Key Opportunities Research Articles

Flowing Prosperity: Empowering Riverbank Communities in Rajshahi City

This study investigates strategies to enhance the quality of life for riverbank communities in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh, situated along the Padma River. A comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic, environmental governance, and community aspects, the study identifies key challenges and opportunities. By paying attention to the natural resources and cultural heritage of the riverbanks, the endeavor seeks to foster socio-economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Findings reveal pervasive socio-economic disparities, exacerbated by environmental degradation and governance shortcomings. The study also indicates that only 78% of inhabitants take the polio vaccine and the Body Mass Index shows 72% of people are under-weight. Despite these challenges, the study highlights community resilience, and the potential of grassroots initiatives to effect positive change. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated and participatory approaches to address the multifaceted issues facing riverbank communities. By prioritizing socio-economic equity, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment, it is possible to create inclusive and resilient communities along the riverbanks of Rajshahi City in Bangladesh. Through collaborative efforts including local stakeholders, governmental bodies, and non-profit organizations, the study creates opportunities for inclusive participation, enhances livelihoods, and promotes resilience against socio-economic challenges. The authors identify why these (River-bank people) cannot manage the sustainability of river ecosystems, health problems, and sustainable development, which advocates for a harmonious balance between social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Finally, a well-thought-out recommendation has been drafted by the authors.

The UK start-up ecosystem: Opportunities and Challenges

This paper analyses the key opportunities and challenges facing start-ups in the UK, with a focus on their geographical distribution, business sectors and funding stages. Using data from the PitchBook database, we conducted a quantitative analysis of UK start-ups. Our results show that London is a dominant hub for start-ups due to its advanced economic infrastructure and easy access to funding. Fintech, Foodtech and Supply Chain & Logistics are among the most important sectors in which UK start-ups operate. Analysis of the funding stage revealed that most start-ups are in the early stages of their development, highlighting the need for further support as they move into more advanced stages of growth. Furthermore, we found that most start-ups have a relatively small number of employees, which is typical of firms in the early stages of development. Based on our findings, we recommend detailed case studies of successful and unsuccessful start-ups, long-term monitoring of start-up development, comparative studies with other countries, and analysis of the impact of the regulatory environment. Research should also include the impact of technology and innovation, social and cultural factors, the role of educational institutions and incubation programmes, and the impact of Brexit on the start-up ecosystem. These proposals can provide valuable information for entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers seeking to support the growth and success of start-ups in the UK.

The Opportunities and Risks of Large Language Models in Mental Health.

Global rates of mental health concerns are rising, and there is increasing realization that existing models of mental health care will not adequately expand to meet the demand. With the emergence of large language models (LLMs) has come great optimism regarding their promise to create novel, large-scale solutions to support mental health. Despite their nascence, LLMs have already been applied to mental health-related tasks. In this paper, we summarize the extant literature on efforts to use LLMs to provide mental health education, assessment, and intervention and highlight key opportunities for positive impact in each area. We then highlight risks associated with LLMs' application to mental health and encourage the adoption of strategies to mitigate these risks. The urgent need for mental health support must be balanced with responsible development, testing, and deployment of mental health LLMs. It is especially critical to ensure that mental health LLMs are fine-tuned for mental health, enhance mental health equity, and adhere to ethical standards and that people, including those with lived experience with mental health concerns, are involved in all stages from development through deployment. Prioritizing these efforts will minimize potential harms to mental health and maximize the likelihood that LLMs will positively impact mental health globally.

Opportunities and limitations to environmental management system (EMS) implementation in UK small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – A systematic review

Human activity has been the primary driver of wicked problems that have resulted in the twinned climate and biodiversity crises, that must now urgently be addressed by all sectors of society. Such impacts are primarily driven by economic activity and how business is conducted. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) make up the majority of global and UK business with relatively unquantified environmental impact. The present study investigates how UK-based SMEs experience environmental management systems (EMS) – tools used to systematically identify the environmental impact of products and processes - to identify key opportunities and limitations to their implementation.Between 2000 and 2021 the topic has received a consistent, but low level of attention, with a marginal increase that coincides with the introduction of environment, social, and governance (ESG) requirements. The study synthesized the findings of 30 publications identified in a systematic review of literature that were comprised of case studies and review articles. Internal drivers for embarking on an EMS were resource use efficiency and cost-savings, and market advantage was a frequent external driver. Limitations were often more internal than external, and included inadequacies in human resource, knowledge and skill to undertake an EMS in house. Legal compliance featured as both a key internal and external driver, but a lack of mandate for EMS implementation and external (e.g., governmental) support were critical external limitations. Consequently, key focal areas to upscale the ambition of EMS for SMEs were the provision of guidance and training, as well as top-down pressure.Overall, there are increasing pressures upon the SME sector to improve their sustainability performance due to the trickle-down effect of stronger, international ESG related policy and legislation into the value chain and EMSs may offer an established framework to enable SMEs to move with larger corporates into a more sustainable future.

