Search Results (648)

This paper provides a comprehensive bibliographic and bibliometric review of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in global urban areas, employing the Proknow-C methodology. The study categorizes WASH into four main themes: sustainability, urban areas, indicators and index, and urban planning, allowing for a detailed analysis of several multidimensional aspects. The review underscores the importance of providing basic infrastructure to adopt an integrated, sustainable, and socially inclusive approach, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the WASH sector in tackling the dynamic challenges of urbanization. It is noticeable that the WASH area has undergone significant development, moving from a focus primarily on infrastructure to a more holistic approach. In general, the WASH framework is globally characterized by high irregularity/inequality in provision and access. The relationship between urban vulnerabilities and WASH is very clear, but also multifaceted and complex, and there is a crucial need to combine behavior change with infrastructure development while addressing economic challenges and prioritizing investments in WASH. The improvement of WASH conditions in urban areas should focus the interplay between urban development policies and the provision of WASH services, while focusing also on the role of multi-sectoral collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation in overcoming barriers to effective WASH delivery. Full article

This systematic review based on PRISMA presents an analysis of 74 studies, conducted between 1889 and 2024, on the issue of digital technologies for the development of entrepreneurial skills of young people, with a focus on Latin America. The original review combines 44 regional and 30 international studies, examining mobile platforms, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies. The results present a paradigm of innovation through constraint, with all successful adaptations driven by infrastructural limitations. As case studies, Latin American contexts have demonstrated the effectiveness of mobile technology and microlearning comparable to costly immersive technologies, completely contradicting deficit narratives. Seventy-eight percent of regional studies adhere systematically to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 8, 10), illustrating an inclusive approach to technological development that values social impact over technical sophistication. Triangulation bibliometrics confirm the institutionalization of three research traditions—techno-deterministic, constructivist, and critical—with a focus on innovation–digital transformation–technological entrepreneurship. Studies show that contexts traditionally considered “limited” generate innovations with potential for reverse transfer to developed economies. The implementation gap between research and practice reflects systemic tensions between academic frameworks and contextual complexities. This will motivate fundamental justifications for implementing educational policies in ways that support contextual diversity as a strategic strength, fostering the sustainable development of youth entrepreneurial skills in the digital age. Full article

Agricultural plastic waste is a growing global concern, as the widespread use of plastics in farming paired with limited waste management infrastructure has led to environmental pollution, resource inefficiency, and practical challenges in rural communities. This review systematically analyzes international policy frameworks and technological advancements aimed at improving agricultural plastic waste management, drawing on peer-reviewed literature and policy documents identified through targeted database searches and screened by transparent inclusion criteria. Comparative analysis of national strategies, such as extended producer responsibility, regional management models, and technology-driven incentives, is combined with a critical evaluation of recycling and biodegradable innovations. The results reveal that while integrated policies can enhance collectthion efficiency and funding stability, their implementation often encounters high costs, logistical barriers, and variability in stakeholder commitment. Advanced recycling methods and emerging biodegradable materials demonstrate technical promise, but face challenges related to field performance, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. The review concludes that sustainable management of agricultural plastics requires a multi-faceted approach, combining robust regulation, economic incentives, technological innovation, and ongoing empirical assessment. These findings emphasize the importance of adapting strategies to local contexts and suggest that the successful transition to circular management models will depend on continued collaboration across policy, technology, and stakeholder domains. Full article

The road transport sector alone is responsible for 15% of global energy-related emissions, while it accounts for 90% of the greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in the Philippines. Throughout the history of the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP), electric vehicles (EVs) have not been explicitly included as part of the plan. However, upon the enactment of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) or the Republic Act 11697 guided by the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), EVs have gained attention in the Philippines. Hence, the inclusion of EVIDA in the current and latest Philippine Energy Plan (2023–2050) is hoped to reduce GHG emissions from road transport and utilize clean energy for EVs. This paper aims to critique the recent PEP targets and assess their shifts and drivers concerning the enactment of EVIDA. Through the analysis of recent data, there has been a significant rise in registered EVs due to policy implementation and incentives given for EVs. This, however, is far from the set targets of both CREVI and PEP 2023–2050. Common barriers are the lack of EV industry demand and the lack of transport planning of Local Government Units (LGUs). Full article

