The rapid expansion of electronic waste (e-waste) has emerged as a critical global sustainability challenge, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bearing a disproportionate share of its environmental and health burdens. Large volumes of discarded electronics are processed through informal and weakly regulated systems that rely on manual dismantling, open burning, and crude material recovery, leading to widespread contamination of air, soil, water, and food systems. These environmental releases generate chronic exposure pathways that contribute to neurological, respiratory, reproductive, and developmental health risks, particularly among informal workers, women, and children. Using a narrative and conceptual review approach, this article synthesizes evidence across environmental science, public health, and circular economy literature to examine contamination pathways, human health impacts, and institutional constraints associated with e-waste management in LMICs. Building on this synthesis, we advance a health-embedded circular economy framework that integrates exposure reduction, equity, and governance into circular e-waste interventions. Our analysis demonstrates that circular strategies focused solely on material recovery are insufficient and may reproduce existing inequities if health protection is not treated as a core performance metric. Embedding public health considerations, social inclusion, and global responsibility into circular e-waste systems is essential for achieving sustainable and just transitions. Aligning e-waste governance with planetary health principles and the Sustainable Development Goals offers a pragmatic pathway to reduce environmental contamination, safeguard vulnerable populations, and transform e-waste from a public health liability into an opportunity for inclusive development in LMICs.

The progressive rollout of integrated STEM education and robotics in primary education in Spain make it necessary to reflect on issues affecting consistency of delivery and areas for improvement. This paper presents a systematic review of practices in Spain using the PRISMA 2020 protocol, analyses their theoretical and practical coherence in light of international scientific literature, and identifies what improvements may be needed. The results confirm the need to combine cooperative and collaborative learning with project-based learning and scientific inquiry, and to integrate the areas of mathematics and natural sciences through robot design, construction, and programming. In addition, more focus should be placed on the use of low-cost robotic resources, such as programming boards, and the development of educational inclusion through Universal Design for Learning.

Despite the growing importance of aquaculture in enhancing food security and livelihoods in Malawi, youth participation in the sector remains alarmingly low. This study explored the barriers limiting youth engagement in tilapia farming. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, data was collected between January and February 2022 from 102 respondents across Dowa and Mchinji districts in Central Malawi comprising both tilapia farming participating and non-participating youths. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining descriptive statistics, Garrett ranking, thematic analysis, and Probit regression to analyze socioeconomic factors and rank the severity of entry barriers. The findings revealed that participating youths were significantly older (29.0 vs. 26.0 years, p = 0.007), more likely to own land (73.2% vs. 36.1%), and had substantially higher access to extension services (92.7% vs. 21.3%), training (75.6% vs. 24.6%), and fish farmer clubs’ members (51.2% vs. 11.5%) than non-participants. Major deterrents included lack of capital (36.2%), high feed costs (34.5%), limited availability of quality fingerlings (35.3%), and poor access to profitable markets (23.2%). Cultural norms restricting land inheritance further constrained young women’s ability to own ponds or production assets. Access to extension services had the largest marginal effect, increasing the probability of participation by 71.5 percentage points. Membership in farmers’ clubs raised the likelihood by 43.9 points, land ownership by 54.4 points, and access to training by 52.2. Household size also had a significant positive influence, increasing the probability by 7.5 percentage points. The Garrett ranking analysis identified lack of capital and credit as the most severe barrier (78), followed by high feed costs (77) and lack of quality fingerlings (75). In contrast, water scarcity and disease outbreaks were ranked as less critical but still offered relevant challenges. The study concludes that structural, institutional and perceptual barriers must be addressed through targeted interventions such as youth inclusive policies, subsidized input schemes, expanded extension services and land access reforms. Additionally, enhancing financial literacy and creating youth-tailored financial products could increase participation. These insights are critical for policymakers, development partners, and private actors working to promote inclusive aquaculture development in Malawi and similar contexts across sub- Saharan Africa. Key words: Entry barriers, Malawi, Youths, Participation, Fish farming, Tilapia, Probit Regression Model

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.

Critical assessment of geriatric oncology guidelines based on the AGREE II tool.

Inclusive economic development remains a central policy objective for many developing and emerging economies, yet conventional financial systems have often failed to adequately address issues of inequality, financial exclusion, and poverty. Islamic finance, grounded in principles of risk-sharing, asset-backing, and social justice, offers an alternative framework that aligns closely with the goals of inclusive growth. This paper examines the role of Islamic finance in promoting inclusive economic development by analyzing its key instruments, institutional structures, and socio-economic objectives. Using a conceptual and analytical review of existing literature, the study explores how Islamic financial mechanisms such as zakat, waqf, sukuk, and profit-and-loss sharing contracts can enhance financial inclusion, support small and medium enterprises, and contribute to poverty alleviation. The paper further identifies major challenges facing the effective implementation of Islamic finance, including regulatory constraints, limited public awareness, weak institutional capacity, and governance issues. At the same time, it highlights emerging opportunities arising from financial technology, the Sustainable Development Goals, and policy reforms in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim countries. The paper concludes by offering policy implications for governments, regulators, and Islamic financial institutions to strengthen the contribution of Islamic finance to inclusive and sustainable economic development.

