World

This study explores the dynamic relationship between rural tourism and traditional architecture, emphasizing their joint role in cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development. Utilizing CiteSpace (6.3.R1) and VOSviewer (1.6.19) tools, this study analyzes 1356 publications from the Web of Science database and identifies three development stages: the initial stage (1996–2008), the growth stage (2009–2016), and the peak stage (2017–2024). The main findings highlight a focus on climate-adaptive design, community collaboration, and the integration of digital technologies in heritage preservation. Emerging topics, such as green building materials and virtual reality, have also gained increasing attention. Despite these advancements, limitations persist in terms of data diversity and the regional scope of research. Future studies should address how to balance heritage conservation with modernization needs, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and leverage digital tools to promote urban–rural interaction and ecological design. Full article

(1) Background: With the growing severity of global environmental issues and increasing consumer health consciousness, green consumption has become a prominent focus in both research and practice. However, studies on the mechanisms of health consciousness and environmental awareness influencing the purchase intentions of sports enthusiasts toward sustainable sports products remain relatively limited. This study investigates how health consciousness and environmental awareness impact the green consumption behavior of sports enthusiasts through psychological pathways, including attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, aiming to reveal their underlying mechanisms. (2) Methods: Based on the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study developed a theoretical model incorporating health consciousness and environmental awareness. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey, yielding 407 valid responses. The sample was gender-balanced (52.8% male, 47.2% female), predominantly consisting of young individuals aged 26–35 (44.7%) and 18–25 (28.0%), with primary occupations being company employees/managers (46.2%) and students/teachers (25.3%). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software to systematically evaluate the research hypotheses and the model’s applicability. (3) Results: The model exhibited excellent fit indices, with a χ²/df value of 2.129, an RMSEA value of 0.053, an RMR value of 0.029, and GFI, CFI, NFI, and NNFI values all exceeding 0.90, indicating that the model structure adequately explained the relationships among latent variables. All research hypotheses were significantly supported (p < 0.01), demonstrating that health consciousness and environmental awareness not only directly influence purchase intentions but also exert significant indirect effects through attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. (4) Conclusions: Health consciousness and environmental awareness are critical drivers of sports enthusiasts’ purchasing behavior for sustainable sports products. This study deepens the understanding of the mechanisms underlying green consumption behavior and offers practical implications for related businesses. Companies should enhance product healthiness and environmental friendliness while optimizing consumer psychological perceptions to increase purchase intentions. Full article

Within the framework of the research project “What are we forgetting in inclusive education? In participatory research in Galicia (PID2019-108775RB-C4)”, we developed a proposal that, based on the inclusion and community perspective, investigates the relationship between municipal corporations and educational centres for the design and implementation of the programmes that was municipally developed to promote educational inclusion. The role of municipalities as promoters of inclusion through educational programmes is analysed, focusing on the mediation of third-sector institutions. It also studies the demands of the agents that comprise a community perspective on inclusion. The qualitative–interpretative methodology is based on SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) and CAME (correct, adapt, maintain and explore) techniques to contrast the congruence of existing initiatives with the needs of the educational community, synthesising information from 39 interviews. The results show deficient channelling of the schools’ demands into municipal programmes, which are mostly planned in collaboration with third-sector entities, without the participation of the school community. It is concluded that this demand for greater participation and collaboration is one of the main demands of the school community to promote inclusion at the local level. Full article

Climate change impacts are unpredictable and can change rapidly or over time; anthropogenic stressors work synergistically to strengthen their impact on vulnerable ecosystems including in the fisheries sector. This study focused on understanding and documenting the historical occurrence of extreme climate change impacts as exemplified by super typhoon Pablo (Bopha), which wreaked havoc in Baganga, Davao Oriental, almost a decade ago. A mixed-methods approach was used, using semi-structured interviews (N = 120) and focus group discussions (FGD) with small-scale fishers in the four fishing villages to assess the impacts of climate change and their adaptation after the events occurred. Our findings indicate that the fishing villages were exposed to the same impacts of climate change or the super typhoon which destroyed their lives and livelihoods. Consequently, this affected their catch per trip and fishing operations. Moreover, due to the impact of the super typhoon, fishers in Baganga developed psychological distress and trauma (emotional 44% and physical 24%) due to the extreme event. To survive, their adaptation strategies relied on government and non-government assistance provisions and projects, e.g., planting mangrove trees, construction of a seawall with wave breakers, cash-for-work activities, and tourism, as an alternative livelihood. Moreover, our study revealed that the communities have limited knowledge about the impacts of climate change, the local government lacks clear management goals for fisheries conservation and there was widespread use of illegal fishing gear. There is a strong need to implement rules, policies, and adaptation measures to build more resilient fishing communities. Full article

