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African immigrants are moving to high-income nations such as Canada in greater numbers in search of a better life. These immigrants frequently struggle with several issues, including limited social support, shifts in gender roles/status, cultural conflicts with their children, and language barriers. We used participatory action research (PAR) to gather data about Sub-Saharan African immigrants residing in Alberta, Canada, with a focus on their viewpoints, difficulties, and experiences of parenting children in Canada. We contextualized our study and its findings using both postcolonial feminism and transnationalism approaches. Study findings show African immigrant parents place a high priority on respect between generations. The absence of assistance, conflicts caused by culture, and language barriers are notable difficulties they encountered in parenting. An additional factor is a lack of acquaintance with and comprehension of the culture of their new home nation. Several implications stem from our findings, including the need for interventional research that explores effective, culturally relevant strategies for enhancing parenting among African immigrants. Our findings demonstrate the need for culturally sensitive policies and practices that support the transition and integration of African immigrant families into Canadian society. It is imperative for health care providers and policy makers to develop and revise culturally appropriate policies that take into consideration the importance of African immigrants in destination countries. Adopting culturally relevant policies and practices will improve the wellbeing of this growing but underprivileged minority of Canadians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study marks one of the pioneering efforts to compile comprehensive information on Ramsar sites globally. It delves into the significance of wetlands and the designation of Ramsar sites across various countries, incorporating a concise exploration of the utilization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for wetland monitoring and assessment. Additionally, the study conducts a comparative evaluation of Ramsar sites, analyzing their percentage area and overall coverage worldwide. Incorporating a Scientometric analysis utilizing the Scopus database, the study features a co‐occurrence map, thematic map, thematic evolution trend, and country collaboration map. Emphasizing the interconnection between wetlands and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG13 (Climate‐Action), SDG14 (Life Below Water) and SDG15 (Life on Land), the study delves into associated targets and indicators. Targets such as 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6a, 6b of SDG‐6, 12.1, 12.2, 12.4 of SDG‐12, and 13.2, 13.3 of SDG‐13 align with wetland management and conservation. Moreover, it affirms the role of wetlands in supporting targets 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14a‐c of SDG‐14, and 15.1, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7, 15.8, and 15.8 of SDG‐15. Policies, regulations and management plans of different countries relevant for supporting and establishing relationship with SDGs are discussed in details. The study offers a detailed exploration of these targets, elucidating indicator types associated with each SDG target. By doing so, it provides valuable insights for future researchers and policymakers, underlining the indispensable contribution of wetlands to the direct and indirect fulfillment of SDGs 6,12,13,14,15 and 17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles (EVs) hold promise for curbing emissions and promoting sustainable urban development in India, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, their uptake remains below expectations. This study delves into factors influencing EV adoption, exploring socioeconomic determinants, technical specifications, cost considerations, and policy impacts. It also assesses the role of charging infrastructure accessibility, demographic disparities, and battery end‐of‐life perceptions. The research identifies key socio‐economic factors driving consumer choices and perceptions of EVs through a comprehensive survey and logistic regression analysis. The findings will guide policymakers and businesses in developing effective strategies to promote EV use, supporting SDGs related to sustainable cities, communities, and economic growth. The insights gained from this study can inspire private sector growth and innovation, leading to new business opportunities that benefit companies and consumers. This research represents a crucial milestone in advancing sustainable transportation solutions in India and creating a better future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The declaration by the World Health Organization and government-initiated actions by different countries for the COVID-19 vaccine have led to the rapid evolution of sentiments on various social media platforms. Real-time data related to vaccination has grown the need to anticipate the changes in vaccine uptake. Using Twitter dataset, the study models different emotions and their associated word. The emotions are majorly classified into hesitancy and willingness for vaccination. The study categorizes the tweets into pre-launch, post-launch, and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on comparative analysis, most sentiments were related to hesitancy for vaccination during pre-launch. In post-launch, the majority of sentiments were oriented towards willingness for vaccination. However, during the booster dose, the sentiments were oriented toward happy, adequate, and free emotions. Over the time period, the willingness of the COVID-19 vaccine has improved. The practitioners and policymakers can obtain real-time sentiments based on this approach and strategize the long-term vaccination policy for COVID-19 and other vaccination programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the performance of logistics service providers (LSPs) in the Philippines, emphasising their impact on economic development and competitiveness. Utilising data collected from 126 respondents affiliated with the Philippines International Sea freight Forwarder Association and the Air cargo Forwarders of the Philippines Inc., the study identifies key performance indicators, including cost, time and reliability. The findings reveal that while LSPs in the Philippines maintain acceptable performance levels, significant challenges remain, particularly in domestic logistics. The study highlights that delays in customs processes and infrastructure inadequacies are major impediments to optimal logistics performance. Comparative analysis with other ASEAN countries shows that the Philippines lags in certain areas, particularly in delivery reliability and logistics infrastructure quality. The research also explores human resource issues, noting a high turnover rate and reliance on on-the-job training. Policy implications suggest the need for enhanced infrastructure, better regulatory frameworks and targeted human resource development to boost logistics performance. This study offers valuable insights for policy-makers and industry stakeholders aiming to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the Philippines' logistics services. JEL Codes: F0, F2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current agriculture system has become complex and fragile in recent years. With an increase in population, the demand for food is increasing, but the resources such as arable land and water are limited, and clearing forest land for cultivation and over-extraction of groundwater are changing land-use patterns and depleting groundwater resources, which again are responsible for multiple risks in agriculture and food system. The limited land and water resources with increased global population and its demand for food have mainly stressed small farmers. The rising environment, social and economic risks such as crop disease outbreaks, climate risk causing natural hazards such as floods, famine, drought, exposure to chemicals, technology risks such as genetically modified crops, and biofuels, food demand disparities, demographic and dietary changes, financial risk, conflict and political unrest, biological diversity loss, psychological factors in long-term decision making, and emerging complexity within agriculture system network are the some of the examples of multiple