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First Nations communities in Canada are disproportionately affected by poor water quality. As one example, many communities have been living under boil water advisories for decades, but government interventions to date have had limited impact. This paper examines the importance of using Indigenous research methodologies to address current water issues affecting First Nations. The work is part of larger project applying decolonizing methodologies to Indigenous water governance. Because Indigenous epistemologies are a central component of Indigenous research methods, our analysis begins with presenting a theoretical framework for understanding Indigenous water relations. We then consider three cases of innovative Indigenous research initiatives that demonstrate how water research and policy initiatives can adopt a more Indigenous-centered approach in practice. Cases include (1) an Indigenous Community-Based Health Research Lab that follows a two-eyed seeing philosophy (Saskatchewan); (2) water policy research that uses collective knowledge sharing frameworks to facilitate respectful, non-extractive conversations among Elders and traditional knowledge holders (Ontario); and (3) a long-term community-based research initiative on decolonizing water that is practicing reciprocal learning methodologies (British Columbia, Alberta). By establishing new water governance frameworks informed by Indigenous research methods, the authors hope to promote innovative, adaptable solutions, rooted in Indigenous epistemologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This analysis can guide national science policy for enhancing research in blockchain, privacy, and cybersecurity. Policymakers can use the findings to allocate resources effectively. For blockchain and cybersecurity research, countries might focus on economic development and research funding. To boost privacy research, nations could strengthen democratic institutions alongside economic factors. International organizations could use this analysis to identify high-potential countries for targeted support. This study examines the factors influencing scientific productivity in blockchain, privacy, and cybersecurity research across countries. While previous research has explored the determinants of general scientific output, less is known about the patterns of influence in these technological fields, which have been dominantly studied with a bibliometric focus. Using regression models, we analyze the impact of economic, political, educational, and social factors on the publication rates in these domains. Data from international databases on country-level indicators and scientific publications form the basis of our analysis. The results show that Gross National Income per capita is the strongest predictor of research output across all the fields studied. Research spending as a percentage of GDP also demonstrates a consistent positive relationship with publication rates. However, the impact of the factors varies across fields. This research provides insights for policymakers and institutions aiming to enhance research capabilities in these critical areas of technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural ecological revitalization (RER) is one of the five goals of China's rural revitalization strategy. However, there is a lack of an effective index system to evaluate RER levels, which hinders the implementation of this national policy and reduces the effectiveness and efficiency of public resource input. Using the driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework, this study developed an evaluation framework consisting of 5 subsystems, 12 secondary indicators, and 33 tertiary indicators. Using the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method, we analyzed a set of 30 provinces' data and empirically determined the weights of each indicator. We found that the response subsystem had the largest weight (0.338), followed by the state (0.271), impact (0.148), pressure (0.130), and driver (0.113). We then evaluated the RER level in each province and found that five provinces had high RER levels, 16 provinces had moderate RER levels, and nine provinces had low RER levels. Using Moran's I, we examined spatial autocorrelation of provincial RER levels at global and local dimensions. We found significant positive global autocorrelations across all subsystems, indicating that geological aggregation exists in all RER subsystems. The local autocorrelation results showed that low–low and high–high patterns were the dominant local autocorrelation patterns. According to the findings, we discussed the possible implications of this RER evaluation index system and provided policy recommendations for strengthening RER in different regions across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation easements (CEs) are used as a conservation mechanism to conserve the biodiversity and ecosystem on private land, and are receiving increasing attention around the world. Most of the literature mainly focused on the contribution of CE to private land conservation in the U.S. and other countries, while its role in collective land conservation remains underreported. China planned to build the world's largest national parks (NPs) and faced the conflict between nature conservation and social development. As a private and voluntary conservation tool, CEs have the potential to fill the conservation gap, reduce conservation costs, promote adaptive management, and incentivize sustainable national park construction. We reviewed the recent CE practices in Qianjiangyuan, Wuyishan and Nanshan National Parks. The local government and NP administration drove its practices in China's NPs, whereas non-profit organizations have few opportunities to participate. Furthermore, due to the current legislation's lack of explicit specifications regarding CEs, the provisions outlined in the CE agreement were insufficiently constructed and did not align with the unique circumstances of the park. Thus, the implementation of the National Park Act serves as a fitting means to introduce the CE in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After a decade of work, Brújula Intersexual has become a reference in Mexico and Latin America. However, the presence of the Latin American intersex movement in the specialised literature in English is restricted. We consider that conducting a self-reflexive review of Brújula Intersexual could contribute to understanding (1) the work strategies implemented by Brújula Intersexual; (2) the formation of the Spanish-speaking intersex community and movement in Mexico; and (3) the heterogeneous dynamics of the global intersex movement. We designed a qualitative–quantitative study involving discussion meetings with the Brújula Intersexual team, revision of the Brújula Intersexual archive, a scoping review, and a timeline. The results and discussion are focused on two axes: (1) Brújula Intersexual: structure and working strategies, in which two concepts are developed, namely, the intimate sphere and the atmosphere of trust; (2) The articulation of Brújula Intersexual within the intersex movement and its resonances in public policy. Researching Brújula Intersexual contributes to the collective memory and reveals important events that link the Spanish-speaking and global anglophone intersex movements. In particular, Brújula Intersexual was configured as a critical counter-device that manages intense flows of affection, allowing for the production of new subjectivation modes for people with intersex bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South African preferential procurement policy emerged from the demand for transparency, fair competition, value-for-money, standardised and benchmark pricing, and regulation of public procurement arrangements in the construction industry. The policy aims to address historical inequalities, support economic growth, and foster sustainable development. The effectiveness of the preferential procurement policy in South Africa is affected by the inhibiting factors of its implementation system. Given this, this study assesses the factors inhibiting preferential procurement policy implementation in the South African construction industry. This study reviewed the extant literature from online databases as a secondary data source to identify and understand the factors inhibiting procurement policy implementation. A quantitative research design using a closed-ended survey questionnaire surveyed 31 identified inhibiting factors affecting procurement policy implementation from the literature review. One hundred sixty-seven (167) questionnaires were retrieved from two hundred (200) distributed, representing an 83.5 per cent response rate, distributed through Google Forms to the respondents in Northwest Province, South Africa. The reliability of the data collection instrument was determined using Bartlett's sphericity, Cronbach's alpha, and Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin tests. The exploratory factor analysis findings established eight components from the 31 identified inhibiting factors affecting procurement policy implementation, which are the absence of due diligence in procurement screening, corruption and political interference in procurement systems, an ineffective regulatory framework supporting public procurement policy, discrepancies in award of contracts and the absence of dispute resolution, ambiguity in procurement selection criteria, poor enforcement mechanisms, cost discrepancies in advance payment, and excessive bureaucracy in procurement documentation. This study's practical implications provide an understanding of establishing and prioritising