Search Results (225)

In rapidly urbanising developing economies, construction activity frequently relies on informal and semi-skilled labour. This coincides with limited opportunities for systematic skill development, leading to persistent labour deskilling. While existing research has predominantly addressed these challenges through policy reform, industrialisation, or efficiency-driven technological models, less emphasis has been placed on the role of architectural design in shaping labour–technology relations on-site. This article adopts a constructivist perspective on technology to investigate how architectural design can serve as a socio-technical framework for non-formal labour upskilling within construction practice. Drawing upon qualitative case studies of two architectural projects in Sri Lanka—a suburban residential retrofit and a low-income rural housing prototype—this study analyses how design strategies such as systemisation, construction sequencing, material hybridity, and craft-based component detailing embed tacit learning within production processes. The findings demonstrate that craft, understood as a mode of tacit knowledge and on-the-job learning rather than as a stylistic or nostalgic response, can facilitate skill acquisition across diverse economic and technical contexts. By repositioning architectural design as an active mediator between technology and labour, this article contributes to debates within construction studies, social sciences, and architectural theory and proposes design-led construction strategies as a context-sensitive alternative to purely policy- or efficiency-driven approaches to labour development. Full article

Intra-urban commuting plays a fundamental role in shaping urban spatial structure and daily mobility patterns. Existing studies have largely explained commuting flows using attribute-based or distance-centred approaches. Such approaches overlook the interdependent and relational nature of commuting within complex urban systems. This study constructs a subdistrict-level commuting network using anonymised mobile phone signalling data from Hangzhou, China, and a valued exponential random graph model (valued ERGM) to examine how commuting flows are generated through the interaction of network self-organization, local job-housing conditions, and multi-dimensional proximity. The results reveal strong endogenous dependence exemplified by reciprocal commuting ties. Employment agglomeration and public rental housing provision are associated with stronger integration of subdistricts within the commuting network, while high housing prices and certain residential amenities are associated with reduced inter-subdistrict commuting. Beyond geographic distance, metro connectivity, administrative affiliation, and social interaction are significantly associated with commuting flows. This study advances a relational explanation of intra-urban commuting and demonstrates the methodological value of valued ERGMs for analysing weighted urban flow networks. The findings have implications for integrated transport, housing, and governance strategies, particularly transit-oriented development, cross-jurisdictional coordination, and the strategic siting of affordable housing, aimed at promoting more locally embedded and sustainable urban mobility. Full article

This study investigates how pandemic-induced digitalisation, understood as the transition to remote work combined with the enforced use of digital tools and the reconfiguration of tasks and digital skills at the job level, has affected job security and job quality in Portugal. In 2022, a nationwide survey was administered to employees in companies registered in the country, yielding 2001 valid responses through a stratified random sampling strategy that ensured representation across different firm sizes. Structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine the relationships between digitalisation (independent construct) and perceived job quality and job security (dependent constructs), while controlling for demographic, organisational, and work-regime characteristics. Digitalisation had a significant positive effect on perceived job quality but no systematic effect on perceived job security. The results also revealed more positive perceptions of job security among women, employees in smaller firms, and those working on-site, whereas directors and workers in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area reported greater negative effects. These findings underscore the importance of contextual factors in shaping how workers experience digitalisation and provide evidence to inform public policies aimed at promoting job security and job quality in a post-COVID-19 labour market. Full article

The accelerated closure of hard coal mines across Europe contrasts with Poland’s continued structural reliance on coal extraction and coal-based power generation, increasing the urgency of credible post-mining development models. This article investigates the potential transformation of the end-of-life Bobrek coal mine in Bytom (Poland), drawing on methodological and business-model insights from the European Union (EU) Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) POTENTIALS and GreenJOBS projects. A combined methodological framework is applied, including structural analysis to identify key transformation variables, morphological analysis to explore alternative redevelopment pathways, and multicriteria assessment to configure coherent scenarios integrating renewable energy systems and circular-economy activities. The results show that an industrial eco-park backed by a virtual power plant (VPP), comprising photovoltaic installations, a mine-water-based geothermal heating system, and small-scale wind turbines, is technically feasible and environmentally sustainable. In parallel, three circular-economy business lines, the recycling of end-of-life photovoltaic panels, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and refrigeration units, were assessed as possible economic cores of the envisaged eco-park. Overall, the proposed model enables effective reuse of mining infrastructure, supports low-emission industrial activity, and aligns with EU climate policy objectives. The Bobrek site may serve as a reference for post-mining redevelopment in other coal regions. Full article