The new scarlet letter: Global challenges of motherhood in public administration programs and how we could solve them

AbstractMotherhood in academia remains vastly underrepresented in both developed and developing countries. Key career opportunities for women often coincide with childbearing and child‐rearing years, limiting their consideration for these positions. This underrepresentation diminishes academic mothers' ability to contribute meaningfully to public administration (PA) and development issues that deeply impact them. Using comparative administrative law, we develop a typology of environments academic mothers navigate, reflecting national and cultural differences. We investigate the historical, cultural, and structural factors perpetuating this inequity, highlighting biases and discrimination faced by academic mothers. Entrenched institutional structures and complacent cultural norms exacerbate their systemic oppression. Normalizing motherhood in academia, from graduate students to university presidents, requires new laws, policies, programs, and expectations that create strong legal protections and favorable institutional policies. We conclude with universal recommendations to transform academia into a more inclusive space for mothers, focusing on PA to address this pervasive issue.

The growth of nursing professional values - A grounded theory.

The formation of nursing professional values is crucial to the development of the nursing profession, but it is influenced by various factors. The process of shaping nursing professional values in different growth contexts has been overlooked. In order to establish professional values in the context of Chinese nursing, it is necessary to investigate the evolution of nursing professional values throughout history. To develop a theory of professional values growth from a nursing context. Design: This study adopted a grounded theory approach from Strauss and Corbin. From November 2021 to March 2022, a total of 33 participants were included. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview over telephone or online or face to face and were analysed using open, axial, and selective coding, with the help of MAXQDA 2020. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the China Medical University. All participants signed the informed consent and agreed to be interviewed before the study. The study has developed a theoretical construct of nursing professional values growth that consists of five dimensions: key aspects, decisive opportunities, drivers, embodiment, and shaping outcomes. And key aspects include four subcategories (the initial stage, the consciousness stage, the core stage, and the action stage). Decisive opportunities come from organisations and individuals. Drivers consist of social culture and self-trait, and embodiment covers two subcategories (humanism and ethical emotions). The last dimension is shaping outcomes, which consists of three subcategories (maintaining the original intention, professionalism, and instilling professional values). The theory demonstrates the individual development process of nursing professional values in different interactive contexts, the context of its interaction with social and personal values is revealed, and the dynamics and mechanisms of the formation of personal psychological qualities in professional values from a nursing context are discovered. This theory reveals the mechanisms that shape nursing professional values and can provide guidance for the growth of nursing students' professional values.

Nurses' Roles in Artificial Intelligence Implementation: Results from a Mixed-Methods Study.

We aimed to understand nursing informaticists' perspectives on key challenges, questions, and opportunities for the nursing profession as it prepares for an era of healthcare delivery enriched by artificial intelligence (AI). We found that nursing practice is currently, and will continue to be, directly influenced by AI in healthcare. Educating and training nurses so that they may safely and effectively use AI in their clinical practice and engage in implementation planning and evaluation will help overcome predicted challenges. Defining the key tenets of AI literacy for nurses and re-envisioning nursing models of care in the context of AI-enriched healthcare are important next steps for nursing informaticists. If embraced, AI has the potential to support the existing nursing workforce in the context of major shortages and augment the safe and high-quality care that nurses can deliver.

Green urban transition: interdisciplinary insights on green façades design in hot climates as one of crucial strategies for low-carbon development

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to present interdisciplinary insights on vertical green systems (VGS) design in hot climate zones. The approach to the VGS design proposed in this article combines architectural design, structural systems, green building and township development with sustainable urban farming, circularity, waste and water management. On the basis of in-depth study on green façade performance in hot climates, the authors identified methods derived from various fields of science which, when correctly combined, enable effective protection of plants against excessive solar radiation. The main finding of the research is the identification of the most effective combination of methods supporting healthy growth of the VGS. This set of solutions includes orientation of the façade to cardinal directions correlated with appropriate plants selection, shading strategies, such as passive and kinetic shields and organic fertilizers supporting plants’ resilience. The authors presented key challenges and opportunities of VGS application and discussed their role in the decarbonization process of the building sector. The multidisciplinary analysis of the state of knowledge highlighted areas that require further investigation, such as the practical implementation of proposed strategies and their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Graphical abstract

Surgery and Surgical Training Prior to Graduate Medical Education: A Blue Ribbon Committee II, Medical Student Education Subcommittee Report.

