Search Results (67,482)

This study investigates the influence of cultural dimensions on IT project team effectiveness through a comprehensive multi-method approach designed to connect theoretical cultural knowledge with practical implementation. Using data collected from 127 IT professionals across various cultural backgrounds, we applied regression analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, decision trees, and structural equation modeling to examine relationships between cultural factors and project outcomes. The research identified that power distance, individualism, and uncertainty avoidance significantly impact team productivity, management effectiveness, methodology selection, and innovation capabilities. Three distinct clusters of IT professionals emerged with varying attitudes toward cultural diversity, requiring fundamentally different management approaches. Results show that low power distance and high individualism correlate positively with team performance, while high uncertainty avoidance negatively impacts productivity. Based on these findings, we propose the novel CROSS Cycle Framework (Culture Recognition, Role Alignment, Organizational Adaptation, Synergy Building, Sustainability) for improving cross-cultural team management. Teams implementing cluster-appropriate versions of this methodology showed significant performance improvements compared to generic approaches. This research contributes to both theoretical understanding and practical management of multicultural IT teams by providing the first systematic integration of cultural assessment with sustainable, role-specific management adaptations designed specifically for IT project environments. Full article

To address the dilemma of China’s rural areas becoming increasingly homogeneous due to large-scale, campaign-style rural construction. This study proposes an innovative rural spatial pattern evaluation model that integrates geomancy theory with modern spatial analysis methods. Chawan village, Suzhou city, Jiangsu Province, China, is used as the study area, with the aim of better assessing and optimizing rural spatial patterns in China. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a method for ranking factors based on their relative importance, which is used to assign weights to indicators. Combined with the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) method based on fuzzy set theory and ArcGIS weighted overlay analysis, it is used for evaluating rural spatial patterns. The results show that natural environmental indicators hold more weight than artificial ones. Among these, water body landscapes (0.111), water body buffer zones (0.103), and vegetation ecology (0.073) are the highest weighted indicators. The top three spatial pattern evaluation values are landscape environment (3.85), water bodies (3.52), and vegetation (3.51). The final result for the village is moderate, with an evaluation score of 3.385. This result suggests that the rural spatial pattern has a solid foundation for cultural continuity and significant potential for optimization, particularly in ecological and water body features. The AHP–GIS–FCE multi-method evaluation framework provides an effective tool for assessing and optimizing rural spatial patterns. This approach offers a systematic solution for rural development, promoting localized and diverse planning models, as opposed to the homogenized “one-size-fits-all” approach, and contributes to the protection of cultural heritage and sustainable development. Full article

Diversity, equity, and inclusion, most commonly known as DEI, serves as a framework for practices that promote the fair treatment and full participation of all members of a community. Culturally responsive teaching and critical pedagogy are commonly associated with DEI as part of the larger strategy to validate and inspire learners while improving their self-efficacy and using education to challenge oppressive systems. While DEI is becoming increasingly better known in higher education, Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) are heralded in the literature as a model for this work. Nevertheless, there is relatively limited empirical research exploring facets of DEI and culturally responsive teaching on HBCU and other minority-serving institutions’ campuses. This paper examines the campus of an HBCU located in the Mid-Atlantic United States, with an institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, via a comprehensive DEI climate study that included separate surveys of students and faculty/staff. More specifically, the study explored whether all community members consider the campus inclusive, whether all community members experience a culture of belonging, whether adequate resources and supports exist for all campus members to succeed, whether faculty exhibit culturally responsive teaching practices, and whether the perceptions of faculty and staff differ from those of students. The purpose of the study was to help address the gap in the DEI literature exploring the practices of minority-serving institutions. According to the results, participants found the University to be an inclusive place, expressing strong satisfaction with the campus climate and experience. Further, when the presence of culturally responsive teaching practices was explored, strong evidence was indicated. Possible areas for improvement include greater supports and resources for LGBTQIA+, Indigenous, and disabled community members. Full article

