Search Results (394)

Today, ‘social sustainability’ is a key feature of many organisations’ environmental, social, and governance strategies, as well as underpinning sustainable development goals. The term refers to the implementation of targets such as reduced societal inequalities, the promotion of social well-being, and the practice of positive community relations. Building a meaningful, accountable, and quantifiable evidence-base from which to translate these high-level concepts into tangible and achievable goals is, however, challenging. The complexities of measuring social capital—often described as a building block of social sustainability—have been documented. The challenge lies in measuring the person, group, or collective in interaction with the context under investigation, whether that be a climate goal, an institution, or a national policy. Social identity theory is a social psychological approach that articulates the processes through which an individual internalises the values, norms, and behaviours of their contexts. Levels of social identification—a concept capturing the state of internalisation—have been shown to be predictive of outcomes as diverse as communication and cognition, trust and citizenship, leadership and compliance, and health and well-being. Applying this perspective to the articulation and measurement of social sustainability provides an opportunity to build an empirical approach with which to reliably translate this high-level concept into achievable outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: In many parts of the world, pharmacists hold the primary responsibility for providing safe and effective pharmacotherapy. A key aspect is the availability of appropriate medicines for each individual patient. When industrially manufactured medicines are unsuitable or unavailable, pharmacists can prepare tailor-made medicines. While this principle applies globally, practices vary between countries. In the Netherlands, the preparation of medicines in pharmacies is well-established and integrated into routine healthcare. This narrative review explores the role and significance of extemporaneous compounding, pharmacy preparations and related product care in the Netherlands. Methods: Pharmacists involved in pharmacy preparations across various professional sectors, including community and hospital pharmacies, central compounding facilities, academia, and the professional pharmacists’ organisation, provided detailed and expert insights based on the literature and policy documents while also sharing their critical perspectives. Results: We present arguments supporting the need for pharmacy preparations and examine their position and role in community and hospital pharmacies in the Netherlands. Additional topics are discussed, including the regulatory and legal framework, outsourcing, quality assurance, standardisation, education, and international context. Specific pharmacy preparation topics, often with a research component and a strong focus on product care, are highlighted, including paediatric dosage forms, swallowing difficulties and feeding tubes, hospital-at-home care, reconstitution of oncolytic drugs and biologicals, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), radiopharmaceuticals and optical tracers, clinical trial medication, robotisation in reconstitution, and patient-centric solid oral dosage forms. Conclusions: The widespread acceptance of pharmacy preparations in the Netherlands is the result of a unique combination of strict adherence to tailored regulations that ensure quality and safety, and patient-oriented flexibility in design, formulation, and production. This approach is further reinforced by the standardisation of a broad range of formulations and procedures across primary, secondary and tertiary care, as well as by continuous research-driven innovation to develop new medicines, formulations, and production methods. Full article

With the development of information and communication technologies, analysing new risks of moral harassment at work is becoming increasingly pertinent, especially with the expansion of teleworking and hybrid working (a mix of remote and face-to-face work per week) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an attempt to respond to the new issues of labour regulation, this study places special emphasis on new risks of moral harassment in hybrid work and teleworking contexts, considering both the international and European framework and the legal regime in Portugal, identifying its specificities. With the rise in teleworking in the post-pandemic period, the online monitoring of workers has accentuated the difficulty in drawing the line between managerial power and harassment. Moral harassment at work is a persistent challenge and organisations must recognise, prevent and respond to inappropriate behaviour in the organisation. The results of this study—based on the results of an online survey completed by employees (with employment contracts)—show that teleworking employees recognise that they have been pressured, above all, both to respond to messages quickly and pressure to work beyond hours and suggest possible gender differences in the way harassment in hybrid work and teleworking contexts is reported. Full article

