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Background and Objectives: In order to solve the problem of education in complex and unstructured domains, Spiro and his colleagues proposed the theory of cognitive flexibility, in which they advocated multiple forms of pedagogical models, analogies, multiple representations, and multiple information displays. Cognitive flexibility is the ability of humans to adapt to cognitive process strategies in order to cope with new and unexpected conditions in the environment, and can help learners gain a deep understanding of complex concepts. In cognitive flexibility, the transfer of information from one situation to another allows the learners to apply the constructed knowledge to solve current problems. Electronic and virtual learning environments have capabilities that can better enhance learners' cognitive flexibility. Multiplicity in content, activities, interaction, and active participation are among the criteria for cognitive flexibility that can be accessed through electronic and virtual learning environments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide a framework for designing electronic and virtual learning environments based on the principles and criteria of cognitive flexibility.Methods: This study was qualitative research that was conducted in a Meta-Synthesis method. To collect data, keywords such as cognitive flexibility theory, electronic and virtual learning environments, cognitive flexibility, principles and criteria of cognitive flexibility, etc. were selected and articles, theses, and related texts were searched in reliable databases, from 1992 to 2020. Finally, 30 related sources were found. Among these sources, 25 of the most relevant texts related to the research questions were selected. After the detailed study of the texts, according to the research questions, the necessary information was extracted. Findings: The results of the findings in response to the first question of the research were to present the principles and criteria of the theory of cognitive flexibility, and in response to the second question of the research, based on the principles and criteria of the theory of cognitive flexibility, the necessary framework for the design of electronic and virtual learning environments was presented. In this framework, two parts of different forms of learning and different views about learning were proposed and in each part, content dimensions, pedagogical tools, human interactions, and evaluation and criteria related to each dimension were introduced. According to the criteria raised in the dimension of different forms of learning, it can be said that to increase the cognitive flexibility of learners in electronic learning environments, variety of content, variety of methods and activities, variety of interactions and variety of assessment tools were of particular importance. Also, according to the criteria raised in the dimension of different perspectives of learning, we can also conclude that to increase cognitive flexibility in electronic learning environments, the variety of examples, exercises, and examples, the variety of mutual relationships between the concepts, diversity in people's points of view, review, analysis and combination of diverse points of view, diversifying the points of view on the discussed topic were important. The diversity of methods and solutions in the process of problem-solving were highly important. These environments should be prepared in such a way that they could provide the context for the learner's involvement and activity so that the learner could have an active involvement in the learning process and build knowledge that would meet the needs of different situations and could be used to solve real problems.Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, the principles and criteria of cognitive flexibility were extracted and based on those principles and criteria, the necessary framework for designing electronic and virtual learning environments was presented, which can be a guide for planners, designers of electronic and virtual learning environments, teachers, and other educators to strengthen the cognitive flexibility of learners through the design of suitable electronic and virtual learning environments.

Bibliometric analysis is an instrument used to quantify scientific production on a given topic. This type of analysis can be applied to show trends in an area of study. This review aims to examine how scientific production on ecosystem services, coastal zones, and ports is being carried out, identifying trends and gaps. The guiding questions of the work focused on the growth of production, the ports as focal points, the ecosystems studied, the methodologies used, and which ecosystem services were the focus of discussion. Searches on catalog platforms were made to determine how many articles would be considered for analysis, and after filtering, 91 articles were examined. The main results show that the years 2014 and 2018 were the peak of publications; the United States of America is the country that presented most publications with 19 papers; ports appear in just over 20% of the analyzed works, and beaches and marine environments, such as the continental shelf and slopes, are focus of discussion. More than 50 ecosystem services were found in the analysis, with “food” and “recreational values” being the most studied services. With the decade of the oceans, there is a tendency for the growth of scientific production, maintaining the relevance of the themes, particularly when studied together.