To update and add to the first report commissioned by the Blue Ribbon Committee about 20 years prior. Following a summit in late 2022 commissioned by the American Board of Surgery regarding competency-based reforms in surgical education and via a partnership with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and other stakeholders, a Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC-II) on surgical education was formed. The BRC-II would have seven subcommittees. This paper details the work of the Medical Student Subcommittee within the BRC- II. The subcommittee's work, supported by staff from the ACS, entailed a thorough literature review, which involved collating and aggregating the findings, identifying key challenges and opportunities, and committing to draft recommendations. These recommendations were then presented and refined via discussions with the Blue Ribbon Committee at large in multiple virtual and in-person settings. The subcommittee's work is detailed below and further summarized in table format. The section below elucidates the medical student education continuum and discusses the pertinent topics of recruitment, surgical engagement in medical student training and the surgical image, training for the current surgical practice model, trainee selection for graduate medical education (GME), and optimizing the transition from undergraduate medical education (UME) to GME. The last two decades have shown significant changes and shifts in medical education and surgical practice. The findings of BRC-II in this manuscript help to structure the current and future necessary improvements, focusing on different aspects of medical student education.

Exploring visitors' motivations and perspectives on festival tourism in Northern Cyprus: economic, cultural and social dimensions in a post-pandemic era

PurposeThis research aims to investigate the motivations and perspectives of festival tourism in Northern Cyprus, emphasizing its economic, cultural, and social impacts in the post-pandemic era.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was used to find out themes from semi-structured face-to-face interviews with twenty visitors who attended various festivals in North Cyprus.FindingsThe results of this research uncover that festivals considerably contribute to the local economy by attracting tourists, which boosts sales for local businesses and promotes traditional Cypriot cuisine. Additionally, festivals play a crucial role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, and crafts, fostering community engagement and cultural exchange. The study also identifies key challenges and opportunities, such as the need for improved marketing strategies, enhanced infrastructure, and sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of festival tourism in Northern Cyprus, offering novel insights into its economic, cultural, and social impacts while proposing innovative strategies to enhance its post-pandemic recovery and sustainability.

Changing the food environment in secondary school canteens to promote healthy dietary choices: a qualitative study with school caterers

BackgroundTypical adolescent diets do not meet current dietary recommendations. There is a need to address these dietary patterns to reduce the risk of obesity and other diet-related diseases. Schools provide an opportune setting to do so, as students consume a substantial proportion of their daily dietary intake whilst at school. There is a developing evidence base on the use of choice architecture (food choice cues) to promote healthy eating in school contexts. It is necessary to understand the acceptability and feasibility of implementing such interventions. We aimed to explore these factors from the perspectives of secondary school caterers.MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with caterers from secondary schools across the West Midlands, UK and national/regional catering representatives. A semi-structured topic guide and visual aid were used to guide interviews. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Framework analysis was conducted in NVivo v12.ResultsTwelve participants took part. Seven themes were identified and grouped into three categories: Acceptability (Suitability; Salient cues; Student engagement), Barriers (Catering decision drivers; Limits of influence), and Enablers (Perceived role; Opportunities). Caterers considered healthy food cues to be suited to adolescents as they require minimal reflective motivation. Salient cues included enhancing the placement, presentation and portability of healthy items, improving the dining environment and focusing pricing/incentive strategies on increased quantity. Student engagement was considered important. Some catering decision drivers conflicted with healthy food cues, and many felt that their role in healthy eating was limited due to the overwhelming influence of external food environments, adolescent resistance, and features of the secondary school canteen setting e.g. short duration of lunchtime, lack of space. However, caterers appeared motivated to implement healthy food cues and identified key opportunities for implementation, including integration into whole-school approaches to healthy eating.ConclusionsInterventions using healthy food cues appeared acceptable to secondary school caterers, key potential implementers of these strategies. Future interventions could incorporate strategies relating to placement, presentation and pricing to prompt healthy selections, and actions to engage the student body and improve the dining environment. Evaluations should consider potential impacts upon food purchasing, consumption and waste to address caterers’ concerns about these issues.

