Search Results (1,069)

Evidence-based prioritization is essential for effective specialization strategies (RIS3). However, there is a scarcity of evidence on whether regions are leveraging their own strengths or mimicking other policies. This study examines 236 EU regions, 178,314 publications, 116,336 projects and 470 RIS3 energy priorities (2021–2027) across 112 energy-related topics. We measure capability potential in two dimensions: proven areas of activity (inside strengths) and related areas with similar technologies (adjacent frontiers). Selective behavior is described using exploitation and exploration indicators, a stretch indicator and portfolio–priority adjustment indicators. Our findings reveal that surface rationality masks deep mimicry. Capabilities drive the direction of selection but not its scale. Regions select less than 10% of available strengths or adjacent areas. Instead, 40.3% of priorities are in ambitious areas, such as hydrogen and offshore wind energy, that exceed the potential opportunities. The portfolio–priority alignment is minimal at 0.10, and the wishful gaps are close to the maximum at 1.85 out of 2.0. Conversely, regions leave 93% of their potential untapped. RIS3 energy priorities indicate a greater desire to follow priorities than an ability to act. We suggest that policymakers should conduct capability audits to confirm absorptive capacity before setting priorities, establish benchmarks in strategy monitoring to measure the exploitation and exploration of regional assets and provide financial incentives that reward choices based on capabilities rather than historical alignment. Future research should examine whether capability-based priorities outperform choices that merely mimic others. Full article

Optimizing medication management and improving patient health outcomes depend primarily on the strength of primary healthcare services, where collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists plays a critical role. This scoping review aimed to identify the main facilitators and barriers influencing pharmacist–GP collaboration. The review was conducted in line with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies published in English between January 2019 and May 2025, of which twenty met the inclusion criteria. Key facilitators of collaboration included pharmacist co-location within GP practices, clearly defined professional responsibilities, access to shared electronic health records, and supportive government policies. Barriers most frequently reported were limited communication pathways, insufficient interprofessional training, and financial constraints. Overall, the findings suggest that effective pharmacist–GP collaboration relies on structural integration, professional trust, and policy initiatives that enable sustained cooperation. Long-term investment in collaborative infrastructure and workforce development will be essential to strengthen primary care, support patient outcomes, and ensure more efficient use of healthcare resources. Full article

The fast-paced utilization of innovative Internet of Things (IoT) applications emphasizes the critical role that routing protocols play in designing an efficient communication system between network nodes. In this context, the lack of adaptive routing mechanisms in the standard Routing Protocol for Low-power and Lossy Networks (RPL), such as load balancing and congestion mechanisms, especially under heavy load scenarios, causes significant degradation of network performance. In this regard, integrating innovative and effective learning abilities, such as Reinforcement Learning, into an efficient routing policy has demonstrated promising solutions for future networks. Hence, this paper introduces Aris-RPL, an adaptive routing policy for the RPL protocol. Aris-RPL utilizes a multi-objective Q-learning algorithm to learn optimal paths. Each node translates neighboring node information into a Q-value representing a composite multi-objective metric, including Buffer Utilization, Energy Level, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Overflow Ratio, and Child Count. Furthermore, Aris-RPL operates effectively during the exploitation and exploration phases and continuously monitors the network overflow ratio during exploitation to respond to sudden changes and maintain performance. The extensive Contiki OS 3.0/COOJA simulator experiments have verified Aris-RPL efficiency. It enhanced Control Overhead, Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), End-to-End Delay (E2E Delay), and Energy Consumption results compared to other counterparts for all scenarios on average by 39%, 25%, 7%, and 38%, respectively. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed profound social–psychological vulnerabilities and strengths across societies worldwide. Beyond its immediate health implications, the pandemic has triggered a wave of mental health issues, disrupted social cohesion, and challenged community resilience. This paper synthesizes the current literature, critically discusses five recent studies as part of the Special Issue “Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19: The Role of Social Determinants”, and articulates an agenda for future research within a social–psychological framework. Moving beyond mere negative effects such as anxiety, this review highlights the role of resilience, prosocial behavior, (digital) mental health interventions, and community social capital. Correspondingly, I advocate for interdisciplinary efforts to enhance awareness, preparedness, and adaptive capacity during health crises, emphasizing the need for a clearer focus on vulnerable social groups. In sum, recognizing the evolving global landscape, this work underscores the urgency of integrating psychological insights into public health policies to build resilient societies capable of confronting future pandemics and health emergencies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake in Japan severely affected community care for persons with psychiatric disabilities. This study analyzed the difficulties and adaptive coping strategies of psychiatric visiting nurses (PVN) to inform disaster mental health practice. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six PVN, and the data were analyzed thematically. Results: Key findings indicated two main challenges: a system-level paralysis of care owing to infrastructure collapse and the ethical dilemmas experienced by the role of PVN as “dual victims.” In response, nurses leveraged pre-existing therapeutic relationships to ensure care continuity and acted as essential liaisons to external teams. The study also documented substantial and unexpected patient resilience. Conclusions: Based on the findings, this study’s primary contribution is a recommendation to reframe disaster policy by shifting focus from merely deploying external aid to empowering existing, trusted community care networks and adopting a strengths-based model for mental health support. Full article