This study critically examines the state of Indigenous education in Taiwan through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates policy analysis, statistical evaluation, and localized case studies. Despite the implementation of progressive legislation, Indigenous students continue to encounter persistent disparities in both secondary and tertiary education. By drawing on national datasets and school-level examples, this paper uncovers systemic mismatches between mainstream educational practices and the linguistic, cultural, and communal realities of Indigenous populations. To contextualize Taiwan’s challenges, this study includes a comparative analysis with Indigenous education in Canada, highlighting both shared obstacles and divergent strategies. The findings indicate that, despite policy reforms and targeted programs in both nations, entrenched inequalities endure, rooted in colonial legacies, insufficient cultural integration, and a lack of community-driven educational initiatives. The article argues for a transformative shift in Taiwan’s education system: one that emphasizes the indigenization of curricula, the inclusion of Indigenous voices in educational policymaking, and greater investment in culturally responsive support mechanisms, particularly at the high school and university levels. In summary, meaningful improvement in Indigenous education requires moving from an assimilationist paradigm to one rooted in cultural respect and self-determination. Full article

This study examines the transformative effects of gamification and active learning strategies in inclusive education, with a specific focus on students with disabilities. The objective was to explore how these methodologies can improve participation, motivation, and accessibility in post-pandemic educational contexts, where virtuality has become more relevant. A descriptive methodological approach was employed, consisting of three phases: data collection through surveys, analysis of results using descriptive statistics, and comparison with previous studies. The population consisted of 111 Ecuadorian teachers from different educational levels. The findings indicate that teachers between the ages of 31 and 35 are most likely to implement gamification, particularly in virtual environments. Barriers such as poor training and technological limitations were identified. It was concluded that gamification is an effective pedagogical tool for promoting inclusion, provided it receives institutional support and is tailored to individual needs. These results support the need to promote educational policies that strengthen teaching innovation in favor of a more equitable education. The findings should be interpreted with caution, as the study relied on a single-country sample of Ecuadorian teachers, which restricts the generalizability of results. Nevertheless, the outcomes suggest promising directions for future research, particularly through the application of multivariate analyses and longitudinal intervention studies to assess the sustained effects of gamification on inclusive education. Full article

In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, rural women agripreneurs encounter ongoing structural challenges in accessing formal finance, securing land rights, and gaining leadership roles, despite their vital contribution to agriculture and food security. This research combines a thematic review of secondary sources from 2018 to 2024 with an embedded case study based on primary qualitative data with women involved in the Citrus Growers Association–Grower Development Company (CGA–GDC) public–private partnership. This dual approach connects local, real-world entrepreneurial experiences with global financial inclusion initiatives, especially the G20 Women’s Empowerment Principles and the G20 Development Agenda. The findings highlight a consistent gap between policy and practice: while frameworks at both national and international levels advocate for women’s financial inclusion, actual implementation in rural agribusiness often neglects gender differences. Women’s engagement is limited by insecure land rights, restricted access to formal credit, male-controlled cooperative management, and insufficient gender-specific data monitoring. Drawing comparative insights from Kenya, India, and West Africa, the study proposes seven interconnected policy suggestions, such as establishing gender-disaggregated data systems, expanding women-led cooperatives, reforming land tenure laws, including entrepreneurial financial literacy in capacity-building programmes, and utilising gender-sensitive digital finance solutions. By connecting grassroots empirical evidence with global policy discussions, this study aims to contribute to academic debates and practical efforts to develop gender-responsive financial ecosystems, thereby boosting women’s economic independence, entrepreneurial activity, and rural progress in South Africa and similar contexts in the Global South. Full article

Promoting sustainable and balanced economic growth remains a key challenge for developing countries. This study empirically investigates the impact of China’s Pilot Free Trade Zone (PFTZ) on regional economic growth from 2010 to 2023, offering important insights into how targeted policy instruments can contribute to sustainable economic growth. Employing a multiperiod difference-in-differences model and a capital–technology–marketization framework, this study finds that PFTZ implementation has a significant and direct influence on promoting provincial economic growth. The growth effects are primarily driven by improved capital flows and enhanced technological innovation. Notably, these positive effects are more pronounced in central and western Chinese provinces and regions with lagging economic development, indicating that PFTZs can serve as effective tools for reducing regional disparities. These findings provide new empirical evidence regarding the regional heterogeneity of PFTZ policy impacts and offer valuable insights into the design, timing, and spatial targeting of PFTZ initiatives in developing countries seeking to support inclusive and sustainable development across the country. Full article

