Search Results (19,907)

Rural communities face persistent transport disadvantages due to low population density, limited-service availability, and high operational costs, restricting access to essential services and exacerbating social inequality. Autonomous public transport systems offer a transformative solution by enabling flexible, cost-effective, and inclusive mobility options. This study investigates the operational determinants for autonomous road-based transit systems in rural and peri-urban South-East Queensland (SEQ), employing a structured survey of 273 residents and analytical approaches, including General Additive Model (GAM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). The findings indicate that small shuttles suit flexible, non-routine trips, with leisure travelers showing the highest importance (Gain = 0.473) and university precincts demonstrating substantial influence (Gain = 0.253), both confirmed as significant predictors by GAM (EDF = 0.964 and EDF = 0.909, respectively). Minibus shuttles enhance first-mile and last-mile connectivity, driven primarily by leisure travelers (Gain = 0.275) and tourists (Gain = 0.199), with shopping trips identified as a significant non-linear predictor by GAM (EDF = 1.819). Standard-sized buses are optimal for high-capacity transport, particularly for school children (Gain = 0.427) and school trips (Gain = 0.148), with GAM confirming their significance (EDF = 1.963 and EDF = 0.834, respectively), demonstrating strong predictive accuracy. Hybrid models integrating autonomous and conventional buses are preferred over complete replacement, with autonomous taxis raising equity concerns for low-income individuals (Gain = 0.047, indicating limited positive influence). Integration with Mobility-as-a-Service platforms demonstrates strong, particularly for special events (Gain = 0.290) and leisure travelers (Gain = 0.252). These insights guide policymakers in designing autonomous road-based transit systems to improve rural connectivity and quality of life. Full article

The quality of initial and continuous training for primary-school teachers is essential to fostering science education and building strong scientific foundations. This qualitative case study, conducted over two consecutive school years in Portugal, examines the impact of a continuous professional development program aimed at addressing gaps in primary teachers’ experimental science teaching. The program took place in the municipality of Penafiel and was organized by a university research team in collaboration with local schools. The program combined face-to-face sessions, in-school support from expert monitors, and the provision of teaching resources. Data were drawn from Individual Final Reflective Reports written by 108 teachers, all of whom participated through mandatory enrollment in the local training initiative. The sample was therefore exhaustive, covering the entire population targeted by the municipality. The reports were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, following an inductive coding process supported by peer validation. NVivo (version 14) software was used to assist in the categorization and management of textual data. The analysis revealed that teachers highly valued the training, particularly highlighting the relevance of the content, the effectiveness of the methodologies, and the training’s practical utility in overcoming classroom challenges. The program enhanced teachers’ confidence in implementing experimental activities and improved their teaching practices. The study underscores the importance of continuous professional development in strengthening teacher qualifications and science education. Limitations include reliance on self-reported reflections, the focus on a single municipality, and the absence of triangulation with classroom observations. Nevertheless, the program demonstrates that combining active methodologies, contextualized classroom support, and resource provision is a promising model for teacher professional development. The implications are relevant for policymakers, training centers, and teacher educators designing continuous professional development initiatives. Future research should explore scalability, longitudinal effects, and the comparative effectiveness of different continuous professional development mode. Full article

Promoting individuals’ sustainability consciousness (SC) is one of the important way of ensuring a sustainable world and finding ways toward a better life. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of learn–think–act approach-based instruction and lecture-based instruction on the development of sustainability consciousness in students, with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) acting as the subject of the instructions. The research was conducted with 80 seventh-grade students from a state school in Istanbul, Türkiye. While 40 of them were in a class where learn–think–act approach-based SDG instruction was implemented, the other 40 participants were trained with lecture-based SDG instruction for eight weeks. A quasi-experimental research design was followed in the research. The data was collected with the Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire and obtained before and after SDG instruction. In the data analysis, paired and independent samples t-tests were used. The findings revealed that learn–think–act approach-based SDG instruction has a significantly larger effect (d = 1.62, 95% CI) on the development of sustainability consciousness in middle school students compared to lecture-based SDG instruction. Full article