procurement selection criteria, such as project requalification requirements, cost performance requirements, technology integration in the prequalification process, and contract change order requirements, which would improve procurement systems in the South African construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many manufacturing firms face considerable difficulties in building export capacity and selling their products in international markets. These firms often struggle with unpredictable cost changes, logistical problems along the supply chain, and rising labor expenses that could threaten the competitive edge of manufacturing operations. As there is also a clear absence of practical export models tailored to the unique needs of industrial firms, our study aims to offer a more holistic approach to assessing the impact of cost components on enhancing export-oriented production capacity (EOPC), a perspective not comprehensively provided by the comparative advantage theory, the Heckscher–Ohlin model, or the resource-based theory. While offering a comprehensive analysis of cost components in production, we argue that adjusting the resources, managing the costs, and enhancing production efficiency can significantly improve the EOPC of the manufacturing firms. Using primary data collected from 200 manufacturing firms in Oman during the period 2012–2016, multiple regression analysis followed by descriptive statistical analysis together with a correlation matrix indicates strong positive relationships between the EOPC and factors such as the raw material cost (RMC), labor wages (LW), labor force (LF), and R&D costs (RND). Multicollinearity assessment shows VIF values below the threshold, suggesting reliable estimates. Interaction terms and market conditions were integrated into the model, enhancing its predictive accuracy. Preliminary multiple regression analysis confirms the significant impact of the RMC, LW, LF, and R&D on the EOPC, while highlighting the importance of market conditions in moderating these effects. The model's adjusted R2 value indicates a strong fit, showing that the independent variables account for a substantial proportion of the variance in the EOPC. Each variable's importance is reflected in its coefficient, while p-values assess the statistical significance, highlighting which factors are crucial for enhancing export capabilities. Specifically, low p-values for cost components, labor force size, and wages confirm their significant influence, and varying market conditions further modulate these effects, demonstrating the accurate interplay between internal and external factors. Adjustments in cost components under varying market scenarios were analyzed, indicating optimal strategies for increasing the EOPC. Of the five scenarios proposed to distribute the cost either among some variables while keeping others constant or among all the factors, the best-case scenario adjusted all variables together, resulting in a 20% increment in exports. We conclude with some practical and policy implications for governments to support industries in accessing cheap resources through tax reductions on imported raw materials and efficient supply chains, while promoting innovation, technology adoption, and R&D investment at the firm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review examines the interplay among body image perceptions, social media influence, physical measurements, and their impact on psychological well-being, focusing on the roles of cultural and gender differences and the need to understand the research methodologies employed in this field. In the age of digital proliferation, platforms like Instagram and Facebook have reshaped body image concerns, often leading to increased dissatisfaction and psychological distress due to constant exposure to idealized images and a culture of social comparison. Physical attributes such as weight, height, and BMI are scrutinized under societal standards of health and attractiveness, contributing to a spectrum of mental health issues including low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. This examination reveals how cultural norms and gender expectations further complicate body image perceptions, affecting individuals differently based on societal and personal ideals. It synthesizes current research and types of methods to illuminate how these factors together influence mental health and self-esteem, advocating for comprehensive interventions and policy measures aimed at mitigating body dissatisfaction and promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of body image. By delving into the complexities of body image satisfaction and its psychological implications, this review highlights the necessity of addressing these concerns within public health and social policy frameworks, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach to enhance individual and societal well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive frailty, which is characterized by the co-occurrence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, poses significant risks to the well-being and independence of elderly individuals. Previous research has established that demographic, health-related, and social factors contribute to both physical frailty and cognitive decline. However, the role of social factors in influencing cognitive frailty remains unclear. This study aims to identify the relationship between social factors and cognitive frailty among Korean older adults living in the community. We performed secondary analyses of data from the 2020 Survey on Older Adults. After entering demographic factors and health-related factors into the logistic model as covariates, this study explored the association between cognitive frailty and social factors, including living arrangements, social support, the frequency of engagement in social activities per week, and satisfaction with friends and community. Among participants, approximately 2.9% had cognitive frailty, 3.2% had only physical frailty, and 21.9% had only cognitive decline. Lower levels of satisfaction with friends and the community and infrequent participation in social activities were strongly correlated with cognitive frailty. These findings emphasize the necessity of public health programs that encourage older individuals' social involvement. A supportive social environment can be fostered through initiatives that promote community events, group activities, and volunteerism. Public health policies should prioritize the development and maintenance of social activity centers that offer various programs to prevent progression to cognitive frailty in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land disputes have significantly disrupted legal order, production, and social harmony, and has been regarded as a quintessential challenge in public governance, attracting worldwide attentions from scholars. As an emblematic feature of China's latest reform and opening-up strategy, the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) in China has experienced rapid development after entering the new era (2012–2021) alongside substantial risks and challenges, particularly regarding land disputes. Better understanding of the manifestation and formation mechanism of new characteristics of land disputes is beneficial for contemporary public governance and for achieving a high-quality development of the YREB, whose Gross Domestic Product (GDP) accounted for 46.3% of the national GDP in 2023. A total of 325,105 land dispute cases in 11 provinces or municipalities of the YREB from 2012 to 2021 were collected and analyzed. On this basis, an evaluation index system of the new characteristics of land disputes, named the overall land dispute (OLD) index, was constructed according to measurement theory by coupling the interactions of quantity, claim amounts, duration periods, and the appeal rate of land dispute. Then, the OLD index was evaluated by descriptive statistical methods, a geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis, a center of gravity model, kernel density estimation, and Theil index methods, to reveal the new characteristics and formation mechanisms of land disputes in the YREB from 2012 to 2021. The results indicated that: (1) The OLD index exhibited a trend of an initial increase followed by a decline, indicating that land disputes in the YREB showed signs of alleviation. (2) The government's capacity for resolving land disputes was significantly improved, as evidenced by the decline in the OLD index from 0.59 in 2018 to 0.51 in 2021. This improvement could be attributed to the effectiveness of enhanced governmental working mechanisms, regulatory standards, and the integration of digital technologies. (3) The analysis of the center of gravity model indicated that the focus of land disputes shifted westward, propelled by national policy support for upstream regions of the YREB and the need for land ecological protection. (4) The analysis of kernel density estimation indicated that regional disparities in land disputes within the YREB had declined, driven by a positive trend toward balanced regional development and rural governance. This study provides scientific insights into the new characteristics of land disputes in the YREB and guidance for policy decision making on effective land dispute management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, winning the battle for blue skies is a focal point of the central government's environmental governance efforts. Public evaluations provide validity and legitimacy to the Chinese government's top-level design for environmental governance. This study utilizes data from two waves of the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) conducted