Against the backdrop of medical tax reform and escalating doctor-patient conflicts, the workload of nurses in China has surged, with resignation rates rising year after year. Based on this context, this study draws on resource conservation, social cognition, and ecosystem theories to construct an intermediary model of ‘work pressure → self-efficacy → work engagement,’ and introduces social support as a moderating variable to establish a moderated intermediary model. In terms of sampling methods, stratified cluster sampling was employed to select 765 clinical nurses from first- to third-level hospitals in Province S, China, for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. The study results revealed: first, work stress significantly negatively impacts work engagement (β = –0.170, p < 0.001); Second, self-efficacy partially mediated this relationship, with work stress reducing work engagement by lowering self-efficacy, accounting for 10.88% of the total effect; Third, social support significantly moderated the effect of work stress on work engagement, with social support significantly alleviating the negative impact of work stress on work engagement; Finally, the moderated mediation model holds true, with social support significantly moderating the first half of the mediation chain ‘work pressure—self-efficacy—work engagement.’ Specifically, when nurses receive higher levels of social support, the negative chain of work pressure reducing work engagement by weakening self-efficacy is significantly buffered; conversely, in low-support situations, this negative transmission is more pronounced. The findings of this study suggest that hospitals can effectively break the vicious cycle of ‘high stress—low self-efficacy—low work engagement’ by strengthening self-efficacy training and establishing blended online and offline support networks. This approach provides feasible strategies for stabilising the nursing workforce and enhancing patient experience under the DRG reform framework.

Juniperus przewalskii Komarov, an endemic conifer in the high-altitude mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, develops its cones in a synergistic manner with the oligophagous pest Megastigmus sabinae Xu et He (Hymenoptera: Torymidae), forming a highly specialized interaction system. However, the physiological adaptation mechanisms underlying this interaction remain unclear. Feeding by M. sabinae larvae significantly induced defense responses in J. przewalskii cones. During the early instars (2nd~3rd) of M. sabinae larvae, infested J. przewalskii endosperms upregulated protein content (48.91%; 3rd instar), significantly enhanced peroxidase (POD) activity (71.10%; 2nd instar), and specifically enriched coumarins and cinnamaldehyde derivatives (2nd instar) to increase M. sabinae larvae metabolic costs. In later instars (4th~5th) of M. sabinae larvae, the infested endosperms downregulated starch content (29.69%; 4th instar), increased phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity (57.34%; 4th instar), and accumulated steroid derivatives to suppress larvae development. Conversely, M. sabinae larvae demonstrated unique adaptive strategies: maintaining high levels of glutathione S-transferase (GST) as an antioxidant defense system during early instars and upregulating the level of digestive enzymes in later stages to overcome host multi-layered defenses. Juniperus przewalskii counters pest infestation through dynamic nutrient modulation, temporal activation of protective enzymes, and a multi-layered chemical defense network. The adaptation of M. sabinae larvae appears to involve the developmental regulation of detoxification and digestive enzyme levels. This study provides novel insights that enrich coevolution theory in alpine ecosystems.

The entrepreneurial ecosystem theory posits that regional development emerges from synergistic interactions among entrepreneurs, institutions, and markets. This study positions entrepreneurial vitality as the core catalyst synchronizing digital inclusive finance (DIF) with rural revitalization—two systems often advancing in isolation, leading to unbalanced rural development. Using a coupling coordination degree model and provincial panel data from China (2011–2020), we demonstrate that entrepreneurial vitality significantly strengthens DIF–rural revitalization coupling coordination, following a nonlinear threshold pattern. Coordination gains accelerate only after vitality passes empirically identified critical levels, explaining persistent regional disparities in coupling coordination. Furthermore, the vitality–coordination link is moderated by technological infrastructure, organizational electronic commerce (e-commerce) engagement, and regional economic development, as outlined by the Technology–Organization–Environment framework. Framing DIF as an e-commerce-related ICT input, this paper advances the entrepreneurial ecosystem, e-commerce, and ICT-for-development (ICT4D) literature by revealing the threshold-driven nature of resource coordination in rural contexts. The findings offer a contextualized framework for catalyzing balanced and inclusive rural development in emerging economies.

