Search Results (7,743)

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) was launched to conserve, sustainably manage, and enhance the viability of the world’s agricultural heritage systems. The Cascade Tank-Village Irrigation system in the Sri Lankan dry zone was recognized as a GIAHS in 2018. Sri Lanka has conserved and used this water system sustainably for more than 2000 years but has not yet capitalised on its potential for tourism. Therefore, this paper identifies innovation opportunities for developing agricultural heritage tourism in the dry zone of Sri Lanka with implications for other agricultural heritage sites worldwide. We adopted an innovation strategy framework to identify areas of innovation to develop for GIAHS-based tourism sites with a focus on product development, processes, management, logistics, and institutional aspects. We conclude by presenting a novel Agricultural Heritage Tourism Development Framework that highlights the critical elements necessary to consider for developing agricultural heritage tourism sites. Full article

Many existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures have undergone increases in service loads due to changes in use, functional upgrades, and evolving design codes. This highlights the need for reliable requalification methods that account for long-term degradation mechanisms, particularly those related to sustained loading and creep. This study investigates the residual flexural behavior of RC beams after long-term loading and evaluates its effects on stiffness and ultimate strength. Three RC beams were loaded to 43% of their short-term yielding moment and kept under sustained load for 210 days, while three identical specimens were maintained as unloaded references. Afterward, all beams were subjected to repeated four-point loading–unloading cycles to detect changes in stiffness, strength, and cyclic response. The results indicate that long-term loading did not significantly affect the beams’ ultimate load-carrying capacity compared with the reference specimens. However, the long-term-loaded beams exhibited a clear reduction in initial stiffness. This difference was most evident during the first loading cycle and gradually decreased in subsequent cycles. To interpret these findings, a layered fiber model was developed to simulate cyclic behavior while incorporating time-dependent concrete effects. The model successfully reproduced the main experimental trends, reinforcing the reliability of both the testing program and the analytical approach. The study enhances understanding of stiffness degradation in RC elements subjected to increased service loads. Full article

Copper flotation tailings are produced in large quantities during ore beneficiation and smelting, yet remain underutilized and can act as persistent sources of potentially toxic elements. Here, we combined XRD-based mineralogical characterization, ICP-OES quantification, Tessier sequential extraction, and pH-dependent batch leaching to elucidate metal occurrence, mobility, and associated ecological risk in tailings from Tongling, Anhui Province. This study systematically analyzed the mineral composition, potentially toxic elements content, chemical fractions, leaching behavior, and ecological risks of copper flotation tailings from the Shuimuchong tailings reservoir in Tongling, Anhui Province. XRD and XRF analyses revealed that calcite, quartz, and garnet were dominant mineral phases in the tailings. Elevated levels of Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, and As were detected, some of which surpassed both local background concentrations and national soil quality standards. Most potentially toxic elements primarily existed in the residual fraction, indicating low mobility. Leaching experiments revealed that Zn, Cu, and As showed enhanced release under acidic conditions, making them priority risk elements during tailings acidification. Pollution index and ecological risk assessments indicated that the tailings were heavily contaminated, with Cu and Cd as the main risk contributors. The Risk Assessment Code (RAC) evaluation showed that Cd had the highest bioavailability and ecological risk. By clarifying the behavior of pollutants, this study contributes to the effective regulation of environmental hazards and the sustainable use of tailing materials. Full article

Online cybersecurity education increasingly serves diverse cohorts, including students with non-technical backgrounds and those balancing their studies with work or family responsibilities. Yet, research on sustaining educational quality while scaling fully online enrolments remains limited, particularly in foundational technical subjects where learning requires both conceptual understanding and professional judgement. This study aims to examine how teaching presence can be operationalised in fully online foundational cybersecurity subjects through inspectable artefacts and routines that remain workable for large cohorts and distributed teaching teams. This paper reports a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) design and transfer case grounded in the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework. This study examines the redesign of CSE1ICB (Introduction to Cybersecurity) and the transfer of the same design logic to CSE1CPR (Cybersecurity in Practice). The findings identify a coherent four-component design model comprising (1) real-world incident integration, (2) scenario-based learning and interactive checks, (3) structured, layered support, and (4) a predictable communication rhythm across the learning management system (LMS) and email. Across these two subjects, these elements are presented as an integrated system intended to make learning objectives salient, increase opportunities for guided practice in professional reasoning, reduce avoidable friction in practical work, and create consistent instructor visibility through routine communication and support structures. This paper synthesises the approach into nine transferable design principles, mapped to CoI teaching presence dimensions and illustrated through concrete design choices, including incident-framing templates, scenario prompt patterns, layered support resources, formative feedback patterns, and communication routines. Overall, this study shows that teaching presence can be operationalised as a coordinated design system rather than as a set of isolated tactics. This paper contributes a reusable and theory-informed model for educators coordinating foundational cybersecurity subjects delivered online at scale. Full article