Objectives: Personalized medicine is gaining rapid attention over the current drug prescription approach of ‘one-size-fits-all’. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is one such product development technique that has the potential to transform the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors. Methods: To establish the future of 3D printing in mainstream pharmacy practice, initially, pharmaceutical preclinical and clinical scientific databases (peer-reviewed articles, patents, and marketed products) over the past 10 years were critically scrutinized. Additionally, to provide context, we developed a hypothetical case study illustrating the capabilities of the 3D printing super-compounding pharmacy in personalized patient care, emphasizing the critical role of pharmacists in this process. Results: Acknowledging the potential of 3D printing in pharmacy practice, this review effectively summarizes the advances and opportunities of pharmaceutically feasible 3D printing methods, as well as the challenges in translating this technology into a future super-compounding pharmacy facility. Furthermore, the review highlights the promising capabilities of such pharmaceutical 3D printers in enabling on-site printing of 3D medicines tailored to individual needs, which may range from dose adjustments to multidrug single tablets (polypills). Conclusions: We believe that 3D printing technology has the potential to revolutionize precision and personalized medication approaches in pharmacy practice, which will significantly benefit patient healthcare outcomes. Additionally, the adoption of such technology in pharmacies will lead to a reinvention of the role of pharmacists, thereby creating more job opportunities. Ultimately, 3D printing will create a new paradigm of super-compounding pharmacy practice, providing a new sense of excitement for those looking to enter the pharmacy profession. Full article

Personality traits are well-established predictors of safety behavior in construction, yet the cognitive mechanisms through which these traits influence such behavior remain poorly understood. In particular, hazard recognition and risk perception are underexamined cognitive mediators that elucidate how personality traits shape safety behavior. Moreover, the mediating effects of these cognitive processes are likely to vary across individuals, reflecting heterogeneity in background characteristics. Neglecting these mediating processes and their differentiated effects not only limits theoretical understanding of the pathways linking personality traits to safety behavior but also undermines the effectiveness of safety interventions. To address this gap, this study develops a framework incorporating cognitive mediators to examine how personality traits influence safety behavior (safety compliance and participation). The hypothesized cognitive-mediation pathways were tested using structural equation modeling based on offline questionnaire data collected from 213 site managers and workers. The findings reveal distinct cognitive pathways through which personality traits shape safety behavior. Extraversion and openness indirectly reduced safety compliance and safety participation by weakening hazard recognition and risk perception, either independently or sequentially. In contrast, agreeableness and conscientiousness enhanced safety behavior by strengthening these same cognitive processes. Higher education levels positively moderated certain mediating effects, whereas extensive work experience exerted mixed influences on specific pathways, facilitating some and inhibiting others depending on context. These findings deepen understanding of the internal mechanisms through which personality traits influence safety behavior via risk cognition. By identifying differentiated pathways across groups, this study further refines the theoretical framework explaining construction workers’ safety behavior. In addition, the theoretical insights generated by this study offer proactive and effective directions for safety practice, including improving person–job fit, designing targeted risk cognition training, and implementing stratified safety management strategies. Full article

Globally, ecomuseums, as examples of integrated museums, have prioritised local community participation as well as the promotion of cultural heritage and territoriality in the field of ecotourism since the 1970s. However, in Ghana, ecomuseums are a less explored extended activity at ecotourism sites. Preliminary research at the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ashanti Region of Ghana revealed that there is less patronage of the ecotourism facility due to the absence of extended activities targeted at visitor engagement and experience. This convergent parallel mixed methods study rooted in phenomenology and descriptive survey design investigated the possibility of establishing an ecomuseum at the sanctuary. The study found that the establishment of an ecomuseum facility would promote Kumawu’s cultural heritage. Also, it would enhance visitor engagement, promote local community ownership, increase revenue generation, and lead to the conservation of nature. The study contends that the establishment of an ecomuseum would lead to greater patronage of Ghana’s Protected Areas while creating job avenues, especially for forest-fringe communities. The study proposes an investment into the establishment of locally specific extended activities in the various nature reserves, zoological parks, and gardens, as well as wildlife sanctuaries in the country, to enhance ecotourism development in Ghana. Full article

