Search Results (279)

This story began half a century ago with the discovery of an unusually high presence of tryptophan (Trp, W) in transthyretin (TTR), one of the three carrier proteins of thyroid hormones. With the Trp-rich retinol-binding protein (RBP), TTR forms a plasma complex implicated in the delivery of retinoid compounds to body tissues. W has the lowest concentration among all AAs involved in the sequencing of human body proteins. The present review proposes molecular maps focusing on the ratio of W/AA residues found in the sequence of proteins involved in immune events, allowing us to ascribe the guidance of inflammatory processes as fully under the influence of W. Under the control of cytokine stimulation, plasma biomarkers of protein nutritional status work in concert with major acute-phase reactants (APRs) and with carrier proteins to release, in a free and active form, their W and hormonal ligands, interacting to generate hot spots affecting the course of acute stress disorders. The prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI) scoring formula contributes to identifying the respective roles played by each of the components prevailing during the progression of the disease. Glucagon demonstrates ambivalent properties, remaining passive under steady-state conditions while displaying stronger effects after cytokine activation. In developing countries, inappropriate weaning periods lead to toddlers eating W-deficient cereals as a staple, causing a dramatic reduction in the levels of W-rich biomarkers in plasma, constituting a novel nutritional deficiency at the global scale. Appropriate counseling should be set up using W implementations to cover the weaning period and extended until school age. In adult and elderly subjects, the helpful immune protections provided by W may be hindered by the surge in harmful catabolites with the occurrence of chronic complications, which can have a significant public health impact but lack the uncontrolled surges in PINI observed in young infants and teenagers. Biomarkers of neurodegenerative and neoplastic disorders measured in elderly patients indicate the slow-moving elevation of APRs due to rampant degradation processes. Full article

This article explores Schipper’s scholarly contributions to the study of dongtian fudi (grotto heavens and blessed lands) and specifically situates this project in its broader intellectual context and Schipper’s own research. While Schipper was not the first to open discussions on this topic, his research in this direction still offers profound insights, such as the coinage of the concept of “Daoist Ecology” and his views on mountain politics. This article argues that Schipper’s work on dongtian fudi is a response to the school of Deep Ecology and its critics, and also a result of critical reflection on the modern dichotomy between nature and culture. In Schipper’s enquiry of dongtian fudi, the “mountain” stands as the central concept: it is not only the essential component of Daoist sacred geography, but a holistic site in which nature and society are interwoven, endowed with both material and sacred significance. Through his analysis of the Daoist practice of abstinence from grain (duangu), Schipper reveals how mountains serve as spaces for retreat from agrarian society and state control, and how they embody “shatter zones” where the reach of centralized power is relatively attenuated. The article also further links Schipper’s project of Beijing as a Holy City to his study of dongtian fudi. For Schipper, the former affirms the universality of the locality (i.e., the unofficial China, the country of people), while the latter envisages the vision of rewriting China from plural localities. Taken together, these efforts point toward a theoretical framework that moves beyond conventional sociological paradigms, one that embraces a total worldly perspective, in which the livelihoods of local societies and their daily lives are truly appreciated as a totality that encompasses both nature and culture. Schipper’s works related to dongtian fudi, though they are rather concise, still significantly broaden the scope of Daoist studies and, moreover, provide novel insights into the complexity of Chinese religion and society. Full article

This article examines how religious freedom is enacted and redefined through everyday practices in pluralistic urban settings. Moving beyond the classical notion of negative liberty as non-interference, it explores the social conditions that enable or constrain the practical expression of religious life. Drawing on forty-three qualitative interviews with religious leaders and civic actors in Florence, Italy, the study analyses how religious freedom is experienced across institutional contexts such as hospitals, schools, prisons, workplaces, and sport facilities. The findings reveal a persistent tension between formal legal rights and their uneven implementation in daily life. While legal guarantees are generally upheld, structural barriers and discretionary practices often hinder access to religious expression. At the same time, informal interactions, local networks, and dialogical engagement play a key role in supporting the concrete exercise of religious freedom. The article argues that freedom is not simply a legal status but a social process, realized through relational and institutional arrangements. By foregrounding the role of everyday interaction in shaping the conditions of freedom, this study contributes to broader sociological debates on pluralism, normativity, and the social foundations of institutional life. Full article

