Search Results (2,658)

Background: Public beliefs about dietary risks, such as excessive salt intake, are often not isolated misconceptions but part of structured cognitive systems. This study aimed to explore how individuals organize their beliefs and misperceptions regarding salt-related health consequences. Material and Methods: Using data from an international online survey, we applied a system of multivariate proportional odds logistic regression (POLR) models to estimate conditional associations among beliefs about salt’s links to various diseases—including cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, neuropsychiatric, and mortality outcomes. In addition, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted to identify and validate latent constructs underlying the belief items. Beliefs were modeled as interdependent, controlling for latent constructs, sociodemographics, and self-reported health awareness. Statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) were visualized via a heatmap of beta coefficients. Results: Physicians showed almost universal agreement that salt contributes to hypertension (µ = 0.97), compared to non-medical respondents (µ = 0.85; p < 0.0001). Beliefs about mortality (µ = 1.55 for MDs vs. 0.99 for non-medical; p < 0.0001) emerged as central hubs in the belief network. Strong inter-item associations were observed, such as between hypertension and heart failure (β = −0.39), and between obesity and type 2 diabetes (β = −0.94). Notably, cognitive gaps were found, including a lack of association between atrial fibrillation and stroke, and non-reciprocal links between hypertension and heart failure. Conclusions: Beliefs about the health effects of salt are structured and sometimes asymmetrical, reflecting underlying reasoning patterns rather than isolated ignorance. Understanding these structures provides a systems-level view of health literacy and may inform more effective public health communication and education strategies. Full article

In recent years, plant tissue culture has become a crucial component of the modern bioeconomy. From a commercial perspective, plant micropropagation remains one of its most valuable applications. Plants exhibit remarkable developmental plasticity; however, many species still remain recalcitrant in tissue culture. While the term recalcitrant is commonly used to describe plants with poor in vitro regeneration capacity, from a biological point of view it suggests that the minimal culture requirements for this species were unmet. Despite evidence that the Skoog–Miller exogenous hormonal balance theory and Murashige–Skoog medium were species-limited in applicability, generations of plant biotechnologists applied these tools indiscriminately. This led to systemic propagation of ineffective protocols, publication of misleading standards, and a culture of scientific inertia—costing both time and resources. The field must now move beyond historical dogma toward data-driven, species-specific innovation based on multiple endogenous auxin biosynthesis pathways, epigenetic reprogramming of competent cells, and further modern biotechnologies that are evolving. In this short viewpoint, we describe possible solutions in plant biotechnology to significantly improve the effectiveness of it. Full article

This study presents a multi-objective optimization framework for enhancing environmental performance in high-density residential complexes, addressing the critical balance between sunlight access, visual openness, and ground-level privacy. Applied to Helio City Phase 3 in Seoul—a challenging case with 2026 units surrounded by adjacent blocks—the research developed a sequential three-stage optimization strategy using computational design tools. The methodology employs Ladybug simulations for solar analysis, Galapagos genetic algorithms for view optimization, and parametric modeling for privacy assessment. Through grid-based layout reconfiguration, tower form modulation, and strategic conversion of vulnerable ground-floor units to public spaces, the optimized design achieved 100% sunlight standard compliance (improving from 64.31%), increased average visual openness to 66.31% (from 39.48%), and eliminated all privacy conflicts while adding 30 residential units. These results demonstrate that computational optimization can significantly surpass conventional planning approaches in addressing complex environmental trade-offs. The framework provides a replicable methodology for performance-driven residential design, offering quantitative tools for achieving regulatory compliance while enhancing residents’ experiential comfort in dense urban environments. Full article

Honey production has been an integral part of the UAE’s heritage. Vachellia tortilis and Ziziphus spina-christi pollen and nectar are essential components of high-quality UAE honey. These plants are integral to Emirati culture, showcasing a legacy of ecological balance and medicinal uses. In addition to their cultural significance, V. tortilis and Z. spina-christi offer substantial pharmacological and ecological value. This review explores the role of V. tortilis and Z. spina-christi in producing honey rich in bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting their therapeutic potential in addressing infectious and chronic diseases. Furthermore, the diversity of phytochemicals in the honey from these plants supports their use in pharmaceutical advancements, including cancer and antibacterial treatments. Their apicultural importance is also emphasized, particularly in supporting sustainable honey production systems adapted to arid environments. The eco-friendly production of silver nanoparticles from Z. spina-christi demonstrates their versatility for health and agriculture. By exploring views on honey authenticity, advanced extraction methods, and the medicinal benefits of honeybee products, this study promotes these species’ conservation and sustainable use. The study emphasizes the contributions of V. tortilis and Z. spina-christi to ecological stability, public health, and economic growth. It presents a compelling case for leveraging their potential to advance sustainable apiculture and ecosystem management in arid regions. Full article

