Desk Research Research Articles

Implementing Nature‐Based Solutions in Cities: Testing and Refining the Integrative Framework for Collaborative Governance

ABSTRACTLiterature highlights the importance of collaborative arrangements in implementing Nature‐Based Solutions (NBS) to address climate change impacts, such as the urban heat island effect. However, very little is known about the design and implementation of such collaborative arrangements. We address this gap by analysing the NBS collaborative arrangements in two European cities, Ghent (Belgium) and Heerlen (the Netherlands). To do this, we apply the Integrative Framework for Collaborative Governance (IFCG), originally developed by Emerson, Nabatchi and Balogh to explore the contextual factors and drivers influencing the collaborative dynamics and their short‐ and long‐term results. We address the following research questions: “What do collaborative arrangements for NBS in cities look like, and how do they function?” and “How useful is the IFCG for understanding NBS collaborative arrangements in cities?”. This article draws on desk research, document analysis of publicly available documentation and online data, and 17 qualitative interviews with city actors. The analysis reveals two types of collaborative arrangements: comprehensive city‐wide collaborative arrangements and implementation‐focused collaborative arrangements focusing on city neighbourhoods. While the IFCG captures key aspects such as network connectedness, leadership, financial resources and shared theory of action, the fragmented and evolving nature of urban NBS arrangements complicates its complete application. Based on our findings, we identify some areas for refinement. Overall, this article enhances collaborative governance theory by critically examining the IFCG and providing a deeper understanding of collaborative arrangements for NBS in urban settings.

Core methodological classes of text extraction and localization-a snapshot of approaches

The motivation to work on text extraction and localization is quite a substantial that potentially influences a larger area of application right from business intelligence to advanced data analytics. At present, there are massive archives of literatures addressing varying ranges of problems associated with text extraction and localization with an effective realization of respective contribution as well as on-going issues. However, problem statement is that all these massive implementation studies are further required to converge down in order to realize the core classes of methodologies involved in text extraction. Hence, this manuscript uses desk research methodology to address this issue by presenting a compact insight of core methodological classes where all the recent implementation work are converged down to understand its strength and weakness. The research outcome contributes towards facilitating information of current research trend and identified research gap. The proposed review study assists in undertaking decision of suitable approach of text extraction, localization, detection, recognition, and classification.

The Interconnection between Religion and Profane World: The Role of Religious Leaders in Enforcing Human Rights

The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together emerged from a 2019 meeting between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyeb, in Abu Dhabi. Motivated by deep concern over global suffering and crises, the two religious leaders sought to articulate a vision of unity and peace. Decades earlier, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in response to the aftermath of World War II. Although separated by 71 years, these two documents share fundamental connections. This article explores the intersection of religion and the secular realm, as demonstrated by these texts. A comparative examination highlights the significant role of religious leaders in advocating for human rights beyond theological contexts. The study draws on desk research, incorporating primary data from both documents and secondary sources from academic journals and international organizations. Paul Ricoeur's hermeneutics approach was applied to analyze their themes and implications. Findings reveal two key points of convergence. First, both documents emphasize seven types of human rights. Second, religious and world leaders express a shared commitment to peace and the protection of human dignity. The role of religious figures in human rights enforcement is evident in their call for collective action, urging believers to unite against injustice and wrongdoing.

Reconciliation and young artists' perception. A case study from the 60th Venice Biennale of Art.

The primary focus of the research is to analyze the artistic expression of Bulgarian artists and researchers from the recent past. This research particularly emphasizes the Bulgarian pavilion at the 60th Biennale of Art in Venice. Alongside the topics of forced labor camps and the traumatic experiences of political prisoners, it employs a desk research analysis to explore artistic practices related to remembrance and reconciliation. The concept of postmemory is utilized to examine various collective memory practices and to trace the process of addressing trauma-related questions from the recent past. Its main novelty arises from the research questions posed, which argue that the role of art is not only to be reflective or critical but also to facilitate transformation. Thus, artistic expression ultimately aims to recreate an unbiased memory process of the recent past, serving as a rich field for reconciled practices.