in 2013 and 2021, paired with objective air quality data, to conduct a longitudinal analysis of public evaluation of central government environmental governance in China. Furthermore, it explores the relationships between perceived air pollution, objective air quality, environmental knowledge, and public assessment of central government environmental performance. The findings indicate the following: (1) Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable improvement in air quality in China, leading to a significant enhancement in public perception of the central government's environmental performance. (2) Subjective perceptions of air pollution have a significant negative impact on evaluations of the central government, whereas objective environmental governance measures do not exhibit significant effects. (3) Environmental knowledge plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between perceived air pollution and public assessment of central government environmental performance; individuals with higher levels of environmental knowledge tend to express greater dissatisfaction with the central government's environmental performance upon perceiving air pollution. These research findings offer valuable insights for informing the formulation of environmental governance policies by the central government of China and provide lessons for other developing and highly polluting countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study follows Chilean older persons' social participation in organizations. The methodology used corresponds to the data delivery period from the National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (CASEN), where the samples used are 2003 (n = 257,077), 2009 (n = 246,924), 2011 (n = 200,302), 2015 (n = 266,968), and 2017 (n = 216,439). The data were processed using SPSS statistical software (version 27.0) for a descriptive analysis of the data and variable crossing, along with a comparison based on presenting the data in maps via QGis geographical software (3.36.6 version). The main finding of the present study is that while social participation in organizations continues a cross-sectional downward trend across Chilean population age groups, there are still good indicators among elderly people, determining non-participation profiles for public policy implementation. Some determinants for participation in this age group above the rest of the population may be due to improved health conditions, more free time after retirement, and cultural determinants inciting active participation in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article emphasizes the challenges pediatric patients face during obesity treatment. Prior research has been compartmentalized, acknowledging that stigma, the ability to implement lifestyle changes, social health determinants, and healthcare accessibility are considerable impediments for obese children. These issues emerge at various levels, including the individual or family, the community and school, and even national policy. This suggests the need for a more comprehensive, team-based approach to tackle pediatric obesity. Understanding these barriers is the first step toward creating effective strategies and solutions to overcome these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era of global interdependence, universities play a crucial role in promoting social responsibility and sustainable development. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities emphasizes the empowerment of individuals with disabilities, a key aspect of inclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of digital platforms to ensure equitable opportunities, particularly for those with disabilities. It highlighted challenges in transitioning to remote operations and stressed the importance of accessible digital tools in maintaining inclusivity during disruptions. This study investigates how university websites promote social responsibility and empower individuals with disabilities in Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US. It also examines how these websites foster inclusivity, advocate for disability rights, and contribute to societal change. Using a qualitative case study design, the study evaluated university websites focusing on accessibility services, inclusive policies, and academic accommodations. Qualitative content and thematic analyses identified recurring themes and variations. The findings reveal diverse strategies in empowerment initiatives, website maintenance practices, community engagement approaches, the accessibility of support services, and the presentation of success stories. Despite differences among websites, this study underscores their significance in empowering individuals with disabilities. Recommendations aim to guide universities worldwide in enhancing their digital platforms, ensuring inclusivity, especially during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted earnings management practices within both public and private firms in Korea. Amid active government efforts and policies to overcome the pandemic crisis, we anticipate that the earnings management of public sector managers, prioritizing public benefit as their key sustainability objective, will distinctly differ from those of private sector managers, who are influenced by a different set of pressures and incentives. Empirical analysis revealed a notable decrease in earnings management in the public sector post-COVID-19, with no significant change in the private sector. Our study distinguishes how public and private firms react to identical economic crises, deepening our insight into the ways different organizations handle financial reporting amid government intervention and economic stress. Such differentiation not only broadens our comprehension of strategies for managing earnings but also offers vital perspectives on the dynamics among corporate governance, regulatory environments, and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest policy classification is critical to conducting comparisons and understanding performance variations across cases. Chinese-style forest policy has been in a black box to many outsiders, who tend to assume a decentralization policy model due to a great diversity of forest and socio-economic conditions in China. To test this hypothesis, we used the policy prescriptiveness framework to classify on-the-ground forest practice policies in central government and eight provinces, covering extensive territorial variations. We found that the eight subnational cases that implemented local policies appeared to be consistent with central policies, but there were also subtle differences within them. Our findings show that China utilized centralized and top-down policy models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colombia has positioned itself as a significant actor in Hass avocado production, capitalizing on the rising global demand and its suitable climate for the crop. These conditions have led to considerable investments from farmers. In this business environment, this research presents a systematic simulation and methodological approach for the evaluation of crops focusing on the Hass avocado and its extension to small-scale producers in Colombia. The initial phase involved a comprehensive analysis of key variables in the Hass avocado production chain, assessing productivity and viability. Subsequently, a dynamic model was developed to explore four scenarios spanning 13 years. The first scenario evaluated the production chain's current behavior, while the second scrutinized the impact of credit accessibility. The third scenario analyzed the associativity among producers' effects, and the fourth assessed the impact of government support. The results underscore that the implementation of each strategy improves the economic returns. Integrating all three strategies is the most effective method. These scenarios serve as proactive tools for investors, equipping them valuable insights and enabling informed decisions. Moreover, the study advocates for the promotion of rural economic development through strategic agricultural interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Grand Canal has been fundamental in supporting Chinese industrialization, as evidenced in the great changes witnessed across industrial lands, but few studies have approached this issue from a cultural perspective. After an extensive industrial recession in the early 21st century, canal cities like Hangzhou have seen changes in the cultural functions of industrial lands, relocating, transforming, and demolishing factories and other constructions to develop new cultural spaces and products. A deep analysis of these cultural changes is, therefore, quite helpful to appreciate the features of and reasons for Chinese national policy setting in the cultural sections of the Grand Canal, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized purpose of the Grand Canal, etc. Therefore, by focusing on the Hangzhou section of the Canal, and via the integration of high-resolution Google Earth images with a 1.5 spatial resolution, we dynamically monitored the land use of the 10 specifically selected industrial lands and interpretated the various uses of the areas from 2000 to 2020. Then, with archival data from 1950 to 2024 and fieldwork conducted over 1 year, and in consultation with major experts, we designed a mark sheet with factors and scores to comprehensively assess cultural changes in those lands. Consequently, the history of industrialization along the Hangzhou section was thoroughly analyzed with these investigations and data, and the reasons for and influence of cultural changes were presented in detail; subsequently, the outstanding problems were addressed, and suggestions were offered. This study contributes to a better understanding of Chinese cultural policy regarding cities along the Canal after the industrial decline, especially the critical implication of cultural loss within these cities. In addition, it also provides novel perspectives for cultural research, heritage conservation, and urban planning of canals or waterfront spaces for world heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous Peoples throughout the world have been displaced from their ancestral territories through colonial land use management. Indigenous Peoples have pushed settler-colonial governments to shift their policy frameworks to better support Indigenous rights and leadership across land management, but particularly in conservation. In Canada, this has recently involved the development of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. Combined with pressure from international organizations, Canada's Federal Government has dedicated substantial funds to support the establishment of these areas and to achieve conservation and reconciliatory goals. