Search Results (140)

The logistics industry faces challenges from evolving consumer expectations, technological advances, sustainability demands, and market disruptions. Logistics collaboration is in theory perceived as one of the most promising solutions to solve these issues, but here are still a lot of challenges that needs to be better understood and addressed. While vertical collaboration among supply chain actors is well advanced, horizontal collaboration among competing service providers remains under-explored. This study developed a novel methodology based on the COM-B behaviour-change framework to better understand the main challenges, opportunities, capabilities and drivers that would motivate competing companies to exploit the potential of horizontal logistics collaboration. A survey was designed and conducted among 71 logistics service providers in Slovenia, chosen for its fragmented market and low willingness to collaborate. Statistical analysis reveals cost reduction (M = 4.21/5) and improved vehicle utilization (M = 4.29/5) as the primary motivators. On the other hand, maintaining company reputation (M = 4.64/5), fair resource sharing (M = 4.20/5), and transparency of logistics processes (M = 4.17/5) all persist as key enabling conditions. These findings underscore the pivotal role of behavioural drivers and suggest strategies that combine economic incentives with targeted trust-building measures. Future research should employ experimental designs in diverse national contexts and integrate vertical–horizontal approaches to validate causal pathways and advance theory. Full article

Flood risk governance has gained increasing attention as climate change and urbanization amplify flood risks. While much of the literature has focused on national and supranational governance frameworks, sectoral integration, and public participation, there remains a critical gap in understanding horizontal coordination within municipal administrations—particularly in medium-sized cities. This study examines how local governments coordinate flood risk management across different departments and administrative units, identifying key challenges and enabling factors. Using a case study of Mörfelden-Walldorf, a medium-sized city in southern Hesse, Germany, we analyze the internal governance dynamics shaping flood resilience. The research highlights institutional fragmentation, sectoral silos, and resource constraints as key barriers to effective coordination while also identifying mechanisms that facilitate cross-departmental collaboration. By integrating insights from the public administration literature with flood governance scholarship, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of local-level flood risk governance. The findings provide practical implications for enhancing municipal flood resilience through improved governance structures and coordination mechanisms. Full article

In response to the dual challenges of the mechanical behavior of steel sheet pile cofferdam and sediment control in urban water intake projects, a multi-method integrated study was conducted based on the Nenjiang Project. The results show that the peak stress of FSP-IV steel sheet piles (64.3 MPa) is located at a depth of 5.5–8.0 m in the center of the foundation pit, and that the maximum horizontal displacement (6.96 mm) occurs at the middle of the side span of the F pile. The internal support stress increases with depth, reaching 87.2 MPa at the bottom, with significant stress concentration at the connection of the surrounding girder. The lack of support or excessively large spacing leads to insufficient stiffness at the side span (5.3 mm displacement at the F point) and right-angle area (B/H point). The simultaneously developed sediment control integrated system, through double-line water intake, layered placement of the geotextile filter, and the collaborative construction of the water intake hole–filter layer system, achieves a 75% reduction in sediment content and a decrease in standard deviation. This approach ensures stable water quality and continuous water supply, ultimately forming a systematic solution for water intake in high-sediment rivers. Full article

Dark ships, vessels deliberately disabling their AIS signals, constitute a grave maritime safety hazard, with detection efforts hindered by issues like over-reliance on AIS, inadequate surveillance coverage, and significant mismatch rates. This paper proposes an improved multi-feature association method that integrates satellite remote sensing and AIS data, with a focus on oriented bounding box course estimation, to improve the detection of dark ships and enhance maritime surveillance. Firstly, the oriented bounding box object detection model (YOLOv11n-OBB) is trained to break through the limitations of horizontal bounding box orientation representation. Secondly, by integrating position, dimensions (length and width), and course characteristics, we devise a joint cost function to evaluate the combined significance of multiple features. Subsequently, an advanced JVC global optimization algorithm is employed to ensure high-precision association in dense scenes. Finally, by integrating data from Gaofen-6 (optical) and Gaofen-3B (SAR) satellites, a day-and-night collaborative monitoring framework is constructed to address the blind spots of single-sensor monitoring during night-time or adverse weather conditions. Our results indicate that the detection model demonstrates a high average precision (AP50) of 0.986 on the optical dataset and 0.903 on the SAR dataset. The association accuracy of the multi-feature association algorithm is 91.74% in optical image and AIS data matching, and 91.33% in SAR image and AIS data matching. The association rate reaches 96.03% (optical) and 74.24% (SAR), respectively. This study provides an efficient technical tool for maritime safety regulation through multi-source data fusion and algorithm innovation. Full article

