Search Results (567)

Rural livelihood transformation is increasingly vital for achieving agricultural modernization, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development in developing countries. Despite growing attention to land consolidation as a tool for improving agricultural resource allocation and productivity, its role in shaping rural livelihoods remains insufficiently understood. Addressing this gap, this study investigates the impacts of China’s High-Standard Farmland Construction (HFC), the country’s flagship land consolidation policy, on farmers’ livelihoods, focusing on both income level and income structure. Using provincial panel data from 30 regions, we adopt a continuous difference-in-differences design and mediation effect model to identify the causal effects of HFC. The results indicate that HFC significantly promotes total household income. Specifically, HFC facilitates mechanized agricultural production by consolidating fragmented plots, reducing production costs, and improving crop yields, thereby increasing agricultural income. Simultaneously, mechanization substitutes for labor and releases surplus workers, who often move to off-farm employment, diversifying income sources and stabilizing household livelihoods. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the benefits of HFC are unevenly distributed. Low-income households, central provinces, and major grain-producing areas experience the greatest gains, and moderate-scale implementation proves more effective than either small- or excessively large-scale projects. This study highlights mechanization as a key mechanism linking land consolidation to rural livelihood transformation. The findings demonstrate that well-planned and efficiently implemented HFC policies can not only enhance agricultural productivity but also foster diversified and inclusive rural livelihoods. Full article

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is essential for protecting the life, health, and physical integrity of workers. In a complex and dynamic professional context, the prevention of occupational risks has become a priority for employers and decision-makers, going beyond legal compliance to create a safe and efficient work environment. This article explores the history and the main theoretical aspects of OHS and explores the implementation of the ISO 45001 standard and introduces managing workplace health and safety (WHS) risks based on the 5M Method and a weighted composite algorithm for OHS risk assessment integrating factors such as severity, probability, frequency of exposure, number of exposed employees, organizational response capacity, and incident history. Applied in a mixed industrial case study, this approach demonstrated superior risk prioritization compared to the classic severity–probability model. The findings have practical applications: organizations can use the Weighted Composite Score to prioritize interventions, allocate resources efficiently, and prevent high-risk incidents. The approach is adaptable across industries, supporting data-driven safety decisions. The integration of this method supports ISO 45001’s principles of a systematic, proactive, and continuous improvement approach to OHS management. Full article

The Moroccan Ryad, a cherished architectural treasure in North Africa, symbolizes cultural richness and architectural legacy. This paper advocates an inventive strategy to preserve and rejuvenate the Ryad as an energy-efficient model, intertwining modern sustainability principles. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, this study delves into the fusion of traditional Ryad design with contemporary sustainability, tackling energy efficiency, resource conservation, and cultural heritage challenges. Examining historical construction methods, material choices, and spatial arrangements alongside sustainable building practices, this paper showcases case studies of newly constructed sustainable Ryads. These examples spotlight strategies like passive solar design, renewable energy incorporation, water conservation, and local material use, augmenting energy performance while fostering cultural continuity through eco-friendly materials and traditional craftsmanship. This research also explores the social and economic impacts of this sustainable Ryad model, including its potential to boost tourism, generate employment, and engage communities. Additionally, it addresses the role of public policy in supporting sustainable practices for preserving Moroccan cultural heritage. By amalgamating culture, sustainability, and energy efficiency, this paper envisions a new role for the Moroccan Ryad, positioning it not only as a guardian of heritage but also as a symbol of environmentally responsible architecture—a model applicable to culturally rich regions globally. Full article

Part-time employment is an increasingly important feature of the U.S. labor market, yet little is known about how earnings determinants differ between full-time and part-time pharmacists. Few prior studies have compared earnings models across these groups, but most have relied on small or geographically limited samples. Moreover, the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the labor market makes this study especially timely, as most prior research on pharmacist earnings is based on older data. This study examined earnings determination separately for full-time and part-time pharmacists, estimating the influence of work input, human capital, demographic characteristics, and job-related features within each group. Data were obtained from the 2019–2022 American Community Survey (ACS), a large, continuous, nationally representative survey conducted annually by the U.S. Census Bureau. The sample included 12,064 pharmacists (4667 men and 7397 women) aged 25–64 years, practicing in the U.S. Ordinary least-squares equations were estimated separately for male and female pharmacists within each employment category, allowing comparison of the direction, magnitude, and statistical significance of covariates across groups. Results revealed notable differences in the earnings effects of several factors between full-time and part-time pharmacists, highlighting the interaction of individual choices and structural market forces in shaping compensation. These findings can inform workforce planning and guide the development of targeted job-related incentives to support retention and satisfaction across employment types. Full article

