Abstract:Background: Despite the dissemination of research in the field of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) since the launch of the Decade of ESD in 2015 (DESD) as a pivotal framework for reorienting educational systems toward sustainability and as a means to quality education, the body of reviewed literature lacks a practical guide that shows how ESD principles are operationalized in English Language Teacher Education (ELTE). Aims: This study aimed to provide an inclusive synthesis of the current state of research on the application of ESD principles in ELTE, and to show how these principles were applied and associated with ESD and EFL competencies in ESD research, highlighting the challenges encountered during this application and showing the gaps in literature. Method: A scoping review using over 70 databases to include relevant peer-reviewed interventional journal articles was employed. The PRISMA guidelines were used to explain the entire process included in this research. The scope of the literature and eligibility criteria were determined according to the PICO technique (Population/problem, intervention, comparison, outcomes). Findings: Only 14 studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were mainly centered in Asia. They were analyzed based on the UNESCO’s ESD framework and the Cambridge framework of Sustainability for ELT. The findings evidenced the effectiveness of the application of ESD principles using diverse innovative pedagogical approaches, strategies, and assessment methods in empowering both learners and teachers with varied EFL and ESD skills and competencies. Findings also showed that competencies, e.g., critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, were addressed directly, whereas systems thinking, normative, anticipatory, and strategic competencies were addressed indirectly or not investigated. As for language skills, eight studies aimed at developing language skills integratively; four targeted the writing skill, one on speaking, and one on reading comprehension. However, listening, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation were not a primary focus of any study. Challenges and Gaps: Low proficiency levels, complexity of ESD content, and the need for capacity building to integrate ESD into ELTE. Main gaps identified are insufficient empirical ESD research in ELTE, content and interdisciplinarity, and technological issues. Implications and future research for language researchers, curriculum designers, and policymakers are provided, calling for applied interventional research using Content and Integrated Language Learning (CLIL) and guided by the lens of Critical Pedagogy (CL).
Abstract:Abstract\nNowadays, rapid developments are occurring in the world of preschool education in Indonesia, particularly in learning, with the emergence of innovative learning media using Android smartphones. Learning activities have become more meaningful, shifting from the use of simple teacher-made media to innovative internet-based applications. The objectives of this research are: (1) to determine the quality of augmented reality-flash card learning media in supporting the learning process; and (2) to determine the effectiveness of learning through the use of augmented reality-flash card learning media in kindergartens. This study is a prototype development of research, involving six kindergartens spread across Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The trial results show that: (1) the augmented reality-flash card application can increase children\'s learning activities in terms of visual, oral, and listening aspects; (2) the average development of children after using the augmented reality-flash card application experienced \"very good\" progress in cognitive, language, physical-motor, moral & religious, social-emotional, and artistic aspects; and (3) teachers provided a positive response toward the use of augmented reality-flash card applications for early childhood learning.
Abstract:Transparency gaps in agricultural supply chains disproportionately affect smallholder coffee producers who receive minimal value from premium specialty markets. This research designed and piloted a blockchain-based traceability platform across three coffee cooperatives in eastern Uganda, involving 420 smallholder farmers. The system recorded provenance data from farm-level harvesting through processing, transport, and export using low-cost mobile interfaces and QR code integration. Over a 12-month pilot period, participating farmers received 18 to 26 percent higher prices compared to conventional marketing channels due to verified origin certification. Smart contract automation reduced payment settlement times from 45 days to 72 hours. Technical evaluation demonstrated platform scalability handling 15,000 daily transactions with 99.7 percent uptime. The framework offers a replicable model for enhancing value chain equity in developing agricultural economies.
Abstract:Microplastic pollution in remote freshwater ecosystems has emerged as a critical environmental concern, yet baseline data for Patagonian lakes remains scarce. This study conducted systematic sampling across 14 glacial lakes in southern Chile, analyzing surface water, sediment, and biota samples during austral summer and winter campaigns. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 12.4 particles per liter in surface waters, with polyethylene and polypropylene fragments comprising 67 percent of identified polymers. FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed significant weathering patterns indicative of long-range atmospheric transport rather than local sources. Spatial analysis demonstrated higher concentrations in lakes receiving glacial meltwater, suggesting cryospheric accumulation and release mechanisms. Bioaccumulation assessment in native fish species Galaxias maculatus revealed microplastic ingestion rates correlating with trophic position and feeding behavior.