Rapid urbanisation and climate-induced extreme weather events have intensified urban stormwater runoff challenges. Biofiltration systems have emerged as effective, sustainable urban drainage solutions for mitigating these impacts. A total of 78 peer-reviewed studies were assessed to synthesise findings on how design parameters influence pollutant removal performance in biofiltration systems treating urban stormwater runoff. Peer-reviewed articles published from 1 January 1995 to 3 June 2025 were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS). Non-peer-reviewed, non-empirical, incomplete, or non-relevant studies were excluded. Rigorous application of a standardised review protocol and predefined criteria was employed to mitigate bias. The findings reveal high removal efficiencies for certain trace metals, ammonium, Escherichia coli (E. coli), hydrocarbons, and microplastics, with inconsistent removal for total nitrogen, nitrates, and phosphorus. The primary pollutant removal mechanisms were adsorption, ion exchange with select media, and denitrification in saturated zones. Only 22% of the reviewed studies incorporated a saturated zone, while 18% included a protective surface layer, despite both design elements being associated with improved pollutant removal performance. Variations in media composition and stormwater quality limit comparability across studies. This review highlights the need for context-specific design guidance and further exploration of multi-functional media to enhance multi-pollutant removal. Full article

This study focuses on the production and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-chitosan (CS)-based nanoparticles loaded with vitamin E (VitE) and ephedrine (Ep) via electrospraying for intranasal drug delivery in narcolepsy treatment. The nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using optimized parameters (15.5 kV voltage, 0.3 mL/h flow rate, 25 G needle size, and 14 cm distance). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the formation of spherical particles with an average size of 350–500 nm, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping revealed a homogeneous elemental distribution with oxygen (51.74%), silicon (24.48%), carbon (6.47%), zinc (6.08%), and aluminum (3.82%). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra demonstrated the successful encapsulation of VitE and Ep through characteristic peaks at 3285 cm⁻¹ (OH stretching), 1731 cm⁻¹ (C=O stretching), and 1086 cm⁻¹ (C-O-C stretching). In vitro drug release analysis indicated a controlled and sustained release profile, with cumulative VitE and Ep release reaching 78.6% and 84.3%, respectively, over 48 h in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). Antioxidant activity assessment using the DPPH assay confirmed an R² value of 18.84 µg/mL, demonstrating significant free radical scavenging potential. The antibacterial activity, tested via the disk diffusion method, exhibited inhibition zones of 18.31 ± 5.8 mm (E. coli) and 21.51 ± 1.57 mm (S. aureus), confirming strong antimicrobial properties. These findings suggest that the developed electrosprayed PVA/CS nanoparticles loaded with VitE and Ep offer a promising intranasal delivery system with enhanced bioavailability, controlled release, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial properties, making them a viable candidate for narcolepsy treatment. Full article

Against the backdrop of the full implementation of “antibiotic ban” and “zinc restriction” policies in livestock and poultry breeding, and the growing consumer demand for safe livestock and poultry products, the development of natural and efficient green feed additives has become crucial for the sustainable development of the animal husbandry industry. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., has attracted extensive attention in poultry production due to its various biological activities and safety. This paper thoroughly reviews the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of curcumin, and elaborates on its core molecular mechanisms of action, which mainly involve the regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory and lipid metabolism regulatory effects. It further clarifies the practical application value of curcumin in major poultry species including broilers, laying hens, ducks and quails, showing that curcumin can significantly improve poultry production performance, optimize meat and egg quality, protect intestinal health, and enhance the ability of poultry to resist stress and diseases. Meanwhile, the review notes curcumin’s current application limitations (low bioavailability, poor stability, unclear standardized dosage, and high industrialization cost) and proposes targeted future research directions to address these issues. In conclusion, curcumin is a promising green feed additive alternative to antibiotics, and its large-scale and standardized application in poultry production will effectively promote the green, healthy and sustainable development of the poultry industry. Full article

