Search Results (10,928)

Efficient thickening of unclassified tailings slurry (UTS) is critical for enhancing mine backfill efficiency and reducing operational costs. Ultrasonic technology has emerged as a promising approach to facilitating the solid–liquid separation process in such slurries. In this study, systematic experiments were conducted using a 20 kHz ultrasonic concentrator. The effects of ultrasonic treatment timing (applied at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 min during free settling) and power (50 to 400 W in eight levels) were investigated by monitoring the solid–liquid interface settling velocity and underflow concentration. The key findings are as follows: Ultrasonic application at the 5 min mark yielded the optimal thickening performance, increasing the final mass concentration by 1.3% compared to free settling alone. The average settling velocity generally increased with ultrasonic power (with the exception of 50 W), and the final underflow concentration exhibited a steady rise. Notably, the 400 W treatment induced a significant settlement acceleration, attributed to the formation of drainage channels. Mechanistic analysis revealed that these drainage channels undergo a dynamic process of formation, expansion, contraction, and closure, driven by ultrasonically induced directional water migration, particle compaction, and energy boundary effects. This research not only enriches the theoretical framework of ultrasonic-assisted thickening but also provides practical insights for optimizing mine backfill operations. Full article

Rural governance is a key means of promoting sustainable rural development and is gradually evolving toward interdisciplinary research across multiple scales. How should governments at all levels implement precise policy to achieve rural revitalization goals? To reveal the multi-scale characteristics of rural spatial governance, this study proposes theoretical hypotheses and constructs a three-level analytical framework encompassing the municipal, functional area, and township dimensions. Taking Nanning City as a case study, it comprehensively employs global and local spatial autocorrelation methods to quantitatively analyze the spatial differentiation patterns and governance effectiveness across the five dimensions of rural revitalization at different scales. The results indicate that indicators such as ecological livability, industrial prosperity, life affluence, rural civilization, and effective governance all exhibit significant clustering patterns at various scales, with notable differences in the intensity of clustering across these scales. Specifically, the ecological livability indicator exhibits the strongest spatial agglomeration at the municipal level (Moran’s I = 0.578), industrial prosperity and affluent living show the strongest correlations at the functional area level (with average Moran’s I values of 0.281 and 0.414, respectively), while rural civilization and effective governance display the most pronounced clustering at the township level (Moran’s I values of 0.363 and 0.350). The findings provide direct evidence for implementing differentiated and precise rural spatial governance in Nanning City and similar regions, while also contributing to the optimization of cross-level policy resource allocation. Future research should further integrate multidisciplinary perspectives and expand the analysis of multi-stakeholder participation mechanisms. Full article

Empathic behavior is increasingly incorporated into socially assistive robots, yet little is known about how older adults’ personality-based self-regulatory processes shape responses to such designs. The present study examined a recognition-based “mirror effect” framework of narcissistic self-regulation, referring to the ways individuals maintain a valued self-image through social feedback and acknowledgment. We focused on two core dimensions: narcissistic admiration, characterized by self-promotion and the pursuit of affirmation, and narcissistic rivalry, characterized by defensiveness, antagonism, and sensitivity to threat. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 527; M_age = 72.73) were randomly assigned to view a video of a socially assistive robot interacting in either an empathic or a cold manner. Participants reported their perceived recognition by the robot, defined as the subjective experience of feeling seen, acknowledged, and valued, as well as multiple robot evaluations (anthropomorphism, likability, perceived intelligence, safety, and intention to use). At the mean level, empathic robot behavior increased perceived recognition, anthropomorphism, and likability but did not improve perceived intelligence, safety, or intention to use. Conditional process analyses revealed that narcissistic admiration was positively associated with perceived recognition, which in turn predicted more favorable robot evaluations, regardless of robot behavior. In contrast, narcissistic rivalry showed a behavior-dependent pattern: rivalry was associated with reduced perceived recognition and less favorable evaluations primarily in the empathic condition, whereas this association reversed in the cold condition. Importantly, once perceived recognition and narcissistic traits were accounted for, the cold robot was evaluated as more intelligent, safer, and more desirable to use than the empathic robot. Studying these processes in older adults is theoretically and practically significant, as later life is marked by shifts in social roles, autonomy concerns, and sensitivity to interpersonal evaluation, which may alter how empathic technologies are experienced. Together, the findings identify perceived recognition as a central psychological mechanism linking personality and robot design and suggest that greater robotic empathy is not universally beneficial, particularly for users high in rivalry-related threat sensitivity. Full article

