Latest Articles
Urban Planning and Construction
Article

Recent Developments in Urban Wastewater Management—Insights, Recommendations, and Future Perspectives

Rapid population growth and intensified human activities such as mining operations, industrial discharge, ore smelting, fossil fuel combustion—particularly coal—along with the agricultural use of arsenic-contaminated water, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers have significantly compromised freshwater resources intended for human use. Urban wastewater is characterized by the presence of numerous contaminants that pose toxicity risks to bot microorganisms and higher life forms, thereby necessitating effective treatment strategies. Among emerging solutions, microalgae have received considerable scientific attention due to their strong potential to remove pollutants from both industrial and domestic wastewater streams. Researchers emphasize microalgal-based remediation approaches because of the organisms’ capacity to adapt, grow, and remain metabolically active under diverse and harsh environmental conditions. In addition to pollutant removal, microalgae contribute to carbon dioxide sequestration, offering an added environmental benefit. Their integration into wastewater treatment systems aligns closely with circular bioeconomy principles, as microalgal processes enable the simultaneous generation of valuable bio-based products during conventional treatment operations. This systematic review examines the role of microalgae in urban wastewater treatment, focusing on remediation mechanisms, pollutant removal strategies, and operational approaches. Furthermore, the study explores future opportunities for incorporating microalgal technologies into circular bioeconomy frameworks alongside sustainable wastewater management.

Food and Drug Safety
Article

Effect of Different Drying Methods on the Chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Avocado Seed Powder

Avocado fruits are considered the healthiest fruit in the world due to their high nutritional value. It is rich in valuable bioactive compounds that could be used in the treatment of degenerative diseases, but its seeds remain underutilized. This study investigates the effect of three different drying methods on the chemical and antioxidant properties of avocado seed powder. Ripe avocado fruits were selected and washed manually; the skin and pulp were removed, and the seed was subjected to three different drying methods: oven drying (60 ℃; 8 h), sun drying (ambient conditions), and greenhouse drying (controlled conditions). The dried avocado seed was pulverized to a fine powder using a blender, and the powder was analyzed for proximate, mineral, and antioxidant activities using standard methods. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the drying methods. Moisture content ranged from 5.07 to 7.51%, and protein content ranged from 8.93 to 14.37%. The crude fiber content ranged between 3.86 and 4.40%, and the ash content ranged between 1.78 and 2.01%. Potassium content ranged from 637.60 to 740.20 mg/100 g, calcium content ranged from 117.62 to 140.60 mg/100 g, and iron content ranged from 7.60 to 15.45 mg/100 g. Total carotenoid content ranged from 25.12 to 79.29 mg/100 g, and beta-carotene content ranged between 66.32 and 618.23 µg/g. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the antioxidant properties of avocado seed powder was observed to be less than (<) 2. Thus, avocado seed powder could be used as a nutraceutical ingredient in functional food formulations.

Cultural Conflict and Integration
Article

Audience Responses and Gendered Paratexts in Film Title Translation: Evidence from Chinese Social Media

This study investigates translated film titles as ideological sites in contemporary Chinese media discourse, where gender identities are erased, objectified, misrepresented, or reclaimed. It examines how such paratextual choices trigger cultural conflict and negotiation during cross-cultural circulation. Guided by paratext theory and feminist approaches to media discourse, this study employs thematic analysis to examine how institutional translation strategies and networked audience responses jointly shape gendered meanings in translated film titles. Drawing on over 400 user-generated commentaries from three major Chinese social media platforms, Weibo (Microblog), Xiaohongshu (Red Note), and Douyin (TikTok), this study identifies four dominant patterns in public responses to film title translation. First, some translations erase feminine subjectivity through lexical omission. Second, some translations reduce female characters to objects of desire by employing sexualized or aestheticized language. Third, even when women are visible, their presence is frequently reframed within heteronormative or romanticized tropes that distort or dilute the original film’s feminist or gender-critical intent. Finally, networked audiences mobilize discursive resistance by offering ironic commentary and alternative translations that foreground feminist agency and media literacy, thereby articulating vernacular strategies of cultural integration and mutual intelligibility. These findings challenge the conventional view of translation as a neutral transfer. Instead, they highlight translation’s role as a publicly contested cultural act, shaped by social scrutiny and identity politics. This has important implications for intercultural communication and the management of cultural differences. The study advocates for increased attention to gendered representation in paratextual translation and supports participatory models that integrate audience feedback as a pathway to more inclusive and equitable cross-cultural narratives.

