Cross-sectoral Integration Research Articles

Average Propagation Length Analysis for the Construction Industry and Industrial Supply Chains

This study employs Average Propagation Length (APL) analysis to investigate the structural linkages within regional industrial supply chains in the United Kingdom and its devolved nations, Scotland and Northern Ireland, focusing on the construction industry. APL analysis is a pivotal method in Industrial Engineering, offering quantitative insights into the strength, complexity, and extent of cross-industry interconnections. This approach provides a robust framework for understanding manufacturing systems and the intricate relationships that drive sectoral interactions in production chains. Findings reveal that in the UK, the construction industry maintains significant connections with electricity transmission and distribution, gas distribution, and steam and air conditioning distribution. These connections highlight the construction sector’s role as a critical node in the broader industrial network. Geographical distinctions in supply chain dynamics were observed: while inter-industry linkages span two steps in the UK overall, they reduce to a single step in Northern Ireland and Scotland due to their simpler economic structures. The complexity of the UK’s economy facilitates diverse pathways between sectors, resulting in the emergence of intermediate steps during inter-industry transitions. The study emphasizes that industrial linkages across the UK are robust and interconnected, with the service sector forming the core of the industrial supply chain. By driving outward expansion and providing key inputs to industries such as construction and utilities, the service sector underscores the critical role of cross-sectoral integration in enhancing supply chain efficiency and resilience. These findings contribute to the field of Industrial Engineering by providing a comprehensive understanding of regional supply chain dynamics, offering insights into optimizing industrial frameworks and fostering sustainable economic development.

Influence of Digital Economy on Urban Energy Efficiency in China

The digital economy (DE) is characterized by invention, low energy consumption, cross-sector integration, and open sharing. It can effectively enhance social production methods, influence consumer behavior, and provide new pathways to enhance total factor energy efficiency (TFEE). This paper studies 280 Chinese cities, employing the entropy method and data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to evaluate and analyze urban DE and TFEE. It also constructs a system generalized method of moments model (SGMM model) and a threshold regression model (TR model) to examine the impact of the DE on TFEE in China. The main study findings include the following: (1) The regression results of the SGMM model indicate that the effect of DE on TFEE in Chinese cities shows a U-shaped trend. (2) The regression results of the TR model further confirm a U-shaped association connecting DE and TFEE, with the threshold estimated at 0.304. (3) The economic factors and industrial structure have a major impact on inhibiting the improvement of TFEE, whereas technological advancements and environmental regulations significantly facilitate its improvement.

Health and healthcare use of homeless population: Evaluation study of joint social work and healthcare provision

Homelessness as an extreme form of poverty perpetuates and exacerbates health inequalities. People experiencing homelessness face a mortality rate 10 times higher than that of the general population, with an average age of death at 45. There is a significant disconnect between the mainstream healthcare system and the specific health needs of people experiencing homelessness, leading to substantial human and economic costs. The objective of this evaluation study is to assess the impact of an intervention in nurse-led healthcare outreach services to people experiencing homelessness on their utilization of healthcare services. This study is a part of research program aimed at assuring health equity of most vulnerable members of a society. Detailed understanding of barriers to care is a necessary precondition for improvements in healthcare use. The study analyzes data on hospitalization and emergency department visits by people experiencing homelessness across three cities in Czechia from 2014 to 2021. A quantitative difference-in-differences approach is complemented by insights from field studies in these three cities. The intervention in people experiencing homelessness outreach led to a reduction in both hospital admissions and the emergency visits by people experiencing homelessness, alleviating pressure on health service capacity and reducing associated healthcare costs. Enhanced primary nurse-led healthcare outreach, along with cross-sectoral integration and activation, has lowered the barriers to accessing essential healthcare services. A pivotal policy outcome of this study is the establishment of an insurance provision that allows medical doctors to claim additional costs incurred in treating people experiencing homelessness from a public insurance system.

From sectoral policy change to cross-sectoral (dis)integration? A longitudinal analysis of the EU's forest and rural development policy

From sectoral policy change to cross-sectoral (dis)integration? A longitudinal analysis of the EU's forest and rural development policy

Lessons from European transformative policies

Lessons from European transformative policies

Towards Just and Integrated Energy Transition in Taiwan: A Socio-Spatial Perspective

Energy justice remains relatively under-researched outside of the Western context, especially in Asia. This paper addresses that gap by investigating the process of energy transition in Taiwan through the socio-spatial lens and institutional points of view. The paper underscores the urgency of recognizing and addressing the overlooked social injustices across different territories, advocating an integrated planning approach that incorporates a just energy transition perspective to reduce the uneven negative impacts of deploying renewable energies across communities and regional territories. Drawing on a case study of the Changhua region, the paper identifies conflicts arising from the rapid deployment of renewable energy, such as land use changes that displace farming activities and negatively affect rural stakeholders. The findings suggest the need to urgently address the gap between top–down goals in energy transition and bottom–up considerations to raise awareness and prevent injustices that risk deepening the existing socio-economic inequities. This paper also proposes a new framework for both new research and policy for (just) energy transition, incorporating distributional, procedural, and recognitional concerns together with a critical view on the cross-scale and cross-sectoral integration as part of the spatial planning process.

