Purpose: Today’s challenges underscore the importance of energy across all segments of life. This scientific paper investigates the multifaceted relationship between energy efficiency, energy import reliance, population heating access, renewable energy integration, electricity production capacities, internet utilization, structural EU funds, and education/training within the framework of economic development. Methodology: Using data from selected European countries and employing self-organizing neural networks (SOM) and linear regression, this research explores how these interconnected factors influence the journey toward a sustainable and prosperous economic future. Results: The analysis revealed a strong connection between energy efficiency and numerous socioeconomic factors of modern times, with most of these connections being non-linear in nature. Conclusion: As countries work toward sustainable development goals, prioritizing energy efficiency can contribute to improved quality of life, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

This study was conducted to comprehensively explore personal assistants for people with disabilities experiences and the current status of client behavioral issues during vocational activities, aiming to seek strategies for advancing worker health protection. The study included 8 participants (Personal assistants for people with disabilities) selected through voluntary convenience sampling method. Qualitative research methods, specifically in-depth interviews, were conducted from August 31 to September 1, 2023. The study categorized client behavioral issues into ‘unreasonable demands,’ ‘verbal and physical abuse,’ and ‘sexual harassment,’ causing stress among workers. Fear of unemployment and job change hindered emotional expression, leading to significant emotional exhaustion and job stress. Furthermore, it was revealed that there are no management policies, management departments, or management systems within the institution to address client problem behavior. To address these issues, the study suggests the establishment of emotional labor management systems and support structures. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for systematic internal systems and the development of health protection manuals for client interaction.

Noise pollution in construction sites is a significant concern, impacting worker health, safety, communication, and productivity. The current study aims to assess the paramount consequences of ambient noise pollution on construction activities and workers’ productivity in Peshawar, Pakistan. Noise measurements have been recorded at four different construction sites in Peshawar at different times of the day. Statistical analysis and Relative Importance Index (RII) are employed to evaluate the data Risk variables, such as equipment maintenance, noise control, increased workload, material handling challenges, quality control issues, and client satisfaction. The results indicated that noise levels often exceeded permissible limits, particularly in the afternoon, posing significant worker risks. In addition, RII analysis identified communication difficulties, safety hazards, and decreased productivity as significant issues. The results show that noise pollution is directly linked with safety risks, decreased performance, and client dissatisfaction and needs immediate attention by authorities. This paper proposes a strategic policy framework, recommending uniform hand signals and visual communication methods without noise for workers, worker training about safety, and using wearable devices in noisy settings. Communication training for teams and crane operators, proactive quality control, and customer-oriented project schedules are also proposed. These recommendations aim to mitigate the adverse effects of noise pollution, enhance construction industry resilience, and improve overall operational efficiency, worker safety, and client satisfaction in the construction sector of Peshawar, aligning with policy and sustainable development objectives.

This study proposes a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method to support strategic decision-makers in choosing a project management research agenda. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) model is the basic tool used in this study. It is a mathematical tool for evaluating decisions with multiple alternatives by decomposing them into successive levels according to their degree of importance. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) oriented theme of project management was chosen from among four themes that emerged from a strategic monitoring study. The FAHP method is an effective decision-making tool for multiple aspects of project management. It eliminates subjectivity and produces decisions based on consistent judgment.

This study investigates the impact of digital payment infrastructure accessibility on the social influence of microenterprises in Barranquilla, Colombia, while examining the mediating roles of financial inclusion, digital literacy, social support networks, and collaboration with social innovation initiatives. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes data from a sample of 25 microenterprises operating in various sectors. The findings, based on statistical techniques such as multiple regression, path analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM), provide strong evidence for the positive influence of digital payment infrastructure accessibility on the social relationship of microenterprises. The results also highlight the crucial roles played by financial inclusion and social support networks in mediating this relationship. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on the factors driving the social effect of microenterprises and offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to foster inclusive economic development in the region. The findings suggest that investing in the development and expansion of digital payment systems, alongside efforts to promote financial inclusion and strengthen social support networks, can have far-reaching benefits for microenterprises and their communities.

This paper critically reviews the prevailing generalizations in current research on Generation Z (Gen-Z) travel behavior. While various studies have characterized Gen-Z’s transportation preferences as leaning towards sustainable and technology-integrated modes of transport, this paper argues that the findings are largely based on observations from developed countries and may not accurately reflect behavior in developing countries. This paper is written using a narrative literature study approach. Through a comprehensive literature review, the paper highlights the differences in Gen-Z travel patterns across different geographical regions, emphasizing the need for context-specific analysis. The paper addresses often overlooked factors such as economic limitations, infrastructure challenges, and cultural nuances that shape mobility choices. The aim is to dissect the cohort effect and look at its validity across different socio-economic landscapes through existing literature. As such, the paper provides nuanced insights into the heterogeneity of Gen-Z travel behavior and suggests cautioning against over-generalization, as well as advocating for a more localized approach in transportation policy and planning. The paper also encourages similar research in developing countries to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Gen-Z travel behavior globally.