Characterized by excessively long working hours, high personnel turnover, and frequent off-site work, the construction industry renders construction workers highly vulnerable to Work–Family Conflict (WFC). This conflict not only exacerbates role tension but also depletes their self-control resources. However, existing studies focusing on WFC among construction workers remain scarce, with insufficient exploration into the underlying psychological mechanisms governing this phenomenon. Grounded in the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study develops a theoretical model that identifies Self-Control Ability (SC) as the core mediator in the relationships between WFC and construction workers’ Job Satisfaction (JS) as well as Life Satisfaction (LS). By establishing a Structural Equation Model (SEM), we analyzed questionnaire data from 407 construction workers in Hunan Province, China. The results demonstrate that WFC exerts a direct negative effect on both JS and LS, while self-control ability plays a partial mediating role in these associations. These findings extend the application of Boundary Theory and Self-Control Theory to the context of specialized labor. Practically, they offer evidence-based insights for organizations to enhance worker well-being, including the design of psychological resource replenishment programs and the optimization of shift schedules, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the construction industry. Full article

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology offers significant potential for stable and dispatchable renewable electricity generation through integration with thermal energy storage. However, adoption remains limited due to high capital costs, technical complexity, and market competition from photovoltaic (PV) systems. This review systematically synthesises recent literature on CSP and applies a hybrid SWOT–Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology to quantitatively evaluate key internal and external factors influencing CSP deployment. The analysis identifies major strengths such as high-capacity factors and grid stability enabled by thermal storage, as well as weaknesses including high initial investment and site requirements. Opportunities stem from technological innovation, supportive policy frameworks, and potential for local job creation, while threats include rapid cost reductions in PV systems, water scarcity, and market and regulatory uncertainties. The integrated SWOT–AHP approach provides a robust decision-making framework and strategic insights for stakeholders seeking to promote CSP technology in diverse market contexts. The findings underscore the importance of tailored policy support and targeted investment to overcome barriers and realise CSP’s full potential within the renewable energy landscape. Full article

This study analyzes the relationship between remote work and job satisfaction from a bibliometric perspective. Remote work has grown in popularity, especially due to global trends accelerated by the pandemic, which impacts employee safety, wellbeing, and satisfaction. Based on 199 articles indexed in Scopus from 2014 to 2024, we identified a steady growth of this topic, with significant increases between 2021 and 2023. Global collaboration analysis indicates that the United States, India, and the United Kingdom are at the forefront of research and should work towards bridging knowledge across the Global North and South. We identify factors related to the satisfaction of remote workers (balance between on-site and off-site work, autonomy, flexibility, social isolation, gender differences). A keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted to identify topical coverage and was complemented by clustering highly cited studies. We examine differences between the public and private sectors and suggest research paths to better understand the implications of remote work for job satisfaction in different organizational contexts. Full article

Remote work has become a prevalent work model in Canada but there is limited research on how immigrants experience this type of work. This paper shares thematic findings from an instrumental case study that explored such experiences in two of Canada’s largest immigrant-receiving provinces. We interviewed 21 highly educated remote workers from the Global South who had immigrated to Canada in the last 10 years. We generated three themes from a reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts. (1) Shifting labour market value: despite enhancing their skillsets, many participants still faced labour market devaluation, which led to feelings of insecurity. (2) Occupational flexibility: participants enjoyed the flexibility remote work provided but often could not draw distinct boundaries between work and home. (3) Socialization and belonging: being physically removed from the workplace affected participants’ connections with others within and outside of the workplace. Participants viewed hybrid work as a possible solution for achieving better balance. Using a Bourdieusian lens, we conceptualize the Canadian job market as a site where social inequalities are reproduced by employers and immigrants. We suggest that greater governmental and workplace support systems for socialization, integration, mentorship and building cultural awareness could help immigrants better achieve their career goals. Full article

This study presents a case study of a holistic, psychosocial hazard management intervention program in a project-based, remote workforce in the Australian construction industry. There is a dearth of research on targeted, integrative, multi-level wellbeing interventions, and we seek to address this gap. Given the high rates of psychological distress and suicide in construction, understanding these hazards and the responses needed to manage them is critical for prevention. Data were collected from workers before and after the implementation of an intervention using an empirically validated measure of the work environment underpinned by the job demands–resources framework to evaluate exposure to psychosocial hazards, and mental health indicators, including psychological distress and suicidal ideation. Results revealed that job demands and resources improved following the change initiative, and workers reported significantly lower levels of psychological distress compared to workers on similarly diverse remote sites. The findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions addressing specific workplace psychosocial risks that adopt a holistic approach to change across all levels of an organisation. The study contributes to a nuanced understanding of psychosocial risks in construction and informs strategies to mitigate mental health harms in high-risk occupational settings. Full article

