The Ecuadorian electricity sector encompasses generation, transmission, distribution and sales. Since the change of the Constitution in Ecuador in 2008, the sector has opted to employ a centralized model. The present research aims to measure the efficiency level of the Ecuadorian electricity sector during the period 2012–2021, using a DEA-NETWORK methodology, which allows examining and integrating each of the phases defined above through intermediate inputs, which are inputs in subsequent phases and outputs of some other phases. These intermediate inputs are essential for analyzing efficiency from a global view of the system. For research purposes, the Ecuadorian electricity sector was divided into 9 planning zones. The results revealed that the efficiency of zones 6 and 8 had the greatest impact on the overall efficiency of the Ecuadorian electricity sector during the period 2012–2015. On the other hand, the distribution phase is the most efficient with an index of 0.9605, followed by sales with an index of 0.6251. It is also concluded that the most inefficient phases are generation and transmission, thus verifying the problems caused by the use of a centralized model.

Public recreation hubs play an important role in enhancing physical activities, social contacts, and the health status of a community. The quality of the experience in such a setting influences user satisfaction and dedication; however, there are limited studies that can adapt well-advanced conceptual frameworks to capture unique characteristics of the public recreation feature. This study investigates user expectations and perceptions of service quality within public recreation hubs in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Data collection was obtained through a cross-section of 385 respondents using a SERVQUAL instrument from 22 recreational hubs. Various statistical analyses were performed, of which the EFA produced a nine-factor solution and not the customary five SERVQUAL dimensions. Important findings include the emergence of an intersection of the constructs of empathy and assurance, thereby suggesting that the dimensions are perceived as connected in the context of relational services. In addition, program quality and community engagement came out as two other important dimensions, representing the expectation for pluralism in provision, or inclusiveness and participation. Demographic differences were significant, gender differences existed in the perception of tangibles and reliability. It provides useful recommendations for managers of recreational hubs and policymakers. It could improve tangible factors with standard maintenance activities, improved infrastructure, and coordinated operational routines that improve its reliability. Targeted training among the staff for empathy and reassurance, and programming targeted to meet demographic needs, can be helpful in serving the various needs. Community building strategies, such as participatory planning and outreach programs, help make the people who feel included in them and loyal to facilities stay. It will not only help in offering better service delivery but also ensure that facilities within such public recreation hubs last long. This work contributes to service quality theory because it applies the SERVQUAL framework in a community-based recreational environment and shows its practical benefit in service delivery improvement of public services. Further work should adopt longitudinal methods and multi-regional analyses in the development and refinement of such findings to enhance generalisability across settings. Results have important implications for the development of user-focused, sustainable public recreation services compatible with changing community needs.

In the history of public health, space has evolved through several stages driven by shifts in concepts of disease control. The history of public health is summarized by George Rosen in six phases: Origins (before 500 CE), Middle Ages (500–1500), Mercantilism and Absolutism (1500–1750), Enlightenment and Revolution (1750–1830), Industrialism and the Sanitary Movement (1830–1875), and the Bacteriological Era (1875–present). By integrating architectural sociology—a temporal lens examining the interplay between architecture, individuals, and society—this study investigates how architects historically responded to public health challenges, offering critical insights for contemporary healthy habitat design. Architecture not only addresses survival needs but also materializes societal consciousness. The progression of health-related cognition (e.g., germ theory), behavioural norms (e.g., hygiene practices), infrastructure systems (e.g., sanitation networks), and scientific advancements collectively redefined spatial paradigms. Architects constructed temples, thermae, lazarettos, Beitian Yangbingfang (charitable infirmaries), anatomical theaters, quarantine hospitals, tenements, mass housing, and biosafety laboratories. These cases exemplify the co-evolution of “Concept” (disease control ideologies), “Technology” (construction methods), and “Space” (built environments). By synthesizing centuries of public health spatial practices, this research deciphers the dynamic interplay among “Concept, Technology, and Space”. Leveraging historical patterns, we propose a predictive framework to refine future spatial strategies in anticipation of emerging health crises.

