Search Results (130)

To solve the present housing crisis, the Support for Access to Housing Program, in the context of PRR, mainly focuses on social housing to be built or on housing of social interest to be regenerated. To approach this problem, a research question was raised: “What is the significance of the existing cooperative housing in solving the current housing crisis?” To analyze this issue, a multiple case study was adopted, comparing a collective dwelling of cooperative promotion at controlled costs in Caselas (1980s–1990s) with Expo Urbe (2000–2007) in Parque das Nações, a symbol of the new sustainable cooperative housing, which targets a population with a higher standard of living and thus is excluded from the PRR plan. These cases revealed the discrepancy created by the Cooperative Code of 1998 and its consequences for the urban regeneration of this heritage. They show that Caselas, built in a residential urban neighborhood, is strongly attached to a community, provides good social inclusion for vulnerable groups at more affordable prices, and it is eligible for urban regeneration and reuse (for renting or buying). However, the reuse of Caselcoop’s edifices cannot compromise their cultural and residential values or threaten the individual integrity. Full article

Food waste significantly impacts the restaurant industry’s financial viability and environmental sustainability. This study explores training practices used to minimize food waste and identifies obstacles encountered in implementing these practices. Semi-structured interviews with 10 chefs from diverse restaurants in a mid-South U.S. state were conducted. Two themes emerged from the qualitative analysis. The results revealed that the predominant training methods were verbal instruction, mentoring, and hands-on coaching, emphasizing real-time feedback and individualized guidance. Training for front-of-house staff primarily included reducing unnecessary table items, whereas back-of-house employees focused on portion control and repurposing ingredients. Mentoring emerged as critical, especially for new employees with limited culinary experience, ensuring that they develop critical thinking skills and resourcefulness in minimizing waste. Chefs identified significant barriers, including staff cooperation, knowledge gaps, employee turnover, and resource limitations. Overcoming these challenges necessitates stronger managerial commitment, standardized guidelines, and incentive-based reinforcement. This study concludes that cultivating an organizational culture that embeds sustainability into training practices is essential. Practical strategies such as mentoring and continuous reinforcement can mitigate food waste, enhance operational efficiency, and promote a sustainable food system. Future research should quantify training impacts on waste reduction and examine consumer-side factors influencing restaurant food waste. Full article

Focusing on issues related to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), this study aligns with the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study explores the barriers unique to the industry that obstruct the adoption of low-carbon emission solutions in Jordan’s multi-family residential buildings. Multi-family apartments constitute 73% of the total housing stock and account for over 80% of all residential structures. A total of eight main barriers that are preventing the implementation of low-carbon emission techniques were evaluated. The Fuzzy Delphi Method was utilized to gather insights from the Consultancy Council members of the Jordan Housing Investors Association. The results suggest that a major obstacle is the insufficient knowledge among end-users regarding environmental concerns, along with financial limitations, resulting in a lack of enthusiasm for low-carbon multi-family apartments. Moreover, insufficient cooperation between consultants and contractors leads to subpar constructability, which is worsened by the prevailing conventional procurement method that prioritizes cost and schedule above environmental consequences. To further investigate, it is advisable to examine the utilization of contemporary procurement methods, such as Design–Build and Construction Management and modern family contracts such as NEC4 in the housing industry of Jordan. These alternative methods have the potential to solve the current difficulties by promoting more effective and environmentally friendly building practices. Full article

In the last two decades, rural regions have been suffering from profound populational abandonment due to a lack of economic dynamism and motivated by a declining agricultural sector. Conversely, in these regions, the tourism sector has been maintaining economic vigor, even recovering old houses, thus creating a new rural tourism offer. The synergies between the agricultural and the tourism sectors are obvious, despite not being frequently explored, especially by smaller operators. The GAIME project aims to boost agricultural activities in rural regions through cooperation between operators from both sectors. The project strategy is based on a gamification-based process of agritourism experiences, seeking mutual gains between all actors. Full article