Climate change, urbanization, and socio-economic inequality are increasing the severity of urban challenges, emphasizing the imperative for a resilient built environment. Yet, architectural education has lagged in adopting resilience principles into its central curricula. This paper critiques dominant pedagogical paradigms and identifies shortcomings in interdisciplinary collaboration, digital tool adoption, and practical problem-solving. Moving its focus from local to international best practices for resilience, the study extracts key dimensions for learning architecture and explores case studies in leading schools that reflect pioneering, resilience-centric pedagogies. The findings highlight the importance of scenario-based learning, participatory design, and the use of technologies like AI, GIS, and digital twins to strengthen resilience. The article also explores how policy reformulation, accreditation mandates, and cross-sector collaborations can enforce the institutionalization of resilience education. It demands a pedagogical shift toward climate adaptation design studios, inter/transdisciplinary methods, and technological skills. The study ends with action guidelines for teachers, policymakers, and industry professionals who want to ensure that architectural education becomes responsive to resilient urban futures. Full article

The research explores three interconnected themes: philosophy, education, and ecology. It aims to be an interdisciplinary study that emphasizes the significance of the philosophy of environmental education and its practical implications. Initially, it addresses the contemporary hylomorphic production approach, followed by proposing educational solutions aimed at fostering a comprehensive understanding of the environment. This understanding includes recognizing humans as part of the environment, sharing equal rights to existence with all other life forms. The study advocates for a shift away from anthropocentrism, positioning humans in a non-privileged role within the ecosystem. It seeks to challenge long-standing notions where humans have historically placed themselves above other beings. The research is particularly inspired by the “Green Schools” in Bali, which embody a proactive educational philosophy aimed at reshaping how future generations perceive their role in production and environmental stewardship. These schools promote an educational framework that encourages students to reconnect with nature and develop sustainable practices from the ground up, moving away from exploitative and profit-driven paradigms. An example of this innovative approach is found in disciplines such as “eco-art,” where colors are derived from natural relationships rather than manufactured. The overarching goal is to cultivate a perspective that sees humans as integral components of nature, valuing it for its intrinsic worth rather than solely for its utility to humanity. Full article

Background: This study aimed to investigate the differences in motivation and physical self-concept among pupils based on their level of physical activity during physical education classes. Methods: The research encompassed 398 pupils (aged 10 ± 0.3 years), including 211 boys and 187 girls, divided into three groups according to their level of physical activity during class (Group A—low; Group B—medium; Group C—high). The modified Self-Regulation Questionnaire was used to evaluate pupils’ motivational orientations, while the corresponding subscales of the Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) were employed to measure physical self-concept. Pupils’ physical activity (measured in steps and intensity) during physical education classes was assessed using CoachGear pedometers and Suunto Memory Belt heart rate monitors. Results: The findings revealed significant differences between the groups of pupils of both genders concerning their physical activity levels during early school years. Notably, these differences were more pronounced in boys than in girls. Additionally, it was observed that less active pupils generally exhibited lower levels of motivation as well as lower physical self-concept scores. Conclusion: Pupils with higher levels of physical activity during physical education classes demonstrated greater motivation and a more positive physical self-concept, highlighting the crucial role of engagement in fostering both psychological and physical development. These findings underscore the need for well-structured and engaging physical education programs that support active participation and enhance pupils’ overall well-being. Full article

This article explores the challenge of developing a sustainable cultural brand for cities that are primarily perceived as tourist destinations. While major urban hubs like Berlin (DE), Edinburgh (UK), and Lisbon (PT) have successfully transitioned from being known mainly for tourism to becoming recognized cultural destinations, the process behind this transformation remains underexplored, especially when it comes to mid-sized cities. How does a town move beyond its touristic image to build a lasting cultural identity? What strategies enable this shift, and what role do different stakeholders play? Focusing on the Romanian city of Brașov, a scenic destination in Transylvania mostly known for its natural environment and medieval architecture, the paper addresses this gap by investigating how a cultural brand can be developed through strategic marketing efforts. Using an integrated approach that combines two qualitative studies and one quantitative analysis, the research provides new insights into (i) cultural marketing strategies that can enhance Brașov’s city brand; (ii) stakeholder perspectives on developing Brașov’s cultural identity; and (iii) the role of Generation Z, whose influence on urban cultural branding has, so far, been minimally researched, in shaping the cultural future of cities, particularly Brașov. Some of the findings highlight key areas for developing Brașov’s cultural brand, including expanding nightlife activities, introducing more contemporary and year-round themed festivals, and tailoring promotional efforts to the short attention spans of the “TikTok generation”. Participants emphasized the need for a more diverse range of cultural events, including experimental and niche performances, alongside stronger educational initiatives to encourage long-term engagement by involving schools and universities. The results offer actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and cultural leaders seeking to develop a city brand centered around culture, focusing on long-term identity and community engagement rather than solely on tourism. Full article

