Search Results (16,628)

The thermal coal supply chain serves as core infrastructure for ensuring the safe and stable supply of electricity in China. Effective risk management and control of this supply chain are therefore critical to national energy security and socio-economic development. However, the thermal coal supply chain involves multiple complex risk dimensions, including cross-regional multi-entity coordination, a complex network structure, and a dynamic policy environment. Traditional risk analysis methods often fall short in depicting the concurrent events and dynamic propagation characteristics inherent to such a system. This necessitates systematically investigating the thermal coal supply chain within the Coal–Electricity Joint Venture (CEJV) operational framework, which primarily involves equity-based consolidation and long-term contractual coordination between coal producers and power generators, to comprehensively analyze its critical risk factors and transmission mechanisms. Initially, based on the integration of coal-fired power joint operation policy evolution and industry characteristics, 28 risk factors were identified across three dimensions: internal enterprise, external environment, and overall structure. These encompassed production fluctuation risks, thermal coal transport process risks, and insufficient supply chain flexibility. A dynamic behavior model for the thermal coal supply chain was constructed by analyzing the causal relationships among these risk factors, based on the operational processes of each link. Utilizing Petri net simulation technology enables a quantitative analysis of supply chain risks, facilitating the identification of bottleneck links and potential risk points. Through model simulation, 18 key risk factors were determined, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing supply chain resilience within CEJV enterprises. The limitations of traditional methods in dynamic process modeling and industrial applicability were addressed through a Petri net-based methodology, thereby establishing a novel analytical paradigm for risk management in complex energy supply chains. Full article

Background: Childhood Obesity is a significant and growing Public Health threat among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) children and adolescents in Australia. Health sectors in Australia have been focusing on health intervention programs across various states to prevent childhood obesity. This review aims to analyse the impact of obesity intervention programs conducted among children and adolescents of ATSI communities across Australia and report on the best practices for conducting future research. Objectives: This scoping review synthesised existing literature on the obesity prevention interventions programs among ATSI Children and Adolescents in Australia and examined their scope, implementation, and outcomes; evaluated their cultural appropriateness; and highlighted critical enablers and barriers. Methods: This scoping review analysed scholarly journal articles that reported on the findings of obesity intervention programs delivered across ATSI children and adolescents. Only Quasi-experimental and Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) were selected for the review. A full search has been carried out in Health databases such as Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, and ProQuest Central for the past 15 years. The framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for Scoping reviews was followed throughout this review. Results: Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. Findings were clustered into five themes: (i) community-led, systems-based interventions improved health behaviours and anthropometry; (ii) culturally tailored, community-embedded programs enhanced engagement and health literacy; (iii) early childhood and family-focused approaches showed promise; (iv) community or policy initiatives yielded mixed results; and (v) behavioural interventions were ineffective without addressing social and structural determinants. The most effective programs were community-delivered, multi-stakeholder, and centred on empowerment and capacity building. Conclusions: Obesity prevention efforts targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents are most successful when community-led, culturally grounded, and supported by multiple stakeholders. These findings underscore the necessity of culturally sensitive, participatory approaches. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and inform sustainable, policy-relevant strategies for childhood obesity. Full article

The industrialization of using crop straw as energy is currently hindered by systemic bottlenecks, including high collection and storage costs, a poorly coordinated industrial chain, and underdeveloped market mechanism. This study takes Guangdong province as a case study to construct a tripartite evolutionary game model on the transition of straw to energy among the government, enterprises, and farmers. Different from previous studies that focused on the strategy of penalizing the open burning of straw by farmers, this work investigated the cooperation of farmers for straw removal from field, the operational strategies of enterprises for straw utilization as energy, and the selection of government-guided incentive policies. It analyzes the behavioral evolution of these stakeholders under various incentive policies and cooperative scenarios. Numerical simulations were performed to identify the system’s evolutionary stable strategies and assess the potential of expanding straw for energy utilization. It indicated that mild government intervention could lead to a stable equilibrium through facilitating the removal of straw from fields and the utilization of straw as energy by enterprises. Farmers were sensitive to the fluctuation of acquisition price, and their willingness to cooperate would be negatively impacted by a large-scale price reduction. Enterprise expansion was exposed to significant risk under intensive policy intervention. The feasible pathway to increase the proportion of straw utilization as energy in Guangdong began at a small scale. Under mild incentive policies, a scenario targeting a 20% increase was more likely to achieve a market equilibrium for large-scale production than that targeting a 55% increase. The government should draw up positive incentive policies to promote the utilization of straw as energy. By guiding farmers in straw removal from the field and improving the energy enterprises’ competitiveness, the government should curb irrational industry expansion and corporate speculation, and shift from investment support to incentive policies. Meanwhile, the ecological construction of industry and supply chains should be enhanced, and the scale should be used to reduce the high supply-side costs of the straw. It would overcome the central barrier to the commercialization of straw utilization as energy. This work sets an example for conducting dynamic analysis of multi-stakeholder interactions for straw utilization. Full article