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori groups have shaped new legislation that recognizes legal personality status for natural features, which contrasts with Western understandings of land ownership. Indigenous-led conservation in Canada faces many interrelated barriers grounded in colonial histories that complicate land jurisdictions, reconciliation, and protected area networks. This research reveals some of this complexity by examining how Indigenous-led conservation can contribute to more equitable and consensus-based decision-making frameworks in land use management. Policy and legal analyses of Canadian, Aotearoa New Zealand, and international conservation and human rights documents inform our results. We affirm that Indigenous-led conservation can foster relationships between Indigenous Nations and Crown governments. They can also provide steps towards reconciling colonial injustices, supporting Indigenous self-determination, and advancing more sustainable land use systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a pivotal framework to guide government policies and mobilize public engagement for sustainability, although further exploration is still needed to analyze the attention given to the SDGs by these stakeholders using multi-source data. To comparatively analyze government and public engagement in the SDGs, based on a case study in China, this study employed a multi-source data and content analysis to assess the perceived importance and performance of the two stakeholders. Then, this study performed an importance–performance analysis (IPA) to assess the SDGs' priority for further improvement. The results highlight the government's emphasis on SDG 7, SDG 2, and SDG 9, contrasting with public attention predominantly on SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 4. Regarding the performance of the SDGs in China, the greatest achievements have been exhibited for SDG 4 and SDG 1, while SDG 10, SDG 15, and SDG 17 have shown the least progress. Concerning the individual indicators, 12 out of 98 have attained 100% completion, while 19 out of 98 remain below the 50% threshold. According to the IPA results, China should concentrate on SDG 10 and SDG 15 and improve SDGs 6, 7, 14, 16, and 17 as a relatively low priority. The stakeholder analysis indicated that these SDGs are neglected zones by both the public and government. This research innovatively assessed the priorities of SDGs and could strengthen the cooperation between the government and the public to drive the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals more effectively. This study could contribute to guiding policy directions, inform strategies for public engagement, and enhance the comprehension of sustainable development in China. The framework could serve as a valuable reference for stakeholder engagement in the SDGs in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The maltreatment of child labourers is a major public health concern. There is a dearth of research in Bangladesh on the intentional maltreatment of child labourers. This study explored the risk factors for the maltreatment of child labourers in rural Bangladesh based on the knowledge and understanding of experts; (2) Methods: Seventeen interviews were conducted with experts who were sampled using a purposeful approach. A thematic analysis was performed to analyse data using NVivo; (3) Results: Child labourers were exposed to maltreatment due to their demographic, their young age, dropping out of school, health complications, and excessive dependency on employers. Socio-cultural adversities such as corporal punishment practices, social stratification, and family disorganization pose risks of experiencing maltreatment. Economic poverty is also a factor. Child labourers were found to be victimized if they worked in violence prone sectors. Significantly, the unregulated market structure and the lack of monitoring has also led to the exploitation of children in the workplace. Gaps in public policies were also identified as risk factor for the maltreatment of child labourers; (4) Conclusion: There is a need for adequate evidence-based research on the determinants of the maltreatment of child labourers to formulate adequate policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence on urban governance has expanded but is fragmented and inadequate. It fails to articulate the complexity of urban governance in a way that would facilitate effective urban transitions. Using a conceptual-cognitive lens, this article describes a method to move away from governance solutions based on functional silos to those based on multidimensional, sustainable systems. Based on a combination of concepts from public policy, governance, public administration, and urban service management, it frames the problem of urban governance as a comprehensive conceptual-cognitive map of the domain. The study validates the framework through expert feedback and the mapping of the literature on urban governance in India between 2018 and 2020. The monad map and theme map emphasise the ontology's applicability as a methodological tool for evidence generation. The analysis reveals a need to reconfigure urban governance pathways to work towards a sustainable future. The article concludes by offering new conceptual constructs of governance pathways to enhance the policies and practices that shape such transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional innovation systems (RISs) can stimulate knowledge sharing and collaboration, attracting investments and promoting economic and social progress. This is often linked to what is known as frugal innovation, involving small businesses developing and selling sustainable, low-cost products that meet local needs. This study aims to present and apply a model to measure regional innovation potential, using a multicriteria approach based on the principles of frugal innovation (FI). The analytical hierarchical process (AHP) was used to generate factor weights, enabling score calculation to provide insights into FI potential on a literature-based five-point scale. Data were collected in two stages: (i) from twelve main participants—working in a rural RIS—who responded to a questionnaire, and (ii) from cities through official government channels to collect information about their innovation development initiatives. The results reveal that the RIS analyzed still lacks assistance in the development of public policies to support the development of an innovative culture, indicating the need for appropriate mechanisms to boost innovation actions. The outputs of this study can help cities and regions to analyze their innovation potential, assist public managers in decision-making, support the creation of innovation-stimulating mechanisms, help RISs to address deficiencies, and promote local development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cybersecurity is a crucial concern for local governments as they serve as the primary interface between public and government services, managing sensitive data and critical infrastructure. While technical safeguards are integral to cybersecurity, the role of a well-structured policy is equally important as it provides structured guidance to translate technical requirements into actionable protocols. This study reviews local governments' cybersecurity policies to provide a comprehensive assessment of how these policies align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, which is a widely adopted and commonly used cybersecurity assessment framework. This review offers local governments a mirror to reflect on their cybersecurity stance, identifying potential vulnerabilities and areas needing urgent attention. This study further extends the development of a cybersecurity policy framework, which local governments can use as a strategic tool. It provides valuable information on crucial cybersecurity elements that local governments must incorporate into their policies to protect confidential data and critical infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management is a distinct practice aimed at reducing its effects on health and the environment and increasing energy and material recovery. The urban waste management industry has been slow to adopt new technologies, such as sanitary landfills and incineration, which enable better treatment results. The aim of a thorough ecological-economic evaluation of different treatment technologies is to extract the maximum practical benefits from investments and to ensure the minimum environmental impacts of wastes. This paper compares four garbage