Search Results (4,941)

Persistent inflation has intensified uncertainty in the construction industry, particularly in volatile economies. Inflation-driven risks affecting Turkish residential projects are examined in this study, focusing on rising costs, fluctuating labor and material prices, and associated risks. The power-based linguistic hedges were used to quantify dominant severity levels under uncertainty based on descriptive statistics and standard deviation thresholds. Results indicate that inflation mostly impacts projects through budget overruns and wage inflation, which exhibit the highest severity and crisis-level risk behaviors. A number of factors drive material price volatility, particularly macroeconomic instability, currency depreciation, and supply-chain disruptions. There is a sustained pressure on contractor profitability due to wage inflation. In contrast, inflation-related effects on schedule, quality, safety, and contractual disputes are secondary and context-dependent. The findings indicate a structural shift in the risk profile of Turkish residential construction, indicating a need for inflation-resilient cost management, adaptive contracting, and proactive labor planning. Full article

Polyethylene (PE) mulching has been widely practiced in agriculture for decades, but its short-term impacts on heavy metal dynamics and crop safety under field conditions remain poorly understood. In this study, a one-season field trial was carried out in Cd-contaminated paddy to evaluate how PE mulching influences rhizosphere microbial communities, soil physicochemical properties, and Cd accumulation in rice. Results showed that PE mulching improved rice performance, increasing dry grain weight by 14.47% and thousand-grain weight by 1.10 folds, while reducing grain Cd concentration from 0.2307 to 0.1727 mg/kg, below the national safety threshold of 0.2 mg/kg. These effects were closely linked to elevated soil pH, decreased redox potential, and the enrichment of metal-reducing (Geobacteraceae, Desulfuromonadia) and sulfate-reducing (Desulfosporosinus, Methanospirillum) taxa, which promoted Cd immobilization into less bioavailable forms. A structural equation model (SEM) further confirmed that microbial abundance and Cd speciation were key factors associated with Cd uptake by rice. However, PE mulching also reduced microbial diversity and functional redundancy, disrupted co-occurrence networks, and potentially weakened rhizosphere ecosystem stability and resilience in the short term. This study provides field-based evidence that PE mulching reduces food safety risks and improves yield but destabilizes soil microbial communities, highlighting its short-term double-edged ecological effects and the need for balanced management to sustain productivity and soil health. Full article

The November 2025 extreme rainfall event associated with Tropical Cyclone Ditwah caused catastrophic flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka. This study presents a national-scale statistical and Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF)-based assessment of the event using long-term rain gauge observations, extreme value analysis, and climate scenario-based projections. The 24-h rainfall data from 46 stations were analyzed for 1-, 2-, and 3-day durations. Historical annual maximum series were extracted and compared with the 2025 event to identify record-breaking extremes. Rainfall volumes were also estimated and compared with the island’s Average Annual Rainfall (AAR) and volumes from major flood events in 2010 and 2016. The November 2025 event exceeded historical maxima at 14 stations, with estimated return periods frequently surpassing 1000 years. The cumulative rainfall volume from 26–28 November accounted for 15.8% of Sri Lanka’s AAR. Updated IDF curves incorporating the event showed marked upward shifts, with intensities at some locations matching or exceeding projections under high-emission climate scenarios. The results highlight the inadequacy of existing design standards in capturing emerging extremes and the need for urgent updates to Sri Lanka’s national IDF relationships to support climate-resilient flood risk management and infrastructure planning. Full article

This systematic review examines how emotional well-being in journalism has been de-fined, experienced, and supported between 2010 and 2025. It draws on 15 peer-reviewed empirical studies identified in Web of Science and Scopus and evaluated using PRISMA 2020 and the MMAT. The review addresses three main gaps in the field: unclear definitions, limited synthesis of risk and protective factors, and scarce assessment of support interventions. Across studies, emotional distress emerges from structural pressures, such as overwork, trauma exposure, online harassment, job precarity, and the erosion of collegial networks. These pressures, rather than inherent traits of journalistic work, shape vulnerability. Protective factors include social support, editorial autonomy, professional experience, purpose-driven motivation, and practices like mindfulness or digital disconnection. Yet their impact is often limited by weak organizational infrastructures. Vulnerability is higher among women, freelancers, and early career journalists, although intersectional analyses remain rare. Sectoral and organizational responses—peer networks, resilience programs, trauma-informed training, and emerging digital safety policies—show promise but remain fragmented. The review concludes that emotional well-being should be framed as an ethical and structural responsibility within journalism, and that sustainable progress requires systemic measures that foster psychological safety and professional dignity. Full article

