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This paper closes a gap in the literature on smart cities relating to the metrics of future Internet-based developments. It achieves this by presenting the findings of a case study that overcomes the methodological shortcomings that otherwise exist in the metrics of future Internet-based developments and sets the stage for the renewable energies that play out as an urban and regional innovation. The case study serves to demonstrate how getting beneath the headlines that surround claims made about the metrics of future Internet-based developments provide the measures needed to bottom them out and verify whether the renewable energies, which play out as an urban and regional innovation, are not only clean enough for the growth this generates to sustain an ecological modernization, but also sufficiently inclusive for climate neutral adaptations to be just. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the literature on smart cities. Offering a critical synthesis of the material, it advances a Triple Helix inspired account of smart cities as future internet-based developments. In particular, as future internet-based developments covering the digital infrastructures, data management systems, renewable energies and cloud computing of a regional innovation in the Internet of Things (IoT). More specifically, as a regional innovation in the IoT that covers the morphology of urban extensions, infill and mass retrofits, which smart cities call for the development of. Focusing on the metrics of mass retrofit proposals, the paper also serves to demonstrate how the urban morphology of such regional innovations matter in the sense they tell us that being aware of the considerable energy savings and CO 2 reductions, which IoTs offer cities to be smart, is not enough. Not enough, because without knowing whether the costs and benefits under-gridding the sustainability of city-districts are shared equally, it is impossible to say if the 65% energy saving and 78% reduction in CO 2 , attributed to the data collection, information processing and smart (micro) grids of mass retrofits is socially just. The paper suggests that in order to verify this, it is necessary for smart cities to first baseline the social-demographic structure of retrofit proposals. Then draw upon the environmental profile this evaluation generates to assess whether the regional innovation creates the wealth needed to under-grid the sustainability of city-districts. Under-grid the sustainability of city-districts as the energy efficient-low carbon zones of an inclusive growth strategy seen to be socially just. Seen to be socially just, because the costs and benefits underlying the 1.5 ha ecological footprint that surfaces from this regional innovation are equally appropriated as the proceeds of a wealth creation, which contributes to the resilience of city-districts as energy efficient-low carbon zones. As energy efficient-low carbon zones, whose inclusive growth strategy also emerges as a post-carbon economy claiming to be climate neutral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regional innovation paradox is the greater need of lagging regions to invest in innovation and their relatively lower capacity to absorb funding compared to more advanced regions. Using data on regional public spending, industry composition and economic performance, we test empirically whether there is a differential impact of European funding on regional economic growth between Eastern and Western European regions. We conclude that the paradox is proven and consider the extent to which smart specialisation strategies may help to improve the quality of governance of regional innovation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection make each other's control significantly more difficult. Coordination in addressing this ‘cursed duet’ is insufficient at both global and national levels. However, global policy for TB/HIV coordination has been set, and there is consensus around this policy from both the TB and HIV control communities. The policy aims to provide all necessary care for the prevention and management of HIV-associated TB, but its implementation is hindered by real technical difficulties and shortages of resources. All major global-level institutions involved in HIV care and prevention must include TB control as part of their corporate policy. Country-level decision makers need to work together to expand both TB and HIV services, and civil society and community representatives need to hold those responsible accountable for their delivery. The TB and HIV communities should join forces to address the health-sector weaknesses that confront them both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article draws on a thematic evaluation of Research Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) related actions supported by the Structural Funds to assist declining industrial areas or Objective 2 regions, during the period between 1989 and 1999. Over the 10 year period, three main approaches were identified in Objective 2 regions, the last two becoming predominant during the latter part of the period: technology push with funding of large projects such as science parks and research facilities; technology transfer with measures to disseminate technology; and demand pull with clearly identified and self contained RTDI priorities. While drawing lessons from the last decade, the paper also integrates some preliminary observations on structural funds investments for innovation during the current 2000-2006 programming period and concludes with a review of possible scenarios for the further development of RTDI in lagging regions in the framework of the Lisbon Strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Tuberculosis is the oldest of the world''s current pandemics and causes 8·9 million new cases and 1·7 million deaths annually. The disease is among the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV. However, tuberculosis is more than just part of the global HIV problem; well-resourced tuberculosis programmes are an important part of the solution to scaling-up towards universal access to comprehensive HIV prevention, diagnosis, care, and support. This article reviews the impact of the interactions between tuberculosis and HIV in resource-limited settings; outlines the recommended programmatic and clinical responses to the dual epidemics, highlighting the role of tuberculosis/HIV collaboration in increasing access to prevention, diagnostic, and treatment services; and reviews progress in the global response to the epidemic of HIV-related tuberculosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Investigates the effects of increased numbers of HIV/AIDS patients on rural district hospitals in South Africa. Means of reducing community burden of the AIDS disease; Impact of HIV on the health services; Access of patients to voluntary counseling and testing for HIV.