This study aimed to quantify the carbon footprint of elementary school lunch menus across six major urban school districts in the United States and to simulate the effect of sustainable food policies on carbon emissions reductions while ensuring nutritional requirements remain adequate. We analyzed a total of twenty distinct meals per district selected from a four-week period and calculated their carbon emissions using life cycle assessment data. We then modeled three scenarios to reduce carbon emissions: (1) a reduction in beef meal offerings to one day per month, (2) an introduction of one entirely plant-based day per week, and (3) a combination of scenarios 1 and 2. Our findings revealed that beef-containing meals had the highest carbon emissions, while plant-based meals had the lowest. Implementing the one monthly beef meal scenario led to an average savings of 34% in emissions, while the plant-based day scenario led to a 32% reduction in emissions. Combining both policies resulted in an average reduction of 43% in emissions. Importantly, our nutritional analysis demonstrated that implementing these sustainable food policies resulted in meals with statistically similar macronutrient and micronutrient profiles and contributed to increased dietary fiber intake. These results highlight the potential environmental and health benefits of adopting sustainable nutrition policies in elementary schools. Full article

This study examined the association between school climate, defined by social and academic environments, and mental wellbeing among 446 first-year upper-secondary students in eastern Norway (ISRCTN10405415). As part of the MOVE12 pilot study conducted in February 2023, a cross-sectional online questionnaire targeted approximately 600 students from five schools offering diverse academic and vocational tracks. Mental wellbeing was assessed using the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS, scale 7–35), and the data were analyzed with stepwise multiple linear regression. The mean mental wellbeing score was 24.5 ± 4.3, with significant gender differences (p < 0.05) but no variations between academic and vocational tracks. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of mental wellbeing (b = 0.236, p < 0.001), followed by health satisfaction (b = 0.179, p < 0.001), time spent with friends (b = 0.163, p < 0.001), social isolation (b = −0.162, p = 0.001), wellbeing in physical education (b = 0.129, p = 0.002), and classroom climate (b = 0.128, p = 0.007). These findings emphasize the critical role of self-efficacy, peer connections, and supportive classroom climates in promoting mental wellbeing. Addressing these elements of school climate can significantly enhance the mental health and overall outcomes of upper-secondary students. Full article

The Florentine architect Vittorio Giorgini (1926–2010) graduated in 1957 from his hometown School of Architecture. During the 1950s and 1960s, he came to maturity in the lively cultural climate of Florence. Giorgini’s design process was based on the direct observation of natural structures. He coined the term “Spatiology” to define his studies of morphology. In 1969, he moved to New York City, where he worked as a professor of Architecture and Planning at the Pratt Institute until 1996. Giorgini took part in the artistic and cultural life of the Big Apple, and here, he frequented and formed a series of friendships with personalities of notable stature (John M. Johansen, Isamu Noguchi, Buckminster Fuller). The aim of the latter is to investigate Giorgini’s USA period (1969–1996), which constituted a far-reaching design phase beginning in the Seventies. In particular, it is very interesting to study the relationships Giorgini established with architects, artists, and intellectuals in New York that constituted a source of seduction and inspiration for his design process. The research focuses on the “Made in USA” projects that were never built, in which the formal interpretation of natural organisms consisted mainly of tetrahedral and octahedral meshes. Full article

The Biofilm Onboard Radiation Exposure Assessment Lab In Space (BOREALIS) mission is a 6U CubeSat initiative funded by the Italian Space Agency under the ALCOR program, executed through a collaboration among the School of Aerospace Engineering of Sapienza University of Rome, Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Aerospace Research (CIRI Aerospace) of the University of Bologna and Kayser Italia Srl. BOREALIS is equipped with a lab-on-chip payload for studying the effects of microgravity and ionising radiation on microbial biofilms, which are crucial for understanding and preventing persistent infections in space environments. The satellite will operate across multiple orbits, moving from low to medium Earth orbit, to distinctly analyse the impacts of radiation separate from microgravity. The required orbital transfer not only tests the autonomy of its on-board systems in challenging conditions but also places BOREALIS among the first and few CubeSats to have ever attempted such a complex manoeuvre. This study explores the systematic application of Model-Based Systems Engineering to satellite design, from conceptualisation to trade-offs, using a tradespace analysis approach supported by Monte Carlo simulations to optimise mission configurations against performance and cost. Additionally, the adaptability of Model-Based Systems Engineering tools and the reusability of such an approach for other satellite projects are discussed, illustrating the BOREALIS mission as a case study for small mission design considering constraints and requirements. Full article