Social acceptability is a critical factor in the successful implementation of emerging energy technologies, particularly hydrogen, which faces both technical and perceptual challenges. This study offers the first systematic investigation of public perceptions of hydrogen technologies in Albania, addressing a key knowledge gap in the Western Balkan countries. Using a structured survey of 440 respondents, it examines awareness, perceived benefits and risks, institutional trust, and willingness to adopt hydrogen solutions. While 84.5% had heard of hydrogen, only 23.6% were familiar with its technologies and just 9.3% felt well-informed—this highlights a major knowledge gap. Public attitudes were largely positive: 73.4% acknowledged hydrogen’s role in reducing emissions and 70.7% its potential to lower energy dependence. However, 34.5% viewed hydrogen as too dangerous near residential areas, and 50% were undecided. The most cited barriers were lack of information (50.5%) and infrastructure (19.5%). Trust in institutions was moderate, and gender differences were significant, with men showing higher awareness and support. Encouragingly, 78% of respondents wanted to learn more, and 63% showed interest in future use. Educational institutions were the most trusted information source. The findings highlight the need for public awareness campaigns, transparent risk communication, and community-oriented policies to foster a socially inclusive hydrogen transition in Albania. Full article

Background: Child Development Accounts (CDAs) were introduced in the 1990s as a long-term asset-building policy aimed at supporting families in accumulating assets to achieve life goals for their children, including higher education, homeownership, and long-term economic security. Beyond their financial benefits, CDAs have been theorized to strengthen family relationships and improve children’s well-being by fostering a future-oriented mindset and increasing parental involvement in educational activities. Objective: This study investigates the impact of CDAs on parent–child educational engagement and children’s sense of hope for the future, contributing to the growing body of research on the multidimensional benefits of asset-based policies for children’s development. Methods: Data were drawn from the third wave of the SEED for Oklahoma Kids (SEED OK) study, a rigorous, longitudinal, randomized policy experiment in the United States. The analytic sample comprised 1425 families. Dependent variables were parent–child educational engagement and children’s hope. The independent variable was participation in the SEED OK CDA policy experiment. Baseline sociodemographic variables related to children, mothers, and households were controlled for in the analysis. Multivariate linear regressions and path analysis techniques were employed to assess direct and indirect effects. Results: Participation in CDAs was found to improve parent–child educational interactions and enhance children’s hope significantly in the pre-COVID-19 sample. The study’s rigorous design and consistent implementation allowed for establishing causal relationships and long-term developmental benefits. Conclusions: CDAs offer not only financial advantages but also contribute meaningfully to strengthening family dynamics and promoting positive psychosocial outcomes for children, supporting their inclusion in comprehensive social policy frameworks. Full article

This study examines the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within Romania’s residential real estate sector, concentrating on Constanța, a rapidly evolving urban centre in a transitional economy. Drawing on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with local real estate professionals and secondary analysis of policy and market documents, the research uncovers inconsistencies in ESG implementation. Environmental compliance is advancing, largely driven by EU regulations such as the European Grean Deal, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Voluntary certification schemes like BREEAM and LEED are emerging as benchmarks for environmental performance; however, their uptake remains limited and insufficiently tailored to local conditions. Meanwhile, the social and governance dimensions lag behind, characterised by inconsistent application and weak institutional backing. Key barriers to effective ESG integration in Romania’s residential real estate sector include weak regulatory enforcement, fragmented policies, limited green finance, low awareness, and a lack of standardised social value metrics. The study concludes that without moving beyond mere regulatory compliance to a framework embedding social inclusivity and adaptive governance, ESG efforts risk perpetuating existing inequalities. It calls for a reconceptualisation of ESG frameworks, developed for mature markets, to better suit transitional urban contexts and support long-term resilience in residential real estate. Full article