treatment systems, including sanitary landfills systems, fluidized bed incineration system, grate type incineration system and the current landfills system in Liaoning Province, China. By considering the economic and environmental impacts of waste treatment and disposal, impact of emissions, and contribution of wastes input, this paper constructed an emergy-based urban solid waste model for evaluating the sustainability of the holistic systems. The results in Liaoning indicate that the human health losses caused by the harmful air emissions are ranked in this order: fluidized bed incineration > grate type incineration > current landfills > sanitary landfills, while the ecosystem losses are ranked: grate type incineration > fluidized bed incineration > sanitary landfills > current landfills. The electricity yield ratios are ranked: grate type incineration > fluidized bed incineration > sanitary landfills > current landfills. Taken together this suggests that in considering the incineration option, decision makers must weigh the benefits of incineration against the significant operating costs, potential environmental impacts, and technical difficulties of operating. Emergy analysis of the urban so treatment systems can provide a set of useful tools which can be used to compare the comprehensive performances of different waste treatment processes for decision-making and optimizing the whole process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Santa Cruz Watershed, located on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the U.S.-Mexico border, an international wastewater treatment plant treats wastewater from cities on both sides of the border, before discharging it into the river in Arizona. These artificial flows often subsidize important perennial surface water ecosystems in the region. An explicit understanding of the benefits of maintaining instream flow for present and future generations requires the ability to assess and understand the important trade-offs implicit in water-resource management decisions. In this paper, we outline an approach for modeling and visualizing impacts of management decisions in terms of rare terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, vegetation, surface water, groundwater recharge, real-estate values and socio-environmental vulnerable communities. We identify and quantify ecosystem services and model the potential reduction in effluent discharge to the U.S. that is under scrutiny by binational water policy makers and of concern to stakeholders. Results of service provisioning are presented, and implications for policy makers and resource managers are discussed. This paper presents a robust ecosystem services assessment of multiple scenarios of watershed management as a means to discern eco-hydrological responses and consider their potential values for future generations living in the borderlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has affected the functioning of food systems all over the world. This paper seeks to identify and analyse the economic, legal and institutional, as well as social effects of the pandemic's outbreak on food systems, and the implications for the EU Farm to Fork Strategy whose main purpose is to put food systems on a sustainable path. Qualitative economic and social impact analysis was used to identify the above types of effect on the food system on a macroscale, using Poland as an example. Information was sourced from existing data and qualitative studies. Studies show that the consequences of the pandemic for individual elements of the food system in Poland in 2020 were related to numerous disruptions in functioning, leading to uncertainty, financial losses, and interrupted transactions. The crisis under analysis also revealed modifications in these actors' behaviours in food markets, noticeable in changes in consumption patterns and in the ways demand for food was met. Nevertheless, an analysis of the gathered information and data testifies to the food system's relative resistance to the effects of the pandemic, and also to the adaptive skills of the system's entities, especially food producers and consumers. The paper's discussion contains recommendations for public policies shaping the food system, pointing to actions that might reduce the negative effects of other potential exogenic crises in the future and aid the implementation of the Farm to Fork Strategy's principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioeconomy approach offers potential solutions to global challenges, including sustainable forest management. The body of literature on the forest-based bioeconomy is rapidly expanding, and the diversity of approaches is bewildering. In this paper, we (1) discuss and clarify terminology related to the forest-based bioeconomy as a basis for (2) developing a general framework for analysing the forest-based bioeconomy, which is then (3) applied to two bioeconomy cases. The point of departure is a structured literature review; through qualitative content analysis, we identified the key questions characterizing current approaches to the forest-based bioeconomy; subsequently, the two cases were investigated through analysis of nominal and functional national bioeconomy policy documents and case-specific literature. Answering the key questions allowed the identification of five distinct schools of thought that make up the global framework: the biotechnology, techno-bioresource, socio-bioresource, eco-efficiency, and eco-society schools. These provide a systematic tool to analyse key paradigms, public policy goals, product or service sold, stakeholders, strength of environmental sustainability, and likely transition pathways. We illustrate the application of the framework through analysis of two cases (medicinal plants in Nepal and timber in Finland). We end by discussing how to operationalize the framework further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to South Africa's national energy policy, network penetration of variable renewable energy (VRE) generation will significantly increase by 2030. Increased associated network uncertainty creates the need for an additional flexible generation. As the planned VRE is mostly non-synchronous PV and wind generators, additional ancillary services will also be required. Pumped Storage (PS), which is a well-established flexible generation technology with fast ramping capability and the ability to contribute various ancillary services, could help integrate increased VRE penetration on the South African network. However, in the latest revision of South Africa's energy policy, PS was left out in favor of gas turbines and batteries as favored flexible generation options. This paper explores the two-part hypothesis that PS was disadvantaged in the formulation of a national energy mix due to: (a) ancillary services provided by PS not being explicitly monetized in energy modeling software; (b) the uncertainties associated with project costing assumptions. The value of PS in terms of providing ancillary services is firstly explored using the international literature. Secondly, the impact of input-cost uncertainties is demonstrated by comparing pumped storage, gas turbines, and batteries using levelized cost of energy (LCOE) curves and the Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa), North Carolina State University, USA, optimization software. Based on LCOE calculations using revised cost assumptions, it is found that PS may indeed be preferential to gas turbines or batteries, particularly at large load factors. The authors hope that this research contributes to the scientific understanding of the role that PS can play in supporting the integration of generation from renewable sources for effective grid operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How free-riding behavior can be avoided is a constant topic in public goods problems, especially in persistent and complex resource allocation situations. In this paper, a novel allocation policy for public goods games with a complex network, called the proportional-egalitarian allocation method (PEA), is proposed. This allocation rule differs from the well-studied redistribution policies by following a two-step process without paying back into the common pool. A parameter is set up for dividing the total income into two parts, and then they are distributed by following the egalitarianism and proportional rule, respectively. The first part of total income is distributed equally, while the second part is allocated proportionally according to players' initial payoffs. In addition, a new strategy-updating mechanism is proposed by comparing the average group payoffs instead of the total payoffs. Compared with regular lattice networks, this mechanism admits the difference of cooperative abilities among players induced by the asymmetric network. Furthermore, numerical calculations show that a relatively small income for the first distribution step will promote the cooperative level, while relatively less income for the second step may harm cooperation evolution. This work thus enriches the knowledge of allocation policies for public goods games and also provides a fresh perspective for the strategy-updating mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Means-tested pension policies are typical for many countries, and the assessment of policy changes is critical for policy makers. In this paper, we consider the Australian means-tested Age Pension. In 2015, two important changes were made to the popular Allocated Pension accounts: the income means-test is now based on deemed income rather than account withdrawals, and the income-test deduction no longer applies. We examine the implications of the new changes in regard