Managing risk, matching resources efficiently, and ensuring fair allocation are fundamental challenges in both finance and decision-making processes. In many scenarios, participants contribute unequally to collective outcomes, raising the question of how to distribute costs, benefits, or opportunities in a justifiable and optimal manner. This paper applies the Shapley value—a solution concept from cooperative game theory—as a principled tool in the following two specific financial settings: first, in tax cooperation games; and second, in assignment markets. In tax cooperation games, we use the Shapley value to determine the equitable tax burden distribution among three firms, A, B, and C, which operate in two countries, Italy and Poland. Our model ensures that countries participating in coalitions face a lower degree of tax evasion compared to non-members, and that cooperating firms benefit from discounted tax liabilities. This structure incentivizes coalition formation and reveals the economic advantage of joint participation. In assignment markets, we use the Shapley value to find the optimal pairing in a four-buyers and four-sellers housing market. Our findings show that the Shapley value provides a rigorous framework for capturing the relative importance of participants in the coalition, leading to more balanced tax allocations and fairer market transactions. Our theoretical insights with computational techniques highlights the Shapley value’s effectiveness in addressing complex allocation challenges across financial management domains. Full article

This study employs the social–ecological system (SES) framework to investigate the operational mechanisms of farmer apartment housing in Village L, demonstrating how such mechanisms ensure housing security for villagers in land-constrained contexts. Through a case analysis of Village L, we reveal that the effective implementation of farmer apartments relies on four interconnected elements: socio-political and economic conditions, homestead resource allocation within the resource system, institutional governance rules, and collaborative interactions among the government, village collectives, villagers, and enterprises. By integrating fragmented resources, optimizing participatory governance, and fostering multi-stakeholder cooperation, Village L has established a closed-loop operational model of “resource intensification–democratic decision-making–synergistic co-construction”. This model preserves villagers’ homestead entitlements and addresses housing demands through centralized construction, striking a balance between equity and efficiency in land-scarce areas. The findings underscore that farmer apartment housing represents a viable pathway for achieving “housing-for-all” in resource-limited areas, contingent upon institutionalizing village collectives’ self-governance capabilities and incentivizing broader societal participation (e.g., NGOs and enterprises) to form a diversified investment framework. Policy refinements should prioritize scaling context-specific governance innovations while safeguarding farmers’ land rights during urbanization transitions, offering replicable insights for regions facing similar land use challenges. Full article

Pilot policy relating to the building of rental houses on collectively owned land is crucial for forming integrated urban and rural construction land markets and promoting rural revitalization. However, inequalities in the distribution of benefits may impede pilot projects. This paper employs a mixed-methods approach combining social network analysis, case study, and game theory to analyze the strategic decisions of key stakeholders in pilot policy, aiming to identify challenges and barriers to its implementation. Local governments, rural collective economic organizations, and enterprises are defined as the three key stakeholders, according to social network analysis. The findings suggest that the successful implementation of pilot policy requires cooperation among at least two stakeholders. Key factors influencing stakeholders include policy risk, market risk, the local government’s stance on the pilot policy, communication, coordination costs, the capabilities of collective economic organizations, and expected benefits, all of which can lead to conflicts among stakeholders. Strategies to support equilibrium of the interests of all parties are proposed, in order to promote cooperation among these three core categories of stakeholders. Full article

In the context of neural network optimization, this study explores the performance and computational efficiency of learning rate adjustment strategies applied with Adam and SGD optimizers. Methods evaluated include exponential annealing, step decay, and SHAP-informed adjustments across three datasets: Breast Cancer, Diabetes, and California Housing. The SHAP-informed adjustments integrate feature importance metrics derived from cooperative game theory, either scaling the global learning rate or directly modifying gradients of first-layer parameters. A comprehensive grid search was conducted to optimize the hyperparameters, and performance was assessed using metrics such as test loss, RMSE, R² score, accuracy, and training time. Results revealed that while step decay consistently delivered strong performance across datasets, SHAP-informed methods often demonstrated even higher accuracy and generalization, such as SHAP achieving the lowest test loss and RMSE on the California Housing dataset. However, the computational overhead of SHAP-based approaches was significant, particularly in targeted gradient adjustments. This study highlights the potential of SHAP-informed methods to guide optimization processes through feature-level insights, offering advantages in data with complex feature interactions. Despite computational challenges, these methods provide a foundation for exploring how feature importance can inform neural network training, presenting promising directions for future research on scalable and efficient optimization techniques. Full article