Background: Diabetes and mental health conditions frequently co-occur, with depression and anxiety affecting up to 20–30% of people with diabetes. These comorbidities worsen glycemic control, adherence, and quality of life, yet mental health is often neglected in diabetes care. Integrating mental health services into diabetes management is recommended by international organizations to improve patient outcomes. Objectives: To systematically review the evidence on integrated mental health interventions in diabetes care, compared to usual diabetes care, in improving patient outcomes (glycemic control, mental health, adherence, quality of life). Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus (2000 through July 2024) for studies of diabetes care integrating mental health support (e.g., collaborative care, co-location, stepped care, or digital interventions). Inclusion criteria were controlled trials or cohort studies involving individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes receiving an integrated mental health intervention, with outcomes on glycemic control and/or mental health. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Data on study design, population, intervention components, and outcomes were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane or appropriate tools. Results: Out of records identified, 64 studies met inclusion criteria (primarily randomized controlled trials). Integrated care models consistently improved depression and anxiety outcomes and diabetes-specific distress, and yielded modest but significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) compared to usual care. Many interventions also enhanced treatment adherence and self-management behaviors. For example, collaborative care trials showed greater depression remission rates and small HbA1c improvements (~0.3–0.5% absolute reduction) relative to standard care. Co-located care in diabetes clinics was associated with reduced diabetes distress, depression scores, and HbA1c over 12 months. Digital health integrations (telepsychiatry, online cognitive-behavioral therapy) improved psychological outcomes and adherence, with some reporting slight improvements in glycemic control. Integrated approaches often increased uptake of mental health services (e.g., higher referral completion rates) and showed high patient satisfaction. A subset of studies reported fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations with integrated care, and one economic analysis found collaborative care cost-effective in primary care settings. Conclusions: Integrating mental health into diabetes care leads to better mental health outcomes and modest improvements in glycemic control, without adverse effects. Heterogeneity across studies is noted, but the overall evidence supports multidisciplinary, patient-centered care models to address the psychosocial needs of people with diabetes. Healthcare systems should prioritize implementing and scaling integrated care, accompanied by provider training and policy support, to improve outcomes and bridge the persistent treatment gap. Future research should focus on long-term effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and strategies to reach diverse populations. Full article

Adolescents diagnosed with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) face a distinct set of challenges as they cope with a chronic neuroinflammatory disease during a formative stage of life. This review examines the growing body of literature on the psychosocial and cognitive consequences of POMS, from the trauma of diagnosis to disruptions in identity development, academic difficulties, and increased vulnerability to mental health issues. Many young people with MS experience fatigue, cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety, all of which can significantly interfere with their daily lives and overall well-being, even if physical symptoms of the disease remain limited. Yet, current care systems often fall short in addressing their needs, and interventions tailored to adolescents remain scarce. There is a pressing need for developmentally sensitive, family-centered, and integrated models of care. Targeted research and policy action are essential to better support this underserved group. This review builds on prior research by integrating recent findings with adolescent-development frameworks and by proposing a multicomponent health-promotion intervention model specific to POMS. The review describes relevant evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, peer-based interventions, and cognitive rehabilitation that were validated in adults with MS and chronically ill adolescents. The objective is to synthesize evidence and translate it into actionable recommendations for clinical care and research. Full article

