Key Actions Research Articles

Identifying key factors and actions: Initial steps in the Open Science Policy Design and Implementation Process

The coronavirus pandemic has illustrated the lack of a holistic approach in implementing Open Science (OS), leading to an inability to fully utilise its potential to inform prompt, evidence-based policy responses. In this view, this study aims to identify and categorise the factors influencing the adoption of OS and proposes possible actions for decision-makers to develop relevant policies. To achieve this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 experts from Australia, France, the Netherlands, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States as well as eminent international entities. During the interviews, they were asked to answer a range of questions that emerged from a systematic literature review. The responses were coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach. This led to the identification of four thematic clusters, containing a total of 24 factors that can either enable or inhibit OS practices, namely, (a) external; (b) institutional and regulatory; (c) resource-related; and (d) individual and motivational. Drawing upon Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development framework, we also propose a conceptual model that integrates these factors, accompanied with corresponding actions, into a tangible process of OS policy design and implementation.

Creating a shared mental model of performance: Coaches’ perspectives of key position-specific soccer actions

Important decisions surrounding talent identification (TID), talent development (TD) and (de)selection within elite youth soccer are often grounded in the subjective opinions of coaches. These opinions often stem from coaches’ observations of player performance, which have been shown to be susceptible to several biases. Additionally, previous research has failed to establish specific criteria on which such opinions are based, aside from a coach's own intuition and practical experience. This study aimed to create a communal language and aligned criteria for the specific purpose of evaluating players’ performances. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with nine experienced coaches (13.6 ± 10.8 years) from a professional UK soccer academy to identify coaches’ perceptions of key position-specific soccer actions, performed during differing moments of the game, for evaluating individual match performance. Thematic analysis of the interview data permitted the extraction of several themes , posited to encompass the position-specific soccer actions highlighted by the coaches. Themes for outfield positions included attacking skills; defending skills; movements to receive, create or exploit space; receiving and releasing skills; support play; end product; press, recover to the ball, man or space; and tactical understanding. Goalkeeper themes included tactical understanding, positioning relative to the ball, danger, teammates and opponents, play forward, support play, choice of action and range of distribution. This study highlights an applied approach of creating a shared mental model for appraising player performances, which can facilitate discussion and knowledge exchange between coaches and practitioners, with the intention of improving decision-making around TID, TD and (de)selection decisions.

Understanding the complex systems of climate change and NCDs: A Causal Loop Diagram

Abstract Background WHO has identified climate change as one of the greatest health threats of the 21st century. At the same time, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer, are the leading cause of death globally and in the WHO European Region, are responsible for around 90% of deaths and 84% of years lived with disability each year. However, the complex relationships between climate change and NCDs are not well understood. Methods The aim of this research was to identify, discuss and map the linkages between factors and policy actions designed to prevent NCDs and address climate change. Objectives included to: discuss and clarify the pathways of how NCDs and climate change relate to each other and the co-benefits to addressing both using Group Model Building methods; to identify key multi-sectoral actors and priority actions for international collaboration and national responses to NCDs and climate change. We co-designed and created a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) with local stakeholders, following the principles of Group Model Building. Results 29 participants were involved in the workshop included WHO staff and experts in NCD prevention and/or climate change and health and health emergencies. The CLD was meaningful to the stakeholders as a consensual and co-produced understanding of the problem, as well as forming the basis of a tool to explore the future impact on how sectoral and multi-sectoral public policies to address these complex challenges are shaped and implemented. Participants identified a range of priority actions that, in their view, could impact and help reshape the system and influence NCDs and climate change in Europe. Conclusions The CLD was reflective of the various stakeholders’ experience, knowledge, perceptions, and views about the factors, and the inter-relationships between these factors, by which climate change influences NCDs and NCD risk factors in Europe. Key messages • Climate change is one of the greatest threats of the 21st century. • Systems thinking approaches can help identify ‘win-win’ solutions to complex issues.