ABSTRACT Our study focuses on the relationship between the work ability, inclusion, and human resource development of disabled people. It also explores the determinants and outcomes of their work ability and researches the benefits of an inclusive human resource management of disabled people. The study provides four main contributions on disability inclusion. Firstly, it compares the determinants of the work ability of disabled and non-disabled people by analysing a huge dataset. The results are indicative of the need for an inclusive human resource management of disabled people. Secondly, we focus on the inclusion perceived by disabled people themselves. The self-perceived improved inclusion of disabled people improves their work ability. Thirdly, we adopt an interdisciplinary approach to disability, which contributes in developing a comprehensive human resource development framework aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities. Finally, our study explores the relationship between the work ability, inclusion, and human resource development of disabled people, examining the determinants and outcomes of their work ability. The improved work ability of disabled people leads to their improved employability, paving the way for disability inclusion in the workplace.

The main problem identified is the urban-centric road maintenance policy, where development is concentrated in the city centre for aesthetic purposes and preparation of Konawe as an industrial city and host of the 2026 MTQ. This gap creates marginalisation in remote areas such as Latoma and Asinua Districts. The main obstacles to development in the region include extreme geophysical characteristics and legal constraints on land located within protected forest areas. This policy paper aims to formulate strategic recommendations for local governments to achieve equitable and inclusive development. The methodology used is a study of regulatory references and literature, analysed using keyperson scoring and a logic model approach to evaluate program alignment. The study's results emphasise the need for breakthrough infrastructure policies that transcend urban boundaries to ensure equitable development and economic sustainability throughout Konawe Regency.

This article is based on the background of the digital transformation of sports, aiming to systematically sort out the innovative practices and integration paths of sports technology in multiple fields, in order to provide reference for promoting the development of sports research and application. The study first explains the inevitability of digital technology driving the paradigm transformation of sports science, and then constructs the core system of digital sports technology around four pillars: sports physiological and biochemical monitoring, intelligent intervention and health care, sports big data and artificial intelligence applications, and intelligent equipment and scene research and development. On this basis, the article combines special sports digitalization, emerging therapy applications, sports for special populations, and industrial ecology to analyze the current progress and challenges. Finally, countermeasures and suggestions are proposed from the aspects of strengthening top-level policy design, deepening the integration of industry, academia, and research, strengthening ethical and data governance, and promoting inclusive development, in order to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for building a higher-level public service system for national fitness and serving the Healthy China strategy.

This study aims to map and analyze the intellectual structure and research trends of community-based tourism (CBT) in developing countries through a bibliometric approach. Using publication data retrieved from the Scopus database, this research applies VOSviewer to examine keyword co-occurrence, overlay visualization, density mapping, co-authorship networks, institutional collaboration, and country collaboration patterns. The findings reveal that community-based tourism, tourism development, sustainability, and ecotourism represent the core themes shaping the field. Early research primarily focused on conservation and protected areas, while more recent studies emphasize poverty alleviation, stakeholder engagement, and local community empowerment within sustainable tourism frameworks. Collaboration analysis indicates that developed-country institutions still play a bridging role in global research networks, although emerging contributions from developing regions are becoming more prominent. Overall, this study highlights the multidisciplinary evolution of CBT research and identifies future research opportunities related to governance, institutional capacity, and inclusive tourism development strategies. The results provide valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to advance sustainable tourism initiatives in developing country contexts.

Sustainable tourism development has become a strategic agenda in China as the nation tries to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental and cultural conservation as well as social equity. This study examines the key challenges and emerging opportunities for achieving appropriate and sustainable tourism development in China. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with tourism policymakers, destination managers, community representatives, and tourism practitioners. Additionally, analysis of national tourism policies and sustainability frameworks was supplemented to explain what institutional and socio-cultural factors shaping tourism governance. The results indicate that there are four issues that are interdependent and connected: 1) A gap in policy implementation; 2) The pressure of carrying capacity of the environment; 3) The lack of participation of the community; and 4) Commercialization of cultural heritage. Although there is a high level of dedication at the central level to sustainability, the enforcement at the local level is not consistent because of economic pressures and fragmented governance. Nonetheless, the paper also reveals some emerging opportunities such as digital governance tools, eco-compensation systems and models of community-based tourism and its correspondence to the goal of carbon neutrality in China. In practice, the results inform policy makers and practitioners who want to improve the progress of economically viable, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive tourism development in rapidly changing China.

