Search Results (432)

The interfacial behavior of polyelectrolytic flocculants is governed not only by their chemical composition but also by the molecular-scale distribution of charged and neutral segments, which directly influences transport, adsorption, and interfacial stability. In this work, classical molecular dynamics simulations are used to elucidate how charge-site architecture controls the conformation, dynamics, and adsorption stability of anionic polyacrylamides at the quartz–water interface. Polymer architectures ranging from homogeneous charge distributions to block-like arrangements were systematically analyzed at constant molecular weight and global charge density. The results show that increasing charge segregation induces more compact conformations, enhanced translational mobility in solution, and reduced solvent accessibility. At the interface, polymers containing extended neutral blocks exhibit significantly more stable adsorption on quartz than polymers with homogeneously distributed charges, consistent with the low surface charge density of silica. These findings demonstrate that charge-site distribution is an independent and critical design parameter governing polymer–surface interactions. From a chemical engineering perspective, the results provide fundamental insight relevant to the rational design of polymeric additives for solid–liquid separation, flocculation, and sustainable mineral processing applications. Full article

This study explores gender-based perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the Australian construction industry, drawing on data from an exploratory mixed-methods investigation of construction practitioners. Australia provides a relevant case context due to sustained national attention to organisational culture, employee well-being, and work–life balance in construction. Adopting an exploratory mixed-methods design, the study integrates survey responses from construction practitioners (n = 40), examined separately for male and female participants, with qualitative analysis of open-ended responses to explore perceptions of workplace culture, leadership opportunities, organisational policies, work–life balance, and technology. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive cross-tabulations and Fisher’s Exact Tests to identify indicative patterns, while qualitative insights provided contextual depth. Given the modest sample size, findings are interpreted descriptively rather than as statistically generalisable. Results indicate broad recognition of progress toward more inclusive workplace practices across both genders, alongside persistent concerns regarding leadership diversity, access to mentoring, and the visibility and communication of flexible work arrangements. Qualitative findings further emphasise the importance of transparent promotion processes, leadership accountability, and organisational support mechanisms in shaping gender-equality experiences. Overall, the study offers exploratory, practitioner-level insights into a sector undergoing gradual cultural transition, highlighting areas for continued organisational and policy attention. Full article

Food insecurity is not merely an outcome of individual deprivation but a place-based expression of how urban food systems operate within unequal socio-spatial contexts. Using the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impacts–Responses (DPSIR) framework as a policy-relevant analytical lens, this study examines the Metropolitan Region of Rome to show how structural inequalities and uneven food infrastructures shape exposure to food-related risks. The results show that vulnerability is amplified by food price inflation, the rising cost of a healthy diet, and spatial gaps in retail provision—captured through the combined presence of food deserts and food blackouts—disproportionately affecting peripheral municipalities. State indicators, including the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), the Food Affordability Index (FAI), and the spatial distribution of FEAD beneficiaries, reveal a markedly uneven geography of food poverty, mirroring a higher prevalence of overweight, obesity, and diabetes. These spatial configurations point to obesogenic environments in which constrained affordability and limited accessibility restrict the capacity to maintain healthy diets, generating hidden social and health costs that disproportionately burden peripheral areas. Overall, food insecurity in Rome follows a pronounced centre–periphery gradient rooted in structural and institutional arrangements rather than incidental variation. Addressing this condition requires place-based, justice-oriented interventions that strengthen food infrastructures, improve coordination across governance scales, and place food security at the core of an integrated metropolitan Food Policy. Full article

