Search Results (432)

Office is one of the core sectors within the buildings sector, attracting tens of billions of dollars in global real estate investment flows. Most of these are achieved through non-listed investments, where office real estate represents one of the major sectoral investment exposures for many global institutional real estate investors and investment managers. The rising interest rates in recent years have been a significant concern, impacting the global real estate markets significantly. Based on these premises and by using quarterly total returns of non-listed office real estate across the US, UK, Germany, Canada, and Australia from June 2008 to June 2024, this research assesses the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of non-listed office real estate across the five markets over both interest rate cut and interest rate hike cycles. The results empirically validate the added-value role of non-listed office real estate in institutional multi-asset portfolios across the UK, Germany, Canada, and Australia during the interest rate hike cycle preceding the COVID recession. In the 10% capped real estate allocation, the average allocation was 0.7% in the UK, 0.4% in Germany, 0.7% in Canada, and 9.1% in Australia. Over the interest rate hike cycle after the COVID recession, Australian non-listed office real estate offered enhanced benefits as part of the multi-asset portfolio, constituting an average of 0.8% in the capped real estate allocation. In the global non-listed office real estate portfolio, the US dominated the portfolio across varying interest rate cycles, with an average allocation of approximately 65%. The average allocation to Australia was 24.2% over the interest rate hike cycles, while the average allocation to Germany was 32.0% over the interest rate cut cycles. These findings offer institutional real estate investors and investment managers critical and practical insights into how the investment performance and portfolio construction strategy of office assets—an essential component of the buildings sector and a major non-listed real estate investment exposure for global institutional real estate investors—respond to macro-financial and interest rate cycles. The investment implications of the findings are also discussed. Full article

The cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avena, is responsible for substantial economic losses in the global production of wheat, barley, and other cereal crops. Extracellular enzymes, particularly those from the glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH18) family, such as chitinases secreted by Trichoderma spp., play a crucial role in nematode control. However, the genome-wide analysis of Trichoderma longibrachiatum T6 (T6) GH18 family genes in controlling of H. avenae remains unexplored. Through phylogenetic analysis and bioinformatics tools, we identified and conducted a detailed analysis of 18 GH18 genes distributed across 13 chromosomes. The analysis encompassed gene structure, evolutionary development, protein characteristics, and gene expression profiles following T6 parasitism on H. avenae, as determined by RT-qPCR. Our results indicate that 18 GH18 members in T6 were clustered into three major groups (A, B, and C), which comprise seven subgroups. Each subgroup exhibits highly conserved catalytic domains, motifs, and gene structures, while the cis-acting elements demonstrate extensive responsiveness to hormones, stress-related signals, and light. These members are significantly enriched in the chitin catabolic process, extracellular region, and chitinase activity (GO functional enrichment), and they are involved in amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism (KEGG pathway enrichment). Additionally, 13 members formed an interaction network, enhancing chitin degradation efficiency through synergistic effects. Interestingly, 18 members of the GH18 family genes were expressed after T6 parasitism on H. avenae cysts. Notably, GH18-3 (Group B) and GH18-16 (Group A) were significantly upregulated, with average increases of 3.21-fold and 3.10-fold, respectively, from 12 to 96 h after parasitism while compared to the control group. Meanwhile, we found that the GH18-3 and GH18-16 proteins exhibit the highest homology with key enzymes responsible for antifungal activity in T. harzianum, demonstrating dual biocontrol potential in both antifungal activity and nematode control. Overall, these results indicate that the GH18 family has undergone functional diversification during evolution, with each member assuming specific biological roles in T6 effect on nematodes. This study provides a theoretical foundation for identifying novel nematicidal genes from T6 and cultivating highly efficient biocontrol strains through transgenic engineering, which holds significant practical implications for advancing the biocontrol of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs). Full article

The Blue Economy has emerged as a vital framework for achieving sustainable economic diversification, environmental stewardship, and social resilience, particularly in regions facing ecological pressures such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Despite its increasing recognition in national strategies, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Blue Economy Strategy 2031, scholarly research in the GCC remains fragmented and uneven. This study provides the first comprehensive bibliometric and thematic review of Blue Economy research in the region, analyzing publications produced between 2000 and 2025. The analysis reveals four dominant thematic clusters: fisheries and food security, governance and coastal policy, climate resilience and ecosystem restoration, and blue finance and economic diversification. At the same time, it identifies persistent gaps in social equity, gender inclusivity, traditional ecological knowledge, and regional coordination. By situating GCC research within broader global debates, the study underscores both the strengths and limitations of the current knowledge base. The findings contribute to academic debate and policy development by offering a conceptual framework that highlights inclusive governance, innovative financing, and nature-based solutions as key pillars for future research and practice. In doing so, the study provides a roadmap for advancing the Blue Economy agenda in the GCC and beyond. Full article

