Search Results (76)

The coexistence of three sub-ethnic architectural traditions, Cantonese, Hakka and Teochew, renders Guangdong Province a typical locality for cultural geographical study of Chinese building heritage. Focusing on timber structures as the key indicator of Chinese historical architecture, this paper conducts a typological–chronological study on Cantonese palatial-type (Diantang Shi) timber construction, a previously under-studied building type, aiming to establish for the first time its detailed evolutionary process. Through the interdisciplinary methodology of building archaeology, archaeological theory of material cultural evolution as well as archaeological methods of dating analysis are integrated, achieving more precision in architectural examination both geographically and historically. As a result, 20 cases are dated in the Ming and Qing dynasties with 12 structural elements rapidly evolving, substantiating periodization of Cantonese palatial-type timber construction into three evolutionary phases. Periodization further facilitates the identification of two dramatic structural variations in the second phase, revealing Hakka–Cantonese cultural transmission and political intervention as two different socio-cultural mechanisms underpinning architectural transformations. The typological–chronological study is thus transferred into socio-cultural discourse, presenting a new methodological paradigm for architectural heritage study to incorporate the diachronic scope into the static synchronic approach of cultural geographical scholarship. Full article

Background: Multicultural education and second-language acquisition engaged neural networks, supporting executive function, memory, and social cognition in adulthood, represent powerful forms of brain-inspired multisensory learning. The neuroeducational framework integrates neuroscience with pedagogical practice to understand how linguistically and culturally rich environments drive neuroplasticity and cognitive adaptation in adult learners. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes findings from 80 studies examining neuroplasticity and cognitive outcomes in adults undergoing multicultural and second-language acquisition, focusing on underlying neural mechanisms and educational effectiveness. Methods: The analysis included randomized controlled trials and longitudinal studies employing diverse neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, MEG, DTI) to assess structural and functional brain network changes. Interventions varied in terms of immersion intensity (ranging from limited classroom contact to complete environmental immersion), multimodal approaches (integrating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements), feedback mechanisms (immediate vs. delayed, social vs. automated), and learning contexts (formal instruction, naturalistic acquisition, and technology-enhanced environments). Outcomes encompassed cognitive domains (executive function, working memory, attention) and socio-emotional processes (empathy, cultural adaptation). Results: Strong evidence demonstrates that multicultural and second-language acquisition induce specific neuroplastic adaptations, including enhanced connectivity between language and executive networks, increased cortical thickness in frontal–temporal regions, and white matter reorganization supporting processing efficiency. These neural changes are correlated with significant improvements in working memory, attentional control, and cognitive flexibility. Immersion intensity, multimodal design features, learning context, and individual differences, including age and sociocultural background, moderate the effectiveness of interventions across adult populations. Conclusions: Adult multicultural and second-language acquisition represents a biologically aligned educational approach that leverages natural neuroplastic mechanisms to enhance cognitive resilience. Findings support the design of interventions that engage integrated neural networks through rich, culturally relevant environments, with significant implications for cognitive health across the adult lifespan and for evidence-based educational practice. Full article