Hollowness of the cucumber fruit, caused by carpel separation during growth, severely impacts fruit quality. Several Sikkim cucumber accessions originating from the India–Pakistan region exhibit pronounced internal cavities. We previously identified the QTL mfh2.1 as a key contributor to this phenotype. In this study, we investigated the genetic and physiological basis of fruit hollowness in the Sikkim cucumber line WI7120 through an integrative analysis combining histological staining, HPLC for hormonal profiling, and fine mapping using a large F2 segregation population. Comparative analysis between the hollow-fruited WI7120 and the non-hollow line 9930 revealed distinct growth dynamics: WI7120 displayed accelerated radial expansion and aberrant cell patterning at carpel junctions. Histological examination using paraffin sectioning uncovered disorganized endocarp cell arrangements in WI7120 occurring as early as pre-anthesis (0 days post-pollination), with enlarged suture cells that likely facilitate tissue separation during fruit enlargement. Hormonal assays indicated elevated levels of gibberellin (GA) and zeatin (ZT), along with reduced indole-butyric acid (IBA) in WI7120, suggesting that a hormonal imbalance and mechanical stress contribute to compromised cell adhesion. By screening ~2000 F₂ individuals with SSR and InDel markers, we refined the mfh2.1 locus to a 50.92 kb interval on chromosome 2, pinpointing CsRPT4Bb—encoding a 26S proteasome subunit—as the candidate gene. A non-synonymous SNP (I135V) in CsRPT4Bb was associated with tissue-specific expression patterns during cavity formation, implicating proteasome-mediated cellular remodeling in carpel cohesion. Spatial-temporal expression analysis further revealed upregulation of CsRPT4Bb in the WI7120 exocarp during fruit expansion, potentially influencing cell wall dynamics. This study demonstrates a coordinated interplay among genetic, hormonal, and mechanical factors underlying cucumber fruit hollowness, offering new avenues for breeding cultivars with improved fruit integrity and postharvest quality. Full article

Landscape ecology is the study of how different land uses and natural areas are arranged across a region, and how these spatial patterns affect biodiversity, ecosystem health, and human impacts. To measure and track these patterns, ecologists are using a range of tools and metrics that capture features such as connectivity, fragmentation, and the balance between natural and developed land. One such method is the Landscape Mosaic (LM) approach which classifies land into categories based on the mix of agriculture, natural habitats, and developed areas (e.g., urban), providing an integrated view of how humans are influencing ecosystems. Until recently, LM was only available through a specialized software package (i.e., GuidosToolbox), which limits its flexibility, interaction with other tools, and integration in scientific workflows. To address this, we present PyLM, a Python-based implementation of the LM model, making it easier for researchers, planners, and conservationists to analyze land use/cover (LUC) maps, generate statistics, and embed results into broader environmental workflows. The applicability of PyLM is demonstrated through a use case based on a LUC dataset for Switzerland. This new implementation enhances accessibility, supports sustainability assessments, and strengthens the ability to monitor landscapes over time. Full article

In the era of big data and multimedia communication, securing color images against unauthorized access and attacks is a pressing challenge. While quaternion-based models provide a unified representation for color images, most existing encryption schemes rely on single-image frameworks or lack the mathematical rigor to ensure both security and feasibility. To bridge this gap, this paper introduces a system of generalized Sylvester-type quaternion matrix equations as a novel encryption model. By using the equivalence canonical forms of five matrices arranged in a specific array, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of the generalized Sylvester-type quaternion matrix equation system, depending on the rank of the coefficient matrix. Numerical examples are provided to validate the obtained results. As an example of applications, we develop an encryption scheme for color images based on the proposed quaternion matrix equation system. Experimental results confirm the high feasibility of the proposed scheme. Notably, the proposed model supports dynamic key updates and multi-image secure transmission, making it highly adaptable for real-world applications. By integrating advanced quaternion matrix theory with practical image encryption, this work offers a scalable, secure, and mathematically sound approach to color image protection. Full article