Industrialized construction faces persistent fragmentation challenges that negatively impact project performance. Although there is consensus on the importance of integration, its effective adoption in industrialized construction, particularly for modular timber building companies, remains underexplored. This study examines how intra-organization fragmentation and stakeholder integration influence project performance through a combined empirical case study and theoretical simulation analysis. This study adopted a computational modeling strategy based on the Virtual Design Team (VDT) approach to simulate the organizational structure and process in a real-world industrialized timber building company. The VDT’s baseline results reveal significant rework from inadequate early integration among specialties and functional departments, increasing the project schedule. A revised scenario introduces horizontal and vertical integration by co-locating design and manufacturing team members and reducing the decision-making level. These adjustments substantially reduced rework in design phases and shortened the project duration below the original plan. The critical role of early collaborative involvement of all disciplines emphasizes that integrated organizational structures and processes are essential for ensuring reliable project outcomes in industrialized timber building companies. This research provides empirically grounded insights highlighting the strategic importance of integration in industrialized construction and establishes a validated modeling basis to guide practical interventions and future research on integration-driven improvements. Full article

Graduate students and novice researchers face various challenges in their study programs or workplaces, including a research-focused curriculum and high research expectations at the expense of other areas of responsibility that would allow for training and socializing in their environment. The involvement in participatory action research (PAR) is a lever for supporting the professionalization of apprentice and novice researchers by promoting their training through the development of skills adapted to individual circumstances and by fostering their socialization in the academic environment. The results of the analysis of 63 reflective logbooks, two focus groups, and 20 individual interviews show professionalization in both areas of training and socializing. More specifically, the four professional skills that were most developed are project management, collaboration, digital, media, and information literacy, and communication. In terms of socialization, the experience of performing research differently, the implementation of horizontal governance, the varied distribution of responsibilities among participants, the work in multidisciplinary teams, and the hands-on learning of the PAR process played a decisive role. A discussion follows on the potential of PAR for the professionalization of emerging scholars, focusing on the strengths and distinctive features of their experience. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic resistance or antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock is a growing global concern that threatens both human and animal health. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in livestock production have led to an increased propensity for the development of AMR bacterial strains in animals, which can be spread to humans through the consumption of contaminated animal products, direct contact, or environmental exposure. This review aims to summarize the development and transmission of AMR in livestock, explore its underlying mechanisms and impact on human and animal health, and discuss current practices and potential strategies for mitigation and prevention. Methods: For this narrative review, we searched articles on PubMed and Google Scholar using the terms antibiotic resistance, livestock, and environment, alone or in combination. Results: The history of antibiotic use in livestock and its link to increased AMR, along with the involved mechanisms, including the enzymatic breakdown of antibiotics, alterations in bacterial targets, horizontal gene transfer, and efflux pumps, are important. Antibiotics in livestock are used for growth promotion, disease prevention and control, and metaphylactic use. The role of livestock and the environment as reservoirs for resistant pathogens, their impact on human health, chronic infections, allergic reactions, toxicity, and the development of untreatable diseases is important to understand AMR. Conclusions: Given the widespread use of antibiotics and the potential consequences of AMR, collaborative global efforts, increased public awareness, coordinated regulations, and advancements in biological technology are required to mitigate the threat AMR poses to human and animal health. Regulatory solutions and the development of new therapeutic alternatives like antimicrobial peptides and bacteriophage therapy, and preventive measures such as DNA and mRNA vaccines, are future perspectives. Full article

As technological progress and population growth continue to drive rising energy demand, renewable energy has emerged as a key focus of the global energy transition due to its environmental sustainability. However, in suitability assessments and site selection for green energy projects such as photovoltaic (PV) power generation, key criteria such as supply–demand balance and land price are often inadequately considered, despite their direct impact on decision outcomes. Moreover, excessive reliance on expert judgment for weighting, along with the neglect of inter-criterion relationships, introduces uncertainty. Combined with the presence of ill-posed problems, these issues limit the practical value of the evaluation results. This study integrates economic cost–benefit analysis into the evaluation criteria system alongside climatic and geographical criteria, constructing a set of 11 spatial indicators, including global horizontal irradiation (GHI), land prices, and regional power demand, to support PV site selection. Furthermore, a comprehensive evaluation framework is proposed that combines geographic information systems (GIS), multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), and machine learning (ML). The framework enables the collaborative optimization of expert-constrained and data-driven criteria weighting. A national suitability zoning map for PV power plants was developed and validated against actual construction cases. The results demonstrate that the proposed methodology outperforms traditional approaches, achieving a 0.1178 improvement in weight determination compared to expert-based methods, producing a photovoltaic suitability map that more accurately reflects actual construction trends, thereby providing better and more effective support for PV site planning. Full article