THE ROLE OF RECEPTIVE TRAVEL AGENCIES IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE RURAL-SPA DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT

The aim of this research is to determine the role of receptive travel agencies in the promotion of sustainable rural spa tourism and to evaluate their overall significance for the sustainable development of rural tourist destinations in Serbi a, with a specific focus on the spa town of Sokobanja. This study examines how receptive agencies influence the flow of f oreign tourists, facilitate deeper visitor engagement, and contribute to the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability of these destinations. A particular emphasis is placed on their role in preserving, interpreting, and communicating the value of local natural and cultural heritage to visitors. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-method research design was employed within an interpretivist epistemological framework, prioritizing the subjective experiences of tourists and the perspectives of key tourism stakeholders. The first phase of the research consisted of a structured survey conducted with 318 foreign visitors to Sokobanja between March and October 2024. The data obtained were analyzed using factor analysis to identify underlying dimensions, followed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore the relationships between key constructs. The second phase involved qualitative methods, including desk research and semi-structured interviews with staff from the Tourist Organization of Sokobanja and representatives of the local receptive travel agency “DM.” The findings highlighted the agencies’ essential role in creating value-added experiences for tourists by offering personalized services, cultural interpretation, and logistical support. Four key factors were identified—Unique Experience, Immediate Involvement, Getting to Know, and Mediation—which collectively explain the ways in which receptive agencies enrich tourist experiences and contribute to destination competitiveness. The study concludes that the strategic integration of receptive agencies into destination management plans can significantly improve the visibility, inclusivity, and sustainability of rural spa tourism i n Serbia. Their proactive engagement not only supports the local economy but also encourages responsible tourism practices aligned with long-term destination stewardship.

Role of Urban Farming in Promoting Sustainable Economic Development

Purpose: This study investigates how urban farming can address interconnected issue such as urbanization, food insecurity, unemployment, and environmental degradation, and how it can contribute to sustainable economic growth by examining its economic, environmental. And societal impacts. Design/Methodology/ A qualitative desk research methodology was employed, using data from academic publications, scientific books and credible websites. The study explores how urban farming supports ecological sustainability, job creation, food system resilience and income generation, in urban settings. Findings: The result shows that urban farming enhances local economies, supplies fresh and affordable agriculture produce, strengthens community engagement and promotes tand interhe development of green urban infrastructure. Also, broader adoption is hindered by challenges such as limited land access, inadequate legislative support and low public awareness. Implications/Originality/Value: The study emphasizes the necessity of multi- stakeholder collaboration, targeted governmental support and integrated urban planning to unlock the full potential of urban farming as catalyst for sustainable economic growth. Also provides recommendations for future research and development in this area

디지털 교육을 위한 국내 온라인 체험학습 VR 및 영상 콘텐츠 현황 분석

This study aims to achieve the following objectives. First, it explores the role of digital education amid the rapid expansion of digital environments. Second, it examines the current status and types of VR and video content provided in online experiential learning programs in Korea. Third, it presents recommendations based on the findings related to the current state of such content. To this end, the study conducted a desk research and literature review, categorizing 279 types of VR and video content for experiential learning available on KERIS Edunet from February to May 2025. The content was analyzed in terms of type, provider institution, regional distribution, and the year of exhibition launch. The analysis revealed that approximately 97.4% of the content was in VR format, with about 77% provided by institutions located in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. Museum-based content accounted for approximately 63.4% of the total. Most of the content was produced between 2016 and 2020, and there was no content produced in 2022, 2023, or 2025. Only four out of 279 pieces of content were created after 2021, indicating that content related to recent exhibitions is extremely limited. These findings suggest that the current operation of content is constrained in terms of timeliness and diversity. Accordingly, this study recommends regular updates to online experiential learning content, expansion of collaboration with various institutions, and learner-centered content design. It also emphasizes the need for both policy and educational efforts to enhance the effectiveness of online experiential learning as a meaningful medium in digital education environments.