to optimal decisions for consumption, investment and housing. We account for regulatory minimum withdrawal rules that are imposed by regulations on Allocated Pension accounts, as well as the 2017 asset-test rebalancing. The policy changes are considered under a utility-maximising life cycle model solved as an optimal stochastic control problem. We find that the new rules decrease the advantages of planning the consumption in relation to the means-test, while risky asset allocation becomes more sensitive to the asset-test. The difference in optimal drawdown between the old and new policy is only noticeable early in retirement until regulatory minimum withdrawal rates are enforced. However, the amount of extra Age Pension received by many households is now significantly higher due to the new deeming income rules, which benefit wealthier households who previously would not have received Age Pension due to the income-test and minimum withdrawals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China building energy consumption (BEC) has been gradually derived and also sparked attention. However, something worth discussing is estimating the BEC based on the definition of life cycle or building operation. In addition, there exists discrepancy in the previous studies and the real status of BEC has not been known well. In order to settle the disputes over the calculation of BEC, this paper establishes an appropriate accounting method of building energy to present the BEC situation in China and lays the foundation for policymakers to develop appropriate energy saving policies. Meanwhile, this study attempts to clarify the BEC to help policymakers assess the effect of environmental policies. Using the method in this document, we find that the energy consumption of buildings just accounts for 15%–16% of the final total energy consumption in China; by contrast, the previous studies usually have double accounting through a top-down approach if central heat supply of buildings was taken into additional consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we consider both hydrology and governance as critical dimensions for irrigation water security. We scale down the overall water security concept to the agricultural sector, suggest an index of irrigation water security faced by farmers, and provide an empirical illustration in the case of Tajikistan. Irrigation water security is investigated by three different dimensions: (a) a hydrology dimension, expressing a lack of water availability; (b) a governance dimension, the perceived difficulty in accessing water; and (c) a hybrid dimension of governance and hydrology. We developed an irrigation water security index, which we empirically tested using farm household survey data (N = 399). This index provides evidence that different farm types, e.g., small versus large, perceive different water security threats. Further, we found that if one dimension is less distinctive, the complementary dimension occurs as a coping mechanism. Thus, we conclude that diversified support mechanisms for infrastructure and management are needed to reach a higher level of water security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the leader of the largest economy, President of the United States has substantive influence on addressing climate change problems. However, a presidential election is often dominated by issues other than energy problems. This paper focuses on the 2016 presidential election, and examines the energy plans proposed by the leading Democrat and Republican candidates. Our data from the Iowa caucus survey in January 2016 suggests that voters were more concerned about terrorism and economic issues than environmental issues. We then compare the Democratic and Republican candidate's view of America's energy future, and evaluate their proposed renewable energy targets. We find that the view on renewable energy is polarized between Democratic and Republican candidates, while candidates from both parties agree on the need for energy efficiency. Results from our ordinal least squares regression models suggests that Democratic candidates have moderate to ambitious goals for developing solar and other renewables. The Republican candidates favor fossil fuels and they choose not to provide any specific target for developing renewable energy. In addition, this trend of party polarization has grown more significant when compared with the past three presidential elections. Our observation suggests that energy policies need to be discussed more often regarding the diversification and decarbonization of the nation's energy system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The governance dimensions of water reuse scheme development and operation, such as policies and regulatory frameworks, and public involvement and stakeholder collaboration, can serve to both facilitate and constrain wider adoption of water reuse practices. This paper explores the significance and underlying structure of the key governance challenges facing the water reuse sector in Europe. It presents empirical evidence from interviews and focus group sessions conducted at four water reuse schemes: an indirect potable reuse scheme at Torreele (Belgium), the urban reuse of treated municipal wastewater at the London Olympic Park (United Kingdom) and at Sabadell (Spain), and the reuse of agro-industrial effluent for irrigation at Capitanata (Italy). The findings underscore the importance of clarity in policy arrangements around water reuse, as well as of the financial competitiveness of reuse projects compared to alternative water supply options. Operators of water reuse schemes expressed a preference for water quality standards, which focus on appropriateness for use rather than over-emphasise the waters' origin so that unnecessary treatment and costs can be avoided. Positive public support was widely acknowledged as an important factor in the success or failure of water reuse schemes. We conclude that constructive institutional relationships underpin many of the challenges faced by reuse scheme operators and that greater emphasis should be given to building confidence and gaining trust in water service providers through early identification of how governance regimes shape the viability of new schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper begins with an account of Lucía Vega Jimenez, a Mexican woman who lived and worked in Metro Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories (Canada) and who died while held in detention in British Columbia's Immigration Holding Centre. This article argues that Lucía's story exposes a number of critical aspects regarding the geographies and politics of migration in Canada today. First, Lucia's story points to the ways in which Canada's determination process invisibilises certain forms of violence and, as such, serves as a highly restrictive and exclusionary mechanism. Second, it shows how this exclusionary mechanism extends like 'capillaries' throughout urban space. In this context city services (like transit) increasingly become less spaces of refuge, and more privatized border checkpoints. Third, following Lucia's story reveals how city checkpoints funnel people with precarious status into remote detention, akin to Foucault's 'carceral archipelago.' While expanding on carceral literature, this paper departs from existing scholarship that tends to think about remoteness horizontally. The paper argues that it is below the surface where carceral regimes become particularly hostile and—as such—the paper calls for deepened engagement with questions of verticality. Finally, the article illustrates how subterranean carceral dimensions are being politicized, agonistically, through sanctuary practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy (RE) is one of the most popular public policy orientations worldwide. Compared to some other countries and continents, Europe has gained an early awareness of energy and environmental problems in general. At the theoretical level, free-market environmentalism indicates that based on the principle of private property rights, with fewer state interventionist and regulation policies, entrepreneurs, as the driving force of the market economy, can provide better services to meet the necessity of offering RE to protect the environment more effectively. Previous studies have revealed that Germany, Denmark, and the United Kingdom have made some progress in using the market to develop RE. However, this research did not analyze the three countries' RE conditions from the perspective of free-market environmentalism. Based on our review of the principles of free-market environmentalism, this paper originally provides an empirical study of how Germany, Denmark, and the United Kingdom have partly conducted free-market-oriented policies to successfully achieve their policy goal of RE since the 1990s on a practical level. In particular, compared with Germany and Denmark, the UK has maintained a relatively low energy tax rate and opted for more pro-market measures since the Hayekian-Thatcherism free-market reform of 1979. The paper also discovers that Fredrich A. Hayek's theories have strongly impacted its energy liberalization reform agenda since then. Low taxes on the energy industry and electricity have alleviated the burden on the electricity enterprises and consumers in the UK. Moreover, the empirical results above show that the energy enterprises play essential roles in providing better and more affordable RE for household and industrial users in the three sampled countries. Based on the above results, the paper also warns that state intervention policies such as taxation, state subsidies, and industrial access restrictions can impede these