Search

In recent years, the swift expansion of urban agglomerations has given rise to a profusion of resource and environmental challenges, intensifying the prominent conflict between the imperatives of sustainable development and economic pursuits. This paper clarifies the intricate connection and synergistic dynamics among the economy, resources, and the environment, with the aim of determining their collective influence on the sustainable trajectory of urban agglomerations. Focusing on the exemplary case of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, this paper utilizes panel data ranging from 2006 to 2020 to disentangle the spatial-temporal subtleties and obstacles hindering the harmonious development of its economy-resource-environment trinity. Firstly, it integrates the coupling coordination mechanism within the DPSR (Driving Force, Pressure, States, and Response) analytical framework to create a novel sustainable development paradigm. Secondly, it builds a comprehensive evaluation index system to measure the spatial-temporal evolution of the economic-resource-environmental matrix within Greater Bay Area. And thirdly, by employing an obstacle degree model, this paper identifies key obstacles that impede the coordinated progress of the economic-resource-environmental nexus in Greater Bay Area. Lastly, it highlights a continuous upward trajectory in the spatial-temporal evolution of Greater Bay Area, marked by decreasing variations in coupling degrees and enhanced inter-connectivity among the constituent elements. This paper not only provides insights into the complex dynamics shaping urban agglomerations, but also offers actionable intelligence to navigate the multifaceted challenges associated with sustainable development endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers an approach to understanding high-density living in precarious housing. Developing a conception of housing density based on 'density expressions' and 'density modalities', we argue for a focus on how domestic density is experienced and intervened in by residents and other groups. This approach builds in existing work in Housing Studies and Urban Studies on domestic overcrowding by demonstrating the value of attending to its sensorial experiences, and practices that seek to alleviate those experiences. Drawing on fieldwork in Hong Kong, one of the densest and more unequal housing markets in the world, we identify 'infiltration' as a key form of density expression. We go on explore two density modalities through which residents and other groups, including civil society organisations and the state, practice modest forms of intervention in the struggles of precarious housing: 'improvisation' and 'transition'. We conclude by considering the implications both on housing in Hong Kong and for future research on precarious housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our globalized world means that most public health challenges cannot be tackled alone; they require unified and collaborative working across countries. Overseas fellowships offer an immersive experience that empowers nursing researchers to enhance global collaborations and synergize diverse research expertise from various cultural contexts. This enriched collaboration leads to more innovative solutions to public health issues and significantly enhances the overall impact of their research. This paper presents a self‐reflection from the perspective of a community and public health nursing researcher, based in Hong Kong. During a 2‐month research secondment at a university in the UK, I explored ways to leverage my fellowship to strengthen global connections, expand collaborations, and enhance my research capabilities in addressing health equity issues among LGBTQ+ populations, particularly concerning sexual violence. By sharing my journey, I aim to inspire more nursing researchers to engage with global academic communities and collectively advance global public health initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) Center for Social Work Research and Practice was established in 2015, aspiring to collaborate with industry partners to conduct research that enhance the industry's understanding of social issues and develop quality services for the community. HKSYU is a self-financing university without direct subsidies from the HKSAR Government to the Center. In the last couple of years, the Center has implemented 11 research and training projects, jointly organizing with local and overseas universities. Two of them adopted the interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with health and nursing disciplines. Using the extended case method, the Center was found to be aligned with the principles of evidence-based practice and research-mindedness in social work. Moreover, the Center normally adopted the "Translational form of collaboration," coproducing research projects with industry partners. Upon reflection, the Center should maximize its involvement with social work practitioners to promote research-mindedness in the practice environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the cross-cultural validity of nonviolent communication (NVC) behaviors as measured using the Nonviolent Communication Behaviors Scale (NVCBS) and explored their potential relationship with post-traumatic stress (PTS). Methods: We analyzed data from two samples (N = 412 Chinese adults and N = 283 English-speaking adults). Results: The best-fitting model of NVCBS was the proposed three-factor model ("self-connection," "authentic self-expression," and "empathic listening"), with configural, metric, and scalar invariance established across samples with different languages and sociocultural backgrounds. The NVCBS had satisfactory internal consistency and convergent validity and was negatively associated with PTS. The findings were replicated across the two samples. Discussion: NVC behaviors can be reliably and validly measured using the NVCBS. Given its brevity and measurement invariance across cultures, the NVCBS is a promising tool to facilitate future studies on NVC. Moreover, a lack of NVC behaviors may be a social-behavioral feature associated with PTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Confucian-influenced Asian societies, explicit end-of-life conversations are uncommon and family involvement in decision-making is crucial, which complicates the adoption of culturally sensitive advance care planning. Aim: To develop a consensus definition of advance care planning and provide recommendations for patient-centered and family-based initiatives in Asia. Design: A five-round Delphi study was performed. The rating of a definition and 84 recommendations developed based on systematic reviews was performed by experts with clinical or research expertise using a 7-point Likert scale. A median = 1 and an inter-quartile range = 0–1 were considered very strong agreement and very strong consensus, respectively. Setting/participants: The Delphi study was carried out by multidisciplinary experts on advance care planning in five Asian sectors (Hong Kong/Japan/Korea/Singapore/Taiwan). Results: Seventy-seven of 115 (67%) experts rated the statements. Advance care planning is defined as "a process that enables individuals to identify their values, to define goals and preferences for future medical treatment and care, to discuss these values, goals, and preferences with family and/or other closely related persons, and health-care providers, and to record and review these preferences if appropriate." Recommendations in the domains of considerations for a person-centered and family-based approach, as well as elements, roles and tasks, timing for initiative, policy and regulation, and evaluations received high levels of agreement and consensus. Conclusions: Our definition and recommendations can guide practice, education, research, and policy-making in advance care planning for Asian populations. Our findings will aid future research in crafting culturally sensitive advance care planning interventions, ensuring Asians receive value-aligned care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]