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Rural electrification is critical for socio-economic development, enhancing livelihoods, education, and productivity in rural areas. The Namibian government's Rural Electrification Programme (REP) aims to improve the socio-economic status of rural communities, many of which lack electricity access. This qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews with key informants to assess the socio-economic impacts of the REP in Namibia. Thematic analysis reveals that electrification significantly boosts productivity, income generation, healthcare, and education, yet also presents unintended challenges. For example, disparities emerge as not all residents can afford electricity, exacerbating socio-economic divides. Policy gaps, resource mobilisation, and infrastructural challenges hinder REP's full potential. This study's findings highlight the need for robust policies to ensure equitable and sustainable rural development, aligning with Namibia's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Further research should explore renewable energy integration and the broader impacts of rural electrification in Namibia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, concerns regarding the environmental impact of microplastics (MPs) have led to increased international attention on these pollutants. Although the initial focus was largely directed toward marine environments, land-based pollution sources, including MP release, have been recognized to directly affect marine ecosystems. Therefore, soil-, atmosphere-, groundwater-, and river-based research is ongoing. However, when considering sources of MP, it is necessary to examine the circular system of plastic in terms of raw materials, production, consumption, discharge, and disposal (recycling). Accordingly, the present study proposes a strategy to effectively manage MPs using this circular system. First, the factors influencing MPs in the circular system were identified, and MPs at the system's final stage, i.e., at the waste treatment facility, were subsequently investigated. Using the concept of MP waste (MPW), strategies were then developed for effective MP management within the circular system. Applying the proposed theoretical strategy to the Korean waste management system revealed that the new policy framework improves the current MP management system. Overall, this study provides fundamental data for establishing new or improved MP management schemes from a waste sector perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, several policies have increasingly considered smart technologies as a potential solution to overcome territorial marginality in rural areas, where digitalization and smart innovation could help local communities address challenges such as depopulation and socio-economic deprivation. At the European scale, the Smart Village Action was launched in 2017 to address the socalled "circle of decline", showing to what extent rural smartness has been recently gaining momentum in transnational cohesion policies. This work aims to critically explore the Smart Village paradigm as a recently-emerged policy framework in rural, cohesion and/or recovery policies, investigating if and how it is variously (re)interpreted in policies and operationally applied in projects. From a methodological point of view, a qualitative policy document analysis (QPDA) and software-based content analysis were carried out on UE official documents, offering new theoretical insights and operational recommendations for understanding the concept of smartness beyond urban-centered perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a pressing public health concern in India, leading to a rise in injury‐related deaths, hospitalizations, and disabilities. India accounts for a significant portion of the world's fatal traffic accidents, with two‐wheelers being involved in the majority of these accidents. The impact of non‐fatal injuries on individuals extends beyond the bodily consequences of the injury and includes both the physical and psychological dimensions of the injury. The literature indicates the need for policy cascades and implementation framework for the prevention of road traffic injury. This study aimed to investigate the post‐RTI experiences and challenges faced by college students who experienced road traffic injury during their college life by using a qualitative research approach in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India. The study found that college students who experienced RTIs faced a wide range of physical, emotional, and social difficulties. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to RTI prevention that takes into account the complex interplay of individual, environmental, and societal factors that contribute to RTIs. The study also underscores the urgent need to improve the quality and availability of healthcare and rehabilitation services for RTI survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles into Romania's national policy, mainly through its Revised 2023 Action Plan. It begins by setting the stage for the importance of sustainable development, which necessitates innovative policies that prioritize both environmental conservation and economic resilience. Romania's embrace of CE principles, aiming to redefine resource utilization, minimize waste, and bolster environmental preservation, serves as the focal point of this study. Key findings reveal significant advancements in waste management and infrastructural enhancements that foster CE adoption despite facing challenges in policy implementation. The Revised 2023 Action Plan marks a critical step in Romania's journey towards sustainable development, showcasing the potential for increased employment, resource efficiency, and environmental stewardship. This article makes a vital contribution to the field by charting Romania's progress towards its circularity ambitions and suggesting avenues for policy refinement.