Wind power plants (WPPs), as large-scale cyber–physical systems (CPSs), have become essential to renewable energy generation but are increasingly exposed to cyber threats. Attacks on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks can cause cascading physical and economic impacts. The systematic synthesis of cyber risk analysis methods specific to WPPs and cyber–physical energy systems (CPESs) is a need of the hour to identify research gaps and guide the development of resilient protection frameworks. This study employs a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol to review the state of the art in this area. Peer-reviewed studies published between January 2010 and January 2025 were taken from four major journals using a structured set of nine search queries. After removing duplicates, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, and screening titles and abstracts, 62 studies were examined for analysis on the basis of a synthesis framework. The studies were classified along three methodological dimensions, qualitative vs. quantitative, model-based vs. data-driven, and informal vs. formal, giving us a unified taxonomy of cyber risk analysis approaches. Among the included studies, 45% appeared to be qualitative or semi-quantitative frameworks such as STRIDE, DREAD, or MITRE ATT&CK; 35% were classified as quantitative or model-based techniques such as Bayesian networks, Markov decision processes, and Petri nets; and 20% adopted data-driven or hybrid AI/ML methods. Only 28% implemented formal verification, and fewer than 10% explicitly linked cyber vulnerabilities to safety consequences. Key research gaps include limited integration of safety–security interdependencies, scarce operational datasets, and inadequate modelling of environmental factors in WPPs. This systematic review highlights a predominance of qualitative approaches and a shortage of data-driven and formally verified frameworks for WPP cybersecurity. Future research should prioritise hybrid methods that integrate formal modelling, synthetic data generation, and machine learning-based risk prioritisation to enhance resilience and operational safety of renewable-energy infrastructures. Full article

This study examines how investment efficiency and risk jointly shape sustainable grain supply-chain upgrading. Using firm-level panel data for 25 listed grain supply-chain firms in China from 2015 to 2023, this study examines efficiency–risk structures and their heterogeneity across upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. A three-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) is applied to measure investment efficiency while controlling for environmental heterogeneity and statistical noise, and a multidimensional investment risk index is constructed using principal component analysis (PCA), with an emphasis on sustainability metrics. The results reveal a clear supply-chain gradient: downstream firms exhibit the highest mean third-stage investment efficiency (crete = 0.633) and scale efficiency (scale = 0.634), midstream firms are intermediate (crete = 0.308; scale = 0.326), and upstream firms remain lowest (crete = 0.129; scale = 0.138). This ordering is also visible year by year, while risk profiles indicate higher exposure upstream and pronounced volatility midstream. Efficiency decomposition shows that upstream inefficiency is mainly driven by scale inefficiency rather than insufficient pure technical efficiency. Overall, efficiency–risk mismatch—manifested as persistent low scale efficiency and elevated risk exposure in upstream, volatility in midstream, and stability in downstream—constitutes a key micro-level barrier to long-term and resilient upgrading. The study thus offers policy-relevant insights for segment-specific interventions that align with sustainable agricultural development: facilitating land consolidation and integrated risk management for upstream scale inefficiency, promoting supply-chain finance and digital integration for midstream risk volatility, and leveraging downstream stability to drive coordinated upgrading and sustainable value creation through market-based incentives. Full article

In this article, we employed a systematic approach to risk assessment and the adaptation of security measures to explore possibilities for more effective cybersecurity in the supply chains of the armed forces. Our focus was on developing a model with quantified indicators that, on one hand, enable dynamic monitoring of the security status and timely threat detection, while, on the other hand, enhance the resilience of supply chains against cyber threats. Our findings indicate that applying this model enables a comprehensive security risk assessment, the adaptation of protective measures to operational requirements, and the optimization of resources to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the armed forces. Future research will focus on validating the model in real-world scenarios and adapting it to the specific needs of different organizations. Full article

Urban populations are exposed to elevated local temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas due to the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which increases health risks and energy demand. The literature highlights that accurately quantifying UHIs at broader territorial scales remains challenging because of limited microscale climate data availability and, at the same time, the difficulty of increasing the spatial coverage of the outcomes. Within the PRIN2022-PNRR CRiStAll (Climate Resilient Strategies by Archetype-based Urban Energy Modeling) project, this work addresses these limitations by coupling Urban Building Energy Modeling with archetype-based representation of urban form and high-resolution climatic data. Urban archetypes are defined as representative microscale configurations derived from combinations of urban canyon geometries and building typologies, accounting for different climatic zones, use categories, and construction periods. The proposed methodology was applied to the city of Turin (Italy), where representative urban blocks were identified and modeled to evaluate key urban context metrics under short-, medium-, and long-term climate scenarios. The UHI effect was assessed using Urban Weather Generator, while energy simulations were performed with CitySim. The urban archetype approach enables both fine spatial resolution and extensive spatial coverage, supporting urban-scale mapping. Full article