Castles situated in rural areas occupy a distinctive position within the European heritage landscape, serving economic, residential and symbolic functions. While the great urban royal residences have benefited from constant attention, conservation and valorisation in Central and Eastern Europe, castles in rural areas have often been subjected to systematic neglect. The objective of this study is to analyse three castles (Bulci, Căpâlnaș and Petriș) in the Lower Mureș Valley in Romania, with a view to observing how these symbols of a fragmented past have been marked by historical ruptures, regime changes and marginalisation policies, and the current potential of these castles to be transformed from derelict spaces into spaces of local importance. Should our research contribute to the study of the transformation of derelict spaces of historical castles into invigorating spaces, from a methodological point of view the following three steps were taken: (1) an assessment of the state of conservation and the factors that led to the degradation of these noble domains was carried out; (2) research was conducted on the perception of stakeholders regarding how castles can become a generator of local development; and (3) an analysis of the development proposals around these castles from stakeholders was performed. The study is based on 35 semi-structured interviews conducted with stakeholders and residents of the castle communities analysed, and on a thematic content analysis of these interviews. The findings of the research suggest a state of conservation that is insecure, and the perceptions of stakeholders indicate a necessity for institutional intervention and public–private partnerships. There is also a conviction that attracting large-scale investors is essential for the revitalisation of these monuments. The responses indicate a genuine concern for the future of the castles. The proposals for the development of the castles are oriented towards their utilisation in cultural tourist circuits. Full article

Rice-based co-culture systems offer sustainable agricultural benefits, yet stage-specific impacts on soil properties and grain quality remain underexplored. This study presented the first comprehensive assessment of the stage-specific effects under conventional tillage (CTL), rice-chicken (RC), rice-fish (RF), and rice-chicken-fish (RCF) systems on soil fertility, enzymatic activities, microbial communities, and grain quality. Our novel temporally explicit analysis revealed system- and stage-dependent modulation. RCF increased late-season organic matter by 10.4%, while RC consistently enhanced available potassium. Enzymatic activities exhibited distinct temporal shifts, with RF showing peak catalase activity at heading (0.47 mL g⁻¹ 30 min⁻¹), RC maintaining consistently higher invertase activity, and both RF and RCF displaying delayed urease peaks at filling (0.38 mg g⁻¹ 24 h⁻¹). Microbial communities were significantly restructured (ANOSIM, R² = 0.694, p < 0.001), with increased network complexity in co-cultures, particularly in RCF (95 nodes, 153 edges). Grain quality improvements included higher milling recovery (2.6–5.3%) in RC and elevated protein content (16.6%) in RF and RCF, along with reduced chalkiness (20–30%) across all co-cultures. Integrative analysis established linkages between soil properties (e.g., pH, organic matter, invertase), microbial taxa (e.g., Nitrospira, Syntrophus), and grain quality attributes. These findings provide mechanistic insights into soil-plant-microbe interactions and support the implementation of stage-specific management strategies for sustainable rice production systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dermatophytosis is a widespread superficial fungal infection affecting skin, hair, and nails. Its diagnosis is often based on conventional methods such as microscopy and fungal culture. Laboratory confirmation is essential for guiding appropriate treatment and preventing the misuse of antifungal agents, which can contribute to the emergence of antifungal resistance. We retrospectively assessed the burden and species distribution of dermatophytosis in individuals attending a public dermatology institute in Italy over a 3-year period (2019–2021). Methods: We analyzed 3208 samples from 3037 individuals with clinical suspicion of superficial mycosis. All samples underwent direct microscopic examination and fungal culture. Data were stratified by demographics, body site, and fungal species. Agreement between diagnostic methods was assessed using raw concordance and Cohen’s Kappa statistic. Results: Dermatophytes were confirmed in 667 samples (20.8%). Buttocks and genitals showed the highest positivity rates (37.5% and 36.4%, respectively). T. rubrum (56.8%) and T. mentagrophytes (30.7%) were the predominant species among the dermatophyte-positive specimens. Agreement between microscopy and culture was good (raw concordance: 91.6%, Cohen’s Kappa: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.74–0.79). Younger age and male gender were significantly associated with dermatophyte positivity. Conclusions: Our data provide updated epidemiological insights into dermatophytosis in Italy and support appropriate antifungal stewardship. Laboratory confirmation remains essential for an accurate diagnosis and species identification, thus avoiding other non-dermatophytic or non-infectious conditions being treated as dermatophytosis. Full article

This study proposes a simplified, mechanics-based methodology for assessing the seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) churches, particularly those with basilica plans and cathedral portal frames such as a repetitive inclined-beam portal frame. The method integrates linear and nonlinear static analyses, plastic limit theory, and capacity spectrum methods to generate seismic risk indices using minimal input data, making it suitable for large-scale screening in low-data conditions. The model is calibrated using the Cathedral of Reggio Calabria and applied to the Church of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini in Naples. Key outputs include simplified capacity curves and performance indicators. The methodology addresses current limitations in conventional approaches by offering an accessible tool for rapid assessment of cultural infrastructure. Future developments may incorporate AI and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to improve typological classification and enable automated vulnerability screening at the regional scale. Full article

