Search Results (5,359)

This study investigates the influence of adaptive leadership on crisis management effectiveness in complex construction engineering projects in Saudi Arabia. Adaptive leadership was conceptualized through six core dimensions: Flexibility in Decision-Making, Emotional Intelligence, Leader-Follower Communication, Problem-Solving Adaptability, Resilience in Leadership, and Fostering Collaboration. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of these leadership dimensions on crisis response effectiveness and safety outcomes within the high-risk, dynamic environment of the Saudi construction sector. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among managerial and supervisory personnel across major engineering and construction firms in Saudi Arabia. A total of 183 valid responses were obtained using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicated that five adaptive leadership dimensions—Flexibility in Decision-Making, Emotional Intelligence, Problem-Solving Adaptability, Resilience in Leadership, and Fostering Collaboration—had significant positive effects on crisis management effectiveness. However, Leader-Follower Communication did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship with crisis outcomes. The findings contribute theoretical value by validating an adaptive leadership framework tailored to engineering project crises. Practically, the study underscores the importance of enhancing leadership flexibility, emotional intelligence, and collaborative engagement to strengthen crisis responsiveness and project continuity in Saudi construction firms. Recommendations include the development of targeted leadership training programs and the integration of digital technologies to support adaptive decision-making in real-time crisis conditions, resulting in better Safety and Crisis Management. Although, study limitations include reliance on self-reported data and the context-specific focus on the Saudi construction sector, which may affect generalizability, the findings are contextualized through comparison with international literature to support broader relevance. Full article

Background: As means of addressing ongoing challenges in accessing publicly funded specialist care, new models of care have been trialled. One such approach is using physiotherapists in advance practice roles, who in collaboration with other health professionals, act as an initial orthopedic point of contact and coordinate care. This research investigated the impact of a model of care, the Spinal Virtual Clinic Model, implemented for the first time in South Australia, using advanced practice physiotherapists in a large metropolitan hospital in South Australia. Although formally named the “Spinal Virtual Clinic” by the health service, this model does not involve direct patient contact and differs from traditional virtual or telehealth clinics. Instead, it is best understood as a physiotherapy-led referral triage and management service. Methods: This research was conducted in two stages. Stage 1 was a retrospective clinical audit of sequential patients triaged to the Spinal Virtual Clinic, as well as a follow up audit to capture any subsequent engagement with the Orthopaedic Spinal Service following the initial Spinal Virtual Clinic correspondence. Data were descriptively analysed. In Stage 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients from the Spinal Virtual Clinic to explore their perspectives on this model of care. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and independently analysed using thematic analysis. The sequential use of quantitative and qualitative approaches enabled us to both describe engagement with this model of care and better understand the underlying perspectives. Results: Three hundred and nine referrals were triaged to the physiotherapy-led spinal virtual clinic over a six-month period from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021. Majority of referrals were triaged as low acuity did not need formal spinal specialist review and could be managed safely in primary care. Therapist-led active management strategies (80.8%), trial of neuropathic medication (35.6%) closely followed by advice regarding targeted spinal injections (foraminal and epidural), were the most common conservative management strategies recommended. Only a small proportion needed surgical review. Interviews with eleven patients revealed that while many valued the convenience, timely advice, and reassurance offered by the service, others expressed confusion about the referral process and disappointment at not seeing a specialist. A key recommendation identified was improved communication, including providing patients with direct feedback alongside general practitioner correspondence. Conclusions: This research, underpinned by quantitative and qualitative research, has showcased the potential of this model of care, the spinal virtual clinic, to have a positive impact on improving access and reducing the burden on the health system for low acuity patients. As historical models of care become unsustainable and obsolete, alternative models of care can be implemented in health care settings where outpatient demand significantly exceeds capacity. Full article

