Search Results (3,996)

Pre-service research training is widely recognized as a crucial component of teacher education, preparing teachers who are critical, reflective, and inquiry-driven. Aligning with this global trend, Kazakhstan has also adopted a research turn in teacher education to enhance the quality of schooling. This research examined the gap between policy intervention and institutional practices by exploring the barriers and challenges Kazakhstani universities encounter in implementing research-based teacher education. The study employed a qualitative multiple-case study research design. 45 academic staff and administration working at four teacher training universities were interviewed. Drawing on social practice theory, our study revealed that meaningful and sustainable implementation of research-based teacher education in Kazakhstan is hindered by a range of factors categorized into three intersubjective spaces: semantic, material, and social. We argue that the true transformation of teacher education into a more research-based field is impossible without concurrent remodeling of the arrangements that shape it. Full article

The transition from soft to hard law is reshaping global agri-food governance, particularly in relation to sustainability and corporate responsibility. This article analyzes this shift by examining two regulatory approaches: voluntary instruments such as the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains and binding EU directives like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Using a qualitative and interpretive methodology, the study combines a literature review and two case studies (Nicoverde and Lavazza) to explore the evolution from soft law to hard law and the synergies and analyze how these tools are applied in the Italian agri-food sector and how they can contribute to improving corporate sustainability performance. Findings show that soft law has paved the way for more rigorous regulation, but the increasing compliance burden poses challenges, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These cases serve as virtuous examples to illustrate how soft and hard law interact in practice, offering concrete insights into the translation of general sustainability principles into corporate strategies. A hybrid governance framework—combining voluntary and binding tools—can foster sustainability if supported by coherent policies, stakeholder collaboration and adequate support mechanisms. The study offers practical insights for both companies and policymakers navigating the evolving legal scenario. Full article

This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of integrating wind power with hydrogen-based storage to decarbonize the Raglan Mine in northern Canada. Using HOMER simulations with real 2021 operational data, six progressive scenarios were modeled, ranging from partial substitution of diesel generators to complete site-wide electrification, including heating, transport, and mining equipment. Results show that complete decarbonization (Scenario 6) is technically achievable and could avoid up to 143,000 tCO₂eq annually (~2.15 Mt over 15 years), but remains economically prohibitive under current technology costs. In contrast, Scenario 2 Case 2, which combines solid oxide fuel cells with thermal charge controllers, emerges as the most viable near-term pathway, avoiding ~61,000 tCO₂eq annually (~0.91 Mt over 15 years) while achieving improved return on investment. A qualitative multi-criteria framework highlights this configuration as the best trade-off between technical feasibility, environmental performance, and economic viability. At the same time, complete decarbonization remains a longer-term target contingent on cost reductions and policy support. Overall, the findings provide clear evidence that hydrogen storage, when coupled with wind power, can deliver substantial and measurable decarbonization benefits for Arctic mining operations. Full article

Aim: As the global population ages, the number of bilingual individuals living with dementia is increasing, yet their communication needs remain underrepresented in both clinical practice and research. This evidence review examines the intersection of language regression, communication challenges, and cultural–linguistic identity in bilingual dementia, with a particular focus on the role of speech–language pathologists (SLPs). Methods: Twelve peer-reviewed studies were critically reviewed and thematically analysed across four domains: (1) language regression and retention in bilingual dementia, (2) communication challenges in bilingual dementia care, (3) the marginal role of speech–language pathology, and (4) cultural–linguistic identity and health equity. The included studies span clinical case reports, experimental research, qualitative caregiver studies, and systematic reviews, with bilingual populations across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Results: Findings reveal that language deterioration in bilingual dementia is dynamic and highly individualised, often influenced by language history, emotional context, and usage patterns. Caregivers and clinicians face persistent communication breakdowns, particularly in linguistically mismatched settings. Despite their specialised expertise in communication, SLPs remain largely peripheral in dementia care, constrained by systemic, educational, and methodological barriers. Moreover, linguistic and cultural identity play a critical role in how dementia is experienced and managed, yet are rarely integrated into care frameworks. Conclusions: This review highlights a significant knowledge–practice gap in bilingual dementia care and underscores the need to embed culturally and linguistically responsive communication practices, especially through speech–language therapy, at the centre of bilingual dementia care and support. It outlines key research and practice directions to advance equity, accuracy, and relational care in this growing population. Full article

