Search Results (84)

Objective: Although information technology’s impact on social inequality has attracted widespread attention, existing research remains divided on whether technology generates “digital dividends” or exacerbates the “digital divide”. Most studies assume uniform effects across all life domains; yet, the mechanisms through which technology affects different aspects of social stratification may vary substantially. Method: Using data from the 2023 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) covering 5332 respondents, we examine information technology’s differential effects on economic income and health outcomes between urban and rural residents through multiple regression, interaction analysis and Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition. Result: Our findings reveal that information technology significantly enhances both income and health status, validating the digital dividend hypothesis. However, technology effects exhibit domain-specific patterns: urban–rural differences are modest in economic domains but pronounced in health domains, where rural residents benefit significantly more than urban counterparts. Information technology contributes 10.8% to urban–rural income gaps but plays larger roles in health disparities. Conclusion: We propose a digital dividend differentiation theory, whereby technology effects tend toward homogenization in standardized economic domains governed by market logic while exhibiting compensatory functions in health domains dependent on geographic proximity. These findings challenge the assumptions of technological uniformity and provide foundations for differentiated digital development policies. Moreover, by revealing how digital technologies can reduce structural inequalities in income and health, this study advances the understanding of digital inclusion as a core driver of sustainable urban–rural development, offering both academic contributions to sustainability scholarship and practical guidance for achieving inclusive development goals. Full article

Work–life balance (WLB) in academia remains a challenge as a result of increasing workloads, precarious employment, and expectations of constant availability. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these structural barriers to work–life balance in academia and also clearly showed the inequities related to hybrid and remote work for women, caregivers, and underrepresented minorities. This paper highlights the key factors that pose challenges to WLB in academia, how these challenges have been worsened by COVID-19, and what we can learn from pandemic times solutions to devise inclusive practices for long-term structural change. The methodology used in this paper is a critical review of 298 published articles. This review is structured as follows: The structural barriers, inequities, and workplace policies that impact academic WLB are first inventoried. Then, the lessons learned from the pandemic are studied by dividing the short-term disruptions from the permanent shifts. Finally, inclusive solutions, focusing on institutional boundary-setting, workload redistribution, hybrid work policies, and mental health support are presented. This paper makes three key contributions: (1) it provides an intersectional understanding of WLB, accounting for gender, caregiving, ethnicity, migration, and social class; (2) it frames COVID-19 as a driver for structural reform, rather than an anomaly; (3) it bridges WLB research and policy design, proposing actionable strategies for universities and policymakers. By placing equity and inclusion at the core of the analysis, this work advocates for systemic solutions that promote a sustainable academic environment aligned with principles of social justice. Full article

This study employs text mining techniques to conduct a systematic quantitative analysis of cybersecurity-related scientific publications and technological research. It aims to break through the limitations of traditional unidirectional evolutionary research, reveal the knowledge evolution rules between scientific theories and technical practices in this field, and provide valuable references and decision-making support for optimizing the collaborative innovation ecosystem. Firstly, we took academic papers and patent research on cybersecurity from 2005 to 2024 as the research objects and divided them into ten stages according to the time series. Subsequently, we identified scientific and technological topics and formed science–technology topics to assess their similarity. Then, we selected 3040 pairs of collaborative topic pairs and categorized them into three distinct groups: weak, moderate, and strong correlation. Finally, we constructed a science–technology topic association evolution atlas and analyzed the types of evolutionary pathways of topic associations and their mechanisms of action accordingly. The results demonstrate five evolutionary patterns in science–technology topic associations: division, merging, inheritance, co-occurrence, and independent development. Additionally, the science–technology topics demonstrate a high degree of collaboration, exhibiting a collaborative effect of “initial accumulation–fluctuating differentiation–deep collaboration”. Meanwhile, the correlation evolution of strongly related science–technology topics presents a symmetrical effect of “technology–science–technology” and “science–technology/technology–science”. Full article

Academic self-pressure is a significant source of stress for students, with physiological and cognitive implications that can influence academic performance. This study investigated the impact of academic self-pressure on heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive performance, exploring the moderating role of physical activity through an experimental intervention. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on a sample of 50 secondary school students, divided into an experimental group and a control group. The intervention, lasting 16 weeks, integrated physical activity based on escape room challenges with the traditional school curriculum. The results show that the experimental group recorded a significant improvement in HRV, a reduction in perceived stress, and an increase in cognitive performance, working memory, and academic achievement. Correlational and regression analyses highlighted the key role of physiological stress regulation in academic success. The findings emphasize the potential of integrating movement-based learning activities, such as escape room interventions, into school curricula as an effective strategy to enhance students’ stress regulation, executive functioning, and academic performance. By improving physiological self-regulation and cognitive efficiency, this approach supports a more holistic educational model that addresses both academic outcomes and student well-being. These results suggest that incorporating physically active, cognitively engaging tasks into the classroom may foster resilience, motivation, and adaptive coping skills, offering practical value for educational policy and classroom practice. Full article

