Search Results (3,613)

In Georgia (Sakartvelo), a program promoting bilingual education in preschool institutions was formally adopted in 2020. It aligns with the objectives of the 2021–2030 State Strategy for Civic Equality and Integration Plan, which envisions a comprehensive reform of bilingual education across Georgia’s regions. Any reform requires research and evaluation to measure how effectively it is being implemented and whether the intended outcomes have been achieved. The bilingual education initiative pursues a dual objective: to preserve the native languages of minority communities while ensuring effective acquisition of the state language. This dual mandate is intrinsically linked to state language policy and constitutes a sensitive issue for local communities, parents, and preschool administrators, thereby necessitating a careful and nuanced approach. The present study analyzed the readiness of the social environment to support the implementation of bilingual education programs at the preschool level in the regions of Georgia in which ethnic minorities live side by side. Research was carried out in two ethnically diverse regions—Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe–Javakheti. The author conducted individual and group interviews, and the elicited data were analyzed with the help of content and thematic analyses. This study examines key attributes of the ongoing preschool reform to identify factors that facilitate the effective implementation of early bilingual education initiatives. The findings highlight both commonalities and regional variations in parental attitudes toward the bilingual education reform. Full article

Xylella fastidiosa was first detected in Portugal in 2019 in Lavandula dentata. In response, the national plant health authorities promptly established a Demarcated Zone in the affected area and implemented a series of eradication and control measures, including the systematic removal and destruction of infected and host plants. This study analyzes the economic and operational impacts of these eradication efforts in the northern region of Portugal, with a focus on Demarcated Zones such as the Porto Metropolitan Area, Sabrosa, Alijó, Baião, Mirandela, Mirandela II, and Bougado between 2019 and June 2023. During this period, about 412,500 plants were uprooted. The majority were Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern), with 360,324 individuals (87.3%), reflecting its wide distribution and the large area affected. Olea europaea (olive tree) was the second most common species removed, with 7024 plants (1.7%), highlighting its economic relevance. Other notable species included Quercus robur (3511; 0.85%), Pelargonium graveolens (3509; 0.85%), and Rosa spp. (1106; 0.27%). Overall, destruction costs were estimated at about EUR 1.04 million, with replanting costs of roughly EUR 6.81 million. In parallel, prospection activities—conducted to detect early signs of infection and monitor disease spread—generated expenses of roughly EUR 5.94 million. While prospecting represents a significant financial investment, the results show that it is considerably more cost-effective than large-scale eradication. Prospection enables early detection and containment, preventing the widespread destruction of vegetation and minimizing disruption to agricultural production, biodiversity, and local communities. Importantly, our findings reveal a sharp decline in confirmed cases in the initial outbreak area—the Porto Demarcated Zone—from 124 cases in 2019 to just 5 in 2023, indicating the effectiveness of the eradication and monitoring measures implemented. However, the presence of 20 active Demarcated Zones across the country as of 2023 highlights the continued risk of spread and the need for sustained vigilance. The complexity of managing Xylella fastidiosa across ecologically and logistically diverse territories justifies the high costs associated with surveillance and targeted interventions. This study reinforces the strategic value of prospection as a proactive and sustainable tool for plant health management. Effective surveillance requires the integration of advanced methodologies aligned with the phenological stages of host plants and the biological cycle of vectors. Targeting high-risk locations, optimizing sample numbers, ensuring diagnostic accuracy, and maintaining continuous training for field teams are critical for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Ultimately, the findings underscore the need to refine and adapt monitoring and eradication strategies to contain the pathogen, safeguard agricultural systems, and prevent Xylella fastidiosa from becoming endemic in Portugal. Full article