Emerging fungal plant pathogens are significant biotic stresses to crops that threaten global food security, biodiversity, and agricultural sustainability. Historically, these pathogens cause devastating crop losses and continue to evolve rapidly due to climate change, international trade, and intensified farming practices. Recent advancements in diagnostic technologies, including remote sensing, sensor-based detection, and molecular techniques, are transforming disease monitoring and detection. These tools, when combined with data mining and big data analysis, facilitate real-time surveillance and early intervention strategies. There is a need for extension and digital advisory services to empower farmers with actionable insights for effective disease management. This manuscript presents an inclusive review of the socioeconomic and historical impacts of fungal plant diseases, the mechanisms driving the emergence of these pathogens, and the pressing need for global surveillance and reporting systems. By analyzing recent advancements and the challenges in the surveillance and diagnosis of fungal pathogens, this review advocates for an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to address the growing threats posed by these emerging fungal diseases. Fostering innovation, enhancing accessibility, and promoting collaboration at both national and international levels are crucial for the agricultural community to protect crops from these emerging biotic stresses, ensuring food security and supporting sustainable farming practices. Full article

Managing transition cows and preventing diseases related to this period is challenging due to the latter’s multifactorial nature. The aim of this applied observational case study is to illustrate and discuss the different aspects involved and provide an approach to analysis and the resulting management solutions using a real-life case within a 500-cow herd. The initial assessment, involving the collection of data on the level of production, animal health and behaviour, and metabolic indicators, as well as management and housing key indicators, revealed key risk factors, including overcrowding, suboptimal feeding strategies, inadequate water supply, and insufficient disease monitoring. These factors contributed to increased cases of metabolic disorders such as hypocalcemia (annual incidence 7.8%), excessive lipomobilisation, and displaced abomasum (annual incidence 5.2%). A holistic approach combining feeding adjustments, disease monitoring, facility improvements, and long-term management strategies was implemented to address these challenges. Short-term interventions, such as optimizing the dietary cation–anion balance and enhancing disease detection protocols, led to noticeable improvements. However, structural constraints and external factors, such as extreme weather conditions (heat stress) and economic limitations, created significant hurdles in achieving immediate and sustained success. The farm ultimately opted for infrastructural improvements, including a new transition cow facility, to provide a long-term solution to these recurring issues. This case highlights the complexity of transition cow management, demonstrating that long-term success depends on continuous monitoring, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adaptability in response to evolving challenges in dairy production. Full article

Compared to non-smart communities, smart communities expand the boundaries of community management and provide a platform for the deep integration of fitness and health. However, a single-entity governance model reduces the management efficiency of smart communities and hinders the realization of fitness-health integration within them. A collaborative governance model involving governments, businesses, social organizations, and residents replaces the traditional linear governance model that relies on a single entity through resource integration. This study, based on collaborative governance theory, employs three scenario-based experimental designs and quantitative analysis, with Xiamen’s smart city community and non-smart urban village community as research subjects. It explores the multistakeholder collaborative governance model for the deep integration of fitness and health, compares the differences in fitness-health integration between smart communities and non-smart communities, and measures the effectiveness differences between multistakeholder collaborative governance and single-entity governance models. The findings indicate: (1) Residents in smart communities have higher satisfaction with comprehensive fitness-health services; (2) Residents in smart communities perceive shorter psychological distances when engaging in fitness-health activities compared to non-smart environments; (3) The governance model moderates the impact of psychological distance on service satisfaction. Compared to the single-actor model, multiactor collaborative governance more effectively enhances perceived psychological proximity and improves satisfaction. The research findings contribute theoretically to advancing understanding of collaborative governance theory while expanding the application of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the construal level theory in the context of community governance. Practically, they offer insights for public policymakers to optimize resource allocation and for community managers to strengthen digital governance. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health issue, representing one of the greatest causes of both cancer diagnosis and mortality globally. While the incidence is highest in high-income countries, it is rising across the world, including in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Many countries have implemented national screening programmes to reduce the burden of CRC, utilising mostly stool tests and colonoscopy, but this has yet to occur across most MENA countries. Uptake of screening opportunities is generally poor. System-level barriers to establishing screening programmes include cost constraints and limited screening infrastructure. Patient-level barriers include embarrassment, fear of a cancer diagnosis, and limited awareness/education. Screening programmes across the MENA region would likely reduce the CRC incidence. These barriers must be overcome through patient education and government action to ensure appropriate patient uptake. This study aims to examine CRC screening practices across MENA, identify key barriers, and propose solutions for sustainable CRC management in the region, through a narrative review and expert input from the Middle East and North Africa Colorectal Cancer (MENA-CRC) Screening and Prevention collaborators. Full article