The growing prominence of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations has introduced new challenges for firms worldwide. While ESG practices are often framed as long-term drivers of competitiveness, uncertainty surrounding their regulatory requirements has created significant operational risks. The primary objective of this study is to examine how ESG uncertainty (ESG) affects inventory management in listed firms. The study analyzed data from Chinese A-share listed companies over the period 2010 to 2024. A series of econometric estimations, including fixed effect models, two-stage least squares (2SLS), and system GMM, were employed to ensure the robustness of the results and to address issues of heteroscedasticity, endogeneity, and dynamic effects. The empirical results consistently revealed that ESG uncertainty exerted a significant negative effect on inventory management. Firms facing greater unpredictability in ESG-related requirements experienced disruptions in supply chain coordination, difficulties in demand forecasting, and inefficiencies in inventory turnover. Beyond this, larger firms and those with higher environmental expenditures exhibited weaker inventory efficiency, while debt ratio, cost of capital, and firm performance were positively associated with improved inventory outcomes. For corporate managers, the study highlighted the importance of embedding sustainability considerations into inventory strategies and adopting flexible procurement systems, predictive analytics, and stronger governance mechanisms. The findings underscored the broader societal need for clarity and stability in ESG regulations. For this, reducing policy unpredictability could enable firms to align sustainability commitments with operational efficiency, thereby improving competitiveness while minimizing waste and resource misallocation. This study was among the first to empirically establish the link between ESG uncertainty and inventory management, bridging the gap between sustainability research and operational efficiency. Full article

The circular economy (CE) represents a transformative approach to sustainability, emphasizing the reduction in waste and the continual use of resources. Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and fostering skills for CE. Nevertheless, little consideration has been given to how CE education is presented, advanced, or cultivated within transitional or resource-constrained systems. This study investigates the current state of integration of CE principles into teaching practices within HEIs in Albania, an emergent EU candidate, representing post-communist and developing contexts. Using a mixed-methods approach, it maps current pedagogical frameworks, identifies challenges, and offers strategic recommendations. The study included 252 students who studied in public and private HEIs in Albania, 27 academics teaching in these institutions, and 15 stakeholders grounded in the quadruple helix model. Findings reveal uneven incorporation of CE concepts across disciplines and limited institutional support, but also spotlight emerging innovations, especially in interdisciplinary approaches and student-led sustainability projects. Conceptual frameworks for mapping CE education, as well as for advancing it, are proposed, offering transferable tools for institutions in comparable systems. This research contributes to global efforts to mainstream CE in higher education by showcasing the specific pathways, gaps, and opportunities that characterize transitional contexts. The Albanian case offers insight into how low-resource higher education systems can position themselves as agents of circular transformation despite policy, capacity, and curricular constraints. Full article

Background: Timely dental care is essential to prevent complications and preserve natural teeth, yet inefficient referral practices, low reimbursement rates and systemic barriers continue to disproportionately affect Medicaid-enrolled children. This study assessed the appropriateness of root canal therapy (RCT) referrals to a University-based Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program and examined diagnostic and treatment characteristics of referred cases. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of pediatric patients aged 6–17 years who were referred by external dental providers to two AEGD clinics in Nevada, United States, between February and August 2024 for endodontic evaluation of carious permanent teeth. Demographic, tooth-type, pulp-status, and treatment outcome data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Kruskal–Wallis comparisons, and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Among 154 referred patients, 96.8% (n = 149) were Medicaid beneficiaries. A total of 247 teeth were evaluated; 74.1% were molars. Pulp testing showed that 41.3% had healthy pulps and 16.6% had reversible pulpitis, while only 37.2% of teeth required RCT. Age differed significantly across pulp diagnoses (p = 0.0012), and older age independently predicted appropriate referral (adjusted OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.07–1.31). Gender was not associated with follow-up compliance (p = 0.47). By November 2024, 53.4% of referred teeth had completed treatment, and 9.3% had no follow-up. Conclusions: More than half of the referral teeth did not require RCT, indicating a high rate of potentially avoidable referrals and highlighting gaps in diagnostic confidence and decision-making at the primary care level. Practical Implications: Enhancing diagnostic training and decision support for general dentists, particularly in vital pulp therapy for young permanent teeth, along with improving Medicaid reimbursement and standardizing referral protocols, may reduce inappropriate specialty referrals. In combination with broader policy reforms, these measures can improve system efficiency and expand access to timely, equitable pediatric dental care. Full article