Background: Engaging in physical activity (PA) is especially significant for adolescents, as this is a key developmental stage for establishing lifelong habits. While the physical, mental, and cognitive health benefits of PA are well-documented, less is known about its relationship with adolescents’ life satisfaction (LS). Most existing evidence often involves small sample sizes, focusing particularly on developed regions, and few studies use large-scale comparative data. Methods: This study examines the association between adolescents’ LS and PA using data from the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the world’s largest comparative education survey of adolescents. Our analysis included 399,794 adolescents from 64 high- and middle-income countries and economies. We used three-level multilevel regressions. Results: We found that, after controlling for individual, family, and school factors, PA is positively and significantly associated with LS. This finding holds for the pooled sample and across the 64 countries analysed. For most countries, we did not find a significant gender moderator effect, suggesting that the positive association between PA and LS did not vary by gender. Conclusions: The findings suggest a global health promotion strategy to promote PA amongst adolescents as a normative developmental process necessary for their well-being and mental health. Full article

Intercultural education has been a longstanding challenge for teachers’ professional development, as significant difficulties are encountered in attempts to integrate it into curricula, reduce prejudices, and strengthen school culture and social structures. This study aims to highlight the main points of international organizations’ documents on intercultural teacher education by applying a qualitative methodology. The methodology was mainly based on literature review of both primary (international organizations’ documents) and secondary sources (relevant academic papers) by following the research method of inductive thematic analysis. The data collected concerned the teaching methods and approaches in which teachers need to be trained in order to implement intercultural education effectively; the intercultural mindset and skillset that teachers should acquire through their education and training; the values of intercultural education that teachers are expected to cultivate through their intercultural training; the challenges that arise in the process of teachers’ professional development in intercultural education; examples of successful training programmes, and finally the role of school leadership in strengthening teachers’ intercultural education. Full article

Ohm’s law has become ubiquitous in numerous scientific and technical disciplines. Generally, the subject is introduced to students in secondary school as fundamental technical knowledge. The present study proposes a visual model to facilitate the comprehension of Ohm’s law in electron transport in solids to pre-university and university students. The objective is to facilitate students’ comprehension of the correlation between electron movement in solids, as depicted by a current, and the energy of the system, which is introduced by the electric field and the material’s structure. The approach’s originality lies in its novel strategy for describing electron trajectory randomization. This enables the establishment of a relationship between the material’s structure and its resistivity. Moreover, the description of electron transport and scattering processes is presented regarding different types of entropy. It shows that electrons follow the maximum trajectory entropy and that thermal entropy has a quadratic relationship with configurational entropy. The determinism of Ohm’s law is inferred from statistical entropy. Full article

Objective: This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of molecular transmission networks and pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) in newly diagnosed HIV-1 infections in Taizhou, China. Methods: From 2021 to 2023, we collected 1126 plasma samples from newly diagnosed HIV patients in Taizhou. The HIV pol gene was amplified, and the obtained sequence was used to construct a maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree and molecular transmission network. PDR-related mutations were analyzed based on the Stanford University HIV Resistance Database. We conducted genotyping analysis and analysis of factors related to the larger clusters (≥10). Results: We successfully amplified and sequenced the pol region from 937 (83.2%, 937/1126) treatment-naïve HIV-1 patients, each with comprehensive epidemiological documentation. Phylogenetic characterization revealed significant subtype heterogeneity, with CRF07_BC (42.1%, 395/937), CRF01_AE (27.6%, 259/937) and CRF08_BC (22.1%, 209/937) being the most prevalent. Notably, 11.4% of the sequenced population (107/937) presented detectable PDR mutations. Univariate analysis revealed that larger clusters (≥10) are more inclined to be aged ≥60, divorced or widowed, have high or technical secondary school education, and have sexual contact with homosexuality. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥60 years and not having a PDR mutation (p < 0.05) were factors associated with larger clusters (≥10). Conclusions: Molecular transmission networks suggest that CRF08_BC is spreading rapidly among the older male population. Consequently, targeted interventions aimed at this population are crucial for halting the ongoing rapid dissemination of this subtype. Full article

Physical activity (PA) has been identified as a protective factor for adolescent mental health. This study analysed the association between PA and levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among adolescents, considering gender, educational stage, and type of sport. A cross-sectional design was conducted with 106 Spanish secondary school students aged 12–16 years. Data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire on PA participation and the validated DASS-21 scale. Descriptive statistics, chi-square (χ²) tests, and adjusted residual analyses were performed. The results showed a significant negative association between PA and anxiety (χ² = 303.34, p < 0.01), stress (χ² = 310.64, p < 0.01), and depression (χ² = 324.32, p < 0.01). Non-athletes presented higher levels of psychological problems compared with active peers, while girls and older students showed greater vulnerability. Adolescents involved in team sports exhibited lower anxiety and stress than those participating in individual sports. In conclusion, higher participation in physical activity, particularly team-based disciplines, is associated with better mental health in adolescents. These findings reinforce the importance of integrating regular physical activity into school contexts to support psychological well-being during adolescence. Full article

