Search Results (1,128)

This study focuses on cultural and urban development policies under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, exploring the content and semantic structure of discussions on the “East Asian Cultural Capital” project on the Weibo platform. It analyzes how national cultural development policies are reflected in the discourse system related to the “East Asian Cultural Capital” on social media and emphasizes the guiding role of policies in the dissemination of online culture. When China announced the 14th Five-Year Plan in 2021, the strategic direction and policy framework for cultural development over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025 were clearly outlined. This study employs text mining and semantic network analysis methods to analyze user-generated content on Weibo from 2023 to 2024, aiming to understand public perception and discourse trends. Word frequency and TF-IDF analyses identify key terms and issues, while centrality and CONCOR clustering analyses reveal the semantic structure and discourse communities. MR-QAP regression is employed to compare network changes across the two years. Findings highlight that urban cultural development, heritage preservation, and regional exchange are central themes, with digital media, cultural branding, trilateral cooperation, and cultural–economic integration emerging as key factors in regional collaboration. Full article

Agave species are plants with great economic value and multiple possibilities of use as ornamentals, medicinal plants, and fibers, as well as being significant sources of bioethanol. However, their long life cycles hinder their conventional breeding. Therefore, biotechnology tools are the most effective means for clonal propagation and genetic improvement. In vitro micropropagation of A. sisalana via axillary shoot proliferation from bulbil explants was attained using Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with cytokinins (CKs), such as 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (KIN), or thidiazuron (TDZ). The optimum significant shoot proliferation (14.67 shoots/explant) was achieved on 1.0 mg L⁻¹ TDZ. The carry-over effect of CKs on subsequent rooting could be detected. Control and KIN treatments could enhance the rooting of shoots on shoot proliferation media. The regenerated plantlets were acclimatized directly with 100% survival. To mitigate this carry-over effect, that causes hindering further root growth and development, and promote healthy growth of roots, subculturing shoots onto a CK-free medium is a recommended practice. The shoots induced on all BA treatments, and TDZ at 0.5 and 1.0 mg L⁻¹ could be rooted after two subcultures on CK-free medium, then they were acclimatized with 100% survival. However, the higher concentrations of TDZ inhibited in vitro rooting even after two subcultures on CK-free medium, and the acclimatization percentage was reduced by increasing the TDZ concentration recorded from 10 to 0%. Full article

The proliferation of social media has paradoxically facilitated the widespread dissemination of fake news, impacting individuals, politics, economics, and society as a whole. Despite the increasing scholarly research on this phenomenon, a significant gap exists regarding its dynamics in developing countries, particularly how predictors of fake news sharing interact, rather than merely their net effects. To acquire a more nuanced understanding of fake news sharing behavior, we propose identifying the direct and complex interplay among key variables by utilizing a dual analytical framework, leveraging Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for linear relationships and Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to uncover asymmetric patterns. Specifically, we investigate the influence of news-find-me orientation, social media trust, information-sharing tendencies, and status-seeking motivation on the propensity of fake news sharing behavior. Additionally, we delve into the moderating influence of social media literacy on these observed effects. Based on a cross-sectional survey of 1028 Haitian social media users, the SEM analysis revealed that news-find-me perception had a negative but statistically insignificant influence on fake news sharing behavior. In contrast, information sharing exhibited a significant negative association. Trust in social media was positively and significantly linked to fake news sharing behavior. Meanwhile, status-seeking motivation was positively associated with fake news sharing behavior, although the association did not reach statistical significance. Crucially, social media literacy moderated the effects of trust and information sharing. Interestingly, fsQCA identified three core configurations for fake news sharing: (1) low status seeking, (2) low information-sharing tendencies, and (3) a unique interaction of low “news-find-me” orientation and high social media trust. Furthermore, low social media literacy emerged as a direct core configuration. These findings support the urgent need to prioritize social media literacy as a key intervention in combating the dissemination of fake news. Full article

Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula L.) is a tree species with recognised ecological and economic importance for both natural and plantation forests. For the fast cloning of selected aspen genotypes, the method of plant propagation through in vitro culture (micropropagation) is often recommended. The efficiency of this method is related to the use of shoot-inducing chemical growth regulators, among which cytokinins, a type of plant hormone, dominate. Although cytokinins can inhibit rooting, this effect is avoided by using cytokinin-free media. This study sought to identify concentrations and combinations of growth regulators that would stimulate one type of P. tremula organogenesis (either shoot or root formation) without inhibiting the other. The investigated growth regulators included cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), auxin transport inhibitor 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), auxins indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PBZ), and a gibberellin mixture (GA₄/₇). Both BAP and TIBA increased shoot number per P. tremula explant and decreased the number of adventitious roots, but TIBA, in contrast to BAP, did not inhibit lateral root formation. However, for the maintenance of both adventitious shoot and root formation above the control level, the combination of PBZ and GA_4/7 was shown to be especially promising. Full article