Sustainable Integration of Autonomous Vehicles into Road Networks: Ecological and Passenger Comfort Considerations

Autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is rapidly advancing, leading to a sustainable evolution in transportation. AVs offer the promise of enhanced safety, reduced emissions, improved traffic flow, and increased mobility for passengers. However, the integration of AVs into existing traffic networks presents complex challenges related to ecological sustainability and passenger comfort. This review aims to bridge the gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive evaluation of the influence of AVs on both ecology and passenger comfort within traffic networks. The study synthesizes existing knowledge on AV technology, ecological impacts, and passenger comfort to offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with AVs’ integration. The main objectives of this research are to review the current literature on the environmental impact of AVs, analyze studies on passenger comfort in AVs, identify key challenges and opportunities, and propose future research directions. The results highlight the need for a holistic, sustainable approach that considers both ecological and passenger-centric factors in the design and deployment of AVs. Future research directions are proposed to further our understanding of the complex interplay between AVs, the environment, and passenger well-being, and inform policy decisions and technological advancements that promote sustainable and comfortable transportation solutions.

Emerging Sectors in the Indian Stock Market: Key Opportunities and Trends for Future Growth

This paper focuses on the growth prospects and market dynamics of emerging sectors in the Indian stock market. It analyses key drivers and trends, evaluates economic and regulatory influences, and identifies specific investment opportunities. The study also examines the reasons behind sectoral plays and offers strategic implementation plans for investors. The aim is to provide insights for effectively capitalising on these sectors to maximise returns.

Advancing environmental epidemiologic methods to conform the cancer burden.

Even though many environmental carcinogens have been identified, studying their effects on specific cancers has been challenging in non-occupational settings where exposures may be chronic but at lower levels. Although exposure measurement methods have improved considerably, along with key opportunities to integrate multi-omic platforms, there remain challenges that need to be considered particularly around the design of studies. Cancer studies typically exclude individuals with prior cancers and start recruitment in midlife. This translates into a failure to capture individuals who may have been most susceptible because of both germline susceptibility and higher early life exposures that lead to premature mortality from cancer and/or other environmentally caused diseases like lung diseases. Using the example of breast cancer, we demonstrate how integration of susceptibility, both for cancer risk and exposure windows, may provide a more complete picture regarding the harm of many different environmental exposures. Choice of study design is critical to examine the effects of environmental exposures, and it will not be enough to just rely on the availability of existing cohorts and samples within these cohorts. In contrast, new, diverse, early onset case-control studies may provide many benefits to understanding the impact of environmental exposures on cancer risk and mortality.

Economic assessment of the impact of climate change on agriculture in Albania and Ukraine

This study aimed to provide a comparative analysis of the impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector in Albania and Ukraine, with a focus on identifying key challenges and opportunities for adaptation. The study analysed statistical data from 2010 to 2023 on climate change and its impact on agriculture and assessed the consequences. The results of the study showed that changes in temperature regimes are a key factor that directly affects agriculture. An increase in average annual temperatures leads to a change in the growing season of plants, which has both positive and negative consequences. Changes in precipitation patterns are another key mechanism of climate change impact on agriculture. Reduced precipitation and frequent droughts can lead to significant crop losses, requiring the introduction of irrigation systems and other water-saving technologies. Economic risks associated with climate change are a serious challenge for agriculture. Reduced yields, higher production costs and the need to adapt to new conditions can threaten the stability of farms, especially small ones. The analysis for Albania showed that rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation pose challenges for agriculture, particularly for cereal and vegetable production. In Ukraine, with its large area of arable land, there is scope to compensate for the decline in yields by expanding the area under cultivation, but investment in new irrigation technologies and agronomic practices is needed to improve efficiency. Both countries face the need to introduce new plant varieties, modernize irrigation systems, and develop agricultural innovation and precision farming. Effective adaptation strategies, including international cooperation and support for research, are key to ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sectors in both countries. The findings of the study can be applied in practice to government agricultural support programmes and international climate change adaptation projects

Renewable Energy Source Utilization Progress in South Africa: A Review

Renewable energy has emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of climate change, energy security, and socio-economic development. South Africa, with its abundant renewable energy resources, has made significant strides in the utilization of renewable energy over the past decade. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the progress of renewable energy advancement in South Africa, examining the policies, initiatives, and achievements in various renewable energy sectors. This study explores the country’s transition from a heavily coal-dependent energy system to a diversified and sustainable energy mix. It analyses the growth of renewable energy technologies, such as wind power and solar photovoltaic (PV), highlighting the key milestones, challenges, and opportunities. Furthermore, this paper discusses the role of government support, regulatory frameworks, and private sector investments in driving renewable energy deployment in South Africa. Finally, it identifies the prospects and potential areas for further advancement in the renewable energy sector. This review aims to contribute to the understanding of South Africa’s renewable energy journey and provides valuable insights for policy-makers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in the sustainable energy transition.