10.E. Round table: Public health and climate change: a litigation toolkit for public health practitioners

Abstract Climate change is recognised as a public health emergency and one of the most significant challenges to the public's and the planet's health. The health impacts are well documented by the IPCC (1990-2023), Lancet Countdown (2015-2022) and a significant and growing body of research. In the absence of practical, enforceable international sanctions, litigation to oblige governments and private actors to address pollution and other environmental harms has developed over decades and is a strong domain of legal policy and practice in many countries. Cases are increasingly taken to international courts and tribunals. Litigation is also now well-recognised as a tool and strategy for climate action. In addition to environmental harms, legal arguments are now referencing the health impacts on populations, including children and future generations. The public health community has a longstanding interest and expertise in measuring, monitoring and evaluating climate change and its impacts on the health of people and the planet. However public health professionals are often unaware of the opportunities offered by litigation in local, national and international courts and tribunals, of the crucial role and value of public health professionals in such processes, and of the importance of strategic partnerships with legal practitioners as part of strategies to tackle the climate emergency. This roundtable workshop will share research and activities of a collaboration between the EUPHA-LAW, the Faculty of Public Health (UK) and the Groningen Centre for Health Law (GCHL), in collaboration with Lancet Countdown, to explore options to build the capacity of the public health community to better understand and use litigation for climate action. The workshop will describe experience and learning in the development of a toolkit for public health practitioners to understand their key role and support such legal action, including with written and oral court evidence. The workshop will also provide an update on a survey in collaboration with the Environmental Health Working Group of the World Federation of Public Health Associations to assess global interest in the toolkit and how the content should reflect the needs of developing countries. Following discussions at the EPH Conference in Berlin in 2022 and the World Congress on Public Health in May 2023, in June 2023 the issues will be addressed at the International Conference on Strategic Litigation and Public Health in Liverpool, UK, co-hosted by EUPHA-LAW, GCHL, Liverpool University and other partners. Workshop presentations will report on the findings from the international Conference in Liverpool, address legal developments in international climate change litigation (including recent and current European Cases), the role of public health practitioners, and the draft toolkit. The capacity building needs of public health professionals and opportunities to disseminate the toolkit will also be discussed. Key messages • Public health practitioners are increasingly asked to testify about the health impacts of climate and environmental harms. Knowledge, skills and interdisciplinary collaboration must be strengthened. • The climate litigation toolkit will assist public health practitioners, environmental advocates, legal experts and affected communities to jointly use litigation to address human and planetary harms. Speakers/Panelists David Patterson University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands Farhang Tahzib Faculty of Public Health, Haywards heath, UK Scott Burris Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, USA Anya Gopfert University of Exeter, Exeter, UK Monica Brînzac EUPHAnxt

Co-benefiting people and planet: stewarding health resources to reduce waste and improve health

Abstract The health sector contributes 4-5% of global greenhouse emissions, with direct and indirect harms to people and the planet. Reducing health sector waste by stewarding health resources can reduce emissions, improve preventive and clinical services, reduce costs, and deliver numerous population health co-benefits. Sources of waste include overuse of energy and products (such as diagnostics, medications, consumables, devices), waste related to models of care (including over-diagnosis, unwarranted variation, and excess bed-days from avoidable admissions or not preventing disease or progression of disease), and human factors-related waste (such as duplication, delays, teamwork failure, adverse events and safety shortcuts). A health resource stewardship program commenced in our large regional referral health service (6500 staff) in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia in 2018. Staff commence training having identified a source of waste warranting attention, and receive mentoring over a four-month period to implement their solution; more than 300 have been trained to use improvement methods to reduce or eliminate wasteful practices. Successful initiatives include that removing a blood tube (for a test rarely required but often done) from a trolley halved its use and saved half the salary of the nurse who took the action. Training staff to recognise early sepsis halved admissions to the Intensive Care Unit and saved lives. Implementing pharmacist-led care via telehealth before a person's in-person cardiology appointment saved 16,275Kms and 4.5tonnes of carbon dioxide. People and the planet benefit from modest or broad action such as reducing printing, assuring prevention program quality and efficacy by co-designing with consumers, optimising effective screening in a high-risk population, and investment in programs such as telehealth or digital health records. Health resource stewardship can be done anywhere any day by anyone, and is a key climate action for health by the health sector. Key messages • The health sector produces greenhouse emissions which harm people and the planet. • Stewarding health resources can reduce emissions, reduce costs, and deliver numerous population health co-benefits.