This study examines the roles of collaboration and innovation in developing digital business ecosystems. It employs a narrative literature review of core scholarship on business ecosystems, digital platforms, and collaboration–innovation practices in both global and Indonesian contexts. The synthesis indicates that digital business ecosystems constitute multilateral interdependence structures that require alignment of roles and activities across actors to realize a shared value proposition. Collaboration therefore becomes a structural necessity, as ecosystem innovation is modular and complementary, and value emerges only when contributions from diverse parties are coherently integrated. Digital platforms accelerate ecosystem growth through generativity and network effects, yet they also demand collaborative governance to keep collective innovation coordinated and goal-oriented. Empirical evidence further shows that collaboration facilitated by platforms, hubs, or intermediaries speeds up the exchange of data, knowledge, and resources, triggering technological, service, governance, and business-model innovations that enhance ecosystem performance and sustainability. However, many ecosystems still face limitations in the depth of collaboration—often not progressing to co-production or joint R&D—resulting in suboptimal collective innovation. This study enriches digital ecosystem theory and offers practical implications for orchestrating collaboration and sustaining innovation in digital business ecosystems.

Addressing the risk of uncontrolled dissemination of AI deepfake videos in entertainment scenarios, this study constructs an explainable ensemble learning prediction framework from an entertainment computing perspective, systematically revealing the diffusion mechanisms of technology-enabled entertainment content. Guided by information ecosystem theory, the study first identifies nine core factors influencing deepfake video propagation through multidimensional feature decomposition. It innovatively proposes the RFECV-GA-PSO-RF hybrid feature selection algorithm to achieve efficient dimensionality reduction of entertainment computing features. Subsequently, the study employs a PSO-GA-XGBOOST ensemble model-fusing particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA)-to achieve precise predictions of deepfake video propagation on real-world Chinese video platforms. This approach significantly outperforms existing models, demonstrating average improvements of 42.95% across four evaluation metrics (RMSE reduced to 1.230, MAPE reduced to 0.280, MAE reduced to 1.063, R² reaching 0.818). Finally, leveraging the interpretability of this predictive model, the study quantifies the importance of each feature and feature dimension. The proposed integrated prediction model not only provides novel predictive tools for the field of entertainment computing but also offers quantitative decision support for dissemination regulation and content ecosystem optimization in the era of intelligent entertainment, expanding the theoretical boundaries of interdisciplinary research in entertainment technology.

Key factors of depression in middle-aged and older adults based on social-ecological systems theory: an interpretable machine learning approach.

Cultural and creative industries (CCIs) are increasingly recognised as contributors to economic development in emerging economies, yet limited empirical work explores how entrepreneurial ecosystem services (EES) support traditional craft sectors in Sri Lanka. This study explores nature and types of EES of the Watapath industry in the Galatharaya region, a culturally significant craft centred on Palmyra fan mainly used as a ritual item in Buddhist culture. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through 12 semi-structured interviews with experienced artisans. Thematic analysis supported by NVivo software was employed to identify ecosystem strengths, weaknesses, and interdependencies. The findings reveal four key themes shaping entrepreneurial activity: human capital challenges, fragmented institutional support, financial and market barriers, and limited technological adoption. Artisans reported declining intergenerational skill transfer, absence of structured training, and gendered labour constraints. Institutional engagement was perceived as sporadic, with minimal coordination among support agencies. Financial challenges included high interest rates, inadequate credit facilities, and restricted access to broader markets. Technological innovation remained low due to high costs, limited awareness, and minimal institutional facilitation. The interplay of these barriers creates an underdeveloped entrepreneurial ecosystem, constraining industry growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability. The study contributes to entrepreneurial ecosystem theory by extending its application to a resource-constrained, heritage-based craft industry, highlighting dynamics overlooked in urban or high-tech contexts. Practical implications include the need for structured vocational programs, improved microfinance mechanisms, coordinated institutional interventions, and targeted support for technological upgrading. By situating the Watapath sector within the broader CCI and ecosystem framework, this research offers actionable insights for policymakers and development stakeholders aiming to strengthen Sri Lanka’s traditional craft industries.