Pharmacist-led medication reconciliation service for patients after discharge from tertiary hospitals to primary care in Singapore: a qualitative study.

Medication discrepancies commonly occur when patients are transferred between care settings. Despite the presence of medication reconciliation services (MRS), medication discrepancies are still prevalent, which has clinical costs and implications. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of various stakeholders on how the MRS can be optimized in Singapore. This is a descriptive qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews with 30 participants from the National Healthcare Group, including family physicians (N = 10), pharmacists (N = 10), patients recently discharged from restructured hospitals (N = 7) and their caregivers (N = 3) were conducted. All transcribed interviews were coded independently by three coders and inductive thematic analysis approach was used. Five core themes were identified. (1) The MRS enhanced healthcare services in various aspects including efficiency and health literacy; (2) There were several challenges in delivering the MRS covering processes, technology and training; (3) Issues with suitable patient selection and follow-up; (4) Barriers to scaling up of MRS that involve various stakeholders, cross-sector integration and environmental restrictions; and finally (5) Role definition of the pharmacist to all the stakeholders. This study identified the role of MRS in enhancing healthcare services and explored the challenges encountered in the provision of MRS from family physicians, pharmacists, patients and their caregivers. These findings supported the need for a shift of MRS towards a more comprehensive medication review model. Future improvement work to the MRS can be conducted based on the findings.

Spatial Cluster Change of Schistosoma japonicum Transmission Foci in Indonesia During the Schistosomiasis Elimination Program.

The Government of Indonesia committed to eliminating schistosomiasis by 2025. Collaboratively snail control became one of the crucial strategies to ensure that the prevalence ofSchistosoma japonicuminOncomelania hupensis lindoensisreaches zero by the end of the program. This research investigated the spatial cluster change ofS. japonicumtransmission foci in Indonesia between 2017 and 2021. We mapped the snail foci, collected the snails, and calculated the snail density. We also conducted laboratory tests to detect the existence of cercariae in the snails. Identified infected snails were used to calculate the infection rate (IR) or snails' prevalence of schistosome cercariae among freshwater snails. We then analysed the spatial cluster using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to identify the hot and cold spots. The 5-year schistosomiasis elimination program successfully declined 18.84% of the snail foci and reduced 40.37% of the infected snail foci. Local spatial autocorrelation of snail density and infection rate identified that in 2017 and 2021, the number of cold spots decreased by 53.91% and 0%, while hot spots increased by 2.63% and 56.1%. The presence of more hotspots suggests a rise in the number of foci with high snail density and infection rates. The implementation of snail control was not optimal, and the parasite transmission through domestic animals still existed, causing the spatial cluster of hot spots to change during this period. Most hotspots have been observed near settlements, primarily in cocoa plantations, developed and deserted rice fields, grassland, and bush wetlands. During the schistosomiasis elimination program, the number of hot spots increased while cold spots decreased, and there were notable changes in the geographical distribution of hot spots, indicating a shift in the clustering pattern of schistosomiasis cases. The findings become essential for policymakers, particularly in selecting priority areas for intervention. In the Discussion section, we demonstrated the selection process based on the existence of hot and cold spots. Furthermore, we proposed that enhancing cross-sector integration is crucial, particularly in connection with the management of S. japonicum transmission through domestic animals.

PERAN IMIGRASI KELAS 1 KOTA MALANG DALAM MENANGANI TENAGA KERJA INDONESIA ILEGAL (SELUNDUPAN NON PROSEDURAL) (Studi Pada Kantor Imigrasi Kelas 1 Kota Malang)

This research aims to find out and analyze the role of Class I Immigration in Malang City in terms of its services to help handle and prevent Indonesian workers or what are usually called TKI from being illegally smuggled non-procedurally. Around 3 thousand Malang City residents leave every year to become Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) to the Asia Pacific region. This figure is data officially written at the Malang City Manpower Service (Disnaker). Meanwhile, for non-procedural or illegal PMIs which are managed by Private Indonesian Migrant Worker Placement Implementers (PPTKIS) outside the region or fake ones. This research uses the Qualitative Descriptive Method and adopts analysis from the New Public Management Theory in the services provided and determines the role of Class I Immigration in Malang City. From this research, the results were obtained and that the services provided were good in accordance with the applicable SOP, but the obstacles that occurred lay in the individual members of the community who would become migrant workers. It is hoped that in the future the Class I Immigration of Malang City will be able to more discipline in examining documents that are prone to being fake and the need for cross-sector integration between several related agencies or departments in carrying out their duties. No less important is socializing the dangers of illegal migrant workers to the public in order to raise public awareness of the process of becoming Indonesian workers.