Transition to electric vehicles has accelerated in diverse consumer sectors all over the world. Electric School Buses (ESBs) are a particular area of interest due to their environmental and financial potential benefits, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) synergies. Storing electricity in times of lower demand to supply the grid at optimal times can provide significant sustainability benefits, among them a reduction in new generation capacity and financial revenue for battery owners. ESBs, with their high-capacity batteries, have significant potential to supply the grid in V2G systems. There are more than half a million school buses in the US, with a wide geographical distribution, which have significant idle times during school days and holidays. This presents very attractive investment possibilities, providing school districts with additional revenue and supplying local communities with sustainable electricity at high-demand times. This study develops a framework to financially evaluate sustainability of ESB V2G schemes in the US. It applies data analytics, GIS, and Business Intelligence to integrate and assess publicly available data to provide stakeholders with decision-making tools in selecting optimal locations and operation times for these projects. Results indicate that revenue for these projects is significant in most schools, with some locations generating very high revenue potential. Geospatial analysis for most locations and time frames indicates very promising results, with schools potentially receiving significant income from these systems. The framework provides, therefore, relevant information for stakeholders to make sustainable decisions on the development of these projects. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal involvement in children’s home-based learning activities during the COVID-19 lockdown on mothers’ parenting stress, the quality of maternal care perceived by offspring, and the level of children’s internalizing/externalizing symptoms. This study recruited 415 subjects from the general population. To assess parenting stress, mothers were administered the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form; to assess children’s perceived quality of maternal care, this study used the Parental Bonding Inventory; and the Child Behavior Checklist/6–18 was used to assess internalizing/externalizing symptoms in children. Correlations showed that the amount of time spent by the mother supervising children’s self-study was highly and positively correlated with parental stress and offspring’s externalizing (but not internalizing) symptoms, and highly and positively correlated with the subscale of maternal overprotection in the children’s perceived quality of maternal care. Moreover, the multiple regression analyses conducted based on the above significant correlations showed that the amount of time spent by the mother overseeing children’s study was associated with parental stress, children’s externalizing symptoms, and maternal overprotection. Overall, the current study contributes to showing the burden families had to face as a result of school closures and accompanying distance learning during the COVID-19 epidemic. Full article

The hilly and mountainous regions of Nepal provide a suitable environment for the cultivation of large cardamom, a high-value cash crop with significant global market potential. However, climate change poses significant threats to its production and the livelihoods of farmers dependent on this crop. To cope with these challenges, adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices is essential, particularly among smallholder farmers of rural communities. However, the extent of their implementation remains largely unknown. We surveyed 158 households in Ilam and Tehrathum districts to assess the adoption intensity of climate-resilient practices among large cardamom farmers using the Ordered Probit Model. Findings revealed considerable variation in the adoption intensity of climate-resilient practices. Traditional practices like tillering, weeding, and irrigation were highly adopted, while more innovative, knowledge-intensive methods were less adopted. Education was found to have a positive influence on the high adoption intensity of climate-resilient practices. Each additional unit of year of schooling increases the probability of high adoption of practices by 3.4%. Membership in farmers’ groups increases the likelihood of high adoption by 12.9%, while labor availability and regular extension contact rises by 21.9% and 17.8%, respectively. Similarly, age shows a smaller but significant effect, increasing adoption by 0.5% at p-value = 0.08. The use of traditional practices is common; however, the uptake of scientifically recommended practices for climate resilience remains limited. Policy initiatives focusing on farmer education, promoting farmer organizations, addressing labor shortages, and strengthening extension services are important for enhancing resilience in the large cardamom sector of Nepal. Full article