Cultural Arts Research and Development
Article

Values as Phenomena of Truth: The Mythopoetic Aesthetics of Thought as Highest Act

This theoretical-philosophical investigation proposes a synthesis of mythopoetic, phenomenological, and ethical discourses to reconceptualize value-formation. It posits that the “Other” (alterity) operates in a dual capacity: as the radical unknown challenging the Self, and as the elevated dimension within communication where the trace of the ideal or the Divine is perceived. Central to this framework is a critical distinction between three modalities of myth. “Mythopoesis” is defined as the artistic-aesthetic act where thought, expressed in language, becomes immediate action, with the author creatively immersed in the “sea” of the mythopoetic as an elemental force. “Myth-creation” signifies the subject’s Heideggerian openness to myth’s content and form through the encounter with the creative Other, facilitating access to the depths of the self. “Myth-making,” in turn, is treated as the most formal and external approach, characteristic of certain rationalizing discourses that map myth from a distance. The article argues that a holistic understanding requires integrating these modalities. By embracing the original concept of the already nonreflective—a post-Hegelian stage of consciousness that overcomes pure intellective reflection to consciously readmit myth as the awakened elemental energy of reason itself—this project seeks to restore the vital fabric of life and stimulate the “high passions” essential for ethical engagement, arguing that such restoration occurs through the mythopoetic act.

Transportation Development Research
Article

Superelevation of Road Curves: Influence on Vehicles Fuel Consumption

Transport systems are primarily designed to address mobility and safety concerns. Today, energy consumption must also be taken into account in infrastructure design and operation, as environmental issues and tensions in oil production continue to intensify. For road transport, infrastructure requires energy for its construction, maintenance, and use. During the use phase, previous studies have assessed the influence of road texture, longitudinal slopes, and curvature on vehicle consumption. In this study, superelevation in curves is investigated as an additional parameter that may affect vehicle energy consumption. This investigation is first introduced using a simplified two-wheel model, showing a computed reduction in rolling resistance of 3% to 9% depending on cases. Full-scale experiments were then conducted using similar parameter ranges, with an instrumented passenger car on a curved road section featuring a continuous crossfall varying from 0 to 40%, and at three travel speeds: 80, 110, and 120 km/h. Experimental measurements confirm the numerical approach, with consumption reductions of up to 10% achieved for a light vehicle on a curve with optimal crossfall. The aim of this research is not to promote the design of all roads with high superelevation, which could be unsafe in most cases, but rather to contribute empirical knowledge to refine numerical consumption models. However, in specific situations suchas high-speed highways, intermediate or high crossfall could be considered, provided that appropriate driver warnings are implemented or that advanced driving assistance systems become widespread. Future perspectives are discussed, taking into account other road requirements such as safety

Journal of Education and Learning Environments
Research Article

Employment Alignment and Salary Satisfaction among Doctoral-Level High-Skilled Talent in Taiwan