The importance of women’s leadership in human capital management: innovative perspectives and issues

Achieving gender parity in management structures and full integration of women into leadership positions is a critical factor in the continuity of social development. In the context of transforming management paradigms, the importance of women's leadership in modern management continues to grow, opening fundamentally new horizons for professional growth. The research interest in this issue unites the efforts of the academic community, political elite, and business environment representatives. The phenomenon of women's leadership is viewed as a powerful tool for overcoming established social stereotypes that hinder the full modernization of social institutions. The scientific research in the article focuses on conducting a comprehensive analysis of women's leadership through the prism of secondary and primary information sources obtained through desk research and empirical methodological approaches.The main analytical findings demonstrate fundamental differences in management strategies. Female leaders primarily form organizational culture based on principles of mutual respect, trust, and mutual support, paying attention to employees' professional achievements at a social level. Male managers, conversely, tend to construct incentive models mainly from the perspective of personal advantages. The scientific work makes a significant contribution to theoretical discourse in management and leadership, offering innovative research perspectives. The practical significance of the results lies in developing specific recommendations for organizations on maximizing women's administrative potential.

Towards Effective Training Transfer in Teacher Professional Development: A Multiple Case Study

Aim. This paper aims to provide key insights based on best practice examples identified and analysed during a multiple case study on effective and efficient teacher training transfer across diverse educational contexts. Methods. An in-depth analysis of four cases from evidence-based practices in Lithuania, Norway, Estonia, and Germany was conducted to determine: (a) success aspects, (b) implementation challenges, and (c) insights for sustaining practice and implications for teacher professional development design and delivery. The best practice examples were sourced through desk research, literature reviews, and structured interviews with educational experts from the four countries. The cases were selected based on the availability and willingness of experts to share their best practices. A double screening process, based on a theoretical framework, was applied to the data of each case to identify the key characteristics of effective teacher professional development incorporated in the best practice examples. Results. The findings indicate that successful training transfer is underpinned by a combination of innovative approaches, collaborative learning environments, and sustained support systems. By addressing the specific needs of teachers and schools, and offering opportunities for critical reflection and practical application, these best practice examples make a significant contribution to the ongoing professional development of teachers and the overall performance of educational organisations. Conclusion. The insights gained from this research can guide the design and implementation of teacher professional development initiatives, highlighting the importance of tailoring programmes to the unique challenges and objectives of each educational context.

Cybersecurity Training in the Healthcare Domain

Integrating digital technologies in healthcare, such as electronic health records (EHR), telemedicine, and smart devices, has significantly enhanced patient care and operational efficiency. However, this digital transformation also introduces substantial cybersecurity challenges, threatening patient safety and data integrity. This study examines the current state of cybersecurity training within the healthcare sector, highlighting the critical need for continuous and comprehensive training programs tailored to healthcare professionals' diverse needs and technical skill levels. The study identifies key vulnerabilities, including software weaknesses, human errors, and information security shortcomings, emphasising the importance of staff motivation and adherence to cybersecurity measures. Through a qualitative case study methodology, the study explores effective training practices that promote cybersecurity awareness and compliance among healthcare staff. Findings indicate that despite existing training efforts, many healthcare workers feel undertrained and uninformed about secure technology use, leading to frustration and potential data breaches. The study underscores the importance of customised training programs that address strong password practices, phishing detection, secure data management, and device protection. Additionally, it emphasises the role of healthcare workers in safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI) and the necessity for a collaborative approach to cybersecurity risk management. The research concludes with recommendations for enhancing cybersecurity training and fostering a culture of vigilance and responsibility within healthcare organisations. This study uses a qualitative research methodology through desk research. The data collection process was based on existing cybersecurity policy documents, training materials, incident reports, and compliance information. The results were validated using multiple data sources to ensure data triangulation. The study's approach ensured an understanding of the current state of cybersecurity training in healthcare and provided practical recommendations for improving the effectiveness of training programs. This research may help further enhance the understanding and implementation of effective cybersecurity training programs in healthcare, ultimately improving the protection of sensitive health information and patient safety. This study’s research question addresses the modification of training and learning practices to improve healthcare professionals' awareness of and compliance with cybersecurity.