Project sustainability has become a research hotspot in the construction industry and a crucial driving force for the successful delivery of projects. How enterprises can improve project sustainability performance and realize sustainable development by applying BIM has become an important research topic. In this study, based on the resource-based view and institutional theory, a relationship model of BIM application affecting project sustainability performance is constructed, and data from 449 questionnaires with electric power construction industry practitioners obtained by the two-stage data collection method are used to explore the relationship between BIM application and project sustainability performance, and to investigate the mediating role of green innovation and the moderating role of institutional pressures. The study found that: (1) BIM application has a significant positive impact on project sustainability performance; (2) BIM application has a significant positive predictive effect on green innovation, and green innovation plays a mediating role in the relationship between BIM application and project sustainability performance; and (3) under a high degree of institutional pressures, the positive relationship between BIM application and green innovation is strengthened, and, in this case, the mediating role of green innovation is enhanced. The study results help to expand the theoretical analysis of the relationship between BIM application and project sustainability performance and provide practical guidance for improving project sustainability. Finally, the data in this study only come from the power construction industry and do not differentiate between the types of green innovations, and further research could be conducted on these two aspects in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of genetic diversity is necessary for designing future breeding programs and deriving desired genotypes. The current study was designed to explore the genetic diversity between 37 coarse and basmati rice genotypes by using 15 agro-morphological traits and 35 SSR markers. Mahalanobis' generalized distance (D2) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to evaluate the data for agronomical traits. Of the information in the raw data for the yield-related traits, 67.28% was represented by two principal components. Five different clusters were revealed by cluster analysis (D2): Cluster I had up to 6 genotypes, followed by 17, 5, 8, and 1 genotypes in clusters II, III, IV, and V, respectively. Greater genetic diversity among the genotypes was signified by a greater inter-cluster than intra-cluster distance. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters II and V (80.88). The highest (33.080) and lowest (12.745) intra-cluster distances were observed for Cluster IV and Cluster II, respectively. Tall-growing and long grain basmati genotypes were grouped into Cluster II, while Cluster IV contained all the coarse rice genotypes. The minimum intra-cluster distance (12.745) of Cluster II indicated a narrow genetic base for the basmati rice. Molecular-based exploration of genetic diversity produced genetic similarity coefficients and clustered the genotypes into two major clusters. The total number of polymorphic alleles was 69, with an average of 1.97 alleles per SSR locus. In this study, a maximum of 5 alleles were revealed by marker RM16. The highest and lowest polymorphic information content (PIC) values were observed for markers RM6 (0.92) and RM10 (0.36), respectively. The coefficient of genetic similarity ranged between 0.45 and 1 for all basmati and coarse rice genotypes. Two pairs of coarse rice genotypes, Nagina/RD25 and Nagina/SUB-1, showed maximum divergence (0.42), with a similarity index of 0.58 for both pairs. In contrast, the maximum divergence (0.18) between three pairs of basmati rice genotypes—EF52/sup-23 and Super basmati, Sup/1138-2 and Lpa-56-3, and Sup/1138-2 and Basmati515—had a similarity index of 0.82. The similarity coefficient ranges showed a narrower genetic base for basmati rice genotypes as compared to coarse rice genotypes. Clustering based on agronomic and molecular analysis showed the clear differentiation of coarse and basmati rice into different groups, except in a few lines—Lpa-66-3-1, KSK-133, Nagina, SUB-4, and Sup1138/2—which showed some deviation from the trend. The study of genetic differences concluded that the genotypes of Cluster II and Cluster V are complementary for maximum desirable traits and could be selected for use in hybridization programs to develop promising F1 hybrids or transgressive segregants in subsequent generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ageing in place (AIP) model enjoys widespread recognition in gerontology and has been strongly encouraged through social policy. However, progress remains to be made in terms of analysing AIP for minority groups and groups with diverse life pathways in old age. This systematic review aims to identify studies that address the AIP model in indigenous communities, answering the following questions: In which geographical contexts and for which Indigenous Peoples have AIP been researched? Which physical dimensions are considered in the assessment of AIP? Which social dimensions are considered in the assessment of AIP? This systematic review applied the SALSA (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis and Analysis) method to AIP among Indigenous older adults on the Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Scopus digital platforms for publications