Phosphorus deficiency in the environment induces phosphate (Pi) starvation responses of plants, in which the phosphate transporter is one of the most critical functional genes in this response mechanism. As a prevalent green manure crop in China, Vicia villosa plays a critical role in sustainable agricultural systems, and the expression of its phosphate transporter gene (VvPHT1) is modulated by soil phosphorus availability, highlighting its key adaptive function in nutrient acquisition and utilization under low-Pi conditions. Functional studies of this gene and its promoter contribute to exploring the molecular mechanisms of the tolerance of green manure crops to low phosphorus stress and to improving phosphorus-efficient V. villosa varieties. In this study, analysis of the VvPHT1 promoter sequence revealed a 1524 bp region containing multiple root-specific cis-regulatory elements, including five NODCON2GM, one NODCON1GM, six OSE2ROOTNODULE, one OSE1ROOTNODULE, and fifteen ROOTMOTIFTAPOX1 motifs. Histochemical GUS staining of transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.) showed that the VvPHT1 promoter directed root-specific expression of the GUS reporter gene. A fusion expression vector pCAMBIA1300-VvPHT1--GFP was constructed and transformed into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cells for subcellular localization analysis, indicating that the protein encoded by VvPHT1 was localized to the plasma membrane. To quantify its expression, VvPHT1 transcript levels in VvPHT1-overexpressing Arabidopsis (OEPHT1) lines were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) under different phosphorus supply conditions. The results demonstrated that under low-Pi conditions, the expression of VvPHT1 was significantly upregulated in the OEPHT1 lines compared to those of normal-Pi conditions. Furthermore, under low-Pi treatment, the OEPHT1 lines showed significantly increased fresh weight, primary root length, phosphorus content, and chlorophyll content compared to the wild-type Arabidopsis (WT), while no such differences were observed under normal-Pi conditions. In conclusion, the VvPHT1 promoter exhibits root-specific activity, and the VvPHT1 gene encodes a plasma-membrane-localized phosphate transporter that is strongly induced by phosphorus deficiency. Its overexpression enhances phosphorus uptake and plant growth under low-Pi conditions, suggesting that VvPHT1 likely functions as a high-affinity phosphate transporter involved in the adaptation to phosphorus starvation. Full article

Artificial intelligence has been considered as a transformative element capable of reshaping STEM education into equitable, resource-efficient, and scalable learning environments. However, realizing this potential requires striking a careful balance between technological innovation, pedagogical considerations, and ethical concerns. This study sought to examine the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by STEM university faculty members in Saudi Arabia to promote Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education). While doing so, the study attempted to explore how Saudi STEM university faculty members integrated AI tools in their instructional practices and analyze their perceptions towards these tools. To achieve these goals, the study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. In the first phase of data collection, a close-ended questionnaire was applied to a random sample of (324) STEM university faculty members. The second phase involved gathering qualitative data using a semi-structured interview administered to 12 purposively selected experts. Key quantitative findings revealed an overall AI integration at a medium level with a mean of (2.71) and standard deviation of (0.36) across three instructional practices, namely planning, implementation, and assessment. The highest integration level was in assessment (M = 2.93, medium) while the lowest was in planning (M = 2.61, medium). The results also revealed that the participants’ perceptions towards integrating AI tools were highly positive (M = 4.00, high), albeit with some concerns regarding the effect of excessive and unguided use of AI tools on students’ higher-order thinking skills, particularly the risk of AI functioning merely as an information delivery mechanism rather than serving its more pedagogically valuable role as a brainstorming scaffold. Furthermore, the study unveiled a number of barriers to integrating AI tools, including the weakness of digital infrastructure, lack of professional development, the limited credibility of AI-generated content, and ethical concerns related to academic integrity and copyrights. The research suggests the establishment of a sustainable digital environment by improving the infrastructure, providing specific training in accordance with the principles of sustainability, and implementing policies that promote equitable, transparent, and responsible integration of AI. These strategies can coordinate the growth of technology with the larger needs of the quality of education, inclusion, and sustainability of STEM education in the long term. Full article