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental enamel defect that poses significant challenges to achieving long-term restorative success. The aim of this bibliometric review is to map the research landscape on treatment strategies for teeth affected by MIH and to provide insights that will guide future research and clinical practice. A comprehensive search of the Web of Science (WoS) and PubMed/MEDLINE databases was conducted for studies on MIH treatment published between 2014 and 2024, using defined keywords related to MIH treatment. Eligible studies were analyzed using VOSviewer, Bibliometrix R-tool, and Carrot2 software to assess publication trends, authorship, citations, and thematic focus. The comprehensive database search of the databases retrieved 933 studies, of which 230 met the inclusion criteria. A notable increase in publications was observed from 2018 to 2022, accompanied by a substantial rise in citations from 2019 onwards. Most of the research is concentrated in pediatric dentistry journals. Key topics include “children”, “resin infiltration”, “resin composite”, and “management/performance”, with an increasing emphasis on innovative and conservative approaches. Although international collaboration remains limited, Brazil (18.7%), Germany (15.5%), and England/Italy (7.7%) lead in research output. This highlights the need for international collaboration and the development of standardized, effective treatment protocols. Full article

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality globally, despite the advancements in screening and management. Survival rates for lung cancer remain suboptimal, largely due to late-stage diagnoses and tumor heterogeneity. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence and radiomics provide a promising outlook for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prognosis. These advances use large-scale clinical and imaging datasets that help identify patterns and predictive features that may be missed by human interpretation. Artificial intelligence tools hold the potential to take clinical decision-making to another level, thus improving patient outcomes. This review summarizes current evidence on the applications, challenges, and future directions of artificial intelligence (AI) in lung cancer care, with an emphasis on early diagnosis and personalized treatment. We examine recent developments in AI-driven approaches, including machine learning and deep neural networks, applied to imaging (radiomics), histopathology, biomarker analysis, and multi-omic data integration. AI-based models demonstrate promising performance in early detection, risk stratification, molecular profiling (e.g., programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status), and outcome prediction. These tools may enhance diagnostic accuracy, optimize therapeutic decisions, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. However, significant challenges remain, including model heterogeneity, limited external validation, generalizability issues, and ethical concerns related to transparency and clinical accountability. AI holds transformative potential for lung cancer care but requires further validation, standardization, and integration into clinical workflows. Multicenter collaborations, regulatory frameworks, and explainable AI models will be essential for successful clinical adoption. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, dental hygienists’ role in diabetes screening remains underexplored in Japan. Previous studies have not examined the relationship between attitudes and actual screening practices. This study aimed to assess dental hygienists’ attitudes regarding diabetes screening and medical–dental collaboration, examine current practices, and investigate the association between attitudes and practices. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental hygienists from 1340 dental clinics using stratified random sampling. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire assessing attitudes (4-point Likert scale) and screening practices (4-point frequency scale). Exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis examined attitude–practice associations. Results: Of 1340 surveys distributed, 95 valid responses were obtained (response rate: 7.2%). Participants showed low implementation rates for lifestyle and physical sign assessment in diabetes (below 35%, except thirst: 68.4%) but moderate-to-high rates for medical history evaluation (44.2–75.8%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that lack of confidence and knowledge in diabetes management was negatively associated with both lifestyle assessment (β = −0.38; 95% CI −0.72 to −0.23) and medical history evaluation (β = −0.55; 95% CI −0.63 to −0.32). Desire to participate in diabetes education was positively associated with medical history evaluation (β = 0.21; 95% CI 0.24 to 4.38). Conclusions: Despite low response rate limiting generalizability, this first nationwide Japanese survey indicates that confidence and knowledge deficits significantly hinder diabetes screening practices. Targeted educational interventions could enhance screening implementation and strengthen medical–dental collaboration, improving early diabetes detection. Full article