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) face collision risks due to Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. Therefore, UAV Traffic Management (UTM) systems are used to manage and monitor UAV flight paths. However, centralized UTM systems are susceptible to various security attacks and are inefficient in managing flight data from different service providers. It further fails to provide low-latency communication required for UAV real-time operations. Thus, this paper proposes to integrate Drone-to-Drone (D2D) communication protocol into a secure public blockchain-based UTM system to enable direct communication between UAVs for efficient collision avoidance. The D2D protocol is designed using SHA256 hash function and bitwise XOR operations. A proof of concept has been built to verify that the UTM system is secure by enabling authorized service providers to view sensitive flight data only using legitimate secret keys. The security of the protocol has been analyzed and has been proven to be secure from key disclosure, adversary-in-the-middle, replay, and tracking attacks. Its performance has been evaluated and is proven to outperform existing studies by having the lowest computation cost of 0.01 ms and storage costs of 544–800 bits. Full article

The concept of governance has gained increasing attention across various fields of study. However, its application within the specific context of educational policies, particularly within compulsory public education, remains fragmented and underexplored. To answer the questions “How is governance conceptualized in the context of the compulsory public education system?” and “What contributions to future research emerge from this review?”, 32 peer-reviewed articles published in open-access journals between 2019 and 2023 were extracted from the Web of Science, Scopus, and ERIC databases and selected following PRISMA guidelines. Results from this systematic literature review analysis suggest a sustained yet moderate interest in the field, as evidenced by the reviewed publications, different theoretical and conceptual approaches, and research themes that illustrate different aspects of educational systems. Research gaps include the lack of a consolidated and integrated theoretical–conceptual framework on educational governance; the under-representation of specific actors, contexts, and points of view about how educational policies intentions are interpreted and enacted; insufficient critical analyses of, among others, educational leadership, digital transformation, and non-state actors’ influence in educational governance; and limited discussion of governance’s effects on educational justice, equity and quality. The main limitations relate to geographic, linguistic, and cultural biases of the analyzed studies, the exclusion of non-open-access articles, and the predominance of qualitative methodological approaches, which restrict generalizability. To address these challenges, future research should follow the adoption of interdisciplinary approaches, longitudinal and context-sensitive studies, and the use of mixed methodologies. These findings could contribute to a more informed discussion, avoiding reductionist interpretations and more open and critical perspectives on how educational governance transcends organizational and technical structures by incorporating political, ethical, and contextual dimensions that challenge the quality of educational systems. Full article

Objective: To investigate public attitudes in New Zealand towards the euthanasia of dogs and cats and to explore the factors that influence these views. Materials and Methods: Data were collected through a nationwide online survey conducted in 2019 as part of the Furry Whānau Wellbeing research project. The survey included questions about pet euthanasia, and respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with various statements. Results: Of 2293 respondents to the 2019 New Zealand Pet Survey, the majority (n = 1756) opposed euthanasia for stray, unwanted, or financially burdensome pets (76.7%; 90.2% and 66.3% of these disagreed or strongly disagreed, respectively). In contrast, a slim majority (n = 1162) supported it for sick animals. Females were less likely to agree with euthanasia in most scenarios compared to males. Māori and New Zealand European respondents (n = 1790) showed higher levels of neutrality than other ethnicities regarding stray animals and lower levels of disagreement regarding financially constrained situations. Older respondents (65+) were more likely to support euthanasia for sick animals, while younger respondents (18–24) were less inclined. Higher education levels are correlated with increased neutrality towards euthanising stray animals and increased support for euthanising feral animals. Respondents with children were more likely to be neutral or to disagree with euthanasia in most scenarios. Those with rural upbringings were more accepting of euthanasia for stray and feral animals. A thematic analysis of 653 respondent comments revealed key themes: euthanasia was seen as complex and context-dependent, a humane last resort for suffering animals, but not for convenience. Respondents emphasised responsible pet ownership and a right to life, even for feral animals, advocating for alternatives such as trap–neuter–release. Conclusion: New Zealanders largely view euthanasia as an ethically acceptable option for terminally ill or suffering animals but reject it when driven by convenience or financial hardship. Attitudes vary across demographic groups, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive education and policy. The findings align with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and support broader discussions on responsible pet ownership, ethical decision making, and animal welfare legislation. Full article