Health and quality of life development plan: from theory to practice

Abstract In 2019, a decentralization process in Portugal transferred health governance competencies and autonomy from central to municipal level. Despite empowering local authorities to shape health policies and strategic partnerships, municipalities turned to academia for public health planning expertise. This work depicts how the National School of Public Health devised a Health and Quality of Life Development Plan for one such municipality. A two-stage approach was used. Firstly, a comprehensive overview of population health status and determinants was produced. It involved analysing local and national legal frameworks and worldwide strategic literature; assessing sociodemographic, economic, environmental and health indicators; questioning residents and key stakeholders; and city council and local health authorities working sessions. Secondly, detailed strategies were laid out to address specific health needs and determinants. It involved analysing similar municipal plans; selecting priority health actions; and designing evidence-based interventions with target, timeline, estimated resources and outcomes measures. The authors built and applied a public health planning methodology, resulting in a profound health diagnosis. Public and stakeholder scrutiny ensured prioritization of key action areas and effective working pathways in strategic planning were introduced. Furthermore, evidence-based actions adapted to local capacity, budget and resources were presented. Outputs range from health literacy sessions in schools to contingency plans for public health emergencies. Health governance responsibilities’ redefinition evidenced a knowledge gap and drove the need to consult academia to develop evidence-based health policies. By creating this methodology, the authors defined strategic pillars and tailored operational recommendations for municipalities, which rely on ongoing indicator monitoring and, ultimately aim to improve population health through concerted efforts. Key messages • The decentralization of health competencies granted local autonomy in shaping health policies. To support decision and policy-making, a comprehensive tool for health diagnosis assessment was designed. • The need for a concerted local action with definition of territorialized development strategies, highlights the value of a deep connection between decision-makers and academia as a consulting entity.

Decarbonizing healthcare sector: from a review to a framework of practical solutions

Abstract Background and objectives Climate change is one of the biggest health threats facing humanity. It can be considered as a syndemic, interacting with social determinants of health and pre-existing chronic conditions, exacerbating their effects on human health. Healthcare sector should play a key role in mitigating the climate crisis considering its mission of protecting and promoting health. Despite this, its climate footprint is equivalent to 4.4% of global net carbon emissions, making it a major contributor to the climate crisis. In this context, healthcare sector needs to lead the way to the net zero carbon emissions. The aim of this paper is to identify key actions for reducing the carbon footprint of the healthcare system and develop a framework for emission reduction actions. Methods The study consists of two phases: i) conduction of a rapid review of the literature, through which studies on healthcare carbon footprint published worldwide until April 2022 will be collected, screened by title and abstract and analysed; ii) identification of hubs as main causes for CO2 emissions and development of a framework for adopting practical solutions aimed at carbon reduction actions. Results From the rapid review of the literature 747 records have been retrieved. Of this, 21 have been selected after screening by title and abstract. Conclusions The climate crisis is increasingly compromising human health, so urgent actions are needed. As the healthcare system contribution to the climate crisis is expected to increase in the next years, efforts must be undertaken to mitigate this and become sustainable and climate-smart. Healthcare system and healthcare professionals should be the ones leading the front by reducing its own pressures to climate. The entire scientific community is called to recognise this issue as a high priority. Key messages • Climate crisis as a high priority for healthcare professionals. • Development of a framework for carbon reduction actions.

The impact of monetary policy during the legal regime of martial law on the Ukrainian labor market

The purpose of this research is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the monetary policy influence during the period of martial law on the state of the labor market and welfare of the population in Ukraine. The article examines the effects of military actions on the workforce, employment sectors, and briefly outlines the key actions taken by the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) to stabilize the macroeconomic situation in the country, mitigate inflationary pressure, and counter capital outflows.Based on available statistical data and expert assessments of the labor market in Ukraine following the full-scale invasion, the effectiveness of monetary mechanisms, including the temporary shift from inflation targeting to exchange rate fixing, was analyzed. The conducted analysis confirmed that despite timely adaptive changes in monetary policy by the regulator, the effectiveness of the monetary transmission mechanism during wartime remains low. The decline in real production, reduced confidence in the national currency, and the initiation of government spending financed through monetary emission resulted in an excess liquidity situation in the economy, leading to diminished effectiveness of the monetary transmission mechanism. As a result, controlling inflation levels and inflation expectations during the period of martial law cannot be fully ensured by the National Bank of Ukraine.Moreover, the analysis of forced emigration dynamics during the Russian invasion also revealed that high uncertainty levels deter refugees from returning to Ukraine and incentivize them to spend earned income in host countries. Despite the unprecedented wave of emigration, the increase in private remittances from abroad remains marginal. Thus, a priority task for the government should be to develop strategies of financial and social incentives to encourage the return of the working population and facilitate Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
 JEL classіfіcatіon: E58, F24, G28, J21