This study examines community-based wellness tourism (CBWT) in Ubud, Bali, focusing on ownership structures, community participation, and the role of local traditions. Using a qualitative design, the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with wellness stakeholders and field observations of spas and yoga centers. The findings reveal that spas are predominantly locally owned and staffed, ensuring value retention and skill development, while flagship yoga and retreat centers are dominated by non-local actors, creating risks of economic leakage and weaker cultural stewardship. Community involvement is strong in operations but limited in planning and governance, highlighting a policy–practice gap. Integrating Balinese traditions, such as Usada Bali and Melukat, could enhance authenticity but requires careful protection against commodification. The findings reveal that locally owned spas contribute to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through local value retention, employment creation, and skill development, while non-local dominance of yoga and retreat centers risks economic leakage and weakened cultural guardianship. The study also identifies gaps in governance and planning, underscoring the need for inclusive participation and capacity building to align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Integrating Balinese traditions, such as Usada Bali and Melukat, highlights the opportunities for safeguarding cultural heritage, provided that protocols against commodification are enforced. To address these challenges, the study proposes a strategic framework emphasizing governance reform through a quadruple-helix model, shared-equity ownership, standardized human capital development, and protocol-based cultural guardianship. Despite the limitations of this being a single-case, cross-sectional study, the findings contribute to wellness tourism research by shifting attention from visitor demands to governance and equity. The study offers practical strategies for institutionalizing CBWT in Ubud while providing a transferable model for destinations seeking to balance growth with tradition. Full article

Performance management is critical for aligning human capital with organizational strategy, particularly in the increasingly competitive service sector. However, universally effective performance appraisal systems (PASs) exist, as effectiveness depends on contextual and organizational specificities. In Portugal, where services account for nearly three-quarters of gross value added, PAS implementation remains underdeveloped, highlighting a gap between strategic intent and practice. This study aims to address that gap by investigating how a performance appraisal model can be tailored to the service sector. A case study was conducted at PCI—Creative Science Park, S.A., a consulting firm, using a qualitative approach. The research design combined a literature review to identify theoretical dimensions of performance evaluation with an employee questionnaire to capture organizational perceptions and priorities. Integration of both strands of evidence informed the construction of the framework. The findings indicate that employees value objective-based evaluation as the most relevant dimension, complemented by customer feedback, adaptive performance, and organizational citizenship. Furthermore, the integration of 360° feedback mechanisms and regular review cycles emerged as key enablers of fairness and engagement. By combining theoretical insights with employee perspectives, this study contributes to a customized and flexible PAS that enhances strategic alignment in the service sector. The proposed model provides both scholarly value, by advancing the discussion on context-specific PAS design, and practical value, by offering a reference for organizations seeking to align human performance with mission-critical outcomes. Full article

The tasks and objectives of grassland management have changed significantly in recent decades. One of the key elements of adapting to climatic and economic challenges is the optimal use and future sustainability of grasslands. Ferenc Balázs’s plant stand assessment method is a fast, efficient and widely applicable method for evaluating the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage in grasslands, as well as the economic value of pastures. This study is based on a three-dimensional coenological survey which is low-cost, does not require technical infrastructure, and empirically considers the species’ preference by livestock. As a result of our extended criteria approach, we assigned modified forage value (k-value) categories to 2310 vascular plant species. Based on our investigations in the presented case study, the Balázs method was proven to be well suited for estimating the yield of grasslands and determining the relative forage value of grasslands with a high degree of confidence in practice. As this method is non-destructive and involves little trampling, it is particularly suitable for monitoring grassland habitats with a high density of protected plant and animal species. Full article

Urban public spaces function as complex social and spatial systems, serving as fundamental elements in preserving cultural heritage and fostering democratic participation and urban stability. The dominant valuation methods depend on economic principles that prioritize financial returns and property values over social, ecological, and cultural aspects. This study examines the distinction between social value, which is based on personal experiences and social connections, and fair value, which relies on market operations and financial regulations. The research investigates how valuation practices affect spatial justice and urban governance through a conceptual framework and four empirical case studies: Syntagma Square in Athens, the metro station areas, the city of Barcelona, and waterfront redevelopment projects in Thessaloniki, London, and Mumbai. The official valuation systems we studied conceal the political elements of space while preserving social inequalities and forcing out the requirements of local communities. The proposed solution establishes an integrative, pluralist valuation system that incorporates qualitative, temporal, and ethical elements, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda. The framework transforms public space discussions from commercialized urban resources into communal civic systems, creating sustainable cities for all. Full article