The Marburg virus (MARV) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes a high case fatality rate of up to 100% in humans. In response to Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreaks in the Kagera region, an ecological investigation was initiated to map the population and ecological threat to the reservoir host of MARV: Egyptian fruit bats. The investigation conducted from October 2023 to December 2024 included interviews with local authorities to locate all known autochthonous bat colonies in the region. Bat species confirmation was performed using high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) and DNA barcoding, targeting two mitochondrial genes: cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) and 16S rRNA. We found five considerably large cave-dwelling Egyptian fruit bat colonies (with approximately 100,000 individuals) at the geolocations between 1°06′04.2″ and 2°26′35.8″ S latitude and 30°40′49.7″ and 31°51′19.8″ E longitude. The study also provides the first confirmed identification of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) (accession numbers: PV700530-PV700534) in major bat colonies in the Kagera River Basin ecosystem. Cave-dwelling Egyptian fruit bats in mines face higher risks, and thus, attention is needed to prevent this species from becoming more vulnerable to extinction. The loss of bat roosting sites and subsequent population declines are primarily driven by the destructive practice of burning car tyres and logs, a method used to eliminate colonies through toxic smoke and heat. The collection of guano and partially eaten fruits in mining caves, as well as daily contact with Egyptian fruit bats in mines, homes, and churches, have become major potential risk factors for MARV transmission to humans. Increased threats to bats in the Kagera region warrant the implementation of conservation strategies that ensure the survival of the bat populations and inform policies on MVD risk reduction in Tanzania and the broader East African region. Full article

With the characteristic of “decentralized distribution and local power supply”, small hydropower (SHP) in China has become a core means of solving the problem of insufficient power supply in rural and remote mountainous areas, effectively promoting the improvement of local livelihoods. However, for a long time, SHP has had many problems, such as irrational development, old equipment, and poor economic efficiency, resulting in some rivers with connectivity loss and reduced biodiversity, etc. The Chishui River Watershed is an ecologically valuable river in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. As an important habitat for rare fish in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and the only large-scale tributary that maintains a natural flow pattern, the SHP plants’ dismantling and ecological restoration practices in the Chishui River Watershed can set a model for regional sustainable development. This paper adopts the methods of literature review, field research, and case study analysis, combined with the comparison of ecological conditions before and after the dismantling, to systematically analyze the effectiveness and challenges of SHP rectification in the Chishui River Watershed. The study found that after dismantling 88.2% of SHP plants in ecologically sensitive areas, the number of fish species upstream and downstream of the original dam site increased by about 6.67% and 70%, respectively; the natural hydrological connectivity has been restored to the downstream of the Tongzi River, the Gulin River and other rivers, but there are short-term problems such as sediment underflow, increased economic pressure, and the gap of alternative energy sources; the retained power stations have achieved the success and challenges of power generation and ecological management ecological flow control and comprehensive utilization, achieving a balance between power generation and ecological protection. Based on the above findings, the author proposes dynamic monitoring and interdisciplinary tracking research to fill the gap of systematic data support and long-term effect research in the SHP exit mechanism, and the results can provide a reference for the green transition of SHP. Full article

Information on care leaver outcomes in England is collected by local authorities to inform local services and national policy, but the focus of these measures reflects a narrow definition of ‘success’ imposed on care leavers by policy-makers and practitioners. Our article is a co-production by academics and care-experienced consultants, in which we conduct a rapid review of the journal articles, book chapters and Doctoral dissertations on definitions of ‘success’ for all young adults, drawing on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The analysis utilises expertise by experience to (a) compare these definitions against the measures currently collected for care leavers in England, and (b) centre the views of care leavers in considering how ‘success’ should be defined. We identify limitations of both depth and breadth in existing statutory outcome measures as indicators of success, and highlight how both quantitative and qualitative differences between care leavers and other young adults have implications for the types of outcomes that should be measured. We conclude that policy-makers and practitioners need a more comprehensive approach to understanding and measuring success using care leavers’ own definitions. Full article