Physics concepts are considered an essential component of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and fundamental for economic and technological development in the world. However, there can be student academic underperformance, such as the school environment, learning media and infrastructure, student interest and emotions, as well as social and economic development factors in communities. These problems are even more acute in rural areas of developing countries, where poverty is high and teachers often lack the necessary technological skills. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a low-cost STEM tool focused on motivation in learning, in terms of five variables of interest in physics in rural areas, as well as the durability of the tools used to learn 12 physics concepts. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with the participation of 78 high school students, with an average age of 15.82 years, in a rural area of Guerrero, Mexico. The results showed that using the STEM tool significantly increased students’ interest in learning methodology, active participation, and attitude towards physics, facilitating the teacher’s work. In addition, the 3D construction kit used in the experimentation, besides being low-cost, proved to be affordable and durable, making it ideal for use in rural areas. Full article

Floods pose a growing threat globally, causing tragic loss of life, billions in economic damage annually, and disproportionately affecting socio-economically vulnerable populations. This paper aims to improve flood-risk communication for community leaders by exploring the application of artificial intelligence. We categorize U.S. flood information sources, review communication modalities and channels, synthesize the literature on community leaders’ roles in risk communication, and analyze existing technological tools. Our analysis reveals three key challenges: the fragmentation of flood information, information overload that impedes decision-making, and the absence of a unified communication platform to address these issues. We find that AI techniques can organize data and significantly enhance communication effectiveness, particularly when delivered through infographics and social media channels. Based on these findings, we propose FLAI (Flood Language AI), an AI-driven flood communication platform that unifies fragmented flood data sources. FLAI employs knowledge graphs to structure fragmented data sources and utilizes a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework to enable large language models (LLMs) to produce contextualized narratives, including infographics, maps, and cost–benefit analyses. Beyond flood management, FLAI’s framework demonstrates how AI can transform public service data management and institutional AI readiness. By centralizing and organizing information, FLAI can significantly reduce the cognitive burden on community leaders, helping them communicate timely, actionable insights to save lives and build flood resilience. Full article

Fuel price increases have long been a contentious issue in Indonesia, sparking intense public and political debates. This study examines how digital media, particularly Kompas.com and Tempo.co, shape public discourse on fuel price hikes through mediatization. Using discourse network analysis, this study compares the political narratives surrounding fuel price increases during the administrations of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2013) and Joko Widodo (2022). The findings reveal a shift in dominant discourse—opposition to price hikes was prominent in both periods, with government authority and economic justification emphasized in 2013, whereas concerns over rising living costs and social unrest dominated in 2022. This study highlights how mediatization has transformed policymaking from deliberative discussions into fragmented media battles, where digital platforms amplify competing narratives rather than facilitating consensus. Kompas.com predominantly featured counter-discourses, while Tempo.co exhibited stronger pro-government narratives in 2013. This study suggests that while digital media plays a crucial role in shaping policy perceptions, it does not necessarily translate into policy influence. It contributes to the broader understanding of the media’s role in policy debates. It underscores the need for more strategic government communication to manage public expectations and mitigate political unrest surrounding fuel price adjustments. Full article

In an era where digitalization shapes economic and social landscapes, the intersection of digital skills, ethics, and integrity plays a crucial role in understanding the vulnerability of youth classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). This study explores how risky internet use and digital skill gaps contribute to socio-economic exclusion, integrating a multivariate and spatial approach to assess regional disparities in Europe. This study adopts a systems thinking perspective to explore digital exclusion as an emergent outcome of multiple interrelated subsystems. The research employs logistic regression, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Promax rotation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine the impact of digital behaviors on NEET status. Using Eurostat data aggregated at the country level for the period (2000–2023) across 28 European countries, this study evaluates 24 digital indicators covering social media usage, instant messaging, daily internet access, data protection awareness, and digital literacy levels. The findings reveal that low digital skills significantly increase the likelihood of being NEET, while excessive social media and internet use show mixed effects depending on socio-economic context. A strong negative correlation between digital security practices and NEET status suggests that youths with a higher awareness of online risks are less prone to socio-economic exclusion. The GIS analysis highlights regional disparities, where countries with limited digital access and lower literacy levels exhibit higher NEET rates. Digital exclusion is not merely a technological issue but a multidimensional socio-economic challenge. To reduce the NEET rate, policies must focus on enhancing digital skills, fostering online security awareness, and addressing regional disparities. Integrating GIS methods allows for the identification of territorial clusters with heightened digital vulnerabilities, guiding targeted interventions for improving youth employability in the digital economy. Full article

