With the rapid increase in electric bicycle (e-bikes) use, the rate of associated traffic accidents has also escalated. Prior studies have extensively examined e-bike riders’ injury risks, yet there is a limited understanding of how their behavior contributes to these accidents. This study aims to explore the relationship between e-bike riders’ risk-taking behaviors and the incidence of traffic accidents, and to propose targeted safety measures based on these insights. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research integrates quantitative data from traffic accident reports and qualitative observations from naturalistic studies. The study employs a binary logistic regression model to analyze risk factors and uses observational data to substantiate the model findings. The analysis reveals that assertive driving behaviors among e-bike riders, such as running red lights and speeding, significantly contribute to the high rate of accidents. Moreover, the lack of protective gear and inadequate safety training are identified as critical factors increasing the risk of severe injuries. The study concludes that comprehensive policy interventions, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws and mandatory safety training for e-bike riders, are essential to mitigate the risks associated with e-bike use. The findings advocate for an integrated approach to urban traffic management that enhances the safety of all road users, particularly vulnerable e-bike riders.

This research delves into the correlation between institutional quality and tourism development in a panel of nine Mediterranean countries within the European Union spanning from 1996 to 2021. The study gauges tourism development by examining tourist arrivals, while considering GDP growth rate, inflation, higher education, environmental quality, and trade as control variables representing factors influencing tourism. Institutional quality is measured through indicators such as regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption. Utilizing Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) models, the study aims to quantify the impact of these factors on tourism development. The findings indicate a positive relationship between institutional quality and tourism, shedding light on the pivotal role of institutions in tourism management and their influence on the sector. These results have implications for shaping national development strategies.

First principles simulation studies using the density functional theory have been performed on (9, 0) Zigzag Singlewalled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) to investigate its electronic, optical and thermodynamic properties using CASTEP (Cambridge Sequential Total Energy Package) and DFTB (Density Functional based Tight Binding) modules of the Material Studio Software version 7.0. Various functionals and sub-functionals available in the CASTEP Module (using Pulay Density Mixing treatment of electrons) and various eigen-solvers and smearing schemes available in the DFTB module (using smart algorithm) have been tried out to chalk out the electronic structure. The analytically deduced values of the band gap obtained were compared with the experimentally determined value reported in the literature. By comparison, combination of Anderson smearing scheme and standard diaogonalizer produced best results in DFTB module while in the CASTEP module, GGA (General Gradient approximation) functional with RPBE (Revised-perdew-Burke-Ernzerh) as Sub-functional was found to be the most consistent. These optimized parameters were then used to determine various electronic, optical and thermodynamic properties of (9, 0) Singlewalled Nanotube. (9, 0) Singlewalled Nanotube, which is extensively being used for sensing NH₃, CH₄ & NO₂, has been picked up in particular as it is reported to exhibit a finite energy band gap in contrast to its expected metallic nature. The study is of utmost significance as it not only probes and validates the simulation route for predicting suitable properties of nanomaterials but also throws light on the comparative efficacy of the different approximation and rationalization quantum mechanical techniques used in simulation studies.

This study aims to examine the mediating role of institutional trust (IT) between perceived corruption and subjective well-being (SWB) using data from 1566 households in a developing country. It deploys ordinary least square (OLS) and an ordered logit model within the generalized structural equation model. Results show that individuals who perceived no corruption in a country report more IT and higher levels of SWB. Furthermore, the direct effects of good governance, perceived IT, and the absence of corruption on SWB is also positive. Moreover, satisfaction with hospital services also improves happiness and life satisfaction levels. This study improves and validates how corruption is assessed to support future measures that reduce its harmful effects. Moreover, the masses must have widespread awareness about the critical nature of corruption and IT relative to well-being. This study also highlights the need to develop strong institutions to improve trust and minimize corruption.

This study aims to structure guidelines for an intervention model from the perspective of Integral Project Management to improve the competitiveness level of cacao associations in south region of Colombia. The research followed a mixed-method approach with a non-experimental cross-sectional design and a descriptive scope. The study employed a stage-based analytical framework which included: identifying the factors influencing the competitiveness of the cacao sector; grouping these factors under the six primary determinants of competitiveness with reference to Porter’s Diamond Model; and proposing guidelines for an intervention model to enhance the competitiveness of the studied associations through project management. The first stage was conducted via literature review. The second stage involved primary data collected through surveys and interviews with the associations, members, and cacao sector experts in Huila. The third stage entailed grouping the factors within the main determinants that promote and limit the competitiveness of the cacao sector in the context of Porter’s Diamond Model. Based on the analysis of the corresponding restrictive and promoting factors, strategic recommendations were formulated for the various sector stakeholders on the measures that can be adopted to address restrictive factors and maintain promoting factors to enhance and sustain the sector's competitiveness.