Reducing urban–rural income inequality is a central objective of sustainable development and a critical challenge for inclusive growth in emerging economies. This study examines the impact of the digital economy on urban–rural income inequality in China. Using panel data across 279 cities in China and Chinese Household Income Project (CHIP) data, we find that the digital economy significantly widens urban–rural income inequality. Specifically, digital industries and innovations are the main drivers, contrasting with inclusive infrastructure. Although we observe a positive association between the digital economy and educational attainment among rural residents, such improvements do not appear to be fully translated into higher income. One possible explanation is that the digital economy is more effective in alleviating skill mismatch among urban residents than among their rural counterparts. Finally, our results suggest that Public Employment Services may help mitigate this negative effect through channels such as fiscal subsidies and improving skills training accessibility. Our findings highlight the need for caution regarding the inequality implications of digital economy development in emerging economies and underscore the crucial role of institutional arrangements in promoting socially sustainable and inclusive development. Full article

We developed an efficient and modular route to 2- and 6-(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)azulenes to expand the synthetic accessibility and functional scope of azulene-based π-systems with stimulus-responsive photophysics. Readily accessible 2- and 6-azidoazulenes, prepared in excellent yields via S_NAr reactions of haloazulenes, were subjected to Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen [3 + 2] cycloaddition with a broad range of terminal alkynes to afford the corresponding triazolylazulenes in good to high yields, followed by acid-mediated decarboxylation and Staudinger reduction to enable further diversification to 2-azulenyltriazoles and a 6-aminoazulene derivative. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed substitution-position-dependent torsional arrangements and variations in π-conjugation between the azulene and triazole units. Photophysical characterization by UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy showed pronounced halochromism under acidic conditions, and selected derivatives displayed substantially enhanced fluorescence quantum yields. Overall, these results establish the azulene–1,2,3-triazole motif as a versatile building block for designing optoelectronic π-systems with acid-responsive emission properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Family members are the principal providers of home-based care for migrant older adults. Linguistic, cultural, and structural barriers within health systems exacerbate the caregiver burden across emotional, physical and financial domains. Although home healthcare services may alleviate this burden, variability in access, cultural safety, and care coordination can also intensify it. This scoping review maps the evidence on the burden experienced by family caregivers who deliver home-based healthcare to migrant older adults and examines how these arrangements affect caregivers’ health and well-being. It synthesizes the literature on facilitators and barriers—including access, cultural-linguistic fit, coordination with formal services, and legal/immigration constraints—and distills implications for policy and practice to strengthen equitable, culturally responsive home care. Method: The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review framework was used to conduct the review. A comprehensive search was performed across six databases (CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Sociological Abstracts) for articles published between 2000 and 2025. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria focusing on the family caregiver burden in providing home healthcare for migrant older adults. Data extraction and thematic analysis were conducted to identify key themes. Results: The review identified 20 studies across various geographical regions, highlighting four key themes: (1) Multidimensional Caregiver Burden, (2) The Influence of Gender, Family Hierarchy, and Migratory Trajectories on Caregiving, (3) Limited Access to Formal and Culturally Appropriate Support, and (4) Health Outcomes, Coping, and the Need for Community-Based Solutions. Conclusions: System-level reforms are required to advance equity in home healthcare for aging migrants. Priorities include establishing accountable cultural-safety training for providers; expanding multilingual access across intake, assessment, and follow-up; and formally recognizing and resourcing family caregivers (e.g., navigation support, respite, training, and financial relief). Investment in community-driven programs, frameworks and targeted outreach—co-designed with migrant communities—can mitigate isolation and improve uptake. While home healthcare is pivotal, structural inequities and cultural barriers continue to constrain equitable access. Addressing these gaps demands coordinated policy action, enhanced provider preparation, and culturally responsive care models. Future research should evaluate innovative frameworks that integrate community partnerships and culturally responsive practices to reduce the caregiver burden and improve outcomes for migrant families. Full article

