Search Results (539)

Emerging markets face growing pressures to integrate sustainable English business practices while maintaining economic growth, particularly in addressing environmental challenges and achieving carbon neutrality goals. English Financial information extraction becomes crucial for supporting green finance initiatives, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance, and sustainable investment decisions in these markets. This paper presents FinATG, an AI-driven autoregressive framework for extracting sustainability-related English financial information from English texts, specifically designed to support emerging markets in their transition toward sustainable development. The framework addresses the complex challenges of processing ESG reports, green bond disclosures, carbon footprint assessments, and sustainable investment documentation prevalent in emerging economies. FinATG introduces a domain-adaptive span representation method fine-tuned on sustainability-focused English financial corpora, implements constrained decoding mechanisms based on green finance regulations, and integrates FinBERT with autoregressive generation for end-to-end extraction of environmental and governance information. While achieving competitive performance on standard benchmarks, FinATG’s primary contribution lies in its architecture, which prioritizes correctness and compliance for the high-stakes financial domain. Experimental validation demonstrates FinATG’s effectiveness with entity F1 scores of 88.5 and REL F1 scores of 80.2 on standard English datasets, while achieving superior performance (85.7–86.0 entity F1, 73.1–74.0 REL+ F1) on sustainability-focused financial datasets. The framework particularly excels in extracting carbon emission data, green investment relationships, and ESG compliance indicators, achieving average AUC and RGR scores of 0.93 and 0.89 respectively. By automating the extraction of sustainability metrics from complex English financial documents, FinATG supports emerging markets in meeting international ESG standards, facilitating green finance flows, and enhancing transparency in sustainable business practices, ultimately contributing to their sustainable development goals and climate action commitments. Full article

This paper applies a multi-level social network analysis to examine Aragón’s innovation ecosystem, focusing on a decade of competitive public projects (2014–2023) aligned with the region’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) 2021–2027. By mapping and weighting the participation of regional entities across regional, national, and European calls, the study uncovers how all types of local actors organise themselves around key specialisation areas. Moreover, a comparative benchmark is introduced by analysing more than 33,000 Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe initiatives without Aragonese partners, revealing how to fill structural gaps and enrich the regional ecosystem through international collaboration. Results show strong funding concentration in four fields—Energy, Health, Agri-Food, and Advanced Technologies—while other historically strategic areas like Hydrogen and Water remain underrepresented. Although leading institutions (UNIZAR, CIRCE, ITA, AITIIP) play central roles in connecting academia and industry, direct collaboration among them is limited, pointing to missed synergies. Expanding previous SNA-based assessments, this study introduces a diagnostic tool to guide policy, proposing targeted actions such as challenge-driven calls, dedicated support programs, and cross-border consortia with top EU partners. Applied to two contrasting specialisation areas, the method offers sector-specific recommendations, helping policymakers align Aragón’s innovation capabilities with EU priorities and strengthen its position in both established and emerging domains. Full article

This study examines the regional disparities in public perceptions of decarbonization and the acceptance of the bioeconomy within Western Macedonia, a Greek region undergoing structural economic change. While the environmental benefits of decarbonization, such as reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality, are widely acknowledged, perceptions of economic and social outcomes, including investments, new business development, and policy support, vary significantly across sub-regions. To this end, a structured survey was conducted among 765 residents, utilizing Likert-scale items to assess attitudes, with demographic data providing a contextual framework. Statistical analyses, incorporating techniques such as one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal–Wallis, and multiple regression, were employed to explore spatial variations and identify the primary drivers of bioeconomy acceptance. The results indicate that perceived government action, visible investment, new enterprises, and a positive view of public sentiment are all significant predictors of acceptance, with institutional support showing the strongest influence. The findings reveal that certain areas feel less engaged in the transition, expressing skepticism about its benefits, while others report more optimism. This disparity in perception underscores the necessity for targeted policy interventions to ensure inclusive and equitable participation. The study emphasizes the necessity for regionally responsive governance, enhanced communication strategies, and tangible local development initiatives to cultivate public trust and support. The study makes a significant contribution to the broader discourse on just transitions by emphasizing the role of place-based perceptions in shaping sustainable change. Full article

The Retabit platform is a data-driven tool designed to bridge the gap between building rehabilitation and urban regeneration by integrating energy, economic, and social dimensions into a single framework. Leveraging multiple public data sources, the platform provides actionable insights to local and national authorities, public housing agencies, urban planners, energy service providers, and research institutions, helping to align renovation initiatives with broader urban transformation goals and climate action objectives. The platform consists of two main components: Analyse, for examining building conditions through multidimensional indicators, and Plan, for designing and simulating renovation projects. Retabit contributes to more transparent and informed decision-making, encourages collaboration across sectors, and addresses long-term sustainability by incorporating participatory planning and impact evaluation. Its scalable structure makes it applicable across diverse geographic areas, policy contexts, and domains linked to sustainable urban development. Full article