This study develops a data-driven predictive framework integrating hybrid feature selection, interpretable machine learning, and uncertainty quantification to forecast Olympic medal performance among elite nations. Focusing on the top ten countries from Paris 2024, the analysis employs a three-stage feature selection procedure combining Spearman correlation screening, random forest embedded importance, and the Caterpillar Fungus Optimizer (CFO) to identify stable long-term predictors. A novel test variable, rank, capturing historical competitive strength, and a refined continuous host-effect indicator derived from gravity-type trade models are introduced. Two complementary modeling strategies—a two-way fixed-effects econometric model and a CFO-optimized random forest—are implemented and validated. SHAP, LIME, and partial dependence plots enhance model interpretability, revealing nonlinear mechanisms underlying medal outcomes. Kernel density estimation generates probabilistic interval forecasts for Los Angeles 2028. Results demonstrate that historical performance and event-specific characteristics dominate medal predictions, while macroeconomic factors (GDP, population) and conventional host status contribute marginally once related variables are controlled. Consistent variable rankings across models and close alignment between 2028 projections and 2024 outcomes validate the framework’s robustness and practical applicability for sports policy and resource allocation decisions. Full article

This paper develops a comprehensive macro stress-testing (MST) framework to evaluate the resilience of Saudi Arabia’s financial sector against systemic risk over the period 2010–2025. The approach integrates macro financial linkages, credit risk modeling, and scenario analysis to simulate the impact of severe but plausible shocks on capital adequacy ratios (CAR) and capital shortfalls. Using Saudi macroeconomic data, the study demonstrates that GDP growth and oil price fluctuations are dominant drivers of systemic risk, while inflation and unemployment exert significant but secondary effects. Under severe adverse conditions, the banking sector’s aggregate CAR declines to 9.6%, requiring an estimated capital injection of 3.7% of GDP. The findings underscore the strength of Saudi Arabia’s financial buffers, while emphasizing the importance of dynamic capital buffer calibration, sectoral diversification, and cross-border macroprudential coordination within the GCC. Policy recommendations are provided to enhance stress-testing governance and fiscal and financial alignment. The findings highlight the importance of dynamic counter-cyclical capital buffers, sectoral diversification, liquidity resilience, and enhanced fiscal–financial coordination. Policy recommendations are provided to guide SAMA and the Financial Stability Council in capital planning, stress-test governance, and macroprudential policy design. Full article

The Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector has become a strategic driver of regional economic development, yet secondary cities often lack the structural, governance, and experiential capacities required for competitive MICE positioning. This study proposes and empirically validates a triangulated analytical framework that integrates structural readiness, stakeholder governance capacity, and tourist perceptions to capture systemic misalignments in emerging MICE destinations, going beyond conventional applied readiness assessments. This study evaluates the preparedness of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, to develop as a sustainable MICE destination using a triangulated mixed-methods design comprising (1) a city readiness assessment based on TCEB’s eight criteria, (2) a survey of 400 tourists and MICE visitors, and (3) in-depth interviews with 20 key stakeholders. The weighted assessment indicated a moderate overall readiness score (3.48/5), with strengths in environmental management, safety, supporting activities, and accommodation. However, MICE venue capacity and city image remained notably weak. Tourists consistently perceived high readiness across most areas, whereas stakeholders highlighted major systemic issues, including fragmented governance, inconsistent MICE service quality, limited capacity for large events, and inadequate transportation integration. Triangulating these viewpoints reveals three analytically distinct preparation gaps—structural, policy implementation, and experience expectations—demonstrating a fundamental misalignment between experiential appeal and institutional capabilities. This study conceptualizes preparedness as a relational outcome impacted by infrastructure, governance procedures, and market perceptions, adding to the MICE destination and governance literature. The methodology can be used to examine comparable misalignments in other emerging or secondary MICE destinations. The findings guide governance-driven MICE city development plans for sustainability and competitiveness. Full article