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease resulting from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and occupational factors. Key environmental risks include exposure to tobacco smoke and respiratory sensitizing agents, many of which are prevalent in workplace settings. In adults, asthma is associated with reduced employment, job instability, and work-related disability, resulting in significant social and economic consequences. This scoping review investigates the role of exposure to respiratory sensitizers in the onset and progression of asthma, considering data from the general population to occupational settings, with a focus on sex and gender as key modifiers of risk, disease severity, and occupational outcomes. Biological studies were also considered to clarify the mechanisms underlying observed sex/gender differences. Epidemiological data indicate that women are disproportionately affected by asthma, experiencing more severe symptoms, higher comorbidity rates, and increased exposure in certain professions such as healthcare, cleaning, and textile work. These disparities are attributed to both sex-related factors (e.g., hormonal influences) and gender-related factors (e.g., occupational roles, smoking habits). Although traditional job roles are changing, women continue to face greater occupational asthma risks. As roles evolve, physiological sex-based differences may become increasingly relevant in shaping asthma susceptibility. This review emphasizes the need for sex- and gender-sensitive strategies in asthma prevention, surveillance, and management, especially in occupational health contexts. Full article

The quality of teacher education represents a fundamental pillar for effective educational systems. European and Czech educational policies emphasise alignment with labour market demands and continuous professional development of teachers. This study examines the motivations of and barriers faced by secondary school teachers enrolled in a pedagogical study programme at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, contextualised within broader European and national strategic frameworks. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined document analysis of international and national educational policy reports with a longitudinal questionnaire survey of 404 bachelor’s level teacher education students. Chi-square tests and sign residual analyses investigated relationships between labour market position, study motivation, and perceived obstacles. Findings reveal that employer requirements primarily drive educational professionals to pursue further qualifications, whilst other occupational groups cite personal interest as their main motivator. Time constraints emerge as the predominant barrier across all groups, followed by inadequate employer support. No significant association was identified between motivation and perceived barriers. Comparative analysis demonstrates Czech teachers’ lower remuneration satisfaction relative to other countries examined in this research. The study concludes that enhanced employer support and targeted policy measures addressing time constraints are essential for effective teacher professional development. Full article

This paper investigates the impact of demographic changes on regional disparities within the European Union. The analysis focuses on key demographic trends—population ageing, low fertility rates, and migration flows—and their long-term implications for labor markets, economic growth, and the sustainability of social systems across EU regions. Using Eurostat data for 169 NUTS2 regions for 2022 and 2023, the study applies descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression models to quantify the effects of life expectancy, fertility rates, and educational attainment on GDP growth and employment in knowledge-intensive and high-tech sectors. Findings indicate that regions with higher shares of highly educated labor and favorable demographic profiles tend to achieve greater economic resilience and competitiveness. In contrast, demographic decline and outmigration continue to deepen structural disparities, particularly in rural and less developed regions. The results underscore the importance of integrated EU policies aimed at addressing demographic challenges while promoting regional cohesion through investment in human capital, innovation, and infrastructure. By highlighting the critical role of demographic factors in shaping regional development, this study contributes to the discourse on designing effective policies to foster sustainable and inclusive growth within the European Union. Full article

Innovative technologies have been supporting the improvement of comfort and safety at work in construction and mining, which are classified as high-risk sectors, for many years. A two-part study (Part I and Part II) was conducted in which the implementation of innovative technologies was analysed and evaluated (opportunities and limitations). In Part II, the technologies employed in the work environment by employees to enhance their comfort and safety at work were analysed. These technologies encompass virtual and augmented reality, innovative personal and collective protective equipment, and exoskeletons. Following a thorough analysis of the extant scientific literature from the Scopus database, it was determined that there were research gaps that required attention. In addition to the evident advantages of enhancing the safety of workers, innovative technological solutions also engender numerous economic benefits for employers, which impact sustainable development in enterprises. In order to fully exploit the potential of modern technologies, it is necessary to continue their integration and overcome implementation barriers, such as the need for changes in education and training, adequate funding, and the development of safety awareness and culture in companies. Full article

