In the context of ecological and social challenges in global food systems, this study investigates the potential of agri-food districts to foster balanced territorial development. A multi-step approach to developing sustainable agri-food districts is outlined. How these districts, as integrated systems and meso-level organizational forms, can enhance sustainability through governance is then assessed. This research uses a context-driven analysis pathway involving stakeholder participation and needs identification. The theoretical background, the Italian regulatory framework, and a case study from Lombardy are presented. Needs are identified through participatory approaches and actions are prioritized using desk research and a narrative SWOT analysis combined with key stakeholder discussions (focus group). A total of eighteen needs are identified and categorized into 3 dimensions of sustainability: economic, environmental, and socio-institutional. Findings indicate that agri-food district organization has great potential to help achieve local and regional policy goals in line with the shift to sustainable approaches in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The paper proposes actions to strengthen district capacity-building, focusing on internal governance and sustainable production chains. Additionally, initiatives to attract young people to rural areas and agreements for ecosystem services in agri-food districts are suggested. These actions aim to promote sustainability and competitiveness while addressing challenges related to governance, innovation, branding, demographics, and environment. In conclusion, the study prompts critical inquiry into governance models and system dynamics. The innovative aspects of this study lie in its methodological approach, integration of theory and practice, holistic perspective, policy relevance, and critical inquiry, which collectively contribute to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of sustainable agriculture and territorial development.

The paper demonstrates the importance of subnational data on housing to be systematically reported and added to country typologies. We asked which national and local level characteristics of housing regimes can serve as benchmarks for reasonable country groupings. The aim of this paper is to (1) develop a methodological tool enabling the comparison of conditions for housing policy implementation on national and subnational levels and (2) identify the group of countries where conditions for housing policy implementation on national and subnational levels tend to be comparable. This country classification can be used as a practical instrument for comparative analyses and policy learning. As a conceptual framework, we used the international comparative Housing research 2.0 launched by Hoekstra in 2020. For our analysis, we selected 15 basic factors that were tested in 24 European countries. We have identified three key factors having an impact on housing policy implementation: decentralisation level in housing, local budget housing expenditure and the information on which governance level has core competencies within housing. The numeric database has been run through a k-means cluster analysis. Five distinct types of countries with similarities in conditions for housing policy implementation on national and subnational level have been identified and described.

This research analyzes disaster risk financing within the framework of the disaster management policy in Indonesia as the implementation of the Disaster Management Law, Number 24 of 2007, by examining recent issues, challenges, and opportunities in disaster financing. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research systematically reviews various studies, reports, and existing regulations and policies to understand the current landscape comprehensively. Recent developments in disaster risk financing in Indonesia highlight the need for a nuanced exploration of the existing policy framework. Fiscal constraints, evolving risk landscapes, and the increasing frequency of disasters underscore the urgency of effective disaster risk financing strategies. Through a qualitative examination, this study identifies challenges while illuminating opportunities for innovation and improvement within the current policy framework. The contribution of this research extends to both theoretical and practical levels. Theoretically, it enriches the academic discourse on disaster risk financing by offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved. On a practical level, the findings derived from the examination provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners engaged in disaster management in Indonesia. The insights aim to inform the refinement of disaster management policies and practices, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving disaster scenarios.

Hazards are the primary cause of occupational accidents, as well as occupational safety and health issues. Therefore, identifying potential hazards is critical to reducing the consequences of accidents. Risk assessment is a widely employed hazard analysis method that mitigates and monitors potential hazards in our everyday lives and occupational environments. Risk assessment and hazard analysis are observing, collecting data, and generating a written report. During this process, safety engineers manually and periodically control, identify, and assess potential hazards and risks. Utilizing a mobile application as a tool might significantly decrease the time and paperwork involved in this process. This paper explains the sequential processes involved in developing a mobile application designed for hazard analysis for safety engineers. This study comprehensively discusses creating and integrating mobile application features for hazard analysis, adhering to the Unified Modeling Language (UML) approach. The mobile application was developed by implementing a 10-step approach. Safety engineers from the region were interviewed to extract the knowledge and opinions of experts regarding the application’s effectiveness, requirements, and features. These interview results are used during the requirement gathering phase of the mobile application design and development. Data collection was facilitated by utilizing voice notes, photos, and videos, enabling users to engage in a more convenient alternative to manual note-taking with this mobile application. The mobile application will automatically generate a report once the safety engineer completes the risk assessment.

The scientific discourse on university towns (UT) has progressed for a long time, with a surge of interest in recent years. However, a global overview of the research conducted on this topic have yet to exist. This paper aims to re-examine the relationship between UT and urbanization in literature. Built environment and people are often the most talked aspects in UT literatures. The variety of definitions remains largely uncharted. Policies behind UT development are also rarely studied. This article used an R studio-based bibliometric literature review to synthesize findings from various scientific literature. Keywords related to university towns and urban were used in digital search engines to examine and analyse the literature. Results revealed a significant gap in scientific research on critical theoretical concepts that planners can use as a guide in creating, formulating, and evaluating UT, especially in developing countries. This study promotes simplification of existing literature by examining the impact of UT on the stakeholders involved.

The journey towards better healthcare sustainability in Asian nations demands a comprehensive investigation into the impact of urban governance, poverty, and female literacy on infant mortality rates. This study undertakes a rigorous exploration of these key factors to pave the way for evidence-based policy interventions, utilizing data from a panel of six selected Asian countries: Pakistan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, spanning the years 2001 to 2020. The findings reveal that adequate sanitation facilities, higher female literacy rates, and sustained economic growth contribute to a reduction in infant mortality. Conversely, increased poverty levels and limited women’s autonomy exacerbate the infant mortality rates observed in these countries. The Granger causality analysis validates the reciprocal relationship between urban sanitation (and poverty) and infant mortality rates. Furthermore, the study establishes a causal relationship where female literacy rates Granger-cause infant mortality rates, and conversely, infant mortality rates Granger-cause women’s autonomy in these countries. The variance decomposition analysis indicates that sustained economic growth, improved female literacy rates, and enhanced women’s empowerment will likely impact infant mortality rates in the coming decade. Consequently, in low-income regions where numerous children face potentially hazardous circumstances, it is imperative to allocate resources towards establishing and maintaining accessible fundamental knowledge regarding sanitation services, as this will aid in reducing infant mortality rates.