Search Results (9,705)

Due to their close connection to the working world, digital transformation is particularly important for vocational schools. To ensure the sustainable integration of digital media into everyday school life, a holistic school improvement approach is necessary. In this context, school leadership plays a key role as the initiator and driver of relevant development processes. This study first examines the current development state of the digital transformation in vocational schools in Switzerland. Building on this, it investigates whether there are relations between the digital status quo and innovative school leadership practices. The data were collected in spring 2023 and the sample consists of 320 school management members from 135 vocational schools. The findings indicate that the digital development status of vocational schools in Switzerland is generally assessed positively. Based on the assessments of their schools’ digital development status, three distinct profiles of school management members emerge: those perceiving their schools as digitally advanced, digitally average, or having digital development potential. Innovative leadership practices are more common among school management members who perceive their schools as more digitally advanced. The study also reveals differences between language regions and financial resources depending on the stage of digitalization-related development. The results highlight the crucial role of school leadership in promoting digital transformation. Finally, education policy measures—such as language-region-specific support programs—are discussed. Full article

Asphalt concrete (ascon) manufacturing facilities in South Korea are located near urban areas and emit various air pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a Group 1 carcinogen. However, few measurement-based studies exist in Korea, and no domestic BaP emission factor has been established, making its effective management difficult. In this study, PAH concentrations emitted from stacks were measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry at 29 facilities located near densely populated areas. BaP was detected at all facilities, and emission factors were calculated based on the ascon materials and dryer fuel types. The calculated emission factors were found to be 31 to 6230 times higher than the AP-42 standards provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This discrepancy likely arises from differences between processes and fuel characteristics. Using the California Puff model, BaP concentrations in the near area were predicted, corresponding to as much as 30% of the US National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These findings indicate a potentially significant environmental health risk in nearby communities. The findings of this study can serve as foundational data for formulating policies and providing institutional support aimed at managing emissions from ascon manufacturing facilities in Korea. Full article

With environmental and economic disruptions occurring faster than ever before, the link between green innovation and national competitiveness deserves further analysis. This article investigates how sustainability-oriented strategies (particularly investments in research and development (R&D), renewable energy, and innovation capacity) affect the performance of environmental goods exports and national economic resilience. An exploratory cross-sectional analysis is conducted using multiple linear regression models applied to a sample of 14 countries, including the seven most sustainability-oriented economies and seven countries whose economic growth relies predominantly on fossil fuels. The results suggest a strong positive relationship between R&D expenditure and green trade competitiveness, while renewable energy consumption indicators produce mixed or even negative short-term effects. Adjusted net savings emerge as a robust indicator of both growth and competitiveness. However, no significant associations were found between renewable energy indicators and economic resilience, highlighting transitional trade-offs and institutional barriers inherent in ecological transformation. The study contributes to the growing literature on green transitions by combining macroeconomic indicators of innovation and sustainability with export performance. Policy implications include aligning innovation strategies with trade objectives, improving the measurement of green competitiveness, and supporting institutional preparedness for the transition. Full article

This study evaluates the eco-efficiency and eco-productivity of 141 countries using data-driven analytical frameworks over the period 2018–2023, covering the pre-COVID, COVID, and post-COVID phases. We employ an input-oriented Slack-Based Measure Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-DEA) under variable returns to scale (VRS), combined with the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI), to assess both static and dynamic performance. The analysis incorporates three inputs—labor force, gross fixed capital formation, and energy consumption—one desirable output (gross domestic product, GDP), and one undesirable output (CO₂ emissions). Eco-efficiency (the joint performance of energy and carbon efficiency) and eco-productivity (labor and capital efficiency) are evaluated to capture complementary dimensions of sustainable performance. The results reveal significant but temporary gains in eco-efficiency during the peak pandemic years (2020–2021), followed by widespread post-crisis reversals, particularly in labor productivity, energy efficiency, and CO₂ emission efficiency. These reversals were often linked to institutional and structural barriers, such as rigid labor markets and outdated infrastructure, which limited the translation of technological progress into operational efficiency. The MPI decomposition indicates that, while technological change improved in many countries, efficiency change declined, leading to overall stagnation or regression in eco-productivity for most economies. Regression analysis shows that targeted policy stringency in 2022 was positively associated with eco-productivity, whereas broader restrictions in 2020–2021 were less effective. We conclude with differentiated policy recommendations, emphasizing green technology transfer and institutional capacity building for lower-income countries, and the integration of carbon pricing and innovation incentives for high-income economies. Full article

