Search Results (544)

In response to the global push for sustainable development, green building certification systems have become a key policy instrument for reducing carbon emissions in the construction sector. In Taiwan, the EEWH (Ecology, Energy Saving, Waste Reduction, and Health) system serves as the primary framework for evaluating building sustainability. However, while government incentives such as floor area ratio (FAR) bonuses aim to encourage adoption, private sector participation remains limited, especially in the residential sector. This study investigates the cost implications and incentive benefits of upgrading green building certification from the Silver level to the Gold level under the EEWH system, using eight collective housing projects in the Taipei metropolitan area as case studies. Through a detailed analysis of certification components, upgrade strategies, and construction cost estimates, this research quantifies the additional costs required for each sustainability indicator and evaluates the alignment between upgrade investments and incentive rewards. The findings reveal that the average cost increase associated with the Silver-to-Gold upgrade ranges between 1% and 3% of total construction costs, with certain design strategies offering high cost-effectiveness. Moreover, the study examines whether the current FAR bonus policy provides adequate motivation for developers to pursue higher certification levels. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to optimize incentive structures and for developers considering sustainable building investments. Full article

The dramatic increase in global construction and demolition waste (CDW) is a considerable environmental challenge, but recycled building materials face serious marketing bottlenecks. Although existing studies have focused on the technological path and policy regulation of CDW management, they have not yet considered the impact of sales effort level under the dual-channel sales model. Considering the coexistence of price competition and bidirectional free-riding behavior, this paper constructs a Stackelberg game model, which includes a construction waste remanufacturer with both online and offline sales channels and a building materials retailer, to reveal the pricing decision-making mechanism under bidirectional free-riding behavior. The results of the study show that (1) in the decentralized decision-making model, offline free-riding has a negative effect on the online channel, and when the effort cost coefficient is high, it increases the retail price of recycled building materials in the offline channel; at the same time, under high cross-price sensitivity, both the manufacturer and the retailer are negatively affected by online free-riding behaviors; (2) in contrast to decentralized decision-making, centralized decision-making motivates the supply chain as a whole to significantly increase sales effort investment and develop a better pricing strategy under the condition of satisfying the threshold cross-price sensitivity, which ultimately improves the overall efficiency of the supply chain. The findings provide an important theoretical basis and management insights for the coordination of dual-channel supply chains, the governance of free-riding behavior, and the promotion of recycled building materials in the recycling economy. Full article

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how China’s outward foreign direct investment (OFDI), driven by different motivations, affects the bilateral global value chain (GVC) relationship between the home country (China) and host countries, evaluating both bilateral GVC trade value and relative GVC positions. Employing the OECD Trade in Value Added (TiVA) database combined with Chinese listed firm data, we found the following results: (1) Strategic asset-seeking OFDI strengthens the GVC relationship between China and host countries while enhancing China’s GVC position relative to host countries. (2) Efficiency-seeking OFDI increases the domestic value-added exported from host countries to China but does not improve China’s relative GVC position. (3) Natural resource-seeking OFDI enhances bilateral GVC trade volumes but has no significant impact on the relative GVC positions of China and host countries. (4) China’s OFDI, not driven by these motivations, generates a trade substitution effect between home and host countries. We also examined the heterogeneity of these effects. Our findings suggest that China’s OFDI fosters equitable and sustainable international cooperation, supports mutually beneficial GVC trade and host-country economic growth, and therefore, progresses toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8. Full article

This study examines the role of human capital, technological investment, and institutional quality in promoting economic complexity in South Africa, with implications for sustainable development and the strategic role of Small and Medium Enterprises. Motivated by the growing importance of productive sophistication for long-term development in emerging economies (notably SDG 8 and SDG 9), the study examines both long-run and short-run dynamics using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag approach, with robustness checks via Fully Modified Least Squares, Dynamic Least Squares, and Canonical Cointegration Regression. Structural Vector Autoregression is employed to assess the persistence of shocks, while the Toda–Yamamoto causality test evaluates causality. The results reveal that institutional quality significantly enhances economic complexity in the long run, while technological investment exhibits a negative long-run impact, potentially indicating absorptive capacity constraints within industries. Though human capital and income per capita do not influence complexity in the long run, they have short-term effects, with income per capita having the most immediate influence. Variance decomposition shows that shocks to technological investment are essential for economic complexity, and are the most persistent, followed by human capital and institutional quality. These findings show the need for institutional reforms that lower entry barriers for SMEs in industries, targeted innovation policies that support upgrading, and human capital strategies aligned with driven industrial transformation. The study offers insights for policymakers striving to influence structural drivers to advance sustainable industrial development and achieve the SDGs. Full article