This study investigates the role of teacher talk moves in cultivating a mathematical modeling classroom community. From the models and modeling perspective, it explores how specific teacher talk moves promote student participation in modeling phases and the exchange of ideas with other students. Through a four-week after-school program involving eight secondary students, data were collected from small-group and whole-class discussions. The findings reveal that teacher talk moves can be categorized into three core types: eliciting students’ ideas, introducing key terms and ideas used in mathematical modeling, and encouraging students to take a position during discussions. These moves are shown to influence classroom discussion norms and facilitate the ways that students interact and reason with the mathematical modeling tasks. While the findings suggest that teacher talk moves can contribute to fostering a reflective learning environment where students collaboratively construct, analyze, and refine mathematical models, further research is needed to better understand the extent of their impact and how similar learning opportunities might arise through alternative instructional strategies. Future research should explore how these teacher moves can be implemented across different classroom contexts and extended periods to enhance modeling-based learning. Full article

Current efforts toward inclusion in education have resulted in a strong emphasis on personalized learning. This article argues that biblical images of congregations and dealing with needs can inspire moves toward a hospitable community life in schools. Biblical keywords help us imagine how inclusive school practices can be shaped. Attention is given to safety, care and mercy, equivalence, justice, gifts, and carrying the load of others. Based on a theological exploration, the author calls for a number of moves: from the individual to the community, from instrumentalism to realism, from access to the school climate, from organization to pedagogy, and from risk to trust, as well as widening the lens from pupils to staff. A definition of hospitable education is proposed that stresses the equal importance of building communities in classrooms and among staff. For both parties, participants should influence the school climate by training themselves to appreciate a diversity of gifts and to be attentive to all kinds of needs. Full article

(1) Research Highlights: Existing studies primarily focus on the supply-side evaluation of urban forest accessibility, emphasizing physical proximity while often overlooking real-time usage patterns and demographic-specific exposure. This study shifts the focus to social exposure, analyzing how diverse population groups interact with urban forests across different times of the day, integrating dynamic accessibility metrics. (2) Background and Objectives: Unlike previous research that predominantly assessed urban forest accessibility through conventional models based on static spatial proximity, this study incorporates spatiotemporal population distribution data to capture actual utilization patterns. By introducing a dynamic, exposure-based framework, this research aims to facilitate equitable and temporally sensitive access to green spaces across diverse demographic groups. (3) Materials and Methods: This study focuses on Seoul, South Korea, and applies the Gaussian-based Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (G2SFCA) methodology to assess urban forest accessibility. Living population data (2021–2024) from mobile telecommunications sources were used as demand indicators, while OpenStreetMap (OSM) green space data were utilized as supply indicators. Realistic travel distances were calculated using OSM pedestrian networks and Dijkstra’s algorithm, incorporating slope effects and distance decay functions. A K-means clustering algorithm was applied to classify four distinct exposure types based on demographic and temporal variations. (4) Results: The findings reveal significant disparities in urban forest exposure based on age group and time of day. Four major urban forest exposure patterns were identified: Type A—school-age children, with peak usage around midday; Type B—working-age adults, frequenting mid-sized urban forests during commuting and leisure hours; Type C—elderly individuals, utilizing large-scale urban forests and neighborhood parks mainly in the morning; Type D—young adults, engaging with small urban parks and rest areas at various times. (5) Conclusions: Urban forest management must move beyond the quantitative expansion of green spaces and instead implement customized policies that optimize accessibility and equitable distribution based on distinct temporal and demographic patterns of social exposure. By integrating real-time urban mobility data into urban forest planning, policies can better align green space supply with actual usage, fostering a more equitable, data-driven, and sustainable urban green infrastructure. Full article

The rapid development of technology sets its own rules for adults and children. For younger schoolchildren, acquiring digital skills from primary school will give them the confidence to apply them correctly in school, at university, and in their lives. Schools should be interested in providing the necessary conditions to develop children’s digital skills. Teachers can equip them with the basic skills needed to live successfully in the digital age by teaching them digital literacy skills. They can help children develop their digital skills and move consciously in the digital environment. The development of digital literacy in primary school students and the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) teachers in this development are considered relevant and timely in the article. The study examines the vision and experiences of Kazakhstani primary school computer science teachers in developing students’ digital skills in informatics classes. The article discusses research methods such as questionnaires, interviewing ICT teachers, observation, and participation in computer science lessons to better understand the actual situation in primary schools in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study’s results will be helpful for schools and are suggested for improving computer science curricula. Full article