The removal of antibiotics from aqueous media along with their recovery is still an open research topic, due to their practical and economical importance. Adsorption allows these two objectives to be achieved, provided that the adsorbent used is chemically and mechanically stable and has a low preparation cost. In this study, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fibers, obtained by mechanically processing PET waste, were used for the adsorption of rifampicin (RIF) and rifaximin (RIX) antibiotics from aqueous media. The experimental adsorption capacity of PET fibers for the two antibiotics (RIF and RIX) was determined at different pH values (2.0–6.5), adsorbent dose (0.4–20.0 g/L), contact time (5–1440 min), initial antibiotic concentration (4.0–67.0 mg/L), and temperature (10, 22, and 50 °C); the experimental values of these parameters were analyzed using a neuro-evolutive technique (ANE) combining sequential deep learning (DL) models with a differential evolution algorithm. The obtained optimal ANN-DL algorithm was then used to obtain the optimal models for the adsorption of RIF and RIX on PET fibers, which should adequately describe the adsorption dynamics for both antibiotics. The adsorption processes are spontaneous and endothermic (ΔG < 0, ΔH > 0) and are described by the Langmuir model (R² > 0.97) and the pseudo-second order kinetic model (R² > 0.99). The retention of RIF and RIX on the surface of PET fibers occurs through physicochemical interactions, and the FTIR spectra and microscopic images support this hypothesis. The presence of inorganic anions in the aqueous solution leads to an increase in the adsorption capacities of RIF (max. 7.6 mg/g) and RIX (max. 3.6 mg/g) on PET fibers, which is mainly due to the ordering of water molecules in the solution. The experimental results presented in this study allowed for the development of the adsorption mechanism of RIF and RIX on PET fibers, highlighting the potential practical applications of these adsorption processes. Full article

Sin Nombre virus (SNV) is the main causative agent of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in North America. SNV is transmitted via environmental biological aerosols (bioaerosols) produced by infected deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). It is similar to other viruses that have environmental transmission routes rather than a person-to-person transmission route, such as avian influenza (e.g., H5N1) and Lassa fever. Despite the lack of person-to-person transmission, these viruses cause a significant public health and economic burden. However, due to the lack of targeted pharmaceutical preventatives and therapeutics, the recommended approach to prevent SNV infections is to avoid locations that have a combination of low foot traffic, receive minimal natural sunlight, and where P. maniculatus may be found nesting. Consequently, gaining insight into the SNV bioaerosol decay profile is fundamental to the prevention of SNV infections. The Biological Aerosol Reaction Chamber (Bio-ARC) is a flow-through system designed to rapidly expose bioaerosols to environmental conditions (ozone, simulated solar radiation (SSR), humidity, and other gas phase species at stable temperatures) and determine the sensitivity of those particles to simulated ambient conditions. Using this system, we examined the bioaerosol stability of SNV. The virus was found to be susceptible to both simulated solar radiation and ozone under the tested conditions. Comparisons of decay between the virus aerosolized in residual media and in a mouse bedding matrix showed similar results. This study indicates that SNV aerosol particles are susceptible to inactivation by solar radiation and ozone, both of which could be implemented as effective control measures to prevent disease in locations where SNV is endemic. Full article

Background: Social media platforms play a crucial role in contemporary healthcare, facilitating patient participation and enabling communication among healthcare workers, as well as serving as a platform for medical awareness and advocacy. Social media use among healthcare workers has increased to 91%, with 65% using it for health promotion purposes. Nonetheless, current studies have not properly and empirically explored its dimensions. Objectives: This study therefore examines social media dimensions and the productivity of healthcare workers. Methods: Leveraging the professional productivity theory and digital engagement theory, the study employs SPSS to analyze the gathered data through a partial least squares (PLS-SEM) approach to explore social media dimensions and productivity among healthcare workers in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Based on a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and stratified random sampling method, 344 medical workers were analyzed. Findings: The study found that fear of missing out, information sharing, social influence, trust, and social media usage have a significant impact on the productivity of healthcare professionals. Conclusions: This research adds to the growing academic research on the capabilities of social media within the circular economic systems aimed at advancing healthcare delivery in developing economies. The research offers a method for maximizing the use of social media within healthcare settings to foster enhanced healthcare outcomes, particularly productivity. Full article

In recent years, the number of fake news stories has significantly increased in the world of media, especially with the widespread use of social media. It has impacted several industries, including tourism. From a tourism point of view, the spread of fake news can contribute to the reduction of the popularity of a destination. It may influence travel decisions by discouraging tourists from visiting certain places and thus damage the reputation of the destination, contributing to economic loss. After a literature review on the communication aspect of fake news and a general introduction of fake news in the tourism and hospitality industry, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR), a research methodology to collect, identify, and analyse available research studies through a systematic procedure. The current SLR is based on the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases of existing literature on the topic of fake news in the tourism and hospitality industry. The study identifies, lists, and examines existing papers and conference proceedings from a vast array of disciplines, in order to give a well-rounded view on the issue of fake news in the tourism and hospitality industry. After selecting a total of 54 previous studies from more than 20 thousand results for the keywords ‘fake news’ and ‘tourism,’ we have analysed 39 papers in total. The SLR aimed to highlight existing gaps in the literature and areas that may require further exploration in future primary research. We have found that there is relatively limited academic literature available on the subject of fake news affecting tourism destinations, compared to studies focused on hospitality services. Full article

