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This study compares the performance of two wind farm sites located in Northern Europe: an onshore site and an offshore area in the eastern Baltic Sea region. This study investigates the optimisation of wind farm performance within a fixed project area by maximising annual energy production (AEP) and increasing energy density. Three wake-loss scenarios (≤10%, ≤15%, and ≤20%) were examined to assess the sensitivity of layout optimisation to aerodynamic interaction constraints. Several layout configurations were analysed to reduce wake losses and enhance overall energy output. Wind conditions were assessed using NORA3 reanalysis data, and wake interactions were modelled using the Jensen wake model to estimate AEP. Both wind farms were further compared across key criteria, including cost, power generation efficiency, installation and maintenance requirements, and site availability. Offshore wind farms achieve 1.5–1.7 times higher energy density under similar spatial conditions. However, offshore levelised cost of energy (LCOE) remains roughly 25% higher due to higher capital and infrastructure costs, while onshore LCOE demonstrates better economic performance, driven by lower CAPEX and O&M expenses. The findings highlight the trade-offs between cost efficiency and wake-driven energy performance for onshore and offshore wind development in the eastern Baltic Sea region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section A3: Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy)

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21 pages, 759 KB

Open AccessArticle

Overcoming the Challenges of Collaborative Research for Sustainability: Managing Institutional Complexity

by Olof Zaring, Rani J. Dang and Maureen McKelvey

Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 2820; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18062820 (registering DOI) - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Achieving societal goals of sustainability will require businesses to leverage scientific results and advanced technologies and thereby promote the distribution of new solutions in society. Therefore, a key recommendation from the sustainability transition literature is to promote direct collaboration between industry and academia. However, existing research suggests that successful collaboration is difficult to achieve due to institutional complexity. This paper applies a set of theoretical concepts regarding institutional complexity—namely hybrid organizations, academic engagement, and institutional logics—to a case study of a university–industry centre for sustainability. The longitudinal process of collaboration from initiating to dismantling a centre is first described. This process understanding enables an analysis of the management challenges with regard to the different institutional logics held by stakeholders including financiers, firms and research institutions, as they attempt to work together to achieve desired sustainable innovation outcomes. The conclusions point out a novel capability—latent flexibility—that we have identified in hybrid organizations. This refers to where institutional and task complexity are dynamically resolved by managers preserving the ability to reconfigure a project’s assets and hence determine how logics should recede or advance depending on interpretations of achieved outputs and shifting expectations for collaborative research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)

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24 pages, 7664 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Learning-Based Evaluation of Offshore Wind Energy Resources in Southeastern China for the Future

by Chengguang Lai, Peilin Zeng, Zifeng Deng, Zhaoli Wang and Xuezhi Tan

Energies 2026, 19(6), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19061447 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

The evaluation of offshore wind energy resources is important to the construction of offshore wind power facilities. In this paper, using four models from CMIP6 and the ERA5 reanalysis dataset, a deep learning model termed SwinWind was developed and proposed to evaluate future offshore wind energy resources in Southeastern China for the periods 2020–2050 and 2070–2100. The feature extraction capability of the Swin Transformer was utilized to construct a bias correction and downscaling framework. This approach achieves performance comparable to existing high-cost models while significantly reducing computational costs and complexity. The SwinWind model corrected most of the biases and effectively learned spatial relationships, successfully performing the downscaling task. Based on future wind speed projections derived from the SwinWind model, this study presents a comprehensive evaluation of offshore wind resources, examining five critical dimensions: resource abundance, efficiency, stability, the impact of extreme winds, and economic feasibility. It is projected that offshore wind resources around Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang will experience a decline in the 21st century, while offshore wind resources around the Guangdong, Fujian and the Beibu Gulf show an increasing trend. The evaluation index shows that the coastal areas of Guangdong and the southern coastline of Taiwan are the most suitable locations for wind power exploitation. The Taiwan Strait, which has the highest wind energy density, is not the best spot due to its extreme wind speed and unstable wind resources. This study provides an important reference for the location of wind farms with practical application value. Full article

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16 pages, 14806 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Paleo Perspective of Future Precipitation Drought in the Tennessee Valley

by Kane Thurman, Julianne Webb, Grace Peart, Glenn Tootle, Zhixu Sun and Joshua S. Fu

