Sustainable Outcomes Research Articles

Manajemen Keuangan Madrasah dalam Pengadaan Sarana dan Prasarana Pendidikan

This study underscores the importance of effective financial management in the procurement of educational facilities and infrastructure at MA Al Washoya Ngoro Jombang, aiming to support optimal learning processes. Effective financial management is essential to ensure that the madrasah can provide adequate facilities in line with established educational standards. The objective of this research is to analyze how financial management is implemented at MA Al Washoya, focusing on planning, inventory, and evaluation related to the procurement of educational facilities and infrastructure.The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, using data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The study examines the financial planning process involving the Waka Sarpras, fund allocation based on annual work meetings, and how inventory and financial evaluation are conducted to ensure proper and efficient use of funds.The findings reveal that financial management at MA Al Washoya is functioning reasonably well; however, there are areas requiring improvement, particularly in optimizing procurement and maintenance of existing facilities and infrastructure. The evaluation indicates that, although facilities and infrastructure have been planned and procured, better maintenance is needed to ensure their sustainability. The study recommends that the madrasah be more proactive in financial planning and asset maintenance strategies to ensure the achievement of high-quality and sustainable educational outcomes.

Long-term outcome of tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive treatment for patients with paediatric-onset lupus nephritis.

We have previously reported the mid-term efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (Tac)-based immunosuppressive therapy in such patients, and herein, we aimed to determine their long-term outcomes (over 10 years). We retrospectively evaluate the data of 13 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven long-standing LN who underwent a long-term Tac-based treatment regimen. Tac was administered once daily at a dose of 3 mg as reinduction or maintenance treatment. Treatment outcomes were defined using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), urinary protein/creatinine ratio (Up/cr), serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serological lupus markers (complement C3, complement hemolytic activity [CH 50], and anti-dsDNA antibody titre), and the concomitantly administered prednisolone (PDN) dose. Data on clinical parameters and serological lupus activity were collected annually from each patient throughout the study period. The patients' baseline characteristics at the treatment initiation were as follows: mean age, 18 years; Up/cr, 0.63 ± 0.69; serum C3 level, 57.2 ± 22.4 mg/dL (normal range, 79-152 mg/dL); CH50, 27.9 ± 15.7 U/mL (normal range, 23.0-46.0 U/mL); serum anti-dsDNA antibody titre, 111.7 ± 123.4 IU/mL (normal range, <12.0 IU/mL); serum creatinine, 0.60 ± 0.19 mg/dL; eGFR, 115.6 ± 21.3 mL/min and SLEDAI, 13 ± 8.1. Despite the gradual tapering of the concomitantly administered PDN dose from 18.7 ± 13.5 mg/day at baseline to 3.5 ± 2.8 mg/day at 10 years (p = .002), a marked improvement in the outcomes, compared with the baseline values, was observed within a year. Additionally, these favourable changes persisted throughout study period in most patients. Compared with the baseline values, the following measures confirmed sustained outcome improvements after a 10-year treatment: SLEDAI, 1.7 ± 2.0; serum C3 level, 83.8 ± 16.1 mg/dL; CH50, 45.6 ± 10.9 U/mL (all p < .01) and Up/cr, 0.16 ± 0.18 and serum anti-dsDNA antibody titre, 25.8 ± 28.8 IU/mL (both p < .05). Serum creatinine level and eGFR remained within the normal range in all study participants except for one patient who experienced several flare-ups. No serious adverse effects were observed. Our results suggest that long-term Tac-based immunosuppressive treatment as maintenance therapy is beneficial and has low cytotoxicity. Therefore, it represents an attractive option for the treatment of selected patients with paediatric-onset LN in a real-world setting.