The Indus River Basin (IRB), one of the major river basins in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, is primarily sustained by meltwater from the cryosphere. It caters to diverse sectors, including intense irrigation-supported agriculture, energy production, tourism and biodiversity. The cryosphere of the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) is mainly influenced by the western disturbances with subordinate contribution from the Indian Summer Monsoon. Increase in ambient temperature, shrinking cryospheric reserves, fluctuating surface run-off and enhanced frequency of extreme weather events are some of the noticeable indicators of climate change in the UIB. These changes will most likely adversely affect the water-dependent sectors in the upstream and downstream of IRB, posing serious threat to food security and livelihoods. Although the region has gained significant attention in recent years, there remains a noticeable knowledge gap pertaining to certain key issues with serious implications for the natural environment and the people. A national workshop was organized for stimulated deliberations to identify the major knowledge gaps and suggest a policy framework for climate change mitigation in the UIB. The workshop underscores the urgent need of multi-institutional, multidisciplinary, comprehensive, coordinated and time-bound collaboration to study the interplay of complex drivers on water resources of the UIB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a pervasive and complex issue in South Africa, particularly affecting women and girls. This study delves into the heart of this problem by focusing on Mankweng Township, an area marked by diverse cultural influences and socioeconomic challenges. Drawing upon a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions, this research comprehensively examines GBV, its root causes, and the experiences of its victims and survivors. The findings illuminate a nuanced picture of GBV, transcending conventional narratives. While the study confirms the predominant role of men as perpetrators, it also recognises that not all men adhere to violent behaviours. Men, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community in Mankweng Township face varying degrees of violence and discrimination, thus challenging stereotypical perceptions. Traditional customs and cultural norms are revealed as powerful factors perpetuating GBV. The practice of lobola, emphasising ownership of women, and the subjugation of women in relationships are particularly highlighted. However, the study also uncovers potential solutions within cultural and religious frameworks where churches can serve as safe spaces for dialogue and support. Importantly, the research spotlights the often-overlooked experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, who face a disproportionately high risk of GBV. The fear of judgment and discrimination stifles their ability to seek help and report incidents. This underscores the need for a more inclusive approach to GBV prevention and intervention programs. The study's recommendations highlight the importance of awareness programs, better resource distribution, and cultural re-evaluation. It emphasizes the need to involve men and boys actively in GBV prevention efforts, challenging harmful gender norms and behaviours. As explored in this study, the legislative framework provides a robust foundation for addressing GBV. However, the study also highlights the critical importance of effective implementation and enforcement of these laws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze policy interventions regarding the implementation of autonomous vehicles (AV) in Indonesia. The research takes place in Jakarta due to its unique characteristics and status as one of the most congested cities in the world. The paper employs the qualitative approach to understand policy intervention for AV implementation. The methods used in this research are the combination of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Semi-Structured Interview. This research elaborates that AV implementation in Indonesia should come in the form of AV buses in the initial stage. Thus, it is necessary in the context of AV buses to construct dedicated lanes, provide onboard stewards, and give government incentives in a way that ensures the adoption's success rate. Furthermore, the thematic analysis of the research also emphasizes several themes in the context of AV implementation, such as implementation, accessibility, regulatory framework, sustainability, local characteristics, and annotation. These themes could provide a comprehensive understanding related to the policy intervention that should be taken by the Indonesian government regarding the AV implementation in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the intersection of social entrepreneurship and the circular economy as a pathway to sustainable development. As global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality become increasingly urgent, innovative solutions are essential for fostering resilience and promoting equitable growth. Social entrepreneurship, defined by its dual mission of addressing social issues while achieving economic viability, offers a unique framework for integrating circular economy principles, which emphasize the restoration of