This article is devoted to the problem of responsibility as it arises in the context of the technosystem—where the latter is enhanced by the work of intelligent devices. In this case, the system in question refers to the relationship between man, functioning in the various roles of creator, trainer, owner and user of intelligent agents, and machines equipped with artificial intelligence. Suppose we assume that the aim of technological development is the well‑being of the human being living now and the human being of the future. In that case, attention must be focused on the value of responsibility. The system of technology is embedded in a cultural and social context. The author diagnoses the causes of the disap‑ pearance of responsibility (the adjacency of actions) in the context of using smart devices, and considers what should be done to counteract this. The background for the analyses undertaken is furnished by ecosystem theory, together with the related concept of instrumentalization as construed by Andrew Feinberg, and Hans Jonas’ ethical theory of responsibility—considered as they relate to the analysis of selected cases.

In the accelerating digital economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) encounter a dual challenge in pursuing ambidextrous digital innovation (exploratory and exploitative), constrained by limited resources and path dependence. Industrial internet platforms, functioning as central hubs for resources, technologies, and data, play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Existing research has not sufficiently examined how the strategic interactions among governments, platforms, and SMEs influence SMEs’ ambidextrous digital innovation decisions within platform ecosystems. This study investigates these coupled strategies by constructing a group dynamic decision-making model grounded in evolutionary game theory. By employing replicator dynamics and evolutionary stability analysis, it reveals the patterns of strategic selection, and simulation experiments are conducted with reference to case studies. The results reveal significant coupling effects among the three parties’ strategies: the system may converge to a “conservative equilibrium” or shift toward a “high-level innovation equilibrium.” Critical factors, including ecosystem synergy value, technological spillover, government subsidy intensity, and the cost of platform empowerment, jointly determine the trajectory and pace of system evolution. Breaking away from suboptimal equilibria requires the establishment of risk-sharing and reward-sharing mechanisms, which foster evolutionary stability of the digital innovation ecosystem through tripartite collaboration. This research broadens the application of ambidextrous innovation theory in platform ecosystems and offers theoretical and practical insights for SME decision-making, platform empowerment, and policy design.

Purpose This study investigates how big data (BD), conceptualized through the five Vs (volume, variety, velocity, veracity and value), influences business relationships (BR) and sustainable performance (SP) in Mexican manufacturing firms and how absorptive capacity (AC) shapes these effects. Design/methodology/approach Survey data from 304 manufacturing firms were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings BD enhances BR and SP. BR positively affects SP, and AC acts as a critical dynamic capability that amplifies the impact of BD. Firms with strong AC derive superior strategic, relational and sustainability benefits from BD, while those with weak AC gain less advantages. Research limitations/implications The study focuses on a single-country context and the 5Vs framework. Future studies should test the model across industries and economies and consider additional moderators such as digital organizational culture or institutional pressures. Practical implications Policymakers and business leaders should prioritize BD adoption and invest in AC development. This will enhance collaboration and enable data-driven strategies that support environmental and social goals in manufacturing. Grounded in the knowledge-based view and business ecosystem theory, the study advances theory showing that BD becomes a strategic knowledge asset when firms possess AC. AC enables the acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation of BD, turning raw data into knowledge that fosters collaboration and sustainability. This highlights the co-evolution of digital and learning capabilities as drivers of sustainable competitiveness. Originality/value This study contributes to the knowledge-based view and business ecosystem Theory by integrating digital and relational capabilities into a framework for sustainable performance. It offers empirical evidence from an emerging economy, providing insights relevant for both researchers and practitioners in digital transformation and sustainability.