Yobe State in Nigeria, marked by socio-economic challenges such as climate variability and poor infrastructure, provides a compelling context for assessing poverty reduction strategies. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Northeast Arid Zone Development Program (NEAZDP) as a poverty alleviation strategy using 2023 cross-sectional household survey data from 322 households selected through a multi stage sampling technique. Data collection was carried out using a well-structured questionnaire coupled with interview schedules. The analysis employed both the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) poverty index and the Alkire-Foster multidimensional poverty index (MPI) to measure poverty. Results reveal that NEAZDP has had a significant impact on reducing both unidimensional and multidimensional poverty among participants. The proportion of beneficiaries below the poverty line decreased substantially during the program, although a slight increase was noted toward the program’s conclusion. Furthermore, multidimensional poverty levels among NEAZDP beneficiaries were significantly lower compared to those in spill-over and control groups, indicating improvements in access to education, healthcare, and income-generating opportunities. Despite these successes, the study identified persistent challenges in areas such as standard of living, empowerment, and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, NEAZDP has made notable progress in enhancing socio-economic conditions and social mobility in Yobe State. However, for its impact to be sustained, there is a need for continuous, targeted interventions and better policy integration. Strengthening these areas can help ensure the long-term success of poverty alleviation efforts and promote inclusive development across the region.

Given South Africa’s colonial legacy, which has displaced communities and restricted agricultural development, decolonising agricultural education is critical to promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Higher education institutions have a key role to play in reorienting agricultural education to equip graduates with contextualised knowledge and skills. While broader debates on the decolonisation of higher education are well established, agricultural education remains under-researched in this regard. Recognising the disciplinary diversity within universities, this study undertook a systematic review to identify practical strategies for decolonising agricultural education in South African higher education institutions. It explored how teaching, learning and research can be reconceptualised to reflect and respond to local realities, particularly the lived experiences of historically marginalised communities. The review was primarily based on literature from the Scopus database, supplemented by targeted, accredited articles selected according to a predefined screening strategy. The findings provide actionable insights for educators and policymakers that support the development of curricula and pedagogies that are both socially relevant and transformative. In doing so, the study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on decolonisation and provides a basis for rethinking agricultural education in a way that restores indigenous knowledge and promotes inclusive development.

The analysis of the well-being gender gap in the Italian provinces highlights the persistent socio-economic inequalities between men and women and the territorial differences in the distribution of well-being. In this study, a multidimensional statistical analysis of the well-being gender gap in the Italian provinces is proposed to identify latent structures and recurring territorial patterns. Using data from official sources such as Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) and in particular the report on “Equitable and Sustainable Well-being in Italy” (BES), a set of indicators was selected that represent three dimensions of well-being - Knowledge, Work and Wealth - disaggregated by gender. The study provides ideas for the design of targeted territorial policies that can address inequalities in an integrated way and promote more equitable and inclusive development at local level.

This study examines the role of Islamic bonds (Sukuk) in advancing financial markets, facilitating trade, and promoting inclusive economic development. Sukuk represent a Shariah-compliant alternative to conventional bonds, providing investment opportunities that adhere to Islamic principles while enabling efficient capital mobilization. The research employs a qualitative approach, analyzing literature, regulatory frameworks, and case studies of prominent Sukuk issuances across different markets. Key findings indicate that Sukuk enhance market liquidity, provide risk-sharing mechanisms, and support infrastructure and trade financing. Additionally, Sukuk contribute to inclusive development by enabling broader participation of investors, including those seeking ethical and Shariah-compliant investment options. However, challenges such as regulatory fragmentation, market standardization, and investor awareness limit their full potential. The study concludes that fostering regulatory harmonization, promoting transparency, and strengthening institutional capacity are critical for maximizing the economic and social impact of Sukuk in global financial markets.