ecosystems, resource efficiency, and waste reduction. The paper analyzes key concepts and theories underpinning both fields, highlighting how social enterprises can serve as catalysts for circular initiatives. By leveraging community engagement and collaborative models, social entrepreneurs can create value that not only supports economic growth but also enhances social equity and environmental sustainability. Case studies illustrate successful implementations of circular practices within social enterprises across various sectors, demonstrating their potential to transform local economies and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the paper identifies barriers to the integration of social entrepreneurship and circular economy practices, including regulatory challenges, funding gaps, and the need for greater awareness and education. By addressing these challenges, policymakers and stakeholders can support the growth of social enterprises and facilitate the transition toward a circular economy. This synthesis of literature contributes to a deeper understanding of how social entrepreneurship can drive sustainable development and offers insights for future research, practice, and policy. Ultimately, this paper underscores the importance of fostering synergistic relationships between social entrepreneurship and the circular economy to achieve a more sustainable and equitable world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the present efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Guinea. It reveals that there are many challenges and obstacles due to the lack of coordination and issues linked to resources. The text advocates for a unified approach to address major obstacles such as budgetary constraints, technological deficiencies, and the absence of favorable policy frameworks. Despite these difficulties, the analysis highlights substantial possibilities for reducing carbon emissions that might lead to financial savings, enhanced environmental indicators, and increased industrial competitiveness. The recommended checklist for decarbonization plan emphasizes the importance of setting specific objectives, developing economically efficient methods to reduce carbon emissions, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders, all of which should be supported by favorable legislation. The strategy promotes particular policy and investment measures, suggesting significant consequences for decision-makers in the oil and gas sector, policy-making organizations, and investment entities. The goal is to promote a unified approach that harmonizes firm plans, governmental frameworks, and financial inflows with the overall decarbonization goals of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reviews key policy challenges relating to solo self‐employed workers––the segment with increasing shares in the workforce in most developed countries in recent decades. We document that this segment attracts the attention of policymakers within four policy domains: addressing decent work deficits, entrepreneurship and small business policies, activating marginalized groups through self‐employment, and improving the well‐being of the solo self‐employed. We offer an integrative framework enabling the analysis of synergies and contradictions of the various policy initiatives targeting the solo self‐employed. The study argues that workers who persistently employ only themselves should be understood as a (third) segment of the labor market qualitatively distinct from the traditionally defined categories of "employee" or "employer." A policy‐oriented segmentation of the contemporary workforce using this "blurred trinary divide" is proposed with size estimates of its key segments and subsegments. Finally, the study discusses the prospects of the solo self‐employed in the emerging post‐pandemic economy and offers recommendations regarding future research and data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment poses a serious threat to both human health and ecosystems. MPs are small plastic particles that originate from various sources, such as textile fibers, cosmetics, and plastic debris. They can enter aquatic and terrestrial habitats through wastewater discharge and accumulate in the food chain. MPs can harm living organisms by causing physical damage, releasing toxic substances, and interfering with vital functions. Humans are primarily exposed to MPs through the ingestion of contaminated water and seafood. Various technologies, including advanced oxidation, bioremediation, coagulation, and membrane filtration, have been employed to remove MPs from wastewater. However, these methods are not entirely effective in eliminating them. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is necessary to address the issue, which includes improved waste management, biodegradable alternatives, product bans and taxes, upgrades to wastewater treatment plants, public education, and novel detection and removal methods in different sectors. However, there are still significant research gaps in assessing the ecological and human health impacts, enhancing the removal efficiency, and evaluating the sustainability of the proposed solutions across different exposure pathways. A global collaboration is necessary to urgently implement circular economy solutions to address the plastic pollution crisis.