Water resources are fundamental to human survival, as well as critical to the sustainable progress of the economy and society. This study selects representative indicators and employs the TOPSIS model to evaluate the water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) in the Chang–Zhu–Tan region (2006–2022). Based on this, kernel density estimation and Moran’s I are applied to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution and evolution trends of WRCC. Additionally, the Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient, and imbalance index are utilized to examine the alignment between WRCC and socio-economic growth. Finally, a system dynamics model is used to simulate WRCC and matching dynamics under different scenarios. The findings reveal the following: (1) The overall WRCC is favorable but exhibits a declining temporal trend, with widening inter-district disparities and strong spatial agglomeration. (2) The match between WRCC and economic development is unbalanced, though alignment has gradually improved over time. (3) The WRCC varies across different scenarios. In current development scenario, WRCC declines significantly. In economic priority development and industrial restructuring scenarios, this reduction is slowed. Specifically, in water resource policy control scenario, WRCC can be enhanced. Aside from the industrial restructuring scenario, all other scenarios contribute to improving the coordination between WRCC and economic development. Full article

A networked system consists of a collection of interconnected autonomous agents that communicate and interact through a shared communication infrastructure. These agents collaborate to pursue common objectives or exhibit coordinated behaviors that would be difficult or impossible for a single agent to achieve alone. With widespread applications in domains such as robotics, smart grids, and communication networks, the coordination and control of networked systems have become a vital research focus—driven by the complexity of distributed interactions and decision-making processes. Graph-based reinforcement learning (GRL) has emerged as a powerful paradigm that combines reinforcement learning with graph signal processing and graph neural networks (GNNs) to develop policies that are relationally aware, scalable, and adaptable to diverse network topologies. This survey aims to advance research in this evolving area by providing a comprehensive overview of GRL in the context of networked coordination and control. It covers the fundamental principles of reinforcement learning and graph neural networks, examines state-of-the-art GRL models and algorithms, reviews training methodologies, discusses key challenges, and highlights real-world applications. By synthesizing theoretical foundations, empirical insights, and open research questions, this survey serves as a cohesive and structured resource for the study and advancement of GRL-enabled networked systems. Full article

With the intensification of global urbanization and climate change challenges, urban green spaces and urban forests are playing an increasingly critical role in supporting sustainable urban development. Based on the Web of Science Core Collection, this study employed bibliometric analysis and visualization methods (VOSviewer 1.6.19 and Bibliometrix v5.0.1 (R package)) to systematically map the global knowledge landscape of urban green space and urban forest research from 2000 to 2025, identifying key thematic clusters and research fronts. The results show a shift in research focus from traditional green infrastructure and ecosystem service assessment to an integrated approach emphasizing multifunctionality, climate adaptation, public health, and governance innovation. Furthermore, research efforts are concentrated in rapidly urbanizing regions, and global spatial distribution remains a significant issue. Based on this, this paper proposes a strategic research agenda to promote the development of this field, including four key directions: (1) embedding social equity and people-oriented values into green space planning and management; (2) leveraging digital technologies and artificial intelligence to strengthen urban ecological governance; (3) promoting the transition of green infrastructure from fragmented to systematic ecological networks; and (4) deepening the role of urban green space in climate adaptation and sustainable urban transformation. By systematically combing through the knowledge system and governance logic of urban forests and greening, this article aims to reveal the key role of urban ecosystems in addressing climate change and promoting social well-being, and provide operational scientific basis and policy inspiration for the sustainable transformation of global cities. Full article

Background: Structured patient education (SPE) is a critical component of diabetes management, with the potential to reduce its physical, social, and economic burden. National and international guidelines emphasise the importance of raising awareness and equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective self-management. In the UK, practice nurses are central to this effort, playing a key role in identifying at-risk individuals and facilitating referrals to diabetes education programmes. However, non-attendance at these programmes remains a persistent challenge, undermining the impact of policy initiatives and service provision. Aim of the study: This study aimed to explore practice nurses’ perspectives on the factors contributing to non-attendance at diabetes education centres and to identify potential strategies to improve uptake. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured face-to-face interviews with eight practice nurses across six general practice (GP) surgeries in Southeast England. Data were analysed thematically to uncover key patterns and insights. Results: Findings reveal that barriers to attendance are multifaceted, encompassing personal, social, and systemic factors. These include limited patient understanding of the benefits of education, cultural and language differences, scheduling conflicts, and perceived relevance of the programmes. Conclusions: The results highlight the need for a coordinated, patient-centred approach that addresses these challenges through improved communication, flexibility in programme delivery, and enhanced interprofessional collaboration. Full article