This article draws lessons from the level of development and governance systems of innovation policy in the thirteen European Union (EU) candidate countries concerned. In particular, the article addresses the question of whether the design and implementation of an innovation policy can only take place in mature market economies or whether innovation policy can be designed and implemented in the context of imperfect national innovation systems. It is argued that a variety of innovation policy governance models coexist in the EU. Diversity is observed with regard to ministry- or agency-led policies, the degree of responsibility at regional level, and the strength of inter-ministerial co-ordination mechanisms. The authors conclude that there is no one-fits-all system of innovation governance. The degree of maturity in policy in the candidate countries is uneven, with Estonia, Hungary and Turkey appearing as the leading countries. Though with a number of caveats, the paper offers a positive response to the question if the candidate countries can learn from innovation policy developments in the EU. The main challenge for a successful benchmarking exercise in the innovation policy is to develop policy learning capabilities in the candidate countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract One of the main issues facing almost all European regional policy-makers is how to ensure a smooth adaptation of their industrial structure in the face of changing societal and technological parameters. In the case of the Belgian region Wallonia, industrial decline has particularly marked the economy during recent decades and the need to promote structural change has been a central preoccupation of national and, subsequently, regional governments. At the same time, the highly complex system of governance in Belgium renders the definition and application of a coherent regional industrial policy difficult. This paper explores the development of industrial policy in the Walloon region with particular attention to the period since 1990 and the pertinence of the instruments and delivery mechanisms with respect to the underlying structural issues facing the regional economy. The paper is divided into four sections: the first offers a historical profile of the industrial development of the Walloon economy and in particular identifies some of the factors which provoked a serious structural crisis. The section reviews the economic impact of the successive phases of rationalization and diversification which have taken place since the 1970s and discusses how the industrial strategies adopted by the business sector and supported by the regional government have influenced the speed of economic regeneration. The second section considers the complex federal system of government in Belgium and how it influences the freedom of action for regional industrial policy. The governance of the economy by the numerous public or semi-public institutions active in the field of industrial policy is a crucial issue. A critical review of the main initiatives, instruments and targets of industrial policy in Wallonia is offered in section three, while the paper concludes by contrasting the Walloon industrial policy with initiatives taken in the neighbouring area of South-West Flanders ... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overcoming the dichotomous nature of smart city research is fundamental to providing cities with a clear understanding of how smart city development should be approached. This paper introduces a research methodology for conducting the multiple-case study analyses necessary to meet this challenge. After presenting the methodology, we test the practical feasibility, effectiveness, and logistics of such a methodology by examining the activities that Vienna has implemented in building its smart city development strategy. The results of this pilot study show how the application of the proposed methodology can help smart city researchers codify the knowledge produced from multiple smart city experiences, using a common protocol. This in turn allows them to: (1) coordinate efforts when investigating the strategic principles that drive smart city development and test the divergent hypotheses emerging from the scientific literature; (2) share the results of this investigation and hypothesis testing by conducting extensive cross-case analyses among multiple studies able to capture the generic qualities of the findings; (3) gain consensus on the way to think about, conceptualize, and standardize the analysis of smart city developments; and (4) develop innovative monitoring and evaluation systems for smart city development strategies by reflecting upon the lessons learned from current practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Until COVID‐19, tuberculosis (TB) was the leading infectious disease killer globally, disproportionally affecting people with HIV. The COVID‐19 pandemic is threatening the gains made in the fight against both diseases. Discussion: Although crucial guidance has been released on how to maintain TB and HIV services during the pandemic, it is acknowledged that what was considered normal service pre‐pandemic needs to improve to ensure that we rebuild person‐centred, inclusive and quality healthcare services. The threat that the pandemic may reverse gains in the response to TB and HIV may be turned into an opportunity by pivoting to using proven differentiated service delivery approaches and innovative technologies that can be used to maintain care during the pandemic and accelerate improved service delivery in the long term. Models of care should be convenient, supportive and sufficiently differentiated to avoid burdensome clinic visits for medication pick‐ups or directly observed treatments. Additionally, the pandemic has highlighted the chronic and short‐sighted lack of investment in health systems and the need to prioritize research and development to close the gaps in TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention, especially for children and people with HIV. Most importantly, TB‐affected communities and civil society must be supported to lead the planning, implementation and monitoring of TB and HIV services, especially in the time of COVID‐19 where services have been disrupted, and to report on legal, policy and gender‐related barriers to access experienced by affected people. This will help to ensure that TB services are held accountable by affected communities for delivering equitable access to quality, affordable and non‐discriminatory services during and beyond the pandemic. Conclusions: Successfully reaching the related targets of ending TB and AIDS as public health threats by 2030 requires rebuilding of stronger, more inclusive health systems by advancing equitable access to quality TB services, including for people with HIV, both during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. Moreover, services must be rights‐based, community‐led and community‐based, to ensure that no one is left behind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban poverty represents one of the greatest and most urgent challenges that modern society is facing. The criticality of this global issue is represented by a rapidly growing body of academic literature which aims to explain the dynamics of urban poverty and promote effective and enduring solutions. However, despite many years of research, no studies have been conducted yet which reveal and analyze the overall intellectual structure of the urban poverty research field. In light of this gap, a bibliometric study was undertaken of 52 years of scientific literature on urban poverty (1965–2017). The bibliometric study combines author citation analysis and text-mining techniques to map the main research communities and core knowledge producers which are shaping the urban poverty research field and to identify the thematic areas that these communities are focusing attention on. The results of this investigation reveal a significant growth in the volume of academic literature produced post-1990, which is mainly driven by the collaborative efforts of five research communities, each of whom are seen to focus attention on a specific thematic area: (A) Policy-oriented research; (B) Urban poverty concentration; (C) The rise of poverty in Chinese cities; (D) Youth-behavioral and mental-health aspects of urban poverty; and (E) Urban poverty and health in the Sub-Saharan and Asian slum areas. The practical relevance and scientific contribution of this study is evidenced in its capacity to assist those actors working to alleviate urban poverty, in particular research communities, governmental and inter-governmental institutions, and funding bodies. In addition to help them grasp the overall intellectual structure of the urban poverty research field, the insight offered by this study is instrumental in supporting the articulation of a global, action-oriented agenda for future interdisciplinary research on urban poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the needed paradigm shift for the treatment measures for drug resistance tuberculosis (TB) in people living with HIV, who are particularly vulnerable to the impact of drug resistant TB due to the difficulties and delays in the diagnosis, complications of treatment and poor control measures. They argue that not enough attention has been given to the interface between drug resistant tuberculosis with HIV and a priority action is needed to address the problem.