This study explores the emergent dynamics of knowledge sovereignty within organisations following data breach incidents. Using qualitative analysis based on Benoit’s image restoration theory, this study shows that employees do more than relay official messages—they actively shape information governance after a cyberattack. Employees adapt Benoit’s response strategies (denial, evasion of responsibility, reducing offensiveness, corrective action, and mortification) based on how authentic they perceive the organisation’s response, their identification with the company, and their sense of fairness in crisis management. This investigation substantively extends extant crisis communication theory by showing how knowledge sovereignty is shaped through negotiation, as employees manage their dual role as breach victims and organisational representatives. The findings suggest that employees are key actors in post-breach information governance, and that their authentic engagement is critical to organisational recovery after cybersecurity incidents. Full article

VisRep (Visualisation Report) is an AI-powered system for capturing and structuring the early stages of the visualisation design process. It addresses a critical gap in predesign: the lack of tools that can naturally record, organise, and transform raw ideation, spoken thoughts, sketches, and evolving concepts into polished, shareable outputs. Users engage in talk-aloud sessions through a terminal-style interface supported by intelligent transcription and eleven structured questions that frame intent, audience, and output goals. These inputs are then processed by a large language model (LLM) guided by markdown-based output templates for reports, posters, and slides. The system aligns free-form ideas with structured communication using prompt engineering to ensure clarity, coherence, and visual consistency. VisRep not only automates the generation of professional deliverables but also enhances reflective practice by bridging spontaneous ideation and structured documentation. This paper introduces VisRep’s methodology, interface design, and AI-driven workflow, demonstrating how it improves the fidelity and transparency of the visualisation design process across academic, professional, and creative domains. Full article

Bring them home, keep them home is research based in New South Wales (NSW) Australia, that aims to understand successful and sustainable reunification for Aboriginal families who have children in out-of-home care (OOHC). This research is led by Aboriginal researchers, and partners with Aboriginal organisations. It is informed by the experiences of 20 Aboriginal parents and family members, and more than 200 practitioners and professionals working in child protection and reunification. This paper traces the evolution of Bring them home, keep them home which is now at the forefront of influence for NSW child protection reforms. Using specific examples, it highlights the role of research advocacy and resistance in challenging and disrupting systems in ways that amplify the voices of Aboriginal families and communities and embeds these voices as the foundation for radical innovation for child reunification approaches. The paper shares lessons being learned and insights for Aboriginal-led research with communities in the pursuit of restorative justice, system change, and self-determination. Providing a framework for liberating Aboriginal families from child abduction systems, this paper seeks to offer a truth-telling and practical contribution to the international efforts of Indigenous resistance to child abduction systems. Full article

Job advertisements play a key role in human resource management as they are the first contact between employers and potential employees. A well-written job advertisement communicates not only the requirements and expectations of the position but also the culture, values, and goals of the organisation. Transparent and attractive advertisements increase the number of applicants and help to select the right candidates, leading to more efficient recruitment and selection processes in the long run. From a human resource management perspective, effective job advertising can give organisations a competitive advantage. Continuous changes in the labour market and technological developments require new competencies. Digitalisation, automation, and data-driven decision-making have brought IT, analytical, and communication skills to the fore. There is a growing emphasis on soft skills such as problem solving, flexibility, and teamwork, which are essential in a fast-changing work environment. Job advertisements should reflect these expectations so that candidates are aware of the competencies and skills required for the position. The aim of the study is to carry out a cross-country comparative analysis for a few pre-selected jobs based on data extracted from the CEDEFOP database as it is assumed that there are differences between countries in the European Union in terms of the expectations of workers for the same jobs. Full article

The European Union’s developing rural development plan places digital and precision agriculture at the centre of agricultural modernisation and economic development. This article examines how agricultural practices in rural EU regions are being influenced by smart technology, such as drones, IoT sensors, satellite-based research, and AI-driven platforms, through an analysis of recent data from sources across the European Union. This study applies a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of strategic policy documents and EU databases, to evaluate the ways in which precision agriculture reduces input consumption, increases productivity, reduces labour shortages and rural area depopulation, and improves sustainability. By investing in infrastructure, developing communities for data exchange, and organising training for farmers, European policies such as the Strategic Plans of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the SmartAgriHubs initiative, and the AgData program actively encourage the transition to digital agriculture. Cyprus is analysed as a case study to show how targeted investments and initiatives supported by the EU can help smaller countries, with limited natural resources, to realise the benefits of digital transformation in agriculture. A special focus is placed on how solutions adapted to agro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions can contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, attracting young people to get involved in this field and opening up new economic opportunities. The results of previous research indicate that digital agriculture not only improves productivity but also proves to be a strategic mechanism for attracting and retaining young people in rural areas. Thus, this work additionally contributes to the broader goal of the European Union—the development of smart, inclusive, and sustainable rural areas, in which digital technologies are not only seen as tools for efficiency but also as key means for integrated and long-term rural development. Full article