Soils are critical natural resources, yet their abiotic contributions to ecosystem services remain largely unexplored in valuation studies. This pilot study represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first attempt to assess the perceived value of geosystem services (GSs) from a consumer perspective. Using a discrete choice experiment with 200 respondents, we evaluated preferences for Rotella apples and Moscatello wine through mixed multinomial logit and latent class models. Results show that attributes related to soil use and soil control were consistently significant drivers of consumer utility (e.g., odds ratios of 9.38 and 5.78 for Moscatello wine and 8.46 and 5.56 for Rotella apples, respectively; p < 0.01). These attributes align more closely with the concept of a “geological fingerprint” than with existing geographical labeling schemes such as the Protected Designation of Origin. Price effects were statistically insignificant, indicating virtually no influence on choices. Both estimated models revealed preference heterogeneity and a substantial number of no-buy responses. This suggests both limited consumer familiarity with GS concepts and a limitation of our attribute descriptions, which likely failed to convey information needed for effective purchasing decisions. This study is exploratory and limited by its convenience sample, imperfect price specification, and inability to estimate willingness-to-pay measures. Nevertheless, it provides empirical support for introducing geological footprint labeling and highlights the need for improved consumer information, policy tools, and public campaigns to promote recognition and sustainable management of geodiversity in agriculture. Full article

Emotional education is essential in teacher training processes, but historically it has been neglected in the training system. The purpose of this study was to design and psychometrically validate the EEITT Scale, an instrument that assesses the perception of knowledge acquired about emotional education in student teachers and practicing teachers. A quantitative, descriptive and comparative approach was used with 548 participants, applying confirmatory factor analysis and invariance analysis to evaluate the model. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit well and had high reliability scores, which backs up the validity and internal consistency of the EEITT for measuring perceptions about emotional education training. Statistically significant differences were identified between groups, with students reporting greater social-emotional learning in the four factors evaluated. Likewise, a negative and significant effect of age on the perception of emotional education training was observed. These findings highlight the importance of emotional education in teacher training and point to the need for educational policies that integrate holistic and continuous approaches throughout the teaching career. Despite its limitations, this instrument provides relevant tools for future research and for guiding the design and improvement of teacher training practices. Full article

Ventilation plays a key role in maintaining indoor air quality and reducing building-related symptoms (BRSs). Although prior studies suggest that ventilation volume and system type may influence BRSs, few have examined their combined effects in residential settings. This cross-sectional study investigated associations between ventilation volume, system type, and BRSs among 3970 residents of newly built detached houses in Japan. Data were collected in two waves in 2023, and the ventilation volume per floor area and per person was calculated from building specifications. BRSs were assessed using the MM040EA Sick House Syndrome questionnaire and analyzed using binary logistic regression stratified by system type. In air supply and exhaust systems, higher ventilation volume per person was linked to a lower prevalence of general symptoms (OR = 0.46). In exhaust-only systems, greater ventilation volume was positively associated with mucosal irritation symptoms (OR = 1.60). These findings highlight the complex relationship between ventilation and health and emphasize the importance of system type. Although air quality parameters were not measured directly, the results provide evidence based on building specifications, thereby offering insight to refine building codes, guide post-occupancy assessments, and inform preventive public health policy. Full article

This study assesses energy management practices in the automotive sector of Poland’s Silesian Voivodeship, a highly industrialized region. Using structured interviews with 40 manufacturing firms, it examines the adoption of energy monitoring, submetering, Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs), audits, and energy efficiency investments. The research addresses the problem of persistent energy waste and the difficulties many firms face in integrating ISO 50001-aligned energy management into daily operations, where declared policies often outpace actual practices. Results show that 92.5% of firms monitor total energy consumption, but only 40% implement submetering, and 45% use EnPIs. Half have conducted energy audits, and 85% report taking energy-saving actions such as lighting upgrades, equipment modernization, and thermal improvements. However, no companies reported measurable energy or cost savings, and few track investment outcomes quantitatively. While energy awareness is widespread, many practices appear to be implemented in a tactical manner, potentially lacking strategic integration or consistent performance tracking. Larger firms are more likely to use audits and EnPIs, while smaller firms face barriers such as limited resources or technical expertise. The findings highlight a need for formalized EMS adoption, standardized energy governance, and greater use of performance-based tools such as EnPIs. By exploring EMS-aligned behavior without referencing management systems directly, the study provides a unique lens on the operational maturity of industrial firms. Full article