Aviation hydrogen internal combustion engines represent a critical pathway for rapid decarbonization due to their reliability and compatibility with existing aircraft platforms. However, the significant reduction in air density at high altitudes causes severe power degradation in naturally aspirated port-fuel-injected hydrogen internal combustion engines, making turbocharging essential for maintaining propulsion capability. This study utilizes a combined experimental and simulation framework to investigate turbocharger matching for power recovery in a 1.4 L hydrogen engine. A simulation model was constructed and validated against experimental data within a 5% error margin to ensure technical accuracy. Theoretical compressor and turbine operating parameters were derived for altitudes ranging from 4 to 8 km, comparing two boost-pressure control strategies: variable geometry turbine and waste-gate turbine. The results demonstrate that both boosting strategies successfully restore sea-level power at altitudes up to 8 km, increasing high-altitude power output by approximately four-fold to five-fold compared to naturally aspirated conditions. Specifically, the variable of geometry turbine demonstrates superior overall performance, maintaining normalized turbine efficiencies between 78.4% and 96.3% while achieving lower pumping losses and improved brake thermal efficiency. These advantages arise from the variable geometry turbine’s ability to optimize exhaust-energy utilization across varying altitudes. This study establishes a quantitative methodology for turbocharger matching, providing essential guidance for developing efficient, high-altitude hydrogen propulsion systems. Full article

Teacher education represents a global strategic priority for improving educational systems and fostering inclusive, high-quality processes. Recent studies highlight the need for systematic and replicable education models capable of addressing the challenges of contemporary complexity and bridging the gap between theory and practice. Teaching professionalism is increasingly recognized as a key driver of change, requiring a balance of pedagogical, relational, and technological competences, along with strong reflective capacity. Within this framework, practicum programs play a crucial role for the development of professional identity and authentic teaching skills. Methods: This contribution adopts a theoretical–argumentative approach grounded in a critical analysis of the international scientific literature on teacher education, with specific focus on the role of practicums. The aim is to present the model implemented by Pegaso University in the context of practicum activities within initial teacher education programs to outline an interpretative framework and provide pedagogical reflections in light of the results arising from critical reflection and systematic monitoring (not covered in this specific contribution) of the effectiveness of the model implemented in the first two training cycles (academic years 23–24 and 24–25), with the involvement of 5 regions and a total of 2834 teachers in the first cycle and 10 regions and a total of 5551 teachers in the second cycle. Convenience sampling based on a non-probabilistic method was adopted, using the entire sample of teachers admitted to the training program who met the requirements of Article 7 of the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM). Results: This paper outlines the theoretical and methodological trajectories of the model, offering interpretative frameworks and pedagogical reflections in light of the outcomes achieved during the initial implementation phase. Conclusions: In accordance with recent national and European regulatory frameworks, the Pegaso teaching model is presented as an example of good practice for initial teacher education. It aims to foster a reflective, situated, and responsible teaching professionalism, moving beyond traditional approaches toward a continuous and transformative learning process. Full article

This paper traces the intellectual foundations of neuroarchitecture, the design of environments informed by how the brain processes spatial information,from its origins in 1970s environmental psychology and later connectionist philosophy to its contemporary state. While early computational approaches prioritized speed and efficiency for engineering tasks like pattern recognition, a prescient group of pioneers pursued a different path. They developed biologically plausible neural network models that prioritized neural realism over computational performance. These networks embraced the complex realities of biological brains, incorporating excitatory and inhibitory dynamics, local learning rules, and hierarchical knowledge representation. We examine how the philosophical frameworks developed during this formative period established the theoretical foundation for meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration between neuroscience and design. The field has since expanded significantly through our contemporary understanding of neurodiversity. This broader perspective has the potential to transform neuroarchitecture from a niche research area into a comprehensive approach for creating environments that support cognitive performance and brain health for everyone. Full article

This study addresses a key limitation of conventional clay constitutive models, which often assume linear stress paths at low stress ratios and lack a systematic link between plasticity and yield surface shape. A symmetry-consistent bounding surface plasticity framework is proposed, introducing two shape parameters, Ψ and Ω, to control curvature and scaling of the yield surface under low stress ratios. The formulation preserves a unified, smooth yield function with continuous gradients, ensuring compatibility with standard numerical integration schemes. To enhance practical applicability, a three-level calibration strategy is established, ranging from direct triaxial interpretation to empirical correlations based on oedometer-derived indices. Model performance is validated against experimental data for clays with varying plasticity, demonstrating improved representation of curved stress paths without increasing formulation complexity. The proposed approach provides a transparent and reproducible extension to existing frameworks, bridging the gap between theoretical consistency and engineering-oriented calibration. Full article