The tangible and intangible heritage of a region can form the basis for innovative tourism models capable of fostering sustainable development in a specific local area. In this context, thematic trails are increasingly recognized as a tool for connecting tourism to local heritage, although they tend to focus on food and wine itineraries, avoiding the development of structured models that can be replicated in other production chains. This study aims to fill this gap by proposing a scalable framework for designing thematic tourism itineraries that integrate and enhance local heritage. Inspired by the “Destinazione Impresa” model, the proposed framework emphasizes community engagement and multilevel collaboration among stakeholders as key factors for sustainable and localized tourism. The framework was tested in two rural areas of Piedmont (Italy) selected for their distinctive productive traditions and limited exposure to mass tourism: Moncucco Torinese, linked to the gypsum supply chain, and the Biellese area, linked to dairy production. The participatory methodology employed, based on the Delphi method, confirmed the willingness of local stakeholders to co-design thematic trails. Findings highlight the potential of thematic trails to enhance economic diversification, foster community participation and preserve local identity, while offering a practical and transferable methodology for sustainable tourism development in underexplored areas. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leaf sheath hairiness (LSH) is an adaptive trait in wheat that improves tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although trichome development has been extensively studied in model plants, the genetic basis of LSH in Triticeae crops remains poorly defined. Methods: In this study, the inheritance and genetic architecture of LSH were investigated. Two F₂ populations were used, derived from crosses between the glabrous lines ‘Shumai 830’ and ‘Shumai 2262’ and the hairy line ‘Zhongkelanmai 1’. BSA-seq was combined with KASP marker genotyping to map and refine the trait locus. Candidate genes were evaluated through comparative genomics; sequence variation; and subcellular localization prediction. Results: Phenotypic evaluation revealed that LSH is a dominant trait, segregating at a 3:1 ratio in F₂ populations. BSA-seq identified a major locus, QLsh.cwnu-4D, on chromosome 4DL. Fine mapping with KASP markers refined this region to a 1.67 Mb interval overlapping a 530 kb trichome-associated linkage disequilibrium block in Aegilops tauschii. Within this interval, TaSAIN1-4D, a salt-inducible protein unique to Triticeae, was identified as the strongest candidate gene. Extensive sequence variation among alleles (TaSAIN1-4Da; TaSAIN1-4Db; TaSAIN1-4Dc), including large insertions and multiple SNPs, indicated potential functional diversification. Predicted nuclear localization of TaSAIN1-4D supports a role in trichome regulation and stress adaptation. The co-dominant KASP marker K-cwnu-4D-502238348 was tightly linked to LSH and cosegregated perfectly, making it a reliable tool for marker-assisted selection. Conclusions: This study clarifies the genetic architecture of leaf sheath hairiness in wheat and identifies TaSAIN1-4D as a likely regulator. These findings provide a practical marker-assisted selection tool that can accelerate the development of improved wheat varieties with desirable leaf surface traits. Full article

Under the complex geological structural stress of the Western Himalayan syntaxis, the widespread distribution of hard and brittle rocks (such as sandstone and limestone) makes them prone to the formation of conjugate joints, also known as X-joints. These joints create weak structural planes in the slope rock mass, and when combined with weak interlayers within the slope, they result in a complex dynamic response and hazard situation in this region, which is further exacerbated by frequent seismic activity. This poses a serious threat to the planning, construction, and safe operation of the Belt and Road Initiative. To study the slope vibration response and instability mechanisms under these conditions, we conducted a shaking table test using the Iymek avalanche as a case study and performed Hilbert–Huang Transform (HHT) analysis. We also compared the results of the shaking table test on slope models without X-joints but containing weak interlayers. The findings show that the presence of X-joints leads to an earlier onset of plastic failure in the slope. During the failure development, X-joints cause stress concentration and the diversification of stress redistribution paths, delaying energy release. Ultimately, the avalanche failure mode in the X-joint slopes is more dispersed compared to the landslide failure mode in the model without X-joints. At the toe of the slope beneath the weak interlayer, low-frequency seismic waves can cause a significant amplification of acceleration, and the weak interlayer is often the shear outlets of the slope. These findings provide new insights into the seismic failure evolution of jointed slopes with weak interlayers and offer practical references for seismic hazard mitigation in mountainous infrastructure. Full article