Background: According to Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, private speech functions both as a tool for thought regulation and as a transitional form between outer and inner speech. However, its role in adult second language (L2) learning—and the neural mechanisms supporting it—remains insufficiently understood. This study thus examined whether private speech facilitates L2 oral production and investigated its underlying neural mechanisms, including the extent to which private speech resembles inner speech in its regulatory function and the transitional nature of private speech. Methods: In Experiment 1, to identify natural users of private speech, 64 Chinese-speaking L2 English learners with varying proficiency levels were invited to complete a picture-description task. In Experiment 2, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to examine the neural mechanisms of private speech in 32 private speech users identified in Experiment 1. Results: Experiment 1 showed that private speech facilitates L2 oral production. Experiment 2 revealed that private and inner speech elicited highly similar patterns of functional connectivity. Among high-proficiency learners, private speech exhibited enhanced connectivity between the language network and the thought-regulation network, indicating involvement of higher-order cognitive processes. In contrast, among low-proficiency learners, connectivity was primarily restricted to language-related regions, suggesting that private speech supports basic linguistic processing at early stages. Furthermore, both private and outer speech showed stronger connectivity in speech-related brain regions. Conclusions: This is the first study to examine the neural mechanisms of private speech in L2 learners by using fNIRS. The findings provide novel neural evidence that private speech serves as both a regulatory scaffold and a transitional form bridging outer and inner speech. Its cognitive function appears to evolve with increasing L2 proficiency. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and is exacerbated by poor dietary habits, particularly in settings such as women’s prisons. Incarcerated women are often exposed to ultra-processed foods, limited nutritional education, and restricted living conditions that increase their risk of CVD. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the challenges perceived by professionals in a Portuguese women’s prison regarding the prevention of CVD, particularly through dietary interventions. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted using a focus group with six professionals. Data were collected in July 2024 and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Three thematic categories emerged: (1) contextual challenges of the prison system (e.g., sedentary lifestyle, limited food options); (2) socio-cultural resistance to behavioural change (e.g., low adherence to health programmes, use of food as a coping mechanism); and (3) the need for sustainable and interdisciplinary intervention strategies. Conclusions: The findings highlight the complexity of promoting cardiovascular health in female prisoners. Interventions need to take into account mental health support, prisoner autonomy and institutional constraints. Future research should develop and test targeted, context-specific nutrition programmes in similar settings. Full article

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a prevalent form of violence against children, associated with profound negative impacts on survivors’ health and well-being. In Bangladesh, sociocultural and economic barriers hinder CSA prevention and intervention, particularly for vulnerable populations such as transgender individuals. This study explores the experiences of CSA among Bangladeshi transgender individuals, focusing on their coping mechanisms and resilience-building strategies. A qualitative narrative approach was employed, using life story-telling interviews with four transgender CSA survivors, and data were analyzed thematically. The findings reveal significant challenges, including social exclusion, humiliation, and lack of family support. Participants reported experiencing physical injuries, mental trauma, and loss of trust due to CSA, while the conservative nature of Bangladeshi society often prevented them from disclosing their abuse or seeking healthcare. These barriers exacerbate health inequalities among gender-minority children. Despite these adversities, participants described engaging in resilience-building strategies such as self-care, personal development, advocacy, and efforts to derive meaning from their experiences, while highlighting the perceived importance of family support. This study provides insights into the unique experiences of transgender CSA survivors in Bangladesh and calls for efforts towards gender-inclusive education, mental health support, and further research to address CSA-related adversity, encourage disclosure, and promote health equity for gender-minority groups. Full article

This article examines the audiovisual representation of violence during the armed takeover of the Ecuadorian television channel TC Television on 9 January 2024, an unprecedented event in the country’s recent media history. Employing a film analysis methodology, the study deconstructs the live broadcast by segmenting it into visual sequences and analyzing elements such as narrative content, shot composition, camera movement, sound design, and editing techniques. The interpretive phase includes narratological, iconic, and psychoanalytic readings. From a psychoanalytic perspective, the study explores the emotional impact of the broadcast on viewers, focusing on responses such as fear, anxiety, identification, projection, and the activation of psychological defense mechanisms. It also reflects on the broader sociocultural consequences of such representations of violence in public media. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for public investment in inclusive and high-quality education as a structural response to youth vulnerability, school dropout, and the risk of recruitment by organized criminal groups in Ecuador. Full article