The Gambia’s coastline, known for its unique ecosystems and vital role in the country’s economy through fisheries, tourism, and agriculture, is becoming increasingly vulnerable as a result of the combined effects of climate change and human activity. This coastline sustains an important portion of the population by providing livelihoods and contributing to food security, as well as housing critical infrastructure including ports, urban areas, and tourism hubs. However, as climate change intensifies pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as increased sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, these socio-economic assets are becoming more and more vulnerable. As a result, this study focused on investigating the physical vulnerability of the coastline in the context of climate change. The vulnerability assessment was conducted using the coastal vulnerability index approach, utilising a combination of oceanographic data, remote sensing, and field observations. The research outcomes supported the identification of key areas at risk and examined the contributing factors such as tidal ranges, storm surges, and human activities. The findings highlight the immediate and long-term threats to coastal communities, infrastructure, and natural habitats. Due to the vulnerability provided by geological and geomorphological factors, the average Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) score of 29 indicates a high level of exposure to coastal hazards from Buniadu Point to Barra. From Banjul to Cape Point, the average coastline dynamic rate is positive at 0.21 m/year, indicating some accretion. Despite this, the CVI score of 22 indicates significant vulnerability to coastal hazards from Bald Cape to Salifor Point. The study also explored potential mitigation and adaptation strategies to enhance coastal resilience to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and flooding. Integrated and sustainable strategies were outlined to support policy-making and community-based initiatives towards safeguarding coastal regions of The Gambia against the backdrop of climate change. Full article

Indigenous and traditional food crops (ITFCs) are essential to initiatives aimed at increasing food and nutrition security and diversifying the food supply. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the benefits associated with ITFCs, particularly for food security. The Vigna subterranea (Bambara groundnut), Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea), Colocasia esculenta (Taro), and Sinapis arvensis (Wild mustard) are examples of indigenous crops that were introduced for food security in Southern Africa. This review assessed the advantages of indigenous crops for food security and examined literature, reports, and case studies from 2009 to 2024 using academic databases, like Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR, Google Scholar, and AGRIS, to assess how indigenous crops impact on food security and the benefits thereof. The primary inclusion criteria were nutritional, economic and environmental impacts of these indigenous crops for food security in Southern Africa. The review concludes that maximizing these benefits requires removing obstacles through capacity-building and policy reforms. The need to integrate precision agriculture to increase production of indigenous crops should be considered and the coherent use of food crops associated with food security must be developed by the government. A comprehensive strategy centered on investment in sustainable farming and climate smart agriculture is recommended to ensure food security. Full article

Asthma remains a prevalent chronic condition, impacting millions globally and presenting significant clinical and economic challenges. This study develops a predictive model for asthma outcomes, leveraging automated machine learning (AutoML) and explainable AI (XAI) to balance high predictive accuracy with interpretability. Using a comprehensive dataset of demographic, clinical, and respiratory function data, we employed AutoGluon to automate model selection, optimization, and ensembling, resulting in a model with 98.99% accuracy and a 0.9996 ROC-AUC score. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) and LIME (Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations) were applied to provide both global and local interpretability, ensuring that clinicians can trust and understand model predictions. Additionally, counterfactual analysis enabled hypothetical scenario exploration, supporting personalized asthma management by allowing clinicians to assess potential interventions for individual patient risk profiles. To facilitate clinical adoption, a Streamlit v1.41.0 application was developed for real-time access to predictions and interpretability. This study addresses key gaps in asthma prediction, notably in model transparency and generalizability, while providing a practical tool for enhancing personalized care. Future research could expand the validation across diverse patient populations to reinforce the model’s robustness in broader clinical environments. Full article