This study investigates the spatial effects of employment density on the economic, technological, and carbon efficiency of China’s manufacturing sector, using panel data from 30 provinces from 2008 to 2022. A multidimensional performance framework and spatial econometric models are employed to identify both direct impacts and spatial spillovers. The results show that employment density significantly enhances local economic performance while imposing negative spillover effects on neighboring regions. Technological performance exhibits uneven spatial returns, indicating a “technology siphoning” effect in more agglomerated provinces. Carbon efficiency presents a divergent pattern of “local improvement but neighboring deterioration,” highlighting cross-regional ecological externalities. In addition, human capital, capital investment, and regional policy intensity are found to regulate the strength and direction of spatial spillovers across the three performance dimensions. Based on these findings, this study recommends optimizing the spatial layout of manufacturing and population, strengthening interregional innovation collaboration, promoting green transformation, and improving the quality of human capital. These policy implications provide empirical support for advancing sustainable manufacturing development and enhancing regional governance capacity. Full article

Firefighting requires high and multidimensional fitness to ensure operational readiness and public safety. In Portugal, there is limited data regarding firefighters’ fitness and exercise programs to improve readiness are lacking. This study evaluated the effects of a 6-month minimal-equipment exercise program on the physical fitness of firefighter recruits. Thirty-five male subjects (23.0 ± 2.72 years) were assessed at baseline,3 and 6 months for body composition, handgrip strength, running speed, cardiovascular endurance, anaerobic power, and upper- and lower-body strength. The intervention entailed daily sessions with 15 min of continuous running (50–65% HRmax) and active stretching, followed by alternating routines, including endurance running, free weights, interval sprints, calisthenics, and drills. A repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni adjusted post hoc comparisons identified time-based changes. Significant improvements occurred across all fitness variables. Body fat fell by 8.4% and VO₂max increased (p < 0.001), surpassing occupational thresholds required for extended suppression tasks. Bench press and sit-up performance improved by 88% and 81%, respectively, while countermovement jump showed double-digit gains (13%), all of which can translate directly to hose advancement, victim rescue, and forcible entry. These results highlight that resource-constrained departments can implement effective, low-cost exercise programs for enhancing pivotal fitness components, supporting policy initiatives to include structured training throughout firefighters’ careers. Full article

Coastal port cities depend on global seafood flows, yet their food security is increasingly exposed to price volatility and supply disruptions. This study examines Busan citizens’ perceptions of seafood-related food security and seafood supply chain stability, and derives actionable municipal policy priorities for a trade-dependent port city. Anchored in the FAO four-dimensional framework—availability, access, utilization, and stability—we developed 20 seafood-related attributes and surveyed adult residents in Busan (n = 297). The measurement structure was assessed through reliability checks and exploratory factor analysis, and Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) was used to map attribute-level priorities and identify the largest importance–performance gaps. Overall, respondents regard seafood food security as highly important but only moderately satisfactory. Availability and utilization perform relatively well, indicating perceived strengths in basic supply conditions and safe consumption, whereas access and stability show lower performance relative to importance, reflecting concerns about affordability, uneven physical access for vulnerable groups, price volatility, and exposure to external shocks. Notably, several stability-related attributes emerge as “Concentrate Here” priorities, highlighting the need for strengthened risk management, early warning communication, and resilience-oriented logistics planning at the city level. By integrating the FAO framework with attribute-level IPA, this study demonstrates how citizen perception data can translate macro food security debates into locally implementable priorities for building sustainable food systems in coastal cities. Full article