This study contributes to the broader sustainability discourse by evaluating public knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding air pollution among residents of Hanoi, Vietnam, focusing on its causes, health impacts, and mitigation strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 521 individuals in suburbs around Hanoi. A multistage sampling technique, combining cluster and simple random sampling, was used for participant recruitment. Three central and three suburban districts of Hanoi were randomly selected as clusters. One individual from each household was invited to participate and answer a structured survey, which assessed perceptions of air pollution, its human-induced causes, recognised health impacts, and individual and community-level mitigation behaviours. Nearly all participants (98.3%) were aware of air pollution, with 65.3% attributing it to human activities and 61.2% recognising specific air pollutants as primary contributors. The majority (93.9%) acknowledged health impacts, citing respiratory infections (55.1%) and sinus issues (51.2%) as prevalent concerns. Vulnerable groups, such as children under 5 (82.3%) and adults over 65 years old (77.4%), were identified as disproportionately affected. Social media (68.9%) and television (58.3%) were the dominant sources of information. Despite a recognition of air pollution’s importance (98.5%), there was limited engagement in systemic sustainability actions, such as supporting renewable energy initiatives. Most participants (84.3%) reported personal mitigation efforts, including energy-saving practices (35.5%) and walking instead of driving a car or bike (35.3%). While awareness of air pollution and its health impacts is high among Hanoi residents, proactive engagement in systemic solutions remains limited. Policymakers should prioritise community-based programs, public–private partnerships, sustainability education, and culturally tailored policy interventions to bridge gaps between awareness and action. Tailored interventions addressing demographic and cultural factors are essential to fostering socio-environmental sustainability in rapidly urbanising contexts. Full article

This study introduces Edible Streets as a distinct and scalable model of community-led urban food growing, specifically investigating the drivers and barriers to the initiative. Unlike traditional urban food-growing initiatives, Edible Streets explores the integration of edible plants into street verges and footpaths with direct community involvement of the people who live/work in a street. This study contributes new knowledge by evaluating Edible Streets through the COM-B model of behavioural change, through policy and governance in addition to behaviour change, and by developing practical frameworks to facilitate its implementation. Focusing on Oxford, the research engaged residents through 17 in-person interviews and 18 online surveys, alongside a stakeholder workshop with 21 policymakers, community leaders, and NGO representatives. Findings revealed strong motivation for Edible Streets, driven by values of sustainability, community resilience, and improved well-being. However, capability barriers, including knowledge gaps in gardening, land-use policies, and food preservation, as well as opportunity constraints related to land access, water availability, and environmental challenges, hindered participation. To address these, a How-to Guide was developed, and a pilot Edible Street project was launched. Future steps include establishing a licensing application model to facilitate urban food growing and conducting a Post-Use Evaluation and Impact Study. Nationally, this model could support Right to Grow policies, while globally, it aligns with climate resilience and food security goals. Locally grown food enhances biodiversity, reduces carbon footprints, and strengthens social cohesion. By tackling key barriers and scaling solutions, this study provides actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners to create resilient, equitable urban food systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: International guidelines recommend the combined use of the General Movement Assessment (GMA), Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to support early and accurate diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP). However, their implementation remains inconsistent. This study aimed to map their reported global use and identify associated enablers and barriers. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eligible studies were charted and thematically analyzed, focusing on tools use and implementation factors at individual, organizational, and system levels. Results: Fourteen articles (seven surveys, seven implementation studies) from seven countries met the inclusion criteria. While awareness of GMA, HINE, and MRI was generally high, routine clinical use was limited—particularly outside structured implementation initiatives. Major barriers emerged at the system level (e.g., limited training access, time constraints, lack of standardized referral pathways) and social level (e.g., unclear leadership and coordination). Conclusions: The limited integration of GMA, HINE, and MRI into routine practice reflects a persistent “know–do” gap in early CP detection. Since implementation is shaped by the dynamic interplay of capability, opportunity, and motivation, bridging this gap demands sustained and equitable action—by addressing system-wide barriers, supporting professional development, and embedding early detection within national care pathways. Full article