Pandemic housing policies: mitigation strategies and protection of rights

ABSTRACT A housing crisis was already plaguing communities long before the COVID-19 pandemic began, further accelerating the need for effective housing solutions. Building on a critical examination of government housing policy responses to support households keep their homes during the pandemic, this article reviews and documents the housing policies implemented in the context of the health crisis to protect vulnerable populations, in addition to some of the gaps found in those policies. Using data from OECD countries, the article explores the key actions implemented as a springboard to argue that a) governments were only able to swiftly enact those policies because they were temporary measures in response to a time-limited crisis, and b) that those Covid-related pandemic measures fail to address the deep-rooted structural inadequacies of housing systems. While demonstrating the added value and possibilities of such housing solutions, the study further argues that pandemic-oriented housing solutions could provide an opportunity to reconsider housing objectives that some governments deemed impossible or impracticable before the COVID-19 health crisis. The study suggests that countries should champion investments in affordable housing and convert their impetus for short-term coronavirus changes into fairer, more inclusive and longer-term housing protections.

Degradation of Mechanical Properties of A-PET Films after UV Aging.

In 2018, the European Commission adopted the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, which outlines key actions to reduce the negative impact of plastic pollution. The strategy aims to expand plastic recycling capacity and increase the proportion of recycled materials in plastic products and packaging. Using recycled plastic can save 50-60% energy compared to virgin plastic. Recycled PET can be used in the production of A-PET films, which are predominantly used in thermo-vacuum forming for food packaging. Storage conditions can influence the mechanical properties of polymer materials. This work presents changes in the mechanical properties of A-PET films after UV irradiation. An experimental investigation of the UV aging of A-PET films was conducted in a UV aging chamber. The specimens were exposed to a UV radiation dose rate of 2.45 W/m2 for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 h. UV measurements were also taken on a sunny day to compare the acceleration of UV irradiation in the UV aging chamber. Mechanical tensile tests were performed on two different three-layer A-PET films (100% virgin and 50% recycled). The tensile strength and relative elongation of the A-PET films were determined, and the work required to break the film was calculated. The total consumed work was divided into the work needed for elastic and plastic deformations. A study of the UV aging of A-PET films confirmed a significant effect on the films, including a loss of plasticity even after brief exposure to solar irradiance. The results of the puncture impact test further confirmed the deterioration of the mechanical properties of A-PET material due to exposure to UV radiation, with a greater effect observed for the recycled material.

An evidence-informed policymaking (EIPM) competency profile for the Brazilian Health System developed through consensus: process and outcomes

BackgroundEvidence-informed policymaking (EIPM) requires a set of individual and organizational knowledge, skills and attitudes that should be articulated with background factors and needs. In this regard, the development of an EIPM competency profile is important to support the diagnosis, planning and implementation of EIPM.PurposeTo present the process and outcomes of the development of an EIPM competency profile by an expert committee, to be applied in different contexts of the Brazilian Health System.MethodsA committee of experts in EIPM shared different views, experiences and opinions to develop an EIPM competency profile for Brazil. In six consensus workshops mediated by facilitators, the committee defined from macro problems to key actions and performances essential for the competency profile. The development steps consisted of: (1) Constitution of the committee, including researchers, professionals with practical experience, managers, and educators; (2) Development of a rapid review on EIPM competency profiles; (3) Agreement on commitments and responsibilities in the processes; (4) Identification and definition of macro problems relating to the scope of the competency profile; and (5) Outlining of general and specific capacities, to be incorporated into the competency profile, categorized by key actions.ResultsThe development of the EIPM competency profile was guided by the following macro problems: (1) lack of systematic and transparent decision-making processes in health policy management; (2) underdeveloped institutional capacity for knowledge management and translation; and (3) incipient use of scientific evidence in the formulation and implementation of health policies. A general framework of key actions and performances of the EIPM Competency Profile for Brazil was developed, including 42 specific and general key actions distributed by area of activity (Health Management, Scientific Research, Civil Society, Knowledge Translation, and Cross-sectional areas).ConclusionsThe competency profile presented in this article can be used in different contexts as a key tool for the institutionalization of EIPM.