This study addresses the performance of digital platforms in enhancing ocean governance by improving communication and collaboration among stakeholders. It analyses several platforms based on their collaborative initiatives, digital tools, and ability to function as networks of knowledge. The findings show that these platforms bridge gaps between regional, national, and non-governmental organisations, promoting informed decision making. Their online presence enhances transparency and engagement, especially post-COVID-19. This study highlights the need for hybrid platforms combining informative and interactive elements to better serve both experts and the public. From this analysis, some recommendations are drawn to provide rules and design for the cooperation and co-design of a platform to foster better communication, collaboration, and sustainable ocean management practices. Full article

Disaster waste management (DWM) has gained much attention due to the issues associated with the enormous amount of disaster waste generated by natural disasters. However, moving beyond ad hoc and champion-based take-up by practitioners, there is generally a lack of momentum towards mainstreaming such DWM practices to achieve resilient outcomes. This study aims to explore the characteristics of DWM practices, drawing on the lived experiences of industry practitioners and government decision-makers. An interpretive case study method was used to investigate how local government organisations could readily engage in effective DWM processes using the “Resilient disaster management framework” previously established by the research team. Insights include a lack of documented plans for DWM and at best a moderate focus on recovery processes for disaster waste. With these issues counterproductive to community resilience outcomes, there is an urgent need to better manage disaster waste, which we propose can be enabled and supported through DWM plans. The extended ‘resilient DWM framework’ proposed in this study provides a useful reference to prepare practical, agile, and comprehensive DWM plans. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings. A hub-and-spoke model, decentralising expertise and distributing resources to peripheral facilities, has been proposed as a strategy to enhance the antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Aim: This study sought to understand healthcare professionals’ experiences of a hub-and-spoke AMS model in the Volta Region of Ghana and its influence on clinical practice, leadership, and collaborative endeavours to address AMR. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 healthcare professionals who participated in the AMS program. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to the knowledge and skills that were gained, clinical and leadership practice changes, capacity building, and challenges. Results: Participants reported an increased awareness of AMR, particularly regarding the scale and clinical implications of antimicrobial misuse. The clinical practice improvements included more judicious prescribing and enhanced adherence to infection prevention and control measures. Many respondents highlighted stronger leadership skills and a commitment to capacity building through AMS committees, multidisciplinary collaboration, and cross-organisational knowledge exchange. Despite resource constraints and logistical hurdles, participants expressed optimism, citing data-driven approaches such as point prevalence surveys to track progress and inform policy. Engagement with hospital management and public outreach were viewed as essential to sustaining AMS efforts and curbing over-the-counter antibiotic misuse. Conclusions: The hub-and-spoke model caused observable improvements in AMS knowledge, clinical practice, and leadership capacity among healthcare professionals in Ghana. While challenges remain, particularly in securing sustainable resources and shifting community behaviours, these findings underscore the potential of network-based programs to catalyse systemic changes in tackling AMR. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and strategies for embedding AMS practices more deeply within healthcare systems and communities. Full article