To ensure high-quality and reliable service provision for customers, advanced optical networks without active elements have been developed to increase operating reliability, network scalability, and resource efficiency. To this end, wavelength division multiplexing-based passive optical networks (WDM-PON) now have a markedly enhanced role. An important aspect of the WDM-PON design is represented by traffic protection schemes, which play a key role in network reliability. Managing the power budget for optical links allows us to achieve a practically sustainable and realizable infrastructure of advanced passive optical networks. In this work, we focused on simulation model development for the power budget calculation for the WDM-PON optical link and the subsequent optical power budget evaluation of presumptive WDM-PON traffic protection schemes. Full article

This study evaluates the impact of recirculating aquaponic cultivation on the biochemical, mineral, and antioxidant profiles of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) integrated with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which serves as a source of nutrients through metabolic waste transformation within the system. Water quality parameters and microbiological testing confirmed efficient nitrification and system safety, with no Escherichia coli detected. Results showed that aquaponic cultivation yields a high nutritional value of Swiss chard, yielding high crude protein (31.4% DW) and mineral-rich biomass (ash 22.8% DW). Substantial concentrations of essential elements were recorded, including Ca, Mg, Fe (253.7 mg/kg DW), Zn, and Cu, suggesting high ionic bioavailability in the recirculating system. Physiological stability was reflected by a chlorophyll a content of 4.74 mg/g DW. Furthermore, the plants exhibited a robust phytochemical profile, with total phenolics (4.13 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (5.18 mg QE/g DW) driving strong antioxidant activity (93.1% ABTS inhibition). These findings demonstrate that integrated aquaponic systems function as effective nutrient bioreactors, supporting high plant functional quality while supporting sustainable food production. The results validate aquaponics as a viable, climate-smart strategy for high-quality leafy vegetable cultivation within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

Although treated wastewater (TWW) is increasingly being used to irrigate urban landscapes in arid regions like Qatar to preserve scarce freshwater resources, little is known about its long-term ecological impacts. The effects of extended irrigation with TWW on the composition of weed communities and soil characteristics in urban turfgrass systems were assessed in this study for a full year period. Three turfgrass fields in public parks in Doha that are not distant and similar in turf species and type of management were chosen. One of them has received regular tap water, and the other two had received a period of two years or a period of seven years irrigation with TWW. Due to nutrient availability in TWW, long-term irrigation improved turfgrass performance but drastically changed the structure and composition of the weed communities. More weed diversity and abundance were observed under irrigation with TWW, coinciding with cumulative increases in soil salinity [from 265 µS/cm for soil irrigated with regular tap water to about 1799 µS/cm for soil long-term irrigated with treated wastewater] and nutrient levels. Dactyloctenium aristatum and Euphorbia prostrata were dominating the field under TWW irrigation, while Cyperus rotundus prevailed better under regular tap-water irrigation. Crucially, build-up of toxic elements was found in the turfgrass, but not harmful. Overall, the findings showed that although TWW is a useful source for maintaining urban green spaces in arid regions, its long-term use necessitates cautious management to reduce weed growth and adaptation. Maintaining sustainable and healthy urban landscapes may be aided by using salt-leaching irrigation techniques and seasonal blending with freshwater. Full article