Flooding is one of the most frequent and destructive natural disasters worldwide, with intensifying socioeconomic and environmental consequences linked to rapid urbanisation and climate change. This review examines flood risk delineation and assessment in Nigeria within a broader Global South perspective, synthesising evidence from peer-reviewed studies that employ remote sensing, GIS-based techniques, and multi-criteria decision analysis. The analysis reveals persistent challenges that undermine effective flood risk management, including incompatible datasets, limited stakeholder participation, and inadequate integration with formal planning systems. To address these gaps, the study introduces the GIS-Integrated Flood Risk Management (GIFRM) Framework, a conceptual model that integrates high-resolution risk mapping, adaptive infrastructure design, sustainable urban planning, and participatory governance. GIFRM advances resilience discourse beyond hazard mapping, offering a practical bridge between science, policy, and implementation by aligning technical geospatial analysis with actionable planning solutions. Comparative case insights from flood-prone countries such as Bangladesh, India, and Kenya highlight transferable strategies, including community-led data integration, modular infrastructure approaches, and localised zoning reforms. The review concludes by critically examining the operational disconnect between advanced geospatial risk assessment and its application in resource-limited, rapidly urbanising settings. It reframes flood risk assessment as an interdisciplinary planning tool with global relevance, delivering lessons for disaster preparedness, urban sustainability, and climate resilience. In the face of escalating hydrometeorological extremes, this research offers applied strategies for embedding GIS technologies into adaptive policy frameworks, positioning flood risk management as a core driver of sustainable development. Full article

The rapid urban growth and proliferation of private vehicles in Pakistan have intensified challenges, such as traffic congestion, longer travel times, environmental harm, road safety risks, and adverse public health outcomes. Despite global emphasis on sustainable modes of transportation, these options remain underutilized and receive limited policy attention in Pakistan. This study investigates the barriers hindering the adoption of active and public transport in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and evaluates the role of technological factors in influencing commuters’ willingness to use public transit. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and structural equation modeling. The findings reveal varying commuter preferences across different modes and demonstrate a higher willingness to use active modes of travel when favorable conditions are available. The dominant barriers to active travel include long travel distances and durations, insufficient infrastructure, social stigma, and a lack of cycle storage facilities. For public transport, the major obstacles identified are overcrowding during peak hours, poor accessibility, excessive travel times, and a lack of comfort and convenience. The study also highlights the potential technological interventions, such as real-time travel planning apps, secure parking space provision, and smart ticketing systems, to improve the attractiveness and usability of public transport. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to develop evidence-based strategies that encourage the use of sustainable transport options. By addressing both infrastructural and perceptual barriers, such interventions can foster a transition towards more sustainable urban mobility systems in Pakistan. Full article

Driven by the growing availability of funding opportunities, electrolyzers have become increasingly accessible, unlocking significant potential for large-scale green hydrogen production. The goal of this investigation is to develop a techno-economic optimization framework for the design of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV)-driven hydrogen production and refueling station, with the explicit objective of minimizing the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). The system integrates PV generation, a proton-exchange-membrane electrolyzer, battery energy storage, compression, and high-pressure hydrogen storage to meet the daily demand of a fleet of fuel cell buses. Results show that the optimal configuration achieves an LCOH of 11 €/kg when only fleet demand is considered, whereas if surplus hydrogen sales are accounted for, the LCOH reduces to 7.98 €/kg. The analysis highlights that more than 75% of total investment costs are attributable to PV and electrolysis, underscoring the importance of capital incentives. Financial modeling indicates that a subsidy of about 58.4% of initial CAPEX is required to ensure a 10% internal rate of return under EU market conditions. The proposed methodology provides a reproducible decision-support tool for optimizing off-grid hydrogen refueling infrastructure and assessing policy instruments to accelerate hydrogen adoption in heavy-duty transport. Full article