Hydrology 2026, 13(3), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13030092 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Hydrologic assessment within the Southeast United States is challenging, particularly in upstream basins, necessitating improved approaches to drought forecasting and water management. Within the Tennessee Valley, dense populations intensify the need for robust hydrologic management and predictive capabilities. This study integrates dendrochronological proxy data, hindcast information, and future climate projections from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to evaluate May–June–July drought regimes. Holistic hydrologic conditions were attained by integrating self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index data from the North American Drought Atlas, basin-scale precipitation data from ORNL hindcasts and future predictions, and streamflow data from United States Geological Survey. Development of precipitation and streamflow reconstructions were completed using Stepwise Linear Regression, then bias-corrected and temporally smoothed using five- and ten-year moving windows. The reconstructions demonstrated strong statistical skill across all three basins (Little Tennessee River, Nantahala River, South Fork Holston River). When compared only to the hindcast, future drought is predicted to be the most severe on record, but within the context of the paleo record, while still severe, these future droughts remain inside the natural variability envelope. Findings highlight the importance of novel approaches to long-term drought monitoring, specifically integrating basins where instrumental periods are limited, and water management demands are high. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Measurement, Utility and Evaluation of Precipitation Observations: 2nd Edition)

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6 pages, 654 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure Data Analysis and Visualization: Building Cybersecurity Awareness and Validating Risks

by Chin-Ling Chen, Zhen-Hong Peng, Ling-Chun Liu and Chin-Feng Lee

Eng. Proc. 2026, 128(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026128033 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities are rapidly increasing, but public understanding and awareness remain limited. Since most vulnerabilities are common, they continue to exist and to be exploited. Although there are tools, including the Open Worldwide Application Security project and the common weakness enumeration method, that provide extensive information on known security problems, their information is not structured and visually shown. The tools are ineffective in speed assessment and response. We analyzed large-scale common vulnerabilities and exposures JavaScript object notation datasets to recognize key threats, to understand the underlying cause of data breaches, and to analyze vulnerability trends. Implementing keyword gate-filling techniques and better data visualization enhances the clarity and usefulness of vulnerability information. These tools enable stakeholders to make quicker and more informed decisions and implement stronger encryption and defensive measures. Finally, the results of this study lead to broad awareness, active security, and a reactive strategy to evolving cyber threats that simplifies both governmental and average-day user recognition and response to emerging attack patterns and risks across digital platforms. Full article

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24 pages, 1196 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Quantitative Literature Review of the Contribution of Phonics to Overall Reading Performance for Primary Students

by Beryl Exley, Kylie Zee Bradfield, Danielle H. Heinrichs and Sonja Clancy

Encyclopedia 2026, 6(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6030061 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

This Systematic Quantitative Literature Review (SQLR) examines instructional content (the what) and instructional strategies (the how) that contribute to overall reading performance for students in mainstream English-speaking primary classes. Drawing on 163 peer-reviewed studies published over four and a half decades, the authors examine instructional content and strategies aligned with six interrelated foundational elements of reading development: phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and oral language. In response to the proliferation of reading research and the limitations of narrative reviews, the five iterative phases of the SQLR method enable rigorous selection, coding, and synthesis of studies reporting quantitative evidence of the contribution of instructional content and strategies to students’ overall reading performance. The second part of the paper focuses on phonics instruction, an element of the teaching of reading central to ongoing public, educational, and political debate. The authors identify significant variation in terms of the scale, duration, and year-levels of the reported research, and foreground the complex roles of teacher professional learning, teachers’ pedagogical decision-making, and implementation fidelity in shaping the research projects. The paper finishes by synthesizing evidence that concludes that while phonics instruction can contribute to overall reading performance, its effects are variable and contingent on specific instructional and contextual conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Sciences)

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24 pages, 711 KB

Open AccessArticle

Equity in Coastal Resilience: A Framework for University Engagement in Community-Based Projects

by Juita-Elena (Wie) Yusuf, Jennifer L. Whytlaw, Marina Saitgalina, Ogechukwu M. Nwandu-Vincent, Khairul A. Anuar, Thomas Allen and Joshua Behr

Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 2815; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18062815 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