Trade facilitation in regard to agricultural products plays a critical role in reducing costs and enhancing efficiency, especially in today’s complex global economic environment. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine how trade facilitation measures contribute to sustainable agricultural trade development in the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) region, with the aim of providing actionable policy recommendations. This study investigates the impact of trade facilitation on agricultural trade between China and other RCEP members through two complementary approaches—developing a multidimensional evaluation index system and implementing an extended gravity model—both applied to decade-spanning panel data. The results reveal that a 1% improvement in trade facilitation levels increases the volume of agricultural trade by 8.397%, with e-commerce development being the most influential driver. However, stringent customs procedures show counterintuitive negative effects, highlighting unique challenges in agricultural supply chains. As the largest agricultural trader within the RCEP, China should prioritize digital infrastructure investment and multilateral cooperation to address these barriers, thereby advancing regional trade liberalization. Full article

Ecological zoning is a key approach to promoting regional ecological protection and sustainable development. At present, landscape ecological risk (LER), driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors, continues to intensify, thereby disrupting ecosystem functions and weakening their service capacity. Although ecosystem services (ESs) and LER have been increasingly integrated into ecological management and policy-making in recent years, the interactive relationship between them remains insufficiently explored, particularly in the context of ecological zoning based on their coupled characteristics. Therefore, this study focuses on the Hengduan Mountain region from 2000 to 2020, analyzing the relationship between ES trade-offs and LER, constructing ecological zones, and proposing targeted management strategies. The results show that: (1) ESs in the region are primarily characterized by concave trade-offs, with decreasing trade-off intensity over time. The overall LER level has decreased, exhibiting a spatial pattern of higher risk in the south and lower risk in the north. (2) Bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis reveals that LER is positively correlated with the trade-offs of carbon storage and soil conservation, shifts from a negative to a positive correlation with carbon storage and water yield, and shifts from a positive to a negative correlation with soil conservation and water yield. (3) Based on overlay zoning, the region is divided into protection, warning, and restoration zones, each with corresponding management measures. This study takes ecological zoning as a starting point to deeply analyze the relationship between ES trade-offs and LER, providing a scientific basis for sustainable development of mountain ecosystems. Full article

The notion of the usual environment is a key factor in distinguishing tourism activities from a demand-side perspective, yet applying it in practice presents persistent difficulties when estimating tourism’s physical and monetary scale. These challenges are particularly pronounced in nautical tourism, and especially in the case of domestic same-day boat trips. Focusing on Croatia, a country where yachting makes up a substantial share of overall tourism flows, this study examines criteria for classifying domestic nautical same-day trips from the demand perspective. Qualitative research on the population of residents who are recreational boat owners was conducted. The aim of the research was to assess residents’ perception of the usual environment when on a same-day boat trip from the criteria of trip frequency, distance, motives, and activities. Seventeen in-depth interviews were conducted, providing insight into subjective and objective determinants of trip classification. Although the analysis revealed a blurred understanding of the distinction between boating as a lifestyle and as a tourism activity, the results indicate that official statistics likely underestimate the number of recreational same-day boat trips. This finding underscores the need for more precise measurement of total physical flows in nautical tourism as a prerequisite for effective sustainability assessment and informed management policies. Full article

This study examined the spatial and seasonal variations of trihalomethanes (THMs) and estimated the health risks associated with THM exposure in drinking water through various pathways. Water samples were collected from 14 distribution districts connected to the Ulutan Distribution System (UDS) and the Süleyman Bey Distribution System (SDS), which supply drinking water to Zonguldak Province, Türkiye. THMs were measured using the USEPA 551 method. The median total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) ranged from 41 μg/L to 71 μg/L, which is below the Turkish drinking water standard of 100 μg/L. Chloroform (TCM) was the most common trihalomethane in all distribution networks in UDS and SDS. On the other hand, pre-ozonation oxidation after chlorination in SDS disinfection caused the contribution of brominated THMs (62%) to THM formation to be higher than that of TCM (38%). The study on cancer risk reveals that ingestion (96%) poses the greatest risk of the investigated pathways, followed by dermal contact (3.95%), while inhalation has been found to have a negligible effect. The highest and lowest median TTHMs occurred during winter and summer. The findings of the study show that the distribution areas of Kozlu, Ömerli, Topçalı, and Uzunçayır, for both genders, exhibit an unacceptable cancer risk level according to the criteria established by the USEPA (>10⁻⁴). Bromodichloromethane (BDCM) and chlorodibromomethane (DBCM) are the main contributors to cancer risk for males and females in UDS and SDS. The hazard index (HI) data indicated that the HI value remained below one for both UDS and SDS. Sensitivity analysis of THMs demonstrated that exposure frequency (EF) was the primary parameter contributing to the maximum potential impact on the total cancer risk exposure frequency (EF), followed by body weight (BW) and exposure duration (ED). Further, the results provide valuable information for health departments and water management authorities, enabling the formulation of more specific and efficient policies to minimise THM levels in drinking water distribution networks. Full article