Cross-sector learning collaboratives can improve post-diagnosis care integration for people with young onset dementia

Introduction:Post-diagnosis young onset dementia (YOD) care is often fragmented, with services delivered across aged care, health care, and social care sectors. The aim of this project was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a learning collaborative implementation strategy for improving the cross-sector integration of care for people with YOD.Methods:We conducted a longitudinal mixed-methods process evaluation, and recruited one representative from three Australian aged care organisations, three disability care organisations, and three organisations contracted to deliver care navigation services. One representative from each organisation joined a learning collaborative within their local area and completed a six-module online education package incorporating written resources, webinars, collaboration, and expert mentoring. Participants identified gaps in services in their region and barriers to care integration, and developed a shared plan to implement change. Normalisation Process Theory was applied to understand acceptability, penetration, and sustainability of the implementation strategy, as well as barriers and enabling factors.Results:Dementia knowledge measured by the Dementia Knowledge and Awareness Scale was high among the professionals at the start of the implementation period (Mean = 39.67, standard deviation = 9.84) and did not change by the end (Mean=39.67, standard deviation = 8.23). Quantitative data demonstrated that clinicians dedicated on average half of the recommended time commitment to the project. However, qualitative data identified that the learning collaborative strategy enhanced commitment to implementing integrated care and promoted action toward integrating previously disparate care services. Participant commitment to the project was influenced by their sense of obligation to their team, and teams that established clear expectations and communication strategies early were able to collaborate and use the implementation plan more effectively (demonstrating collective action). Teams were less likely to engage in the collective action or reflexive monitoring required to improve care integration if they did not feel engaged with their learning collaborative.Discussion:Learning collaboratives hold promise as a strategy to improve cross-sector service collaboration for people with YOD and their families but must maximise group cohesion and shared commitment to change.

Decarbonization challenges and opportunities in the Central European energy sector: Implications for management

AbstractWhile decarbonization and hydrogen energy are at the top of European policymakers' agenda, research and innovation (R&I) management of energy companies must focus on clean technologies (cleantech) which could decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the sector. The Central European energy sector, however, might face a decarbonization challenge because of the specific geopolitical situation, so aligning R&I directions with regional policy and conditions seem to be crucial to accelerate sectoral and corporate adaptation. This study focuses on the decarbonization progress and strategies of the Visegrád 4 (V4) countries, concerning some of the most promising hydrogen-driven cleantech R&I directions which might induce strategic changes in Central European energy companies. Besides promoting renewable energy sources, results show that V4 strategies usually include the development of nuclear energy capacities to reduce GHG emissions and using the extended natural gas infrastructure for renewable energy storage. The analysed cleantech innovations are included but usually not central in these strategies. Strategic changes in energy companies, however, could be driven by these promising R&I directions, e.g., the hydrogen economy development by power-to-X (P2X) technologies, industrial decarbonization by carbon capture, utilization or storage (CCUS) technologies in the mid-term, and cross-sectoral integration and optimization by smart energy system (SES) development in the long-term.

Addressing transboundary challenges: Exploring the interactive relations between collaborative governance and transboundary marine spatial planning in Europe

Addressing transboundary challenges: Exploring the interactive relations between collaborative governance and transboundary marine spatial planning in Europe

The Implementation of Learning Optimization for the Stunting Program

Stunting is a failure to grow in children that occurs due to a lack of nutrition that can help children grow. In dealing with this incident, it is necessary to optimize the stunting reduction program. Stunting programs have a crucial aim in overcoming the problem of suboptimal child growth and development. To achieve maximum effectiveness, it is necessary to understand the things that can influence the implementation of the stunting program carried out by the Sampang Health Service. This research aims to analyze the optimization of stunting program implementation with a focus on cross-sector integration, including health, education, infrastructure and community empowerment. Research on optimizing the implementation of the stunting program uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. A qualitative approach was chosen because it is able to provide an in-depth understanding of the complexity of factors that influence the implementation of stunting programs. Through literature reviews, interviews, comprehensive observations, this research identifies the relationship between various factors and the long-term success of stunting programs in Sampang Regency. Cross-sector integration is considered a strategic approach to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of stunting programs. Some of the main findings include: the role of nutrition education in increasing mothers' awareness of the importance of child nutrition, the impact of adequate sanitation on reducing stunting prevalence, the collaboration needed to overcome structural barriers that cut across sectors, and community empowerment in designing and implementing stunting programs . Although coordination challenges and differences in priorities may arise, the long-term benefits of this approach have the potential to be in creating an environment that supports children's optimal growth and preventing future stunting.