The Aral Sea Basin (ASB), situated in Central Asia, serves as a prime example of a man-made environmental disaster. The practice of irrigation can be traced back to ancient times. However, the substantial water withdrawals that have occurred since the second half of the 20th century appear to have led to the irreversible drying up of the Aral Sea and the disruption of the flow of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. This study conducts a comprehensive review of satellite data from the past sixty years, drawing upon a selection of peer-reviewed papers available on Scopus. The selection of papers is conducted in accordance with a methodology that is predicated on the combination of keywords. The study focuses on geoscientific aspects, including the atmosphere, water resources, geology, and geological hazards. The primary sensors employed in this study were Terra-MODIS, NOAA-AVHRR, and the Landsat series. It is evident that certain data types, including radar data, US or Soviet archives, and very-high-resolution data such as OrbView-3, have seen minimal utilisation. Despite the restricted application of remote sensing data in publications addressing the ASB, remote sensing data offer a substantial repository for monitoring the desiccation of the Aral Sea, once the fourth largest continental body of water, and for the estimation of its water surface and volume. Nevertheless, the utilisation of remote sensing in publications concerning the Aral region remains limited, with less than 10% of publications employing this method. Sentinel-2 data has been utilised to illustrate the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal in Afghanistan, a project which has been the subject of significant controversy, with a particular focus on the issue of water leakage. This predicament is indicative of the broader challenges confronting the region with regard to water management in the context of climate change. A comparison of the Aral Sea’s case history is drawn with analogous examples worldwide, including Lake Urmia, the Great Salt Lake, and, arguably more problematically, the Caspian Sea. Full article

The rise of RNAi-based biopesticides marks a turning point in pest control, prompting reflection on the future role of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Far from being outdated, Bt remains a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, with proven efficacy, safety, and public trust. This opinion piece advocates for Bt’s continued relevance in an RNAi-driven future, urging a complementary, not competitive, view of both technologies within integrated pest management frameworks. Full article

The myth that linked Pentecostal apathy towards public and civil engagement with the contradiction between otherworldliness and this-worldliness is being challenged. This falsity presented as a fact was connected to the idea that Pentecostal eschatology is incompatible with a cosmology that seeks to improve this world. However, recent research has dismantled this view by asserting that both early and contemporary Pentecostals were not unaware of social practice. One observation is that these Pentecostals grossly overlooked articulating their social vision, especially as part of their missional activities. Some Pentecostal churches in the global South have established programmes aimed at addressing endemic poverty in their regions. These churches are responding to concerns about the relationship between Pentecostal spirituality and persistent poverty. Given the proliferation of Pentecostal mega-churches in sub-Saharan Africa, there are opinions that the leaders of these churches are perpetuating poverty through messages of prosperity. Others, however, criticize these leaders for spiritualizing the root causes of poverty and relying on foreign aid to the region. This research focuses on the social engagement of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Nigeria (RCCG). RCCG was founded in 1952 from an Aladura church and transformed into a Pentecostal church in the 1980s under an educated leader, who employed Pentecostalism and a core of educated middle-class individuals as new pastoral leaders to expand it into a religious denomination. In 2017, RCCG introduced CSR as its comprehensive programme of social engagement, encompassing health care, education, and charitable activities. In partnership with the Nigerian government, RCCG renovated some government-owned public health facilities and provides specialized medical care to Nigerians. Full article

This paper proposes a multi-scale time-frequency representation fusion network (MTRFN) for target recognition in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. Leveraging the spectral characteristics of six radar sub-views, the model incorporates a multi-scale representation fusion (MRF) module to extract discriminative frequency-domain features from two types of radar sub-views with high learnability. Additionally, physical scattering characteristics in SAR images are captured via time-frequency domain analysis. To enhance feature integration, a gated fusion network performs adaptive feature concatenation. The MRF module integrates a lightweight residual block to reduce network complexity and employs a coordinate attention mechanism to prioritize salient targets in the frequency spectrum over background noise, aligning the model’s focus with physical scattering principles. Furthermore, the model introduces an angular additive margin loss function during classification to enhance intra-class compactness and inter-class separability while reducing computational overhead. Compared with existing interpretable methods, the proposed approach combines architectural transparency with physical interpretability, thereby lowering the risk of recognition errors. Extensive experiments conducted on four public datasets demonstrate that the proposed MTRFN significantly outperforms existing benchmark methods. Comparative experiments using heat maps further confirm that the proposed physical feature-guided module effectively directs the model’s attention toward the target rather than the background. Full article