Examining the effect of forest certification on timber harvest best management practice implementation

ABSTRACT Forest certification programs are voluntary initiatives emphasizing sustainable forestry and harvest practices. Compliance with certification standards is enforced through third-party audits. One requirement of most forest certification systems is the use of best management practices during harvesting activities. These practices are designed to mitigate potential negative outcomes of forest management and timber harvesting activities. Best management practice implementation has been found to have a variety of positive outcomes on water quality and other resources. However, information relating forest certification to implementation of best management practices and environmental outcomes on certified versus noncertified lands is scant. Here, we examine the role of third-party certification as it contributes to enhanced forest stewardship via implementation of voluntary best management practices. Our study adds to the limited body of research comparing sustainability practices and outcomes on certified vs. noncertified lands. In alignment with previous research on the topic, our study suggests that adherence to best management practices is better on certified versus noncertified forests. Our findings also suggest that for large public agency ownerships, organizationally driven factors beyond forest certification (e.g. institutional policy and trained staff) influence the use of best management practices during timber harvests.

Constituents over Correlation: Indicators and Arctic Urban Decision-Making

Arctic city mayors influence municipal sustainability outcomes, navigating decisions on waste management, social service funding, and economic development. How do mayors make these decisions and to what extent do they integrate sustainability indicator data? Interviews with the mayors of Fairbanks, Alaska, Yellowknife, Canada, and Luleå, Sweden, revealed indicators are used on a case-by-case basis to track trends but lack systematic integration into decision-making. Constituent concerns drive agendas rather than indicator trends. Based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines, 128 indicators grouped into 19 sustainability themes were compiled from 2000 to 2019 for the study cities. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to examine the utility of ISO indicators as a guiding factor for sustainability trend tracking, identifying key themes for each city. Results show that indicator trends are too inconsistent and interconnected to be useful as an independent form of guidance for mayors. For Arctic municipalities, sustainability indicator datasets are useful in specific circumstances, but they do not provide the same kind of decision-making heuristic that mayors receive from direct constituent interaction. Findings emphasize the importance of more robust data collection and the development of management frameworks that support sustainability decision-making in Arctic cities.

Meaning of Work Participation After Spinal Cord Injury in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study in a Low- and Middle-Income Country Context.

This study aimed to explore the meaning of work participation for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Bangladesh. Narrative inquiry methodological framework was used to explore the meaning of work participation after SCI. Face-to-face interviews with twenty adults with SCI, who were either living in the community or in-patients at a rehabilitation center. The Worker Role Interview questionnaire was used as an interview guide. Participants were descriptively analyzed in two groups, rehabilitation participants and community participants. Their transcripts were analyzed using individual narrative analysis to understand the meaning of their experience at an individual level and then the findings from the individual narrative analyses were summarized using thematic analysis to identify themes that collectively represented the meaning of work after SCI in Bangladesh. Five themes were identified from the interviews: "work life before injury"; "current life in relation to work"; "framing future prospects of work participation"; "motives for working"; and "enablers of work participation." The meaning of work is subjective and is influenced by the participants' pre-existing experiences and other factors related to their work life, such as work preferences, habits, and daily routines. Therefore, creating opportunities to better understand the meaning of work for each individual and incorporating these factors into rehabilitation are keys to sustainable rehabilitation outcomes.

An Assessment of Poverty Reduction Strategies Implemented by District Assemblies in Ghana: The Experience of Beneficiaries in Savelugu-Nanton

Poverty reduction remains a significant challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana, where district assemblies are tasked with implementing local interventions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of poverty reduction interventions by the Savelugu- Nanton Municipal Assembly (SNMA), focusing on infrastructure and non-infrastructure programmes. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered from 353 households and supplemented with insights from 32 opinion leaders and 4 key informants. Infrastructure interventions, including roads, dams, and electricity, were reported to have significantly improved livelihoods, with 60.1% of respondents citing enhanced economic opportunities. These findings align with literature emphasizing infrastructure’s critical role in poverty alleviation by facilitating access to markets and services (Adjei &amp; Osei, 2021). Conversely, non- infrastructure interventions, particularly the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, were less effective. While LEAP improved social inclusion, 80.2% of respondents indicated dissatisfaction with its impact on economic independence. This supports critiques of cash transfer programmes that advocate integrating them with vocational training and credit access for sustainable outcomes (Owusu, 2020). The study further underscores the importance of participatory governance. Limited beneficiary involvement in planning contributed to a misalignment between interventions and community needs. As Freire (1970) posits, active community participation enhances programme relevance and sustainability. Additionally, the financial sustainability of these programmes remains at risk due to SNMA’s reliance on external funding. Strengthening local resource mobilisation through taxes and levies is critical for long-term success (Ndlovu- Gatsheni, 2020). Overall, this study highlights the need for sustainable infrastructure investment, restructuring non-infrastructure interventions for long-term economic empowerment, and fostering participatory governance to ensure effective poverty reduction.