from 2011 to 2021. We identified 12 studies conducted in five countries in North and South America and Oceania. The results show that the following elements of the physical environment are assessed: household, neighbourhood, local surroundings or reserve and native territories. Meanwhile, assessed elements of the social environment are as follows: personal characteristics, attachment to place, social networks, social participation and social policies. There is discussion of the need to develop AIP in order to promote successful ageing among Indigenous older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A supportive home environment is critical to the safety and quality of life of older adults. Home modification is an effective way to build a supportive home environment for older adults' aging in place. However, there is a lack of knowledge on older adults' need for home modifications in China. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in three provinces of China (Hubei, Hunan, and Henan) using stratified and cluster sampling methods in 2021. A total of 5485 older adults aged 60 and over were included. The outcome variables were: need for home modifications, level of need, and type of modification needed. Exposure variables included: demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as health conditions. Logistic and Poisson regressions were applied to examine the needs for home modifications and its associated factors. Results: Nearly 30% of the older adults needed home modifications. The most common choice of home modification was the need for handrails at the bedside, toilet, or threshold (31.64%), and paving un-slip tiles or vinyl flooring (17.45%). Age (IRR = 1.01, P < 0.001), education (IRR = 1.11, P < 0.01), and level of assistance (IRR = 2.31, P < 0.001) were more likely to be positively associated with needs for modification. Participants in the age group of 70 to 79 years, with primary school education, and low-level physically dependent had significantly higher needs for modifications than those of advanced age, lower level of education, or higher level of physically dependent (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The overall need for home modifications in China is low. Home modification programs are needed to tailor individuals' needs and provide services to those with the most home modification need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: In order to solve the problem of education in complex and unstructured domains, Spiro and his colleagues proposed the theory of cognitive flexibility, in which they advocated multiple forms of pedagogical models, analogies, multiple representations, and multiple information displays. Cognitive flexibility is the ability of humans to adapt to cognitive process strategies in order to cope with new and unexpected conditions in the environment, and can help learners gain a deep understanding of complex concepts. In cognitive flexibility, the transfer of information from one situation to another allows the learners to apply the constructed knowledge to solve current problems. Electronic and virtual learning environments have capabilities that can better enhance learners' cognitive flexibility. Multiplicity in content, activities, interaction, and active participation are among the criteria for cognitive flexibility that can be accessed through electronic and virtual learning environments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide a framework for designing electronic and virtual learning environments based on the principles and criteria of cognitive flexibility. Methods: This study was qualitative research that was conducted in a Meta-Synthesis method. To collect data, keywords such as cognitive flexibility theory, electronic and virtual learning environments, cognitive flexibility, principles and criteria of cognitive flexibility, etc. were selected and articles, theses, and related texts were searched in reliable databases, from 1992 to 2020. Finally, 30 related sources were found. Among these sources, 25 of the most relevant texts related to the research questions were selected. After the detailed study of the texts, according to the research questions, the necessary information was extracted. Findings: The results of the findings in response to the first question of the research were to present the principles and criteria of the theory of cognitive flexibility, and in response to the second question of the research, based on the principles and criteria of the theory of cognitive flexibility, the necessary framework for the design of electronic and virtual learning environments was presented. In this framework, two parts of different forms of learning and different views about learning were proposed and in each part, content dimensions, pedagogical tools, human interactions, and evaluation and criteria related to each dimension were introduced. According to the criteria raised in the dimension of different forms of learning, it can be said that to increase the cognitive flexibility of learners in electronic learning environments, variety of content, variety of methods and activities, variety of interactions and variety of assessment tools were of particular importance. Also, according to the criteria raised in the dimension of different perspectives of learning, we can also conclude that to increase cognitive flexibility in electronic learning environments, the variety of examples, exercises, and examples, the variety of mutual relationships between the concepts, diversity in people's points of view, review, analysis and combination of diverse points of view, diversifying the points of view on the discussed topic were important. The diversity of methods and solutions in the process of problem-solving were highly important. These environments should be prepared in such a way that they could provide the context for the learner's involvement and activity so that the learner could have an active involvement in the learning process and build knowledge that would meet the needs of different situations and could be used to solve real problems. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, the principles and criteria of cognitive flexibility were extracted and based on those principles and criteria, the necessary framework for designing electronic and virtual learning environments was presented, which can be a guide for planners, designers of electronic and virtual learning environments, teachers, and other educators to strengthen the cognitive flexibility of learners through the design of suitable electronic and virtual learning environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common criticism of strategic planning is that it is of little use when the environment is turbulent and the future is unpredictable. The last decade has witnessed great environmental turbulence and uncertainty in many conditions that are important for public policy and administration. This study analyses survey data from 144 public sector organisations in Norway in 2020 on how strategic planning has been designed and used over the past 4 years and how managers perceived the usefulness of the strategic planning. Most of the central as well as local government organizations prepared strategic plans in addition to mandatory plans and the managers perceived the net benefit of the strategic planning as positive, even under the turbulent environments of the recent years. A multivariate regression analysis showed that a prospector adaptation, stakeholder participation, use of management tools and ease of use of the strategic planning process had the greatest positive correlation with the perceived usefulness of strategic planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are the most efficient type of therapy developed in the twentieth century. From the early 1960s to the present, the rate of discovery of new and therapeutically useful classes of antibiotics has significantly decreased. As a result of antibiotic use, novel strains emerge that limit the efficiency of therapies in patients, resulting in serious consequences such as morbidity or mortality, as well as clinical difficulties. Antibiotic resistance has created major concern and has a greater impact on global health. Horizontal and vertical gene transfers are two mechanisms involved in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through environmental sources such as wastewater treatment plants, agriculture, soil, manure, and hospital-associated area discharges. Mobile genetic elements have an important part in microbe selection pressure and in spreading their genes into new microbial communities; additionally, it establishes a loop between the environment, animals, and humans. This review contains antibiotics and their resistance mechanisms, diffusion of ARGs, prevention of ARG transmission, tactics involved in microbiome identification, and therapies that aid to minimize infection, which are explored further below. The emergence of ARGs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) is an unavoidable threat to global health. The discovery of novel antimicrobial agents derived from natural products shifts the focus from chemical modification of existing antibiotic chemical composition. In the future, metagenomic research could aid in the identification of antimicrobial resistance genes in the environment. Novel therapeutics may reduce infection and the transmission of ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contemporary architectural Design, we speak of a parametric structural design. A design that integrates new functionalities crossed with the spatial geometry of objects. It has been considered structured because it optimizes combinations that integrate a minimum of materials and data to respond to functions, uses, and needs more adapted to a society in perpetual evolution. Parametric modelling allows the usability of new materials and the integration of new structures in a variety of design environments. This transdisciplinary research explores aspects of parametric modelling, a design method that creates digital models using algorithms and parameters. By focusing on the material and immaterial plurality of the designed space, this method enables the generation of complex and innovative forms that would be difficult to realize with traditional methods. Then, from a position that redefines the city as both a "medium" city and an "object" city, we explore the fields of application and novelties that are investing in the fields of architectural construction. We examine how parametric modelling can be used to create more sustainable and environmentally efficient buildings, using parametric processes, and optimizing the use of space. In this sense, our research will lead us to identify two aspects of parametric modelling: the conceptual parametric design aspect and the constructive parametric design aspect. Finally, the results of our research enable us to identify a design process that demonstrates the feasibility of using parametric modelling to generate viable, sustainable, and versatile spaces.

