In the context of contemporary global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change, food security assumes particular significance, being an integral part of national security. This study aims to investigate the interplay between food security and national security systems, with a focus on identifying gaps in the literature and determining directions for further research. The study conducted a systematic literature review on food security and national security systems employing a rigorous and transparent process. The qualitative analysis is grounded in the quantitative one, encompassing studies from Scopus. The examination of the selected peer-reviewed articles revealed several methodological and thematic limitations in existing research: i Geographic imbalance: There is a predominant focus on developed countries, while food security issues in developing countries remain insufficiently studied; ii Insufficient explication: There is a lack of research dedicated to managerial and economic aspects of food security in the context of national security; iii Methodological constraints: There is a predominance of quantitative methods and retrospective/cross-sectional studies. Recommendations include developing comprehensive strategies at both global and national levels to enhance food stability and accessibility.

This paper reviews and compares the opportunities and challenges in terms of port and intermodal development in China and India—the two fast-growing economic giants in the world. The study analyzes the future direction of these two countries’ port-hinterland intermodal development from the sustainability perspective. Both China and India face some major opportunities and challenges in port-hinterland intermodal development. The proposal of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), offers plentiful opportunities for China. A challenge for China is that its development of dry ports is still in the infancy stage and thus it is unable to catch up with the pace of rapid economic growth. As compared with China, India focuses more on the social aspect to protect the welfare of its residents, which in turn jeopardizes India’s port-hinterland intermodal development in the economic sense. The biggest challenge for India is its social institution, which would take a long time to change. These in-depth comparative analyses not only give the future direction of port-hinterland intermodal development in China and India but also provide references for other countries with similar backgrounds.

This paper highlights the opportunities as well as challenges posed for Bangladesh by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China. BRI is being considered as the most expensive project ever initiated connecting more than half of the world population from Asia, Europe and Africa. For writing this paper, the authors utilized published sources such as journal articles, newspaper articles and web-based information published from 2013 to 2024. The article proposes that although the involvement of Bangladesh in the BRI is not absolutely free of challenges, it can serve the ultimate national interest through greater connectivity with other countries, increased volume of trade and economic activities and socio-cultural exchange. Although, as the originator and major contributor of the BRI, China will be the principal benefiter, other partner countries can also attain considerable benefits out of this historical mega scheme through the application of appropriate vision and strategic implementation. This paper has highlighted those benefits/opportunities and challenges for Bangladesh that can be beneficial for upcoming research projects particularity aimed at development studies, political economy and international relations. On the other hand, based on the arguments made on this paper, policymakers and businessmen can formulate their best policies as well as trading strategies with mutual benefits for all the stakeholders involved.

This paper provides a comprehensive review of equity trading simulators, focusing on their performance in assuring pre-trade compliance and portfolio investment management. A systematic search was conducted that covered the period of January 2000 to May 2023 and used keywords related to equity trade simulators, portfolio management, pre-trade compliance, online trading, and artificial intelligence. Studies demonstrating the use of simulators and online platforms specific to portfolio investment management, written in English, and matching the specified query were included. Abstracts, commentaries, editorials, and studies unrelated to finance and investments were excluded. The data extraction process included data related to challenges in modern portfolio trading, online stock trading strategies, the utilization of deep learning, the features of equity trade simulators, and examples of equity trade simulators. A total of 32 studies were included in the systematic review and were approved for qualitative analysis. The challenges identified for portfolio trading included the subjective nature of the inputs, variations in the return distributions, the complexity of blending different investments, considerations of liquidity, trading illiquid securities, optimal portfolio execution, clustering and classification, the handling of special trading days, the real-time pricing of derivatives, and transaction cost models (TCMs). Portfolio optimization techniques have evolved to maximize portfolio returns and minimize risk through optimal asset allocation. Equity trade simulators have become vital tools for portfolio managers, enabling them to assess investment strategies, ensure pre-trade compliance, and mitigate risks. Through simulations, portfolio managers can test investment scenarios, identify potential hazards, and improve their decision-making process.

The expansion of road networks, taken place during the last decades, was driven by technological progress and economic growth. The most innovative products of this trend—modern motorways and international road corridors—provide an excellent level of service, traffic safety and necessary information to travelers. However, despite this undeniable progress, major impediments and respective challenges to road authorities and operators still remain. The present paper analytically presents the main current challenges in the road engineering field, namely: a) financing new projects, b) alternative energy resources, especially renewable energy, c) serviceability, including maintenance of road infrastructure, traffic congestion and quality of the network, d) climate change hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions increase, e) environmental impacts, f) safety on roads, streets and motorways, and g) economy and cost-effectiveness. In each country and over each network, challenges and concerns may vary, but, in most cases, competent authorities, engaged in road development policies, have to deal with most of these issues. The optimization of the means to achieve the best results seems to be an enduring stake. In the present paper, the origin and the main features of these challenges are outlined as well as their tendency to get amplified or diminished under the actual evolving economic conditions worldwide, where growth alternates with crisis and social hardship. Moreover, responses, meant to provide solutions to the said challenges, are suggested, including research findings of Aristotle University and innovative technological achievements, to drive the transition to a more sustainable future.

This study adopts a discursive and analytical perspective to explore how technological advances are reconfiguring the dynamics of the global labour market, with special attention to the phenomenon of microwork. Microwork, characterised by short, fragmented tasks carried out through digital platforms and geographically distributed, has seen exponential growth, particularly in nations with lower economic development. This type of work shows a growing distinction between tasks of a complex and creative nature and those of a repetitive and monotonous nature that do not require advanced skills to perform. This differentiation can intensify wage disparities between developed and developing countries, as well as contribute to the precariousness of work in activities considered less complex and valued. The article highlights the emergence of unstable and poorly paid jobs that do not require specific qualifications and discusses their impact on social security systems in countries where labour regulations are insufficient. Using a theoretical-methodological approach, the research examines the role of artificial intelligence in the rise of micro-labour and its socio-economic implications. It concludes that despite the flexibility and short-term earning opportunities offered by microwork, it poses considerable challenges in terms of income security, workers’ rights, and social protection, emphasising the need for regulatory measures to mitigate its adverse effects on vulnerable communities.