AI Governance: Achieving EU AI Act Compliance in the Dynamo Project

The European Union (EU) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act introduces stringent requirements for AI systems, posing challenges for organisations seeking compliance. This study explores whether the AI Governance and Assurance (AIGA) framework can provide a structured approach to aligning the DYNAMO platform with these regulations. The Horizon DYNAMO project, funded by the EU, aims to improve cyber resilience by collecting the organisation’s skills data and creating custom and modified training programs. The DYNAMO project integrates AI solutions for threat intelligence and other purposes. The hypothesis is that the AIGA framework offers a robust governance structure that ensures compliance, supports ethical decision-making, and enhances transparency throughout the AI lifecycle. Using desk research, published literature by AIGA’s research team and EU AI Acts regulatory guidelines were analysed to evaluate the AIGA framework. This study focuses on applying AIGA to the governance phase, specifically addressing workflows and structures that embed compliance checkpoints and risk management mechanisms. This approach directly tackles key aspects of the EU AI Act, including risk-based system classification, transparency obligations, and continuous monitoring. Findings indicate that during the AIGA framework development, AIGA’s researchers paid particular attention to the emerging EU AI legislation, which caused it to align well with the regulatory requirements of the EU AI Act. To manage AI development and ensure compliance, the AIGA model offers root-level actions and a practical governance checklist. Implementing these governance tasks in a dynamic platform like DYNAMO requires further refinement and adaptation to each critical sector's specific environmental and stakeholder requirements to produce practical applicability. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the AIGA framework can provide a strong foundation for regulatory compliance under the EU AI Act. By addressing governance challenges, this approach enables organisations to meet regulatory demands while maintaining ethical AI development and operational excellence and contributing to a future where AI is both innovative and responsible. Future work includes testing these implementations in real-world scenarios to confirm their effectiveness.

MISP Management Models for Effective Threat Intelligence in Cybersecurity

Studies conducted in the context of the DYNAMO Horizon Europe project reveal that a significant proportion of regional cyber threat intelligence (CTI) data is still shared through manual methods such as email and chat. While these systems are generally viewed positively, they are also understood to be prone to delays and inaccuracies. The interest in utilizing the Malware Information Sharing Platform (MISP) is rising, yet its implementation is still nascent. Effective integration of MISP into cybersecurity operations hinges on selecting an appropriate governance model. This paper evaluates four models—Centralized, Decentralized, Hybrid, and Federated—to understand their advantages, limitations, and suitability for diverse organizational needs. As cyber threats grow in complexity, organizations increasingly rely on collaborative tools like MISP, requiring robust management frameworks to ensure efficient threat intelligence sharing. This study involves a systematic review of literature and desk research of materials produced during the DYNAMO project to analyse different governance models in terms of their alignment with MISP's objectives, operational needs, and organizational structures. The study’s main conclusion is that no single governance model fits all scenarios. Centralized models ensure compliance and consistency, making them ideal for small or regulated environments. Decentralized models offer flexibility for organizations with varied local demands but risk fragmentation. Hybrid and Federated models balance centralized control with local autonomy, providing scalability and resilience for large or complex organizations. Among these, the hybrid model stands out for its ability to dynamically address cybersecurity threats while maintaining cohesive governance. However, successful MISP integration also depends on user engagement, clear protocols, and adaptability to evolving needs. This study provides actionable insights to optimize MISP governance, enhancing collaboration, compliance, and cybersecurity resilience. The study also highlights the importance of ongoing training, clear procedures, and active user participation to maximize MISP’s benefits. These insights help organizations build resilience and stay adaptable to evolving cybersecurity challenges.