Sustainable manufacturing is gaining attention in the scientific literature. However, it remains unclear how to effectively incorporate it within Production Planning and Control (PPC) tasks. All the choices taken in terms of PPC impact sustainability, and sustainability managers and planners or managers involved in tasks, such as scheduling or inventory management, are not conscious of what this means or implies, above all, in terms of the sustainable performance indicators on which their actions can act. While several studies have addressed both PPC and sustainability, there is still limited guidance or structured frameworks specifically aimed at systematically linking PPC tasks with sustainability indicators in a practical and operational industrial context, despite the development of numerous sustainability standards in recent years. For this reason, this research aimed to develop a first detailed framework, specifically based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard, that associates the most relevant indicators with the PPC phases, highlighting the type of impact (direct or indirect) of each phase on them. This could help with strategic decisions and promote more informed choices. The overall framework revealed the prevalence of environmental aspects involved in PPC phases (as expected) and a challenge related to the measurability of indicators (above all, the social ones). Furthermore, the Material Requirements Planning (MRP), identified as the most significant phase in terms of its impact on sustainability, was deeply analyzed, providing details related to the decision-making processes of this phase that affect sustainable performance. Full article

This article discusses the digital activism model for advocacy of press freedom in Indonesia. This study examined the model and characteristics of digital activism and inhibiting factors in advocacy of press freedom, carried out by civil society organizations, social activists, and media professionals. Using qualitative methods, this paper provides answers to the question of how is the digital activism model aimed at countering threats to press freedom in a post-authoritarian country with a case study of Indonesia? How does digital activism emerge and form cross-sector collaboration? Given the broad scope of digital activism in Indonesia, the researchers chose two cities that represent the national and regional/provincial spectrum, namely Jakarta as the nation’s capital and Yogyakarta as a prominent student city in the country. The current study found a unique digital activism model in Indonesia that is a spectator collaboration: participants and initiators of activism are involved together in clicktivism, metavoicing, and assertion. Social activists and independent media activists develop systematic collective actions in the digital realm, such as online petitions and press releases, republication, and fundraising for the sustainability of the activism itself. This paper also found a gladiatorial model: media managers as victims and activists merged with more organized social movements, signaling that press freedom has become a collective agenda of pro-democracy advocates in Indonesia. Full article

This article discusses the importance of cultural identity for ethnic youth, considering the challenges they face as migrants or from migrant backgrounds. It then develops the idea of using safe cultural spaces as a culturally responsive model of care for these youth. The data used are drawn from a qualitative study with 35 African heritage youth living in Aotearoa–New Zealand as participants. The study was guided by participatory action research (PAR) methodology principles. Data was collected using research workshops (adaption of focus groups) and qualitative survey questionnaires. PAR’s transformative lens, narrative inquiry, and inductive thematic analysis were used to identify and analyse the reported themes. Findings show that ethnic youth value their cultural identities primarily because, in the context of migration, where they constantly navigate multiple levels of social exclusion and marginality, it confers a sense of personhood, uniqueness, and belonging. However, trying to live their multiple cultures authentically presents many challenges. Accordingly, intentional initiatives that are culturally responsive and holistic are critical to support them in navigating this process healthily. Creating safe cultural spaces is proposed as a model of care. The article reports and discusses youth perspectives on what these spaces and the model of care would entail. Full article

This study conducts a comparative assessment of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration strategies of three leading companies in Hong Kong—H&M Group, China Gas Company Limited (Towngas), and MTR Corporation Limited (MTR)—each operating in distinct sectors with unique sustainability challenges and opportunities. The analysis adopts the Challenge–Evaluation–Planning–Action–Review (CEPAR^®) framework developed by the International Chamber of Sustainable Development to examine how these companies identify and evaluate ESG-related risks, formulate action plans, implement sustainability initiatives, and refine their strategies. The findings reveal H&M’s strong emphasis on sustainable fashion, with a target of using 100% sustainable materials by 2030 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 56%. Towngas faces the complex challenge of transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy and is investing in zero-carbon technologies to meet regulatory standards and stakeholder expectations. MTR focuses on sustainable urban development and efficient mass transit, prioritizing community engagement and reducing environmental impact. This study underscores the importance of sector-specific ESG approaches tailored to a company’s operational context. It also demonstrates how ESG integration is enhanced by proactive planning, transparent reporting, and alignment with long-term corporate values. By showcasing both successful practices and areas requiring further attention, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable business practices in Hong Kong. Moreover, it provides actionable policy implications for government agencies and regulatory bodies. The insights gained can inform strategic decision-making across sectors and support the development of a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economy aligned with Hong Kong’s long-term climate and governance goals. Full article