Purpose Service failure and recovery in platform economy is under-researched. This study aims to investigate how aggregators’ recovery actions impact customer satisfaction, negative word-of-mouth (nWOM) and repurchase disinclination when service failures are caused by actual service providers (ASPs). Design/methodology/approach Using three studies (one retrospective sampling-based survey, one experiment and one post hoc qualitative interview) based on a total sample size of 596 respondents we validated our proposed model. Findings Compensation improves satisfaction but weakens with punitive actions. Aggregator efforts moderate these effects, reducing nWOM. Complaint motivations differ by issue severity, influencing satisfaction, repurchase disinclination and platform perceptions in unique ways. Research limitations/implications This study advances service recovery research by highlighting triadic responsibility attribution, the ambivalent role of punitive actions and cognitive reframing through aggregator efforts. It extends justice theory in platform ecosystems, emphasizes severity-contingent complaint outcomes and challenges the satisfaction–repurchase link, offering a comprehensive justice-based framework for aggregator-mediated service failures. Practical implications Aggregators must balance compensation with visible yet empathetic punitive actions, especially in severe service failures. Transparent recovery efforts can curb nWOM even if satisfaction declines. However, overcompensating or excessive interventions may erode trust and deter repurchase. Tailoring recovery strategies by issue severity is vital for sustaining customer relationships. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is probably the only study that focuses on the comparative effectiveness of various recovery strategies in a platform economy context where ASP is responsible for service failure.

Recent studies of ecosystems have generated important theoretical insights into how multiple actors can collaborate to address major sustainability challenges. However, few scholars have been able to create a real impact in terms of new ecosystem practices, tools, or other artifacts. Almost all research on (sustainable) ecosystems is largely descriptive and explanatory in nature. This generates a deep understanding of how extant ecosystems address sustainability challenges, but also undermines the capability to (co)create real changes. In this essay, I therefore make a case for adopting design science (DS), as a generic methodology, in the quest for actionable knowledge and solutions which advance the practice as well as the theory of ecosystems. The DS approach is illustrated with the development of the ecosystem pie model (EPM), a tool for mapping and analyzing innovation ecosystems. The EPM project demonstrates that the direct engagement of DS research with practice helps to weed out unproductive lines of thinking about ecosystems, especially those that cannot be operationalized into actionable tools. Moreover, it implies an innovation ecosystem is best defined as a collaboration between interdependent actors searching for a shared value proposition that any actor alone cannot accomplish.

China has become the country with the largest and fastest-growing elderly population globally. Objective: The study aimed to analyze the independent influences on elderly care satisfaction in China and provide a reference for optimizing the long-term care service system. Methods: Data related to 2728 older adults aged 65 years and older were selected from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey 2018. The exploration of factors influencing elderly care satisfaction was conducted through generalization based on the social ecosystem theory. Single-factor analysis and hierarchical logistic regression analysis methods were utilized. Results: 1427 older adults expressed incomplete satisfaction with the care they received. At the micro, meso, and macro levels, older adults with caregivers who were willing and able to provide good care (OR = 4.699, 95%CI = 2.140–10.318), with mild disability (OR = 2.429, 95%CI = 1.933–3.053) or complete self-care ability (OR = 2.022, 95%CI = 1.508–2.711), having a better self-rated financial status (OR = 1.715, 95%CI = 1.436–2.049), residing in the city (OR = 1.683, 95%CI = 1.307–2.167), and living in communities that provided daily care services (OR = 1.540, 95%CI = 1.175–2.019) were more likely to be satisfied with the care they received. (P < .05). Conclusions: There is an imbalance between the supply and demand for the care of older adults. We can enhance care satisfaction among older adults by improving their self-care capabilities, refining caregiver support policies, and optimizing community service systems.

BackgroundSocial isolation is a major problem for older adults. Increasing evidence suggests that perceived social isolation is linked to adverse physical and mental health outcomes among older adults. There is still a lack of qualitative interviews with Chinese community-dwelling older adults regarding social isolation. Guided by the Social Ecosystem Theory, this study aimed to explore community-dwelling older adults’ experiences of social isolation, the reasons why social isolation occurred, and the help they wished to receive.MethodsThis research was a descriptive qualitative study based on semi-structured face-to-face interviews, conducted in Zhengzhou, China. Used maximum variation and purposive sampling, 16 older adults were recruited from five communities. The qualitative study was guided by Husserl’s descriptive phenomenology and followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method with the support of the qualitative data analysis software NVivo 12.0.ResultsA total of 16 interviews were completed. Five themes were identified: 1) Experiences of Social Isolation; 2)Micro systems: Personal factors that produce social isolation; 3)Mezzo systems: Social support network factors that produce social isolation; 4)Macro systems: Environmental factors that produce social isolation; 5)Desired assistance.ConclusionsCommunity-dwelling older adults faced various challenges associated with social isolation. Social isolation in community-dwelling older adults stems from interconnected personal, familial, and environmental factors, often leading to negative emotional experiences. Multistakeholder collaboration—engaging individuals, families, communities, and policymakers—can help reduce social isolation and support emotional well-being.