With AI and other technologies widely applied, knowledge management paradigms are being systemically reconstructed. How to effectively leverage digital technologies to manage knowledge and activate employees’ innovative behaviors has become key for enterprises’ sustainable development. This article explores the influence pathways of digital knowledge management on employees’ innovative behavior, conducting cross-level transmission mechanism research based on digital knowledge management, organizational learning, and employee innovation behavior. Drawing on 325 questionnaires and hierarchical regression, this study finds that: digital knowledge management positively effects employees’ innovative behavior; exploitative learning mediates more strongly than exploratory learning between digital knowledge management and employees’ innovative behavior; challenging technostress weakens the link between organizational learning and innovation. This paper also uses fsQCA analysis to identify three pathways to high employee innovation behavior: exploration-driven innovation based on full knowledge chain collaboration, dual-driven innovation oriented towards knowledge transformation, and dual-driven innovation oriented towards knowledge sharing. The conclusions of this study are intended to promote the application and development of digital knowledge management in enterprises and provide practical insights for enterprises to foster employee innovation and achieve sustainable development. Full article

Buffer zones around protected areas (PA) face complex governance challenges as territorial transitions accelerate globally, yet limited consensus exists on their definition, ecosystem service (ES) priorities, and management strategies. This study employed a three-round Delphi methodology with 23 transdisciplinary experts to build consensus on buffer zone governance around Cerro Castillo National Park in Chilean Patagonia, using the IPBES ecosystem services framework to structure the analysis. Round 1 employed open-ended questions to explore expert perspectives, Round 2 evaluated 56 statements and 15 strategic components using structured questionnaires, and Round 3 refined non-consensus items. Experts achieved 76.7% overall consensus across three thematic areas: PA interface conceptualization (79.2% consensus on 24 statements), ES assessment (91.2% consensus on 34 statements), and territorial transition strategies (15 components evaluated). Water-related services achieved unanimous agreement across multiple IPBES categories, revealing their potential as boundary objects bridging conservation and development perspectives. Educational approaches and voluntary compliance emerged as high-feasibility strategic components, while regulatory frameworks showed high importance but implementation uncertainty. The study demonstrates that structured expert consultation can identify collaborative pathways for buffer zone governance, with water services providing concrete entry points for multi-stakeholder cooperation and education-based strategies offering promising implementation pathways for sustainable territorial transitions. Full article

We examined the effects of emotional intelligence (EI) and the Big Five on students’ performance in collaborative problem solving (CPS). 162 secondary-school students completed the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test and the Big Five Inventory. Divided into 54 triads (64.8% female), they then collaboratively solved a complex social problem. Based on video-recordings of the CPS sessions, we assessed four CPS processes: the team’s socio-cognitive exchange, socio-emotional interaction, task management, and relationship management. The CPS product (solution) of each team was judged by two independent raters. Using structural equation modelling (1) with team-level EI abilities as predictors, we found a small indirect effect (via CPS processes) of both understanding and managing emotions on the CPS product, and a medium-size direct effect of understanding emotions on the same criterion; (2) with team-level traits as predictors, a medium-size positive effect of neuroticism on task management, a small negative effect of extraversion on relationship management, and a small positive effect of openness on the CPS product. A model including both EI and personality confirmed their independent contributions to CPS performance, with EI abilities contributing both directly and indirectly to the CPS product, and the contribution of personality narrowed down to neuroticism positively affecting task management. Full article