The investigation was carried with 65 genotypes of Ashwagandha in three different environments to get information on combining ability for root yield at harvest, yield attributing traits and total alkaloid content. The analysis of variance indicated that experimental material contained considerable variability, furthermore the expression of both GCA as well as SCA was highly influenced by the environment. Based on the study five parental lines viz., L9, L5, L14, L15 and L8 along with tester T3 were reported as good general combiners for root yield and total alkaloid content over the environments. Among the crosses 10 hybrids and 22 hybrids were found useful specific combiner for root yield at harvest and total alkaloid content, respectively on pooled basis due to significant desirable SCA effects across the environments. Hence the above-selected genotypes may be useful for further exploitation in breeding programme of ashwagandha.

ABSTRACTThe ageing in place (AIP) model enjoys widespread recognition in gerontology and has been strongly encouraged through social policy. However, progress remains to be made in terms of analysing AIP for minority groups and groups with diverse life pathways in old age. This systematic review aims to identify studies that address the AIP model in indigenous communities, answering the following questions: In which geographical contexts and for which Indigenous Peoples have AIP been researched? Which physical dimensions are considered in the assessment of AIP? Which social dimensions are considered in the assessment of AIP? This systematic review applied the SALSA (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis and Analysis) method to AIP among Indigenous older adults on the Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Scopus digital platforms for publications from 2011 to 2021. We identified 12 studies conducted in five countries in North and South America and Oceania. The results show that the following elements of the physical environment are assessed: household, neighbourhood, local surroundings or reserve and native territories. Meanwhile, assessed elements of the social environment are as follows: personal characteristics, attachment to place, social networks, social participation and social policies. There is discussion of the need to develop AIP in order to promote successful ageing among Indigenous older adults.

Chickpea is a popular high-protein and high-fiber food but their potential is underutilized in Malawi due to a lack of improved varieties and a knowledge gap. However, Malawi has potential environments for chickpea cultivation, driven by new market demands and the need for more protein. Furthermore, smallholder farmers can easily take up the crop as the management strategies are similar to other legume crops with minor differences. Despite low yields in the country, chickpea has the potential to address malnutrition problems once school feeding programs integrate them. Chickpea production is aligned with the vision 2063 aspirations of adapting to climate change as the crop can save under different cropping systems. Research can plays a key role in the production and promotion of chickpeas to farmers in Malawi, through the provision of valuable information and guidance of chickpea management in conjunction with extension services. IT discipline can provides vital technology-based solutions to various challenges in chickpea production such as mobile apps, web-based platforms, and decision support systems, which can provide farmers with real-time information on weather, crop diseases, and market prices. The crop mirror all the potential in meeting Malawi’s development and strategic goals.