Adaptive Strategies and Sustainable Innovations of Chinese Contractors in the Belt and Road Initiative: A Social Network and Supply Chain Integration Perspective

As global economic integration and rapid technological advancements transform international business, international engineering contracting has become essential for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper investigates the significant impact of China’s strategic initiatives, notably the “Going Global” strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), on the operational practices of Chinese enterprises involved in overseas investments. Central to this transformation is the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, which emphasizes the integration of supply chain management and stakeholder collaboration to enhance performance in international EPC projects and underscores the crucial role of these elements in promoting sustainability. Incorporating insights from social network data analysis, this study reveals that contractors collaborating with various stakeholders—such as owners/consulting engineers, domestic and foreign customs departments, and group headquarters/design parties—exhibit a high degree of similarity in personnel profiles. This suggests that the internal organizational structure and personnel allocation of contractors could be optimized to enhance operational efficiency, aligning with the collaborative patterns identified. This study addresses a critical research gap by exploring how effective supply chain management and collaborative stakeholder engagement within multinational EPC projects contribute to sustainable outcomes. Employing advanced social network analysis software, the research examines the complex interactions among stakeholders and their influence on procurement dynamics. Findings indicate that strong relational networks and strategic collaborations significantly enhance procurement efficiency and project success, underscoring the importance of supply chain integration. Ultimately, integrating supply chain management principles into the EPC model not only offers innovative perspectives for advancing sustainability in international projects but also provides actionable insights for improving project outcomes within the BRI framework. This research underscores the pivotal role of supply chain organization and stakeholder cooperation in achieving sustainability objectives, thereby enriching the discourse on sustainable enterprise operation and supply chain management in the context of global initiatives.

Collaborative conservation for snow leopards: Lessons learned from successful community‐based interventions

AbstractCollaborative conservation interventions based on engagement with local communities are increasingly common, especially for large carnivores that negatively impact people's livelihoods and well‐being. However, evaluating the effectiveness of large‐scale community‐based conservation interventions is rarely done, making it problematic to assess or justify their impact. In our study focused on snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in five countries, we show that bespoke and well‐implemented community‐based and conflict management intervention efforts can lead to more sustainable conservation outcomes. Collaborative interventions, spread over about 88,000 km2 of snow leopard habitat, reduced livestock depredation and disease and associated economic costs. Additionally, they generated conservation‐linked livelihoods and enhanced community decision‐making, leading to more positive behavioral intent toward snow leopards and improved communities’ cooperation, economic security, and confidence. Our results provide lessons learned and recommendations for practitioners and governments to alleviate conflicts and foster coexistence with snow leopards and large carnivores more broadly. These include prioritizing locally led tailored solutions based on the PARTNERS principles, recognizing local community rights in conservation decision‐making, and recognizing the role of social norms in ensuring accountability.

Implementing national care guidelines in local authorities in England and Wales: a theory-of-change