Background and Objectives: Depression is a leading cause of disability globally, with treatment challenges including limited access, stigma, and poor adherence. Gamification, which applies game elements such as points, levels, and storytelling into non-game contexts, offers a promising strategy to enhance engagement and augment traditional treatments. Our research is the first study designed to explore the implementation of gamification within the Malaysian context. The objective was to explore the feasibility of implementation of gamification as an adjunctive treatment for adults with depression. Materials and Methods: Focus group discussions were held with five mental health professionals and ten patients diagnosed with moderate depression. The qualitative component assessed perceptions of gamified interventions, while quantitative measures evaluated participants’ depressive and anxiety symptomatology. Results: Three key themes were identified: (1) understanding of gamification as a treatment option, (2) factors influencing its acceptance, and (3) characteristics of a practical and feasible intervention. Clinicians saw potential in gamification to boost motivation, support psychoeducation, and encourage self-paced learning, but they expressed concerns about possible addiction, stigma, and the complexity of gameplay for some patients. Patients spoke of gaming as a source of comfort, escapism, and social connection. Acceptance was shaped by engaging storylines, intuitive design, balanced difficulty, therapist guidance, and clear safety measures. Both groups agreed that gamification should be used in conjunction with standard treatments, be culturally sensitive, and be presented as a meaningful therapeutic approach rather than merely as entertainment. Conclusions: Gamification emerges as an acceptable and feasible supplementary approach for managing depression in Malaysia. Its success depends on culturally sensitive design, robust clinical oversight, and seamless integration with existing care pathways. Future studies should investigate long-term outcomes and establish guidelines for the safe and effective implementation of this approach. We recommend targeted investment into culturally adapted gamified tools, including training, policy development, and collaboration with key stakeholders to realistically implement gamification as a mental health intervention in Malaysia. Full article

The construction and development of digital infrastructure have emerged as a crucial indicator of national competitiveness, which holds significant importance in driving the sustained growth of the national economy and the comprehensive advancement of society. This paper explores the impact of digital infrastructure on farm households’ scale management, aiming to reveal the role and potential of digital technology in agricultural modernization. Additionally, it seeks to offer a scientific foundation for the government to formulate agricultural policies and advance agricultural modernization. Using the OLS (Ordinary Least Squares) model, moderating effect model, and other methods, this study investigates how digital infrastructure affects farm households’ scale management based on micro-level research data of 2510 farm households from the CRRS (China Rural Revitalization Survey). The following conclusions are drawn: Firstly, the enhancement of digital infrastructure can motivate farm households to expand the land management area and increase the unit output of land. Secondly, farm households’ digital literacy positively moderates the effect of digital infrastructure on their land unit output; moreover, digital skills training for farm households exhibits a positive moderating effect on the influence of digital infrastructure on their management area. Finally, there is a heterogeneity in the impact of digital infrastructure on farm households’ scale management. Specifically, the promotion of farm households’ scale management is stronger in plain areas and weaker in hilly and mountainous areas; stronger for middle-aged and older and small-scale farm households; and weaker for youth groups and large-scale farm households. Based on this, this paper suggests increasing the investment in digital infrastructure construction, improving farm households’ digital literacy, carrying out digital skills training, and formulating differentiated regional policies for reference. Full article

