Latest Articles
Journal of Education and Learning Environments
Research Article

Artificial Intelligence and Case-Based Learning in Social Work Education: Pedagogical Considerations and Future Directions

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in higher education, it raises important pedagogical, ethical, and disciplinary questions. This theoretical paper develops a comprehensive theoretical foundation for considering the use of AI-generated case studies in social work education and examines the implications for teaching, learning, and professional identity formation. The theoretical framework is not exhaustive. Nevertheless, by drawing on Entwistle’s conception of deep learning, Biggs and Tang’s constructive alignment, new materialist perspectives on classroom technology assemblages, and critical discursive frameworks informed by Foucault and Packer, this paper argues that AI-generated case studies can enhance social work students’ reflexivity when used with careful oversight. AI can expand the discursive space, diversify representational possibilities, and save lecturers’ preparation time. Nevertheless, AI presents significant risks related to bias, representational ethics, and over-standardisation. Informed by practice realities, risks can be mediated by drawing on practitioner wisdom to orchestrate AI case study prompts and anchor AI-produced narratives. This theoretical paper emphasises the need for critical AI literacy, transparent governance, and educator–practitioner collaboration to ensure that AI serves as a tool for deep, anti-oppressive, and justice-oriented learning. AI-assisted case study pedagogy is shown to be most valuable when it strengthens, rather than diminishes, human judgement, reflexive practices, and relational social work education. This is a theoretical and conceptual paper. It does not report any empirical findings. Instead, it offers a structured synthesis of relevant pedagogical, philosophical, and practice-based literature to develop a framework for critically integrating AI-generated case studies into social work education.

Journal of Education and Learning Environments
Article

The Role of AIGC in Shaping Postgraduate Prompt Engineering Education for Agriculture-Related Universities

With the deep penetration of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) in agricultural digital transformation and academic research, prompt engineering has become a core capability bridging professional knowledge and AI tools. Adopting methods including literature review, data investigation, and case analysis, this study systematically sorts out the application value of prompt engineering in the agricultural field and the research foundation related to talent cultivation. It then analyzes the current status of postgraduates' prompt engineering competence—such as adoption rate, learning pathways, and application scenarios—through questionnaire surveys, and examines practical application performance via typical case studies. Finally, based on the research results, the core problems are summarized and corresponding solutions are proposed. The findings indicate that postgraduates in agriculture-related universities generally face several challenges in prompt engineering competence: weak theoretical foundations, uneven distribution of educational resources, insufficient practical application skills, inadequate interdisciplinary integration in training, and imperfect evaluation systems. To address these issues, this paper puts forward countermeasures and suggestions including: incorporating prompt engineering into the cultivation of postgraduates' core competencies and strengthening faculty development; building multi-level practical platforms to deepen industry–university–research collaborative education; optimizing curriculum systems to enhance interdisciplinary integration; improving evaluation and incentive mechanisms by establishing a scientific and diversified competence assessment system; and increasing policy support and resource investment to consolidate the educational foundation.

Food and Drug Safety
Article

Perception of Mobile Street Food Vendors in Osun State, Nigeria on Some Operational Issues and Their Exposure to Health Hazards

Street food vending plays a critical role in urban food access and livelihood generation in Nigeria, yet empirical evidence on vendors’ socio-economic conditions, health experiences, and regulatory interactions remains limited. This study assessed mobile street food vendors in selected towns of Osun State using a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 219 vendors, of whom over 75% were female, and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Most vendors were married adults with dependants and had attained at least secondary education. Significant gender differences were observed in location, age, marital status, education, dependency burden, employment status, monthly profit, daily sales turnover, business ownership, and vending terms (p < 0.05). Daily sales turnover was commonly between $0.67 and $3.33, while monthly profits were generally modest. Nearly all respondents (97.7%) operated as mobile vendors, with 54.3% selling local cooked foods. Although 72.1% considered their vending technology appropriate, 54.8% did not sell all food items daily, indicating risks of spoilage and income loss. Health concerns were prevalent, with 63.0% reporting occasional illness and 60.1% experiencing body pain since engaging in street vending. Regulatory engagement was minimal, as 96.8% reported no interaction with government authorities. The findings highlight the economic importance yet vulnerability of mobile street food vendors, underscoring the need for inclusive regulation, food safety training, and gender-responsive support interventions.

Food and Drug Safety
Article

Impact of Technological Treatments on the Hygienic Quality of Local Milk from the Niamey Region

This study evaluates the effectiveness of three technological treatments, including spontaneous fermentation (T1), fermentation with inoculum (T2), and filro-fermentation (T3), in improving the microbiological quality of raw milk (T0) collected in the municipality of Kollo (Niger). A total of 31 milk samples were collected and subjected to each treatment. Microbiological analyses focused on the enumeration of Fecal Coliforms (FC), Escherichia coli, Staphylococci, Sulfite-Reducing Anaerobic bacteria (SRC), and the detection of Salmonella spp. The results show that all treatments significantly reduced FC contamination (p = 0.000) compared to raw milk (1.71 log CFU/mL). Treatments T1, T2, and T3 were similarly effective, with average reductions to 0.55, 0.00, and 0.41 log CFU/mL, respectively. Regarding E. coli, only treatment T2 (0.46 log CFU/mL) showed a statistically significant reduction compared to the control (1.71 log CFU/mL). For Staphylococci and SRC, no significant difference was observed between the raw milk and the treated samples (p > 0.05). Although the prevalence of Salmonella decreased from 58.06% in raw milk to approximately 42% in treated samples, this reduction was not statistically significant according to the chi-square test (p = 0.531). The study’s main limitation lies in its in vitro experimental design; the effectiveness of these treatments under real-world conditions and their impact on the organoleptic properties of the milk were not assessed. In conclusion, fermentation, particularly with the addition of an inoculum (T2), appears to be the most effective treatment for significantly reducing the main fecal contamination indicators in local milk. These results support the promotion of controlled fermentation practices to enhance food safety in the local dairy value chain.

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.

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  • 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
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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