Enterovirus (EV) infections in neonates can be transmitted vertically or horizontally, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including myocarditis, meningoencephalitis, and hepatitis. Neonates with EV-induced myocarditis may present severe cardiovascular disease with sudden onset of arrhythmia. Neonatal arrhythmias, particularly in low birth weight or critically ill infants, can impair cardiac function and worsen outcomes. EV targets cardiomyocyte receptors, inducing apoptosis pathways and triggering cardiac conduction disturbances. We present an extremely low-birth-weight preterm infant (GW 27 + 6) who developed EV-induced myocarditis, complicated with a sudden onset of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), pericardial effusion and bi-atrial enlargement. Despite multi-agent regimen, including propranolol, flecainide, and amiodarone, the infant showed persistent junctional rhythm until seven months of age, later transitioning to atrial rhythm with stable cardiac function. A review of previously published rhythm disturbances due to EV-induced myocarditis is presented. Newborns with EV-induced arrhythmia may require a multi-modal treatment such as a multi-agent medical regimen or, in severe non-responsive cases, an electrophysiological approach. EV infections may cause long-term cardiovascular comorbidities (such as left ventricular dysfunction or mitral valve regurgitation), necessitating continuous monitoring through echocardiography and ECG. Collaboration between neonatologists and pediatric cardiologists is crucial for effective treatment and follow-up. Full article

Antibiotic resistance in aquaculture has emerged as a global crisis, representing a serious threat to the health of aquatic animals, environment, and human. The extensive use of antibiotics in aquaculture has led to rapid development of resistant bacterial strains, resulting in environmental contamination and the dissemination of resistant genes. Understanding of the research trends, key contributors, and thematic evolution of this field is essential for guiding future studies and policy interventions. The study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research on antibiotic resistance development in aquaculture, identifying key areas of research, leading contributors, emerging challenges, and alternative solutions. Data were extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database covering the period from 2000 to 2025. A systematic search strategy was employed, utilizing terms including “antibiotic resistance” AND “bacteria,” AND “aquaculture”. Relevant publications were extracted from the WoS using these keywords. R-tool was then used to analyze the obtained metadata including keywords, citation patterns, and co-authored country. The analysis revealed a remarkable increase in publications over the past 25 years, with key contributions from China, India, and the USA. The most significant articles focused on the presence of multidrug resistant bacteria in the aquatic environments and, antibiotic-resistant genes, and horizontal gene transfer. Probiotics are the alternative solution to overcome the antibiotic resistance and enhance aquaculture sustainability. Future research should focus on the interdisciplinary collaboration, novel antimicrobial alternatives, and global monitoring approaches. Full article

Although dynamic, energy-efficient container-supply hybrid flow shops have attracted increasing attention, most existing research overlooks how transportation within container production affects makespan, resilience, and sustainability. To bridge this gap, we frame a resilient, energy-efficient container-supply hybrid flow shop (TDEHFSP) scheduling model that utilizes vehicle transportation to maximize operational efficiency. To address the TDEHFSP model, the study proposes a Q-learning-based multi-swarm collaborative optimization algorithm (Q-MGCOA). The algorithm integrates a time gap left-shift scheduling strategy with a machine on–off control mechanism to construct an energy-saving optimization framework. Additionally, a predictive–reactive dynamic rescheduling model is introduced to address unexpected task disturbances. To validate the algorithm’s effectiveness, 36 benchmark test cases with varying scales are designed for horizontal comparison. Results show that the proposed Q-MGCOA outperforms benchmarks on convergence, diversity, and supply-chain resilience while lowering energy utilization. Moreover, it achieves about an 8% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional algorithms. These findings reveal actionable insights for next-generation intelligent, low-carbon container production. Full article

This paper proposes federated learning-based frameworks for supply chain risk management to address data-sharing constraints. To validate, centralized federated learning with horizontal data was applied for delivery delay prediction using datasets from two textile suppliers: supplier 1 has less data and is considered small, while supplier 2, with more data, represents a larger one. The prediction model is developed using an artificial neural network within the federated framework. The results show that federated learning benefits suppliers, especially the ones with limited data. Notably, federated learning outperforms centralized learning and local standalone learning. This highlights its potential to address privacy and facilitate collaboration. Full article