This study conducts a bibliometric and altmetric analysis of women’s entrepreneurship, examining research trends, challenges, and contributions to sustainable development. By analyzing 6729 journal articles from the Web of Science (1975–2024), this study employs citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and co-word analysis, alongside altmetric indicators, to assess research impact. Visualization tools such as VOSViewer (version 16.20) were used to map the scholarly landscape. Key findings highlight critical themes, including gender disparities, financial barriers, socio-cultural challenges, and digital transformation, underscoring the crucial role of women entrepreneurs in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study identifies major research clusters, leading authors, and institutions that shape the field, while also revealing regional disparities in research output. The growing prevalence of open-access research has enhanced knowledge dissemination, yet access to financial and technological resources remains a challenge for women entrepreneurs. This study emphasizes the need for targeted policies to improve access to finance, digital tools, and entrepreneurial education, fostering an enabling ecosystem for women-led businesses. By integrating traditional bibliometric techniques with altmetrics, this research provides a comprehensive assessment of global trends in women’s entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and practitioners. It contributes to the literature on gender and entrepreneurship by identifying emerging themes and gaps, advocating for inclusive policies and enhanced support mechanisms to drive sustainable economic growth. Full article

The Tusi manors in the Yunnan–Tibet region exemplify historical timber-framed architecture that seamlessly blends official and vernacular styles. It integrates the characteristics of ‘distinct regionality’ and ‘convergent ethnic identity’, embodies rich construction wisdom and regional ethnic culture, and serves as ‘living’ material evidence for studying regional architectural craftsmanship. Through field surveys and on-site surveying, primary data were collected to obtain architectural samples and foundational documentation of Tusi manors in the Yunnan–Tibet region. By authenticating their prototypes and integrating regional construction practices, this study analyzed the architectural characteristics of these manors, including settlement mechanisms, site selection principles, courtyard layouts, architectural typologies, spatial configurations, and functional systems from an architectural perspective. Building on this foundation, the study incorporates natural environment and socio-cultural contexts to conduct a multidimensional analysis of these characteristics. It aims to improve awareness of the cultural heritage of regional timber-framed buildings and provide a reference basis for the conservation and inheritance of these historical buildings. Full article

The veterinary profession is rapidly evolving, requiring curricular renewal to address emerging challenges and enhance graduate preparedness. A survey was conducted among students and alumni of the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Porto (n = 279), Portugal, to evaluate the need for an updated veterinary curriculum. Respondents conveyed a strong preference for companion animal medicine, likely influenced by sociocultural factors and media representation. To address current and future demands, it was recommended to re-evaluate curricular structures (e.g., course duration and electives), incorporate non-technical skills, and enhance practical education. Additional reforms should be supported by feedback mechanisms and stakeholder consultations. Alumni expressed dissatisfaction with the job market, which should be addressed through continuous education and specialization and greater intervention of the Portuguese Veterinary Board. In summary, areas for improvement and increased stakeholder involvement were identified as opportunities for veterinary curricular renewal. Full article

Embodied, enactive cognition, which is also embedded or emplaced cognition and extended cognition through tools, including language, presents various challenges to the standard model of the cognitive science of religion. In its focus on unconscious brain mechanisms, the standard model downplays or eliminates religious meaning as epiphenomenal or illusory. It often denies that religion, once present, is adaptive or admits as adaptive only costly signaling. It regards humans’ perceptions of their environments as representations, mistaking an environment as determinate before cognition occurs. This support for indirect perception makes no sense given its emphasis on the need for sensing possible threats to survival. As brain mechanisms of individuals do all the heavy lifting, the model regards culture and its influence as nonexistent or insignificant. This stance denies how the social constitutes a huge part of our embodied preobjective and tacit engagement with the world, as well as socio-cultural realities, including religion, as self-organizing systems. The neglect of embodiment extends to its take on supernatural agents as allegedly disembodied minds. The standard model overlooks how ordinary rituals promote bonding through group presence, synchrony, and endorphin production and how some rituals increase knowledge of a particular natural environment, thus overlooking how religion can be adaptive. Full article