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Towards the sustainable aquaculture production, more recent technologies have been developed in the past few years. The application of effectives microbes (EM) in controlling water quality, the application of biofloc technology, aquamimicry, black soldier fly (BSF) as supplemental protein feed, application of triploidy, polyploidy, vaccines, probiotic and prebiotic, Internet of Things (IoT) in monitoring the water quality in the farm operation, monosex culture and neo-female application also being applied in the aquaculture operation. The developments of these recent technologies were towards achieving the sustainable aquaculture production, prevention of the disease outbreak, help in increasing the yield of crops harvested as well as towards the green environmental developments. This review paper emphasizes the most recent technologies developed in aquaculture in the past few years until these days. The developments of the new technology in aquaculture also in order to support the sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nation focused on SDG1 (no poverty) and SDG2 (zero hunger) from the increase of aquaculture production achieved through the recent developed technology. Ultimately, this review paper can generate new knowledge and information to the aquaculturist and aquafarmers on the new technologies and developments in aquaculture which could help benefit in the cultures operation and increase production in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation steps are plan, act, watch, observe, and reflect have been an informative train for English instructors, and the information available have forced innovative practices on students that they typically don't involve. The associate perceptions, working in sets and group exchanges created noteworthy advantages of reflection and basic considering. Nonetheless, the investigator found that there are still numerous regions of shortcoming, which investigator needs to address. Students need huge aptitudes of reporting and self-evaluation. The classroom was a platform between the Teachers (educators) and the students (undergraduates) in Indian culture discouraged their support to convey what it needs to be. The researcher helped to advance an atmosphere of conditions where students could unreservedly convey what they need to and feels sure that could give an account of self-change and assessment of different changes that were being considered important. Study: The populations of the study are the students of Bachelor of Engineering. For this research, a sample size of 1145 students from 20 B.Tech colleges, were chosen by random sampling method after the distinguishing proof of moderate learners. The experimented 't' value is 4.205. The hypothetical 't'value is 2.39 for df =44. The gap closure in achievement is 41.69% for the whole experimental group, 43.04% for the experimental Computer Science Engineering, 44.16% for the experimental Information Technology, 35.71% for the experimental Electrical and Electronics Engineering and 43.74% for the experimental Mechanical Engineering group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to determine the applicability given by teachers of the University of Guayaquil to emerging technologies in virtual learning environments. It assumed the quantitative approach, descriptive type of research, and field design, non-experimental, cross-sectional. It was conducted during the second period of 2022. The population under study was 287 teachers of the Faculty of Philosophy, Letters and Educational Sciences, the sample consisted of 166 teachers after applying a simple random sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (PA), which included 20 policy actions for creating active societies, environments, people and systems. The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the themes/contents of national PA policies/plans conforming to the WHO's proposals and the country's economy. This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for scoping reviews. A systematic search of electronic databases (Web of Science, Medline/PubMed, LILACS, PsycINFO, Scopus and SPORTDiscus) and 441 government documents/websites from 215 countries/territories was conducted (February 2021). Documents on national-level policies, published in English, Spanish and Portuguese since 2000, were eligible. The information on content and structure was systematically extracted and summarized into dimensions proposed by the WHO: active societies, environments, people and systems. The search identified 888 article references and 586 potentially relevant documents. After the screening, 84 policy documents from 64 countries were eligible. Most documents (n  = 46) provided detailed PA policies/plans amid other health topics (e.g. non-communicable diseases, named 'general documents'), and 38 were PA-specific. The content analysis merged 54 visions, 65 missions, 108 principles, 119 objectives, 53 priorities, 105 targets, 126 indicators and 1780 actions/strategies from 38 PA-specific and 46 general documents. Among the PA-specific documents, the active system's dimension was the most contemplated in the principles (n  = 43), priorities (n  = 51) and action/strategies (n  = 530) elements. At the same time, the objectives (n  = 39), targets (n  = 52) and indicators (n  = 58) presented contents more frequently related to the active people dimension. For the general documents, all principles (n  = 4), objectives (n  = 14) and priorities (n  = 7) were related to the dimension of active people, while target (n  = 51), indicator (n  = 53) and actions/strategies (n  = 292) elements presented content related to all dimensions. The increase in countries with national PA policies/plans should be followed by improving the current ones because important dimensions seem to be not considered in these documents. This will facilitate a global PA agenda that considers the complexity and multidimensionality of PA promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The birthrate in Japan is declining rapidly, which is attributed to the lack of perspective and consideration for “child-rearing” in the architecture of cities. Therefore, to gain knowledge of the measures to support child-rearing, determining factors such as how urban space is used is essential. In this study, Japanese parents were requested to send pictures of their surrounding environment. The survey used the caption evaluation method to target naturally low-rise residential, planned residential, and mixed areas. On evaluation of the photographs, we found no regional differences in terms of safety and convenience. Despite the space created for walking, the parents actively enjoyed playing with the children. In the naturally low-rise residential areas, parents could select various routes. Conversely, the planned housing complexes did not have a wide choice of routes, limiting the play area. Therefore, a policy that incorporates this perspective is also necessary to improve the urban environment and consider the differences in each region to create an environment conducive to child-rearing.