Against the backdrop of the deep evolution of the digital economy and accelerated industrial transformation, the integration of industry and education has become a critical pathway to align the education of finance and economics majors with the needs of the economic society. However, current school-enterprise cooperation still faces structural challenges, such as the difficulty in reconciling educational logic with business logic, obstructed resource flows, and inefficient operational mechanisms. Based on ecosystem theory and resource orchestration theory, this study constructs a new model of school-enterprise cooperation for finance and economics majors with "value co-creation and ecological symbiosis" as its core concepts. It proposes a "platform-module" structural design and systematically elaborates on its implementation pathways, as well as effectiveness assurance mechanisms that include governance coordination, dynamic resource allocation, and closed-loop evaluation. This research provides a theoretical framework and practical reference for promoting the high-quality transformation of finance and economics education.

Purpose This paper examines the role of cyber-attackers as a critical social force within the cybersecurity service ecosystem. We propose a conceptual framework that integrates attackers into the traditional service triad, reframing them as attackers who influence value co-creation and service dynamics within the cybersecurity industry, particularly in the context of Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CSaaS). We conclude that cyber-attackers represent agents of “value sabotage,” a novel concept that captures how threat actors reshape service dynamics. Design/methodology/approach The study draws on a review of service management and cybersecurity literature, complemented by case studies of notable cyber-attacks. Building on service-dominant logic and ecosystem theory, a conceptual framework is developed, positioning attackers as influential disruptors within the CSaaS ecosystem. Findings The findings reveal attackers as adversarial social forces driving innovation and adaptation in the CSaaS ecosystem. An analysis of their motivations and strategies reveals how their actions compel organizations and service providers to prioritize resilience and defensive value co-creation. In turn, attackers' actions “sabotage” the value co-creation process. Our proposed framework demonstrates a transition from dyadic to triadic service interactions, incorporating attackers as critical agents. Research limitations/implications Future research could explore the generalizability of this framework across other industries and more specific comparisons between value sabotage and value co-destruction. Additional social forces could also be considered, such as regulators and end-customers (pentadic model). Practical implications The findings underscore the need for organizations to adopt adaptive service strategies that prioritize resilience, threat anticipation and collaboration to counter cyber-attacks. Originality/value This paper uniquely positions attackers as active contributors to the service ecosystem, extending service theory and challenging conventional notions of value co-creation in service management through the novel concept of “value sabotage.” Framing attackers as malicious orchestrators of disruption, our work offers a new lens to understand how threat actors shape service design, resilience and co-creation strategies in digitally mediated service environments.

It is with great pleasure that we present the Proceedings of the 2025 International Conference on Social Sciences and Cultural Studies (ICSSCS 2025). This volume collects a selection of pioneering research papers presented at the conference, held from October 17 to 19, 2025, in the historic city of Athens, Greece—a cradle of Western civilization and a fitting backdrop for dialogues that seek to understand the complexities of human society and culture. The diverse scholarship contained within these pages reflects the interdisciplinary and dynamic nature of contemporary social sciences and cultural studies. The contributions in this proceeding traverse a wide spectrum of critical topics, demonstrating a shared commitment to addressing pressing issues in education, psychology, family dynamics, and societal transformation. The collection opens with innovative explorations in pedagogy, examining the application of drama in secondary school English classes and the predictive factors of English reading anxiety among university students. It then moves to the vital realm of mental health, presenting empirical research on the practical effects of art therapy for student anxiety. Further deepening the psychological inquiry, one study proposes the novel concept of "Meta-Integration" to deconstruct the psychological mechanisms of game addiction. Shifting focus to the fundamental unit of society, this volume includes research grounded in Family Ecosystem Theory, analyzing the factors that shape sibling relationships in two-child families. Finally, the scope expands to a macro-cultural and societal level with a literary analysis that draws profound educational implications from a narrative of social transformation in Bulgaria. We extend our deepest gratitude to the authors whose rigorous research and insightful perspectives form the core of this publication. Our sincere thanks also go to the dedicated program committee members and reviewers for their invaluable efforts in ensuring the quality and integrity of the scholarship presented here. It is our firm belief that the research contained in this proceeding will not only contribute valuable knowledge to the academic community but will also inspire further inquiry, collaboration, and positive impact across the multifaceted fields of social sciences and cultural studies.