Emerging hybrid governance models are transforming conventional approaches to land-use regulation by simultaneously enabling urban–rural development and enforcing ecological safeguards. This study investigates the regulatory mechanisms underpinning China’s urban–rural land-use policies through an innovative mixed-methods approach, integrating systematic text analysis and the Institutional Grammar Tool (IGT). Drawing on a comprehensive dataset of 62 national policy documents (2012–2024), we employ textual coding and thematic clustering to identify seven core policy pathways, ranging from territorial spatial planning to ecological protection. These pathways are further deconstructed using IGT to assess their regulatory intensity, revealing a tripartite governance model: (1) flexible AIC-strategies (e.g., land market mechanisms), which enable local experimentation by specifying actors, aims, and conditions without rigid obligations; (2) adaptive ADIC-norms (e.g., collective land reforms), which balance central directives with localized discretion through conditional deontic rules; and (3) rigid ADICO-rules (e.g., ecological redlines), which enforce absolute compliance through binding sanctions. Through systematic analysis of land use policy regulations, we reveal how China’s hybrid governance system operationalizes a tripartite institutional logic—maintaining rigid regulatory control (ADICO-rules) in ecologically critical zones, adaptive policy experimentation (ADIC-norms) in transitional areas, and flexible market-based instruments (AIC-strategies) in development zones—thereby dynamically reconciling environmental conservation with socioeconomic diversification. The study advances both institutional theory through its grammatical analysis of policy instruments and governance theory by transcending the traditional command-and-control versus flexible governance dichotomy. Practically, the research offers actionable insights for policymakers in emerging economies, emphasizing spatially differentiated regulation, dynamic monitoring system, and strategic coupling of binding rules with flexible implementation mechanisms. Full article

This study explores the impact of supply chain diversification strategies (SCDS) on supply chain sustainability performance (SCSP), with focus on the mediating role of supply chain resilience (SCR) and the moderating effect of digital supply chain capabilities (DSC). The research objectives are (1) to assess whether SCR enables diversified supply bases to deliver sustainability outcomes and (2) to examine whether DSC strengthens the effectiveness of diversification in achieving environmental, social, and economic performance. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was administered to 329 supply chain managers from medium-to-large manufacturing and retail firms in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using multi-item 5-point Likert scale. Validity and reliability were ensured through EFA, Cronbach’s alpha, and composite reliability. Mediation and moderation effects were tested using PROCESS Macro in SPSS version 27. Findings revealed that 52% of the variance in supply chain sustainability performance (SCSP) was explained. (SCDS) had a strong positive effect on (SCR) (B = 0.612, p < 0.001), which in turn significantly predicted SCSP (B = 0.431, p < 0.001). The total effect of SCDS on SCSP was significant (B = 0.572, p < 0.001), while the direct effect remained strong (B = 0.308, p < 0.001). The indirect effect (a × b = 0.264, 95% CI [0.194, 0.343]) confirmed that SCR partially mediates the relationship, showing that diversification enhances sustainability both directly and indirectly through resilience. Theoretically, this study extends RBV and DC theory, while practically offering managers actionable insights on integrating diversification, resilience, and digitalization to balance supply continuity with long-term sustainability goals. Full article