risks faced by small farmers in developing nations. Understanding the link among multiple domains such as environment, soil and hydrology, science, technology, finance, psychology, nutrition, and relation and conflicts is vital to study the multiple risks associated with the agriculture system as these domains overlap. Thus, sustainable long-term solutions cannot be confined to a single discipline approach. Therefore, there is a need to understand the intertwined nature of multiple risks affecting farmers. First, the author emphasizes on understanding the interconnected nature of rising multiple risks in modern industrial agriculture and food system in terms of social, environmental, and economic dimensions, this understanding is crucial for sustainable agriculture policy framing. Second, providing policy implications that will help policy makers to develop legalize mechanism to reduce rising risk of hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dockless bike-sharing mobility brings considerable benefits to building low-carbon transportation. However, the operators often rush to seize the market and regulate the services without a good knowledge of this new mobility option, which results in unreasonable layout and management of shared bicycles. Therefore, it is meaningful to explore the relationship between the built environment and bike-sharing ridership. This study proposes a novel framework integrated with the extreme gradient boosting tree model to evaluate the impacts and threshold effects of the built environment on the origin–destination bike-sharing ridership. The results show that most built environment features have strong nonlinear effects on the bike-sharing ridership. The bus density, the industrial ratio, the local population density, and the subway density are the key explanatory variables impacting the bike-sharing ridership. The threshold effects of the built environment are explored based on partial dependence plots, which could improve the bike-sharing system and provide policy implications for green travel and sustainable transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we review the academic transportation literature published between 2014 and 2018 to evaluate where the field stands regarding the use and misuse of statistical significance in empirical analysis, with a focus on discrete choice models. Our results show that 39% of studies explained model results exclusively based on the sign of the coefficient, 67% of studies did not distinguish statistical significance from economic, policy or scientific significance in their conclusions, and none of the reviewed studies considered the statistical power of the tests. Based on these results we put forth a set of recommendations aimed at shifting the focus away from statistical significance towards proper and comprehensive assessment of effect magnitudes and other policy relevant quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study explored a Bayesian belief networks (BBNs) approach, developing two distinct models for prioritizing the seven indicators related to the “rapid response to and mitigation of the spread of an epidemic” category within the context of both the specific category and the Global Health Security Index (GHS index). Utilizing data from the 2021 GHS index, the methodology involves rigorous preprocessing, the application of the augmented naive Bayes algorithm for structural learning, and k-fold cross-validation. Key findings show unique perspectives in both BBN models. In the mutual value of information analysis, “linking public health and security authorities” emerged as the key predictor for the “rapid response to and mitigation of the spread of an epidemic” category, while “emergency preparedness and response planning” assumed precedence for the GHS index. Sensitivity analysis highlighted the critical role of “emergency preparedness and response planning” and “linking public health and security authorities” in extreme performance states, with “access to communications infrastructure” and “trade and travel restrictions” exhibiting varied significance. The BBN models exhibit high predictive accuracy, achieving 83.3% and 82.3% accuracy for extreme states in “rapid response to and mitigation of the spread of an epidemic” and the GHS index, respectively. This study contributes to the literature on GHS by modeling the dependencies among various indicators of the rapid response dimension of the GHS index and highlighting their relative importance based on the mutual value of information and sensitivity analyses.

This study explored a Bayesian belief networks (BBNs) approach, developing two distinct models for prioritizing the seven indicators related to the "rapid response to and mitigation of the spread of an epidemic" category within the context of both the specific category and the Global Health Security Index (GHS index). Utilizing data from the 2021 GHS index, the methodology involves rigorous preprocessing, the application of the augmented naive Bayes algorithm for structural learning, and k-fold cross-validation. Key findings show unique perspectives in both BBN models. In the mutual value of information analysis, "linking public health and security authorities" emerged as the key predictor for the "rapid response to and mitigation of the spread of an epidemic" category, while "emergency preparedness and response planning" assumed precedence for the GHS index. Sensitivity analysis highlighted the critical role of "emergency preparedness and response planning" and "linking public health and security authorities" in extreme performance states, with "access to communications infrastructure" and "trade and travel restrictions" exhibiting varied significance. The BBN models exhibit high predictive accuracy, achieving 83.3% and 82.3% accuracy for extreme states in "rapid response to and mitigation of the spread of an epidemic" and the GHS index, respectively. This study contributes to the literature on GHS by modeling the dependencies among various indicators of the rapid response dimension of the GHS index and highlighting their relative importance based on the mutual value of information and sensitivity analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to discern the causes of the health and developmental problems of children, and thence develop preventative strategies, longitudinal cohort studies offer major advantages. They can monitor the consequences of exposure to physical and psychological events and thence identify antecedents of various disorders. We describe the historical background to the development in the UK of this study design, and the uptake of longitudinal birth cohorts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), using the cohorts in Jamaica, South Africa and Brazil as exemplars. We describe the benefits of such studies and show how undertaking longitudinal cohort studies can have major health and financial benefits to the populations concerned. Additionally, the paper outlines the advantages of collaboration between studies and the pooling of data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analysed the challenges to food security in the Almaty region and developed practical recommendations in this area, using the experience of other countries as an example. The developed model includes assessments of threats to food security in the Almaty region, monitoring of international experience in improving the regulation of food security issues, and practical application of innovative approaches to enterprise performance management, given the state of food security. This model includes theoretical and practical recommendations, in particular, a set of methods to protect the economy from the crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial technology has the potential to impact positively the financial sector whether it is conventional finance or Islamic finance. It is a dire need of the day to develop Fintech (Financial technology) in Pakistan. There are, however, certain issues present in Pakistan in this regard. The core purpose of this study is to explore these issues in depth and provide a solution for those, to highlight the prospects of Fintech for the Islamic finance sector in Pakistan. This is qualitative research following an exploratory method. Top experts belonging to different categories of stakeholders for a standard Fintech model have been interviewed. The study adopted the semi-structured interview technique for data collection. Data analysis has shown that this includes a lack of IT and Telecom infrastructure, a lack of long-term policies by the Government, tight regulatory rules by the SECP, and low flexibility for the Islamic financial institutions when it comes to the regulatory framework by the SBP. Customers' attitudes and lack of awareness campaigns are the other issues. Another important issue is the non-availability of required human resources for Fintech development. However, all these issues can be overcome by collaboration between banks and other financial institutions. The future of fintech in Pakistan is very bright. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bike sharing systems gain traction worldwide, but previous research pay less attention to the more detailed operating characteristics at station level. This study aims to fill this void in the literature by looking into the stations' performance with considering systemic intervention and user-driven usage. Methodologically, an innovative approach that captures the underlying relevance of trip records is proposed firstly to identify the bicycle-based operating states in its lifecycle, such as being redistributed, parked, or used. From bike to station, all the bicycle-based operating status information can be linked to associated stations, consequently, station vitality and station pattern are refined into stations' operating performance. In addition to rational classification and discussion of operating features, this study has explored the impact of surrounding built environment on these specific operating features instead of simple trip intensity. To test the proposed methodology, trip record data from the bike sharing system of Boston in 2019 is used. The results indicate that user-driven and manual-scheduling bike movements are all particularly relevant to keeping stations' sustainable daily operation, but vary across the stations in their ratio. In terms of station vitality and station pattern, some stations would embody the nature of high-output-scheduling, low-bike-turnover, or high-input-scheduling relative to the baseline scenario of operating performance. Heterogeneity of stations in operating is also proved to be caused by the surrounding built environment. The outcomes and methodological framework would facilitate the assessment of bike sharing system operating state at station level, as well as instilling new insights into bike sharing system design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the causes and impacts of unemployment in South Africa using data from the 2022 General Household Survey conducted by STATS SA. Specifically, it seeks to analyze the demographic and socio-economic factors influencing unemployment rates, explore the implications of unemployment on individuals and society, and identify policy implications for addressing this pressing issue. Unemployment remains a significant challenge in South Africa, with persistent high rates that disproportionately affect certain demographic groups. This study addresses the need for an in-depth analysis of unemployment dynamics, providing valuable insights into its causes, consequences, and potential policy interventions. The study utilizes data from the 2022 General Household Survey conducted by STATS SA, encompassing a total population of approximately 18738 households. The dataset offers comprehensive information on employment status, demographic characteristics, education levels, and household income. Employing the statistical software SPSS, employing a combination of descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and a binary logistic regression model, the research uncovers significant disparities across demographic groups, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals at the household level and advocating for targeted policy interventions. Gender disparities emerge starkly, with female-headed households constituting 44% of the sample yet reporting lower employment rates (34.7%) compared to male-headed households (59.6%). Regression analysis confirms this trend, highlighting the gender-based hurdles in accessing employment opportunities. Furthermore, concerning trends in youth unemployment are revealed, with nearly 40% of individuals under 35 reported as unemployed. Regression analysis demonstrates a negative association between age and unemployment, emphasizing the need for targeted youth employment initiatives. Additionally, the study underscores the critical role of education in enhancing employment prospects, with higher levels of education associated with lower unemployment rates. Racial disparities in unemployment rates are also elucidated, with the Black/African population group facing the highest unemployment rate at 52.3%, significantly higher than the Asian/Indian (37.8%) and White (40.4%) population groups. Regression analysis confirms these disparities, necessitating targeted efforts to address structural barriers and promote racial equity in the labor market. The study recommends, implementing gender-sensitive employment policies, enhancing youth skills development programs, and promoting equitable access to education and training opportunities for all groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Planetary Boundaries (PBs) pioneering approach defines environmental sustainability in terms of a Safe Operating Space (SOS) for human’s society to develop and thrive. The approach has found fertile ground in combination with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) - a standardised method for assessing the environmental impacts of product systems. In this article, we conduct a detailed review of existing approaches to embed PBs in LCA. We start by exploring the links between PBs control variables and LCA impact categories and then focus on reviewing three approaches (i) absolute environmental sustainability assessment (AESA), (ii) PBs-based normalisation and (iii) PBs-based weighting. We examine four key methodological aspects covering harmonisation of units (between PBs control variables and LCA indicators), definition and allocation of the SOS, regionalisation of boundaries and temporal aspects. We conclude the review with a discussion on applicability, limitations, policy implications and conclusions.

Regional budget assessments of methane (CH4) are critical for future climate and environmental management. CH4 emissions from rice cultivation (CH4-rice) constitute one of the most significant sources. However, previous studies mainly focus on historical emission estimates and lack consideration of future changes in CH4-rice under climate change or anthropogenic policy intervention, which hampers our understanding of long-term trends and the implementation of targeted emission reduction efforts. This study investigates the spatiotemporal variations of CH4-rice over the past two decades, using an integrated method to identify the major drivers and predict future emissions under climate change scenarios and policy perspectives. Results indicate that the CH4-rice emissions in China ranged between 6.21 and 6.57 Tg yr−1 over the past two decades, with a spatial distribution characterized by decreases in the south and increases in the north, associated with economic development, dietary shifts, technological advancements, and climate change. Factors such as the rate of straw added (RSA), fertilization, soil texture, temperature, and precipitation significantly influence CH4 emissions per unit rice production (CH4-urp), with RSA identified as the most significant tillage management factor, explaining 32 % of the variance. Lowering RSA to 8 % is beneficial for reducing CH4-urp. Scenario analysis indicates that under policies focusing on production or demand, CH4-rice is expected to increase by 0.3 % to 5.6 %, while adjusting RSA can reduce CH4-rice by 9.4 % to 10.0 %. Structural adjustments and regional cooperation serve as beneficial starting points for controlling and reducing CH4-rice in China, while optimizing industrial layouts contributes to regional development and CH4-rice control. Implementing policies related to maintaining field and crop yields can achieve a balance between rice supply and demand ahead of schedule. Dynamic adjustment of rice cultivation based on supply–demand balance can effectively reduce CH4-rice from excess rice production. By 2060, the reduction effect could reach 8.95 %–12.01 %. Introducing policy-driven tillage management measures as reference indicators facilitates the reduction of CH4-rice.