Digital fatigue is pervasive among university instructors, yet rigorous evidence on whether generative AI improves well-being is scarce. We conducted an eight-week staggered multiple-baseline AB–AB reversal with eight lecturers at a private Peruvian university. In intervention phases, participants replaced full readings with a daily ≤200-word ChatGPT summary plus three discussion questions (“content-curation sprint”). Outcomes were self-reported digital fatigue (FDU-24) and automatically logged screen time; analyses were carried out using trend-corrected Tau-U and paired-phase Cohen’s d. Across two intervention cycles, screen exposure fell by about 122 min per day (~29% of baseline) and digital fatigue scores decreased by ~22%. Effects were large and replicated (aggregate Tau-U = −0.79; d = −1.5 to −2.2). Treatment fidelity averaged 96%, and post-study technology acceptance was high. These findings provide preliminary experimental evidence that a brief, low-friction ChatGPT workflow can simultaneously reduce screen time and alleviate digital fatigue in higher-education faculty, suggesting a dual productivity-and-well-being dividend and positioning generative AI as a Job Demands–Resources “resource” rather than a stressor. Multi-site randomized trials with active controls, longer follow-up, and cost-effectiveness analyses are warranted. Practical implications for faculty development are immediate. Full article

This study addresses the limitations of traditional job recommendation systems that rely on static datasets, making them less responsive to dynamic job market changes. While existing job platforms address job search with an untransparent logic following their business goals, job seekers may benefit from a solution actively and dynamically crawling and evaluating job offers from a variety of sites according to their objectives. To address this gap, a hybrid system was developed that integrates large language models (LLMs) for semantic analysis with near real-time data acquisition through web crawling. The system extracts and ranks job-specific keywords from user inputs, such as resumes, while dynamically retrieving job listings from online platforms. User evaluations indicated strong performance in keyword extraction and system usability but revealed challenges in web crawler performance, affecting recommendation accuracy. Compared with a state-of-the-art commercial tool, user tests indicate a smaller accuracy of our prototype but a higher functionality satisfaction. Test users highlighted its great potential for further development. The results highlight the benefits of combining LLMs and web crawling while emphasizing the need for improved near real-time data handling to enhance recommendation precision and user satisfaction. Full article

Background: The relationship between occupational sun exposure and melanoma risk is complex and multifaceted, with existing evidence yielding contradictory findings. Unlike Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC), for which occupational sun exposure is a well-established risk factor, the link with cutaneous melanoma remains contentious. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether, in a cohort of patients with cutaneous melanoma, an association existed between occupational sun exposure and melanoma, specifically with histotype, site of occurrence, and Breslow index. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analysis conducted to evaluate whether occupational sun exposure constitutes a risk factor for the development of cutaneous melanoma in patients diagnosed between January 2005 and October 2023 at the Dermatology Unit, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Florence. Occupational ultraviolet (UV) exposure was examined by classifying each participant’s job into categories based on solar UV exposure levels—outdoor (e.g., agriculture and construction roles), mixed indoor/outdoor (e.g., trades and public safety professions), and indoor settings (e.g., office-based work). Results: A final total of 1417 patients were analyzed. Occupational categorization revealed that 1171 patients (82.64%) were classified as non-occupationally exposed (indoor), while 246 (17.36%) were occupationally exposed to solar UV radiation (including 14.82% mixed indoor/outdoor and 2.54% outdoor workers). A significant association was observed between occupational sun exposure and lentigo maligna, which was more prevalent among exposed workers and even more so in the outdoor subgroup. Anatomical site distribution exhibited a significant association with occupational sun exposure. Indeed occupationally exposed individuals showed a higher prevalence of melanomas in the head and neck region, a distribution pattern particularly evident among outdoor workers, suggesting that these sites may be more susceptible to chronic sun exposure in outdoor and mixed occupations. Moreover, a significant association was found between occupational exposure and Breslow thickness, with exposed workers presenting with thicker melanomas at diagnosis, suggesting more advanced disease. Conclusions: The finding of this study may reflect variations in occupational sun exposure patterns and warrants further investigation into protective measures and early-detection strategies tailored to occupational groups. Full article