BackgroundThe delivery of high-quality services in chronically underfunded social or long-term care systems is a major challenge internationally. National guidelines, developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, set out how local authorities in England and Wales should fund and provide care based on best available evidence. Theoretical and participatory approaches can usefully inform the design and evaluation of implementation strategies for guidelines. The aim of the study is to develop a Theory-of-Change for how the implementation of these guidelines is expected to lead to impacts from a local authority perspective.MethodsAs part of a comparative case study (The ‘Valuing Care Guidelines’ study; February 2022 to April 2024) with three local authority sites in England and Wales, we involved altogether 17 participants in two Theory-of-Change online workshops per site, each of 2 hours. Additional data gathered from the same participants as part of the overall study were used to conceptualise and enrich information from the workshops.ResultsParticipants described the Theory-of-Change map as follows: A wide range of activities (categorised in stages of ‘pre-implementation’, ‘implementation’, ‘sustainment and scaling’) and skills were required to implement guidelines, and achieve long-term organisational sustainability and service delivery outcomes, leading to final impacts for service users and carers. Participants described a co-creation implementation model, led by ‘Implementation Support Practitioners’, who utilised relational skills to achieve motivation, trust, and confidence at different organisational levels, addressing contextual barriers such as inadequate staffing, lack of resources and of organisational support systems. Consistent use of guidelines by frontline staff could only be achieved if the value of guideline implementation was promoted widely, and if consideration was given to the roles of stakeholders, such as the inspection body, local health care providers, users and carers.ConclusionsOur study is the first to investigate the implementation of national social care guidelines by local authorities in England and Wales. It generates insights that can guide implementation practice as well as inform the evaluation of future implementation strategies.

Use of Subsidized Health Services by Artists in Canada: An Exploratory Study.

Creative and performing artists are often confronted with precarious employment and insufficient healthcare coverage. A clinic in Canada that provides specialized healthcare to artists offers eligible artists subsidized health services. We aim to compare the use of health services, demographics and health conditions between subsidy artist recipients (SAs) and non-subsidy artists (NSAs). We accessed existing data from 265 SAs and 711 NSAs and applied descriptive and inferential statistics to address our research questions. Musculoskeletal issues, stress, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders are the most common health problems faced by SAs. Compared to NSAs, SAs were more likely to seek treatment for stress, but less likely to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, chronic problems, and upper extremity problems. Future research may investigate the enduring effects of subsidized health services on SAs' health outcomes. Sustained positive outcomes are crucial for maintaining an artist's career and well-being.

Rural transformation and sustainable livelihood approaches under regional environmental policies: Evidence from two villages in the Yangtze River Delta metropolitan region, China

AbstractHasty and often uncontrolled urbanization and industrialization in metropolitan regions have pressured fragile rural ecosystems and large‐scale rural livelihoods in China. Through in‐depth observation and face‐to‐face interviews with key insiders in the villages of China's largest metropolitan region, the Yangtze River Delta, findings show that environmental policies in this region have profoundly influenced the local institutional processes and rural transformation. Through the lens of a modified sustainable livelihoods approach (MSLA), two institutional processes in formulating livelihoods strategies have stood out from case villages—state sponsorship exemplified by Yu village and grassroots entrepreneurship exemplified by Daxi village—and achieved sustainable livelihood outcomes in both collective level and household level. In particular, state‐sponsored development in Yu village was strongly supported by local leadership and trust between local cadres and villagers. In contrast, grassroots entrepreneurial development in Daxi village emphasized rural entrepreneurs' self‐learning and self‐governance capacities. As such, we argue that making sustainable livelihood strategies is not a unidirectional process like top‐down or bottom‐up, albeit multifaceted alternatives intertwined with dynamic institutional processes for collectives and households in rural areas. Ultimately, we call for more vivid and in‐depth case studies to nuance regional geography and its contextual attributes in further sustainable livelihood research in rural areas.

Information Technology Investment Assessment Using Val IT Framework

Organizations must evaluate information technology (IT) expenditures to ensure that IT resources' use contributes value and is in line with their strategic goals. This paper investigates how the Val IT Framework can be used as an efficient tool for managing and evaluating IT investments. Val IT offers a thorough framework for assessing IT initiatives' advantages, disadvantages, and risks and their influence on accomplishing company objectives. We examine how the Val IT Framework may enhance accountability, facilitate IT performance monitoring, and increase transparency in investment decision-making through case studies of multiple businesses. The findings demonstrate that the application of Val IT fosters the advancement of improved IT management techniques and raises knowledge of the worth of IT investments. To attain optimal and sustainable outcomes, IT managers and stakeholders are advised by these findings to utilize a framework-based approach when evaluating investments. However, several challenges remain before the framework can be implemented, including a lack of funding, knowledge about it, and opposition to change. Organizations must, therefore, develop a comprehensive plan. To facilitate change adaptation, this plan should offer incremental implementation, adequate training to enable all stakeholders to better understand Val IT and enough resources to support adoption. These steps can assist businesses in more successfully overcoming their existing challenges. By adopting the right approach, businesses may maximize their IT investments and ensure that every dollar invested contributes significantly to achieving their strategic goals. The Val IT Framework serves as both an assessment tool and a roadmap for better, long-lasting results in IT management when used appropriately. This illustrates how crucial it is to make the investment necessary to implement this framework if the business is to be successful and viable in the long run.

University Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions towards AI Tools: Implications for Sustainable Educational Practices

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in educational settings offers significant opportunities to promote sustainability by transforming learning experiences. This study analyses the usage, attitudes, and perceptions of AI tools among university students in Slovenia providing a comprehensive analysis that informs both academic practices and policy-making with emphasis on sustainability. We used a structured questionnaire with a sample of 422 participants reflecting a diverse demographic profile across various fields of study. The questionnaire was designed to measure the frequency of AI tool usage, the purposes for which these tools are employed, and students’ attitudes and perceptions towards AI’s potential benefits and drawbacks in education. Statistical analyses, including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), were utilized to test hypotheses concerning differences in AI tool usage based on the level and field of study. Findings reveal that students recognize the efficiency of AI, but express concerns about its impact on learning quality and academic integrity, emphasizing the need for a balanced and responsible integration of AI in education to achieve sustainable outcomes. Results indicated that a majority of students are engaging with AI tools, with varied frequencies of use largely dependent on their field of study and academic level. The findings suggest that while AI tools are becoming an integral part of the educational landscape in Slovenia, there is a critical need to address the educational, ethical, and psychological impacts of these technologies. The results highlight the necessity for further research into the educational implications of AI, suggesting a balanced and sustainable approach to integrating these technologies into higher education curricula. Such an approach ensures that the adoption of AI not only enhances learning outcomes but also aligns with the principles of sustainability, promoting long-term benefits for both education and society.

Alginate/CuO-gC3N4 composite: a novel, reusable, non-toxic photocatalyst for methylene blue degradation.

Increasing industrial contamination necessitates development of sustainable water treatment solutions. Photocatalysis is a green technology utilizing light-activated materials (photocatalysts), which can degrade pollutants into harmless by-products. It is an emergent need to develop a photocatalyst that presents a significant advancement for sustainable water treatment and non-toxic to the environment. This study investigates the photocatalytic activity and in vitro cytotoxicity of a novel hybrid material comprising of alginate, copper oxide (CuO) and graphitic carbon nitride (gC3N4) for methylene blue (MB) degradation. The hybrid material was synthesized by a two-step process: (i) doping of CuO on gC3N4 through co-precipitation method formed CuO-gC3N4 (CG) and (ii) incorporation of CG in the calcium alginate (A) by ionotropic gelation method that is named as ACG. The characteristic features of the synthesized A, CG and ACG were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optical characteristic of A, CG and ACG was studied using UV-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS). The morphology and elemental composition of ACG was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). To assess the environmental impact of ACG, a two-step approach was employed. First, the photocatalytic activity of ACG under UV-visible light (UV-vis) irradiation for MB degradation was evaluated. ACG exhibited photocatalytic activity by achieving 86.26% of degradation efficiency for MB within 60min. Second, the in vitro cytotoxicity of ACG, MB and MB degraded products towards tilapia gill cell lines were assessed. By comparing the toxicity of the MB and the secondary products, it is concluded that the overall process leads to a sustainable outcome.

Advancing irrigation management: integrating technology and sustainability to address global food security.