The paper makes a novel contribution to bridging the academic–practitioner divide in tourism studies, specifically in the context of the destination image. An advanced, robust estimation modeling approach that analyzed a lagged commercial international survey of potential tourists reveals that academics and practitioners tend to draw different conclusions from the same dataset based on their different hypotheses. These findings suggest that academics and practitioners have limited perspectives of destination image, casting doubt on the relevance of existing destination image models, particularly when applied to individuals who already hold a less-than-positive perception. Hence, this study suggests four steps for enhancing cooperation between academics and practitioners: the use of a mixed team, re-examination of commercial (lagged) datasets, developing a combined set of hypotheses, and conducting rigorous analysis. The findings advance both theoretical understanding and practical strategy by showing that cognitive marketing messages may reinforce existing views but rarely overturn them. To support the market, academics should focus on conative destination image, develop segmentation tools to identify the target groups based on their overall destination image, and build dynamic destination image models that portray the differences between the groups and conditions. Full article

This paper addresses the problem of stylistic pluralism in philosophical writing, arguing that its progressive narrowing to the form of the paper is not just an esthetic issue but can also have negative effects on the development of academic research itself. The contribution is divided into two parts (Sections 1–3 and 4–5). In the first part, after introducing the problem and outlining the main features of the philosophus academicus’s writing, two main forms of criticism of “paper-centrism” in academic philosophy are discussed—one more “anti-academic” and the other more “intra-academic”. In light of these criticisms, the issue of the relationship between form and content in philosophical writing is analyzed with particular respect to the problem of the sense of truth, arguing that style communicates philosophical values beyond content. In the second part, this thesis is illustrated by examining, as a case study, the specific sense of truth conveyed in Plato’s dialogues—first through a literary analysis of Platonic writing, and then through a thought experiment inspired by media theory. Finally, the ethical and epistemic concerns raised by the growing “mono-stylism” of philosophical writing are brought together into a unified framework, by proposing a preliminary sketch of an ethics of philosophical research and pointing to some possible examples of alternative research practices. Full article

Chinese Qilou Architecture Heritage (CQAH) serves commercial and residential functions, integrates Southeast Asian and local Chinese architectural features, and is a unique testimony to modern commerce and culture of the overseas Chinese hometown. Since the 1990s, the academic community has conducted extensive research on CQAH. This paper utilizes CiteSpace 6.4.R1 as the research tool and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) as the core database, with “Qilou” as the core keyword and “Chinese Qilou Architecture” and “Qilou District” as the research themes. After a rigorous data collection procedure, 491 documents were obtained and subjected to visual analysis. The results show that research on CQAH is most prevalent in the field of architectural science and engineering, primarily focusing on four key issues: the distribution area and historical origin of Qilou, differences in regional characteristics of Qilou architecture, conservation and renewal of the Qilou historic district in urban development, and cultural inheritance and spatial activation. The research can be divided into four stages: exploration of basic features and historical background, exploration of architectural origins and development motives, cultural heritage protection and adaptive use, diversified perspectives, and multidisciplinary integration. Correspondingly, this paper also proposes four priority research directions for the future. This study provides theoretical support and practical reference for the conservation of CQAH and offers new methods and perspectives for the study of the future sustainable development of Qilou. Full article

This paper critically examines artificial intelligence applications in stock market forecasting, addressing significant gaps in the existing literature that often overlook the tension between theoretical market efficiency and empirical predictability. While numerous reviews catalog methodologies, they frequently fail to rigorously evaluate model performance across different market regimes or reconcile statistical significance with economic relevance. We analyze techniques ranging from traditional statistical models to advanced deep learning architectures, finding that ensemble methods like Extra Trees, Random Forest, and XGBoost consistently outperform single classifiers, achieving directional accuracy of up to 86% in specific market conditions. Our analysis reveals that hybrid approaches integrating multiple data sources demonstrate superior performance by capturing complementary market signals, yet many models showing statistical significance fail to generate economic value after accounting for transaction costs and market impact. By addressing methodological challenges including backtest overfitting, regime changes, and implementation constraints, we provide a novel comprehensive framework for rigorous model assessment that bridges the divide between academic research and practical implementation. This review makes three key contributions: (1) a reconciliation of the Efficient Market Hypothesis with AI-driven predictability through an adaptive market framework, (2) a multi-dimensional evaluation methodology that extends beyond classification accuracy to financial performance, and (3) an identification of promising research directions in explainable AI, transfer learning, causal modeling, and privacy-preserving techniques that address current limitations. Full article

