This qualitative study explores the evolving attitudes of marriage among Central Asian women living in the United Kingdom. Drawing on a social constructionist framework and employing reflexive thematic analysis, interviews with five single women from Central Asia reveal how migration, education, and exposure to new cultural environments shape their perceptions of marriage. Two overarching themes emerged from the data: the tension between cultural expectations and personal agency, and the negotiation of marriage as a choice shaped by lived experiences, gender norms, and structural constraints. These findings demonstrate a shift toward autonomy and critical reflection, whilst demonstrating a persistence of traditional pressures and patriarchal values. This study provides an in-depth appreciation of how gender, culture, and identity intersect in shaping marriage perceptions among diasporic youth and offers further insight that will inform future research and culturally informed support initiatives.
Climate change mitigation in the manufacturing sector is crucial for reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Eswatini, the industrial sector is the largest contributor to the national GHG inventory. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the mitigation readiness of this sector through a unique multi-stakeholder approach, using the Matsapha Industrial Area as a case study. Through an extensive survey, between November 2024 and January 2025, of industry managers, achieving an exceptionally high response rate of 91% (n = 21), employees (n = 63), local residents (n = 385), and a key ministry, the study evaluated emission sources, mitigation measures, stakeholder awareness, and the policy framework. The findings reveal a critical awareness-action gap: while basic awareness of climate change is high, a significant limitation was identified where nearly half (48%) of the surveyed industries could not provide quantifiable annual energy use data, and strategic mitigation is limited to cost-saving efficiency measures. Critically, the study confirms a policy vacuum, with no regulations mandating GHG monitoring or mitigation for manufacturing. This governance gap is the primary barrier to decarbonization. The results underscore an urgent need for a sector-specific industrial climate policy with a mandatory Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework, coupled with targeted capacity-building initiatives to translate awareness into accountable climate action.
Genetic studies in the Atlantic Azores Islands (1500 km far from Portugal) show that the modern population is composed of both northern and southern European populations. However, a significant Chinese input of HLA characteristic genes is noticed, possibly with people or genes that may have been left by Zheng-He very big crew which sailed seas from China in a long-lasting expedition (1421–1423 AD). This was concluded after Azorean HLA genetics comparison with HLA genes of worldwide populations by both neighbour joining and correspondence methodology. Also, the Machado- Joseph ataxia disease gene variant (ATXN3, Chr 14) is identical in China and the Azores, where this ataxia was discovered, and it has a high frequency. Moreover, the predisposing HLA-B*2707 gene variant to ankylosing spondylitis is the same in Azores and Far East Asian countries. This data may reflect a strong founder Chinese effect followed by isolation in Azores. In addition, “Carthaginian” coins were found in Corvo Is (Azores) of Spanish fabrication. This is contradictory to the official version that pre- Portuguese Azores had been virgin and inhabited. Also, Cart–ruts in Azores indicate a (Atlantic) common culture with Canary Islands and Mediterranean area. On the other hand, genetic studies on Canarians show that they present European, Iberian and Berber characteristics. A prehistoric lunisolar megalithic calendar is found: “Quesera” (Cheeseboard) of Zonzamas, pyramids similar to those found in nearby Western Sahara (90 km far from Canary Islands). In addition, lbero-Guanche rock scripts which can be transcripted with Iberian-Tartessian signary and are also found at Tim Missaw shelter (Sahara Desert, Algeria). Populated green Sahara area dissecation after 5000 years BC and subsequent people migration could be the origin of Canary Islands, Sahara and other Mediterranean culture traits. Thus, we have defined the Saharo-Canarian Circle as a genetic, anthropological, and prehistoric culture radiation area; it might have given raise to the Iberian-Tartessian signary and to other ancient lineal Mediterranean scripts.
In the context of global climate change, enhancing ecosystem carbon storage (CS) capacity and reducing ecological risk have become essential pathways toward achieving carbon neutrality. Land use/land cover change (LUCC), as a key factor influencing both CS and ecological security, has garnered widespread attention in recent years. However, most existing studies have focused on small-scale regions, lacking comprehensive assessments at the provincial level under multiple scenarios. To address this gap, this study takes the ecologically fragile karst region of Guangxi as a case study. Based on the PLUS-InVEST model, this study construct three land use scenarios (natural development, economic development, and ecological protection) to simulate land use changes by 2030, and then conduct an integrated assessment of the dynamics of ecosystem CS and the spatial distribution of landscape ecological risk under different scenarios. The results show that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, land use in Guangxi has shown a general trend of decreasing farmland area and increasing construction land. CS has exhibited notable spatial heterogeneity over time, with an overall upward trend, particularly in forest-rich areas where CS has increased significantly. (2) By 2030, CS will be jointly driven by land use patterns, climate change, and socioeconomic factors under different scenarios, with the ecological conservation scenario leading to the greatest increase in CS. (3) Spatial auto-correlation and LISA cluster analyses reveal a spatial coupling pattern of high carbon–low risk and low carbon–high risk, suggesting that ecological conservation measures can effectively enhance carbon sequestration. These findings provide scientific support for land use optimization, ecological protection and CS management in Guangxi under the carbon neutrality goal, and offer valuable insights for land use planning and ecological risk regulation in ecologically fragile karst regions.
Despite rapid digital transformation, modern supply chains remain vulnerable, facing demand volatility, supply disruptions, operational inefficiencies, fragmented digital adoption, limited human–AI collaboration, and growing sustainability pressures. Conventional strategies focused on cost reduction and process standardization are no longer sufficient to ensure resilience, adaptability, and long-term value creation. This study presents a Smart Supply Chain Management (SSCM) framework that integrates Lean Six Sigma (LSS) with Industry 4.0 (I4.0) digital technologies and Industry 5.0 (I5.0) human-centric innovations. Implemented through the DMAIC (Define–Measure–Analyze–Improve–Control) methodology, the framework enables predictive, data-driven decision-making, operational excellence, ESG-aligned performance, and enhanced human–AI collaboration. It leverages I4.0 technologies—including AI, IoT, big data analytics, digital twins, and robotics—for real-time visibility, automation, and predictive insights, while embedding I5.0 innovations—such as collaborative robots, AR/VR, human digital twins, and emotional AI—to enhance workforce engagement, creativity, ethical decision-making, and ergonomic safety. Sustainability and social responsibility are integrated across operations, fostering resilient, adaptable, and socially responsible supply chains. By addressing critical digital, human, and operational bottlenecks, this framework delivers novel theoretical insights, actionable guidance for practitioners, and a foundation for future empirical research, offering organizations a roadmap to achieve long-term competitiveness while aligning technology adoption with human-centric and sustainable practices.
