of other cellular and nuclear abnormalities were also determined in the exposed blood films. Equally, the genotoxic studies in terms of comet assay in fish blood revealed significant deviations p < 0.05 against each of the studied metal at their respective time interval as compared with the healthy fish group. However, induced frequency of micronuclei and the calculated DNA damage were not found to be duration dependent. Consequently, copper, chromium, and lead have been explored as cytotoxic elements that can be responsible for inducing genotoxic effects in fish existing aquatic habitats.