Consumer trust plays a critical role in the successful adoption of emerging food technologies. This study investigates how trust in five key food technologies—genetically modified organisms (GMO), 3D-printed food, lab-grown meat, nanotechnology, and functional foods—varies across two culturally distinct countries: Croatia and India. Utilizing a quantitative approach with responses from 538 participants, the research explores how demographic factors such as country of residence, gender, and urban-rural setting influence consumer attitudes. Statistical analysis was conducted using MANOVA and one-way ANOVA to test seven hypotheses regarding trust levels. The results revealed significant cross-national differences, with Indian consumers expressing higher trust across all technologies studied. In contrast, variables such as gender and place of residence showed limited or context-dependent influence. These findings underscore the importance of cultural context in shaping consumer trust and point to the need for targeted communication and policy strategies in promoting food innovation. The study contributes to the growing body of research on food technology adoption by emphasizing trust as a culturally embedded and demographically nuanced phenomenon. Full article

A research study was designed to understand how a group of mathematics education researchers describe their scholarly work—why they do it and how their research relates to a specific conceptualization of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP). In the analysis of interviews with 17 international mathematics education researchers, we distilled the scholars’ descriptions of their hopes for their scholarly action. The themes of these distillations include seven imperatives for research action: ‘communicate’, ‘investigate’, ‘make’, ‘change and move’, ‘position’, ‘humanize’, and ‘reflect’. Drawing on the interview data, each of these action themes is elaborated on and synthesized into action-focused questions (AFQs), intended as prompts for like-minded scholars to use in reflection on and choices for intentional scholarly action. Our rationale for focusing on why scholars do what they do is grounded in our claim that mathematics education research could have a greater impact on the practices in schools if researchers focused more explicitly on unpacking the why of their research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is a global epidemic. In certain populations, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), low nutritional intake of vitamin D, inadequate exposure to sunlight, and cultural dress codes can lead to deficiencies in blood vitamin D levels, predisposing them to musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. There are also notable associations between vitamin D deficiency, physical inactivity, and lower cognitive performance. The aim of this study was to determine how vitamin D status may affect physical inactivity and cognitive performance in a young UAE population. Methods: Primary data were obtained on vitamin D status, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and blood profiles of students in the UAE. Following initial assessment, a cohort of vitamin D-deficient/insufficient individuals participated in a 10-week physical activity intervention (Group A), whilst another cohort was supplemented with 5000 IU vitamin D3 daily and an exercise intervention (Group B). Both groups underwent physiological and biochemical profiling, and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function were assessed. Statistical analysis included paired samples t-tests between pre- and post-intervention values and the Wilcoxon signed rank test for within-group comparisons and the Mann–Whitney U test for between-group comparisons. Results: The findings suggest that physical exercise alone improves overall cardiorespiratory fitness, as shown by an increased VO₂max (p < 0.05), while vitamin D supplementation combined with physical exercise did not significantly improve fitness over a 10-week period (p > 0.05). However, vitamin D combined with physical exercise significantly improved cognitive performance in Group B only, specifically in working memory, verbal memory, and cognitive flexibility (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study highlights the need for targeted interventions such as physical exercise and vitamin D supplementation to be conducted at an early stage in order to improve physical and cognitive function and reduce the risk of disease. Full article

Digital technologies significantly influence architectural heritage perception, preservation, and presentation, particularly in reconstructing fragmented archaeological sites. This study explores innovative applications of algorithmic design, Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM), and interactive visualisation through the virtual reconstruction of the Roman Forum Transitorium in Musti, Tunisia—a complex historical site influenced by Numidian, Roman, and Byzantine cultures. The research integrates algorithmic modelling, digital surveying, and cloud-based collaboration, employing software tools such as Archicad, Rhino, Grasshopper, and Virtual Tour platforms. Central to this approach is a parametric, hypothesis-driven methodology, enabling the iterative exploration of multiple reconstruction scenarios informed by historical sources, architectural analyses, and scanned archaeological fragments. Immersive technologies enhance user engagement, allowing for the transparent exploration and interpretation of the site’s historical uncertainties. The results highlight the effectiveness of algorithmic methods in managing interpretative variability, offering flexible, academically rigorous, and publicly accessible virtual reconstructions. By emphasising the hypothetical nature of digital reconstructions and interactive visualisations, this research contributes meaningfully to digital archaeology, demonstrating how innovative algorithmic approaches can bridge academic scholarship and broader heritage preservation practices. Full article