Industrial odour is a common pollution concern raised with local regulatory authorities, with communities citing impacts to their mental health and wellbeing. We performed a systematic review to determine if industrial odours are associated with psychosocial wellbeing in nearby communities. PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2003 and 2023, assessing associations between industrial odour and psychosocial wellbeing (mental health or quality of life). Critical appraisal of the studies was conducted using JBI’s assessment tools. We undertook a narrative synthesis of results. After screening, 13 articles met the inclusion criteria: 11 cross-sectional and 2 longitudinal studies. Sample sizes ranged from 23 to 25,236 participants. Odour exposure was assessed through self-reported measures (intensity, annoyance) and objective measures (proximity to source, odorous chemical concentration). Psychosocial health outcomes included stress, psychological distress, quality of life, depression and anxiety. Of the 13 studies, 11 identified an association between odour exposure and poorer psychosocial wellbeing, with the strongest evidence relating to quality of life. However, the critical appraisal identified quality issues with most studies. The findings suggest that industrial odours may be associated with poorer psychosocial wellbeing for nearby residents, particularly in terms of quality of life. Future research using consistent objective and subjective measures of odour exposure, and prospective data collection, would strengthen the quality of the evidence. Full article

The proposed study explores the consistency of the geometrical character of surfaces under scaling, rotation and translation. In addition to its mathematical significance, it also exhibits advantages over image processing and economic applications. In this paper, the authors used partition-based principal component analysis similar to two-dimensional Sub-Image Principal Component Analysis (SIMPCA), along with a suitably modified atypical wavelet transform in the classification of 2D images. The proposed framework is further extended to three-dimensional objects using machine learning classifiers. To strengthen fairness, we benchmarked against both Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers using nested cross-validation, showing consistent gains when TIFV is included. In addition, we carried out a robustness analysis by introducing Gaussian noise to the intensity channel, confirming that TIFV degrades much more gracefully compared to traditional descriptors. Experimental results demonstrate that the method achieves improved performance compared to traditional hand-crafted descriptors such as measured values and histogram of oriented gradients. In addition, it is found to be useful that this proposed algorithm is capable of establishing consistency locally, which is never possible without partition. However, a reasonable amount of computational complexity is reduced. We note that comparisons with deep learning baselines are beyond the scope of this study, and our contribution is positioned within the domain of interpretable, affine-invariant descriptors that enhance classical machine learning pipelines. Full article

Ply Curving Termination (PCT) is an effective method to suppress stress concentration at composite ply drop-offs by locally curving the reinforcing fibers to reduce the stiffness. A previous study by the authors confirmed that PCT can suppress fatigue delamination failure in composite ply drop-off. However, the specimens used were external ply drop-offs without cover plies and did not reflect practical structural configurations. Following the basic study, this current study evaluated the fatigue damage suppression characteristic of PCT in practically relevant internal ply drop-offs with cover plies. Finite element analysis, fatigue testing, and detailed observation of the failure process using X-ray CT showed that PCT is effective in suppressing fatigue failure of internal ply drop-offs. In particular, delamination propagation from matrix cracks along the curving fibers, a weak point of PCT, is suppressed in the external ply drop-off. Finite element analysis indicated the importance of stress transfer from the cover ply to the ply drop-off, confirming that the fatigue damage suppression effect of PCT is enhanced in practical composite ply drop-off configurations. Full article