This paper analyses the role of landscape as a fundamental dimension of post-earthquake recovery in the inland areas of Central Italy, arguing that reconstruction must be understood not only as the repair of damaged buildings but as a broader territorial process affecting identity, spatial organization, and long-term settlement trajectories. In this sense, post-earthquake recovery is also interpreted as a strategic opportunity to reinforce coast–inland relationships, acknowledging the structural interdependence between inland Apennine areas and coastal urban systems. Drawing on insights from applied research conducted in the L’Aquila 2009 crater and on the conceptual framework developed within the PRIN TRIALS project, the paper discusses how seismic events accelerate pre-existing territorial dynamics and produce enduring transformations, particularly in the proximity landscapes surrounding historic centres. Rather than presenting empirical findings, the contribution offers a theoretical and operational framework aimed at integrating landscape considerations into reconstruction processes. It outlines key concepts such as landscape quality, transformative resilience, and permanent temporariness; reviews critical normative aspects linked to emergency procedures; and proposes a set of landscape-oriented guidelines and criteria for the contextual integration of reconstruction projects. These include landscape quality objectives, multiscalar readings of identity values, and operational tools such as visual-impact assessment, Project Reference Context analysis, and principles for managing transformations in peri-urban and historic environments. Overall, the paper argues that adopting a landscape-based perspective can strengthen territorial cohesion, support the sustainable redevelopment of historic centres and their surroundings, and embed post-earthquake reconstruction within broader coast–inland territorial strategies aimed at long-term resilience and balanced regional development in Apennine communities. Full article

This study investigates the demographic transformation of Spain’s settlement system from 2000 to the present, driven by intersecting forces of rural depopulation, metropolitan concentration, immigration, and welfare-state dynamics. Building on an integrated theoretical framework that combines Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, demographic accounting, territorial carrying capacity, and spatial centrality, the research aims to (1) identify the mechanisms governing population redistribution across Spanish municipalities, and (2) simulate future demographic trajectories under current policy regimes. Key findings reveal that all net population growth since 2000 stems exclusively from immigration and its demographic sequelae, while the native Spanish cohort has experienced a net decline of 5.5 million due to negative natural change. The analysis further uncovers a self-reinforcing “demographic trap,” wherein welfare eligibility tied to household size incentivizes higher fertility among economically vulnerable immigrant groups, even as native families delay childbearing due to economic precarity. These dynamics are accelerating a process of “territorial transmutation,” projected to culminate in a shift in de facto governance by 2045. The study concludes that immigration alone cannot reverse rural depopulation or ensure fiscal sustainability without structural reforms to welfare design, territorial incentives, and demographic foresight. Full article

Against deglobalization and intensifying geopolitical conflicts, maritime bulk commodity supply chain vulnerability and resilience governance are strategic priorities for 75% of countries. To tackle rising global uncertainty, this study proposes the country-level risk identification, monitoring, and extrapolation (RIME) framework for such supply chains, which aligns with the theoretical demand for macro, end-to-end risk integration beyond the traditional firm-level focus. Based on the “supplier country–shipping route–importing country” spatiotemporal linkage, we construct the first standardized country-level vulnerability index. It overcomes the limitations of existing static and localized assessments by integrating spatiotemporal, multi-source risks across the full physical chain, thereby enabling dynamic, macro-level monitoring and supporting systematic diagnostics and trend tracking of national supply chain security. We also develop an emergent risk simulation technique to quantify the direction and intensity of compound disturbances as well as the system’s dynamic responses. Empirical validation with China’s iron ore imports shows that the index effectively captures risk evolution, while the simulations confirm that sudden disruptions amplify systemic risk. This framework fills national strategic security theoretical gaps and provides governments with dynamic monitoring, quantitative assessment, and policy forecasting tools. Full article

This study, for the first time, investigates and simulates ballistic-transport-induced avalanche behavior in two-dimensional materials. Using a technology computer-aided design simulation platform, a device model for ballistic avalanche transport is systematically established. By accurately calibrating the material parameters of two-dimensional materials and selecting appropriate physical models, the key features of the ballistic avalanche effect are successfully reproduced, including low threshold voltage and high gain. The simulation results show good agreement with experimental data. Furthermore, mechanism-based analysis is performed to clarify the influence of critical design parameters on the avalanche threshold and multiplication gain. Finally, based on the same physical models and mechanistic understanding, the operational paradigm and performance of ballistic-transport avalanche photodetectors based on two-dimensional materials are predicted. This work provides a reliable theoretical foundation and a robust simulation framework for the optimized design of high-performance and low-power avalanche photon devices. Full article

