Search Results (488)

This study explores the migration intentions of university students—representing the potential creative class—in Erzurum, a medium-sized city in eastern Turkey experiencing shrinkage. Within the theoretical framework of shrinking cities, it investigates how economic, social, physical, and personal factors influence students’ post-graduation stay or leave decisions. Survey data from 742 Architecture and Fine Arts students at Atatürk University were analyzed using factor analysis, logistic regression, and correlation to identify key migration drivers. Findings reveal that, in addition to economic concerns such as limited job opportunities and low income, personal development opportunities and social engagement also play a decisive role. In particular, the perception of limited chances for skill enhancement and the belief that Erzurum is not a good place to meet people emerged as the strongest predictors of migration intentions. These results suggest that members of the creative class are influenced not only by economic incentives but also by broader urban experiences related to self-growth and social connectivity. This study highlights spatial inequalities in access to cultural, educational, and social infrastructure, raising important questions about spatial justice in shrinking urban contexts. This paper contributes to the literature on shrinking cities by highlighting creative youth in mid-sized Global South cities. It suggests smart shrinkage strategies focused on creative sector development, improved quality of life, and inclusive planning to retain young talent and support sustainable urban revitalization. Full article

Globally, technologically integrated housing solutions are increasingly relevant in addressing the challenges of aging populations and sustainable urban development. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research investigates how perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, and attitudes influence relocation intention to smart retirement villages (SRVs), while also examining any significant differences between the socio-demographic variables and such intention. A total of 305 individuals aged 55 and above participated in an online survey, with data analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27 and AMOS-SEM version 25. The findings reveal that elderly individuals of Chinese ethnicity, those who are married, and those aged between 66 and 70 are more inclined to relocate to SRVs. Attitude and perceived usefulness significantly predict relocation intention, while perceived ease of use exerts an indirect effect through usefulness. These results highlight the importance of integrating user-centered technological design with socio-cultural and demographic considerations in the development of age-friendly built environments. The study offers insights for urban planners, policymakers, and developers seeking to create inclusive and sustainable smart housing solutions for aging populations. Full article

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different types of sourdough (I to IV), developed with a specific starter culture (including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Levilactobacillus brevis, and Candida famata), on bread fermentation performance and shelf-life. Real-time tracking of multiple parameters (pH, dough rising, ethanol release, and total titratable acidity) was monitored by a smart fermentation oven. The impact of the different treatments on the lactic acid, acetic acid, and ethanol content of the breads were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. In addition, the bio-preservation capacity of the breads contaminated with fungi was analyzed. The results show that liquid sourdough (D3: Type 2) and backslopped sourdough (D4: Type 3) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in dough rise, dough acidification (lower pH, higher titratable acidity), production of organic acids (lactic and acetic), and presented the optimal fermentation quotient. These findings were substantiated by chemometric analysis, which successfully clustered the starters based on performance and revealed a strong positive correlation between acetic acid production and dough-rise, highlighting the superior heterofermentative profile of D3 and D4. These types of sourdough also stood out for their antifungal capacity, preventing the visible growth of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium commune for up to 10 days after inoculation. Full article

Moringa oleifera (MO), a nutritionally and pharmacologically potent species, is emerging as a sustainable candidate for applications across bioenergy, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and biomedicine. This review explores recent advances in MO-based biotechnologies, highlighting novel extraction methods, green nanotechnology, and clinical trial findings. Although MO’s resilience offers promise for climate-smart agriculture and public health, challenges remain in standardizing cultivation and verifying therapeutic claims. This work underscores MO’s translational potential and the need for integrative, interdisciplinary research. MO is used in advanced materials, like electrospun fibers and biopolymers, showing filtration, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties—important for the biomedical industry and environmental remediation. In textiles, it serves as an eco-friendly alternative for wastewater treatment and yarn sizing. Biotechnological advancements, such as genome sequencing and in vitro culture, enhance traits and metabolite production. MO supports green biotechnology through sustainable agriculture, nanomaterials, and biocomposites. MO shows potential for disease management, immune support, metabolic health, and dental care, but requires further clinical trials for validation. Its resilience is suitable for land restoration and food security in arid areas. AI and deep learning enhance Moringa breeding, allowing for faster, cost-effective development of improved varieties. MO’s diverse applications establish it as a key element for sustainable development in arid regions. Full article