three countries' RE targets. Additionally, our research provides reform agendas and policy suggestions to policymakers on the importance of implementing free-market environmentalism to provide more efficient RE in the post-COVID-19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protecting cropland quality is a fundamental national policy that China must adhere to for the long term. This study examines the impact of market-oriented allocation of land factors on farmers' cropland quality protection behaviors and its mechanism of action, based on survey data from 3804 farm households in the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS). The study employs the Ordered Probit (O-probit) model, the mediated effect model, and other econometric tools to analyze the data. The study found that the market-oriented allocation of land factors can significantly promote farmers' adoption of cropland quality protection behaviors. The robustness test supports this conclusion. The market-oriented allocation of land factors indirectly promotes the adoption of cropland quality protection by expanding the plot size and improving agricultural income. The analysis of heterogeneity indicates that farmers are more likely to adopt cropland quality protection behaviors in the plains, suburban areas, or areas with better developed labor markets. Therefore, it is essential to continue promoting market-oriented reforms of rural land factors, actively promoting land transfer policies, and guiding the development of agricultural operations towards scaling, specialization, and modernization. This will achieve the rational allocation of land resources. It is important to consider geographical variations in each area when implementing policies to guarantee effective utilization and protection of cropland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the global warming challenge, the carbon emissions reduction potential of green building (GB) is garnering increasing attention. However, the extent to which GB can impact the eco-economic efficiency (EE) of the construction industry remains unclear. To fill this gap, based on panel data for 30 regions of China from 2003 to 2018, in this study, a comprehensive analysis of the EE and sustainable impact of GB is conducted using a super slacks-based measure (SBM-DEA), panel vector autoregression (PVAR) and threshold models. The findings reflect that only about 10% of provinces have achieved EE effectiveness, with pure technical effectiveness being a significant driving force behind this. The average comprehensive, pure technical, and scale EE show a 62.23%, 46.42%, and 31.91% improvement potential regarding the efficiency frontier. The EE in the Eastern Region is relatively high, while the Western Region surpassed the Central Region in regards to EE in the areas of scale and pure technical efficiency. EE is significantly reduced in the current period (year) when it is subject to the positive impact of a standard deviation from the existing economic level. This impact was the strongest in period 1, then gradually disappeared until period 6, aligning with the Kuznets curve's theoretical assumption. GB awareness negatively impacted the current period, but is expected to gradually show a positive effect after period 2. The urbanization, green building awareness, and green building coverage make a very small contribution to the EE, accounting for 8.6%, 1.6%, and 9%, respectively, with early EE and economic level identified as the primary variables affecting the current EE. The impact of GB on EE exhibits a threshold effect, with the ecological effect of GB significant only in cities with economic levels higher than 11.063. This research contributes to the existing knowledge of the eco-economic mechanism of GB and provides insights for government policies, promoting the sustainable development of the GB market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature has mainly focused on analyzing the relationship of remittances with economic growth and social welfare, neglecting more complex aspects where remittances can have relevant implications. To contribute to the literature, the objective of this research is to examine the dynamic relationship between remittances, capital formation, structural transformation and economic growth in 15 Latin American countries during the period 1996–2019. To meet the objective, a panel vector autoregressive regression (PVAR) model was estimated, focusing on the analysis of the impulse-response function and variance decomposition. The results show a positive effect of remittances on economic growth and capital formation and a negative effect of remittances on structural transformation for initial periods and positive for later periods, framing a non-linear relationship. In addition, it was determined that structural transformation does not have a significant impact on economic growth. Finally, it was found that capital formation has a partial positive effect on economic growth. It is concluded that public policies should generate support mechanisms for the efficient channeling of these resources so that they become engines of growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco use is one of the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Avoiding youth initiation and treating addiction are fundamental public health issues to ensure better health. Among tobacco control policies, increasing tobacco price is the single most effective intervention. It reduces tobacco consumption, especially among youths, while representing a government financing source. This study aimed to assess the agreement with the proposal of a one-euro increase in tobacco price earmarked to health issues among students at Sapienza University. Two convenience samples were surveyed, five years apart, on World No Tobacco Days. Smoking habits, agreement with the proposal and reasons for it were collected. Results from the 208 questionnaires (107 in 2014, 101 in 2019) showed 46.6% of agreement with the proposal (53.3% in 2014, 39.2% in 2019, p = 0.044). Main predictive factor for agreement was being a non-smoker (OR = 6.33 p < 0.001), main reason (64.8%) was it could trigger smokers to quit or reduce consumption. Several factors might have influenced this finding, including the introduction of novel tobacco products and their increased advertisement on social media. In 2024, European Union is planning to update the Tobacco Taxation Directive which could greatly contribute to the reduction of non-communicable diseases and premature deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of China's high-density urbanisation process has made people aware of the widespread injustice in urban green space (UGS) as a means to improving residents' well-being. The Chinese National Forest City (NFCC) policy is one of China's construction models that aims to develop urban greening and reduce the inequality of residents' well-being. This study used a combination of qualitative research and index quantification to explore the relationship between the spatial distribution of NFCCs and the factors affecting inequality in green space allocation and their impacts. The results of the study show that changes in indicators in NFCC policy reflect the national government's decision-making orientation towards achieving environmental equity, and that the main factors affecting the unequal spatial distribution of NFCCs are highly correlated with inequality in UGS resources. This study analysed the NFCC policy from a new perspective and provides useful information for the development of national forest policy in order to ensure sufficient green space in China and the elimination of environmental inequity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on assessing collaborative governance from the perspective of power dynamics in a disadvantaged neighbourhood in southern Spain: Las Palmeras. Increasing global urbanisation in recent decades has exacerbated problems of segregation within cities, posing a major challenge to achieving healthy urban environments for harmonious coexistence. Public policies have struggled to address this challenge, particularly following the adoption of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have underlined the importance of fostering inclusiveness and sustainability in urban environments. In this context, collaborative governance has emerged as a prominent strategy for democratising the implementation of public policies in urban contexts. However, the efficacy of collaborative governance is hampered by the dynamics of power relations, which limits its effectiveness. The aim of this study is understanding how these dynamics mediate collaborative processes in urban regeneration contexts, an area little addressed so far. Through a case study and the systematisation of experiences, the study proposes strategic recommendations for managing these dynamics within collaborative governance. The insights drawn from this study can serve as a basis for better addressing urban challenges, thus fostering greater inclusiveness and sustainability in urban areas as well as offering valid lines for future research in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent efforts in Peru to boost financial inclusion, significant issues of exclusion persist, especially among vulnerable groups. This article aims to identify and analyze areas at risk of financial exclusion using a multifaceted methodology: the Financial Access Survey (FAS) for comparative analysis (Peru versus other countries and regions), geographical-distribution analysis, and the Access to Cash Index (ACI) methodology. Findings reveal that remote rural areas of Peru, particularly those inland, as well as mountainous or jungle