This study aims to explore the practice of Christian ocean stewardship on Taiwan’s marine wind farm policy, with a particular focus on the critically endangered Taiwanese humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis taiwanensis). Marine wind farms, while integral to the shift toward renewable energy, present complex ethical challenges due to their adverse environmental impacts—particularly noise pollution, which poses a serious threat to vulnerable marine species. International laws have underscored the importance of preventing marine noise pollution. Although Taiwan has relevant laws and policies, their implementation and supervision in preventing marine noise pollution are inadequate. This study critically examines the anthropocentric frameworks that currently dominate Taiwan’s marine development policies, arguing that they inadequately address the moral obligations humans have toward the broader ecosystem. Through a theological reflection grounded in Christian stewardship ethics, this research advocates for a shift away from human-centered environmental policies towards a more holistic ethic that acknowledges the intrinsic value of all creation. It emphasizes that ethical stewardship requires not merely reducing harm but actively participating in the restoration and protection of ecosystems, thus extending beyond utilitarian considerations of human benefit. The plight of the Taiwanese humpback dolphin serves as a case study for exploring these ethical tensions, highlighting how the energy transition can inadvertently contribute to biodiversity loss if not approached with caution and moral responsibility. Building on this, this study proposed four key principles to guide future marine development. These principles advocate for respecting nature, responsible management, continuous innovation, and social participation and transparency. This approach not only helps guide Taiwan’s marine policies but also provides new perspectives and practical approaches for applying Christian ethics in the field of marine environmental protection. Full article

This paper examines the complex interplay between environmental management (EM) and decarbonization, highlighting how these domains can be seamlessly integrated to create a comprehensive framework for sustainable futures in the energy sector. The framework emphasizes the adoption of green technologies, energy efficiency measures, and innovative carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies and infrastructures. Central to this approach are circular economy principles, low-greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions production processes, and CCUS strategies. A conceptual model of the EM–decarbonization nexus, comprising six enablers, was developed and illustrated with practical examples from various countries and regions worldwide. The findings reveal significant progress in advancing EM and decarbonization efforts. However, additional support from governments and the private sector is imperative in areas such as research and development, equitable transfer of renewable energy technologies, infrastructure for energy transitions, energy storage systems, green financing mechanisms, public education and community outreach, public–private partnerships, international cooperation, active engagement in global organizations, and the deployment of digital solutions. By addressing these areas, a sustainable future for the energy sector can be realized. Full article

This research aims to optimize corridors in Hyderabad, Sindh, to promote modal choice, reduce congestion, and enhance livability. This study focused on developing and evaluating multimodal wide corridor routing methods, analyzing the modal choice behavior of travelers using a generalized cost model and a mixed constant and separate user balance model, and implementing and assessing innovative road space management strategies. The data were collected using GIS (Geographical Information System) to compare the performance and impacts of the proposed methods and techniques with existing ones, such as shortest path, minimum interference, maximum capacity, and lane addition, using various performance measures, such as travel time, modal share, congestion level, environmental impact, safety, and equity. This research aims to optimize corridors in Hyderabad, Sindh, to encourage various transportation options, such as the BRT system and Peoples Bus Service, to reduce congestion and enhance livability by developing and accessing different methods and strategies. This study analyzed available data through a geospatial perspective to optimize corridors in Hyderabad, Sindh, focusing on multimodal routing methods, modal choice behavior, and innovative road space management strategies to enhance urban livability rather than relying on simulation software or field-collected data. Full article

With intensifying demands for sustainability in higher education—particularly tied to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—universities remain central to fostering responsible consumption and climate action. However, a significant gap persists in quantifying how effectively higher education institutions (HEIs) contribute to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The extant literature has largely relied on qualitative evidence or limited case studies, lacking comprehensive, data-driven comparisons across nations. This study addresses the existing gap in the literature by applying data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess how efficiently European universities bolster sustainable consumption and climate initiatives. Drawing on secondary data from the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and the Sustainable Development Report, this method provides new insights on how HEIs coordinate with their countries’ broader sustainability objectives. Our results show differences in efficiency among universities across 24 European countries, shaped by unique national contexts and policies. The study results can be used by university administrators and policymakers, who aim to improve the university contributions to achieving UN SDGs. Full article