Irrigation management is essential for addressing global food security challenges under changing climate. This review discusses the integration of advanced irrigation technologies and their roles in enhancing water use efficiency and managing energy demands within agricultural systems. High-efficiency irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler systems, have significant potential to reduce water use and increase crop yields. However, their adoption varies worldwide, and the efficiency of existing irrigation practices often remains inadequate, resulting in substantial water losses due to outdated management practices. Emerging technologies and innovative irrigation strategies, including precision agriculture and advanced crop models, provide promising pathways for improving irrigation efficiency. Nonetheless, the widespread integration of these technologies is hindered by high costs, the need for technical expertise, and challenges in adapting existing agricultural systems to new methodologies. Irrigation systems can have substantial energy requirements, particularly those dependent on groundwater. The exploration of the water-environment-energy-food (WEEF) nexus illustrates the importance of a balanced approach to resource management, which is crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural outcomes. Future research should include lowering barriers to technology adoption, enhancing data utilization for precision irrigation, promoting integrated management strategies within the WEEF framework, and strengthening policy support for sustainable practices. This review proposes a multidisciplinary approach to irrigation management that includes technological innovation, strategic policy development, and global cooperation to secure sustainable agricultural practices and ensure global food supply resilience in the face of climate change.

7018 Improved Tolerability After Transitioning from Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists to Tirzepatide

Abstract Disclosure: S. Hudson: None. J. Aurora: None. F. Erenler: None. Background: Tirzepatide is a dual incretin targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist (GIP-RA) with potent reductions in HbA1c and weight, especially compared to semaglutide, a GLP-1RA (1). Gastrointestinal (GI)-related events are commonly associated with incretins. As an imbalanced dual agonist, tirzepatide has a stronger affinity for GIP compared to GLP-1 receptors (2). This stronger affinity for GIP receptors may be related to the improved tolerability of tirzepatide, as GIP is not as associated with GI effects as compared to GLP-1 (2). There is a reported dose-dependent increase in GI events and treatment discontinuation with tirzepatide compared to semaglutide in RCTs, although this has not been corroborated in real-world data (1). Additionally, there is no literature evaluating GI tolerability when switching from GLP-1 receptor agonists to tirzepatide. We present a case series to highlight improved tolerability and sustained clinical outcomes observed in patients transitioning from GLP-1RA to tirzepatide, who previously had GI intolerances. Clinical Case A retrospective review was conducted of five patients who started on GLP-1RA for either T2DM (n=3) or obesity (n=2) but stopped due to GI-related events. All patients were female with a mean age of 57 years. On average, patients with T2DM had a 23-year duration of diabetes, HbA1c 8.4%, weight 78.4 kg, and BMI 29.5 kg/m2 prior to starting tirzepatide. For patients without T2DM, the average weight was 75.9 kg and BMI 30.0 kg/m2 prior to starting tirzepatide. Before switching to tirzepatide, three patients were on maximally tolerated dulaglutide and two patients were on semaglutide. Patients were initially transitioned to tirzepatide 2.5 mg (n=2), 5 mg (n=2), and 7.5 mg (n=1). All patients tolerated tirzepatide with no GI-related events after an average of 6 months of treatment. Of the three patients with T2DM, they saw an additional average HbA1c reduction of 1.1% and an average weight loss of 3%. For patients who transitioned to tirzepatide for weight loss, they saw an additional average weight loss of 9%. Clinical Implications Tirzepatide may offer improved tolerability in patients who are intolerant of GLP-1RA drugs, while yielding further glycemic lowering and weight loss. Given tirzepatide’s stronger affinity to GIP than GLP-1 receptors, this may explain improved GI tolerability as seen in our case series. Further research is needed to evaluate tolerability improvement with tirzepatide using real-world data and larger sample sizes.

Revealing the Secrets of Metaverse Technology Adoption for Sustainable Performance via Dual-Stage SEM-ANN Analysis

The growing ubiquity of the metaverse among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) offers a game-changing chance for creative business plans and improved communication. This adoption reduces the consumption of physical resources and promotes an environmentally responsible business model in besides increasing operational efficiency. In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UNDP, our study attempts to clarify how the metaverse might improve the sustainable performance of SMEs. We developed a comprehensive study model based on the diffusion of innovation (DOI) and technical organizational and environmental (TOE) paradigms. For data analysis a hybrid approach merging partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented. The study highlights the crucial roles of relative advantage, value alignment, compatibility, and top management after analyzing data from 369 respondents across Chinese SMEs that was collected both physically and online. The understanding of decision-makers becomes evident as a crucial element impacting the adoption of metaverse and ensuing sustainable (social, economic, and environmental) outcomes. This study offers valuable insights on metaverse adoption and sustainable performance for Chinese SMEs. Additionally, it offers appropriate suggestions for managers of SMEs, policy makers, and metaverse developers.