Digital twin (DT) technology is recognized for its transformative potential to enhance efficiency in the construction process. However, the full potential of DT in construction practices remains largely unrealised. Moreover, few studies explore how DT success factors affect efficiency improvement (EI), energy optimization (EO), and cost control (CC) in the context of economic strength (ES). The study applied a hybrid research method to examine the impact of key DT success factors on EI, EO, and CC under the moderation of ES. After a critical literature review, five key DT success factors were identified. Then, 490 valid questionnaires were analyzed with the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) to assess how success factors affect DT effectiveness. This is complemented using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) to assess prediction accuracy and understand which factors most influenced EI, EO, and CC. Research shows that ES exerts a significant positive influence on the relationships between most success factors and performance outcomes. High levels of ES enhance the contribution of success factors to performance in EI, EO, and CC. Resource management (RM) has a strong influence on EI and EO, but a weaker influence on CC; process optimization (PO) has the strongest influence on EO, a moderate influence on CC, and the weakest influence on EI; real-time monitoring (R-Tm) primarily affects EI; sustainable design (SD) has a comprehensive and significant regulatory effect on EI, EO, and CC; and predictive maintenance (PM) has a strong influence on both EI and CC. In practice, it offers practical guidance for implementing DT and supports policy and resource planning for building stakeholders. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) promises large productivity gains, yet growing concern surrounds its implications for social sustainability. This paper develops and empirically evaluates a simple behavioral framework in which unequal access to AI generates mutually reinforcing gaps in economic performance and social visibility, potentially undermining the long-run stability of social systems. Individuals fall into two groups—AI adopters and non-adopters—and differences in productivity and social recognition give rise to two exchange rates: an Economic Exchange Rate (EER), capturing relative economic advantage, and a Social Exchange Rate (SER), capturing relative social visibility and recognition. AI strengthens the feedback between economic success and social standing, and the joint evolution of EER and SER is stable only when the product of two feedback parameters lies below unity. When this threshold is approached, the system enters a regime of systemic disequilibrium, in which economic and social disparities expand endogenously. Using panel data for 30 economies over the period 2012–2025, we provide empirical evidence of strong mutual reinforcement between economic and social advantage, with feedback strength rising as AI diffusion accelerates. The findings suggest that unequal AI access poses risks not only to equality but to social sustainability itself. The paper contributes a diagnostic framework for socially sustainable AI diffusion, highlighting the need for policies that dampen amplification mechanisms and strengthen inclusive pathways from economic performance to social recognition. Full article

Cervical cancer remains the main etiology of high morbidity and mortality among women in developing world despite the screening plans. In South Africa, screening policies are low. Attitude, knowledge, and practices (AKP) play a pivotal role in diagnosis, prevention and screening. The review explores AKP towards cervical cancer and screening including global and regional burden, and determinants of screening uptake. Previous empirical studies identifying factors influencing adherence to screening services were identified. Studies from 2020–2025 were searched using PubMed and Google databases. Identified terms and topics were combined using Boolean Operators and PRISMA guidelines. Keywords were “attitudes”, “knowledge”, “practice”, “current cervical cancer screening”, AND “South Africa”, “global”, “regional”, “burden”, “cervical cancer”, “screening uptake determinants ” and “cervical cancer screening”, “factors influencing adherence”, and “cervical cancer screening”, “practices and pap smear tests”, “strengths”, “limitations”, “future research”, AND (“cervical cancer screening”). Key findings: many women know cervical cancer or Pap smears but lack detailed knowledge about risk factors and screening protocols, actual Pap smear uptake is low. Fear of outcome of procedure, pain, or embarrassment are primary barriers, and lack of service access. A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare providers, government and non-governmental organizations is crucial in addressing gaps in cervical cancer screening. Full article

This study analyzes the association between age integration and residential satisfaction in urban regeneration areas. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 569 residents who visited ten Urban Regeneration Community Facilities (URCFs) in Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea. Age integration was set as the main independent variable, and blockwise (sequential-entry) multiple regression analysis was performed while controlling for life satisfaction, community wellbeing, and socio-demographic characteristics. The results indicate that higher levels of age integration are significantly associated with higher residential satisfaction, demonstrating that intergenerational interactions and inclusive relationships play an important role in enhancing satisfaction with the neighborhood. This positive association was also consistent across age cohorts, with no statistically significant differences in correlation strength between age groups. Several control variables, including life satisfaction, selected components of community wellbeing, and income level, also show significant positive associations with residential satisfaction, confirming that personal, social, and environmental factors jointly influence residential satisfaction in urban regeneration areas. These findings highlight the importance of fostering age-integrated environments in urban regeneration policies to enhance the social sustainability of urban neighborhoods. By showing that age integration is associated with higher residential satisfaction even after controlling for life satisfaction, community wellbeing, and socio-demographic characteristics, this study provides empirical evidence on how age-integrated environments can contribute to the social sustainability and community wellbeing of urban regeneration neighborhoods from a social sustainability perspective. Full article