Condition surveys are an important part of the whole scientific research of torso buildings, which we understand to be buildings with usually missing roofs, wooden ceilings, doors, windows, and other envelope constructions along with damaged internal and external infrastructure and surfaces. The aim of the processed condition surveys is to gather basic data on the technical state of the buildings. Torso buildings are, in our environment, especially the ruins of castles and manor houses, but also some churches, the remains of industrial enterprises, or even others. The proposed condition surveys can be used at any of them, not only in our country, but also in any other country of the world. The processed system of condition surveys allows us to anticipate further damage to architectural heritage buildings caused by their aging. It can contribute in a major way to the identification of eventual construction risks and to anticipate them. Condition surveys are designed as a quick, cheap, and easy to handle way to gather the basic overview needed for undertaking a basic stabilization of the most endangered parts of the ruins. In the next step, further scientific research using instruments i.e., in laboratories, can be undertaken. It is also important to know which parts of the torso buildings are dangerous and can endanger not only visitors, but also scientists realizing research on site. The first goal of the project focused on bettering of the stability of the torso buildings, especially ruins of castles, which was granted by the Slovak Ministry of Culture to elaborate and prepare a system for the identification of the most endangered parts of the ruins, which are in danger of dilapidation soon. The second goal was focused on preparing source material for further scientific research of the torso architecture. Experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Slovak University of Technology, with the cooperation of experts from praxis and from the Architectural Heritage Protection Office prepared a system for judging the construction details of torso buildings from the point of view of their construction–technical state. The aim of this judging lies in identifying the parts of their constructions that are most endangered by decay. Based on the condition survey results, conservation activities can be organized to save valuable details of the torso buildings before destruction and to protect the visitors of such localities before injuries, maybe even tragic injuries. Full article

Housing cooperatives are a common form of housing in Nordic countries, being tasked with responsibilities such as maintenance, renovation, and, when needed, radon mitigation. This study analyzed the radon level variation in nearly 16,000 apartments across 3552 housing cooperatives. The analysis explored how radon levels varied based on the number of measurements conducted within each cooperative, assuming that apartments sharing the same plot address belong to the same cooperative. The radon concentrations in the apartments of the cooperative typically followed a log-normal distribution. The geometric standard deviation (GSD) specific to each housing cooperative varied considerably. The median GSD ranged between 1.5 and 2.0, depending on the number of apartments measured. A predictive model was developed to estimate the likelihood of apartments exceeding the radon reference level based on the housing cooperative’s geometric mean radon concentration. The results highlight the importance of measuring radon levels in all apartments within housing cooperatives to ensure radon safety. Additionally, the model offers support for housing cooperative decision-makers and epidemiological studies, helping to address uncertainties and to account for spatial variations in radon exposure. Full article

Background: Immunization plays a substantial role in reducing the under-five mortality rate. However, Tanzania still has a significant number of zero-dose and under-vaccinated children and was ranked among the top ten African countries with the highest numbers of zero-dose children in 2022. The human-centered design (HCD) approach is more ethical and effective at addressing public health challenges in complex sociocultural settings. This study aimed to use the HCD approach to aid in identifying, prioritizing, and implementing community-centric interventions in Tanzania, particularly in the Ilala District of Dar es Salaam, to increase vaccine demand and close the zero-dose gap by at least 50%. Methods: The study involved co-creation workshops with 483 participants to identify, design, and test solutions. The study followed the UNICEF Journey to Health and Immunization framework to identify barriers and enablers influencing stakeholders in adopting and sustaining health- and immunization-related actions. Results: The study identified the causes of under-five defaulting and the zero-dose gap, i.e., the inadequate support of local community leaders in under-five vaccination sensitization and surveillance; poor infrastructure to new settlement areas; hesitancy and unwillingness of parents/guardians; absence of house numbers; limited/time-constrained availability of resources to facilitate mobile immunization services, etc. The participants were able to come up with 309 ideas, which were refined through multiple iterations using the impact–-effort matrix and skimmed down to three (3) solutions: (i) having health facilities to notify and alert local leaders about vaccination dates; (ii) using parents, kids, and grownups who got vaccinated to influence others; (iii) using local government leaders and house representatives for vaccine advocacy. Of these, the solution involving local government leaders and house representatives for vaccine advocacy was implemented. An advocacy strategy was used to enhance the collaboration of the District Commissioner, Council leaders, and community leaders. A home-to-home interpersonal sensitization approach accompanied by the household delivery of vaccination services was employed. The findings reveal that the HCD framework was impactful in increasing collaborations/cooperation with local government leaders and community ownership of the under-five vaccination initiative. As a result, 67,145 houses, equal to 104%, were reached, surpassing the initial target of 64,800 houses, and 131,088 families, equal to 83% of the targeted 156,995 households, were sensitized through a home-to-home campaign approach. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to adopt the HCD approach when addressing public health challenges, especially in complex sociocultural settings. Full article