As communities face intensifying climate hazards, it is vital to strengthen resilience in ways that explicitly prioritize social equity. This study examines how higher education institutions can better support government, nonprofit, and community partners in advancing equity-centered coastal resilience in the U.S. Utilizing a qualitative research design, we analyze discussions among researchers and practitioners during a three-day workshop. We present a framework derived from a thematic analysis of breakout group transcripts from a three-day national virtual workshop involving 113 researchers and practitioners. The analysis identified four core themes: the necessity of aligning projects with community-defined priorities; the foundational role of long-term trust and relationship-building; the requirement for flexible funding to support sustained engagement; and the value of interdisciplinary, multifunctional teams. Findings indicate that while engaged and applied research can significantly advance equitable outcomes, academic researchers face systemic barriers, including rigid tenure timelines and insufficient institutional infrastructure. Consequently, we offer a three-pronged framework centered on early and continuous engagement, robust collaboration with extension services, and supportive university infrastructure. This framework provides practical guidance for institutions to transition from traditional ‘town and gown’ models toward meaningful, community-embedded, and equity-driven coastal resilience partnerships. Full article

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17 pages, 3187 KB

Open AccessArticle

Detox NH₃ Textile—Decontamination of Production-Related Ammonia in Farming and Industry with the Aid of Functional Adsorber Textiles

by Klaus Opwis, Marcel Remek, Bert Gillessen, Peter Lohse, Thomas Siegfried, Joerg Brandes, Bernd Kimpfel, Wiebke Schulze Esking, Philipp Schulze Esking and Jochen Stefan Gutmann

Textiles 2026, 6(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6010032 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Ammonia is one of the most important and widely produced basic chemicals worldwide. However, this highly toxic gas is also produced in livestock farming and a variety of industrial processes, posing a potential threat to humans, animals and the environment and also significantly contributing to the formation of persistent particulate matter. The aim of this project was to develop a textile-based adsorber material and to demonstrate a suitable test system for purifying ammonia-contaminated air from production-related sources using the example of pig fattening and PCB production. This aim was achieved through the wash-resistant immobilization of polyacrylic acid on a polyester needle felt at laboratory, pilot plant and industrial scales. In addition, various system concepts have been developed in which air or phosphoric acid can flow through the adsorber textile, whereby in the latter case, the phosphoric acid is both actively involved in ammonia adsorption and also serves to elute the bound ammonia, enabling continuous and low-maintenance operation. Concurrently, the high-quality inorganic fertilizer ammonium phosphate is produced. In summary, an efficient alternative to existing solutions for ammonia minimization has been developed, which is fundamentally characterized by its universal applicability in different load scenarios, including small mobile systems in production facilities with local ammonia pollution, in addition to scenarios for large-scale agricultural operations. Full article

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29 pages, 1884 KB

Open AccessReview

Nuclear Fuel Revival: Uranium Markets, SMRs, and Global Energy Security

by Brenda Huerta-Rosas and Eduardo Sánchez-Ramírez

Commodities 2026, 5(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/commodities5010007 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

This review examines the renewed strategic relevance of uranium within the evolving global energy system, emphasizing uranium market dynamics, emerging nuclear technologies, and geopolitical realignments. Moving beyond traditional perspectives that treat uranium primarily as a cyclical commodity or focus narrowly on reactor design, the article frames uranium as a critical strategic resource at the intersection of energy security, decarbonization, and industrial transformation. The analysis integrates market fundamentals with technological developments, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced high-temperature reactor systems, and regional policy strategies to provide a holistic perspective largely absent from the existing literature. Quantitative evidence indicates a structurally tightening uranium market, with global reactor demand of approximately 67,500 tU per year and mine production historically meeting only 74–90% of annual requirements. Uranium prices have rebounded from below $20 lb⁻¹ U₃O₈ in 2016 to above $80 lb⁻¹ by late 2023, reflecting supply concentration, long development timelines for new mines, and renewed political commitments to nuclear energy. Demand projections suggest an increase of around 28% by 2030 and the potential for a doubling by mid-century under high-nuclear deployment scenarios. From a technological perspective, while SMRs and advanced reactors may increase uranium consumption per unit of electricity, they substantially expand nuclear energy deployment into new domains, including remote power systems, industrial heat applications, and large-scale low-carbon hydrogen production. Overall, the study highlights a qualitative shift in uranium’s role, positioning it as both a foundational component and a key enabler of integrated low-carbon energy systems spanning electricity, heat, and hydrogen production. Full article

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24 pages, 8480 KB

Open AccessProtocol

Evaluating Microclimate Modification and Acute Cardiovascular Stress Responses to a Dense Urban Microforest: The Green Oasis (GRO) Protocol

by Rachel Keith, Sean Willis, Natalie Christian, Farzaneh Khayat, Jackie Gallagher, William Scott Gunter, Julia Kachanova, Andrew Mehring, Rachel Pigg, Doris Proctor, Allison E. Smith, Cameron K. Stopforth, Patrick Piuma, Ted Smith and Aruni Bhatnagar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(3), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23030365 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