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have become a pivotal component of India’s financial architecture, complementing the banking system by providing credit access to underserved and unbanked segments of the population. The period 2025–2026 marks a transformative phase for the NBFC sector, driven by digital lending innovations, fintech collaborations, telecom-based financial ecosystems, and strengthened regulatory oversight by the Reserve Bank of India (Reserve Bank of India, 2025; 2026). This study examines the structural evolution, economic role, regulatory framework, recent policy developments, and emerging risks within the NBFC sector. Using a descriptive and analytical research design based on secondary data from RBI reports, government publications, financial news sources, and academic literature, the study finds that NBFCs are transitioning into digitally integrated credit intermediaries that play a crucial role in financial inclusion, MSME financing, and infrastructure development (Mishra & Kumar, 2021; World Bank, 2022). However, the sector continues to face challenges related to liquidity risk, asset quality, governance, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity threats (Kaur & Singh, 2022; CRISIL, 2025). The paper concludes that NBFCs will remain central to India’s financial deepening and inclusive growth, provided that regulatory discipline, technological resilience, and governance frameworks are strengthened. Keywords: NBFC, Financial Inclusion, Digital Lending, RBI Regulation, Fintech, India, Credit Intermediation, MSME Finance.

India’s aspiration to emerge as a developed nation by 2047 (Viksit Bharat@2047) necessitates a deep and systemic transformation of its higher education ecosystem. While contemporary universities increasingly emphasize global rankings, technological advancement, and employability, ethical grounding, cultural continuity, and holistic human development often remain marginalized. This paper presents a conceptual and policy-oriented analysis of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), rooted in the ancient Gurukul tradition, as a viable framework for re-envisioning modern higher education. Drawing upon classical Indian philosophical traditions, historical institutions such as Takshashila and Nalanda, comparative global education models, and contemporary policy discourse particularly the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 the study proposes an integrative and scalable model for curriculum design, pedagogy, faculty development, research, and institutional culture. The paper argues that harmonizing indigenous epistemologies with global academic standards can cultivate ethical leadership, multidisciplinary competence, spiritual intelligence, innovation capacity, and social responsibility. Such an approach positions higher education as a catalyst for inclusive development, sustainable innovation, student well-being, and cultural self-confidence, thereby contributing substantively to the realization of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Aiming at the dynamic mechanism gap of financial technology innovation in the global digital transformation, this study focuses on the national big data comprehensive experimental zone policy, and explores its systematic impact on the development of financial technology through the three-dimensional path of resource allocation efficiency optimization, environmental supervision system reconstruction and technology integration intensity (TII) improvement. Based on the panel data of 279 prefecture-level cities in China from 2012 to 2024, this study innovatively adopts a framework integrating the Difference-in-Differences (DID) model and event study method. It controls for endogenous interference through instrumental variable methods and employs multi-level mediation tests to analyze the transmission mechanism. The empirical findings indicate that the construction of pilot zones significantly promotes the expansion of regional fintech enterprises, and this effect is statistically significant and continues to strengthen as the policy deepens; The verification of the three mechanisms shows that the policy forms a chain conduction by improving the efficiency of resource allocation, strengthening the efficiency of environmental supervision and promoting the quality of green innovation, especially promoting the “overtaking in corners” in underdeveloped areas. The research further reveals that the policy design should set the differential trigger threshold according to the endowment of regional digital base. It is recommended that indicators such as “freedom of cross-border data flow” and “distance of digital sovereignty systems” be included in the policy evaluation framework. These indicators can help promote a new paradigm of international digital governance that balances inclusive development and innovation-driven competition.

In the global world Indonesia’s strategic position as the world’s largest archipelagic state provides significant potential for developing a sustainable blue economy. However, geographical fragmentation, technological gaps, and socio-cultural diversity require development strategies that integrate technological innovation with local wisdom. This study aims to analyze strategies for utilizing local wisdom–based technology to strengthen the sustainable blue economy in the Indonesian archipelago. This research employs a qualitative literature review method, analyzing academic articles, government reports, and international publications published between 2015 and 2025. The findings indicate that integrating digital technologies with indigenous management systems—such as sasi laut, panglima laot, and awig-awig—enhances marine resource governance efficiency while preserving ecological sustainability and social legitimacy. This study concludes that synergy between technology and local wisdom is a key foundation for inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable blue economy development in archipelagic regions.

Access to timely and adequate credit is one of the most important drivers of business growth and economic development in emerging economies. In India, the credit system has gradually evolved from a bank-dominated structure to a diversified framework that includes non-bank financial companies (NBFCs) and policy-driven financing mechanisms. This study examines how these different sources of credit interact and influence the performance of India’s commercial sector. Using quarterly data from 2000 to 2024, the study applies econometric techniques such as unit root testing, Johansen cointegration, vector error correction modelling (VECM), and Granger causality analysis. The results indicate the existence of a stable long-run relationship between bank credit, NBFC credit, policy-driven credit, and commercial sector output. Bank lending remains the dominant driver, NBFCs act as flexible complementary lenders, and policy-based financing contributes to inclusive and sectoral development. The findings emphasise the need for a coordinated credit ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth, financial stability, and inclusive development in India