Organic agriculture is a production system based on environmentally friendly practices that promote the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and the production of high-quality food. Its tenets are linked to the concept of sustainable development, which integrates environmental, social, and economic goals. In the face of global competition and changes in food systems, studying their competitiveness of organic agriculture is essential. It is key to assessing its potential for long-term development and competition with conventional agriculture. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the spatial differentiation in the competitiveness of organic agriculture in EU countries. This study assessed the level of input and output competitiveness of organic agriculture in selected EU countries using the author’s synthetic taxonomic indicators consisting of several sub-variables. The competitiveness of organic farming in twenty-three countries (Cyprus, Latvia, Portugal, and Finland were not included due to a lack of statistical data) was analysed using one of the linear ordering methods, i.e., a non-pattern method with a system of fixed weights. The research has shown significant spatial differentiation in both the input competitiveness and the outcome competitiveness of organic agriculture in EU countries. In 2023, Estonia had the highest level of input competitiveness, followed by Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. In 2023, Estonia had the highest synthetic indicator of outcome competitiveness, followed by The Netherlands and Denmark. In addition, an assessment was made of changes in EU organic agriculture in 2014–2023 by analysing the direction and dynamics of changes in selected measures of the development potential of organic agriculture in all member states (27 countries). This sector is characterised by high growth dynamics, including both the area under cultivation and the number of producers and processors of organic food. This study identified several important measures to support the development of organic farming (especially in countries where this type of activity is relatively less competitive) through targeted support mechanisms, such as policy and regulatory measures, financing, agricultural training and advisory services, scientific research, encouraging cooperation, and stimulating demand for organic products. Full article

Identification of temporal relations among suicide mortality and economic/political implementations provides important information for not only planning suicide prevention but also socioeconomic/psychosocial measures. This cross-sectional observation study analyzed temporal fluctuations and causalities of suicide mortalities of working-age individuals, disaggregated by age/gender/social standing (employed/unemployed), in Japan from 2009 to 2024, using government databases, by joinpoint and vector-autoregressive analyses. Suicide mortality among total and employed females decreased until the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak but sharply increased, synchronized with the pandemic outbreak, before resuming a downward trend. Among males, the decreasing trends attenuated from 2016, followed by a transient increase in 2022. Unemployed males aged 40–69 exhibited four joinpoints: 2016 (decreasing–increasing), 2018 (increasing–decreasing), 2022 (decreasing–increasing), and 2023 (increasing–stable). In contrast, suicide mortality among unemployed females aged 40–69 sharply increased in 2022 and maintained the high level. Among individuals aged 30–39, suicide mortality reversed from decreasing to increasing in 2016 (males) and 2018 (unemployed females). Economic expansion was protective for employed individuals but had no significant effect on unemployed populations. The government management instability (AENROP) index was positively associated with suicide mortality among employed and unemployed males and employed females. Unemployed females aged 30–39 were sensitive to AENROP but not economic conditions, while those aged 40–69 were largely unaffected by either. Increasing employment of individuals with psychiatric disabilities was positively associated with suicide mortality among unemployed males (30–69) and females under 40. Positive impacts of the employment rates of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and unemployment enhanced from 2016 and 2022, respectively, whereas the impacts were inconstantly affected by political rather than economic factors. Suicide mortality among unemployed individuals has emerged as a critical public health concern in Japan, with rates more than doubling among males and tripling among females in the 2020s. These findings underscore the need for integrated suicide prevention policies that address both labor market vulnerabilities and psychosocial determinants. Full article

Intelligence, academic achievement and an unfavorable discrepancy between them (i.e., underachievement) have been proposed to influence students’ subjective well-being. However, previous research on these effects remains scarce and inconsistent. The present study examined the associations between said variables in a sample of 695 fifteen-year-old students in Germany, differentiating between those with and without a migration background. Our findings unexpectedly revealed that students with a migration background reported higher life satisfaction than those without a migration background. Intelligence was unrelated to life satisfaction, regardless of migration background. Academic achievement, measured by the grade point average, was positively associated with life satisfaction among students without a migration background but showed no such relationship in students with a migration background. Segmented regression analyses further indicated that an unfavorable discrepancy between IQ and grade point average, reflecting underachievement, was associated with lower life satisfaction among students with a migration background but not among those without. These findings partially challenge previous research and theoretical assumptions. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for educational policy and emphasize the importance of targeted interventions to address underachievement in students with a migration background. Our findings suggest that poor academic performance can have a particular impact on well-being in this group. Accordingly, interventions aimed at reducing the achievement gap of those students should not only target cognitive and academic skills but also promote emotional support, cultural inclusion and social integration in the school environment. Full article