Mental illness relapse among teachers presents a growing public health concern, particularly in under-resourced settings, where social and structural factors often go unaddressed. This study aimed to explore challenges outside the workplace that contribute to mental illness relapse among public school teachers in Limpopo Province and how they cope with them. Guided by the Stress-Vulnerability Model, a qualitative explorative phenomenological design was employed. Fourteen participants with a documented history of existing mental illness and mental illness relapse were purposively selected across four different hospitals. The data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face semi-structured interviews until data saturation was reached. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Tesch’s open coding method. The findings revealed unstable home environments, community-level stigma, inadequate institutional support, and systemic barriers to mental healthcare access. Moreover, the participants rely on family members for support and on spiritual practices to cope, highlighting gaps in formal support systems. Addressing these overlooked challenges is critical to reducing relapse resulting from social and systematic challenges, promoting mental health equity, and sustaining teacher resilience in underserved communities. This study calls for collaborative efforts from policymakers, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community leaders, including faith-based organisations, to develop integrated mental health strategies. Such strategies can promote mental health equity, reduce stigma, and support sustainable teacher well-being in vulnerable communities. Full article

Biomimetics has emerged as a transformative interdisciplinary approach that harnesses nature’s evolutionary strategies to develop sustainable solutions across diverse fields. This study explores its integrative role in shaping smart cities, advancing artificial intelligence and robotics, innovating biomedical applications, and enhancing computational design tools. By analysing the evolution of biomimetic principles and their technological impact, this work highlights how nature-inspired solutions contribute to energy efficiency, adaptive urban planning, bioengineered materials, and intelligent systems. Furthermore, this paper discusses future perspectives on biomimetics-driven innovations, emphasising their potential to foster resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in rapidly evolving technological landscapes. Particular attention is given to neuromorphic hardware, a biologically inspired computing paradigm that mimics neural processing through spike-based communication and analogue architectures. Key components such as memristors and neuromorphic processors enable adaptive, low-power, task-specific computation, with wide-ranging applications in robotics, AI, healthcare, and renewable energy systems. Furthermore, this paper analyses how self-organising cities, conceptualised as complex adaptive systems, embody biomimetic traits such as resilience, decentralised optimisation, and autonomous resource management. Full article

At the beginning of the 21st century, rapid technological developments significantly impacted the field of education. As a result, university professors in recent years have been constantly searching and implementing teaching methods, such as blended learning, to increase the interest of their students and retain them in their courses. It is a matter of many academic discussions to create educational practices to reduce student dropout, especially in social sciences courses that are considered by students to be difficult subjects, such as accounting. The blended learning approach is based on constructivist theory and specifically on the Community of Inquiry model, where the educational experience of students is related to social, cognitive, and didactic presence, and it is orientated towards a more student-centred approach that maximises retention rates. The present study employs an exploratory blended-methods design. A questionnaire and individual interviews of students were used to collect data. The study was carried out in the context of an Advanced Financial Accounting course at a Greek university, through the implementation of an experiment with undergraduate students. Important findings include higher retention rates of undergraduate accounting students in the blended class compared to the traditional one, as the redesigning of content for the needs of blended learning, the incorporation of videos, the development of group work, and the good organisation of the course constitute the optimal mix for reducing student attrition. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic was a particularly challenging time for the construction industry as it experienced significant disruptions to operations, affecting various stakeholders. With various national and international health agencies promoting preventive measures, the construction industry struggled with the implementation of these measures due to the unique nature of the work involved in construction. This study aimed to highlight the ways in which stakeholders in the construction industry interacted and responded to the prescribed preventive measures through social media analysis. Using model-based clustering and structural topic modelling, this study provided insights into the prevalent discussion topics in social media around prevention measures in construction. In addition, sentiment analysis demonstrated interesting polarisation around the topic areas. Four prevalent topics that encapsulated the entirety of the social media data were identified, with two of the topics showing an upward trend, as expected, while the other two topics showed a contrasting downward trend. These findings offer practical value for construction managers and policymakers by revealing the effectiveness of different communication strategies and identifying areas where prevention measures faced resistance or acceptance. The sentiment polarisation patterns (50% positive, 40% negative) provide actionable insights for developing more targeted engagement approaches, while the topic evolution trends inform the timing and focus of safety communications. Construction organisations can leverage these insights to improve workplace safety protocols and enhance stakeholder buy-in for future health initiatives. This study lays the foundation for future studies to investigate the connections between the prevalent prevention and the interrelated dynamics within the conversation regarding COVID-19 prevention strategies in the construction sector. Full article