One of the main factors affecting the safety of signalised intersections is the stop/go behaviour during the yellow interval. Although previous research has exhaustively examined drivers' stop/go decision-making, the expected autonomous vehicles' (AVs') stop/go behaviour has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Through a series of simulation experiments developed for conventional and autonomous vehicles using different car-following, lane-changing, lateral placement and stop/go model parameter values, we examine here whether the default VISSIM stop/go parameter values can adequately replicate the observed drivers' behaviour at the considered intersection and assess the suitability of using the currently available options, albeit referring to human drivers, to simulate the expected stop/go behaviour of AVs. We also propose a policy framework for determining the desired behaviour of AVs in yellow interval, which is integrated into an AVs logic and achieved in the last simulation to explore the effect of automation on the stop/go outcome and, hence, on the safety level of signalised intersections. Several data analysis and modeling techniques were used for the formulation of certain scenarios, including binary choice models. The default stop/go parameter values were found unfit to replicate the observed stop/go behaviour and subjected to calibration. Compared to the currently available options, the proposed AVs logic proved to produce the most accurate results, in terms of the stop/go simulation outcome. Regarding the impact of automation on the stop/go outcome, the simulation experiments showed that AVs preferred a more conservative behaviour in favor of road safety, as indicated by the significant reduction (≈15%) in the number of vehicles crossing the stop line during the yellow light and zero instances of red light violation. However, compared to the conservative drivers represented by the default stop/go parameter values, AVs preferred a more rational behaviour in favor of intersection capacity without compromising road safety.

One of the main factors affecting the safety of signalised intersections is the stop/go behaviour during the yellow interval. Although previous research has exhaustively examined drivers' stop/go decision-making, the expected autonomous vehicles' (AVs') stop/go behaviour has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Through a series of simulation experiments developed for conventional and autonomous vehicles using different carfollowing, lane-changing, lateral placement and stop/go model parameter values, we examine here whether the default VISSIM stop/go parameter values can adequately replicate the observed drivers' behaviour at the considered intersection and assess the suitability of using the currently available options, albeit referring to human drivers, to simulate the expected stop/go behaviour of AVs. We also propose a policy framework for determining the desired behaviour of AVs in yellow interval, which is integrated into an AVs logic and achieved in the last simulation to explore the effect of automation on the stop/go outcome and, hence, on the safety level of signalised intersections. Several data analysis and modeling techniques were used for the formulation of certain scenarios, including binary choice models. The default stop/go parameter values were found unfit to replicate the observed stop/go behaviour and subjected to calibration. Compared to the currently available options, the proposed AVs logic proved to produce the most accurate results, in terms of the stop/go simulation outcome. Regarding the impact of automation on the stop/go outcome, the simulation experiments showed that AVs preferred a more conservative behaviour in favor of road safety, as indicated by the significant reduction (z15%) in the number of vehicles crossing the stop line during the yellow light and zero instances of red light violation. However, compared to the conservative drivers represented by the default stop/go parameter values, AVs preferred a more rational behaviour in favor of intersection capacity without compromising road safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While healthcare big data brings great opportunities and convenience to the healthcare industry, it also inevitably raises the issue of privacy leakage. Nowadays, the whole world is facing the security threat of healthcare big data, for which a sound policy framework can help reduce privacy risks of healthcare big data. In recent years, the Chinese government and industry self-regulatory organizations have issued a series of policy documents to reduce privacy risks of healthcare big data. However, China’s policy framework suffers from the drawbacks of the mismatched operational model, the inappropriate operational method, and the poorly actionable operational content. Based on the experiences of the European Union, Australia, the United States, and other extra-territorial regions, strategies are proposed for China to amend the operational model of the policy framework, improve the operational method of the policy framework, and enhance the operability of the operational content of the policy framework. This study enriches the research on China’s policy framework to reduce privacy risks of healthcare big data and provides some inspiration for other countries.