The global construction industry faces serious safety challenges, characterised by high rates of accidents and fatalities. A systematic review that analysed 95 academic articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases investigated the current use of digital technologies (DTs) in construction safety management across developed and developing countries. The research discovered that digital technology applications in construction safety primarily focus on developing models and simulations. These technologies are making significant contributions by enhancing worker training, improving risk prediction capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring, facilitating better communication, and supporting more proactive safety interventions. The most frequently utilised digital technologies in this domain include virtual reality (VR), building information modelling (BIM), machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the promising potential of these technologies, their actual implementation remains somewhat limited, especially in developing countries. This study identified critical knowledge gaps, specifically the limited understanding of digital technology trends in construction safety management across different economic contexts, the insufficient research on strategies to increase digital technology adoption in the construction sector, and the need for more comprehensive investigations into how the technology adoption divide can be bridged. This research aimed to facilitate future empirical studies that can advance the understanding of digital technologies and the development of strategies to integrate them more comprehensively into construction safety practices. By providing a detailed overview of current digital technology applications, highlighting research limitations, and suggesting future research directions, this review seeks to contribute to both academic understanding and practical improvements in global construction industry safety. Full article

With the advantages of simple structure, low power consumption, no electromagnetic interference, and fast response, piezoelectric pumps (PPs) have been widely used in the fields of chip cooling, biomedical applications, chemical applications, and fuel supply applications. In recent decades, scholars have proposed various PPs, and this article reviews the recent research results. In this review, according to the “valve” structure, PPs are divided into valve-less piezoelectric pumps (VLPPs), valve-based piezoelectric pumps (VBPPs), and piezoelectric pumps with valve and valve-less state transitions (PPVVSTs). Firstly, the design methods of typical structures were discussed, and comparisons were made in terms of driving frequency, driving voltage, output pressure, flow rate, structure materials, and pump size. The advantages and disadvantages of VLPPs, VBPPs, and PPVVSTs were analyzed. Then, we compared the driving parameters, output performance, structure materials, and pump size of single-chamber piezoelectric pumps (SCPs) and multi-chamber piezoelectric pumps (MCPs) and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of SCPs and MCPs. Optimization methods proposed in recent years have been summarized to address the issues of the cavitation phenomenon, the liquid back-flow problem, and low output performance in PPs. Subsequently, the application research of PPs and the distribution of academic achievements were discussed. Finally, this review was summarized, and future research hot spots for PPs were proposed. The main contribution of this review is to provide piezoelectric pump (PP) researchers with a certain understanding of the structural design, optimization methods, practical applications, and research distribution of PPs, which can provide theoretical guidance for future research. Full article

Wuyi Mountain in China is listed on the World Natural and Cultural Heritage List. With the vigorous development of urban cultural tourism, the sustainable development of heritage sites has become the focus of academic and industry circles, among which the rational use and scientific planning of natural resources have become increasingly prominent. In this context, in-depth research on resource development and protection strategies in the Wuyishan area has important practical significance and theoretical value. Therefore, this paper presents a case study of the tourist tea garden landscape design practice at the Wuyistar Chinese Tea Garden, located in Wuyishan City. This paper underscores the significance of incorporating the site’s existing natural environment resources, particularly its plant resources, into the tea garden landscape design, while adhering to principles within the framework of world heritage. The research method includes extensive field surveys combined with GIS analysis and biodiversity surveys, covering the topography and slope of the tea plantation, current natural resources, statistics on the number of tourists after completion, and the related benefits of local enterprises. These planning concepts are realized through a series of infrastructure measures, which are divided into four angles: restoring mountains and rivers, rereading cultural context, sorting out style and appearance, and improving functions. The design practice is carried out in different areas. Simultaneously, the creation of a distinctive tourist destination enables tourists to fully engage with nature and tea culture, while simultaneously fostering the growth of cultural tourism in world heritage sites. This study proposes a planning practice case, which provides a framework and ideas for designing tea gardens. From the aspects of resource protection and utilization, cultural inheritance and display, and tourism service improvement, it provides a model and method that can be used as a reference for the landscape design and planning of similar tea gardens, which will help promote the healthy development of the Chinese tea culture tourism industry. It also provides useful practical experience for the protection and development of world heritage sites. Full article