This article explores the features of speech practices of young people in Kazakhstan in the conditions of interaction between Kazakh, Russian, and English, taking into account the influence of the digital environment and modern socio-cultural factors. The relevance of this study is determined by the rapid transformation of the language situation in Kazakhstan, where traditional bilingualism is evolving under the influence of globalisation and digital factors, contributing to the formation of new models of language interaction in the youth environment. The aim of this research is to study the mechanisms of language functioning in different communicative contexts, including digital communication. As a methodological basis, the methods of sociolinguistic and discourse analysis were applied, including the collection and interpretation of young people’s written texts, as well as interviewing respondents to identify their language preferences and communication strategies. The empirical analysis allowed us to identify new models of young people’s linguistic behaviour in various communicative environments, including online space. The leading factors influencing the choice of language code were identified, and the characteristic mechanisms of integrating elements of Kazakh, Russian, and English into a single speech act were recorded. Special attention is paid to the specifics of language interaction in digital environments, where hybrid forms of communication are observed due to technological and globalisation processes. This study considers the speech of young people not only as a linguistic phenomenon, but also as an instrument of intercultural communication, reflecting trends in the development of polylingualism. The findings of this study can be used to improve language policy and to develop educational programmes that take into account modern trends in youth communication. Full article

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an idiopathic, highly debilitating chronic disorder with persistent regional pain accompanied by a combination of sensory, motor, and autonomic abnormalities. It is not only difficult to treat but also difficult to study. This scoping review aimed to identify the key clinical and molecular challenges encountered in CRPS research and to examine the assessment tools currently employed. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar using a combination of free text and MeSH terms related to CRPS, clinical and molecular aspects, neuroinflammation, biomarkers, and research challenges. We analyzed 55 original clinical research papers on CRPS and 17 studies of immunological/biochemical/molecular aspects of CRPS. A significant degree of heterogeneity was observed in the methodologies employed across the reviewed studies. The most frequently reported challenges included difficulties in participant recruitment and controlling confounding factors (reported in 62% of studies), such as the heterogeneity of the patient population, the influence of pain coping strategies and psychological factors, and the impact of sociocultural factors (reported in 62% of studies). Research into diagnostic and prognostic markers for CRPS also faces numerous challenges. Recruiting participants is difficult due to the rarity of the condition, resulting in small sample sizes for studies. In vitro models often fail to replicate the complexity of in vivo inflammation, limiting their applicability. Findings from early CRPS stages may not generalize to chronic CRPS because of differing pathophysiological mechanisms and symptom profiles. Additional obstacles include the disorder’s heterogeneity, difficulties in controlling confounding factors, variability in treatment approaches, and the lack of standardized tools and baseline comparisons. These issues hinder the development of reliable biomarkers and evidence-based treatments. Due to these difficulties, the exact cause of CRPS is still not fully understood, making it difficult to develop effective, specific treatments and conduct targeted research. Full article

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic globally has negative effects on mental health. Research from Western countries, such as the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe, shows that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increased trend of anorexia nervosa (AN) among children and adolescents. However, the trend after the pandemic in Eastern countries, including Japan, is not well-understood, and it remains unclear whether the pandemic is associated with the trend in these countries. This study aimed to examine the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the newly diagnosed AN among children and adolescents in Japan. Materials and Methods: Using the nationwide multi-hospital database in Japan, we analyzed the clinical outpatient data in the departments of pediatrics, psychosomatic medicine, and psychiatry. The participants comprised children and adolescents aged 7–19 years newly diagnosed with AN from January 2017 to January 2022. An interrupted time series analysis was used to compare the trends of newly diagnosed AN before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Estimating the changes in the trends over the pandemic was performed using a Poisson regression model. Results: The total cases of newly diagnosed AN were 41 cases diagnosed in 38 months (1.08 cases per month) before the pandemic and 34 in 23 months (1.48 cases per month) after the pandemic. Notably, in the 7–14 age group, the cases per month increased from 0.74 to 1.13 cases per month over the period. Before the pandemic, a decrease in cases was observed (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 0.961; 95% CI = 0.932–0.990). Conversely, the after-pandemic period showed a contrasting trend, with increased cases (IRR = 1.096; 95% CI = 1.032–1.176). Furthermore, the number and cases per month in boys increased over the period, from 1 to 5 cases and from 0.03 to 0.22 cases per month, compared to girls from 28 to 26 cases and from 1.05 to 1.26 cases per month. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that sociocultural differences at a national level may not affect the trend of AN after the pandemic. The pandemic and lifestyle changes after the pandemic occurred in both Western and Eastern countries. Considering that, individual, parental, and peer factors related to the pandemic and the consequent lifestyle changes may be more associated with the development of AN. Further research in different countries is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of AN and the long-term impact of the pandemic. Full article