To fulfil its commitments towards sustainable development, India is transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables in the energy sector, trying to shift consumption and cropping practices in the agriculture sector, and promoting alternative fuel vehicles in the transport sector. In this study, we analyse the current state of energy, agriculture, and transport policies using the triple bottom line approach and provide a strategic framework that offers a mechanism and a long-term roadmap for a sustainable future by integrating the synergies between these three key sectors. Decentralised production and consumption of resources holds the key to economic, environmental, and social sustainability.

Freshwater biodiversity faces a critical situation globally. Current efforts to protect and conserve India's freshwater biodiversity have been insufficient in light of emerging challenges. To address this, we propose 14 science-based and policy-backed recommendations aimed at achieving long-term protection of Indian freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity conservation goals. Managers of India's nodal agencies have expressed support for implementing these recommendations. The Wildlife Institute of India has recently launched a pioneering master's degree programme in freshwater ecology and instituted scholarships for local citizens known as 'Guardians of the Ganga', who are actively engaged in conserving biodiversity along the Ganga River under the auspices of the 'Biodiversity Conservation and Ganga Rejuvenation' project sponsored by the National Mission for Clean Ganga. These initiatives align closely with our proposed recommendations. Implementing these timely recommendations by policymakers is crucial to safeguarding India's freshwater biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy has emerged as a crucial solution to address the challenges posed by climate change and the increasing demand for energy. This paper aims to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of renewable energy for achieving competitive growth. The study examines the current state of renewable energy technologies, identifies the barriers to their widespread implementation, and highlights the potential benefits and opportunities for economic growth. The findings suggest that while there are challenges to overcome, renewable energy presents significant opportunities for sustainable development and a competitive advantage in the global market. The literature review was supplemented by an additional review on the criteria used by different policymakers and case studies. The final presentation of the results creates a taxonomy landscape of criteria for the social and political perspectives as well as success story in terms of CSR. The strategical importance in this regard is related to the perspective in the decision-making by policy makers in different countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the transformative potential of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in propelling the dairy industry toward net zero emissions, a critical objective in the global fight against climate change. Employing the Canadian dairy sector as a case study, the study extrapolates its findings to demonstrate the global applicability of these technologies in enhancing environmental sustainability across the agricultural spectrum. We begin by delineating the environmental challenges confronting the dairy industry worldwide, with an emphasis on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including methane from enteric fermentation and nitrous oxide from manure management. The pressing need for innovative approaches in light of the accelerating climate crisis forms the crux of our argument. Our analysis delves into the role of Big Data and AI in revolutionizing emission management in dairy farming. This includes applications in optimizing feed efficiency, refining manure management, and improving energy utilization. Technological solutions such as predictive analytics for feed optimization, AI in herd health management, and sensor networks for real-time monitoring are thoroughly examined. Crucially, the paper addresses the wider implications of integrating these technologies in dairy farming. We discuss the development of benchmarking standards for emissions, the importance of data privacy, and the essential role of policy in promoting sustainable practices. These aspects are vital in supporting the adoption of technology, ensuring ethical use, and aligning with international climate commitments. Concluding, our comprehensive study not only suggests a pathway for the dairy industry towards environmental sustainability but also provides insights into the role of digital technologies in broader agricultural practices, aligning with global environmental sustainability efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The research employs Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to examine customer awareness with rooftop solar systems across different education levels. Data from 200 consumers from Kottayam District were analyzed, focusing on six factors: carbon footprint, government subsidy, reduced electricity bill, maintenance, installation and warranty. The results show a significant correlation between awareness levels and education categories. Highly educated groups find the government subsidy, reduced electricity bill, maintenance and warranty of rooftop solar systems more aware of. Meanwhile, carbon footprint and installation seem to be independent of educational status. The study suggests that education significantly affects consumer awareness with rooftop solar systems. SPSS was used for the analysis. The report concludes