The research investigates the potential outcomes of e-invoicing on tax collection and its implications for the future of the Romanian tax system. Employing a comprehensive approach, the study combines theoretical frameworks with a comparative analysis of countries that have already applied e-invoice. Initially, it reviews significant research in the field, utilizing bibliometric analysis to identify key contributions. The bibliometric analysis was implemented based on the Web of Science database. Subsequently, it examines the evolution of e-invoicing globally, comparing tax revenues before and after its implementation in various countries to discern its impact. In this regard, the statistical data was extracted from The World Bank and Eurostat databases. Additionally, it provides an overview of electronic invoicing specifically within the context of Romania. The methodology involves a comparative analysis of tax revenue data and the progression of e-invoicing adoption which was represented according to data from the Romanian Ministry of Public Finance. This study aims to assess whether e-invoicing has a positive or negative effect on tax collection and to offer insights into its potential implications for the Romanian tax system.

AbstractDuring the past pandemic, digital business activities have developed enormously, and many businesses have undergone a significant transformation to participate in the digital revolution. However, for the digital transformation to take place successfully, Industry 4.0 comes from breakthroughs in many fields, including the digital wave of the manufacturing sector. Many countries have paid attention to and concretized priorities for developing a digital economy. Vietnam also faces challenges that the digital trend brings, including the risk of competition for small and medium enterprises, especially high-quality human resources in today’s businesses. This article analyzed the current situation and applied descriptive statistics to summarize and apply the structural equation model (SEM) from a set of data, a research sample in numbers, and visual charts that surveyed 850 enterprise managers. Human resource management is a multifaceted process that has wide-ranging effects. Presently, several variables are influencing the field of human resource management. These elements often undergo changes and can be categorized into fundamental influencing factors: The attributes of the external factors, including the economy, people, legislation, culture, rivals, science, and technology. The internal environment encompasses several variables: the working environment, labor recruitment and selection, training and development, remuneration, bonuses, and welfare. The article’s goal is to explore factors that influence human resource management. Based on the results, the article’s contributions had several policy recommendations for developing human resources at small and medium enterprises for Vietnam’s post-Covid-19 pandemic. The application of the research is to strengthen and build a cultural working environment and create conditions and opportunities for human resources to develop; business leaders must be exemplary in words and deeds. Human resource development strategies must be implemented in an environment of fairness, discipline, ethics, and respect for the law as standards; create a cultural environment, leading the development of human resources.

The paper examines different real-monetary dynamics and policy responses during the COVID-19 pandemic (C19P) and the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in the United States through the lens of the Sraffian Supermultiplier model and the endogenous money approach. On the one hand, the C19P triggered a relatively deeper contraction in GDP, but its recovery was relatively faster and more robust. The ‘V’ shaped recovery from the C19P significantly contrasted the ‘L’ shaped trajectory of the post-GFC period. On the other hand, the money supply (M2) grew relatively more, and the monetary base expanded relatively less during the C19P. To explain these different real-monetary dynamics, a theoretical framework is developed and analyzed empirically for the United States. The theoretical model and the empirical analysis suggest that money supply is endogenously determined by creditworthy demand derived from the multiplier-accelerator effect of non-capacity generating autonomous demand, in which government spending plays a key role. Therefore, the absence of full hysteresis after the C19P shock had nothing to do with a traditional neoclassical trend reversal mechanism but with the fiscal supermultiplier effect of the extraordinary pandemic-related government spending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We establish a bus market evolution model to explore the implications of subsidy policies in Hong Kong (HK) for the transition to a zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet using an unsubsidized case as the benchmark scenario. Using the system dynamics (SD) approach, we capture the intricate feedback mechanisms among market share dynamics, cost considerations, consumer preferences, and competitive interactions within the bus market. These interactions are encapsulated within three pivotal feedback loops: scale economy, public acceptance, and bus market competition. We systematically integrate the HK-specific features of hydrogen buses (H-buses), battery electric buses (E-buses), and diesel buses (D-buses) from technical and economic perspectives and compare them to the benchmark scenario. The results show that only 66% of the bus fleet would be ZEBs by 2050, and this underscores the necessity for governmental financial incentives to expedite the transition to a fully zero-emission fleet. Furthermore, we evaluate various ZEB subsidy policy alternatives in terms of timing, intensity, and recipients. The analysis suggests that policies offering long-term and low-intensity subsidies are most beneficial, taking into account the cumulative effects and inherent delays associated with policy implementation. Importantly, the study highlights the critical balance that policymakers must achieve between short- and long-term objectives, especially given the counter-intuitive outcomes observed in the early stages of policies favoring H-buses exclusively. This study provides valuable policy insights for policymakers and upstream energy companies in HK, with potential applicability in wider real-world contexts. • Zero-emission bus alternatives are analyzed from technical and economic aspects. • Various feedback loops are considered for dynamic market analysis. • A counter-intuitive effect is observed in the hydrogen bus subsidy scenario. • A long-term subsidy with low intensity is recommended. • Tradeoff between short- and long-term policy effects is identified and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to assess the impact of restrictive measures against the COVID-19 spread on the air quality of the most representative urban centers in Italy during the 66 days of the first lockdown, integrating a broad and detailed set of socioeconomic and health data into machine learning techniques and correlation analysis. Hierarchical Clustering analysis applied to all 104 Italian provinces indicated a group of six provinces to represent the urban environment in Italy. In contrast, correlation analyses suggested two meteorological parameters and four other air quality parameters as the most skilful at expressing changes in air quality during the first lockdown. Filtering the effects of seasonality, NO concentrations were the ones that most acted in improving urban air quality, showing reductions of up to 48% in all analyzed provinces, directly related to reductions in population mobility in this period (other studies reported an incisive role of pollutants as N O 2 and P M 10 or P M 2.5 in the