With the rapid progression of global industrialization and urbanization, emerging contaminants (ECs) have become pervasive in environmental media, posing considerable risks to ecosystems and human health. While multidisciplinary evidence continues to accumulate regarding their environmental persistence and bioaccumulative hazards, critical knowledge gaps persist in understanding their spatiotemporal distribution, cross-media migration mechanisms, and cascading ecotoxicological consequences. This review systematically investigates the global distribution patterns of ECs in aquatic environments over the past five years and evaluates their potential ecological risks. Furthermore, it examines the performance of various treatment technologies, focusing on economic cost, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Methodologically aligned with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this study implements dual independent screening protocols, stringent inclusion–exclusion criteria (n = 327 studies). Key findings reveal the following: (1) Occurrences of ECs show geographical clustering in highly industrialized river basins, particularly in Asia (37.05%), Europe (24.31%), and North America (14.01%), where agricultural pharmaceuticals and fluorinated compounds contribute disproportionately to environmental loading. (2) Complex transboundary pollutant transport through atmospheric deposition and oceanic currents, coupled with compound-specific partitioning behaviors across water–sediment–air interfaces. (3) Emerging hybrid treatment systems (e.g., catalytic membrane bioreactors, plasma-assisted advanced oxidation) achieve > 90% removal for recalcitrant ECs, though requiring 15–40% cost reductions for scalable implementation. This work provides actionable insights for developing adaptive regulatory frameworks and advancing green chemistry principles in environmental engineering practice. Full article

Accurate and timely forecasting of cross-regional tourist flows is essential for sustainable destination management, yet existing models struggle with sparse data, complex spatiotemporal interactions, and limited interpretability. This paper presents SE-TFF, a multi-scale tourism-flow forecasting framework that couples a Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) network with reinforcement-driven optimization to adaptively re-weight environmental, economic, and social features. A benchmark dataset of 17.8 million records from 64 countries and 743 cities (2016–2024) is compiled from the Open Travel Data repository in github (OPTD) for training and validation. SE-TFF introduces (i) a multi-channel SE module for fine-grained feature selection under heterogeneous conditions, (ii) a Top-K attention filter to preserve salient context in highly sparse matrices, and (iii) a Double-DQN layer that dynamically balances prediction objectives. Experimental results show SE-TFF attains 56.5% MAE and 65.6% RMSE reductions over the best baseline (ARIMAX) at 20% sparsity, with 0.92 × 10³ average MAE across multi-task outputs. SHAP analysis ranks climate anomalies, tourism revenue, and employment as dominant predictors. These gains demonstrate SE-TFF’s ability to deliver real-time, interpretable forecasts for data-limited destinations. Future work will incorporate real-time social media signals and larger multimodal datasets to enhance generalizability. Full article

The cultivation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), a vital vegetable crop, faces significant threats from Fusarium spp.-induced root rot. In this study, three fungal pathogens (Fusarium falciforme HKFf, Fusarium incarnatum HKFi, and Fusarium oxysporum HKFo) were isolated from symptomatic cowpea plants, and we screened 90 rhizobacteria from healthy rhizospheres using six culture media. Among these pathogens, Priestia megaterium TSA-10E showed a notable suppression of F. oxysporum HKFo (63.21%), F. incarnatum HKFi (55.16%), and F. falciforme HKFf (50.93%). In addition, Bacillus cereus KB-6 inhibited the mycelial growth of F. incarnatum HKFi and F. oxysporum HKFo by 42.39% and 47.93%, respectively. Critically, cell-free filtrates from P. megaterium TSA-10E and B. cereus KB-6 cultures reduced conidial germination in F. oxysporum HKFo and F. incarnatum HKFi, highlighting their role in disrupting the early infection stages. In greenhouse trials, TSA-10E and KB-6 reduced disease severity by 48.7% and 40.4%, respectively, with treated plants maintaining healthy growth while untreated controls succumbed to wilting. Broad-spectrum assays revealed that B. subtilis TSA-6E and P. megaterium TSA-10E were potent antagonists against both economic and grain crop pathogens. These findings underscore the potential of rhizobacteria as sustainable biocontrol agents for managing root rot disease caused by Fusarium spp. in cowpea cultivation. Full article