Background and Aim: Food hygiene is fundamental to public health, ensuring safe and nutritious food free from contaminants, and is vital for economic development and sustainability. The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system is a crucial tool for managing risks in food production. Despite global recognition of food safety’s importance, significant disparities exist, especially in Southern Italy, where diverse food production, tourism, and economic factors pose challenges to enforcing hygiene standards. This study evaluates non-compliance with food hygiene regulations within a Local Health Authority (LHA) in Calabria, Southern Italy, to inform effective public health strategies. Materials and Methods Authorized by the Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service (FHNS) of the LHA, the study covers January 2022 to December 2024, analyzing 579 enterprises with 1469 production activities. Inspections followed EC Regulation No. 852/2004, verifying the correct application of procedures based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, including the operator’s monitoring of Critical Control Points (CCPs), and adherence to Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs). Non-compliances were classified by severity, and corrective and punitive actions were applied. Data were analyzed annually and across the full period using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests to assess trends. Results: Inspection coverage increased markedly from 29.8% of production activities in 2022 to 62.5% in 2023, sustaining 62.0% in early 2024, exceeding the growth of new activities. Inspections were mainly triggered by RASFF alerts (22.4%), routine controls (20.0%), and verification of previous prescriptions (14.3%). The most frequent corrective measures were long-term prescriptions (28.6%), violation reports (22.9%), and short-term prescriptions (20.0%). Enterprises averaged 4.61 production activities, highlighting operational complexity. Conclusions: This study provides a granular analysis of food hygiene non-compliance within a Local Health Authority (LHA) in Southern Italy, to inform effective public health strategies. While official control data may be publicly available in some contexts, our research offers a unique, in-depth view of inspection triggers, non-compliance patterns, and corrective measures, which is crucial for understanding specific regional challenges. The analysis reveals that the prevalence of long-term prescriptions and reliance on RASFF alerts indicate systemic challenges requiring sustained interventions. Full article

Climate change remains one of the existential threats to humanity in particular and life on earth in general. It presents significant impacts on food and nutritional security, health, and the general well-being of living organisms globally. Despite global efforts to tackle the climate crisis, the record shows that limited progress has been made in curbing the problem. Consequently, this study intends to address the following research question: How does the climate crisis affect indigenous food systems, farmers’ livelihoods, and local communities in the study area? This study was conducted in the Tolon district of the northern region of Ghana from 2017 to 2022. Grounded in the theoretical prism of political ecology and indigenous knowledge perspective, we selected individuals who were smallholder farmers, students, faculty members, extension officers, and an administrator from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The data were gathered through in-depth interviews, focus groups, and workshops and analyzed using coding, thematization, and inferences drawn from the literature and authors’ experiences. This study discovered some of the effects of a changing climate, including the extinction of indigenous food crops, poor yield resulting in poverty, and food and nutritional insecurity. This study concludes that failure to tackle climate change could pose a greater threat to the survival of smallholder households in Ghana. Full article

The 4th and 5th centuries marked a pivotal phase in the development of the Goguryeo regime. Its tomb murals epitomize the visual strategies of state-building, serving to establish a “sacred theater” of power. Taking Tomb No. 4 of the Wukui complex as a case in point, the murals reveal localized adaptations of the Fuxi–Nüwa imagery, blending the Central Plains’ sun-deity worship with Goguryeo’s ancestral mythology through the symbol of the sun-centered Three-Legged Crow, thereby legitimizing the sacred lineage of royal authority. The function of the Four Symbols (Sishen) imagery evolved from mere directional markers into guardians of sovereignty, reflecting deeper cultural transformations. The diachronic evolution of mural themes traces the trajectory of political change: in the 4th century, murals centered on wrestling and banqueting scenes, reinforcing ethnic identity and consolidating tribal alliances through ritualized displays of strength and hierarchical banquet etiquette. By the 5th century, the themes shifted to hunting, processions, and Buddhist rituals, where military metaphors and ceremonial norms underscored the rise of a centralized bureaucratic system and the imperatives of territorial expansion. Through three interlocking mechanisms—symbolic reconfiguration, spatial narrative, and sensory manipulation—Goguryeo tomb murals constructed a closed value system linking worldly authority to posthumous order, serving as material testimony to the enduring “covenant between humans and deities.” Full article