Regulation of e-commerce in a globalising world: challenges and opportunities

Introduction: the rapid pace of technological development and the growing influence of the Internet on commercial relations require constant upgrading of the legal framework to protect consumers, ensure a competitive environment for business and combat cybercrime. Therefore, to effectively use the opportunities offered by e-commerce, adequate regulation is required to ensure a balance between the interests of businesses, consumers and the state. Objectives: the study aims to analyse the problems of e-commerce regulation in the context of globalisation, identify key challenges and opportunities, and determine mechanisms to improve their effectiveness. Method: the paper examines the theoretical aspects of e-commerce and its role in the digital economy by analysing the literature. Additionally, generalisation and systematisation methods were applied to summarise information on the importance of e-commerce in business processes. The statistical data analysis assessed the development dynamics of the global and Ukrainian e-commerce markets. Furthermore, a comparative analysis was conducted to identify this sector's global trends and develop corresponding development strategies. Results: the study indicates that e-commerce plays a crucial role in the success of companies on a global scale. This distribution channel enables businesses to expand their global presence and enhance competitiveness. The study indicates that e-commerce plays a crucial role in the success of companies on a global scale. Conclusions: e-commerce has become a crucial aspect of global retail, enabling consumers to shop digitally anywhere. The Ukrainian e-commerce market is rapidly evolving, adapting to technological advancements and changing consumer demands

An overview of hydrogen storage technologies – Key challenges and opportunities

Hydrogen energy has been proposed as a reliable and sustainable source of energy which could play an integral part in demand for foreseeable environmentally friendly energy. Biomass, fossil fuels, waste products, and clean energy sources like solar and wind power can all be employed for producing hydrogen. This comprehensive review paper provides a thorough overview of various hydrogen storage technologies available today along with the benefits and drawbacks of each technology in context with storage capacity, efficiency, safety, and cost. Since safety concerns are among the major barriers to the broad application of H2 as a fuel source, special attention has been paid to the safety implications of various H2 storage techniques. In addition, this paper highlights the key challenges and opportunities facing the development and commercialization of hydrogen storage technologies, including the need for improved materials, enhanced system integration, increased awareness, and acceptance. Finally, recommendations for future research and development, with a particular focus on advancing these technologies towards commercial viability.

Transition Design as a Strategy for Post-Pandemic Spatial Experience Enhancement: A Sustainability Perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered our perception of spatial experience, presenting new challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. This study adopts a transition design perspective to explore innovative strategies for enhancing spatial experiences in the post-pandemic era, underscoring the central role of sustainability in this process. By integrating expert interviews, stakeholder participation, and qualitative analysis, this research delves into the impacts of the pandemic on spatial design and identifies key challenges and opportunities. It proposes a series of innovative strategies, such as optimizing spatial layouts, incorporating smart technologies, augmenting with natural elements, and promoting modular design, aimed at creating safer, smarter, more comfortable, and sustainable spatial experiences. This study not only provides new insights into spatial experience design in the post-pandemic era but also underscores the potential of transition design in facilitating societal transformation and achieving sustainability goals, providing actionable insights and directions for future research.

"Just for pregnant women, not for you": a qualitative evaluation of the sexual and reproductive healthcare experiences of transgender and gender diverse cancer survivors.

To identify opportunities to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) cancer survivors by describing (1) challenges experienced when navigating SRH care and (2) strategies to help overcome these challenges. We enrolled a purposive sample of 17 adult TGD cancer survivors and 5 co-survivors. We aimed for a diverse sample across cancer experience, age, racial/ethnic background, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We conducted 90-min individual interviews via videoconference and used reflexive thematic analysis, guided by a focus on three social determinants of health. Themes describing challenges were as follows: (1) Cancer treatment's impact on sexual health was insufficiently addressed by cancer care providers; (2) fertility-related information and conversations were complicated by gendered expectations and ultimately did not meet survivors' needs; (3) feeling excluded and uncared-for in healthcare settings due to gendered language and lack of supportive services that met their needs; and (4) TGD survivors commonly reported high financial burden, negatively impacting their access to care. Strategies to overcome these challenges were (1) a solid social support network that can be integrated into the care team to meet the unique SRH needs of TGD survivors and (2) gender-affirming healthcare providers and environments to address SRH care needs and concerns. TGD survivors and co-survivors desire improved access to gender-affirming SRH care in cancer survivorship. Key opportunities to improve gender-affirming SRH care in cancer survivorship include fostering and engaging TGD survivors' support networks and implementing system-level changes in cancer care settings.