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability but one of the least recognized health problems in the world, affecting up to 69 million people annually. The associated lifelong disability in survivors, the loss of economic productivity, and being a risk factor for dementia consume 0.5% of global economic activity. Yet TBI is still largely invisible in national surveillance systems and not well represented in chronic disease frameworks. Consequently, governments are not equipped to provide proportional financing of acute care and long-term care of survivors, nor to build health care systems and resources for improving outcomes of TBI through policy frameworks targeting prevention, treatment, and equitable access. Objective: This commentary aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the global effort to formally recognize TBI as a notifiable and chronic condition, including the justifications for recognition, the formation of an international coalition of stakeholders, and the strategic plan for resolution at WHA79 of the World Health Assembly, one of the first concerted multinational efforts that occurred as a side event during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in May 2025. Methods: This commentary integrates information from epidemiological studies, global registries, and testimonies from people with lived experience of TBI. We analyze these data to develop policy needs and corresponding initiatives to address key needs. These include coordinated efforts to advocate change, such as technical briefings, consultations with stakeholders, and storytelling led by survivors, all of which informed and formed a part of the WHA78 side event. Our efforts have garnered wide, multi-sector support. Results: The WHA78 side event showed that ministries of health, neurosurgical, neurological, and rehabilitation societies, academic researchers, WHO representatives, and survivors all unprecedentedly support the recognition of the importance of TBI, facilitating national policies for its prevention and treatment via standardized surveillance. More than 30 non-governmental groups officially supported the campaign. A sponsoring member state made a public commitment to co-sponsor a WHA resolution, which set the stage for ongoing diplomatic progress and engagement across regions. Conclusion: To improve global brain health equity, access to long-term care, and the resilience of health systems, it is important to recognize TBI as a notifiable and chronic condition. A dedicated WHA resolution would make TBI a part of global health governance, making sure that it is counted, tracked, and dealt with as quickly and comprehensively as possible. It is both a technical necessity and a moral duty to help survivors and families and fight for justice in global health systems. Full article

Health systems face pressure to strengthen resilience against supply chain disruptions while maintaining cost-effective service delivery. This mixed-methods study describes a pilot project that integrated 3D printing services into a Canadian provincial health authority. Quantitative data were derived from internal clinical engineering work orders, where a scenario-based economic analysis compared original equipment manufacturer (OEM) procurement with modelled 3D-printed parts. Using conservative assumptions, selected non-electronic structural parts were assigned a fixed unit cost. Qualitative data were collected from two focus groups with clinical engineers and other end-users. Results from an exploratory scenario-based economic analysis suggest that substituting selected structurally simple clinical engineering parts with 3D-printed alternatives would be associated with modelled cost impacts ranging from a 67.4% net increase (OEM prices halved and 3D-printing costs doubled) to a 69.6% cost reduction (OEM prices increased by 10% and 3D-printing costs decreased by 20%). Demand changes affected absolute savings but not the percent difference (58.1% under ±50% quantity changes), and a pessimistic procurement scenario (OEM prices decreased by 30% and 3D-printing costs increased by 50%) reduced savings to 10.3%. Focus groups highlighted perceived benefits and implementation challenges associated with integrating additive manufacturing. Implementation was facilitated through an outsourcing model, which was perceived to shift certain responsibilities and risk-management functions to the vendor. Long-term adoption will require clearer communication and targeted education. This pilot study suggests that, under constrained regulatory scope and scenario-based assumptions, additive manufacturing may contribute to supply chain resilience and may be associated with modelled cost advantages for selected low-risk components. Full article

The informal street food sector serves as a vital component of urban economies in South Africa, providing affordable nutrition and employment. However, this industry struggles to comply with required health and safety practices and standards. This study protocol outlines a mixed-methods investigation into hygiene practices, regulatory compliance, and the intersection with business sustainability among informal food vendors in Johannesburg’s inner city. This study aims to investigate how vendors’ perceptions of health risks and benefits influence compliance behaviours and, in turn, how these behaviours impact operational efficiency, financial stability, and customer trust. Grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework, the research seeks to explore both behavioural drivers and performance outcomes associated with hygiene adherence. The study will employ structured stall observations, semi-structured vendor interviews, and customer surveys across high-density vending zones. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data will be thematically analysed and triangulated with observed practices. The expected outcome is to identify key barriers and enablers of hygiene compliance and demonstrate how improved food safety practices contribute to business resilience, customer trust, and urban public health. The findings aim to inform inclusive policy and innovative business support strategies that integrate informal vendors into safer and more sustainable food systems. Full article