Taiwan has invested substantially in doctoral education to maintain competitiveness in technology-intensive industries, yet empirical evidence reveals a significant puzzle: while 73% of doctorate holders report high education-employment alignment, only 38% express satisfaction with their salaries, and approximately one-third intend to work overseas within five years. This study analyzes labor market outcomes for 4790 doctoral degree holders using the 2016 Doctoral Mobility Intentions Survey to understand employment alignment, salary determinants, and overseas migration intentions. The analysis reveals an "alignment-satisfaction paradox" where high education-job matching does not translate into salary satisfaction due to expectation formation, international comparison effects, and regional employment constraints. Key findings indicate that younger individuals, those with prior work experience, and those with overseas experience demonstrate higher alignment. However, engineering graduates exhibit substantially lower alignment due to theory-practice gaps in doctoral curricula and mismatches with Taiwan's semiconductor-centered industrial structure. Practical work experience, overseas employment exposure, and full-time employment during doctoral studies positively impact both absolute salaries and satisfaction levels. The study reveals that addressing brain drain and improving human capital utilization requires multifaceted policy responses beyond curriculum reform alone, including compensation competitiveness in public sectors, regional industrial development, and institutional reforms linking doctoral training to strategic industry needs. Discipline-specific policy interventions are recommended: engineering curriculum reform with mandatory internships and dual-track doctorates; humanities/social sciences salary enhancement and private-sector demand expansion; science/medicine research ecosystem strengthening; and central Taiwan industrial upgrading.

Cultural Arts Research and Development
Article

How Does Palestinian Popular Culture Shape and Influence Leadership Imagery?

This study explores how Palestinian proverbs shape leadership imagery within a sociopolitical context defined by resistance, occupation, and national struggle. Drawing on an interdisciplinary cultural studies framework, it examines proverbs not merely as linguistic expressions but as symbolic, aesthetic, and performative artifacts that communicate collective values and political ideals. Through qualitative interpretive analysis of documented proverb collections, scholarly literature, visual materials, and media representations, the research identifies key thematic categories linking leadership to land, honor, resistance, unity, power, and moral conduct. Findings reveal that Palestinian proverbs function simultaneously as moral texts and political commentaries, articulating expectations of leadership grounded in sacrifice, stewardship of land, strategic pragmatism, and social accountability. Sayings related to attachment to land frame leadership legitimacy through ethical responsibility and collective dignity, while proverbs addressing resistance emphasize resilience and cohesion. Other expressions critically interrogate corruption, patronage, and internal fragmentation, demonstrating how popular culture both legitimizes and scrutinizes authority. By integrating textual and visual analysis, the study highlights how proverbs circulate across speech, art, and education to reinforce leadership ideals at the grassroots level. The research contributes to leadership and cultural studies by foregrounding indigenous oral traditions as dynamic sites of political imagination and symbolic power, showing how popular culture shapes leadership narratives in contexts of prolonged struggle and resistance.

Cultural Arts Research and Development
Article

Sustainability of African Cultural Epistemology through Cultural Re-Appropriation in Selected Works of Emerging African Scholars

This article explores indigenous cultural epistemology rooted in African culture and tradition through cultural re-appropriation presented in selected research projects by emerging African scholars. It seeks to contribute to the sustainable development of African knowledge systems and how they can be integrated into contemporary practice. This involves unpacking the unique perspectives, norms, values, and practices embedded in African cultures and how they relate to social justice and community well-being. Set within decolonial theories, it critically engages with postgraduate research conducted in collaboration with an academic supervisor to elucidate how Indigenous knowledge systems are being revitalized and positioned within contemporary scholarly discourses. It analyses and interprets a selection of collaborative projects to underscore the epistemic value of African cultural paradigms and the transformative potential of cultural re-appropriation in resisting colonial knowledge hierarchies. The findings highlight how the mutual metacognitive teaching and learning methodology applied in this research actively contributes to the sustainability of Indigenous cultural knowledge, offering a dynamic foundation for future academic inquiry where teaching and learning are reciprocal processes. Ultimately, the article asserts that the teaching and learning method applied in this research, as well as the constructive re appropriation of African cultural epistemology, not only affirms identity and heritage but also challenges dominant global narratives, reinforcing the relevance of Indigenous thought within international academic contexts.