Understanding the economic performance of heritage-rich towns requires a systematic evaluation of how heritage-related components collectively contribute to revenue generation. Existing studies often examine heritage assets, socio-cultural factors, physical infrastructure, and local economic conditions independently, resulting in fragmented insights that limit comprehensive planning for local economic development. This study develops and validates an integrated Cultural Heritage Economy Model that quantifies the influence of heritage resources, social, physical, and economic aspects on revenue generation in heritage contexts. The model is conceptualized through a structured synthesis of theoretical literature and domain-specific indicators, followed by construct operationalization, expert validation, and pilot-level assessment. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM-PLS), the study demonstrates strong reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and significant structural relationships. The predictive relevance of the final model is further evaluated through PLSpredict, confirming its suitability for future estimation. The findings confirm that revenue generation is a product of the combined and mutually reinforcing effects of heritage, socio-cultural, physical, and economic dimensions, rather than just by the influence of heritage resources. By offering this novel, empirically grounded, multidimensional framework to estimate heritage-driven economic outcomes, this research establishes a foundational model that can guide evidence-based resource allocation, policy formulation, and long-term sustainable urban development planning. Full article

Mobile air cleaners have emerged as a practical solution for reducing indoor aerosol concentrations, particularly in the absence of HVAC systems. Their efficiency is typically assessed under standardised conditions, but how turbulence influences the effective air exchange rate indoors is not well understood. In this study, we present a systematic investigation of the impact of enhanced turbulence on aerosol decay in two room sizes (50 m³ and 200 m³) using a mobile air cleaner combined with different fan configurations. Particle counter measurements were conducted simultaneously with particle image velocimetry ($PIV$), enabling direct comparison of air exchange rates and flow field properties. Our results show that specific fan arrangements significantly modify turbulent kinetic energy ($TKE$) distributions and, in turn, alter the effective air exchange rate. In the smaller room, configurations generating higher $TKE$ brought the measured exchange rates closer to theoretical predictions, while in large rooms other arrangements led to noticeable deviations. We anticipate that these findings provide a reference framework for understanding the role of turbulence in indoor air cleaning performance, with implications for optimizing the operation and placement of mobile air cleaners in practical environments. Full article

Over-the-Air updates have emerged as a critical competitive frontier in the Software-Defined Vehicle era. While offering value creation opportunities, automakers face strategic uncertainty regarding pricing models (e.g., subscription vs. one-time purchase). To clarify these dynamics, this study develops an evolutionary game model of duopolistic pricing competition. Unlike traditional studies with exogenous payoff assumptions, we innovatively employ the Hotelling model to endogenously derive firm profit functions based on consumer utility maximization. The highlights of this study include: (1) We establish an integrated “static–dynamic” framework connecting micro-level consumer choice with macro-level strategy evolution; (2) We identify that product differentiation is the decisive variable governing market stability; (3) We demonstrate that under moderate differentiation, the market exhibits a robust self-correcting tendency towards “Tacit Collusion” (mutual high pricing). However, simulation results also warn that an asymmetric disruptive strategy by a market leader can override this robustness, forcing the market into a low-profit equilibrium. These findings provide theoretical guidance for automakers to optimize pricing strategies and avoid value-destroying price wars. Full article

As contemporary global supply chains have become interconnected and exposed to diverse escalating cyber threats, Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) has rapidly evolved as a managerial imperative to safeguard security, robustness, and resilience, and hence ensure organizational sustainability and growth. While the concept of C-SCRM has recently received much attention among scholars, practitioners, and policymakers as an emerging field of study, its conceptual utility and theoretical foundation remain undeveloped. To address this gap, this paper provides a systematic literature review of C-SCRM using a hybrid approach that integrates bibliometric and concept evaluation analysis to ensure the goodness of the concept. A total of 175 relevant peer-reviewed scholarly articles from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection were collected and analyzed. The review reveals that the concept has many strengths, in terms of its interdisciplinary conceptual foundation and growing managerial relevance, but it also suffers from conceptual diffusion, overlapping terminology, and limited construct operationalization that inhibits theory development, hinders empirical accumulation, and limits practitioners’ ability to operationalize C-SCRM as a strategic resource. This review contributes to the C-SCRM literature by providing (1) a historical overview and intellectual structure of C-SCRM; (2) a synthesis and comparative analysis of the existing definitions; (3) an evaluation of the conceptual adequacy and theoretical relevance that underpin C-SCRM research based on established criteria and (4) conceptual and empirical research directions as well as an integrative framework. Based on the insights, our review might facilitate the improvement of multidimensional construct clarity and validation in future empirical studies and could be a useful tool for managers to benchmark C-SCRM maturity in practice. Full article