This study focuses on the systematic conservation of historical architectural heritage in Heilongjiang Province, particularly addressing the challenges of point-based protection and spatial fragmentation. It explores the construction of a connected and conductive heritage corridor network, using historical building clusters across the province as empirical cases. A comprehensive analytical framework is established by integrating the nearest neighbor index, kernel density estimation, minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, entropy weighting, circuit theory, and network structure metrics. Kernel density analysis reveals a distinct spatial aggregation pattern, characterized by “one core, multiple zones.” Seven resistance factors—including elevation, slope, land use, road networks, and service accessibility—are constructed, with weights assigned through an entropy-based method to generate an integrated resistance surface and suitability map. Circuit theory is employed to simulate cultural “current” flows, identifying 401 potential corridors at the provincial, municipal, and district levels. A hierarchical station system is further developed based on current density, forming a coordinated structure of primary trunks, secondary branches, and complementary nodes. The corridor network’s connectivity is evaluated using graph-theoretic indices (α, β, and γ), which indicate high levels of closure, structural complexity, and accessibility. The results yield the following key findings: (1) Historical architectural resources in Heilongjiang demonstrate significant coupling with the Chinese Eastern Railway and multi-ethnic cultural corridors, forming a “one horizontal, three vertical” spatial configuration. The horizontal axis (Qiqihar–Harbin–Mudanjiang) aligns with the core cultural route of the railway, while the three vertical axes (Qiqihar–Heihe, Harbin–Heihe, and Mudanjiang–Luobei) correspond to ethnic cultural pathways. This forms a framework of “railway as backbone, ethnicity as wings.” (2) Comparative analysis of corridor paths, railways, and highways reveals structural mismatches in certain regions, including absent high-speed connections along northern trunk lines, insufficient feeder lines in secondary corridors, sparse terminal links, and missing ecological stations near regional boundaries. To address these gaps, a three-tier transportation coordination strategy is recommended: it comprises provincial corridors linked to high-speed rail, municipal corridors aligned with conventional rail, and district corridors connected via highway systems. Key enhancement zones include Yichun–Heihe, Youyi–Hulin, and Hegang–Wuying, where targeted infrastructure upgrades and integrated station hubs are proposed. Based on these findings, this study proposes a comprehensive governance paradigm for heritage corridors that balances multi-level coordination (provincial–municipal–district) with ecological planning. A closed-loop strategy of “identification–analysis–optimization” is developed, featuring tiered collaboration, cultural–ecological synergy, and multi-agent dynamic evaluation. The framework provides a replicable methodology for integrated protection and spatial sustainability of historical architecture in Heilongjiang and other cold-region contexts. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global public health threat, exacerbating healthcare burdens and imposing substantial economic costs. Currently, AMR contributes to nearly five million deaths annually worldwide, surpassing mortality rates of any single infectious disease. The economic burden associated with AMR-related disease management is estimated at approximately $730 billion per year. This review synthesizes current research on the mechanisms and multifaceted drivers of AMR development and dissemination through the lens of the One Health framework, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health perspectives. Intrinsic factors, including antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), enable bacteria to evolve adaptive resistance mechanisms such as enzymatic inactivation, efflux pumps, and biofilm formation. Extrinsic drivers span environmental stressors (e.g., antimicrobials, heavy metals, disinfectants), socioeconomic practices, healthcare policies, and climate change, collectively accelerating AMR proliferation. Horizontal gene transfer and ecological pressures further facilitate the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria across ecosystems. The cascading impacts of AMR threaten human health and agricultural productivity, elevate foodborne infection risks, and impose substantial economic burdens, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To address this complex issue, the review advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, robust policy implementation (e.g., antimicrobial stewardship), and innovative technologies (e.g., genomic surveillance, predictive modeling) under the One Health paradigm. Such integrated strategies are essential to mitigate AMR transmission, safeguard global health, and ensure sustainable development. Full article

This study examines strategic interaction effects in the supply of affordable housing construction land among Chinese urban governments. Existing studies have predominantly examined China’s subsidized housing land supply from a vertical intergovernmental perspective, whereas this study investigates strategic interaction effects in municipal governments’ land allocation for subsidized housing from a horizontal and regional viewpoint. By conducting spatial econometric analysis on panel data from 278 prefectural-level cities in China (2010–2019) and constructing multiple patterns of intergovernmental strategic interactions based on diverse spatial weight matrices, this study provides robust evidence of strategic interactions and their underlying mechanisms among Chinese municipal governments in allocating construction land for affordable housing. The study reveals that Chinese urban governments exhibit positive strategic interactions in the supply of affordable housing construction land. This collaborative pattern demonstrates convergent (rather than divergent) supply strategies among horizontal intergovernmental relationships, further indicating a cross-regional equalization trend in China’s affordable housing provision. Two latent mechanisms drive these strategic interactions: spillover effects from intra-provincial political competition and the proactive agency effects of key local leadership figures. Therefore, China’s central government must fully account for the strategic interactions among municipal governments in allocating construction land for affordable housing. It is essential to establish adaptive regulatory mechanisms for regional cities’ supply of such land and ensure healthy, sustainable allocation of urban construction land for affordable housing through targeted interventions. Full article