Previous studies support the direct relationship between outdoor physical activity and natural spaces in cities. The Active City and Nature concept explores the relationship between urban, green and active environments; it aims to demonstrate the scientific evidence for the need for action to be taken to increase participation in active living and sport, leading to healthier cities and communities. Our research seeks to analyse the city’s natural spaces as scenarios to encourage physical activity and sport, through a combined study of qualitative research techniques: the use of a digital webGIS platform, collaborative maps made by citizens, and surveys conducted with citizens and the local government. This methodology has been tested in the city of Malaga, the European City of Sport 2020. The study of the city’s main sport areas, the waterfront and natural green spaces provided data on the types of physical activity taking place in each of these areas and the physical activity needs of citizens. This research argues that it is important to know the criteria of local communities for physical activity and/or sport in natural environments, as well as the main demands expressed. This will provide valuable information to design and manage natural public spaces as a means of promoting physical activity and healthy habits.
The issue of urban land management in the world in general and in Africa in particular has been exacerbated by the liberalization of land practices and the commodification of land, which has led to an increase in corrupt practices within land institutions in all cities. A mixed methodology was employed, combining a comparative case study of secondary towns with a quantitative survey of 559 landowners in the towns of Bohicon and Sokodé. In-depth interviews were conducted with 31 informants, who were surveyed on the land acquisition process, the individual determinants influencing corrupt practices, and the institutions most involved in these practices. The findings revealed that the acquisition of a formal title conferring property rights in both cities necessitates the completion of several steps. Corrupt practices are present at almost every stage of the transaction. The application of logistic regression models to the independent variables indicates that age and profession are highly significant in the sociodemographic characteristics of those most susceptible to engaging in these practices. Formal land administration institutions are the most involved in these types of everyday corruption. These practices are ultimately linked to people’s life paths and cannot therefore be combated without psychosociological education and the promotion of ethical behavior among all stakeholders, particularly among those who demand services.
Measuring the performance of healthcare organizations has become a crucial yet challenging task, which is the focus of this study. The paper’s primary goal is to identify the key factors that shape healthcare organizations’ performance management systems in Serbia, which can serve as useful guidelines for implementing sustainable solutions. Additionally, the aim is to emphasize the importance of a broad implementation of performance measurement systems to facilitate strategy implementation and enhance organizational effectiveness. The empirical research involved an online survey of 280 respondents, including managers, executives, and operational staff from both private and public healthcare organizations in Serbia. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 20. The study identifies key challenges, including the lack of a developed performance measurement system, weak support from information and management systems for performance improvement, and an organizational structure that does not support performance enhancement. Furthermore, it has been found that a deeper understanding of the essence of measurement significantly contributes to identifying problems in its application in the healthcare sector. It was also observed that the more challenges identified in the measurement process, the less favourable the perception of the flexibility and adaptability of the system.
Amid the relentless grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainability has emerged as a paramount concern across global economies. As businesses grapple with unprecedented challenges, the imperative for sustainable practices in corporate finance becomes increasingly evident. Throughout this crisis, companies have faced staggering financial strains, with diminished turnovers and escalating operational costs pushing many to the brink of collapse. In response, governments worldwide have provided vital support, albeit often insufficient, underscoring the necessity for sustainable mechanisms of intervention. Central to this discourse is an examination of how companies have adapted their financing policies amidst the pandemic’s tumult. Government-backed credit facilities have served as a critical lifeline for numerous businesses, emphasizing the need for sustainable financial instruments readily deployable in times of crisis. Concurrently, moratoriums on existing credit obligations have offered temporary relief, albeit with looming concerns regarding heightened corporate indebtedness. Moreover, the pandemic’s aftermath has witnessed a pronounced uptick in corporate borrowing, compounded by surging interest rates. This confluence underscores the exigency for companies to adopt sustainable financial strategies, mindful not only of short-term exigencies but also the enduring ramifications on financial stability. In navigating these challenges, a holistic approach to sustainability is imperative. Governments must ensure robust support mechanisms, while companies must proactively seek sustainable financing solutions. Concurrently, stakeholders must meticulously weigh the long-term repercussions of financial policy adjustments, thereby fortifying corporate resilience against future crises while safeguarding the stability of the global economy. In essence, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical imperative for sustainability in corporate finance. By heeding this call and embracing sustainable practices, businesses can navigate crises with greater resilience, ensuring not only their survival but also the enduring stability of the economic landscape.
This research focuses on addressing critical driving safety issues on university campuses, particularly vehicular congestion, inadequate parking, and hazards arising from the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians. These challenges are common across campuses and demand effective solutions to ensure safe and efficient mobility. To address these issues, the study developed detailed microsimulation models tailored to the Victor Levi Sasso campus of the Technological University of Panama. The primary function of these models is to evaluate the effectiveness of various safety interventions, such as speed reducers and parking reorganization, by simulating their impact on traffic flow and accident risk. The models provide calculations of traffic parameters, including speed and travel time, under different safety scenarios, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of potential improvements. The results demonstrate that the proposed measures significantly enhance safety and traffic efficiency, proving the model’s effectiveness in optimizing campus mobility. Although the model is designed to tackle specific safety concerns, it also offers broader applicability for addressing general driving safety issues on university campuses. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for campus planners and administrators seeking to create safer and more efficient traffic environments. Future research could expand the model’s application to include a wider range of safety concerns, further enhancing its utility in promoting safer campus mobility.
Manyanda tradition, a tradition of taking over social roles after death, in addition to successfully maintaining social continuity in the family structure, is also a potential capital in strengthening social cohesion. However, this context has not been discussed comprehensively in previous studies so it is very important to explain. In addition to responding to the shortcomings of previous studies, this study also aims to explain the mechanisms, factors and implications of the practice of this tradition as a reflection of social cohesion based on customary and religious values. By using a qualitative descriptive case study approach, this study shows three important findings. First, the spontaneity of the community and traditional leaders when hearing the news of death and social activities forty days afterwards. Second, the dominance of spiritual and cultural factors in addition to social and structural factors that encourage the community to preserve this tradition. Third, the Manyanda tradition has implications for strengthening the community’s commitment and belief in the meaning of death, the importance of a replacement figure who takes over social roles and strengthens the tribal identity of the Nagari (local village) community. This study recommends the importance of this tradition to be preserved as the root of social cohesion.
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