This study explores digital inequality as a socio-spatial phenomenon within the context of smart inclusion, focusing on the Regional Unit of Xanthi, Greece—a region marked by ethno-cultural diversity and pronounced urban–rural contrasts. Using a mixed-methods design, this research integrates secondary quantitative data with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews, aiming to uncover how spatial, demographic, and cultural variables shape digital engagement. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools are employed to map disparities in internet access and ICT infrastructure, revealing significant gaps linked to geography, education, and economic status. The findings demonstrate that digital inequality is particularly acute in rural, minority, and economically marginalized communities, where limited infrastructure intersects with low digital literacy and socio-economic disadvantage. Interview data further illuminate how residents navigate exclusion, emphasizing generational divides, perceptions of technology, and place-based constraints. By bridging spatial analysis with lived experience, this study advances the conceptualization of digitally inclusive smart regions. It offers policy-relevant insights into how territorial inequality undermines the goals of smart development and proposes context-sensitive interventions to promote equitable digital participation. The case of Xanthi underscores the importance of integrating spatial justice into smart city and regional planning agendas. Full article

The objective of this research was to conduct a comprehensive review of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) culture in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), identify knowledge gaps, and propose strategies oriented towards intelligent and sustainable aquaculture. A systematic review and bibliometric analysis of 387 articles published between 1941 and 2025 in the Scopus database was carried out. Since 2011, there has been a sustained growth in scientific production, with the United States, Denmark, Finland, and Germany standing out as the main contributors. The journals with the highest number of publications were Aquacultural Engineering, Aquaculture, and Aquaculture Research. The conceptual analysis revealed the following three thematic clusters: experimental studies on physiology and metabolism; research focused on nutrition, growth, and yield; and technological developments for water treatment in RAS. This evolution reflects a transition from basic approaches to applied technologies oriented towards sustainability. There was also evidence of a thematic transition toward molecular tools such as proteomics, transcriptomics, and real-time PCR. However, there is still limited integration of smart technologies such as the IoT. It is recommended to incorporate self-calibrating multi-parametric sensors, machine learning models, and autonomous systems for environmental regulation in real time. Full article

Under the impetus of digital rural development and the rapid advancement of smart logistics, intelligent terminal delivery technologies are gradually expanding into rural areas. This study employs a three-phase mixed research approach to systematically investigate the factors influencing and mechanisms underlying rural residents’ willingness to adopt smart logistics in Hebei Province. In the first phase, grounded theory is employed to identify seven key perceived factors: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, sensitivity to collective evaluation, cultural conservatism, infrastructure quality, facilitating conditions, and technological trust. In the second phase, integrating the TAM and the UTAUT, this study incorporates context-specific variables and conducts empirical analysis using SEM and the bootstrap method on 451 valid questionnaire responses. The results indicate that all factors except infrastructure quality significantly influence adoption willingness, with cultural conservatism exerting a negative effect. In the third phase, fsQCA is applied to identify eight configurations that lead to high adoption willingness, further supplementing and enriching the explanatory power of the SEM results. This research expands the theoretical understanding of smart logistics technology adoption mechanisms in rural areas and offers practical guidance for the promotion and application of related technologies. Full article

Livestock farming is a vital component of global food security, yet it remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH₄), which has a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂). This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge surrounding the sources, biological mechanisms, and mitigation strategies related to CH₄ emissions from ruminant livestock. We first explore the process of methanogenesis within the rumen, detailing the role of methanogenic archaea and the environmental factors influencing CH₄ production. A thorough assessment of both direct and indirect methods used to quantify CH₄ emissions is presented, including in vitro techniques (e.g., syringe method, batch culture, RUSITEC), in vivo techniques (e.g., respiration chambers, Greenfeed, laser CH₄ detectors), and statistical modeling approaches. The advantages and limitations of each method are critically analyzed in terms of accuracy, cost, feasibility, and applicability to different farming systems. We then examine a wide range of mitigation strategies, organized into four core pillars: (1) animal and feed management (e.g., genetic selection, pasture quality improvement), (2) diet formulation (e.g., feed additives such as oils, tannins, saponins, and seaweed), (3) rumen manipulation (e.g., probiotics, ionophores, defaunation, vaccination), and (4) manure management practices and policy-level interventions. These strategies are evaluated not only for their environmental impact but also for their economic and practical viability in diverse livestock systems. By integrating technological innovations with sustainable agricultural practices, this review highlights pathways to reduce CH₄ emissions while maintaining animal productivity. It aims to support decision-makers, researchers, and livestock producers in the global effort to transition toward climate-smart, low-emission livestock farming. Full article