SARS-CoV-3 spread). However, there were increases in P M 10 concentrations related to the use of wood burning for heating, and in S O 2 concentrations associated with the food industry, a sector slightly affected by the restrictive measures for being framed as essential. Naples was the only province which reported concentration reductions in all pollutants evaluated, including ozone (7%). However, it was the one that registered the most significant increases during the first days after the lockdown, probably due to the less restrictive measures applied to provinces with the lowest contamination numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review critically examines the underexplored domain of aging in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), highlighting the unique challenges and support needs faced by older adults on the spectrum. Despite increased recognition of ASD in younger populations, a significant knowledge and resource gap persists for older adults, who often navigate aging without adequate support or understanding. The review synthesizes research on the aging process in ASD, detailing specific challenges such as increased healthcare barriers, social isolation risks, and the complexities surrounding late diagnosis. It underscores the dire need for tailored intervention strategies and support mechanisms, critiquing the current inadequacies in addressing these needs. Furthermore, the review explores policy implications, advocating for a shift in the conceptualization and accommodation of autistic aging within healthcare and social services. It calls for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to research and support, urging collaboration among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the autistic community to ensure that aging individuals with ASD receive the necessary resources for a dignified life. Through a detailed synthesis of existing literature, this review illuminates the urgent need for focused attention on the aging ASD population, proposing future research directions that prioritize inclusivity and specificity in support strategies. It represents a call to action for developing a holistic framework that acknowledges and addresses the unique experiences of older adults with ASD, aiming for a future where they are supported comprehensively as they age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Public environmental concern (PEC) serves as a prominent representative of informal environmental regulation, which in turn propels the high-quality economic development. It’s important to understand how enterprise digital transformation (EDT) and PEC are connected, as this connection plays a crucial role in driving strong economic growth—it can be seen as a key pathway to achieving high-quality economic development. This research examines the influence and mechanism of PEC on EDT through the analysis of data obtained from publicly traded companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China along with city-level PEC data covering the period from 2010 to 2021. In addition, a heterogeneity analysis was performed to examine the variations among cities, industries, and enterprises, and we obtained a total of three conclusions as follows. (1) The results of our study reveal a statistically significant positive association, indicating that an increase in PEC has a substantial impact on the development of EDT. This association remains robust even after a series of robustness tests. (2) Mechanistic analyses further support our finding. PEC encourages companies to investments in research and development (R&D), attract skilled personnel, and commit to environmental responsibilities, thus promoting EDT. (3) From the municipal viewpoint, the influence of PEC on EDT is more significant in cities with advanced digital infrastructure, greater governmental subsidies, and those located in the central and western regions. From an industrial viewpoint, the effect of PEC on EDT is more pronounced in manufacturing firms and heavily polluting industries. At the enterprise level, the beneficial impact of PEC on EDT is more evident in companies with a stronger emphasis on environmental investment, in non-state-owned enterprises, and in those with higher levels of pollution. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the significant role of PEC in driving EDT and, consequently, economic growth. The research will offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to align economic progress with environmental awareness.

Literature on street children has documented the life of street children in four phases: at home, on the streets, in child care institutions and post institutionalization. However, the journey to the streets has not received sufficient scholarly examination. This article documents street children's experiences in search of survival in Nakuru City, Kenya. The study adopted a qualitative research design with Nakuru City being purposively selected as an emerging city and a fourth city in Kenya with the highest number of street children. Data was collected from 14 purposively street children through in‐depth interviews and analysed thematically. The study demonstrates unique experiences of the journey to the streets and recommends policy development that guarantee survival and protection rights. We conclude that the desire for survival generates resilience in children that powers them through the journey to the streets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to verify whether companies residing in industry-academic convergence zones designated by the government are achieving policy goals and to seek policy implications and directions for improvement through analysis. For the study, business activities targeting resident companies were divided into infrastructure, business content, management, and system aspects, and business performance indicators, resident company satisfaction surveys, and differences in sales increase between resident companies and non-resident companies were analyzed through t-test. Based on statistical analysis results, performance indicators, and corporate survey analysis results, we track joint industry-academia R&D projects to maximize the effectiveness for companies, develop and operate human resources management for teams, and provide financial support for ordinances of metropolitan local governments. Improvements such as stipulation, antenna facilities at the corporate research center, and improvement of the researcher's residential environment were suggested. This study is the first to quantitatively verify policy performance targeting companies residing in industry-academic convergence zones, a large-scale government project, and future follow-up research is needed, including analysis of policy effects based on various variables such as employment indicators and corporate financial indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban population growth in Turkey has been increasing rapidly since the middle of the 20th century. The escalating population, particularly in urban regions, has emerged as a critical challenge in achieving sustainable urban management. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2, 9, and 11 present various avenues for governments to adress this predicament. This study employs the framework of multiple stream model, offering a valuable lens through which policies can identify opportune moments for policy implementation. The study examines the impact of industrialization and agricultural land use on the country's urban population while identifying potential opportunities for enhancing sustainable urban management in alignment with the SDGs. Subsequently, it critically examines the asymmetrical effects of these two significant factors on the urban population, formulating policy recommendations based on the empirical findings. The study concludes by stressing the significance of prioritizing sustainable, long-term agricultural and industrialization policies outlined in national policy documents rather than relying on short-term and temporary solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study embarks on a critical exploration of the intricate dynamics shaping Nigeria-U.S. relations, with a keen focus on the influence of historical narratives and cultural diplomacy on trade interactions. Utilizing a systematic literature review methodology, the research meticulously analyzed a plethora of peer-reviewed articles, governmental reports, and policy documents, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to garner a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The analysis delineated the complex interplay between historical narratives, cultural diplomacy, and economic partnerships, revealing a rich tapestry of interactions that has evolved over the years. This underscored the potential of cultural diplomacy as a potent tool in fostering economic relations and highlighted the need for a reevaluation of existing economic policies to nurture more equitable partnerships. Conclusively, this study advocates for deep-seated engagement grounded in mutual respect and understanding, fostering a future characterized by collaborative growth and innovation. It recommends the amplification of cultural exchange initiatives and the fostering of technological synergies to navigate the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape, thereby paving the way for a fruitful and harmonious future in Nigeria--US relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative research investigates the impact of digitalization on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh, a country with a burgeoning SME sector pivotal to its economic growth. Digitalization, characterized by the integration of digital technologies into business operations, has become increasingly relevant in the global context, reshaping traditional business paradigms and fostering innovation. Against this backdrop, this study aims to explore how SMEs in Bangladesh navigate the digital landscape, examining the challenges, opportunities, strategies, and implications of digitalization for their operations. Through in-depth interviews with 20 SME owners and managers representing diverse industries and regions within Bangladesh, this research delves into the complexities and nuances of digital transformation in the Bangladeshi SME context. Thematic analysis of the interview data reveals a range of insights into the adoption, challenges, and outcomes of digitalization for SMEs. Key themes include digital transformation strategies, encompassing initiatives such as e-commerce adoption, digital marketing, and data-driven decision-making; challenges and barriers, including limited digital literacy, infrastructure constraints, and cybersecurity risks; opportunities and innovations, such as market expansion, innovation, and collaboration; and implications for policy and support, emphasizing the need for supportive government policies, industry initiatives, and capacity-building programs. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of digitalization and SMEs in Bangladesh, offering valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and support organizations. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities presented by digitalization, SMEs in Bangladesh can enhance their competitiveness, innovation, and resilience, driving economic growth and sustainable development in the country. This research underscores the importance of fostering an enabling environment that empowers SMEs to thrive in the digital age, ensuring inclusive growth and prosperity for all segments of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While governments around the world have adopted policies and regulations making pay more transparent, pay transparency continues to be a contentious issue. Proponents argue that greater transparency is more consistent with the ethical underpinnings of humanistic societies and likely to benefit employees, employers, and/or society. In contrast, opponents highlight the ethical challenges that transparency may pose to personal privacy, as well as its potential social, psychological, and economic risks for stakeholders. Despite mixed beliefs, there may be some transparency-related shifts that most stakeholders welcome, or at least accept, as well as reforms whose benefits likely outweigh particularistic stakeholder costs, offering society-wide, longer term utility. We first discuss steps that policymakers and leaders may take that are likely to have positive implications for both labor and management while minimizing unintended, negative consequences and then review recent public policy interventions already adopted, as well as additional interventions to be considered for future adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we summarize key findings from 20 years of research conducted at the intersection of developmental psychology and juvenile justice in the United States. We predominantly examine data from two large-scale, multisite longitudinal studies involving justice-system-involved adolescents—the Pathways to Desistance study and the Crossroads study. Topics of discussion include predictors of offending and desistance from crime; youth outcomes and psychosocial needs; and emerging research, programs, and policy initiatives. First, individual-level (e.g., age, psychosocial maturity) and contextual-level (e.g., antisocial peers, exposure to violence) risk factors associated with offending are explored. Second, we discuss short-term and long-term outcomes of justice-system contact for youths engaging in moderate offenses. We highlight main findings from the Crossroads study indicating that youths who are sanctioned by the justice system at their first arrest have worse outcomes than youths who are diverted from formal processing. Additionally, we discuss the high prevalence of youths' exposure to violence and mental health disorders as well as the differential treatment of youths of color in the justice system. Third, we extend the conversation to justice-system-involved young adults and discuss emerging, innovative legal solutions, including young adult courts. Last, we discuss real-world implications of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the government-to-government cooperation framework, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on China–Singapore International Land–Sea Trade Corridor (C–S-ILSTC) between Singapore and Chongqing has been signed in 2018, with the objective to improve the connectivity between Southeast Asia and Western China region via the Beibu Gulf port. C–S-ILSTC provides a new and efficient intermodal freight transportation route choice, which is expected to reconstruct the regional intermodal container transportation network. In this study, we formulate a discrete route choice model based on stated preference survey to analyse the route choice behaviour between Southeast Asia and western China region under the intermodal container transport network with C–S-ILSTC. Based on the modelling results, we further discuss the impact of significant route choice influential factors, such as transit time, shipping fee, cargo type, historical experience of using the route, company size, annual throughput, and business area. In addition, descriptive statistics and word cloud analysis are provided to investigate respondents' underlying attitudes on the most important route choice influential factors. Scenario analysis is further conducted to demonstrate the impact of subsidy on respondents' willingness to switch to the newly introduced C–S-ILSTC for freight transportation. The results provide policy implications on improving the utilisation rate of C–S-ILSTC. • Analyse