Abalone is among the most highly prized seafoods, valued for its delicate flavor and texture. As abalone aquaculture continues to expand, addressing its environmental impacts has become increasingly important. Although aquaculture is recognized as a contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the specific mechanisms and pathways of GHG emissions—particularly in abalone farming—remain poorly understood. To clarify the patterns and drivers of GHG emissions in abalone (Haliotis discus) culture systems, this study was conducted in three aquaculture ponds located in Gongliao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. We measured CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O fluxes along with key environmental parameters to assess variation across sampling locations, times, and seasons. The results showed that sampling time had no significant effect on GHG flux variations, whereas seasonal changes influenced all three gases, and sampling location significantly affected N₂O flux only. During the culture period, average fluxes were 2.19 ± 10.83 mmol m⁻² day⁻¹ for CO₂, 2.11 ± 2.81 µmol m⁻² day⁻¹ for CH₄, and 1.65 ± 2.73 µmol m⁻² day⁻¹ for N₂O, indicating that the abalone ponds served as net sources of these GHGs. When converted to CO₂-equivalents (CO₂-eq), the total average CO₂-eq flux from the ponds was 0.02 ± 0.09 mg CO₂-eq m⁻² day⁻¹, calculated using global warming potential (GWP₂₀ and GWP₁₀₀) metrics. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of GHG emissions in abalone pond systems and offers valuable insights into their emission dynamics. The findings contribute to the scientific basis needed to improve aquaculture GHG inventories. Full article

This study integrates the health impacts of environmental burdens and dietary intake using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to inform a healthier, more sustainable Japanese diet. Climate change, air pollution, ozone depletion, photochemical oxidants, and water consumption were quantified with Life cycle Impact assessment Method based on Endpoint modeling (LIME), while eleven dietary risks were converted to DALYs using dietary risk factors. Recipes collected online on a per-serving basis were classified into staple, main, side, and soup dishes and stratified into quartiles based on a nutrient profiling system (NPS) tailored to Japanese well-consumed dishes—the Ajinomoto Group NPS (ANPS) for dishes. ANPS—a culturally adapted NPS emphasizing protein, vegetables, sodium, and saturated fatty acids—was regressed against total DALYs to test whether higher ANPS scores correspond to lower combined health impacts of environment and diet. The analysis identified dish groups and high-scoring quartiles that minimized environmental and nutrition-related DALYs, revealing practical dish combinations that balance reduced sodium and red meat with increased vegetables, seafood, and nuts. These findings demonstrate the utility of coupling nutrient profiling with life cycle assessment (LCA) and provide a scientific basis for dietary guidelines that jointly advance human and planetary health within the emerging nutritional LCA framework. Full article

China’s retraction crisis has raised concerns about research integrity and accountability within its scientific community and beyond. To address this issue, we proposed in an earlier publication that Chinese research funders incorporate retraction records into the evaluation of research funding applications by establishing a retraction-based review system. This review system would debar researchers with retraction records from applying for funding for a specified period. However, our earlier proposal lacked practical guidance on how to operationalize such a review system. In this article, we expand on our proposal by fleshing out the proposed ten debarment determinants and offering a framework for quantifying the duration of funding ineligibility. Additionally, we outline the critical steps for implementing the retraction-based review system, address the major challenges to its effective and sustainable adoption, and propose viable solutions to these challenges. Finally, we discuss the benefits of implementing the review system, emphasizing its potential to strengthen research integrity and foster a culture of accountability in the Chinese academic community. Full article

Valorisation of spent yeast biomass post-fermentation requires energy-intensive autolysis or enzymatic hydrolysis that reduces the net benefit. Here, we present a simple and reproducible method for generating functional yeast extract recycled from Komagataella phaffii biomass without a requirement of a pre-treatment process. Spent yeast pellets from fermentations were freeze-dried to produce a fine powder that can be used directly at low concentrations, 0.0015% (w/v), together with 2% peptone (w/v), to formulate complete media ready for secondary fermentations. This media formulation supported growth rates of yeast culture that were statistically indistinguishable (p-value > 0.05) from cultures grown in standard YPD media containing commercial yeast extract, and these cultures produced equivalent titres of recombinant β-glucosidase (0.998 Abs_405nm commercial extract vs. 0.899 Abs_405nm recycled extract). Additionally, nutrient analyses highlight equivalent levels of sugars (~23 g/L), total proteins, and cell yield per carbon source (~2.17 g) with this recycled yeast extract media formulation when compared to commercial media. This method reduces process complexity and cost and enables the circular reuse of yeast biomass. The protocol is technically straightforward to implement, using freeze drying that is commonly available in research laboratories, representing a broadly applicable and sustainable alternative to conventional media supplementation that achieves a circular approach within the same fermentation system. Full article