Implantable medical devices present several technological challenges, one of the most critical being how to provide power supply and communication capabilities to a device hermetically sealed within the body. Using a battery as a power source represents a potential harm for the individual’s health because of possible toxic chemical release or overheating, and it requires periodic surgery for replacement. This paper proposes a batteryless implantable device powered by an inductive link and equipped with bidirectional wireless communication channels. The device, designed in a 180 nm CMOS process, is based on two different pairs of mutually coupled inductors that provide, respectively, power and a low-bitrate bidirectional communication link and a separate, high-bitrate, one-directional upstream connection. The main link is based on a 13.56 MHz carrier and allows power transmission and a half-duplex two-way communication at 106 kbps (downlink) and 30 kbps (uplink). The secondary link is based on a 27 MHz carrier, which provides one-way communication at 2.25 Mbps only in uplink. The low-bitrate links are needed to send commands and monitor the implanted system, while the high-bitrate link is required to receive a continuous stream of information from the implanted sensing devices. The microchip acts as a hub for power and data wireless transmission capable of managing up to four different neural recording and stimulation front ends, making the device employable in a complex, distributed, bidirectional neural prosthetic system. Full article

Career choices of master’s students, particularly regarding the pursuit of doctoral degrees, have received limited scholarly attention. This study examines the employment pathways and influencing factors of engineering master’s students. Drawing on human capital theory, career preference theory, and the two-way selection model, we analyse nationwide survey data from 21,973 engineering master’s students collected in 2021. Using a multinomial logistic regression model, we examine their post-graduation choices, including pursuing a doctorate, joining universities or scientific research institutions, working in government agencies, or entering the workforce. The findings suggest that gender, family background, and human capital have a significant impact on students’ career destinations. Male students are more likely to choose academic sectors, while those from high-income families tend to opt for non-academic sectors. Higher parental educational attainment increases the likelihood of pursuing doctoral studies, and students with more academic publications are also more likely to pursue a doctorate. These results highlight divergence in employment intentions between academic and non-academic sectors and reveal their underlying logic. The study offers insights for reforming talent cultivation models in universities, enhancing graduate employability, and informing the development of educational policy. Full article

Persistent gender inequality in industrial employment continues to challenge inclusive labor systems worldwide. While education and labor market reforms have expanded opportunities for women, structural barriers remain deeply embedded in manufacturing sectors. This study adopts a systems-based perspective to investigate the institutional, demographic, and health-related factors shaping female employment in manufacturing across ten countries from 2013 to 2022. By integrating feminist political economy with interpretable machine learning techniques—including Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Extra Trees regressors—the study models non-linear and interactive relationships among thirteen structural indicators drawn from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators. The findings reveal that general female labor force participation is the strongest and most consistent predictor of women’s inclusion in manufacturing. Health-related variables, such as maternal mortality and fertility rates, exhibit strong negative effects, underscoring the continued influence of caregiving burdens and inadequate health systems. Education indicators show more variable impacts, suggesting that institutional context mediates their effectiveness. The use of SHAP and Partial Dependence Plots enhances the transparency of the models and supports a more nuanced understanding of how structural forces shape gendered labor outcomes. In addition to modeling structural inequalities, this study highlights how gender knowledges and cultures of equality are contextually produced and negotiated within the manufacturing sector. The findings underscore the importance of understanding both global systems and local cultural frameworks in shaping gendered employment outcomes. By linking interpretable machine learning with systems thinking, this research provides a holistic and data-driven account of industrial gender inequality. The results offer policy-relevant insights for designing more inclusive labor strategies that address not only economic incentives but also the social and institutional systems in which employment patterns are embedded. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral mucositis (OM) is an extremely common and debilitating side effect in patients undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). As such, managing this condition is an obligatory component for their supportive care. Among the available treatment options, photobiomodulation therapy has long since established itself as the most promising approach, with consistent evidence supporting its efficacy. Despite this, the clinical results of this therapy are still influenced by the chosen dosimetry parameters, as well as patient-specific factors. Therefore, this study aimed to assess which factors can continue to influence the severity and onset of OM despite the protective effect provided by the ongoing photobiomodulation therapy. Methods: To achieve this, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 171 patients who underwent PBMT during HSCT over a two-year period at the Brazilian Institute of Cancer Control. These files were used to review clinical and laboratorial parameters, such as OM grade, serum CRP, creatinine, urea, OGT, PGT, pain levels, presence of microorganisms in cultures, type of transplant, and conditioning regimens. All of these were evaluated at two different time points: the first day of conditioning and the day of highest OM degree. The statistical analysis was then conducted to evaluate the correlation between the variables and OM grade. Results: Results showed that type of conditioning regimens, use of MTX during conditioning, presence of microorganisms in cultures, and increased serum CRP, PGT, and initial urea levels were associated with severe OM. Conclusions: Among these, the type of conditioning regimens, MTX usage, positive results in cultures, and increased PGT levels on the first day of conditioning could be considered predictive for severe OM and the worst PBMT results. Consequently, in patients exposed to additional risk factors, adjustments in dosimetry paraments of PBMT or employment of adjuvant therapies should be considered to achieve better results. Full article