This study examines the role of AI tools in improving public communication via social media analysis. It reviews five of the top platforms—Google Cloud Natural Language, IBM Watson NLU, Hootsuite Insights, Talkwalker Analytics, and Sprout Social—to determine their accuracy in detecting sentiment, predicting trends, optimally timing content, and enhancing messaging engagement. Adopting a structured model approach and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SMART PLS, this research uses 500 influencer posts from five Arab countries. The results demonstrate the impactful relationships between AI tool functions and communication outcomes: the utilization of text analysis tools significantly improved public engagement (β = 0.62, p = 0.001), trend forecasting tools improved strategic planning decisions (β = 0.74, p < 0.001), and timing optimization tools enhanced message efficacy (β = 0.59, p = 0.004). Beyond the technical dimensions, the study addresses urgent ethical considerations by outlining a five-principle ethical governance model that encourages transparency, fairness, privacy, human oversee of technologies, and institutional accountability considering data bias, algorithmic opacity, and over-reliance on automated solutions. The research adds a multidimensional framework for propelling AI into digital public communication in culturally sensitive and linguistically diverse environments and provides a blueprint for improving AI integration. Full article

Bagheria, located on the northern coast of Sicily, is home to one of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable ensembles of Baroque villas, constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries by the aristocracy of Palermo. Originally situated within a highly structured rural landscape of citrus groves, gardens, and visual axes, these monumental residences have undergone substantial degradation due to uncontrolled urban expansion throughout the 20th century. This study presents a diachronic spatial analysis of Bagheria’s territorial transformation from 1850 to 2018, integrating historical cartography, aerial photography, satellite imagery, and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. A total of 33 villas were identified, georeferenced, and assessed based on their spatial integrity, architectural condition, and relationship with the evolving urban fabric. The results reveal a progressive marginalization of the villa system, with many heritage assets now embedded within dense residential development, severed from their original landscape context and deprived of their formal gardens and visual prominence. Comparative insights drawn from analogous Mediterranean heritage landscapes, such as Ortigia (Siracusa), the Appian Way (Rome), and Athens, highlight the urgency of adopting integrated conservation frameworks that reconcile urban development with cultural and ecological continuity. As a strategic response, the study proposes the creation of a thematic cultural route, La città delle ville, to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and socio-economic relevance of Bagheria’s heritage system. This initiative, supported by adaptive reuse policies, smart heritage technologies, and participatory planning, offers a replicable model for sustainable territorial regeneration and heritage-led urban resilience. Full article

This study aims to examine the influence of sustainable leadership, organizational culture, and digital marketing on sustainable performance in tourism sector companies in Indonesia. In addition, the research investigates the indirect effects through knowledge sharing. Specifically, the study explores the moderating role of knowledge sharing in the relationship between sustainable leadership and organizational culture with sustainable performance. The research gap in this study lies in its approach, which combines several variables that have not been widely explored in the context of sustainability in the tourism facilities sector. The population of this research comprises all tourism facility companies operating in natural tourism areas in Indonesia that have been officially licensed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The sample consists of 103 tourism facility companies. Respondents selected were company leaders or managers deemed to possess in-depth knowledge of the company’s operations and business strategies. The analysis method employed was Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), utilizing SmartPLS 4.1.1.2 software to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate that sustainable leadership, organizational culture, and digital marketing significantly influence sustainable performance. However, sustainable leadership and organizational culture do not significantly influence digital marketing. Furthermore, the study confirms that knowledge sharing serves as a moderating variable that strengthens the relationship between sustainable leadership and organizational culture with sustainable performance. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for tourism sector companies to enhance sustainable performance through the implementation of sustainable leadership, a supportive organizational culture, and effective utilization of digital marketing. Full article