This article explores relations between cultural heritage and cultural values for sustainable development in the Enugu region. It discusses the potential to advance a cultural approach to sustainable development of regions by examining the cultural food heritage and relating it to cultural values. Based on empirical research, the article employed a mixed-methods approach to examine the relationship between the identified major local food heritage and cultural values for sustainable regional planning and development. The study examined primary data from 380 community elders, traders, and relevant institutions—including the Ministry of Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Agriculture—through interviews, participant observation, and questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Pearson product–moment correlation. Findings identified eight local food heritages and six cultural values. The findings suggest that promoting and preserving local food heritage can be crucial in fostering sustainable cultural values and contributing to sustainable regional development. The local food had a statistically significant influence on cultural values. The Pearson correlation result (p-value = 0.000) shows a strong correlation between the local food heritage and cultural values for sustainable regional planning and development. However, the study also identified several challenges threatening the sustainability of local food heritage in the region, including high costs, small-scale farming, insecurity, climate change, and poor transportation. The study recommends the development and implementation of comprehensive policies and programs that prioritize the preservation and promotion of local food heritage while addressing the identified challenges. Full article

This study investigated agricultural radio programmes in specific indigenous languages (Hausa and Tiv) and their role in supporting agricultural development in North-Central Nigeria. Data were collected through interviews with the programme producers. Qualitative data were analysed using Systematic content analysis (SCA). The results showed the programme format, the topics treated per season, the availability of discussants, the feedback mechanism of previous programmes, and the programme’s influence on the audience. The study concluded that radio programmes in indigenous languages play a crucial role in agricultural development. However, the study also highlighted the urgent need for more support for these programmes, particularly in partnerships with agricultural sector organisations for technical and financial support. The study drives a crucial political debate on the role of media in rural development, the promotion of indigenous languages, support for agricultural policy, and political influence, including creating more inclusive and community-focused policies and increased engagement between government, media organisations, and agricultural stakeholders. Full article

As investors increasingly incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their decision-making, sustainable Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have gained prominence in both investment portfolios and financial research. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Sustainable ETF research landscape by utilizing scientometric and bibliometric methods with tools such as VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace. Drawing from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, the study identifies key thematic areas, influential authors, and emerging trends. The findings highlight the conceptual evolution of Green ETFs, from early definitions focused on ESG-aligned investments to more complex instruments incorporating diversified screening criteria and advanced technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence. Practical challenges such as regulatory inconsistencies, high implementation costs, and limited investor education are underscored as critical barriers to broader adoption. Future trends reveal the growing role of blockchain technology for ESG verification, crisis-specific ETF models, and the development of more inclusive screening strategies. Strategically, Green ETFs demonstrate resilience during market volatility and support sustainability-driven investment frameworks. The study provides valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and researchers, emphasizing Green ETFs’ role in driving sustainable finance and offering actionable guidance for optimizing ESG investment strategies. Full article

Public bads prevention problems, such as climate change, require people to cooperate above a certain threshold, which is ambiguous and varies in many situations. In that case, people conjecture and share some information about the threshold. However, little is known about how sharing such information affects people to cooperate. We experimentally examine how people’s cooperative choices are influenced by ambiguity and sharing information about the conjectures in public bads prevention, hypothesizing that sharing the information does not necessarily contribute to cooperation. We conduct the laboratory experiments with 400 subjects under five treatments, each of which differs in ambiguity as well as in presence or absence of sharing the information. We find that (i) the percentages of cooperative choices are nonmonotonic, decreasing and then increasing over ambiguity levels and (ii) sharing the information tends to uniformly discourage cooperation, and the negative impact becomes prominent as the ambiguity levels rise. The result demonstrates an adverse effect between sharing information and threshold ambiguity on cooperation, being in sharp contrast with the literature. Overall, this study suggests that how or what information is shared among people should be carefully reconsidered for resolving any public bads problem involving threshold ambiguity, as everybody is able to easily publicize their conjectures during an era of digital democracy. Additionally, providing unified public information or fostering agreement could help improve cooperation and enhance collective efforts in public bads prevention. Full article