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurial ecosystems are powerful engines of regional innovation, competitiveness, and transformation. While established hubs like Silicon Valley and Shenzhen are well studied, identifying emerging ecosystems with high growth potential remains a challenge. This study introduces the Surge Ecosystems Index, a forward-looking tool for detecting surging entrepreneurial activity at the sub-regional level. The index evaluates six dimensions – Innovation Capacity, Capital Fluidity, Skills Development, Market Reach, Entrepreneurial Culture, and Visibility – over a five-year period. Using Italian provinces (NUTS-3) as the empirical context, we integrate official statistics and web-scraped data to construct and validate the index. Results reveal geographical heterogeneity, with several provinces showing strong upward momentum despite not being traditional entrepreneurial hotspots. The index correlates positively with high-growth firm density, confirming its potential as an early-stage detection tool for policymakers and investors. This study advances entrepreneurial ecosystem theory by integrating temporal and micro-foundational perspectives, shifting from static assessments to dynamic, predictive analysis. The Surge Ecosystems Index offers a novel approach to identifying and supporting emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems, with implications for both research and policy. Future work should explore cross-contextual validation and refinement for broader applicability.

The pathway to energy savings requires coordination of technological progress and policy implementation. Specific factors are needed to bridge cross-disciplinary conversations within just one system. Regional public digital infrastructure and enterprises’ environmental management capabilities are incorporated into a research framework on digitalization and energy savings based on the theory of digital ecosystems. A cross-level moderating model is constructed using data from 2014 to 2022 for 650 Chinese enterprises listed in the manufacturing industry to examine the impact of various digital technologies on energy savings, moderating effect of digital infrastructure and the constraint effect of environmental management systems (EMSs). Artificial intelligence and big data are found making more notable contributions to enterprise energy savings than cloud computing and block chain. For every doubling of a region's digital infrastructure level, the energy-saving effect of local enterprises’ digitalization increases by three times. Digitalization facilitates energy savings for enterprises while digital infrastructure helps overcome limitations associated with insufficient digitalization capabilities. Digitalization significantly affects energy consumption only in enterprises with EMSs, confirming digitalization as an effective energy-saving tool when the enterprise acquires environmental management capabilities.

PurposesThe aim of this study was to deeply explore and elucidate the factors that trigger moral distress in dementia nursing staff based on society ecosystems theory (SET), to provide a theoretical basis for alleviating the experience and severity of moral distress among dementia nursing staff.MethodsThis study was a mixed-methods systematic review that searched eight electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Scopus. And we searched the literature from 1984 until June 2025. Studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on factors that contribute to moral distress in dementia nursing staff. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and data were analyzed and synthesized to extract relevant themes.FindingsThe study identified 21 studies that categorized factors contributing to moral distress as macro (nursing staff prevalent issues, dementia nursing staff specific issues), mezzo (relationships with others, caregiving conflicts), and micro (individual differences, conflicting values, psychological imbalances, or feelings of distress).ConclusionsMoral distress among dementia nursing staff is driven by dementia symptoms, artificial nutritional issues, resource constraints, and caregiving conflicts. Synergistic interventions can be made at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. However, systematic interventions for dementia nursing staff are currently inadequate, and effective and sustainable interventions need to be developed in clinical practice in the future.