Design and procurement integration strategies in construction projects play an important role and have an impact on the overall project cycle. Integrated design and procurement will increase productivity and reduce waste. This research aims to provide a guide to good design and procurement integration strategies in Design and Build (DB) projects in government projects. This research uses qualitative and quantitative methods in the form of a schematic literature review followed by a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the Delphi method to formulate integrated design and procurement that improve project performance. In-depth interviews were conducted with 90 respondents to explore the implementation of the design and procurement strategy on the project used as a case study. The results of this research are recommendations for an integrated design and procurement strategy which can be used as a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in DB projects on government projects so that it can provide added value from the start of the project being designed through tenders. This research can be utilized by project stakeholders, academics and anyone who will develop project performance through the integrated design and procurement in the long term.

Ticket revenues are crucial for the financial success of sports teams. To maximize these revenues, teams continuously explore effective ticket promotional strategies. One such strategy includes partial season plans, which mirror bundle offers common across various industries. Another widespread promotional strategy across industries is offering discounted credit (i.e., store credit purchased at a lower price than its face value). However, its application in sports (e.g., providing a $500 credit for tickets at $450) remains limited. Therefore, this study explores critical questions such as: “How effective is offering discounted credit compared to partial season plans?” and “What factors influence ticket promotion preferences?” Consequently, the study employed a 2 × 2 × 2 experimental designs, considering three independent variables: promotion type (discounted credit vs. partial season plans), promotion flexibility (predefined vs. customizable), and the consumer’s distance to the venue (near vs. distant). Results indicated that partial season plans generated significantly higher perceived value and purchase intentions  while presenting lower perceived risks than discounted credit . Promotion flexibility did not significantly influence the three dependent variables , but the distance to the venue did . Both practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

Over 90% of cancer-related mortality worldwide is due to metastatic disease since the dynamic tumor microenvironment poses huge challenges in preventing the spread of metastatic cancer. Introducing the advent of advance biomaterials and their swift evolution, this review highlights the great potential of innovative biomaterials to proficiently tackle the metastatic tumor environment. Focusing on four distinct categories of biomaterials systems, action mechanism of biomaterials utilized in anti-tumor therapy is explained in detail: 1. Nanoplatforms sensitive to biochemical cues including pH, redox, and enzymes are known as stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms that react according their environment, 2. Smart nanoplatforms changing their morphology to penetrate impermeable physical barriers at tumor site, 3. Ingenious biomaterial participating in tumor normalization, and 4. Nanoplatforms with real-time theranostic capabilities due to innate feedback-loop mechanism. Ingeniously structured biomaterials with extensive evidence in preclinical efficacy encourage their inclusion in metastatic tumor therapy however, their utilization in medical settings is prevented due to various challenges; impractical manufacturing cost, regulatory and safety issues as well as large-scale production are major challenges restraining their widespread use. A concrete framework is proposed in this review to accelerate the biomaterial structure standardization process, following the GMP and other regulatory guidelines with the aim of implementing biomaterial-based tumor diagnostics and therapies. Since incorporating advancing technologies in tumor therapy such AI-driven, autonomous biomaterial structure or patient-specific tumor models would enable confront the proliferating metastatic tumor cases.

This research examines data from 1989 to 2022 across 48 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries using a novel panel data regression approach to uncover how conflict undermines economic stability. The study identifies the destruction of infrastructure, disruption of human capital development, and deterrence of investment as primary channels through which conflict negatively impacts economies. These findings support the hypothesis that armed conflict severely hampers economic performance in SSA, highlighting the urgency for effective conflict resolution strategies and robust institutional frameworks. The negative impacts extend beyond immediate losses, altering income growth trajectories and perpetuating poverty long after hostilities cease. Regional spillover effects emphasize the interconnectedness of SSA economies, where conflict in one country affects its neighbors. The research provides innovative insights by disaggregating impact pathways and employing a robust methodology, revealing the complexity of conflict's economic consequences. It underscores the need for comprehensive policy interventions to foster resilience and sustainable development in conflict-prone regions. While there is evidence of potential post-conflict growth, the overall net effect of armed conflict remains profoundly negative, diminishing economic prospects. Future research should focus on strengthening long-term resilience mechanisms and policy measures to enhance the peace dividend. Addressing the root causes of conflict and investing in peace-building efforts are essential for transforming SSA's economic landscape and ensuring sustainable growth and development.

The main long-term goal of international communities is to achieve sustainable development. This issue is currently highly topical in most European Union (EU) countries due to the ongoing energy crisis. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), which can be integrated into the building surface (roof or facade), thereby replacing conventional building materials, contributes significantly to achieving zero net energy buildings. However, fire safety is important when using BIPV as a structural system in buildings, and it is essential that the application of BIPV as building facades and roofs does not adversely affect the safety of the buildings, their occupants, or the responding firefighters. As multifunctional products, BIPV modules must meet fire safety requirements in the field of electrical engineering as well as in the construction industry. In terms of building regulations, the fire safety requirements of the BIPV must comply with national building regulations. Within this article, aspects and fire hazards associated with BIPV system installations will be defined, including proposals for installation and material requirements that can help meet fire safety.

The relationship between transport infrastructure and accessibility has long stood as a central research area in regional and transport economics. Often invoked by governments to justify large public spending on infrastructure, the study of this relationship has led to conflicting arguments on the role that transport plays in productivity. This paper expands the existing body of knowledge by adopting a spatial analysis (with spillover effects) that considers the physical effects of investment in terms of accessibility (using distinct metrics). The authors have used the Portuguese experience at regional level over the last 30 years as a case study. The main conclusions are as follows: i) the choice of transport variables matters when explaining productivity, and more complex accessibility indicators are more correlated with; ii) it is important to account for spill-over effects; and iii) the evidence of granger causality is not widespread but depends on the regions.