Preparation and Mercury Removal Performance of Mg-MOF-74 Composites

A metal–organic framework (MOF) material Mg-MOF-74 was prepared by a solvothermal method, and the influence of the solvent volume and mass–liquid ratio on the preparation process was investigated. Based on the iron-based modified biochar FeCeCu/BC obtained by the sol–gel method, functionalized modified MOF-based biochar composites were prepared by the physical mixing method, co-pyrolysis method, sol–gel method and in situ growth method. The mercury removal performance and structural characteristics of the samples were studied, and the adsorption mechanism and key action mechanism were studied by using the adsorption kinetic model. Increasing the solvent volume and the mass liquid ratio will make the crystallization and pore structure of Mg-MOF-74 worse and its mercury removal performance poor. For MOF-based FeCeCu/BC composites, the mercury removal performance of the composite samples prepared by the sol–gel method and co-pyrolysis method is the best, at 31% and 46% higher than that of modified biochar, respectively. Mg-MOF-74 plays a role in promoting pyrolysis and changing the pore structure in the composite. The mercury removal process of composite materials is the result of physical adsorption and chemical adsorption, external mass transfer and internal diffusion.

Planning traffic surveillance in Spain: How to optimize the management of police resources to reduce road fatalities

Although traffic police enforcement is widely recognized as a key action in the road safety field, it can be a costly policy to implement. In addition, governments often impose budget constraints that can limit the resources available for activities such as law enforcement and surveillance. To evaluate the impact of human traffic control resources planning on traffic fatalities on Spanish NUTS-3 regions interurban roads, this paper uses an econometric model to investigate the performance of police enforcement intensity by focusing on two crucial traffic law infractions (i.e., speeding and drunk driving). After controlling for a range of economic, demographic, climate, and risk exposure variables, results highlight the relevance of visible, human, and in-person traffic law enforcement through regular vehicle patrols for reducing traffic crashes, with a non-significant effect of automatic enforcement. Our findings have important implications for traffic police resource management regarding the effective maintenance of patrol cars and plans to digitalize and automatize police administrative tasks and procedures.

The 7 C’s framework for participatory action research: inducting novice participant-researchers

ABSTRACT A key aspect of engaging in a large participatory action research (PAR) project is ensuring that novice participant-researchers have a general understanding of the PAR methodology. Lead researchers experienced in action research cannot expect novice participant-researchers to engage fully with the literature on PAR, but rather need a simple way to ensure their collaborative partners understand the research process they have committed to. This paper presents ‘The 7Cs of Participatory Action Research’ framework, a clear model that both novice action researchers and participant-researchers could use as a starting point for identifying key action research experts and identifying their own unique PAR approach relevant to their context. The framework provides a brief overview of the literature related to each concept and poses a series of questions that can inform the planning phase of the research so that participant-researchers can visualise putting PAR methodology into practice.

Two strategies used by local intersectoral networks to create healthier environments: a cross-case analysis in the Montreal urban setting

ABSTRACT Action aimed at developing healthier living conditions requires intersectoral collaboration, both across sectors and between levels of government. It also calls for the commitment of political and institutional authorities at municipal and higher levels. This article focuses on strategies of local intersectoral networks rooted in civil society for addressing living conditions. A longitudinal cross-case analysis was performed on eight case studies in Montreal (Canada). Data sources include 1445 documents and 41 interviews. Case studies were analyzed based on a theoretical framework focusing on critical events and a repertoire of transitional outcomes (TOs) that local intersectoral networks mobilised in order to produce change. The analysis focussed on the distribution of TOs in each case. Two types of strategies were identified. The Do It strategy relied primarily on acquiring resources as well as expanding and strengthening networks and projects. In this strategy, networks held the key decision-making and action levers to drive projects by themselves. In contrast, the Make It Happen strategy was mainly constructed around actions that led to self-representation and influencing others. In this strategy, networks held certain levers – such as mobilizing their citizen and community bases – but they also had to convince decision-makers to support action. This article describes and compares the key features of these two types of action strategies for local change.

Federal maternal task force to increase care, reduce stigma

Observing the need to address this country's maternal mental health crisis, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last month announced the formation of a new federal task force and other key actions that include the launch of a national public education campaign to combat stigma.

