Search Results (2,043)

Based on questionnaire data and in-depth interviews with newly arrived students (NAS) from mainland China, this study investigates the construction of their social networks and the mechanisms through which they access social support in the context of migration. Drawing on Berry’s acculturation theory, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, and Bourdieu’s concept of social capital, this study provides a theoretically grounded analysis of how NAS balance cultural distance and social needs. The findings reveal that NAS do not form social connections uniformly; rather, they strategically allocate social resources according to the degree of homophily and the strength of social ties. Specifically, weak ties with mainland peers—characterized by high cultural homophily—primarily offer emotional support; strong ties with local Hong Kong peers—marked by low homophily but high interaction frequency—mainly serve instrumental needs such as academic assistance and daily companionship; while strong ties with Hong Kong peers of mainland background combine both emotional and instrumental support, functioning as a core relational bridge in the NAS’s adaptation process. These three types of relationships form a complementary structure within NAS’s social networks. Reliability and validity tests further confirmed that four items (social satisfaction, peer attitude, sense of belonging, integration/adaptation) provide a coherent measure of social integration. The study suggests that NAS’s social practices are not merely about “integration” or “alienation,” but rather represent a dynamic strategy of balancing relational costs, cultural distance, and practical needs in the operation of social capital and characterised by dynamic negotiation and contextual adjustment. Full article

Understanding what aspects of daily life protect against loneliness is increasingly important for promoting well-being among older adults. This study investigates how different types of everyday social interactions are associated with chronic loneliness. We analyze data that were collected via in-home surveys and an ecological momentary assessment module from a probability-based sample of 272 adults aged 55 and older residing in Indiana. Participants were prompted four times per day over the course of seven days to report on their current activities and social experiences. Contrary to common assumptions, the quantitative measures of daily social interactions, such as the proportion of moments spent alone, the proportion of moments spent socializing, and the mean number of interaction partners during the study period were not significantly related to loneliness. However, the qualitative measures of social interactions—specifically, the presence of bonding social capital (e.g., emotional closeness) and the absence of stressful interactions—were associated with lower levels of loneliness. These findings underscore the importance of emotionally meaningful engagement and social strain over the sheer frequency or quantity of interactions, suggesting that the quality of daily social experiences is a key factor in supporting mental well-being in later life. Full article

The literature on resilience-building in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is predominated by institutional voices. Although community involvement is appreciated in this scholarship, the perspectives are mainly those of scientists and researchers. Community input is used mainly to inform and strengthen academic findings, and there are few articles in the voices and words of GBR community members. Our opinion piece, with its majority co-authorship by the Stakeholder Advisory Group of Australia’s Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP), addresses this literary gap. The piece draws upon the barriers to involvement in adaptation delivery as experienced by these GBR locals who have diverse backgrounds related to reef adaptation, including aquaculture, tourism, robotics, natural resource management, civil society, policy and Traditional Owner-led environmental stewardship. Currently, the social capital of communities is underutilised in GBR intervention delivery. However, with the urgency for action in the Reef, we call on governments and researchers to leverage the expertise, labour and infrastructure of local communities to strengthen institutional deployment capacities and thereby accelerate the scale and impact of adaptation efforts. We identify the key elements of inclusive deployment as shared leadership, flexible and inclusive funding, and innovative strategies to address permitting and regulatory barriers to community-led interventions deployment. Full article

Internally displaced people (IDPs) are individuals forced to leave their homes due to conflicts or disasters without crossing international borders. Since 2008, weather-related extreme events—primarily storms and floods—have displaced more than 20 million people annually. With global temperatures rising and extreme weather intensifying, the number of IDPs is projected to increase in the coming decades. In the Philippines, resettlement has emerged as a key climate adaptation strategy, with IDP camps established to reduce risks in highly vulnerable areas. Yet, it remains unclear whether these camps are actually located in regions of lower climate vulnerability. This study aims to examine the climate vulnerability of 17 IDP camps by considering physical and infrastructural dimensions to assess whether they are located in safer areas, and to suggest the development of urban forms that can improve community resilience and the living conditions of their populations. Results show significant variation in climate vulnerability, with Villa Diana scoring the lowest and Villa Sofia the highest. Using emergency response facilities as a proxy for social capital, we identified drivers of vulnerability: Villa Sofia faces heightened risks due to population density, flood exposure, and limited emergency facilities, while Villa Diana benefits from greater emergency capacity and abundant vegetation that reduces risk. Our findings provide a systematic framework for assessing climate vulnerability among IDPs and highlight the critical role of social capital in mitigating climate impacts for displaced populations in the Global South, where climate risk mapping and reliable data remain limited. Full article