the route choice behaviour regarding C–S-ILSTC. • Formulate a discrete route choice model based on stated preference survey. • Investigate the impact of significant route choice influential factors. • Scenario analysis on the impact of subsidy. • Provide policy implications on improving the utilisation rate of C–S-ILSTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 1-in-5 children have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, and/or developmental disorder or delay by age 8 in the United States. Children with such conditions often require complex, complicated diagnostic and specialty care, making them susceptible to repeated referrals and ongoing unmet healthcare needs. Patient navigation programs (PNPs) are designed to integrate care from primary care providers to community-based services, using trained navigators to help patients and their families manage referrals and connect with referred services. This study examines factors associated with repeated referrals to an active PNP to inform ongoing referral patterns and adaptations to standard navigation support within a large healthcare system in South Carolina (SC). Data is sourced from the inception of the PNP in 2017 through 2022, including 15,702 referrals. Overall, 71.07% had no repeated referrals. Children who are older, diagnosed with attention deficit disorder(s), behavioral concerns, depression, multiple referral needs, and insured by Medicaid were found to be most susceptible to repeated referrals. Conversely, children who are non-Hispanic Black, were referred at a well-child visit, and are primarily insured by private insurance or Tricare were least likely to have repeated referrals. Children who are insured by Medicaid are more likely to be younger, identify as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, or another race/ethnicity, and have multiple needs at time of initial referral, identifying a potentially compounded risk for those who hold multiple risk factors to experiencing repeated referrals. Findings may inform adaptations to this PNP model to adjust navigator protocol for at-risk populations and equitably optimize referral-to-service connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do business angels assess a prospective entrepreneurial firm when they make an investment decision? This article examines a central question that informal venture capitalists have been struggling with for decades: What early stage decision making criteria do investors define and apply to reduce the volume of potential deals to a more manageable size? Based on semi-structured interviews with business angels in an emerging market, we show that investors are focused on the industry structure and product features, on the other side, our results also suggest a very strong support for the personality of the entrepreneur and management team. More specifically, entrepreneur trustworthiness is an essential element affecting an investor's decision to close a deal. Business angels set requirements in terms of the entrepreneur's equity stake in the start-up and monitoring tools to prevent the failure of investee firms. Our findings suggest that if there are warning signs that the project is in an existential crisis, most of the investors will reject their participation. We believe that our empirical results support both researchers and practitioners to establish a better understanding between the well-developed financial theories and the underresearched informal venture capital market in a Central and Eastern European country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low productivity of soybeans in Indonesia is one of the reasons why domestic production cannot meet market demand. In addition to suboptimal and contradictory government policies, they contribute to domestic soybean competitiveness against imported soybeans. The purpose of this study is to analyze the economic and financial profitability of farming, analyze the competitiveness status of soybeans, analyze the impact of government policies on soybean competitiveness, and analyze the sensitivity of domestic soybean competitiveness. This study applies the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM). The results of this analysis are used to observe two basic indicators to measure competitiveness and assess the role of government policies. This research uses a case study of soybean farmers in the Jember Regency area. The analysis results show that the soybean farming business in Jember Regency is capable of generating economic profits. Soybean farming in Jember is capable of producing comparative and competitive advantages. Furthermore, the policy analysis reveals that the impact of the soybean policy on farming in the region is not yet optimal. Therefore, new governance policies are needed. Parameter analysis in the PAM analysis indicates that price and productivity variables have a potential role in increasing production and domestic soybean competitiveness.

为了及时调整我国棕榈油贸易政策，引导我国木本油料油脂产业发展，利用2000、2005、2010、2015年和2020年全球棕榈油贸易数据，采用社会网络分析法，探究了2000—2020年全球棕榈油贸易网络演变特征及其对我国食用油对外贸易政策的启示。结果表明：全球棕榈油贸易伙伴国家之间直接交易路径在不断缩短，贸易核心国家的数量相对稳定，核心地位相对稳固；作为核心地位最突出的5个棕榈油贸易枢纽国，中国、印度、荷兰是重要的进口国，马来西亚、印度尼西亚是重要的出口国，国际棕榈油贸易受主要出口国政策影响较大；我国棕榈油进口量在短期内不会出现大幅度波动，但仍存在较高的贸易风险；基于棕榈油贸易格局的集中趋势，我国植物油贸易与产业面临着挑战与机遇并存的局面。因此,提出积极开展包括棕榈油在内的植物油双边及多边贸易合作、鼓励农业企业走出国门、大力发展我国木本油料油脂产业等建议。 In order to adjust China′s palm oil trade policy in a timely manner and guide the development of China′s woody oilseed and oil industry, the data of global palm oil trade in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 were used to explore the evolution characteristics of global palm oil trade network from 2000 to 2020 and its implications for China′s foreign trade policy of edible oil by social network analysis method. The results showed that the direct trade path between global palm oil trading partner countries was shortening, the number of global palm oil trade core countries was relatively stable, and the core position was relatively stable. As the world′s five most prominent palm oil trade hubs, China, India and the Netherlands were important importers, while Malaysia and Indonesia were important exporters. International palm oil trade was greatly affected by the policies of major exporters. China′s palm oil imports would not fluctuate greatly in the short term, but there were still high trade risks. Based on the centralized trend of palm oil trade pattern, China′s vegetable oil trade and industry were facing both challenges and opportunities. It is suggested that bilateral and multilateral trade cooperation in vegetable oil including palm oil should be actively carried out, agricultural enterprises should be encouraged to go abroad, and domestic woody oilseed and oil industry should be vigorously developed.

This systematic review aims to examine the causes and consequences of price hikes in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on their policy implications. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify relevant studies for analysis. Results: The causes of price hikes in Bangladesh were found to encompass global oil prices, government policies, supply chain inefficiencies, and lack of competition. The consequences of price hikes included decreased purchasing power, reduced living standards, increased poverty, and adverse effects on investment and employment. Household welfare was negatively impacted, and businesses relying on imported raw materials or energy were affected. The author concludes that to address the issues stemming from price hikes, policymakers should consider implementing strategies to control inflation, promote competition, enhance supply chain efficiency, and manage government spending. By incorporating these policy implications, Bangladesh can mitigate the adverse effects of price hikes, leading to enhanced economic stability and well-being.