This study examines the spatial distribution of consumption competitiveness and carrying capacity across regions, exploring their interrelationship and implications for sustainable regional development. An evaluation index system is constructed for both consumption competitiveness and carrying capacity using a range of economic, social, and environmental indicators. We apply this framework to regional data in China and analyze the resultant spatial patterns. The findings reveal significant regional disparities: areas with strong consumption competitiveness are often concentrated in economically developed regions, while high carrying capacity is notable in less populated or resource-rich areas. Notably, a mismatch emerges in some regions—high consumer demand is not always supported by adequate carrying capacity, and vice versa. These disparities highlight potential sustainability challenges and opportunities. In the discussion, we address reasons behind the spatial mismatch and propose policy implications to better align consumer market growth with regional resource and environmental capacity. The paper concludes that integrating consumption-driven growth strategies with carrying capacity considerations is essential for balanced and sustainable regional development.

The COVID-19 pandemic has instigated global lockdowns, profoundly altering daily life and resulting in widespread closures, except for essential services like healthcare and grocery stores. This scenario has notably intensified mental health challenges, particularly among children and adolescents. Influenced by a myriad of factors including developmental stages, educational backgrounds, existing psychiatric disorders, and socioeconomic status, the pandemic’s impact extends beyond the immediate health crisis. This paper critically examines the multifaceted effects of the pandemic on mental and physical health across various age groups. It highlights the increased incidence of stress, anxiety, and depression, underscoring the pandemic’s deep psychological footprint. Additionally, the paper explores the societal implications, from altered family dynamics and educational disruptions due to the shift to online learning, to workplace transformations. These changes have led to a mix of adaptive responses and adverse effects, including heightened domestic tensions and mental health issues. The paper also delves into the ethical challenges faced by medical professionals during this crisis, balancing urgent patient care with ongoing medical research and mental health considerations. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic’s extensive impact on health and society, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health as a crucial component of the response strategy.

This study aims to determine the effect of Human Capital Management (HCM) and work ethics on the performance of life insurance agents mediated by Organizational Citizenship Behavior-Organization (OCB-O) and Organizational Citizenship Behavior-Individual (OCB-I). The data was collected from 103 respondents who had entered the category of having won the Top Agent Awards (TAA) using a survey approach with questionnaires. The population consisted of life insurance agents who had won the TAA/MDRT, a 5 Likert scale questionnaire, and analyses using the SEM-AMOS-21 program. The results prove HCM has a positive significant effect on work ethics; HCM does not have a substantial impact on OCB-O and OCB-I; Work Ethics have a considerable effect on OCB-I and OCB-O; OCB-O and OCB-I have no significant impact on performance; HCM does not have a substantial effect on performance; Work Ethics does not have a considerable impact on performance, however, if OCB-I mediates HCM it will strengthening agent Performance, likewise, Work Ethics if mediated by OCB-I, will strengthening Performance. The findings of this study are that for insurance agents to perform well, companies can treat agents as HCM and work ethics, and it is essential to pay attention to OCB-I as mediation in improving agent performance.

This study investigated the level of satisfaction among consumers of special tea (Monsonia burkeana) in the Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. It sought to identify the factors that influenced this satisfaction. A total of 225 respondents were selected using snowball sampling, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse consumer profiles and satisfaction levels, while multinomial logistic regression determined the factors influencing satisfaction across four categories: “Not satisfied at all”, “Satisfied”, “Not sure”, and “Highly satisfied”. The results revealed an average respondent age of 29.95 years and an average annual tea consumption of 4.684 uses, with over 50% of both male and female respondents expressing satisfaction. Regression analysis indicated that market access, cultural influences, income level, and the person introducing the tea significantly influenced dissatisfaction relative to high satisfaction. The income level was the only significant factor distinguishing “Satisfied” from “Highly satisfied”. Gender, age, marital status, and employment type were significant predictors for “Not sure” compared to “Highly satisfied”. These findings highlight the importance of developing the medicinal plant market, promoting cultural education, and implementing sustainable cultivation and conservation practices for Monsonia burkeana. Efforts to improve market access and address income disparities are also necessary to enhance consumer satisfaction and ensure the tea’s continued availability and cultural relevance.