The aim of this work is to model the growth of an economic system and, in particular, the evolution of capital accumulation over time, analysing the feasibility of a closed-form solution to the initial value problem that governs the capital-per-capita dynamics. The latter are related to the labour-force dynamics, which are assumed to follow a von Bertalanffy model, studied in the literature in its simplest form and for which the existence of an exact solution, in terms of hypergeometric functions, is known. Here, we consider an extended form of the von Bertalanffy equation, which we make dependent on two parameters, rather than the single-parameter model known in the literature, to better capture the features that a reliable economic growth model should possess. Furthermore, we allow one of the two parameters to vary over time, making it dependent on a periodic function to account for seasonality. We prove that the two-parameter model admits an exact solution, in terms of hypergeometric functions, when both parameters are constant. In the time-varying case, although it is not possible to obtain a closed-form solution, we are able to find two exact solutions that closely bound, from below and from above, the desired one, as well as its numerical approximation. The presented models are implemented in the Mathematica environment, where simulations, parameter sensitivity analyses and comparisons with the known single-parameter model are also performed, validating our findings. Full article

As the prevalence of public discourse pertaining to loneliness increases, digital interventions, such as artificial intelligence companions, are being introduced as methods for fostering connection and mitigating individual negative experiences of loneliness. These tools, while increasing in volume and popularity, operate within and are shaped by the same engagement-driven systems that have been found to contribute to loneliness. This meta-narrative review examines how algorithmic infrastructures, which are optimized for retention, emotional predictability, and behavioural nudging, not only mediate responses to loneliness but participate in its ongoing production. Flattening complex social dynamics into curated, low-friction interactions, these systems gradually displace relational agency and erode users’ capacity for autonomous social decision making. Drawing on frameworks from communication studies and behavioural information design, this review finds that loneliness is understood both as an emotional or interpersonal state and as a logical consequence of hegemonic digital and technological design paradigms. Without addressing the structural logics of platform capitalism and algorithmic control, digital public health interventions risk treating loneliness as an individual deficit rather than a systemic outcome. Finally, a model is proposed for evaluating and designing digital public health interventions that resist behavioural enclosure and support autonomy, relational depth, systemic accountability, and structural transparency. Full article

Against the backdrop of unprecedented global FDI volatility—with flows declining 34.7% in 2020 and a further 12% in 2022—and China experiencing its first sustained capital outflow since reform, with foreign enterprises withdrawing over USD 160 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, understanding the complex mechanisms through which EPU affects international investment has become critically important. Existing research predominantly examines unilateral EPU effects while neglecting the bilateral dynamics that characterize modern interconnected economies, creating a significant gap in explaining recent FDI pattern shifts. This study systematically examines the differential impact mechanisms of EPU on China’s FDI inflows using panel data from 20 countries spanning 2005–2023, employing FE models and GMM methods. The research reveals that policy uncertainty affects international investment through two mechanisms: first, a “push effect” whereby relatively higher EPU in home countries drives FDI flows to China (β = 0.002, p < 0.001); second, a “consistency effect” where differences in policy environments between home countries and China impede FDI flows (β = −0.004, p < 0.001), with the latter effect being stronger. Moderating effects analysis demonstrates that institutional quality and bilateral political relations exert complex non-linear moderating effects on the EPU–FDI relationship. Heterogeneity tests reveal that when China’s EPU is relatively low, the negative impact of policy uncertainty is significantly weakened. This study extends real options theory and provides empirical evidence for the dual mechanisms of the EPU–FDI relationship, emphasizing that policy coordination is more important than relative policy advantages for international investment decisions. The findings provide theoretical foundations and practical guidance for policymakers to optimize international investment environments and strengthen policy coordination. Full article

Moving beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the sole measure of economic performance is increasingly critical for addressing the complex challenges of sustainable development. The Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI) offers a more comprehensive framework for assessing long-term sustainability by accounting for changes in produced, human, and natural capital. This paper contributes to this debate by examining the comparative dynamics of these three forms of capital in Greece in relation to European Union averages. Specifically, we employ a repeated-measures design and the mixed ANOVA method to analyse their interactions over time (1990–2020) and across regional contexts. The novelty is to cover the research gap on how the different capitals interact, with Greece serving as a critical case given its environmental vulnerabilities, economic challenges, and position within the European sustainability agenda. The empirical results demonstrate a consistent hierarchy (human > produced > natural), significant growth over time, and pronounced regional disparities, with Western and Northern Europe outperforming Eastern and Southern Europe in overall capital stocks. Moreover, human, produced, and natural capital differed significantly (${\eta }_p^2=0.967)$, with the EU-27 dominated by human and produced capital, while Greece lagged substantially (${\eta }_p^2=0.71$). A robust interaction effect indicated structural divergence (${\eta }_p^2=0.811$). The pairwise comparisons confirmed these results with very large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 2.3–11.2 in the 95% CI). These findings underscore the importance of moving beyond GDP and highlight the policy relevance of inclusive wealth accounting for ensuring resilience and intergenerational equity. Full article