Blockchain is increasingly applied in the agri-food sector to enhance traceability, data integrity, and accountability. However, its broader role in food system sustainability remains insufficiently characterized, particularly when examined against global megatrends shaping future agri-food transitions. This paper investigates how blockchain technology can reinforce sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems under the effect of major global megatrends. A structured literature review of peer-reviewed and industry sources was conducted to identify evidence on blockchain-enabled improvements in transparency, certification, and supply chain coordination. Complementary analysis of a curated dataset of European and international pilot implementations evaluated technological architectures, governance models, and demonstrated performance outcomes. Additionally, stakeholder-based foresight activities and scenarios representing alternative blockchain adoption pathways, developed within the TRUSTyFOOD project (GA: 101060534), were used to examine the interconnection between blockchain adoption and megatrends. Evidence from the literature and pilot cases indicates that blockchain can strengthen product-level traceability and improve verification of sustainability and safety claims. Cross-case analysis also reveals persistent constraints, including heterogeneous technical standards, limited interoperability, high deployment costs for smallholders, and governance risks arising from consortium-led platforms. Blockchain can function as an enabling digital layer for sustainable and resilient food systems and should be embedded in wider, participatory strategies that align digital innovation with long-term sustainability and equity goals in the agri-food sector. Full article

Children and adolescents in hot and humid climates face increasing health risks due to climate change. Although the concept of Health-Promoting Schools (HPSs) is widely recognized, a systematic framework that integrates climate adaptability, child-specific needs, and multidimensional environmental design is still lacking. To address this gap, this study conducted a systematic literature review of 89 publications with three objectives: (1) synthesize research from the past decade on the impact of school physical environments on the health and academic performance of children and adolescents; (2) develop an evidence-based synergistic design framework with a categorized indicator system; and (3) integrate qualitative and quantitative evidence on how these indicators influence different health dimensions. The resulting framework emphasizes multidimensional, synergistic optimization and provides climate-responsive design strategies tailored to educational settings in hot and humid regions. By offering a theory-to-practice pathway, the framework complements existing healthy building guidelines for K–12 schools and supports designers and policymakers in creating environments that enhance thermal resilience, cognitive performance, and holistic child development. Full article

Mental health conditions have become an increasing concern among university students, particularly those pursuing health science disciplines such as pharmacy. Rigorous academic demands, high workloads, and sustained psychological pressure place pharmacy students at a high risk of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation. This study aimed to systematically review and quantitatively synthesize existing evidence on the prevalence of mental health conditions among pharmacy students in Thailand and globally using a meta-analytic approach. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the major academic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and ThaiJo, using predefined search terms and stringent inclusion criteria to ensure methodological rigor and relevance. Data from eligible studies were extracted and analyzed using STATA software to ensure statistical precision and reliability of the pooled estimates. A total of 51 studies, comprising 17,717 pharmacy students across 16 countries, including the United States, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, Syria, Pakistan, Poland, France, Portugal, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Lebanon, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, were included. The meta-analysis revealed pooled prevalence rates of 44.26% for depression (95% CI: 36.08–52.61), 52.01% for anxiety (95% CI: 42.86–61.09), 48.10% for stress (95% CI: 32.96–63.43), and 24.52% for suicidal ideation (95% CI: 14.10–36.70). These findings reflect a substantial mental health burden among pharmacy students, necessitating immediate and context-specific interventions. Considering these findings, academic institutions must develop and implement comprehensive mental health support strategies. Such initiatives should include early identification and screening programs, access to psychological counseling services, resilience-building interventions, and stress management workshops to effectively address the psychological needs of pharmacy students and enhance their academic and personal well-being. Full article

Background: Ageing profoundly alters endocrine regulation and nutrient metabolism, predisposing older adults to thyroid dysfunction. Iodine, an essential micronutrient, lies at the center of this vulnerability due to its narrow physiological range and multiple interactions with nutrition, medications, renal function, and, presumably, gut microbiota. Objective: This narrative review integrates evidence on how ageing modifies iodine–thyroid homeostasis, emphasizing the roles of dietary intake, pharmacologic exposures, microbiota composition, and age-related metabolic alterations that influence iodine handling and thyroid hormone economy. Main Findings: Physiological ageing reduces renal iodine clearance, thyroidal reserve, and peripheral hormone conversion, while chronic inflammation and multimorbidity increase susceptibility to both iodine deficiency and excess. Polypharmacy, including amiodarone, lithium, and proton pump inhibitors, further destabilizes thyroid function. Age-related dysbiosis may impair micronutrient absorption and immune tolerance, linking gut ecology to thyroid autoimmunity. The gut microbiota may influence thyroid function through immune and metabolic pathways, although current evidence in older adults remains limited. Together, these factors shift the balance between iodine intake and utilization, heightening the risk of subclinical or overt hypothyroidism in older adults. Conclusions: Overall, variations in iodine intake emerge as one of the main determinants of thyroid dysfunction in ageing with nutritional, pharmacologic, and other modifiers primarily influencing iodine-related thyroid vulnerability. The adoption of age-adjusted thyroid reference ranges and preventive monitoring can reduce overtreatment and improve metabolic resilience in later life. Full article