This exploratory study addresses the problem of limited research on quality assessments of newly emerging multi-use market formats that function as social hubs and their management as privately managed public spaces. Using Āgenskalns Market, a revitalised multi-use market hall in Riga, as a case study, the authors apply an assessment framework based on Yuri Impens’ study on covered food halls, incorporating quality criteria from Vikas Mehta’s Public Space Index and the UN-Habitat’s Site-Specific assessment methodology. Leclercq et al.’s works on privatisation of public spaces are integrated in the analysis of “publicness”. This framework evaluates user and observer perceptions across four dimensions: environmental quality and comfort, accessibility and amenities, social experience, and market offer. Data comprised an online survey of 318 respondents and 21 structured observations conducted during summer in 2024 and 2025. The preliminary results suggest users perceive the market as a well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing, accessible space, while identifying room for improvement regarding restroom facilities, indoor thermal regulation, noise mitigation, outdoor weather protection and parking arrangements. As for meaningful use and promoting sociability, findings highlight that flexible seating areas that allow high degrees of temporary personalisation and appropriation, alongside tailored programming and diverse activities beyond retail and dining, play an important role in attracting and retaining diverse audiences. While pricing concerns were noted for specific product groups, exclusionary effects appear to be counterbalanced by openness and inclusivity of cultural programmes and free events. The findings contribute to broader urban scholarship discussions calling for new typologies that better capture the changing character of public space use. This research suggests that private-public partnerships involving multiple stakeholders can enhance “publicness” by promoting inclusivity and social life through accessible infrastructure, diverse activities and free events, as well as enabling opportunities for temporary appropriation by users. Full article

The living lab Enrekang, established in 2019 in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, was created to strengthen rural communication and support collaborative innovation across agriculture, livestock, environment, and extension services. Its flagship initiative, the Digital Farmer Field School (DFFS), was co-designed as a digital tool to improve farmers’ access to practical and locally adapted information. The early phase of collaboration generated strong momentum, culminating in a functional prototype tested with farmer groups by 2022. However, progress slowed soon after, revealing a gap between the initiative’s early promise and its subsequent stagnation. This qualitative case study, conducted between December 2024 and June 2025, draws on document reviews, focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and participant observations to analyze how the slowdown emerged and how it altered communication, coordination, and relational expectations among participating actors. Applying the governance-of-innovation lifecycle and a social capital lens, the study shows that political transitions, leadership turnover, staff rotation, and the absence of policy and budgetary anchoring disrupted coordination routines and reduced cross-sector interaction, even as motivation among farmers and frontline staff remained high. The case also highlights the novelty and complexity of the living lab approach, which introduced coordination demands and institutional unfamiliarity that local systems were not yet equipped to absorb. This study contributes to ongoing debates on collaborative innovation by illustrating the vulnerability of living labs when governance arrangements do not evolve alongside innovation milestones. Sustaining similar efforts requires formal anchoring, adaptive coordination, and mechanisms that protect collaboration across political and institutional transitions. Full article

This paper presents a compact four-port multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna operating in the Ku-band around 13 GHz, targeting early-phase 6G upper-midband front-end applications. The proposed antenna employs orthogonally arranged short-ended square patch elements combined with a modified defected ground structure (DGS) to achieve high port isolation and compact footprint. A prototype fabricated on Rogers RO4350 substrate demonstrates good agreement between simulated and measured results. The antenna achieves $|S_{11}|$ < −10 dB over 12.9–13.1 GHz band, inter-port isolation exceeding 25 dB, and an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) below $0.01$. The measured realized gain reaches 7.02 dBi with a radiation efficiency above 80%. Compared with recent Ku-band MIMO antennas, the proposed design provides a 45% size reduction while maintaining high isolation at a close element spacing of 0.25${\lambda }_0$. The proposed antenna intentionally adopts a narrowband operating characteristic, reflecting a design trade-off that prioritizes compact size, high isolation, and low spatial correlation over wideband performance. These features make the antenna well suited for early-stage 6G-oriented front-end modules, fixed wireless access, backhaul links, and short-range sensing systems operating in the upper-midband frequency range. Full article