Introduction: This article aims to determine the effectiveness and extent of measures taken to decrease the severity of traffic crashes in Barcelona from 2013 to 2018. This will be achieved through an analysis of the traffic crash data. Method: Our approach involves the use of binary logistic regression models. We rely on the traffic crash dataset from 2010-2019 available in the Open Data Barcelona platform. Results: The outcomes obtained from the suggested models are contrasted with the strategies outlined in the Local Road Safety Plan 2013-2018 to minimize the severity of crashes. Effective preventive actions were identified, such as road safety educational programs, creating calm zones, enhancing pedestrian crossings, or expanding bicycle lanes. However, certain measures were found to be ineffective or their impact remained uncertain. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the measures implemented in Barcelona may have participated in and influenced the decrease in the severity of traffic incidents over the past decade. Notably, fatalities have decreased more than severe injuries. More attention should be given to less effective measures such as speed controls and drug/alcohol testing.

The review comprehensively examines hybrid renewable energy systems that combine solar and wind energy technologies, focusing on their current challenges, opportunities, and policy implications. Despite the individual merits of solar and wind energy systems, their intermittent nature and geographical limitations have spurred interest in hybrid solutions that maximize efficiency and reliability through integrated systems. A critical analysis of available literature indicates that hybrid systems significantly mitigate energy intermittency issues, enhance grid stability, and can be more cost-effective due to shared infrastructure. The review identifies key challenges, such as system optimization, energy storage, and seamless power management, and discusses technological innovations like machine learning algorithms and advanced inverters that hold the potential for overcoming these hurdles. Importantly, the review elucidates the role of policy in accelerating the adoption of these systems by highlighting successful case studies of government incentives, public-private partnerships, and regulatory frameworks that have fostered investments in hybrid renewable energy systems. The study concludes with the outcomes obtained that signify the potential for hybrid renewable energy systems to not only meet but exceed future energy demands sustainably, provided there is concerted effort in research, investment, and policy-making.

Background: Yemen has been experiencing a protracted civil war and humanitarian crisis since 2015, which has resulted in many war-related injuries. However, there is a lack of data on the epidemiology, characteristics, and outcomes of these injuries, especially the orthopedic ones. This study aimed to describe the war-related orthopedic injuries in Yemen and their impact on the patients' health and function. Methods: This was a retrospective study based on medical records and trauma registries of 3930 patients who were admitted to three major trauma centers in Sana'a city with war-related orthopedic injuries from January 2015 to December 2020. We collected data on demographics, injury mechanisms, injury types and locations, surgical procedures, complications, mortality, and functional outcomes using the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire. We used descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data and performed a logistic regression analysis to identify the factors associated with mortality. Results: Most of the patients were young males and civilians who suffered from complex and severe injuries involving multiple body regions, especially the lower extremities. The main mechanisms of injury were gunshot wounds, blast injuries, and landmine explosions. The patients required multiple surgical procedures and implants, and had high rates of complications and mortality. The most common complications were infection, nonunion, malunion, and amputation. The most common cause of death was sepsis. The functional outcomes were poor, as indicated by the high mean MFA score. The logistic regression analysis showed that older age, blast injuries, spine injuries, vascular injuries, and infection were significant predictors of mortality. Conclusion: This study provides valuable information on the war-related orthopedic injuries in Yemen and their impact on the patients' health and function. It also identifies some areas for future research, such as exploring the risk factors for infection and nonunion/malunion, evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different surgical procedures and implants, assessing the long-term outcomes and quality of life of the patients, and developing novel strategies to enhance bone and soft-tissue healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value of Time (VOT) is a key element in transport infrastructure planning decisions. It is widely believed that travellers using autonomous vehicles (AVs) will have a lower VOT than conventional vehicles (CVs) because of improved road safety, increased road capacity, engagement in productive activity during travel and increased mobility. A number of researchers have measured VOT effects of AVs though no consolidation of this evidence has been undertaken to date. This is the first study to provide a quantitative summary and synthesis of the estimated VOT of AV travel including a synthesis of factors affecting AV VOT. Meta-analyses of 24 studies show that mean VOTs for conventional cars, private AVs and shared AVs are respectively 17.3, 12.1 and 19.4 AU$/hr. However, wide variations in these estimates are evident and 12 factors have been identified with statistically significant effects on these variations including geographical context, study experimental characteristics, trip characteristics and socio-economic factors. We found that AV VOT estimates are lower when animated videos are used to demonstrate AV capabilities. Private AVs have the lowest VOT estimates as do commute trips and morning peak periods. Young adults (18–30 years) and people with current driving experience consistently report lower AV VOT while those with higher educational status and higher-incomes report having higher AV VOT. Implications of findings for policy and future research are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive study aims to assess the technical, financial, and policy implications of integrating solar power systems with battery storage in India. The research focuses on the commercial and industrial segments, investigating the viability of solar and battery storage systems across key states. Three primary scenarios are analysed to evaluate the financial feasibility of such systems. In addition, this study provides insights into the energy storage needs in India, including an examination of storage tender activities, government initiatives to promote energy storage, challenges faced, and future prospects. The research methodology involves a detailed techno-economic analysis, taking into account various factors such as capital costs, operational expenses, system performance, and revenue potential. Financial indicators such as levelized cost of energy, return on investment, and payback period are calculated to determine the financial viability of solar power systems with battery storage. Moreover, the study explores the market dynamics surrounding energy storage in India, including an overview of storage tender activities that have taken place. It also investigates the initiatives undertaken by the government to promote energy storage adoption and discusses the challenges encountered in implementing these systems. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the techno-economic viability of solar power systems with battery storage in India, shedding light on the market potential and future prospects. The study contributes to the ongoing discussions on renewable energy integration and storage solutions in the Indian energy landscape, guiding policymakers, industry stakeholders, and investors towards informed decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]