As Saudi Arabia accelerates digital transformation under Vision 2030, the sustainable adoption of Health 4.0 technologies depends on equitable digital health literacy (DHL) and population-level readiness for eHealth engagement. Despite growing interest, empirical data on the behavioral, social, and contextual determinants of digital health adoption remain limited in Middle Eastern settings. This study investigates the readiness of Saudi adults for eHealth services, identifies key behavioral factors influencing digital tool adoption, and proposes an equity-centered, network-aware DHL framework to support inclusive and sustainable Health 4.0 implementation. A multi-phase, cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 Saudi adults using validated instruments including eHEALS, TRI 2.0, UTAUT, and EQ-5D. Quantitative analysis employed multiple linear regression (R² = 0.79), structural equation modeling (CFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.04), social network analysis (centrality scores), and network-based diffusion analysis (s = 0.17). Additionally, a three-round Delphi method (CI ≤ 0.25) ensured expert consensus on framework development. Significant predictors of digital health tool adoption included eHealth readiness (β = 0.18), perceived usability, and system trust. Social network metrics identified central actors who facilitated peer-driven behavioral diffusion, validated through NBDA modeling. Based on these findings, a comprehensive DHL Equity Framework was synthesized, integrating behavioral drivers, network diffusion pathways, and principles from the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework to mitigate structural disparities while addressing environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainable digital health access. The framework was also systematically mapped to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting its alignment with global health and sustainability targets. This study presents a scalable and policy-relevant model to guide inclusive eHealth strategies in Saudi Arabia and similar developing contexts. The proposed framework advances national digital resilience, reduces inequities, and promotes sustainable Health 4.0 service delivery. Full article

The implementation and impact of inclusivity and accessibility in the banking sector are crucial to the banking sector’s participation of any country in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 16 and 17. This study examines the implementation and impact of inclusivity and accessibility in the South African banking sector, with a focus on the Free State province. Guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and Institutional Theory, this research employs a quantitative, deductive approach to assess two core objectives: (1) the alignment of fintech banking practices with selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and (2) the identification of barriers to inclusivity and accessibility for women and youth. A stratified random sample of 208 banking professionals—comprising front-line employees, supervisors, and managers—was surveyed using a Likert-type questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. The findings reveal significant progress toward SDGs 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 16, and 17, reflected in a female-majority workforce, a youthful and educated employee base, and a nationally oriented employment strategy. These attributes signal a strong institutional commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development. The sector also demonstrates readiness for fintech innovation, supported by high levels of training adequacy, relevance, and accessibility, indicating robust human capital and institutional adaptability to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and AI-driven transformation. However, persistent structural barriers—particularly in leadership representation and digital access for women and youth—highlight the need for targeted policy interventions. Integrating inclusive fintech strategies, equitable training frameworks, and development programs is essential to sustaining progress and achieving the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the SDGs. The Free State banking sector offers a promising model for inclusive institutional transformation aligned with global sustainability agendas. Full article

Physical activity (PA) integration in special education has gained recognition as a neuroeducational intervention supporting emotional and social development in students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), yet teacher perceptions remain underexplored. This cross-sectional study examined how Israeli special education teachers perceive physical activity’s benefits and how teaching experience and educational setting influence these perceptions. A structured questionnaire was administered to 45 female special education teachers from northern Israel. The instrument assessed perceptions of physical activity’s emotional benefits, social outcomes, and implementation practices using Likert-type scales. Teachers strongly endorsed PA as a means to foster emotional resilience and coping, with most preferring group-based activities. Mixed activities were the most preferred approach, followed by movement games. Experienced teachers reported significantly stronger perceptions of emotional benefits compared to less experienced colleagues. Secondary teachers demonstrated higher extracurricular promotion and perceived greater social benefits than elementary teachers. Despite positive attitudes, implementation barriers, including infrastructure limitations and training gaps, were evident. These findings highlight physical activity’s potential as a neuroeducational tool for fostering regulation and inclusion while revealing the need for differentiated professional development, infrastructure investment, and policy integration. Full article

Autonomous public transport (APT) is revolutionizing urban mobility by integrating advanced technologies, including electric autonomous buses and shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs). This paper examines the historical evolution of APT, from early automation efforts in the 1920s to the deployment of autonomous shuttles in contemporary cities. It highlights technological milestones, legislative developments, and shifts in public perception that have influenced the adoption of APT. The research identifies key benefits of APT, including enhanced road safety, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved cost-efficiency in public transport operations. Additionally, the environmental potential of SAVs to reduce traffic congestion and emissions is explored, particularly when integrated with renewable energy sources and sustainable urban planning. However, the study also addresses significant challenges, such as handling emergencies without human intervention, rising cybersecurity threats, and employment displacement in the transportation sector. Social equity concerns are also discussed, especially regarding access and the risk of increasing urban inequality. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable mobility, transportation innovation, and the future of smart cities by providing a comprehensive analysis of both opportunities and obstacles. Effective policy frameworks and inclusive planning are essential for the successful implementation of APT systems worldwide. Full article