The Green Oasis (GRO) Project is a targeted urban greening intervention designed to evaluate the environmental and health impacts of compact, high-density plantings in dense built environments. Initiated in downtown Louisville, the project transformed Founders Square, a 0.64-acre sparsely planted park, into a microforest (“Trager Microforest”), a multilayered planting of 119 trees and more than 200 shrubs. The impact of this intervention is being assessed through a randomized crossover study in which participants walk in the microforest and a nearby impervious parking lot. Physiological outcomes include heart rate, heart rate variability, arterial stiffness, and stress biomarkers measured in saliva, urine, and sweat. Environmental conditions are continuously monitored by fixed and mobile weather stations, air pollution sensors, and biodiversity surveys. Baseline assessments were conducted in 2023 and 2024, with post-planting evaluations now underway (2025–). Power calculations indicate adequate sensitivity (n ≈ 40–50) to detect changes in cardiovascular stress responses in participants. Complementary ecological measurements include soil microbiome composition, greenhouse gas fluxes, and avian diversity. This study addresses critical gaps in understanding how small-scale, high-density greening interventions affect cardiovascular resilience, stress physiology, and microclimatic regulation. By integrating environmental, biological, and human health data, GRO establishes a comprehensive framework for evaluating the efficacy of urban microforests as nature-based solutions. The results are expected to inform urban planning, public health strategies, and climate adaptation policies, demonstrating how compact greening interventions can simultaneously mitigate heat, reduce pollution, enhance biodiversity, and promote human wellbeing in dense urban cores. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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19 pages, 721 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Feed to Table: The Role of Food Influencers in Restaurant Choices

by Nicolás Sumba-Nacipucha, Jorge Cueva-Estrada, Pedro Cuesta-Valiño and Francisco Ganga-Contreras

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7030083 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study examines why consumers intend to visit restaurants recommended by food influencers on social media. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and social influence mechanisms, we test an extended TPB model in which trust in the influencer is incorporated as an additional antecedent of intention and as a mediating mechanism linking influencer–follower identification to visit intention. To obtain information, a structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 474 Ecuadorian social media users who follow at least one gastronomic influencer. Hypotheses were assessed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and predictive assessment (PLSpredict). The results show that attitude toward recommendations and perceived control exert a significant effect on intention, while subjective norms have a more moderate influence. Trust is projected as an additional facilitator in the transition from evaluation to intention, indicating that parasocial affinity translates into intended behavior only when it is accompanied by perceived credibility. The study contributes to TPB and influencer marketing by clarifying how influencer-mediated digital recommendation contexts reshape the classic TPB mechanism and by specifying trust as the key bridge between identification and behavioral intention in a high-uncertainty gastronomic decision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Customer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality)

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19 pages, 991 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digitization Processes Implementation as an Innovation Management Tool Within Sustainable Development

by Marcel Kordoš

Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 2809; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18062809 - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

The digitization of Human Resource (HR) processes is currently regarded as a vital step towards enhancing efficiency, transparency, and employee satisfaction within organizations. This research paper analyzes the circumstances under which the digitization process in human resource management within innovative business entrepreneurship will affect corporate sustainable development. The present study assesses employee satisfaction with the innovative digital HR tools used and identifies the perceived benefits and barriers in assessing the impact of digitization on the functioning of HR processes. The primary objective of the research paper is to estimate the impact of the digitization of personnel management processes, from the perspective of employees, on their satisfaction with the innovative digital personnel tools used, and to determine the extent to which innovative digitization tools would affect the sustainable development of the corporation. The estimation is based on the data assessment approach regarding the questionnaire survey conducted within the framework of the VEGA project output. The primary method employed for hypothesis verification is the chi-square test, accompanied by graphical representation. The findings of this study suggest that corporations must strategically allocate resources to invest in digital tools and cultivate digital competencies within their workforce if they are to reap the full benefits of digitization and innovation processes. The ability to adapt to and leverage innovative, cutting-edge digital technologies will be a key determinant in terms of reinforcing sustainable development in business. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enterprise Operation and Innovation Management Sustainability)