This paper develops a belief-based dynamic optimisation framework to explain career continuation decisions in settings characterised by monopsonistic employment and asymmetric performance evaluation. Extending Holmström’s career concerns model, we consider agents who must decide whether to continue or exit their vocation based on subjective beliefs updated from noisy signals. Unlike the original framework, our model assumes a single institutional employer and limited feedback transparency, turning the agent’s decision into an optimal stopping problem governed by evolving belief thresholds. Analytical results demonstrate how greater signal noise, higher effort costs, and more attractive outside options raise the probability of exit. To validate the framework, we confront belief-based dropout decisions using original survey data from over 8000 football referees in Europe, showing that threats, unmet development expectations, and perceived stagnation significantly predict dropout. The results offer practical insights for institutions, such as sports federations, academic bodies, and civil services, on how to improve retention through increased transparency and better support structures. This study contributes to the literature by integrating optimal stopping theory and dynamic labor models in a novel context of constrained career environments. Full article

The natural forest logging ban policy has substantially influenced rural residents’ production activities, daily lives, and income levels. Drawing on panel data from 30 provinces in China, this study examines both the overall effect of the policy on rural households’ income and the internal transmission mechanisms. The policy is regarded as an external shock, and its impact is identified through a multi-period difference-in-differences model combined with a mediation analysis. The results show three main findings: (1) the policy significantly raised rural households’ total income; the structural analysis indicates that its effects are notably positive on wage income and property income; in contrast, the impacts on operating income and transfer income are not statistically significant; (2) mechanism testing found that the policy significantly improved non-agricultural employment and increased ecological protection investment, indicating that the non-agricultural employment and ecological protection investment are important channels for the national natural forest logging ban policy to increase rural residents’ income; (3) heterogeneity analysis shows that the policy effect is more pronounced in areas with a higher distribution of state-owned forest areas, along with the policy effects being more pronounced in non-carbon trading market pilot areas. Therefore, this article proposes policy recommendations for continuously improving the natural forest protection policy system, ensuring effective employment of rural labor, and building coordinated development of forestry systems between regions. Full article

Backgorund. Multiple sclerosis (MS) profoundly affects the lives of patients and their families. The experience of the disease is shaped not only by its progression and specific characteristics but also by the quality of medical and caregiving support received. The diagnosis of MS represents a transformative event that may lead to job loss, the need for continuous care, and a significant reorganization of family roles. In Italy, more than 140,000 people are affected by MS (AISM data, 2024). The impact of the disease is multifaceted and complex, involving various aspects of the patient’s life. Dependence on external assistance often becomes an unavoidable necessity, highlighting the importance of exploring the quality of life of people with MS in the Italian context. The main objective is to assess the quality of life of individuals affected by MS, both before diagnosis and during the course of the disease. A secondary aim is to identify related psycho-physical consequences, including care-related needs. Methods: An online survey was conducted through various associations operating across Italy, involving a sample of 99 individuals diagnosed with MS. Results: The results show a predominance of female participants, with a mean age of 41 years. The disease was reported to be at an early stage in 66.7% of cases and advanced in 33.3%, with none of the respondents being in a terminal phase. The most frequent clinical form was relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), which accounted for 78.8% of the cases. In terms of employment and daily activities, more than half of the participants reported underperforming (59.6%) or limiting specific tasks (51.5%) due to disability caused by the disease. Emotional distress had even more pronounced effects, with 63.6% reporting a decline in performance and 62.6% experiencing concentration difficulties. Quality of life was significantly affected, particularly in the physical and emotional domains. Vitality, physical pain, perceived health, and psychological well-being emerged as compromised dimensions, pointing to the need for a multidimensional care model that integrates therapeutic, rehabilitative, and psychosocial interventions. Individuals in the early stages of MS tended to maintain better work relationships and demonstrated higher levels of professional engagement. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of a continuous and personalized care approach, addressing not only clinical treatment but also psychological and social support. These aspects are crucial for monitoring patients’ needs, promoting quality of life, facilitating disease acceptance, and mitigating psychological distress. Full article