Tourism is one of the important factors that can affect the environmental and economic situation of any economy. This study investigates the relationship between tourist arrivals and CO2 emission in the top 20 tourist destinations using data from quarterly observations from 1995 to 2018. A unique technique via quantile-on-quantile regression and Granger causality in quantiles was used. In particular, how the quantiles of tourist arrivals impact quantiles of CO2 emission was analyzed. The empirical results suggest a combination of both positive and negative effects of tourist arrivals and CO2 emission in most tourist destinations. Predominantly, at both high and low tails, in the USA, Spain, Hong Kong, and Austria, tourist arrival has a positive effect on CO2 emission, whereas in the case of Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, and Malaysia, the association was negative. On the other hand, China, Greece, Russia, Japan, Italy, South Korea, Thailand, and Turkey have both positive and negative effects of tourism on CO2 emissions at low and high tails. Tourism can be an important factor while formulating policy for environmental and climate aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuarine environments are influenced by both river flows and oceanic tidal movement of water, sediment, and nutrients, often forming ecosystems that are rich in resources and biodiversity. The Yellow River once carried the world's largest sediment load, but artificial structures have transformed its hydrodynamic processes. An annual Water–Sediment Regulation Scheme (WSRS) was introduced to flush accumulated sediment from the Xiaolangdi Reservoir, which provides flood control and water storage. However, the effect of the WSRS process on the runoff and sediment conditions, nutrients, and ecological environment of the Yellow River Estuary and adjacent ocean are not well understood. In the current study, a coupled hydrodynamic–nutrient–plankton ecosystem dynamics model (FVCOM–FABM–NPZD) was constructed to simulate changes in the ecological parameters and in the vertical response in the Yellow River Estuary before, during, and after the WSRS, This model also was used to quantify the effects of changes in the incoming material flux on the hydrodynamic and ecological environment of the estuary, using the Yellow River Xiaolangdi Reservoir water transfer and sand transfer as an example. The study found that the WSRS changed the spatial and temporal distribution of temperature, salinity, sediment, inorganic nitrogen, and phytoplankton in the Yellow River Estuary and adjacent waters. It also had a significant effect on the temperature, salinity, and ecology of the adjacent near-shore marine environment. The spatial and temporal responses of zooplankton and phytoplankton to the WSRS differed. Zooplankton showed a lag in response to the WSRS and were mainly influenced by temperature and phytoplankton. The phytoplankton concentration was positively influenced by inorganic nitrogen and negatively influenced by salinity and sediment. In the current study, the effects of changes in the flow and sediment flux from the WSRS on environmental factors and zooplankton in the Yellow River Estuary were simulated, providing a theoretical basis for scheduling the release of water and sediment in the Yellow River basin and providing a reference for water and sediment regulation in other reservoirs upstream of the estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution describes the activities of a teaching and research experience, named Alter_Azioni. It consists of three main parts. Firstly, it introduces the lagoon context as the reference framework used to experiment with a design local based to address the problems of the local territory and the environment. The paper moves on to discuss the design approach proposed to the students, contextualizing research and experiences based on the needs of the region and its inhabitants, through the exploration of a possible balance between the biological approach and the artifactual one. Furthermore, it summarizes some references about these issues, in order to gain a deeper insight into the chances or the pitfalls of this project. The second part provides an overview of the possible design range of concerns scenarios for a short-term future, focusing on the design projects developed and mapping them following three paths. Finally, in the third part, a look back points out what has been experienced as possible alternative scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ashwagandha is an important, medicinal, less exploited crop and most of its cultivated varieties are local cultivars. Information related to ashwagandha's genetic diversity is very limited. Hybrid vigor exploitation may be useful in breaking its yield barrier at a commercial scale. A total of 45 F1 crosses were produced during Kharif 2017-18 by using a line x tester matting design, which included three testers along with 15 lines. A total of 65 genotypes were