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21 pages, 1258 KB

Open AccessArticle

Artistic, Digital, and Pedagogical Competence in Language Teacher Education: Generating Educational Videos and Innovative Teaching Practices

by Marta García-Sampedro, Lucía Rodríguez-Olay and María Amparo González-Rúa

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16030434 - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study analyses the development of digital and artistic competence among pre-service language teachers within the framework of a teaching innovation project (2018–2024) at the University of Oviedo. It not only explores student teachers’ perceptions of the proposal’s pedagogical usefulness but also seeks to determine whether statistically significant differences exist between participating master and undergraduate students. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach: the qualitative component is based on the European DigCompEdu framework, while the quantitative component employed an ad hoc questionnaire analysed using SPSS (v.22), including descriptive analysis, Levene’s test to assess equality of variances and Student’s t-test to identify potential significant differences according to the master–undergraduate variable. The results indicate, on the one hand, that this initiative successfully strengthens five of the six areas defined in the European framework, and on the other, that there is an overall high level of satisfaction, reflected in the high scores obtained in the competences examined in this study: artistic, digital and pedagogical. These findings underscore the value of integrating innovative, video-based strategies into teacher education programmes to support the development of key competences required for 21st-century teaching. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Empowering Teacher Education with Digital Competences)

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20 pages, 2162 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Closed Queuing Network-Based Stochastic Framework for Capacity Coordination and Bottleneck Analysis in Dam Concrete Transport Systems

by Shuaixin Yang, Jiejun Huang, Nan Li, Han Zhou, Hua Li, Xiaoguang Zhang and Xinping Li

Infrastructures 2026, 11(3), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11030096 - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

In large-scale dam construction, the efficiency of concrete transport operations is fundamentally governed by the coordination between horizontal hauling and vertical hoisting capacities. Traditional experience-based scheduling approaches often fail to capture the stochastic, cyclic, and resource-coupled nature of these transport systems. This study developed a closed queuing network-based stochastic simulation framework to model dam concrete transportation as a finite-population cyclic service system. The process was abstracted into sequential service stages with stochastic service times, and a structured state-space representation combined with time-step simulation was constructed to describe dynamic resource occupation and task transitions under varying truck and cable crane configurations. Application to a real large-scale dam project revealed a characteristic multi-stage performance evolution pattern governed by capacity matching mechanisms. As the truck fleet size increased, system performance transitioned from a transport-limited regime to a capacity-coordination regime and ultimately to a hoisting-saturated regime in which further fleet expansion yielded diminishing returns. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that hoisting capacity imposed an upper bound on system throughput, while adaptive fleet reconfiguration could restore operational equilibrium under constrained equipment availability. The results indicated that dam concrete transport should be treated as a dynamic capacity regulation problem rather than a static allocation task. The proposed framework provides an interpretable and quantitative decision-support tool for equipment configuration, bottleneck identification, and adaptive scheduling in large-scale hydraulic infrastructure projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Smart Infrastructures)

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16 pages, 407 KB

Open AccessArticle

Projected Health and Economic Impacts of Achieving the Recommended Dairy Intake in Japan: A Simulation Study of Increased Milk Consumption for Stroke Prevention

by Ryota Wakayama, Michihiro Araki, Mieko Nakamura and Nayu Ikeda

Nutrients 2026, 18(6), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18060906 - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Milk consumption is inversely associated with stroke risk. However, the average dairy consumption in Japan is below recommended guidelines. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate potential health and economic impacts of increased milk intake to achieve the recommended daily dairy intake for stroke prevention. Methods: A Markov model stratified by sex and age group simulated the effects of achieving the recommended dairy intake—by increasing milk consumption to 180 g/day—on stroke incidence, stroke-related deaths, and national healthcare expenditures among Japanese adults aged 30–79 years over 10 years. Two scenarios were defined; an immediate increase (Scenario 1) and a constant annual growth rate (Scenario 2) in milk intake, whereas the average dairy product consumption in 2023 was maintained in the base-case scenario. Results: Compared with the base-case scenario, increasing milk consumption to 180 g/day was projected to reduce stroke incidence and stroke-related deaths by 7.0% in Scenario 1 and by 3.2% in Scenario 2. National healthcare expenditures for stroke were decreased by 5.1% in Scenario 1 and 2.2% in Scenario 2. Conclusions: Achieving the recommended dairy intake may contribute to reductions in healthcare costs by preventing stroke in Japan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Economics, Environment and Policies That Influence Nutrition Management in Healthcare)

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