Towards a comprehensive understanding and assessment of Offshore Energy Hubs with a hydrogen focus: An evolutionary perspective

Climate change has necessitated the reduction of CO2 emissions, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. Offshore Energy Hubs (OEHs), powered by renewable sources, have been proposed as a potential solution for renewable build-out and cross-sectoral integration. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review examining the technical concept and assessment mechanisms of OEHs from multiple perspectives, including chronological, design, and assessment principles. The review reveals a shift in the technical concept and evaluation assessments, evolving from cost-driven to economically driven, with a trend towards harmonized assessments that incorporate both economic and societal values, such as environmental impact. The importance of societal assessments is emphasized, addressing a research gap, where further investigation is needed for a successful implementation of future large-scale OEH projects. The paper highlights the need to develop comprehensive and inclusive evaluation frameworks to ensure the sustainable implementation of OEHs for the ongoing energy transition.

Exploring the potential of a cross-sector integration of electric vehicles in residential buildings as a possible energy supply source

Exploring the potential of a cross-sector integration of electric vehicles in residential buildings as a possible energy supply source

Upaya Peningkatan Cakupan Akseptor KB Melalui Pelatihan dan Pendampingan Kader di Kampung KB Kota Padang

The incidence of unmet need family planning in Indonesia is increasing from year to year. In West Sumatra in 2017 it was 18.54%, still far from the target of reducing unmet need, total 9.91%. The high incidence of unmeet need is caused by a lack of knowledge about contraception, as well as the side effects caused by contraception. The KB village in the city of Padang has only touched 0.12% of couples of childbearing age, which is not optimal in controlling population growth. For this reason, the role of KB Village still needs to be increased through community participation and cross-sectoral integration. The aim of this econduct training and mentoring of family planning cadres in KB Village, Padang City. The method used is the participatory planning method, namely cadre training conducted 2 times pre and post test to ensure the ability of family planning cadres in implementing the program. The practical method is assisting cadres in providing education to PUS. The evaluation is carried out in two stages, namely the evaluation being carried out before the training and after the training. The final evaluation is carried out by holding meetings and evaluations with family planning cadres to find out the obstacles and follow-up plans. The result of this activity was an increase in cadre knowledge of 48.7% after training. There is an increase in the coverage of family planning acceptors in KB villages seen from the reporting of new family planning acceptors.

Integrated policymaking: Institutional designs for implementing the sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Integrated policymaking: Institutional designs for implementing the sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Smart energy systems for renewable energy communities: A comparative analysis of power-to-X strategies for improving energy self-consumption

Renewable energy communities (RECs) represent the new scheme for promoting the distributed renewable generation, which must be managed to maximise the local energy self-consumption. The aim of this paper is to assess and discuss strengths and weaknesses of small-scale sector coupling strategies in residential RECs by means of a comparative analysis of their applications. Different power-to-X strategies have been applied to twenty-seven REC configurations. The systems have been separately simulated by means of the EnergyPLAN software. Power-to-heat strategy turns out to be the most cost-effective solution to integrate the RES excess, however, its potential often is not enough to fully accommodate it. Power-to-vehicle has low infrastructure costs, but its limit depends on the electric vehicle penetration and citizens’ participation. Exploiting the electric vehicle batteries is always more cost-effective than installing stationary batteries. The competitiveness of power-to-power is extremely linked to the REC electrification level. Power-to-gas is promising in high-RES excess conditions, but rarely represents the best solution due to current high electrolyser costs. The implementation of energy storage systems is crucial for improving the local self-consumption and the cross-sector integration is a better solution in energy, economic and environmental terms than focusing only on the electricity sector.

How to develop fifth-generation district heating and cooling in Sweden? Application review and best practices proposed by middle agents

How to develop fifth-generation district heating and cooling in Sweden? Application review and best practices proposed by middle agents

Combining Power-to-Heat and Power-to-Vehicle strategies to provide system flexibility in smart urban energy districts

Combining Power-to-Heat and Power-to-Vehicle strategies to provide system flexibility in smart urban energy districts