Food not only fulfills basic human survival needs but also significantly impacts health and culture. Research on food-related topics holds substantial theoretical and practical significance, with food image recognition being a core task in fine-grained image recognition. This field has broad applications and promising prospects in smart dining, intelligent healthcare, and smart retail. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, deep learning has emerged as a key technology that enhances recognition efficiency and accuracy, enabling more practical applications. This paper comprehensively reviews the techniques and challenges of deep learning in food image recognition. First, we outline the historical development of food image recognition technologies, categorizing the primary methods into manual feature extraction-based and deep learning-based approaches. Next, we systematically organize existing food image datasets and summarize the characteristics of several representative datasets. Additionally, we analyze typical deep learning models and their performance on different datasets. Finally, we discuss the practical applications of food image recognition in calorie estimation and food safety, identify current research challenges, and propose future research directions. Full article

This study explores the potential of mobile augmented reality games (MARGs) in promoting sustainability competencies within the context of a smart learning city environment. Anchored in the EduCITY project, which integrates location-based AR-enhanced games into an interactive mobile app, the research investigates how these tools support Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through the GreenComp-based Questionnaire (GCQuest) and anonymous gameplay logs generated by the app. Thematic analysis of 358 responses revealed four key learning domains: ‘cultural awareness’, ‘environmental protection’, ‘sustainability awareness’, and ‘contextual knowledge’. Quantitative performance data from game logs highlighted substantial variation across games, with the highest performance found in those with more frequent AR integration and multiple iterative refinements. Participants engaging with AR-enhanced features (optional) outperformed others. This study provides empirical evidence for the use of MARGs to cultivate sustainability-related knowledge, skills, and attitudes, particularly when grounded in local realities and enhanced through thoughtful design. Beyond the EduCITY project, the study proposes a replicable model for assessing sustainability competencies, with implications for broader integration of AR across educational contexts in ESD. The paper concludes with a critical reflection on methodological limitations and suggests future directions, including adapting the GCQuest for use with younger learners in primary education. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) offers opportunities to enhance healthcare accessibility for people with disabilities (PwDs). However, their application in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study explores PwDs’ experiences with AI technologies within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 digital health framework to inform inclusive healthcare innovation strategies. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine PwDs across Riyadh, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Border region between January and February 2025. Participants used various AI-enabled technologies, including smart home assistants, mobile health applications, communication aids, and automated scheduling systems. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework was employed to identify key themes and patterns. Results: Four major themes emerged: (1) accessibility and usability challenges, including voice recognition difficulties and interface barriers; (2) personalization and autonomy through AI-assisted daily living tasks and medication management; (3) technological barriers such as connectivity issues and maintenance gaps; and (4) psychological acceptance influenced by family support and cultural integration. Participants noted infrastructure gaps in rural areas, financial constraints, limited disability-specific design, and digital literacy barriers while expressing optimism regarding AI’s potential to enhance independence and health outcomes. Conclusions: Realizing the benefits of AI for disability healthcare in Saudi Arabia requires culturally adapted designs, improved infrastructure investment in rural regions, inclusive policymaking, and targeted digital literacy programs. These findings support inclusive healthcare innovation aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 goals and provide evidence-based recommendations for implementing AI healthcare technologies for PwDs in similar cultural contexts. Full article

In the last decade, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted much attention for the implementation of non-invasive approaches suitable for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases. In this work, the optimization of novel vascular grafts loaded with Nickel-based nanoparticles via electrospinning is proposed. Two different polycarbonate urethanes—i.e., Corethane A80 (COT) and Chronoflex AL80 (CHF)—were used to fabricate 3D electrospun nanocomposite grafts. SEM analysis showed a homogeneous distribution of fibers, with slight differences in terms of average diameters as a function of the polymer used—(1.14 ± 0.18) µm for COT, and (1.33 ± 0.23) µm for CHF—that tend to disappear in the presence of MNPs—(1.26 ± 0.19) µm and (1.26 ± 0.213) µm for COT/NPs and CHF/NPs, respectively. TGA analyses confirmed the higher ability of CHF to entrap MNPs in the fibers—18.25% with respect to 14.63% for COT—while DSC analyses suggested an effect of MNPs on short-range rearrangements of hard/soft micro-domains of CHF. Accordingly, mechanical tests confirmed a decay of mechanical strength in the presence of MNPs with some differences depending on the matrix—from (6.16 ± 0.33) MPa to (4.55 ± 0.2) MPa (COT), and from (3.67 ± 0.18) MPa to (2.97 ± 0.22) MPa (CNF). The in vitro response revealed that the presence of MNPs did not negatively affect cell viability after 7 days in in vitro culture, suggesting a promising use of these materials as smart vascular grafts able to support the actuation function of vessel wall muscles. Full article