grown in an RBD design, with three replications in three different environments during Kharif 2018-19, and observations were recorded for 11 different yield-attributing traits that were responsible for the estimation of the magnitude of the heterosis. An analysis of variance showed that a valuable amount of diversity existed in the breeding material. Based on the study, three promising crosses viz., UWS-305 × UWS-10, UWS-305 × RVA-100, and UWS-301 × RVA-100 were identified as superior heterotic materials for the root yield at harvest, whereas for the total alkaloid content, three excellent hybrids viz., UWS-309 × RVA-100, UWS-305 × RVA-100, and UWS-314 × RVA-100 were reported. Out of the above crosses, the cross-combination of UWS-305 × RVA-100 showed a significantly positive and useful heterosis on a pooled basis. Hence, the above crosses may be gainfully utilized in breeding programs for ashwagandha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of wayfinding information (destination reference images) in real-time complex environmental settings through the syntheses of mobile and static information sources. This investigation will help in improving the wayfinding information design for complex institutional environments which will enhance the environmental legibility. Background: Complex environments are challenging for wayfinding efficiency. Identification of the location and orientation are considered to be important for wayfinding efficiency. This study investigated the user behavior in synthesizing the wayfinding information for identifying the users' location and orientation in a complex environment. Method: Twenty-five university students have participated in the desktop-based virtual reality experiment. Five experimental conditions were developed for the assessment of wayfinding efficiency and users' preferred information sources. Results: Reference images of destinations with user-matched angles were found more effective than the building's facade images. Participants synthesized the mobile wayfinding information with real environmental information to identify their location and orientation. Real environment information (road intersections and shape of the road) and mobile information (reference images of building facades) were found influential in the identification of the user's location and orientation. Conclusions: The study suggested a need for thorough investigation regarding the users' wayfinding behavior with different types of environmental information. Future studies have been recommended to investigate other complex institutional environments with larger sample groups for enhancing environmental legibility and institutional efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GI-19 lineage of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has emerged as one of the most impactful, particularly in the “Old World”. Originating in China several decades ago, it has consistently spread and evolved, often forming independent clades in various areas and countries, each with distinct production systems and control strategies. This study leverages this scenario to explore how different environments may influence virus evolution. Through the analysis of the complete S1 sequence, four datasets were identified, comprising strains of monophyletic clades circulating in different continents or countries (e.g., Asia vs. Europe and China vs. Thailand), indicative of single introduction events and independent evolution. The population dynamics and evolutionary rate variation over time, as well as the presence and intensity of selective pressures, were estimated and compared across these datasets. Since the lineage origin (approximately in the mid-20th century), a more persistent and stable viral population was estimated in Asia and China, while in Europe and Thailand, a sharp increase following the introduction (i.e., 2005 and 2007, respectively) of GI-19 was observed, succeeded by a rapid decline. Although a greater number of sites on the S1 subunit were under diversifying selection in the Asian and Chinese datasets, more focused and stronger pressures were evident in both the European (positions 2, 52, 54, 222, and 379 and Thai (i.e., positions 10, 12, 32, 56, 62, 64, 65, 78, 95, 96, 119, 128, 140, 182, 292, 304, 320, and 323) strains, likely reflecting a more intense and uniform application of vaccines in these regions. This evidence, along with the analysis of control strategies implemented in different areas, suggests a strong link between effective, systematic vaccine implementation and infection control. However, while the overall evolutionary rate was estimated at approximately 10−3 to 10−4, a significant inverse correlation was found between viral population size and the rate of viral evolution over time. Therefore, despite the stronger selective pressure imposed by vaccination, effectively constraining the former through adequate control strategies can efficiently prevent viral evolution and the emergence of vaccine-escaping variants.