Exploration of the potential mechanism of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in osteoarthritis treatment by using network pharmacology and molecular dynamics simulation

In this study, the active ingredients of 15 Chinese herbal medicines of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction and their corresponding targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. The microarray data of Osteoarthritis (OA) were obtained through the GEO database for differential analysis and then a drug target-OA-related gene protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established. The potential targets of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in the treatment of OA were acquired by intersecting the OA-associated genes with the target genes of active ingredients. Random walk with restart (RWR) analysis of PPI networks was performed using potential targets as seed, and the top 50 genes of affinity coefficients were used as key action genes of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in the treatment of OA. A drug-active ingredient-gene interaction network was established. AKT1, a key target of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in the treatment of OA, was obtained by topological analysis of the gene interaction network. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics verified the binding of AKT1 to its corresponding drug active ingredients. CETSA assay demonstrated that the combination of luteolin and AKT1 increased the stability of AKT1, and the combination efficiency was high. In conclusion, the molecular mechanism of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in treating OA featured by multiple components, targets, and pathways had been further investigated in this study, which is of significance for discovering as well as developing new drugs for this disease. The findings can also offer personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with OA in clinical practice.

An investigation of data-driven player positional roles within the Australian Football League Women's competition using technical skill match-play data

Understanding player positional roles are important for match-play tactics, player recruitment, talent identification, and development by providing a greater understanding of what each positional role constitutes. Currently, no analysis of competition technical skill data exists by player position in the Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) competition. The primary aim of the research was to use data-driven techniques to observe what positions and roles characterise AFLW match-play using detailed technical skill action data of players. A secondary aim was to comment on the application of clustering methods to achieve more interpretable, reflective positional clustering. A two-stage, unsupervised clustering approach was applied to meet these aims. Data cleaning resulted in 165 variables across 1296 player seasons in the 2019–2022 AFLW seasons which was used for clustering. First-stage clustering found four positions following a common convention (forwards, midfielders, defenders, and rucks). Second-stage clustering found roles within positions, resulting in a further 13 clusters with three forwards, three midfielders, four defenders, and three ruck positional roles. Key variables across all positions and roles included the field location of actions, number of contested possessions, clearances, interceptions, hitouts, inside 50s, and rebound 50s. Unsupervised clustering allowed the discovery of new roles rather than being constrained to pre-defined existing classifications of previous literature. This research assists coaches and practitioners by identifying key game actions players need to perform in match-play by position, which can assist in player recruitment, player development, and identifying appropriate match-play styles and tactics, while also defining new roles and suggestions of how to best use available data.

Interrelationships among Tourism, Economic, and Environmental Time Series—The Case of Slovenia

This study examines the relationship between CO2 emissions and economic factors in the hospitality industry, covering the period from January 2000 to December 2021. The research findings reveal an association between prices, fiscal and monetary factors, and wages in the hospitality industry. CO2 emissions contribute to environmental degradation and are among the external variables. To test the validity of their hypotheses, the researchers employ the principal components analysis method, using two main components and new regressors to explain most of the variances in a sample of 18 variables. The study employs monthly time series data to explore the links between the variables in the hospitality industry. The study results reveal a connection between shocks during the analysed period and increased CO2 emissions. The period under review includes Slovenia’s European accession in 2004, adoption of the Euro in 2007, the financial crises in 2008/2009, economic expansion in the previous decade, and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of energy distortions. The study’s primary application involves processing 264 monthly observations, which provide an essential time series vector. The discussion section delves into the country’s sustainable tourism development concept, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Key Action 12.

Closing the Gap

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) plans and initiatives are at the forefront of many libraries’ strategic planning (Mallon, 2019). Efforts, big or small, such as mandatory all-staff EDI training sessions (Downers Grove Public Library, 2021), EDI focused patron programming, or simply promoting the local library as a place of opportunity for all (ALA, 2019), demonstrate the American Library Association (ALA)’s Core Values in practice (ALA, 2006). In fact, Diversity is one of eight key action areas that are used as guiding principles for investment of energies and resources (ALA, 2007). These key action areas represent priorities and clear focuses within the ALA’s own strategic plan (ALA, 2017), which serves to outline the organization's long-term goals and high-level outcomes (Hirsh, 2022). The ALA has historically promoted themselves as supporters, allies, and anti-racists, playing an important role in many libraries’ strategic plans and philosophies. But, despite libraries being regarded as the ‘most inclusive’ institutions in the United States (Jaeger, 2018), there appears to be internal and external gaps in truly achieving these EDI goals. It is necessary to further explore where these gaps are and propose solutions to ensure clearer action is being taken to support and highlight these strategies.