The retrofitting of traditional cities into smart cities is crucial for addressing rapid urban development by integrating smart technology while respecting the human dimension to fulfill human needs. The primary objective of this paper is to establish practical guidelines and develop a strategic, human-centered, comprehensive, and conceptual framework model that integrates smart technology through a set of smart city performance indicators. This framework aims to inform human-centered technological strategies for adapting Erbil City, retrofitting the old city into a smart one. Therefore, the paper aims to develop a roadmap scenario and build a conceptual framework model for retrofitting the traditional city of Erbil into a smart city. It outlines the methods that can be used, taking into account contemporary technology and citizens’ needs. In this context, the traditional city of Erbil in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has been selected as a case study, represented explicitly by the Buffer Zone area. The research employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including a literature review, questionnaires, space syntax analysis, and statistical analysis. The results and conclusions demonstrate that the human-centered approach plays a significant role in achieving smart cities. In collaboration with smart technology strategies, old and traditional cities can be retrofitted to become smart cities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Viniyoga is a person-centered approach to yoga that emphasizes individualized adaptation of breath, movement, and meditative practices to support health and well-being. This qualitative study investigates the therapeutic goals of one-to-one Viniyoga from the perspective of experienced therapists. Methods: Fourteen certified Viniyoga practitioners participated in in-depth interviews, which were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). This study details how Viniyoga therapists define therapeutic Viniyoga. Results: The findings identify three core therapeutic goals that guide Viniyoga therapy: restoring balance, cultivating self-regulation, and guiding transformation. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the application of these goals in clinical contexts. Conclusions: Qualitative information provided by the interviewed Viniyoga therapists supports the positive role of individualized Viniyoga therapy in contributing to sustainable healing and supporting clients’ return to balance, self-regulation, and personal transformation. The Viniyoga therapeutic model is applicable across diverse populations and in a variety of integrative and complementary healthcare settings. Full article

Cyprus is located between Europe, Asia and Africa, and its location is vulnerable to dust transport from the Sahara Desert, wildfire smoke particles from surrounding regions, and other anthropogenic emissions caused by several factors, mostly due to business activities on harbor areas. Moreover, the country suffers from heavy traffic conditions caused by the limited public transportation system in Cyprus. Therefore, taking into consideration the country’s geographic location, heavy commercial activities, and lack of good public transportation system, Cyprus is exposed to dust episodes and high anthropogenic emissions associated with multiple health and environmental issues. Therefore, continuous and qualitative air quality monitoring is essential. The Department of Labor Inspection of Cyprus (DLI) has established an air quality monitoring network that consists of 11 stations at strategic geographic locations covering rural, residential, traffic and industrial zones. This network measures the following pollutants: nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, particulate matter 2.5, and particulate matter 10. This case study compares and evaluates the agreement between Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) air quality products and ground-truth data from the DLI air quality network. The study period spans from January to December 2024. This study focuses on the following three pollutants: particulate matter 2.5, particulate matter 10, and ozone, using Ensemble Median, EMEP, and CHIMERE near-real-time model data provided by CAMS. A data analysis was performed to identify the agreement and the error rate between those two datasets (i.e., ground-truth air quality data and CAMS air quality data). In addition, this study assesses the reliability of assimilated datasets from CAMS across rural, residential, traffic and industrial zones. The results showcase how CAMS near-real-time analysis data can supplement air quality monitoring in locations without the availability of ground-truth data. Full article

The adoption of artificial intelligence has risen, yet research on its impact on innovation processes between actual businesses remains sparse. This research fills the present gap by investigating ten workers from a tech startup who utilize artificial intelligence tools in operational and creative activities. The paper analyzes business-related AI functionality through a qualitative analysis of ten tech start-up employees. The examination reveals that AI produces significant enhancements in problem resolution by executing mundane actions while analyzing large datasets to deliver data-driven suggestions to users. The interview respondents mentioned that AI’s role in diminishing supply chains is 15%, while allowing AI to manage customer service without employee engagement in 80% of interactions. The implementation costs, along with data dependency and occasional contextual blindness in AI systems, represented some of the problems in this system. Analysis demonstrated that AI tools enable the development of innovative concepts and challenge established viewpoints, prompting participants to create a gamified loyalty system and dynamic content planning. Participants in the study emphasized the need for human involvement to refine AI-based insights, recognizing how human imagination complements AI capabilities effectively. The work enhances academic discussions about AI-related problem-solving and creativity while offering specific business-related recommendations for implementation. The recommendations begin with establishing initial experimental programs, while providing support for employee’s skills development, and fostering strong alliances between technical AI personnel and professional subject matter experts. Research topics focused on AI application fields and the anticipated impacts on company decision-making, as well as the ethical ramifications, need further exploration. This research confirms the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence systems for problem-solving methods, but requires proper execution, along with human supervision, to fully realize their advantages. Full article