Older adults face unique challenges related to hydration, particularly within the context of psychosocial determinants. This study aimed to examine the associations between total water intake (TWI), beverage variety, social capital, and health-related quality of life. We hypothesized that their ability to access, purchase, prepare, and drink a variety of beverages towards optimal TWI is affected by their physical/mental health and social support. To test the hypothesis, a cross-sectional design was implemented. We evaluated TWI, social capital, and Health-Related Quality Of Life, using the Water Balance Questionnaire, Social Capital Questionnaire, and SF-36, respectively, in 890 free-living participants (49.6% male), aged >65 years, recruited in Metropolitan Athens and Crete, Greece. TWI, 80% from beverages, was 2.6 ± 0.7 L in men and 2.4 ± 0.8 L in women and was associated with beverage variety (4.1 ± 1.0 in men, 3.9 ± 1.1 in women). Social capital, mental health, and variety of beverages were significant predictors of TWI; for each increased unit of the aforementioned predictors, TWI increased to 9.1, 6.8, and 183.5 mL, respectively. Spatial and gender differences were observed in social capital score and its components and in Health-Related Quality Of Life and its components, thus reflecting differences in social support and in functional health, plausibly linked to barriers/enablers to TWI. These findings highlight the potential importance of addressing psychosocial factors to support hydration in older adults. Full article

The increasing number of catastrophic events has relentlessly disrupted production and distribution processes across the globe. To address this issue, the current study developed a research model that combines factors such as human capital, relational capital, structural capital, HR practices, risk management capability, and artificial intelligence to investigate logistic firm resilience capability. The research design was based on quantitative methods. Data were collected from logistic managers. A total of 213 questionnaires were retrieved for the research survey. Statistical findings revealed that human capital, relational capital, structural capital, HR practices, and artificial intelligence explained $R^2$ 86.5% of the variance in logistic firm resilience capability. Nevertheless, the relationship between risk management and resilience capabilities was found to be insignificant. On the other hand, logistic service quality and firm resilience capability explained $R^2$ 79.5% of the variance in logistic firm performance. Practically, this study suggests that adequate logistic service quality, appropriate intellectual capital, good HR practices, and the deployment of artificial intelligence in logistic operations could boost firm resilience capability, resulting in better performance during catastrophic events. The present study is original in that it investigated logistic firms’ resilience capability with intellectual capital, HR practices, and artificial intelligence. Another unique aspect of this study is that it established the moderating impact of logistic service quality on the relationship between logistic firm resilience capability and firm performance. Full article

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face severe resource constraints and operational fragility during crises. However, little is known about how managerial resilience (MR) translates into performance through time-related psychological resources and innovation—two capabilities that are both scarce and critical under such conditions. Drawing on Temporal Motivation Theory (TMT), this study develops and tests a dual-mediation model in which employee temporal psychological capital (TPC) and employee innovative behavior (EIB) transmit the effects of MR on performance. As a core methodological innovation, we adopt a multi-method analytical strategy to provide robust and complementary evidence rather than a hierarchy of results: Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to examine sufficiency-based causal pathways and quantify the mediating mechanisms; Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification offers a non-parametric predictive validation of how MR and its mediators distinguish high- and low-performance cases; and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) identifies non-compensatory conditions that must be present for high performance to occur. These three methods address different research questions—sufficiency, classification robustness, and necessity—therefore serving as parallel, equally important components of the analysis. A total of 455 SME managers and employees were surveyed, and results show that MR significantly enhances all three dimensions of TPC (temporal control, temporal fit, time pressure resilience) and EIB (idea generation, idea promotion, idea realization), which in turn improve employee performance. SVM classification confirms that high MR, strong TPC, and active innovation align with high performance, while NCA reveals temporal control, idea generation, and idea realization as necessary bottleneck conditions. By integrating sufficiency–necessity logic with predictive classification, our findings suggest that SMEs should prioritize leadership resilience training to strengthen managers’ adaptive capacity, while simultaneously implementing time management interventions—such as temporal control workshops, workload balancing, and innovation pipeline support—to enhance employees’ ability to align tasks with organizational timelines, execute ideas effectively, and sustain performance during crises. Full article