The transformation of national education policy during Indonesia’s governmental era has led to regulatory disruptions through the rapid revocation of previous policies and swift introduction of new ones. This landscape requires teachers to possess technological proficiency as well as 21st-century competencies and pedagogical readiness to adopt innovative learning. This study examines the influence of technological knowledge and 21st-century competencies on teachers’ readiness to adopt deep learning pedagogy, while also exploring perceptions of opportunities and challenges. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, involving a survey of $802$ teachers from regions of Indonesia. The instrument comprised $25$ items across three variables, validated by experts, and tested with confirmatory factor analysis, which showed acceptable fit and reliability. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically, while qualitative insights came from interviews with 30 teachers and analyzed thematically. Results indicate that 21st-century competencies $(\beta =0.639,R^2=0.432)$ exert stronger influence than technological knowledge $(\beta =0.575,R^2=0.310)$ in shaping readiness. The integration of connecting and embedding strategies revealed personal, structural, and cultural complexities in implementing deep learning. The study recommends localized training and partnerships with professional organizations, higher education institutions, and NGOs to generate systemic support for school reform toward learning organizations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skipping breakfast is common among adolescents. Providing breakfast at school is a potential solution; however, its effectiveness remains unclear. This study aimed to compare breakfast skipping between dormitory- and home-residing high school students, analyze trends over time, and identify reasons for skipping breakfast. Methods: This study analyzed data from high school students who participated in the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey between 2018 and 2024, and who lived either in dormitories (n = 11,394) or at home (n = 164,446). The frequency of breakfast consumption over the previous seven days was surveyed; breakfast skipping was defined as missing breakfast on at least five of these seven days. Results: Students living in dormitories had more breakfast days than those living at home (4.6 ± 0.04 vs. 3.7 ± 0.01, p < 0.001). The prevalence of breakfast skipping among students living in dormitories was approximately half of that among students living at home. The association between breakfast skipping and residence type remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.34–0.39). The prevalence of breakfast skipping increased more rapidly between 2018 and 2024 among students living in dormitories (15.1–25.0%, annual percent change = 8.7%, p < 0.05) than in those living at home (35.3–45.3%, annual percent change = 4.0%, p < 0.05). In 2022, the main reasons for skipping breakfast among students living in dormitories and at home were oversleeping (32.2%) and lack of time (39.6%), respectively. Conclusions: Students living in dormitories were less likely to skip breakfast than those living at home. However, even when breakfast is provided, a substantial and increasing proportion of adolescents skip breakfast. These findings suggest that creating a supportive environment alone is insufficient and that strategies are needed to enhance awareness of the importance of breakfast. Full article

In South Korea, sunlight rights and daylight rights are legally distinguished, yet no standardized methodology exists for their quantitative assessment. Current evaluations of sunlight rights are narrowly defined, relying on the duration of direct solar penetration at the window center during the winter solstice, while excluding reflected and diffuse light. This restrictive approach has led to confusion among both researchers and legal practitioners, as it diverges from daylighting evaluations that account for indoor brightness and energy performance. The recent enactment of regulations to secure solar access in schools has further intensified disputes between educational institutions striving to protect students’ visual comfort and developers seeking to maximize building potential. To address this gap, this study proposes an evaluation framework tailored to the Korean context. A reference classroom model representative of standard Korean schools was developed, and simulations were conducted by introducing obstructing building masses to block direct sunlight. The methodology evaluated key variables, including time of day and solar altitude, and analyzed daylighting performance and lighting-related energy consumption under obstructed conditions. The results show that blocking sunlight through south-facing windows reduces daylighting performance by 89% to 98%, leading to additional reliance on artificial lighting, with energy use increasing between 128 Wh and 768 Wh. These findings underscore the limitations of current legal interpretations based solely on sunlight duration and highlight the necessity of adopting performance-based evaluation methods. Protecting school sunlight rights through such approaches is essential to enhancing classroom visual environments and reducing energy demand. Full article

School dropout and the recruitment of minors by criminal organizations have become deeply intertwined phenomena in Ecuador, particularly in territories marked by extreme violence and institutional fragility. This study investigates how Ecuadorian national media construct and frame these issues in 2025, using a qualitative content analysis of 85 opinion columns, editorials and analytical pieces published in leading outlets including El Comercio, El Universo, La Hora, Primicias, GK, Vistazo and Mercurio. Through a critical analysis of discursive patterns, the study identifies dominant narratives that reflect the normalization of violence, the erosion of schools as protective spaces, polarized portrayals of youth as victims or delinquents and a general critique of state inaction. Media narratives were found to vary ideologically, with some reinforcing stigma while others advocated for structural reform and rights-based approaches. The results highlight the role of media in shaping public understanding of educational exclusion and juvenile vulnerability in contexts of conflict. This research concludes that while Ecuadorian media serve as both mirrors and mediators of social crisis, their potential to influence educational policy and child protection efforts remains uneven. A more inclusive, critical and community-oriented media discourse is needed to confront the challenges of educational abandonment and youth recruitment. Full article