In the past decade, agricultural biogas plants have become one of the key tools driving the energy transition in rural areas. Nevertheless, their development in Poland still lags behind that in Western European countries, suggesting the existence of barriers that go beyond technological or regulatory issues. This study aims to examine how Polish farmers perceive the risks and expected benefits associated with investing in biogas plants and which of these perceptions influence their willingness to invest. The research was conducted in the second quarter of 2025 among farmers planning to build micro biogas plants as well as owners of existing biogas facilities. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were also used in selecting respondents and identifying potential investment sites, helping to pinpoint areas with favorable spatial and environmental conditions. The findings show that both current and prospective biogas plant operators view complex legal requirements, social risk, and financial uncertainty as the main obstacles. However, both groups are primarily motivated by the desire for on-farm energy self-sufficiency and the environmental benefits of improved agricultural waste management. Owners of operational installations—particularly small and medium-sized ones—tend to rate all categories of risk significantly lower than prospective investors, suggesting that practical experience and knowledge-sharing can effectively alleviate perceived risks related to renewable energy investments. Full article

Background: The migration of healthcare professionals poses a serious threat to health systems worldwide. This study examines attitudes toward brain drain and the factors influencing migration tendencies among medical and nursing students in Albania, with particular attention to nursing workforce implications. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 610 students in the 2024–2025 academic year using the 16-item Brain Drain Attitude Scale (BDAS). Socio-demographic and academic data were also collected. Results: The mean BDAS score was 53.43 ± 16.88. Pull factors (mean: 40.25 ± 12.76) were stronger motivators than push factors (mean: 13.19 ± 4.13). A total of 487 nursing, 73 midwifery-nursing, and 50 medical students participated (95% response rate). Nearly 40% expressed a desire to work abroad, citing financial prospects (48.2%), better living standards (46%), and personal freedom (42.1%) as reasons. Higher migration tendencies were seen in females (β = 0.50, p = 0.049), medical students (β = 1.01, p = 0.001), and third-year students (β = 0.46, p = 0.011). Conclusions: Migration tendencies are high among future Albanian healthcare professionals, with significant implications for the nursing workforce. Targeted policies are urgently needed to address brain drain through workforce investment and retention strategies. Full article

Walking and cycling, as active modes of transportation, play a vital role in advancing sustainable urban mobility by reducing emissions and improving public health. However, widespread adoption faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, safety concerns, socio-cultural barriers, and policy limitations. This study systematically reviewed 56 peer-reviewed articles from 2004 to 2024, across 30 countries across five continents, employing the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) framework to identify the main drivers of walking and cycling behaviours. Findings highlight that the lack of dedicated infrastructure, inadequate enforcement of road safety measures, personal and traffic safety concerns, and social stigmas collectively hinder active mobility. Strategic interventions such as developing integrated cycling networks, financial incentives, urban planning initiatives, and behavioural change programs have promoted increased engagement in walking and cycling. Enhancing urban mobility further requires investment in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, improved integration with public transportation, the implementation of traffic-calming measures, and public education campaigns. Post-pandemic initiatives to establish new pedestrian and cycling spaces offer a unique opportunity to establish enduring changes that support active transportation. The study suggests expanding protected cycling lanes and integrating pedestrian pathways with public transit systems to strengthen safety and accessibility. Additionally, leveraging digital tools can enhance mobility planning and coordination. Future research is needed to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing mobility analysis, supporting the development of climate-resilient infrastructure, and informing transport policies that integrate gender perspectives to better understand long-term behavioural changes. Coordinated policy efforts and targeted investments can lead to more equitable transportation access, support sustainability goals, and alleviate urban traffic congestion. Full article