The aging population in Europe and other developed regions is accelerating the demand for adaptable domestic environments that support independent living and care at home. In this context, ontologies offer a promising approach to represent and manage knowledge about built environments, smart technologies, and user needs—especially within Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) systems. This paper presents a systematic literature review examining the role of ontologies in the reconfiguration of domestic living spaces, with a focus on their application in design processes and decision support systems. Following the PRISMA methodology, 14 relevant works published between 2000 and 2025 were identified and analyzed. The review explores key aspects such as ontology conceptualization, reuse, engineering methodologies, integration with CAD systems, and validation practices. The results show that research on this topic is fragmented yet growing, with the first contribution dated 2005 and peaks in 2016, 2018, and 2024. Most works (11) were conference papers, with Europe leading the contributions, particularly Italy. Half of the reviewed ontologies were developed “from scratch”, while the rest relied on conceptualizations such as BIM. Ontology reuse was inconsistent: only 50% of works reused existing models (e.g., SAREF, SOSA, BOT, ifcOWL), and few adopted Ontology Design Patterns. While 11 works followed ontology engineering methodologies—mostly custom or established methods such as Methontology or NeOn—stakeholder collaboration was reported in less than 36% of cases. Validation practices were weak: only six studies presented use cases or demonstrators. Integration with CAD systems remains at a prototypical stage, primarily through semantic enrichment and SWRL-based reasoning layers. Remaining gaps include poor ontology accessibility (few provide URLs or W3IDs), limited FAIR compliance, and scarce modeling of end-user needs, despite their relevance for AAL solutions. The review highlights opportunities for collaborative, human-centered ontology development aligned with architectural and medical standards to enable scalable, interoperable, and user-driven reconfiguration of domestic environments. Full article

Surface ozone pollution poses a significant threat to human health and ecosystems. However, its highly variable spatiotemporal distribution, especially at hourly scales across China, complicates effective risk management. This variability presents substantial challenges for accurate estimation and forecasting, underscoring the importance of evaluating current hourly surface ozone estimation methods. Therefore, this study collaboratively evaluated the performance of chemical transport model simulations and satellite-based estimates of hourly surface ozone concentrations over mainland China in 2019. Using data from 3185 ground monitoring stations operated by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, as well as six independent observation sites in Hong Kong, Xianghe, Nam Co, Akedala, Longfengshan, and Waliguan, this study found that both datasets exhibited systematic biases and lacked spatiotemporal consistency. The Community Atmosphere Model with Chemistry simulation results exhibited an average relative bias of 23.17%, generally overestimated ozone concentrations in high-altitude regions, but outperformed the satellite-based estimates at the independent sites, while consistently underestimating ozone concentrations in densely populated urban areas. In contrast, the satellite-based estimates performed better in regions with dense monitoring sites, with mean biases typically within 10% of observations, but their accuracy was limited in remote areas due to sparse ground-based calibration. It is particularly noteworthy that both datasets showed deficiencies in capturing extremely high-value events, nighttime ozone variations, and dynamic transport processes, underscoring challenges in the representation of photochemical processes in the model and in the design of satellite estimation algorithms. The results highlight the importance of optimizing model parameterization schemes, improving satellite estimation algorithms, and integrating multi-source data to enhance the accuracy and stability of hourly ozone estimates. This study provides multi-scale quantitative insights into the relative strengths and limitations of different ozone estimation methods, laying a solid scientific foundation for future data integration, regional air quality management, and policy development. Full article

During recent decades, the commons approach has emerged as a tool with which to critically analyse current reality and propose alternatives. Using this approach, the paper asks how the common good can be promoted in education, especially in times and places of superdiversity. After a short conceptual presentation of the commons approach, it discusses the current approaches to the management of diversity (multicultural, intercultural, liberal, social cohesion) that, produced from the same episteme based on substantive identities and schools as ‘invited’ spaces, provide unexpected barriers to the development of schools as inclusive and participative commonplaces. With this conceptual foundation of the problem in place, the paper then examines the convivial approach as an alternative way to rethink schools as educational commons and to offer opportunities for collaboration and co-operation, generating a web of sustained connections between different actors. Finally, the paper outlines what schools as educational commons might look like in a superdiverse context and how this can be promoted as a new education policy. It focuses on specific policies that might promote conviviality and education as a common good in which schools become ‘invented’ spaces, participatory and self-governed common places, and producers of alternative citizenship, relations, and identities. Full article