This article focuses on two dimensions of social sustainability in contemporary cities: (1) social participation as a form of communication between residents and city authorities and (2) urban inclusivity. The assessment of these dimensions was conducted on a representative sample of 1863 residents from 19 Polish cities, seeking to answer the following research question: How do residents assess two key dimensions of social sustainability: social participation and urban inclusivity? The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. The findings indicate that social participation in the studied cities is not fully developed. Respondents positively evaluate the idea of participatory budgets but are not satisfied with the cooperation between city authorities and residents, or with the possibilities for controlling local government actions. In terms of urban inclusivity, residents perceive themselves as quite open to diversity, but critically assess the city authorities’ efforts to counteract social exclusion. The research also shows that despite similar regional conditions, the social sustainability varies considerably, which highlights the importance of local policy in creating fully sustainable Smart Cities. The findings advance Smart City theory through practical social sustainability assessment and identification of improvement areas. This diagnosis provides insights for municipal authorities and offers guidance for policymakers developing legislation to foster social sustainability, strengthen civic participation, and combat urban exclusion. Full article

Climate change poses significant risks to both natural and urban systems, and fostering climate literacy among younger generations is increasingly recognized as a key component of resilience strategies. This paper presents the outcomes of a transnational climate education project involving high school students from Cinisello Balsamo (Italy) and Edremit (Turkey), developed under the EU-funded Town Twinning program. The project combined scientific seminars, experiential learning, and digital tools (including carbon footprint calculators and immersive virtual glacier tours) to enhance climate knowledge and civic engagement. Youth Climate Councils were established to co-develop local sustainability proposals and engage with municipal authorities. Quantitative tests and qualitative evaluations confirmed significant learning gains and high satisfaction among participants. A comparative analysis with international initiatives highlights the project’s unique integration of scientific rigor, participatory methods, and cross-border cooperation. The proposed model offers a replicable framework for embedding place-based climate education into urban governance and youth policy. Full article

The sustainable transformation of areas associated with mining is an essential contemporary challenge. In the course of such transformations, economic benefits are confronted with community criticism of heavy industry. In this context, the study examines spatial solutions implemented in the revitalisation of areas adjacent to active industrial sites. The article aims to characterise solutions applied in locations that elude a straightforward division into industrial and post-industrial. The motivations of the entities involved in the construction and the effects of implementing such projects are investigated. To achieve this aim, compositional and visual linkages in four locations (in Germany and Poland) were analysed, along with the intentions of designers and investors and the opinions of users. The study revealed the influence of political decisions on spatial solutions, an aspect not previously analysed, which has led to a limited understanding of the role they play in the transformation. It was indicated that drawing users’ attention to the aesthetic values of active industrial areas coincides with diverting attention from their nuisances. The discreet cooperation between local authorities, designers, and industry (as expressed in architectural solutions) was emphasised. The research opens a field for discussion on managing community perceptions through spatial solutions. Full article

Heavy metal contamination of aquatic systems represents a critical environmental and public health concern due to the persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulative potential of these elements. Geographic information systems (GISs) have emerged as indispensable tools for the spatial assessment and management of heavy metals (HMs) in water resources. This review systematically synthesizes current research on GIS applications in detecting, monitoring, and modeling heavy metal pollution in surface and groundwater. A bibliometric analysis highlights five principal research directions: (i) global research trends on GISs and heavy metals in water, (ii) occurrence of HMs in relation to World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits, (iii) GIS-based modeling frameworks for contamination assessment, (iv) identification of pollution sources, and (v) health risk evaluations through geospatial analyses. Case studies demonstrate the adaptability of GISs across multiple spatial scales, ranging from localized aquifers and river basins to regional hydrological systems, with frequent integration of advanced statistical techniques, remote sensing data, and machine learning approaches. Evidence indicates that concentrations of some HMs often surpass WHO thresholds, posing substantial risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, GIS-supported analyses increasingly function as decision support systems, providing actionable insights for policymakers, environmental managers, and public health authorities. The synthesis presented herein confirms that the GIS is evolving beyond a descriptive mapping tool into a predictive, integrative framework for environmental governance. Future research directions should focus on coupling GISs with real-time monitoring networks, artificial intelligence, and transdisciplinary collaborations to enhance the precision, accessibility, and policy relevance of heavy metal risk assessments in water resources. Full article