Assessing energy security in the context of sustainable development, as well as the current geopolitical climate, is a highly important, timely, and complex challenge. Addressing this issue, this paper introduces a new multi-barrier methodological approach to evaluation based on the Multi-Barrier Energy Security System (MBEES) model. This model incorporates five barriers (dimensions) influencing energy security. The MBEES model, along with the developed methodology, was applied to assess the energy security of the EU-27 countries for the period of 2014–2023, in line with EU policy objectives such as Fit for 55 and the Green Deal. The Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation and Entropy methods, combined with the Laplace criterion, were employed to determine the weights of the model’s sub-indicators. This multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach enabled a synthetic overall evaluation of both the general energy security status of the EU-27 countries and the performance of each barrier examined. The study also identified the weakest elements (barriers) within national energy systems that could potentially threaten their stability and resilience. This identification is essential for effective energy risk management and for enhancing the resilience of energy systems against disruptions. Due to its broad scope—covering availability, self-sufficiency, diversification, energy efficiency, energy costs, as well as environmental and social aspects—the study delivered a comprehensive evaluation of energy security in the EU-27 during the examined period. The findings reveal significant spatial and temporal variations in energy security levels among the EU-27 countries. Scandinavian and Western European nations achieved the highest scores, whereas Central, Eastern, and Southern European countries showed lower MBEES index values, reflecting persistent structural, social, and environmental vulnerabilities. The results hold strong potential for practical application, offering guidance for EU policymakers in aligning national strategies with overarching policy frameworks such as REPowerEU and the European Green Deal. Full article

Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) provides a practical framework for enhancing urban resilience. This study had three objectives: (i) to quantify the structural attributes and ecosystem services (ESs) of campus street trees, (ii) to integrate LiDAR-derived metrics with the i-Tree Eco model to improve assessment accuracy, and (iii) to evaluate how quantified ESs contribute to climate resilience and inform localized EbA strategies. Field surveys were complemented with LiDAR data to enhance estimation of leaf area index (LAI), canopy dimensions, and tree height. Results show that 2643 street trees representing 29 species provide substantial ESs, including carbon storage of 508,230 kg, annual carbon sequestration of 48,580.5 kg, removal of major air pollutants totaling 2132 kg/year, and stormwater runoff reduction of 2351.8 m³/year, with a combined annual economic value of USD 202,822.10. A small number of species dominated ES delivery, with C. camphora and M. indica contributing disproportionately to canopy structure and ecological benefits. These findings highlight the critical role of urban vegetation in carbon mitigation, air-quality regulation, and flood adaptation at the parcel scale. The study provides a replicable framework for integrating LiDAR-enhanced i-Tree assessments into urban greening policies. It also emphasizes the need for species diversification and the inclusion of omitted services (e.g., biodiversity support, microclimate regulation) in future work to deliver more comprehensive EbA planning. Full article

Numerous well-preserved ancestral halls dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties are found throughout Southern Anhui, China. Among the architectural elements in these ancestral halls, the “Xuan” plays a significant decorative role. Nevertheless, scholarly research on the “Xuan” in this region remains limited, particularly in the context of the temporal and regional evolution of its decorative art. This study examines the decorative characteristics and spatiotemporal evolution of the front Xuan of 115 ancestral halls across Southern Anhui belonging to the Ming and Qing periods. Using field surveys, a combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses, and ArcGIS kernel density analysis, this study identifies key trends in Xuan evolution. Specifically, the findings indicate that the Chuanpeng Xuan emerged as the predominant style, replacing the earlier Renzi Xuan after the mid-Ming period. By the late Qing period, the primary structural components of the Xuan showed increasing standardization, while accessory elements showed notable diversification. During the commercial boom of the mid-Qing era, flood-dragon carvings and S-shaped short beams became especially prevalent. Spatially, kernel density analysis demonstrated a core-periphery distribution pattern: mainstream styles were concentrated in central counties, whereas a greater variety of stylistic combinations and niche forms emerged in border regions. These evolutionary patterns reflect the broader sociohistorical dynamics of this period, including ritual reforms during the Ming dynasty, the patronage of Huizhou merchants, innovations in carving tools, and wartime resource constraints. These findings provide diagnostic criteria for dating unidentified ancestral halls and offer a practical reference for the conservation of architectural heritage. Full article

Honeybee populations are increasingly threatened by various environmental stressors, including pesticides, pathogens, and climate change. Emerging research highlights the vital role of pollen polyphenols in supporting honeybee health through a network of antioxidants, immune responses, and detoxification mechanisms. This review synthesizes current findings on the chemical diversity, bioactivity, and functional relevance of polyphenolic compounds in honeybee nutrition. Pollen polyphenols, which include flavonoids and phenolic acids, possess remarkably high antioxidant potential, up to 235 times greater than that of nectar. They also significantly increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes, immune system genes, and detoxification pathways such as cytochrome P450s and glutathione-S-transferases. These compounds also demonstrate antimicrobial effects against key pathogens and mitigate the toxic effects of pesticides. The content and composition of polyphenols vary seasonally and geographically, impacting the resilience of honeybee colonies. Field and laboratory studies confirm that polyphenol-rich diets improve survival, gland development, and stress resistance. Advanced analytical techniques, including metabolomics, have expanded our understanding of polyphenol profiles and their effects on honeybee physiology. However, knowledge gaps remain in pharmacokinetics and structure–function relationships. Integrating this evidence into conservation strategies and good beekeeping practices, such as habitat diversification and targeted feed supplementation, is crucial for maintaining honeybee health and ecosystem services in a rapidly changing environment. Full article