Debunking ‘Kumbh Mela’ From A Sociological Perspective

Kumbh Mela which means the “festival of the Sacred Pitcher” is an important Hindu pilgrimage in India, that is celebrated approximately every 6,12 and 144 years, correlated with the partial or full revolution of Jupiter and representing the largest human gathering in the world. Kumbh Mela has changed over time from a primary religious gathering to a socio-cultural and even a tourist event. Since its inception early in the first millennium CE, the Kumbh Mela has become the largest public gathering in the world; today it draws tens of millions of pilgrims over the course of a few weeks to bathe in the auspicious rivers. Thus today the picture of Kumbh Mela has taken a sharp change highlighting political interventions and has a more economic outcome. This research focuses on two objectives: • To analyze whether Kumbh Mela serves actually as a ‘melting pot’. • To understand the process of how Kumbh Mela has become politicized and commercialized over time. The researcher tries to find out more about the Kumbh Mela from a sociological perspective. The researcher has done a desk research based on secondary sources of data which include books, journals, articles of newspapers, video clippings and gazetteers. The social significance of this research is to understand whether the Kumbh Mela acts as a melting pot of cultures and a powerful symbol of unity in diversity or not. The Kumbh Mela has various positive and negative consequences in the recent year. The role of the state, its politics, and commercialization has been studied to understand Kumbh mela from a sociological perspective subsiding the religious aspect.

Breaking Barriers: Women, Peace and Security in the Democratic Republic of Congo

This article briefly reviews UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions passed until 2019, examining their implementation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the challenges to establishing a gender-sensitive and sustainable peace in the region. The study is primarily based on desk research, supplemented by discussions held during a brief visit to Kinshasa in 2008 as part of a South African team involved in post-conflict reconstruction efforts. It argues that the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the DRC remains constrained by its failure to alter deeply entrenched gendered power relations. These power structures predated colonial rule and were further manipulated and reinforced under Belgian colonialism for strategic gains. Even after the end of colonialism, such gendered hierarchies have persisted and become internalised within Congolese society, shaping the attitudes of men and institutions alike.

Prospects of Clean Cooking Energy in Africa - Transition Pathways and Implications

Despite abundant renewable energy resources, African countries still suffer from energy poverty, particularly in cooking. Up to 2022, about 74% of the African population had no access to clean cooking energy. With focus to Sub-Saharan African population, 90% has no access to clean cooking energy which decrease by 7% when kerosene is included. Traditional cooking, which involves the use of charcoal and firewood, is associated with health problems, environmental degradation, socioeconomic issues, and gender inequality. Transitioning to clean cooking energy not only promises significant health benefits but also offers opportunities for sustainable economic development and environmental preservation. In this study, the desk research method was used, which involved compiling raw published data such as research articles, government reports, implemented project reports, and published statistics. The following are the findings of this study: Firstly, for the improvement of health, environment, and social economic issues, the community must transition from traditional cooking to clean cooking. Secondly, despite the promises posed by energy transition, upfront cost and technological challenges remain to be a challenge that need action. Thirdly, the government should weigh up on clean cooking technologies investment, program sustainability, and engaging the community. Lastly, the government should structure the clean cooking agenda based on the resource’s proportionality in the region. Generally, to improve the welfare of the community, energy transition from traditional to clean cooking stands as the main piece, however, the government should intentionally intervene for the transition to be realized.

Prospects of Clean Cooking Energy in Africa - Transition Pathways and Implications

Despite abundant renewable energy resources, African countries still suffer from energy poverty, particularly in cooking. Up to 2022, about 74% of the African population had no access to clean cooking energy. With focus to Sub-Saharan African population, 90% has no access to clean cooking energy which decrease by 7% when kerosene is included. Traditional cooking, which involves the use of charcoal and firewood, is associated with health problems, environmental degradation, socioeconomic issues, and gender inequality. Transitioning to clean cooking energy not only promises significant health benefits but also offers opportunities for sustainable economic development and environmental preservation. In this study, the desk research method was used, which involved compiling raw published data such as research articles, government reports, implemented project reports, and published statistics. The following are the findings of this study: Firstly, for the improvement of health, environment, and social economic issues, the community must transition from traditional cooking to clean cooking. Secondly, despite the promises posed by energy transition, upfront cost and technological challenges remain to be a challenge that need action. Thirdly, the government should weigh up on clean cooking technologies investment, program sustainability, and engaging the community. Lastly, the government should structure the clean cooking agenda based on the resource’s proportionality in the region. Generally, to improve the welfare of the community, energy transition from traditional to clean cooking stands as the main piece, however, the government should intentionally intervene for the transition to be realized.