Background: A novel titanium scleral buckle implant (TSBI) was developed for the treatment of posterior pole retinal detachments, analytically modeled and structurally tested as part of preclinical approval studies. The strength and stiffness requirements to apply pressure for retinal reattachment also suggested potential benefits for correcting high myopia greater than 8 diopters. Methods: Laboratory load testing and analytical calculations were complemented by nonlinear finite element modeling (FEM), applied for the first time to capture the interaction between the highly deformed myopic eye and the TSBI. Simulations were used to visualize posterior pole indentation and force distribution across anatomical regions. Seven TSBI units were tested in the transverse direction and six in the longitudinal direction. Results: The simulations confirmed that stable indentation is maintained even in areas distant from the sutures. The TSBI’s minimum midspan bending capacity was 40 N at yield and 60 N at ultimate. These values, together with FEM predictions, demonstrated a very large safety margin and showed that the implant deforms insignificantly under high intraocular pressure changes. Conclusions: The TSBI withstands ocular forces, cushions the sclera safely, and retains its geometry, a behavior that may differ from softer buckle materials, which can exhibit time-dependent deformation under sustained loading. Early controlled clinical applications outside the USA, followed for over three years, further validate its safety and potential effectiveness. Full article

This study investigates the failure mechanisms and machining performance of 3D-printed H13 tool steel end mills driven by the creation of a Finite Element Analysis (FEA)-based digital twin. The primary objective is to assess the process capability of these tools by integrating CAD and FEA with product design simulation-based data acquisition within a digital manufacturing framework, thereby validating a physical model. This research begins by redesigning a 20 mm end mill into a 6 mm, four-flute configuration, and then FEA simulating H13 tool steel and tungsten carbide (WC) tools. This is carried out to machine Al-6082-T6 under spindle speeds of 5500 rpm and 1500 rpm, with a constant feed rate of 0.5 mm/tooth over 100,000 cycles. The process is integrated with the Siemens Insights hub via Node-RED to replicate the simulation to correlate the CPU signal spikes and enhanced processing capacity, especially in relation to CAD/CAE kernel activities. Based on the simulation insights, two H13 end mills are fabricated using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). The first tool, tested at 5500 rpm and a 1100 mm/min feed rate, fractured after 70 mm of cutting. The second trial, using a diamond-coated solid carbide tool at 1500 rpm and 300 mm/min, achieved successful machining with graphene-enhanced coolant. The cutting forces ranged from 300 to 500 N for 3D-printed tools, compared with 150–180 N for the carbide tool. The surface roughness varied between 0.6–1 µm and 4–6 µm for the printed tools, aligning closely with traditional tools (0.5–1 µm). Post-machining analysis using SEM and EDX confirmed tool wear and material changes. This work adopted a methodology to capture and monitor CPU signal spikes via the digital twin platform, enabling real-time comparison with failure thresholds. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using 3D-printed H13 tools for sustainable, customizable machining, offering a pathway for industries to adopt in-house tool design and manufacturing with integrated digital validation. Full article

In the context of climate change, the hydrological processes and water resource system vulnerabilities in inland river basins of arid regions are intensifying. Understanding their evolutionary patterns and driving mechanisms is crucial for sustainable water resource management, agricultural development, and the protection of ecological security. This study focuses on the Kaidu River Basin, systematically analyzing the temporal and spatial variations in hydrological cycle elements in the basin from 1998 to 2023 based on multi-source precipitation data, the SWAT hydrological model, and the glacier degree-day model. The study also identifies the main driving factors using a geographic detector. The results show that the SWAT model performs well (calibration period R² and NSE ≥ 0.75, validation period R² and NSE of 0.75 and 0.70, respectively), indicating reliable simulation results. The surface water resources and the contribution of glacier meltwater to runoff in the basin both show a fluctuating downward trend, while potential evapotranspiration increases. The contribution of glacier meltwater during the ablation season decreased from 69.86% in 2014–2016 to 45.01% in 2017–2021. The hydrological processes exhibit a spatial pattern of “mountain areas generating runoff, non-mountain areas consuming water”. The geographic detector results indicate that precipitation is the decisive factor for the spatial differentiation of hydrological processes (influence degree q = 56.9%), with temperature, potential evapotranspiration, and altitude playing important synergistic roles. Moreover, the explanatory power of multi-factor interactions is much greater than that of individual factors. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for the optimized allocation of watershed water resources, efficient agricultural irrigation, and the sustainable development of oasis ecosystems under changing environmental conditions, thereby supporting the goals of water security and sustainable development in inland river basins of arid regions. Full article