Natural bioactive compounds found in Momordica charantia including polysaccharides, saponins, polyphenols, alkaloids, and notably polypeptide-p (often referred to as “plant insulin”)—have shown promising potential in shaping nutritional and therapeutic strategies for managing diabetes, metabolic disorders, and other nutrition-related diseases. Both retrospective and prospective analyses of bitter gourd’s functional properties such as its antioxidant, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial effects highlight its innovative use as a food ingredient in developing targeted nutritional therapies. Assessing its applicability in the food industry, particularly through the fortification of products with bitter gourd powders, pulp, juice, or extracts, could enhance consumer acceptance and elevate the perceived quality of nutritionally superior foods. The nutrifunctional attributes revealed by its nutritional profile support the strategic integration of bitter gourd into various food formulations, contributing to a broader and more diverse range of dietary options. This diversification is especially valuable in addressing the dietary monotony often associated with diabetic nutrition plans, which continue to present significant challenges. The foundation laid by this review drawing on both theoretical insights and practical applications serves as a springboard for future research into the fortifying potential of bitter gourd-based preparations. Ultimately, such products may be recommended not only as nutritional supplements but also as part of clinical and hygienic-dietetic practices. Full article

This study investigates the asymmetric responses of AI and ESG Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to geopolitical and financial uncertainty, with a focus on resilience across market regimes. The NASDAQ-100 and MSCI ESG Leaders indices are used as proxies for thematic ETFs, and their dynamic interlinkages are examined in relation to volatility indicators (VIX, GPR), alternative assets (Bitcoin, Ethereum, gold, oil, natural gas), and safe-haven currencies (CHF, JPY). A daily dataset spanning the 2016–2025 period is analyzed using Quantile-on-Quantile Regression (QQR) and Wavelet Coherence (WCO), enabling a granular assessment of nonlinear, regime-dependent behaviors across quantiles. Results reveal that ESG ETFs demonstrate stronger downside resilience under extreme uncertainty, maintaining stability even during periods of elevated geopolitical and financial risk. In contrast, AI-themed ETFs tend to outperform under moderate-risk conditions but exhibit greater vulnerability during systemic stress, reflecting differences in asset composition and investor risk perception. The findings contribute to the literature on ETF resilience and cross-asset contagion by highlighting differential behavior patterns under varying uncertainty regimes. Practical implications emerge for investors and policymakers seeking to enhance portfolio robustness through thematic diversification during market turbulence. Full article

Food and nutritional insecurity, alongside poverty, remain formidable challenges within smallholder crop–livestock mixed farming systems, predominantly found in Asia and Africa, which are the primary focus of this review. Livestock stands as a crucial asset in these systems, providing food and income for families. However, livestock productivity is often constrained by poor-quality feed, predominantly composed of crop residues. This is compounded by limited access to high-quality forage seeds and the misconception that limited land and water resources should be devoted to cereal production. Furthermore, formal seed supply chains for forages are often underdeveloped or non-existent, making it difficult for farmers to access quality seed. The integration of high-quality legume forages into these systems offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution for improving livestock productivity. These forages provide more nutritious feed and enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, helping to reduce farmers’ reliance on expensive commercial feeds and fertilizers. Success in the adoption of improved forage varieties hinges on participatory approaches that actively engage farmers in varietal selection and evaluation. Such collaboration leads to better adoption rates and increases on-farm productivity, facilitating the establishment of village-based forage seed enterprises (VBFSEs). These enterprises offer a reliable local seed supply of quality seeds, reducing farmers’ dependency on inconsistent national and international seed suppliers. These initiatives not only improve the production of high-quality forage and livestock productivity but also create opportunities for income diversification, contributing to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. By fostering collaboration and sustainable practices, policymakers and stakeholders, particularly farmers, can build more resilient agricultural systems that support food security and poverty alleviation in rural communities. Full article