Background and Objectives: Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being, and it is highly influenced by psychological factors. While mental health disorders are often associated with poor oral health, the impact of obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) tendencies on oral hygiene behaviors remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between OCPD tendencies and oral health behaviors among biomedical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 biomedical students aged 18–30 years. Participants completed the Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) to assess oral health behaviors and the Five Factor Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory—Short Form (FFOCI-SF) to evaluate OCPD tendencies, and they were divided into high and low tendencies groups. Sociodemographic data were also collected. Statistical analysis of all collected data was performed using the MedCalc computer software for Windows^®. Results: The higher OCPD tendencies group was older (p = 0.003), with predominantly female students (p = 0.005), and with higher academic grades (p < 0.001). These participants exhibited significantly better HU-DBI total scores compared to the group with the lower tendencies (8.0 (7.0–8.0) vs. 7.0 (6.0–8.0); p < 0.001). Traits such as perfectionism, fastidiousness, and punctiliousness were significantly associated with better oral hygiene practices (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that OCPD tendencies in biomedical students positively influence oral health behaviors through traits like perfectionism and attention to detail, though excessive rigidity may pose risks such as over-brushing. However, future longitudinal larger-scale studies need to address these findings. Full article

Traditional aging education at our institution in Taiwan has primarily relied on lecture-based instruction, emphasizing teacher-centered knowledge transmission. Although effective in delivering foundational theories, this approach often overlooks active student engagement which is crucial for developing critical thinking, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills. These methods focus on transmitting theories and skills while often neglecting the cultivation of a willingness to serve older adults. This study investigates the impact of integrating diverse teaching strategies into aging education courses to enhance caregiving competence, defined as a multidimensional construct comprising critical thinking, self-confidence, problem-solving ability, and willingness to serve older adults. A quasi-experimental design was used for first-year students from the Department of Healthcare Administration at a university in Taiwan. Participants were divided into traditional (111th academic year) and diverse (112th academic year) teaching groups during gerontology courses. The traditional group employed lecture-based instruction focusing on knowledge transmission, whereas the diverse group utilized flipped teaching, case or story discussions, and expert lectures, emphasizing active learning, situated learning, and reflective practices based on constructivist learning theory. Data were collected via questionnaires at the semester’s start and end. The results showed significant improvements in critical thinking, self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and willingness to serve older adults within the diverse group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in these measures. These findings indicate that while diverse teaching strategies effectively enhance caregiving competence, their outcomes are not significantly different from those of traditional methods. Full article

Background/Objectives: Indigenous perspectives, which emphasize non-materialistic dimensions of healing, such as the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit, align with one foundational principle of osteopathic care. Integrating these perspectives into person-centered care may enhance therapeutic effectiveness by accommodating diverse understandings of health and well-being. This perspective paper explores how various epistemological frameworks, including Indigenous non-materialistic approaches, can inform manual therapy techniques and therapeutic alliances to advance person-centered care. Methods: We synthesized the best available evidence with expert insights and interdisciplinary viewpoints to address the gaps in the scientific literature. Our approach integrates conceptual analysis and emerging research to provide a comprehensive discussion for a broad professional audience. Results: We focused on detailing the existing sociocultural and experiential frameworks available to describe patients’ bodily perceptions rather than abstract intellectual constructs. Our findings were divided into two sections. The first examines the incorporation of diverse body representations that extend beyond purely biomechanical interpretations, emphasizing the role of non-materialistic components in therapeutic processes. The second explores recent neuroscientific research on self and consciousness, demonstrating how these insights intersect with Indigenous perspectives to enrich the theoretical and practical applications of osteopathic principles in different clinical contexts. Conclusions: Epistemological flexibility has the potential to refine clinical frameworks and ensure that they reflect the full scope of osteopathic practices beyond musculoskeletal care. By integrating diverse sociocultural perspectives without reinforcing stereotypes or rigid cultural constructs, this approach clarifies the diversity of body representations in osteopathic practices, addresses gaps in academic discourse, and promotes the integration of multiple worldviews as a foundation for truly person-centered care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF), are hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by increased proliferation of mature myeloid cells, a chronic inflammatory state, and high cardiovascular risk. The diagnostic and therapeutic landscape in the field of MPNs is rapidly evolving. Therefore, it is important to assess the behavior of physicians involved in the management of MPN patients to gain insight into how they embrace the current diagnostic and treatment landscape in real-life settings. Methods: An online anonymous survey consisting of 50 questions regarding their MPN practice and divided into four major domains (physician characteristics, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic decisions, and patient follow-up) was sent through the Croatian Cooperative Group for Hematologic Diseases’ (KROHEM’s) e-mailing list to all Croatian hematologists. Results: Thirty-one out of ninety adult hematologists (34.4% response rate) from KROHEM responded to this survey. There was a very high rate of self-proclaimed abidance to current international diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations, with no major differences among academic and community practices. However, some areas of uncertainty have been highlighted, especially in the frequency of cytogenetic and molecular testing, as well as very low implementation of the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) questionnaire in everyday practice. Conclusions: This study provides an important snapshot of the current MPN practice in Croatia. Similar studies from other countries are needed to provide a more detailed overview of real-life MPN practice globally. Full article