This study critically examines the rapid proliferation of megaprojects across the Arab region, with a focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where large-scale developments are strategically deployed to reshape global economic influence and enhance geopolitical positioning. Megaprojects, characterized by their vast scale, substantial financial investment, and long-term impact, remain a subject of intense academic debate. While much of the literature questions their economic viability, citing frequent cost overruns and misalignment with localized urban priorities, megaprojects continue to emerge worldwide. Governments and developers promote megaprojects as catalysts for foreign investment, tourism growth, and enhancing the global stature of host countries and regions. Beyond financial and economic imperatives, megaprojects are fundamentally shaped by socio-spatial, socio-political, and capital accumulation dynamics, each playing a critical role in their justification and implementation. These interconnected forces influence the prioritization of large-scale developments, often reinforcing their persistence as dominant urban and infrastructural strategies despite well-documented uncertainties and risks. The study employs a comparative case study approach to analyze two high-profile megaprojects: Masdar City in Abu Dhabi and The Line in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. By examining their underlying motivations, political, social, and economic dynamics, and projected success factors, the study aims to provide an evidence-based assessment of the forces driving these large-scale developments and their potential for completion and long-term viability. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on megaproject development by offering a nuanced, evidence-based analysis of the socio-political and economic forces shaping large-scale urban initiatives in the Arab region. By critically evaluating the motivations and viability of Masdar City and The Line, this research provides valuable insights that can inform future scholarly inquiries into the governance, planning, and long-term sustainability of megaprojects. The Study offers a strategic framework for policymakers, urban planners, and investors to make more informed, balanced decisions that align large-scale developments with broader economic and social priorities, mitigating risks associated with cost overruns, feasibility challenges, and socio-spatial disparities. Full article

In practice, the new generation of knowledge-based employees often exhibits a “lying flat” attitude. This reflects the failure of organizational incentive mechanisms. In order to improve the incentive system and encourage employees to be proactive, the study explores and compares the synergistic effects of different rewards tools on various forms of proactive behavior in the new generation of knowledge employees. After conducting fsQCA and NCA analyses on paired data from 93 leaders and 210 employees based on the ERG theory, the findings indicate that no single reward tool is a necessary condition for triggering high proactive behavior. Instead, different reward tools need to work in synergy to produce effective motivation. Three patterns drive employees to exhibit high individual task proactivity. They are the “Dual-Drive Salary Security and Moderate Labor Dominant” pattern, the “Moderate Labor Dominant” pattern, and the “Salary Security Dominant” pattern. Two patterns drive employees to demonstrate high team member proactivity, namely the “Employee Care Dominant High-Investment” pattern and the “Pay Fairness Dominant High-Investment” pattern. Additionally, good work experience (i.e., colleague relationships) in the workplace has a significant impact on both types of proactive behavior. The research conclusions will provide insights and references for enterprise managers to design more targeted compensation incentive policies and unleash the vitality of the new generation of knowledgeable employees. Full article

The main aim of this study is to investigate the association of an assortment of factors pertaining to the implementation of a Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) with firms’ Health and Safety (H&S) level and employees’ satisfaction and performance. The proposed research model incorporates six independent factors: (i) the development of a safety culture, (ii) the availability of H&S specific procedures/instructions/rules, (iii) the forethought of H&S-focused training, (iv) the availability of the essential resources to improve H&S equipment, (v) the augmentation of employee motivation for safe behavior, and (vi) the top management commitment to upgrade H&S at the workplace. The model was empirically tested using primary data from 230 employees of 10 manufacturing firms operating in Greece. It was found that H&S meliorates employees’ performance, but, on the other hand, firm’s management should be committed towards creating a high-level safety culture. To achieve this, proper resources should be invested, comprehensible procedures/instructions/rules should be established, and focused training should be provided. The acceptance of this policy would result in an enhanced safety culture, an augmented firm H&S level, amplified employee satisfaction and, accordingly, improved employee performance. In addition, this article suggests a new HSMS model, which, by relying on the principles of the Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle, incorporates the examined six H&S factors, which can upgrade other known standards (like OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001). Full article