Community Engagement in BUMDes PUJA BERSINAR Management Practices

Background: This study explores the critical role of village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) in improving community welfare through effective management. Specific Background: It focuses on the management of BUMDes Puja Bersinar and the challenges it encounters. Knowledge Gap: There is limited understanding of the practical implementation of oversight frameworks in BUMDes, particularly regarding community involvement and transparency. Aims: The study aims to analyze the management practices and barriers of BUMDes Puja Bersinar. Results: Findings reveal that while oversight mechanisms exist, challenges such as insufficient internal audits and limited community engagement hinder effective management. Novelty: This research provides new insights into the operational dynamics of BUMDes, emphasizing the need for better participatory practices. Implications: Enhancing financial report transparency and establishing community feedback forums could significantly improve BUMDes management and promote sustainable community welfare outcomes. Highlights : Effective management of BUMDes is crucial for community welfare improvement. Challenges include inadequate internal audits and limited community participation. Enhancing transparency and feedback mechanisms can lead to better operational outcomes. Keywords: BUMDes, community welfare, management practices, transparency, oversight

Effect of sound absorption on noise reduction in the automotive industry

Industrial noise is one of the most common physical factors that cause annoyance and damage workers' health in the long term. Precautions should be taken to reduce noise and improve acoustic performance in industrial working environments. This paper aims to analyze the acoustic performance of the automotive industry and contribute to the global outcomes of sustainability and the development of strategies to improve the quality of the working environment through improvement scenarios. For this purpose, the automotive industry in Türkiye was examined as a case study. In-situ acoustic measurements were made in the seat manufacturing unit of an automotive factory and the current situation was transferred to the simulation program. The effects of acoustic improvements on A-weighted sound pressure level and reverberation time at mid-frequencies (500, 1000, 2000 Hz) were investigated through three different scenarios. In the investigations, noise distributions were carried out through noise mapping. The A-weighted sound pressure levels in the automotive industry were reduced by approximately 15 dB. As a result of the study, suggestions for noise control precautions and their effects on the automotive industry seat manufacturing unit are presented.

Effective community-based interventions to prevent and control infectious diseases in urban informal settlements in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

BackgroundThe impact of rapid urbanization taking place across the world is posing variegated challenges. Especially in terms of communicable disease, the risk is more concentrated in urban poor areas where basic amenities are inadequate. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the effective community-based interventions (CBIs) aimed at preventing and controlling infectious diseases among the urban poor in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsThis systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. A comprehensive search across five major databases was conducted to capture literature on CBIs published between 2011 and 2021. Scientific articles of any design that reported any type of CBIs effective in preventing and controlling infectious diseases (tuberculosis, diarrhea, typhoid, dengue, hepatitis B and C, influenza, and COVID-19) were included. Screening and selection of studies were done by two pairs of independent researchers using the predefined eligibility criteria. The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the modified checklist outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). Analysis of effective CBIs was guided by the conceptual framework for integrated CBIs for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and narrative synthesis was carried out. Geographical restrictions were limited to LMICs and papers published in English.ResultsOut of 18,260 identified papers, 20 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Community-based screening and socio-economic support, community-based vector control, behavior change communication, capacity building of the community health workers (CHWs), health education, and e- and m-health interventions were found as effective CBIs. Diversified CBIs were found to be effective for specific diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), diarrhea, dengue, influenza and ARI, and hepatitis B and C. Bundling of interventions were found to be effective against specific diseases. However, it was difficult to isolate the effectiveness of individual interventions within the bundle. The socio-cultural context was considered while designing and implementing these CBIs.ConclusionThe effectiveness of an intervention is inextricably linked to social context, stakeholder dimensions, and broader societal issues. System approach is recommended, emphasizing context-specific, multi-component interventions that address social determinants of health. Integrating these interventions with public health strategies and community involvement is crucial for sustainable outcomes. These findings can guide the design of future interventions for better prevention and control of communicable diseases in urban poor areas.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42021278689.