The creative city concept has gained global recognition, notably through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). In Japan, facing declining birth rates and economic stagnation, this framework was seen as a revitalization tool to increase the urban quality. Yet, while the creative city concept clearly appears on the theoretical level, its operationalization usually remains unclear. Additionally, previous research considers sustainability questions through economic, social, and cultural lenses but more rarely through environmental aspects. Thus, this paper aims to explore the implementation of the creative city in Japan, unveil the specific elements composing the policies of UNESCO Creative Cities, and question how environmental sustainability is addressed in these policies. The research method includes a qualitative analysis of the membership monitoring reports (MMRs) submitted by cities to UNESCO. Conducting a field survey in a creative facility and a hearing survey with the city government, the research also focuses on Kanazawa as a case study to explore in greater depth the interaction between creative city strategies and environmental sustainability. Among the research findings, economic perspectives—through support for creative industries and the promotion of tourism—and systematic actions targeting children dominate the MMRs, while socio-environmental aspects receive less attention. Most ambitious initiatives toward environmental sustainability were implemented in rural cities. In Kanazawa, it appears the creative city policy is independent of the local environmental policies, although some opportunities exist to connect them. The field survey indeed reveals that some spontaneous initiatives toward environmental sustainability might emanate from a creative facility. Therefore, the paper provides significance in unveiling the specific content of creative city policies in Japan and in re-examining the notion of creativity to integrate environmental sustainability into the creative city agenda. Full article

Tourism is recognized as one of the key enabling industries driving Thailand’s strategic transition toward the Thailand 4.0 economic model. This paper presents the development of a national technology roadmap to support the transition toward sustainable tourism in Thailand, conducted between January and October 2024. The primary objective is to promote tourism growth that is environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially inclusive. The roadmap was developed through a combination of a literature review, statistical data, and group discussions with tourism professionals. The roadmapping process focused on aligning external drivers, strategic goals, and the current capabilities of Thailand’s technological ecosystem. The key drivers identified include environmental concerns, the advancement of digital platforms, the growing trends of an aging population, diversity, and inclusion, political instability, and the emergence of middle-income nations. The resulting roadmap outlines a strategic vision for Thailand’s tourism sector from 2024 to beyond 2030. It emphasizes the transition linking sustainability and eco-design principles to smart tourism, metaverse applications, and personalized travel experiences. Priority areas include the adoption of green technologies, sustainable practices, and advanced digital platforms. This study further recommends research and development (R&D) initiatives in sustainability, biodiversity conservation, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and E-Tourism solutions. Ultimately, this roadmap provides actionable guidance for tourism stakeholders in defining their roles, responsibilities, and contributions toward achieving a sustainable tourism future in Thailand. Full article

This study explores the development of reflective thinking among Physical Education Teachers (PETs) through a professional development program grounded in Paralympic values and inclusive education. Employing a qualitative action research design, the study involved seven PETs teaching in Greek primary schools. The intervention lasted ten weeks and comprised 20 Physical Education lessons, during which data were collected via semi-structured interviews, reflective journals, and non-participatory observation. The findings indicate a progressive shift in the teachers’ reflective thinking—from Technical Reflection to Practical and Critical Reflection—as defined in van Manen’s theoretical model. Most participants initially demonstrated a practical orientation but gradually developed a critical stance, incorporating values such as fairness, inclusion, and respect for diversity into their pedagogical thinking. Furthermore, the results revealed increased student sensitivity toward inclusive practices and a more democratic classroom climate. These findings suggest that targeted professional development programs can foster deeper reflective engagement and promote inclusive practices within Physical Education. This study highlights the potential of Paralympic values as meaningful educational content and reinforces the role of Physical Education as a catalyst for social inclusion and teacher professional growth. Full article

The Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center (MSM-PRC) conducted a Community Health Needs and Assets Assessment (CHNAA) survey using a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. In this article, we will demonstrate the application of CBPR in informing research agenda and implementation strategies. We will discuss the practical considerations and potential benefits of engaging the community in data collection, interpretation, and utilization to address community health challenges. Emphasizing collaboration, co-learning, and respect, and guided by the CBPR principles, CHNAA ensured that community voices led to the identification and integration of the research priorities. Overseen by the Community Coalition Board (CCB) and its Data Monitoring and Evaluation (DME) Committee, the survey featured closed- and open-ended questions addressing social determinants of health. Out of 1000 targeted participants, 754 provided valid responses, with a 75% response rate. Most respondents were female and represented a racially diverse group. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis revealed that key health concerns were diabetes, COVID-19, mental health, and high blood pressure. Barriers to care included lack of food access, affordable housing, and limited mental health services. The findings led to five public health initiatives launched between 2023 and 2024 demonstrating the CBPR model’s effectiveness in aligning community needs with actionable solutions. Full article