Background: The global space economy has grown remarkably, witnessing a 10-fold increase in active satellites during the last 15 years. This growth was accompanied by both the increase in geopolitical tensions feeding huge investments (the New Space Race), on the one hand, and the transformation, shifting from a domain historically dominated by government-led programs to one partially energized by commercial players and innovative business models (“New Space”), on the other hand. Objective: To assess the space economy’s current state and future prospects by considering its economic and social dimensions. Methods: Over 120 scholarly articles and “grey” literature positions (e.g., industry reports) were reviewed. The review was structured by a modified Structure–Conduct–Performance framework originally developed by industrial organization (IO) scholars. Findings: Outer space creates extremely harsh conditions for placing and operating objects in orbits, which results in high launching costs, steep reliability standards, capital intensity, and risks that are unmatched in most terrestrial industries. One of the main motivations to venture into this harsh domain was, and still is, the desire to dominate or the fear of being subjugated by others. This “original sin”, born of geopolitical rivalries, continues to cast a shadow over the space economy, channeling the majority of public space budgets into military-related programs. Moreover, many space technologies have a dual-use feature. Not surprisingly, governments are still the major source of demand, dominating midstream in the space value chain. This triad—harsh physics, great power rivalry, and a state-centric midstream—produces a specificity of the sector. In the recent two decades, new entrants (called “New Space”) have begun altering market structure, resulting in new conduct patterns focused on pursuits towards serial production, reusability, and lowering costs. Performance outcomes are mixed. While some efficiency gains are unprecedented, some doubts about market power and negative externalities arise. The assessment of the space economy’s performance is a challenge, as such, due to the blurred boundary between political objectives (supplying public goods, mitigating negative externalities) and economic optimization. Such trade-offs are becoming even more complicated considering the potential conflict between national and global perspectives. The paper offers a preliminary, descriptive study of the space economy through the lens of the modified S-C-P framework, laying basic foundations for the future, possibly more rigorous research of the increasingly important space economy. Full article

Historical monuments enrich lives by connecting people to their community and heritage. They are key to understanding population movements and local development. This study analyzes how the presence of castles classified as National Monuments or of Public Interest can attract tourists, extend their stay, and motivate local authorities to invest in cultural activities, in particular in low-density areas. Heritage and tourism connect through economic, cultural, social, and territorial goals. They boost local economies, preserve cultural traditions, empower communities, and protect landscapes. Thoughtful planning ensures that regional character is maintained and a balance is struck between growth, preservation, equity, and safeguarding for the future. To evaluate the economic and touristic impact of classified castles in Portuguese municipalities, we started by analyzing the ‘Existence of Castle’ variable against three key factors: tourism flows (number of guests and average stay) and municipal expenditure on cultural activities Additionally, we considered other important explanatory variables from alternative studies, including the following: the number of parishes, maximum and minimum altitude, cultural heritage and sports activity expenses, resident population, density, monthly earnings, commercial firms, Tourism Carrying Capacity, tourism revenues, and overnight stays. Our empirical results reveal that medieval castles generate diverse effects on cultural activities managed by municipalities. Quantile regressions demonstrate that municipalities with fewer resources but with a castle invest more in cultural activities, regardless of how expenditure is measured. Additionally, the presence of a castle attracts more tourists and extends their stay, indicating significant potential for economic and tourist development which is not yet fully realized. Full article

Background/Objectives: The workplace represents an ideal context for applying policies to foster a healthy lifestyle, guaranteeing advantages both to the individual and the company. Nevertheless, motivation to change one’s lifestyle remains an issue. This study aimed to determine subjects’ most valued intentions toward lifestyle changes and the target actions to improve lifestyles that they would be willing to invest in economically, information which might help design effective intervention programs. Methods: Classification trees were applied to 2762 employees/ex-employees (55.09 ± 13.80 years; 1107 females and 1655 males) of several Italian companies who voluntarily filled out an anonymous questionnaire on lifestyles (inquiring about, e.g., exercise, nutrition, smoking, and stress) to unveil specific subject typologies that are more likely associated with, e.g., manifesting a specific intention toward lifestyle changes and choosing the two most popular target actions resulting from the survey. Results: The main lifestyle aspect that respondents desired to improve was to become more physically active, and the most preferred tools chosen to improve their lifestyle were the possibility of having a medical specialist consultant to prescribe a tailored lifestyle program and buying a gym/swimming pool membership. Conclusions: This observational study might help tailor worksite health promotion and insurance services offered to employees, initiatives that may play an important role in fostering health/well-being and preventing chronic diseases in the more general population, especially in healthy or young subjects who are more prone to change their behavior if immediate benefits are seen instead of only advantages in the future. Full article