Sustainable Cities and Communities within the European Union (EU) are crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This goal is particularly pertinent to the EU due to challenges such as urbanization, climate change, infrastructure demands, transport issues, and natural resource management. The implementation of SDG 11 across Europe shows varying levels of success among countries and regions, highlighting the need for tailored, local strategies for sustainable urban development. The primary goal of this paper is to employ the Multi-Criteria Method Integrating Distances to Ideal and Anti-Ideal Points to determine the Sustainable Cities and Communities Index (SCCI). Using Eurostat data, this method provides a comprehensive evaluation and ranking of EU countries based on their performance in achieving SDG 11 in EU countries in 2015 and 2020. By integrating various indicators related to urban sustainability—such as access to public transport, air quality, land use, and housing conditions—the SCCI offers a nuanced understanding of how different countries perform relative to one another. The SCCI facilitates the identification of best practices and areas requiring improvement by comparing each country’s performance to ideal and anti-ideal points. This comparison allows policymakers to develop more targeted and effective strategies. Additionally, it highlights disparities between countries and regions, which is essential for fostering regional cooperation and ensuring equitable progress towards sustainable urban development across the EU. This study confirmed significant disparities among EU countries in the realization of SDG 11 in 2015 and 2020, revealing that Italy achieved the most substantial progress, while Spain experienced the greatest regress during the analyzed period. Full article

The paper presents an evaluation of the strategic experimental project “WiedergeBORN”, conducted by Stadtreinigung SRH, Hamburg’s public waste management company, with stakeholders and citizens in the Osdorfer Born large housing estate. Based on an analysis of the case study, which included document analysis, observation and interviews, the article delineates the genesis of the project, its main stakeholders, and its objectives, measures, and outcomes. Success and failure factors of the project and the possible transfer of lessons learned are then categorized and discussed using the four pillars of accountability as an analytical framework. The place-based approach, which considered local conditions, the close cooperation between key stakeholders, and the early involvement of local actors and citizens, supported the successful development and implementation of measures to improve waste management and cleanliness. Furthermore, the integration of environmental, social, and educational aspects in the measures and the cooperation with actors from these fields were demonstrated to lead to positive outcomes. The transfer of the project’s results and approach remained limited due to a lack of involvement of strategic actors in the project; this hindered an integration of the participating stakeholders into strategies and into policies at the district or city levels. Full article

Mixing tenure types is often seen as a means of reducing segregation by breaking up concentrations of poverty. Previous research suggests that introducing new tenure types may also result in homeowners erecting fences and attempting to control activity by public housing tenants in outdoor spaces. These have often meant that tenure mix rather than reducing segregation has instead inscribed it within neighbourhoods. We conducted a case study of a mixed-tenure neighbourhood in Sweden, relying primarily on resident interviews. The results were analysed thematically using the concepts of nested commons, gentrification of outdoor space, and a smorgasbord of places. We found some evidence of new fencing and of attempts to modify shared outdoor area use, but overall, relations remained harmonious. We argue that this was largely because the smorgasbord of places created by the original planners has largely remained intact, and because there were not sharp social differences between the residents of the different tenure forms. Nevertheless, we argue that the outdoor implications of tenure mix initiatives can be crucial to the outcomes of such initiatives, and that they deserve serious attention from policymakers and practitioners. Full article

Rarely do so many areas of society change as quickly as now. This study analyses the disruptive transformation of HR/qualification in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the leading sectors of mechanical and plant engineering and the automotive industry in Lower Franconia, Bavaria. More precisely, this study is about the Mainfranken region. Administratively, it comprises the two independent cities of Würzburg and Schweinfurt as well as seven administrative districts. This paper researches the long-term transformation of the world of work in terms of skill shortages, procurement strategies and employee performance. This study is based on quantitative and qualitative findings from the funding project transform.RMF in the form of an overarching literature review, a commissioned online survey, stakeholder workshops to identify regional trends and self-conducted expert interviews. Unsurprisingly, the shortage of skilled labour is a serious problem for regional SMEs. Managing directors are aware of the need to act in the acquisition and retention of recruited specialists. This includes in-house benefits, New Work models and competitive acquisition strategies. We must overcome the biggest obstacle to transformation—a lack of qualified personnel—together, structurally. Based on our insights, we create recommendations for action and connecting the potential in the network. In the future, the aim will be to intensify cooperation between society, business, science and politics at the regional level—transform.RMF’s mission in the interests of its members. Full article