The importance of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is recognised by Australian governments and significant reforms are being implemented to increase access to high-quality ECEC. Whilst increased recognition and access are vital, so are strategies to support a high-quality and sustainable workforce. One strategy is for governments to partner with universities to support Diploma-qualified educators to upskill to become teachers. Providing support for Diploma pathway students to be successful in their studies and motivated and to stay in the profession post-graduation is vital. The aim of this study was to investigate a specific design element within one innovative initial teacher education programme for Diploma pathway students—the role of the teaching coach. The teaching coach role was designed to support Diploma pathway students to complete their degree and help create the professional networks needed to sustain them in the profession long term. Using a single site case study approach, qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with teaching coaches. Using the theory of practice architectures to the analyse data, we interrogated the practices of the teaching coaches, how teaching coaches perceived they supported student success and the arrangements that enabled and constrained these practices. From the perspective of the teaching coaches, their role supported student learning and professional networks. The role also provided unanticipated benefits for the teaching coaches themselves. The study highlights the importance of universities going beyond traditional practices to contribute to professional learning and networks for ECEC professionals throughout their careers. Full article

The topic of archaeological apothekes, i.e., storage areas not intended for display and not accessible to the public (depositi in Italian), has only recently received the attention it deserves, for reasons related to the history of research methodology. The archiving of archaeological material poses specific problems compared to other categories of material with which the process is generally associated, such as artistic artefacts. Excavation finds consist mainly (and increasingly) of a mass of anonymous, repetitive pottery fragments, not destined to be accessible to the public. The management of these storage facilities poses two sets of problems linked with its archiving: on one hand, its (digital) documentation; on the other hand, its physical arrangement. Both aspects have often been contemplated, but as separate entities by different specialists (archaeologists, conservators, etc.). An adequate approach requires however both aspects to be considered together, for archaeological material only achieves its full value when its context of origin is secure. Only proper management of digital and physical archives can ensure a full understanding of the historical significance of archaeological material. These challenges also apply to the Archaeological Mission of Phaistos, in Crete, where Italian have been active since 1900. The reorganisation of the warehouses in 2024–2025 provided an opportunity to adequately address both the digital archiving of the material and the layout of the warehouses, tackling at the same time the particularly pressing issue in this case of the reuse of ‘legacy data’, which poses problems of standardization. This led also to a new perspective, using old labels and boxes as metadata to reconstruct the methods of archaeological research. The main results however were the creation of a holistic approach to the management of archaeological material and its (written, graphic, photographic, and topographic) documentation through the adoption and implementation of PyArchInit (version 4.9.5), a plug-in of QGIS (version 3.40.7 Bratislava). Full article

In a context of environmental and socio-economic challenges, metropolitan areas represent a fundamental territorial scale for addressing cohesion, competitiveness, and sustainability, key priorities in European territorial development. Accessibility to services is crucial, as it reflects the right to full citizenship, particularly in territories where attractive urban centres coexist with peripheral areas. Balancing these dynamics is a major challenge for metropolitan governance and planning, especially in Italy, where Metropolitan Cities (MCs) have been institutionalised for over a decade. This paper examines spatial structure, accessibility, and governance through a comparative analysis of three Italian MCs in the Po Valley macro-region, a polycentric system along the Mediterranean Corridor of the Trans-European Transport Network. Despite overall interconnections, the MCs display different settlement and accessibility patterns. The Metropolitan City of Turin is selected as a case study for its territorial diversity, metropolitan-mountainous character, misalignment between administrative and functional boundaries, and accessibility limitations. The research examines current planning instruments and governance-government arrangements of the case study in addressing these challenges. Findings, framed within the decadal review of Italian MCs, emphasise the need for greater coordination between plans, policies and programmes, combined with strengthened inter-municipal collaboration and territorial representation, to support a multi-level governance framework capable of coherent, effective, and balanced metropolitan development. Full article