The aim of this study is to assess the factors determining the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of improving the productivity of agricultural inputs—land, labor, and capital—and increasing farm income, using logistic regression. The analysis is based on primary data collected in 2023 during a pilot survey of 150 farms in the Central Pomerania region of Poland, conducted using the CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview) technique and a standardized questionnaire. The study examined factors related to farm income growth and to the productivity of land, labor, and capital. Logistic regression was applied to test 28 independent variables grouped into four categories: farm characteristics, production-related characteristics, farm asset-related characteristics, and household characteristics. Income growth was found to be associated with production-related and household characteristics. Land productivity showed associations with variables from all four categories, reflecting the complexity of this outcome. In the case of labor productivity, only household characteristics were significant, underscoring the strong connections between agricultural holdings and farming households. Capital productivity was associated with household characteristics, production-related characteristics, and farm asset-related characteristics. These findings highlight the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the sustainable development of agricultural holdings, integrating economic, production, and social dimensions. Full article

This study examines how employees’ psychological capital relates to workplace stress and mobbing (also known as workplace bullying) across three European countries. Stress has become an increasingly dominant issue globally since the second half of the 20th century, moving from clinical contexts into public awareness. It is now recognized as a significant health risk factor, particularly in work environments. While positive forms of stress (eustress) can enhance performance, chronic workplace stress is linked to serious mental and physical health problems. This study investigates the relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap), workplace stress, and mobbing among employees in Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Based on a cross-sectional survey (N = 89), the research applied validated instruments (PCQ, PSS-10, COPSOQ II) to measure PsyCap, perceived workplace stress, and experiences of mobbing. Results show a high average PsyCap level (M = 4.64, SD = 0.70) and a moderate perceived workplace stress level (M = 2.73, SD = 0.62) across the sample. A strong negative correlation was identified between PsyCap and workplace stress (r = −0.573, p < 0.001), while a moderate positive correlation was found between workplace stress and mobbing experiences (r = 0.323, p = 0.002). Although PsyCap moderated stress levels, it did not significantly moderate the relationship between mobbing and perceived stress. These findings emphasize the role of PsyCap in reducing workplace stress and underline the necessity of organizational interventions in promoting psychological resilience and mobbing prevention. The results also indicate a need to further examine the causal relationship between mobbing, stress, and PsyCap. Full article

The exponential increase in global solid waste generation poses significant environmental, economic, and social challenges, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. Traditional waste management methods that focus on handling and disposal have proven unsustainable because of their negative impacts on air, soil, and water quality, and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. In response, the concept of zero-waste cities, rooted in circular economy principles, has gained increasing attention in recent years. This study proposes a comprehensive and integrated waste management system designed to optimize resource recovery across four distinct waste streams: household, healthcare, green/organic, and inert. The system integrates four specialized facilities: a Secondary Sorting Facility, Energy Recovery Facility, Composting Facility, and Inert Processing Facility, coordinated through a central Primary Sorting Hub. By enabling interconnectivity between these processing units, the system facilitates material cascading, maximizes the reuse and recycling of secondary raw materials, and supports energy recovery and circular nutrient flow. The anticipated benefits include enhanced operational efficiency, reduced environmental degradation, and generation of multiple revenue streams. However, the implementation of such a system faces challenges related to high capital investment, technological complexity, regulatory fragmentation, and low public acceptance. Overcoming these limitations will require strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive governance. Full article

Intravenous push (IVP) administration of controlled substances in hospital settings presents operational challenges related to medication waste, documentation, and diversion risk. This multi-site observational study aimed to quantify the pharmacy workforce time and associated costs linked to IVP waste management across a 16-hospital health system in Southwest Florida. Data were collected from over 4400 controlled substance transactions involving fentanyl, midazolam, hydromorphone, morphine, ketamine, and lorazepam. Methods included automated transaction analysis, manual chart reviews, and software-based compliance case evaluations. Results indicated patterns of partial dose waste, particularly for midazolam (85.2%) and hydromorphone (78.8%), and identified opportunities where documentation efforts could be further optimized through automation. Manual review of 333 incidents required an average of 6 min and 43 s per case, extrapolating to over 496 h of quarterly pharmacy labor or nearly 1985 h annually. Software-based case reviews added another 32 h per quarter or 130 h annually. Additionally, waste receptacle systems incurred over USD 1.1 million in capital costs and USD 322,500 in annual maintenance, with technician labor contributing further operational burden. These findings underscore the resource demands of IVP waste management and support the need for standardized dosing, enhanced documentation workflows, and pharmacy-led interventions to improve efficiency and reduce diversion risk. Full article