Framing empirical discourse on mental health among refugees in Malaysia

Purpose This paper aims to examine the key gaps, limitations and characteristics of the existing empirical discourse on refugees’ mental health in the Malaysian context and provides insights into their prevalent mental health conditions. Design/methodology/approach Adhering to the PRISMA framework for selecting studies, this desk research used a comprehensive search strategy in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Detailed screening and analysis of 26 selected studies were conducted in quantitative and qualitative phases inspired by Hashmi et al.'s (2020) framework on systematic review. Findings The findings reveal an increasing interest in studies on mental health among refugees in Malaysia. Most studies used quantitative methods and focused on depression, stress and trauma levels among Rohingya refugees. Practical implications This paper emphasises the importance of addressing mental health concerns holistically, considering the unique challenges faced by refugees in Malaysia. Originality/value The insights gained are hoped to contribute to developing evidence-based strategies for improving refugees’ mental health and overall well-being.

Diverging Views, Shared Interests: Japan-India Security Partnership

Since the early Cold War era, Japan has cooperated exclusively with the United States in security matters. However, since the end of the Cold War, Japan began to diversify its bilateral security cooperation with other countries in the region, including those who do not necessarily share its immediate strategic interests, such as India. This article examines decision to choose India as its bilateral security partner, which started since 2008. This study relies on desk research, analyzing primary and secondary data collected from 2008-2025. The research applied qualitative deductive method and uses triangulation as an analytical tool. The analysis is grounded in neoclassical realism, which highlights the interaction between systemic pressures and domestic-level variables. Systemic factors examined included increasing maritime insecurity (terrorism and piracy) and the rise of Chinese maritime capabilities. In addition, the domestic perception and role of the foreign policy executive, particularly Prime Minister Abe, is taken into consideration. Findings from this research show that systemic pressures, especially from rising China,have pushed Japan to seek cooperation with like-minded regional actors. Furthermore, Abe’s “Confluence of the two seas” speech framed India as the linchpin in Japan’s Indo-Pacific strategy, citing its shared democratic values and status as a maritime states. These factors, combined with favorable elite perceptions of India, helped form Japan’s decision to choosing India as its security partner.

ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

The aim of the paper is to analyze the economic significance of agriculture in Serbia and Croatia. Bearing in mind the similarities in the characteristics of agricultural production, as well as the economic characteristics of agricultural entities, the authors of the research start from the hypothesis that agriculture has approximately the same economic significance in the current period in both countries. In order to verify the hypothesis, the paper analyzes the relevant macro-economic indicators. For this purpose, the following methods are used: desk research, descriptive statistics, analysis and synthesis, as well as the comparative method. The authors conclude that in recent years the participation of agriculture in the gross domestic product has recorded a downward trend in both countries, as well as the participation of the number of employees in agriculture in the total number of employees. Based on the conducted research, the authors conclude that agriculture has a decreasing economic significance and in Serbia and in Croatia.

Understanding digital nomadism: a three-level framework for migration studies

ABSTRACT As pandemic lockdowns forced traditional office workers to work from home, a subset of these workers left their countries of employment to join a growing movement of location independent transnational digital workers. These digital nomads have captured the imagination of popular media, but academic literature on this topic is still developing. This paper offers a critical review of scholarship on digital nomadism thus far and introduces a sociological framework for situating digital nomadism within migration studies. Building on the analytical tools of lifestyle migration research, we discuss the relationship between digital nomadism and broader processes of neoliberalism and postcoloniality. The paper is based on desk research and a scoping review of existing studies from which it borrows empirical illustrations of digital nomadism. In conclusion, we point to the specific features of digital nomadism that make it distinct from lifestyle and other types of privileged migration and suggest a research agenda for the future.