Announcements
  • Announcement: Change in Publication Frequency

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    10 February 2026
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    10 February 2026
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    10 February 2026
  • Congratulations! Food and Drug Safety Is Now Indexed in CAS

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    22 January 2026
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    24 December 2025
  • Welcome Professor Yin as the Editor-in-Chief of New Countryside

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    We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Yin as the new Editor-in-Chief of New Countryside, an international open-access journal dedicated to advancing sustainable development in rural societies worldwide. Professor Yin is a distinguished scholar with extensive expertise in rural development policy, rural governance, agricultural economics, and sustainable livelihoods. His research has significantly contributed to the understanding of integrated rural-urban development and the practical implementation of rural revitalization strategies. With his deep academic insight and commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue, Professor Yin is ideally positioned to guide The New Countryside toward greater scholarly impact and global engagement. Under his leadership, the journal will continue to champion high-quality, cross-disciplinary research on critical rural issues—including rural policy, infrastructure, economic upliftment, agricultural innovation, rural tourism, and environmental sustainability. We warmly invite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to submit their work, recommend potential reviewers, and collaborate in building The New Countryside into a leading platform for innovative and actionable knowledge on rural futures. Please join us in extending a heartfelt welcome to Professor Yin! New Countryside Editorial Office 20 November, 2025

    20 November 2025
  • Welcome Our New Editor-in-Chief of Cultural Arts Research and Development

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      We are pleased to announce that Prof. Emanuele Castano has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of Cultural Arts Research and Development, effective September 25, 2025. Prof. Castano brings extensive expertise in cultural theory, social cognition, and literary studies. His scholarly contributions and editorial leadership have significantly advanced the field, and we are confident that he will guide the journal to new heights of academic excellence and international visibility. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the previous Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Ronald Eyerman, for his invaluable contributions to the journal’s growth and reputation. Please join us in welcoming Prof. Emanuele Castano and supporting the continued success of Cultural Arts Research and Development.

    26 September 2025
  • Editor-in-Chief Communication Meeting Successfully Held to Shape the Future of Urban Planning and Construction

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    11 September 2025
  • Editor-in-Chief Recruitment Notice

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    Dear Colleagues in the Academic Community,   Transportation Development Research is a newly established academic journal aimed at providing scholars with a platform for exchanging and sharing research achievements. Currently, we are seeking an experienced and dedicated scholar to serve as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of our journal.   Responsibilities and Expectations:   Lead the academic direction and development strategy of the journal. Oversee the review process and select suitable reviewers to ensure the quality of submitted manuscripts. Collaborate with the editorial team to drive the day-to-day operations and development of the journal. Actively engage with the academic community to enhance the visibility and impact of the journal.   Qualifications:   Demonstrated excellence in the relevant field with a strong academic track record. Substantial academic and peer-review experience. Enthusiasm for advancing the development of the journal and the ability to lead a team. Active participation in academic discourse with a strong academic reputation.   Application Process:   Interested individuals are invited to submit their resumes and a letter of application for the Editor-in-Chief position to tdr@bilpub.com.   We look forward to your contributions in building Transportation Development Research into an outstanding academic journal. Thank you for your attention and support.   Best Regards,   Editorial Team Transportation Development Research

    29 December 2023
  • New Journal Alert: Urban Planning and Construction

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    We are excited to announce the launch of our new journal, "Urban Planning and Construction," dedicated to exploring the dynamic field of urban planning and construction. As we embark on this exciting endeavor, we invite scholars and researchers to join us as esteemed editorial board members and editors-in-chief. If you are passionate about urban planning and construction and would like to contribute to this scholarly platform, we welcome you to apply as a self-nominee or recommend suitable candidates for the positions. Kindly download the Scholar Information Form, fill it out, and submit it to the editorial department. For the inaugural issue, we are offering a special opportunity to submit manuscripts free of charge. Yes, you read that right! We are waiving all article processing fees for the first edition. To maintain consistency, please refer to our author's guidelines for formatting details, available at: https://ojs.bilpub.com/index.php/upc/about/submissions. Feel free to contact our editorial department at upc@bilpub.com for any queries, suggestions, or submissions. Join us on this exciting journey as we delve into the realms of urban planning and construction together! Urban Planning and Construction Editorial Team

    14 September 2023