Khat, derived from the Catha edulis plant, is widely consumed in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where it holds significant socio-cultural importance. This review examines the multifaceted effects of khat, particularly focusing on its cardiovascular implications. Khat’s active constituents, notably cathinone and cathine, exhibit stimulant and psychoactive properties akin to amphetamines, leading to heightened alertness and euphoria. However, chronic consumption is associated with adverse effects, including cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy. The review highlights the pharmacokinetics of khat, with cathinone being rapidly absorbed and leading to sympathomimetic effects. Studies indicate a correlation between chronic khat use and increased risks of hypertension, acute coronary syndromes, and cardiomyopathy. These cardiovascular conditions are exacerbated by prolonged hemodynamic stress, catecholamine release, and oxidative stress induced by khat’s active compounds. Additionally, khat’s impact extends beyond the cardiovascular system, affecting neurological, reproductive, and gastrointestinal health. Despite its legality in certain regions, khat is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, emphasizing the need for global awareness of its health risks. This review calls for longitudinal studies to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of khat-induced cardiomyopathy and to identify potential biomarkers for its early detection. Furthermore, it advocates for culturally sensitive public health initiatives and clinical guidelines to mitigate the adverse health effects of khat consumption, especially among immigrant populations in developed nations. Recognizing and addressing khat’s cardiovascular implications is crucial for improving patient outcomes and guiding effective clinical practice. Full article

The accelerating pace of urbanization, coupled with changes in land-use patterns and the exacerbation of extreme climatic events—marked by heightened unpredictability and severity, particularly in regions of the Global South—necessitates a thorough reevaluation of urban governance and management frameworks. In response to these challenges, it is essential for strategies to integrate local socio-economic specificities while navigating the inherent complexities of these issues, leveraging contextually appropriate resources within a sustainability paradigm. In this regard, contextualizing and incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into urban planning frameworks is crucial for advancing urban sustainability. However, significant obstacles hinder their effective integration at the urban scale, particularly in fast-evolving, resource-constrained settings. This study seeks to address this critical gap by systematically examining the barriers to SDG integration in urban planning within sub-Saharan Africa. For this purpose, Moundou, Chad, is used as a representative case study, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities of urban sustainability in the region. A hybrid methodology underpins this research, combining in-depth interviews with key development stakeholders, a detailed review of strategic documents aligned with the SDGs, and semi-structured questionnaires to capture diverse perspectives. The results reveal that the institutional dimension constitutes 38.46% of the barriers identified by stakeholders, with key challenges including limited capacity for long-term planning, a lack of expertise, and inadequate multisectoral coordination, among others. In addition, the economic and socio-cultural dimensions each represent 23.08% of the identified barriers, encompassing issues such as dependence on external funding, the high cost of green technologies, low public awareness, and resistance to change within communities. Finally, the data access dimension ranks last, accounting for 15.38%. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to implement mechanisms that strengthen institutional capacities, promote cross-sectoral collaboration, enhance public awareness, and cultivate a culture of adaptability and innovation within local communities. Furthermore, improving data accessibility and reinforcing financial mechanisms are vital to addressing these barriers comprehensively. Full article