The risk of socio-economic vulnerability depends not only on the risk of climate hazards occurring but also on society’s vulnerability to such hazards, coping capacity, and adaptive capacity. The World Risk Index methodology was used to assess the risk of socio-economic vulnerability of municipalities in the Tyumen region to climate-related hazards. Three groups of indicators were identified for calculating the socio-economic vulnerability risk: susceptibility, coping capacity, and adaptive capacity. Indicators in each group were selected based on official statistics. As a result, the risk of the realization of climate hazards and the risk of socio-economic vulnerability for the municipalities of the Tyumen region were ranked. Based on the results of ranking, the municipalities were divided into five groups. These groups had similar characteristics regarding socio-economic vulnerability indicators. The spatial analysis allowed for the identification of two clusters of municipalities with the highest level of socio-economic vulnerability due to a high risk of realization of climate-related hazards. Policy recommendations were proposed based on a spatial analysis of the risk of socio-economic vulnerability across municipalities and the analysis of socio-economic vulnerability indicators. Full article

Forecasting using historical time series data has become increasingly important in today’s world. This paper aims to assess the potential for stable positive development within the wholesale and retail trade sector (SK NACE Section G) and the operations of HORTI, Ltd.( Košice, Slovakia), a company within this industry (SK NACE 46.31—wholesale of fruit and vegetables) by predicting three financial indicators: costs, revenues, and earnings before taxes (EBT) (or earnings after taxes (EAT)). We analyze quarterly data from Q1 2009 to Q4 2023 taken from the sector and monthly data from January 2013 to December 2022 for HORTI, Ltd. Through time series analysis, we aim to identify the most suitable model for forecasting the trends in these financial indicators. The study demonstrates that simple legacy forecasting methods, such as exponential smoothing and Box–Jenkins methodology, are sufficient for accurately predicting financial indicators. These models were selected for their simplicity, interpretability, and efficiency in capturing stable trends, and seasonality, especially in sectors with relatively stable financial behavior. The results confirm that traditional Holt–Winters’ and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models can provide reliable forecasts without the need for more complex approaches. While advanced methods, such as GARCH or machine learning, could improve predictions in volatile conditions, the traditional models offer robust, interpretable results that support managerial decision-making. The findings can help managers estimate the financial health of the company and assess risks such as bankruptcy or insolvency, while also acknowledging the limitations of these models in predicting large shifts due to external factors or market disruptions. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted globalization by disrupting the course of international economic integration, reducing interpersonal interaction and communication, and lessening the significance of global governance and political interactions. This unprecedented event has altered global supply chains, MNEs’ operations and FDI, and trade patterns, and it has favored protectionist and border policies. Meanwhile, travel restrictions and social-distancing measures reduced human mobility and hindered intercultural exchanges. This study explores the short-term and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic globalization while also reflecting on its implications for social and political globalization. The analysis underlines that the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged many governments to assess their strategies vis-à-vis globalization by seeking a certain equilibrium between global engagement, regional retreat, and national seclusion. Despite the adverse implications, some positive outcomes have emerged via the COVID-19-induced digital transformation and the reconfiguration of the global supply chains to improve resilience against future exogenous shocks. This pandemic exposed the shortcomings of the current global system and emphasized the necessity for a post-COVID-19 “re-designed” globalization to mitigate anti-globalization sentiments and expand benefits across countries/geo-economic regions and different segments of society. Full article

Approximately 1.25–1.30 million people die annually in road traffic accidents worldwide, and up to 50 million are injured. The UN General Assembly Resolution 74/229 emphasizes the utmost importance of addressing the issue of reducing road traffic accidents. Achieving the ambitious goal of reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries by at least 50% during 2021–2030 is associated with numerous challenges, one of which is ensuring the reliability of official statistics. The accuracy of official data in reflecting the actual situation depends on multiple factors: the quality of the data collection and identification system for road accidents, the responsibility of the officials, and, to a significant extent, the willingness and ability of those in charge to present desired outcomes as reality, thereby distorting the relevant statistics. The issue of inaccurate statistical data and its negative impact on subsequent socio-economic management processes has long been recognized. Different countries address this issue with varying degrees of success. Using data on the characteristics of the road traffic accident rate as an example, the problem of statistical data accuracy in Russia and African countries is considered. A comparison of such countries was chosen to illustrate the real problem of the low credibility of official statistical information available for analysis. Unfortunately, the low quality of statistical information does not allow for drawing accurate conclusions about the actual situation in Russia and African countries, and hence, competently and rationally managing socio-economic processes. This conclusion is based both on the analysis of the results of previous studies and on the original statistical analysis of officially available information. Full article