that tailored strategies are needed to enhance consumer awareness across all education levels and ensure equitable distribution of the benefits of rooftop solar systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate distance education practices in higher education during the pandemic, focusing on lived experiences, and proposing a policy decision framework for future distance education in similar conditions. Additionally, the study aimed to establish a design framework for an Emergency Action Plan for similar crisis periods. In the study, a case study was used to provide a detailed examination of the current situation's characteristics. The study group consisted of 63 administrators from 34 universities who actively participated in decision-making during the pandemic. Data were collected through 11 online focus group interviews, and the Miles-Huberman Model was used for analysis. The study proposed a policy decision framework for distance education in the postpandemic period, consisting of 11 headings such as blended learning, open course materials, and Distance Education Center structuring. Additionally, the study presented an emergency action plan framework consisting of six components, including keeping the technological infrastructure working and supporting face-to-face courses with distance education. This study provides valuable insights for universities in preparing for potential crises and improving their distance education practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles into Romania's national policy, mainly through its Revised 2023 Action Plan. It begins by setting the stage for the importance of sustainable development, which necessitates innovative policies that prioritize both environmental conservation and economic resilience. Romania's embrace of CE principles, aiming to redefine resource utilization, minimize waste, and bolster environmental preservation, serves as the focal point of this study. Key findings reveal significant advancements in waste management and infrastructural enhancements that foster CE adoption despite facing challenges in policy implementation. The Revised 2023 Action Plan marks a critical step in Romania's journey towards sustainable development, showcasing the potential for increased employment, resource efficiency, and environmental stewardship. This article makes a vital contribution to the field by charting Romania's progress towards its circularity ambitions and suggesting avenues for policy refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absence of official codes of ethics and conduct for teaching practice at many traditional South African universities is of great concern. With this sequential explanatory, triangulation, mixed-method study we aimed to provide a valuable framework for universities developing and implementing these codes. In this study, quantitative content analysis, quantitative surveys, and qualitative interviews revealed that many universities did not have codes specific to teaching practice but rather applied codes that were created for the broader university context. Furthermore, where codes for teaching practice do exist, these are often not official university policies, not available to the public, and feature elements that vary across universities. Consequently, ethical dilemmas experienced during teaching practice are not addressed in these codes. Pre-service teachers in this study were found to be unaware of these codes and their content and were thus unprepared for ethical risk that may occur in teaching practice. The lack of codes of ethics and conduct, and awareness thereof, pose potential risks to various stakeholders in teaching practice. This led to the development of guidelines for a policy framework that addressed what should form part of the codes and how to improve awareness thereof. It is recommended that universities include a separate code of ethics and code of conduct in the teaching practice handbook to increase pre-service teachers’ awareness of values and morals expected of them and guide their behaviour during teaching practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid that enters the environment through natural and anthropogenic sources. A small amount of arsenic remains in living organisms, but its exposure at elevated concentrations is hazardous and thus creates a toxic effect. Evidence has shown that the level of arsenic in Bangladeshi foodstuffs is higher than the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization and other regulatory bodies in Bangladesh. Previously published reports show that the transport and abundance of arsenic create potential threats to the fresh and processed products of Bangladesh. However, monitoring and assessment of arsenic toxicity in the exposure sources are lacking. Although severe contamination of arsenic in the environmental matrices and numerous foodstuffs has been summarized, a perilous appraisal concerning trophic transfer and arsenic exposure through environmental matrices in Bangladesh has not yet been accomplished. This review critically discussed arsenic pollution, exposure toxicity, unexploited research gaps and prevailing legislation for pollution control. This study also highlighted the potential transfer of arsenic within the food webs, and sustainable strategies for arsenic pollution control to enhance food safety as a vital issue in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the current review urgently recommends formulating a conceptual policy framework to combat arsenic contamination in Bangladesh's environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, the South African government approved the Department of Higher Education and Training's (DHET) Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Higher Education in South Africa. The framework provides policy guidelines universities will need to follow when developing institutional internationalisation policies. Using critical discourse analysis, this review posits that the DHET missed an opportunity to rethink internationalisation in line with critical debates and scholarship on transformation and decolonisation of knowledge. Instead of aligning internationalisation of higher education in South Africa with progressive visions of contextually relevant and decolonised education, the framework reflects dominant Eurocentric approaches, practices and definitions of internationalisation. As such, DHET's framework fails to provide a much-needed guide for development of institutional policies that can contribute to higher education internationalisation in South Africa becoming more authentically international and embracing a more representative set of global knowledges and ways of knowing in a horizontal, pluralistic and non-hegemonic way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The paper aims to investigate the cardiology department's operational system for improving flexibility by minimizing the patient waiting time and simultaneously maximizing the utilization of service capacity in an uncertain environment. This article also proposes a policy framework that suggests a pool of additional resources and inter-firm collaboration can boost healthcare service delivery excellence. Design/methodology/approach: A discrete event simulation (DES) approach is followed for modeling patient flow and determining the service capacity to respond to demand variability and uncertainty. The model's outputs are used to minimize patient waiting time, maximize the utilization of the resources and match the service capacity with the patient demand. Findings: This research has tested two hypotheses and proved that an increase in waiting time decimates the throughput rate, and additional resources deployment in bottleneck activity positively impacts the throughput rate. The simulated scenarios prescribe an enhanced service capacity with quality care and further contribute to operational performance in reduced waiting time and cost. The results indicate that flexibility reduces the patient waiting time and maximizes the throughput rate. Practical implications: The study guides the healthcare policymakers to develop flexible competence and facilitate service mechanisms that are adaptive and robust while operating under a volatile environment. The article contributes to the healthcare literature that conjoins flexibility through simulation and resource utilization. Originality/value: This research is based on real-life primary data collected from healthcare providers. This study adds value to the healthcare systems to adopt strategic decisions to build flexibility through resource allocation, sharing and coordinated care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a crucial step in addressing the climate emergency and enhancing energy security, the European Union has set ambitious targets to decarbonise its economy by 2050. While the building sector plays a pivotal role in this transition, being accountable for 36% of the EU's total carbon emissions, it shows a renovation rate below 1% per year, which is clearly insufficient. To address this challenge, this study uses the cost-optimal methodology from private and social perspectives to assess the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of five renovation packages with passive and active solutions currently available on the Portuguese market. The results demonstrated that from both perspectives, optimal combinations of market solutions were generally cost-effective and could lead to a 90–99% reduction in energy needs and even to zero carbon levels. Nevertheless, beyond cost-effectiveness, consideration of co-benefits, e.g., social and health improvements, is also crucial, requiring government action. To drive these essential changes, effective policy measures are imperative. Recommendations encompass robust regulatory frameworks, financial support mechanisms, knowledge dissemination, and a shift towards broader-scale renovation. For carbon reduction to be economically attractive, fostering innovative business models and leveraging legal instruments to tackle complex scenarios are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), the necessity for lightweight communication is also increasing due to the constrained capabilities of IoT devices. This paper presents the design of a novel lightweight protocol called the Enhanced Lightweight Security Gateway Protocol (ELSGP) based on a distributed computation model of the IoT layer. This model introduces a new type of node called a sub-server to assist edge layer servers and IoT devices with computational tasks and act as a primary gateway for dependent IoT nodes. This paper then introduces six features of ELSGP with developed algorithms that include access token distribution and validation, authentication and dynamic interoperability, attribute-based access control, traffic filtering, secure tunneling, and dynamic load distribution and balancing. Considering the variability of system requirements, ELSGP also outlines how to adopt a system-defined policy framework. For fault resiliency, this paper also presents fault mitigation mechanisms, especially Trust and Priority Impact Relation for Byzantine, Cascading, and Transient faults. A simulation study was carried out to validate the protocol's performance. Based on the findings from the performance evaluation, further analysis of the protocol and future research directions are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]