Abstract:Medieval stone carvings known as khachkars represent an endangered cultural heritage requiring urgent digital documentation. This project employed close-range photogrammetry and structured light scanning to create high-resolution 3D models of 48 khachkars dating from the 9th to 14th centuries across six Armenian monastic complexes. The methodology achieved sub-millimeter geometric accuracy with average point cloud densities exceeding 2.3 million points per square meter. Comparative analysis between photogrammetric and laser scanning outputs demonstrated equivalent accuracy for intricate relief surfaces while significantly reducing field acquisition time. Machine learning-based classification of ornamental motifs identified previously unrecognized stylistic connections between geographically distant carving workshops. The resulting digital archive provides both a preservation resource and a research tool for art historical analysis of medieval Caucasian sculptural traditions.
Abstract:Access to reliable electricity remains a fundamental challenge for remote Melanesian communities where grid extension is economically unfeasible. This study presents an optimization framework for hybrid solar-wind-battery systems tailored to the unique climatic and socioeconomic conditions of Papua New Guinea highlands and coastal regions. Using 15 years of meteorological data and load profiling from 24 off-grid villages, we developed a multi-objective optimization model balancing system reliability, cost minimization, and environmental impact. The optimized configurations achieved 97.2 percent supply reliability at levelized costs 40 percent lower than diesel-only alternatives. Sensitivity analysis revealed that battery storage capacity and solar panel tilt angle were the most influential design parameters. Community ownership models incorporating local maintenance training demonstrated superior long-term sustainability outcomes compared to externally managed installations.
Abstract:Digital exclusion among elderly populations in Pacific Island nations poses significant barriers to accessing essential services increasingly delivered through digital platforms. This mixed-methods study evaluated community-based digital literacy interventions across 12 villages in Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, involving 186 participants aged 60 and above. The culturally adapted curriculum incorporated storytelling traditions and intergenerational learning pairs, resulting in a 72 percent completion rate compared to 31 percent for standard programs. Post-intervention assessments showed significant improvements in mobile banking navigation, telehealth appointment scheduling, and government portal access. Qualitative analysis highlighted the importance of vernacular language interfaces and family support networks. The findings inform scalable models for bridging the digital divide in geographically dispersed island communities.
Abstract:Antimicrobial resistance represents a critical global health challenge, yet surveillance data from rural primary healthcare settings remains limited. This cross-sectional study analyzed 4,280 bacterial isolates collected from 67 rural clinics across Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic over a 36-month period. Resistance profiling revealed concerning rates of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production in Escherichia coli isolates at 28.4 percent, significantly higher than national urban averages. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevalence reached 19.7 percent in community-acquired infections. Multivariate analysis identified prior antibiotic exposure and agricultural proximity as independent risk factors. The study establishes a replicable surveillance framework for resource-limited rural settings and proposes targeted stewardship interventions to address the identified resistance patterns.
Abstract:Rapid urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa has intensified flood vulnerability due to extensive impervious surface expansion and inadequate drainage systems. This research evaluates green infrastructure solutions including bioswales, permeable pavements, and constructed wetlands across three metropolitan districts in Nairobi. Hydrological modeling using SWMM coupled with GIS-based spatial analysis revealed that strategic green infrastructure deployment reduced peak stormwater runoff by 34 to 51 percent depending on rainfall intensity. Cost-benefit analysis demonstrated favorable long-term economic returns compared to conventional grey infrastructure approaches. Community engagement surveys indicated strong public support when interventions incorporated local ecological knowledge. These findings provide evidence-based guidelines for integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning frameworks across rapidly growing African cities.
Abstract:This study develops adaptive machine learning models to predict crop yield variability across semi-arid agricultural zones. Using satellite-derived vegetation indices, soil moisture data, and historical weather records from 2010 to 2024, we trained ensemble models combining random forests, gradient boosting, and neural networks. The models were validated against actual yield data from 340 smallholder farms in southeastern Bangladesh. Results demonstrate that the adaptive ensemble approach achieved 87.3 percent prediction accuracy, outperforming traditional regression models by 23 percent. Seasonal precipitation timing was identified as the strongest predictor, followed by soil organic carbon content. The framework enables early warning systems for crop failure, supporting proactive intervention strategies for vulnerable farming communities in climate-sensitive regions.