regions, face higher risks of financial exclusion due to low digital literacy, limited digital banking usage, sparse branch and ATM networks, and inadequate transportation infrastructure. These insights can inform targeted public policies to enhance financial inclusion in Peru, as well as the development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive health (PH) has been described as a promising transformative innovation to address the challenges of promoting well-being and reducing the burden of disease. For this study, we conducted a scientific literature review of the current state of knowledge about PH as introduced by Huber and colleagues, following the Cochrane Rapid Review recommendations. Three databases were searched (PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL). Data were extracted and synthesised using a narrative approach. A total of 55 articles were included. The initial evaluation revealed promising results at both the individual and collective levels. However, several articles gave reason for further refinement of the conceptualisation of PH and of ways to measure the effects of PH interventions in greater detail. Professionals also expressed a desire for a more informed application and elaboration of the PH method, in various settings and populations, to increase its effectiveness in practice. The results from the rapid review highlight the transformative potential of PH in shifting from a disease-oriented to a health-oriented paradigm of healthcare. This underlines the need for continued research regarding further development of the concept and its practical method, along with the necessity for methodological innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an emerging, alternative mode of transportation, an in-depth understanding of autonomous shuttle (AS) experiences among all age groups, with and without disabilities, may impact acceptance and adoption of the AS, shape industry guidelines, and impact public policy. Therefore, this study analyzed qualitative data from older (n = 104), younger, and middle-aged (n = 106) adults and people with disabilities (n = 42). The data were obtained by asking participants four open-ended questions from an Autonomous Vehicle User Perception Survey. The result revealed seven themes (Safety, Ease of Use, Cost, Availability, Aging, AS Information, and Experience with AS) for older, younger, and middle-aged adults and six themes (all of the previously mentioned except for Aging) for people with disabilities. Frequency counts indicated priority attention, among all groups, to Safety and Ease of Use. This study provides valuable information pertaining to the experiences, concerns, and motivations of all potential users across age groups and disabilities—and may inform policymakers and industry partners to address their needs more adequately. These findings may contribute to improving and enhancing AS programming, design, and deployment in a safer, accessible, affordable, and tailored way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for electricity, driven by factors such as the shift to carbon neutrality and economic growth, is a challenge shared by South Korea and Japan. South Korea, a peninsula nation, and Japan, an island country, which are both heavily dependent on foreign energy sources and have manufacturing-based industrial structures, are actively working to secure stable power supplies for their economic development. This article carries out a quantitative analysis of the roles of the South Korean and Japanese electric power sectors (EPSs) in their respective economies, seeking to identify differences and generate actionable insights for decision making and policy formulation. Utilizing the input–output (IO) technique with the latest available data, the analysis includes a demand-side model, a supply-side model, and a price-side model to examine various effects of the EPSs. The key findings reveal differences in the production-inducing, value-added creation, and job-creation effects between the two countries, highlighting operational disparities in their electricity sectors. Additionally, South Korea exhibits higher wage-inducing, supply shortage, and price-side effects than Japan, because of its public enterprise-oriented high-wage structure and a substantial manufacturing sector. These quantitative results provide valuable reference material for future government decisions and policy development in the EPS and emphasize the significant role and impact of the power sector in both countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important carrier of expanded urban spatial growth, new towns have been a "policy tool" for spatial production in the new era and have received long-term and constant attention from circles such as geography, planning, and economics. National new districts constitute a new regional space for China to implement the national strategy and promote the transformation of urban development mode. They are mutually reinforcing with their mother cities and hinterland provinces. Based on the geodetector method, this paper reveals the key factors driving the development of national new districts by mother cities and hinterland provinces and their interaction effects, which provides a basis for municipal and provincial governments to accurately formulate policies to promote the development of new towns by classification. The study shows that, firstly, there are five types of driving factors, that is, all-round driving factors, scale-increasing factors, expansion and quality-improving factors, expertise driving factors, and non-driving factors. The strength and dimension of the driving factors are characterized by prominent heterogeneity; R&D personnel, export and import trade are the key factors to expand the increment, optimize the inventory, and improve the quality; the overall development driving forces are in the order of innovation > opening > industry > investment > population. Secondly, the pairwise interaction between different factors exhibits two-factor enhancement, and the population shows a nonlinear increase in the driving force of investment, openness, and innovation on a provincial scale. Thirdly, according to the driving force of the factors and the interaction between them, suggestions are put forward based on the development stage and key demands for city and provincial governments to make policies for the development of national new districts, to support the establishment of scientific competition and cooperation between new towns and mother cities or regions, and to build a long-term collaborative development mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population ageing has become a major global demographic shift but perhaps less noticeable in the Global South. Zimbabwe, like many African countries, is experiencing and will continue to witness an increase in older age, hence questioning its readiness to handle such change. Ageing in Zimbabwe is currently occurring in the context of increasing poverty, political unrest, changing family structures, and weakening infrastructures. Despite this, Zimbabwe is committed to promoting change and betterment for its citizens through adherence to international agendas and national development strategies. However, the first step towards the realisation of an inclusive urban environment begins with a fair representation of the various actors and social groups. This review paper is aimed at examining the representation of Zimbabwe's older people, a subject that has rarely been the focus of critical analysis, concentrating on the political discourse in urban development programmes. A sample of 45 international and national policy documents published post-2002, was carefully selected and inspected to determine the level of presence of older people using discourse analysis. The findings reveal that in the context of the efforts made towards a Zimbabwe that is inclusive of all citizens, the idea of older persons as subjects of rights and active participants has yet to truly gain sufficient currency. There is a dominance of a one-dimensional perspective across the majority of the publications, with older people constructed as "dependent", "vulnerable" and "passive", overseeing vital contributions to society. A realistic and more empowering representation of this social group, showing them as active caregivers rather than passive recipients is therefore a necessity if Zimbabwe is to fulfil its vision of inclusivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 20 years, the convergence of different factors--the rise of the complexity of science, the "data deluge" and the advances in information technologies--triggered a paradigm shift in the way we understand complex social systems and their evolution. Beyond shedding new light onto social dynamics, the emerging research area of Computational Social Science (CSS) is providing a new rationale for a more scientifically-grounded and effective policy design. The paper discusses the opportunities potentially deriving from the intersection between policy design issues and CSS methods. After a general introduction to the limits of traditional policy-making and a brief review of the most promising CSS methodologies, the work deals with way in which the insights potentially offered by CSS can concretely flow in policy choices. The attention is focused, to this end, on the legal mechanisms regulating the formulation and the evaluation of public policies. Our goal is two-fold: sketch how the project of a "smart society" is connected to the evolution of social sciences and emphasize the need for change in the way in which public policies are conceived of, designed and implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]