Over the past decades, women’s participation in horticulture has become increasingly apparent across Africa. Women perform physically demanding agricultural work on family farms, as hired laborers, or as paid workers on other farms. To increase yield and protect crops, pesticides are used, yet the health risks faced by these women remain under-researched. This qualitative exploratory case study conducted in 2023, in four villages in northern Tanzania, explored pesticide exposure risks, gender roles, and awareness among women working on horticultural farms. Data were collected through four focus group discussions with 46 women (mean age, 39 years; mean work experience, 10 years). Data was transcribed and thematically analyzed. Six themes emerged: gender division of labor, limited training and awareness, adverse health effects, unsafe storage and disposal practices, inadequate protective measures, and resilience. Although pesticide spraying was typically performed by men, poor or unmarried women also undertook this task. Women had limited access to training on safe pesticide handling, and protective gear was rarely used. Despite awareness of potential health risks, economic necessity and prevailing gender norms compelled continued exposure. Gender-sensitive interventions including targeted occupational health education and promotion of safer agricultural practices are urgently needed to reduce pesticide-related health effects among women. Full article

The Personal Care Products (PCP) industry, encompassing cosmetics, hygiene, and personal care items, serves millions of consumers daily and operates under constant pressure for innovation, agility, and sustainability. Within this context, supply chains are viewed as complex and integrated systems, composed of interrelated elements whose interactions determine overall performance and are influenced by external factors. Disruptions—particularly those involving indirect suppliers—can propagate throughout the network, affecting operations, reputation, and business outcomes. Despite the importance of the topic, empirical studies that systematically identify and prioritize these risks in the PCP sector remain scarce, which motivated the conduct of this study. Thus, the aim of this research is to identify, analyze, and evaluate the main supply risks faced by the PCP industry, considering severity, occurrence, and detection capability. Methodologically, the research employed an exploratory multi-case design, carried out in three steps: a literature review to identify key supply chain risks; structured interviews with industry experts to analyze and evaluate these risks; and the application of Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) to aggregate expert judgments and construct a prioritized risk ranking. This combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques provided a detailed foundation for analyzing and interpreting the main risks in the Brazilian PCP sector. The results indicate that indirect supplier failure is the most critical risk, prioritized by 70% of the companies studied. Other significant risks include the inability to meet changes in demand, import issues, lack of supply chain visibility, natural and social disasters, and sustainability or reputational concerns. Consequently, this study contributes to a systemic understanding of risk management in the PCP industry supply chain, providing managers with a practical mapping of critical points and highlighting concrete opportunities to strengthen integration, anticipate disruptions, and enhance operational resilience and performance across the sector. Full article

The conceptual design phase in architecture establishes the foundation for subsequent design decisions and influences up to 80% of a building’s lifecycle environmental impact. While Building Information Modeling (BIM) demonstrates transformative potential for sustainable design, its application during conceptual design remains constrained by perceived technical complexity and limited support for abstract thinking. This research examines how BIM tools can facilitate conceptual design through diagrammatic reasoning, thereby bridging technical capabilities with creative exploration. A mixed-methods approach was employed to develop and validate a Diagrammatic BIM (D-BIM) framework. It integrates diagrammatic reasoning, parametric modeling, and performance evaluation within BIM environments. The framework defines three core relationships—dissection, articulation, and actualization—which enable transitions from abstract concepts to detailed architectural forms in Revit’s modeling environments. Using Richard Meier’s architectural language as a structured test case, a 14-week quasi-experimental study with 19 third-year architecture students assessed the framework’s effectiveness through pre- and post-surveys, observations, and artifact analysis. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements (p < 0.05) with moderate to large effect sizes across all measures, including systematic design thinking, diagram utilization, and academic self-efficacy. Students demonstrated enhanced design iteration, abstraction-to-realization transitions, and performance-informed decision-making through quantitative and qualitative assessments during early design stages. However, the study’s limitations include a small, single-institution sample, the absence of a control group, a focus on a single architectural language, and the exploratory integration of environmental analysis tools. Findings indicate that the framework repositions BIM as a cognitive design environment that supports creative ideation while integrating structured design logic and performance analysis. The study advances Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by embedding critical, systems-based, and problem-solving competencies, demonstrating BIM’s role in sustainability-focused early design. This research provides preliminary evidence that conceptual design and BIM are compatible when supported with diagrammatic reasoning, offering a foundation for integrating competency-based digital pedagogy that bridges creative and technical dimensions of architectural design. Full article