Climate change and environmental degradation require inclusive and multidimensional strategies, in which women from Generation Z are emerging as key actors. This study explores how female university students from this generation perceive and prioritize social, political, economic, and technological dimensions of sustainable development, with a focus on respondents from Europe. A structured survey instrument, based on a SPET model (Social, Political, Economic, Technological), was administered to 834 female students at a highly internationalized university in Poland. The questionnaire was available in Polish and English to account for linguistic and cultural variation within the Western civilizational context. Quantitative analysis revealed that the political dimension—particularly international cooperation and legal regulations—was viewed as the most critical for environmental protection, followed by technological innovation in energy and resource management. Social and economic factors received relatively less emphasis, with skepticism toward consumer-level behavior change and shared economy models. This study offers a meaningful contribution to understanding gender- and generation-specific perspectives on environmental responsibility. It also provides a foundation for the development of socially grounded, culturally sensitive strategies in sustainability education and policymaking, with relevance for both academic researchers and public stakeholders. Full article

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of organizational culture on knowledge management in public elementary, secondary, and middle schools in the department of Caquetá, Colombia, based on the perceptions of managers, teachers, and administrative staff. A quantitative and correlational scope approach methodology was applied through a confirmatory factor analysis based on the use of structural equations in the SMARPLS software versión 4.0.9.7. The population under study comprised teachers, managers, and administrative staff, with a total of 362 respondents belonging to these public educational institutions. Evaluating the fundamental components of the studied constructs made it possible to show the significant influence of organizational culture on knowledge management, in which a well-structured culture takes institutional objectives that improve the processes of the creation, storage, and dissemination of knowledge into account, thus ensuring the sustainability and operational efficiency of the institution. In the specific context of the education sector, the impact and contributions of this research can be significant and timely for planning educational management in public elementary, secondary, and middle schools based on the recognized importance of knowledge management for public policy. In addition, educational institutions can be studied using theories that are usually applied in the business context, thus enhancing replicability, not only from the perspectives of education and pedagogy but also from an administrative point of view. Full article

Tactile pavings (Tenji Blocks) are prone to wear, obstruction, and improper installation, posing significant safety risks for visually impaired pedestrians. This system incorporates a lightweight YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once version 8) model for real-time detection using a fisheye camera to maximize field-of-view coverage, which is highly advantageous for low-altitude UAV navigation in complex urban settings. To enable lightweight deployment, a novel Lightweight Shared Detail Enhanced Oriented Bounding Box (LSDE-OBB) head module is proposed. The design rationale of LSDE-OBB leverages the consistent structural patterns of tactile pavements, enabling parameter sharing within the detection head as an effective optimization strategy without significant accuracy compromise. The feature extraction module is further optimized using StarBlock to reduce computational complexity and model size. Integrated Contextual Anchor Attention (CAA) captures long-range spatial dependencies and refines critical feature representations, achieving an optimal speed–precision balance. The framework demonstrates a 25.13% parameter reduction (2.308 M vs. 3.083 M), 46.29% lower GFLOPs, and achieves 11.97% ${\mathrm{mAP}}_{50:95}$ on tactile paving datasets, enabling real-time edge deployment. Validated through public/custom datasets and actual UAV flights, the system realizes robust tactile paving detection and stable navigation in complex urban environments via hierarchical control algorithms for dynamic trajectory planning and obstacle avoidance, providing an efficient and scalable platform for automated infrastructure inspection. Full article

The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires pose serious threats to ecosystems, property, and human safety worldwide. Accurate semantic segmentation of wildfire images is essential for real-time fire monitoring, spread prediction, and disaster response. However, existing deep learning methods heavily rely on large volumes of pixel-level annotated data, which are difficult and costly to obtain in real-world wildfire scenarios due to complex environments and urgent time constraints. To address this challenge, we propose a semi-supervised wildfire image segmentation framework that enhances segmentation performance under limited annotation conditions by integrating multi-scale structural information fusion and pixel-level contrastive consistency learning. Specifically, a Lagrange Interpolation Module (LIM) is designed to construct structured interpolation representations between multi-scale feature maps during the decoding stage, enabling effective fusion of spatial details and semantic information, and improving the model’s ability to capture flame boundaries and complex textures. Meanwhile, a Pixel Contrast Consistency (PCC) mechanism is introduced to establish pixel-level semantic constraints between CutMix and Flip augmented views, guiding the model to learn consistent intra-class and discriminative inter-class feature representations, thereby reducing the reliance on large labeled datasets. Extensive experiments on two public wildfire image datasets, Flame and D-Fire, demonstrate that our method consistently outperforms other approaches under various annotation ratios. For example, with only half of the labeled data, our model achieves 5.0% and 6.4% mIoU improvements on the Flame and D-Fire datasets, respectively, compared to the baseline. This work provides technical support for efficient wildfire perception and response in practical applications. Full article