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In Southern Africa, the human immunodeficiency virus constitutes a significant public health challenge, characterised by elevated rates of new infections in rural populations. Conversely, biomedical interventions have facilitated advancement. The incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into Human Immunodeficiency Virus preventive techniques is still little investigated. This systematic analysis assesses the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into community-based HIV prevention strategies in Southern Africa. This systematic review complied with the PRISMA principles. A search was performed across various electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL, for papers published from 01 January 2015 to 31 June 2025. A total of 51,972 studies were discovered, of which 14 matched the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. The analysis revealed that incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into community-based HIV prevention programs in Southern Africa improved cultural relevance, community involvement, and trust in health initiatives. Traditional healers significantly contributed to counselling, education, and the increase of HIV testing in rural regions, leading to enhanced service accessibility and diminished stigma. Notwithstanding these advantages, several projects nevertheless lacked official policy support and organised collaborations between conventional and biological health sectors.

In light of global movements targeting contested monuments, this study explores the management of colonial-era statues in Flanders, Belgium, through the lens of Evolutionary Governance Theory (EGT). While international ‘urban fallism’ has catalyzed public debate and policy shifts, Flemish municipalities display a notably restrained approach towards contested statues. This paper investigates whether societal discussions on colonial heritage and urban fallism translate into institutional change in heritage management at the municipal level. Based on a qualitative case analysis of Flemish municipalities and interviews with local policy actors, the research reveals a largely reactive, ad-hoc governance approach. Most local governments exhibit reluctance to address colonial statues unless provoked by external pressure or public unrest, with only a few urban municipalities showing signs of adaptive and participatory heritage policies. A co-evolutionary perspective uncovers the complex interdependencies between societal discourse, political steering and institutional inertia, offering insights into the challenges of effectuating heritage policy change. While debates may serve as catalysts, they seldom result in structural policy transformation. Based on our data set collected up to 2022, the paper concludes by arguing for more adaptive, participatory governance frameworks that acknowledge both local contingencies and broader sociopolitical dynamics, thereby shifting the conversation beyond the binary of whether statues should simply ‘stay or go’.

• Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings : The study addresses the critical issue of energy consumption in existing residential buildings, focusing on retrofitting to enhance energy efficiency. • Multi-objective Optimisation : Utilizes advanced multi-objective optimisation techniques to balance energy savings and upfront costs, providing a robust framework for decision-making. • Case Study in Gaziantep, Turkey : A detailed case study of a six-storey residential building in Gaziantep, Turkey, is used to explore various retrofit scenarios and their impact on energy performance and costs. • Significant Energy Savings : Optimal retrofit scenarios achieve up to 47% reduction in heating energy use and 32% reduction in cooling energy use compared to baseline scenarios. • Cost-effectiveness : Identifies refurbishment solutions that balance energy efficiency with upfront costs, emphasizing the importance of cost-effective retrofitting strategies. • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) : Aligns with the targets set under the 2030 global development plan, highlighting the role of retrofitting in achieving sustainable development goals. The rapid consumption of raw materials and non-recyclable energy sources in building production and operation has made energy efficiency a critical issue. This study addresses the challenge of improving energy efficiency in existing residential buildings through retrofitting, focusing on the optimisation of energy use and cost. The research is conducted within the framework of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11, which emphasizes the development of sustainable cities and communities. A comprehensive methodology is employed, involving a detailed literature review, the development of a Building Information Model (BIM) using Revit, and energy modelling with DesignBuilder. A case study of a six-storey residential building in Gaziantep, Turkey, is used to explore various retrofit scenarios. The study examines the impact of various materials and insulation strategies on energy performance and costs, employing a multi-objective optimization approach. The results highlight the significant potential of retrofitting to enhance energy efficiency, with optimal scenarios achieving up to 47% reduction in heating energy use and 32% reduction in cooling energy use compared to baseline scenarios. The study also emphasizes the importance of cost-effectiveness, identifying refurbishment solutions that balance energy savings with upfront costs. The findings highlight the crucial role of retrofitting in achieving sustainable development goals and offer valuable insights for decision-makers in the building sector.

Abstract This study examined heavy metal (HMs) pollution in saline soils of Sukkur Sindh, Pakistan, and determined the relationship between salinity and metal content. Multivariate statistical methods such as regression analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA) were applied to characterize anthropogenic and natural factors affecting HMs in soils. Close relationships were found for electrical conductivity (EC) and cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) concentrations, but correlation strength differed among soil samples. Bulk Saline Soil (BSS) samples had Cd (1.01–3.62 µg/g), Co (18.6–29.1 µg/g), Cr (5.07–13.6 µg/g), Cu (122–191 µg/g), Pb (4.01–9.99 µg/g), and Zn (170–193 µg/g). Regression analysis was also used to demonstrate the need for EC as well as the measurement of HMs concentration in agricultural management. PCA indicated that variables under PC2 were generally orthogonal to PC1, with a third factor (PC3) accounting for 19.7% data variance, demonstrating the presence of other independent factors influencing HMs accumulation aside from the main components described. The results emphasize the significance of integrated EC and HMs monitoring in successful salt-affected farmland management.

The hands-on section in Yesterday & Today is dedicated to providing History teachers at different levels with practical, classroom-ready resources and ideas that bridge the gap between educational theory and day-to-day teaching practice.Designed to support immediate application, this section features, for example, step-by-step lesson plans, reproducible templates, and adaptable strategies that have been tested in real classroom settings.Whether it's through creative pedagogical approaches, low-cost teaching tools, or digital enhancements, the hands-on section offers innovative ideas that cater to diverse learning needs and environments.By equipping History teachers with tangible tools and actionable insights, this section aims to inspire confidence, foster creativity, and promote a collaborative professional History Education community.

A potential impact of archival storage materials that seems to be of increased concern is the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from such materials. In this study, VOC emissions from cardboard and polypropylene were analyzed using thermal desorption gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and ion chromatography (IC), with particular attention given to acetic and formic acids, and their impact was evaluated using Oddy tests. While the latter revealed that some nonarchival grade packaging materials could represent a risk to both metal and paper, which can be explained by VOC emissions measured using GC–MS, acid emissions measured at room temperature provided a different picture. Equilibrium acid concentration was modeled in archival boxes, which turned out to be insignificant in comparison with the current standards for archival air quality. This suggests that even nonarchival quality boxes do not significantly contribute to the degradation of paper, which emits its own VOCs, including organic acids. With suitable air exchange rates, the concern about box materials significantly contributing to VOC‐induced degradation of paper stored within is thus not justified. Additionally, Oddy tests and other emission tests at elevated temperatures need to be re‐evaluated in relation to their value to preventive conservation of organic materials.

Abstract U.S. Census trends indicate significantly increased numbers of older adults and thus, a greater need for medical and mental health providers equipped to address older adult needs. Since the Building Bridges Conference in March 2021, the Building Bridges Post-Licensure (BBPL) group has been working to advance clinical practice with older adults. In 2022, we conducted a needs assessment of 80 post-licensure psychologists and identified a strong desire for gero-focused case consultation. We subsequently launched two six-month pilot consultation groups, occurring monthly for 90 minutes and led separately by a board certified geropsychologist. The groups consisted of didactic teaching, case presentation, and case discussion, focusing on foundational knowledge, assessment, and intervention geropsychology competencies. Nine licensed psychologists and one licensed clinical social worker completed consultation and eight of these participants completed the post-assessment. Most agreed consultation added value to their clinical practice (62% ‘strongly agree’; 38% ‘agree), was responsive to their professional needs (75% ‘strongly agree’; 25% ‘agree’), and 88% strongly agreed they received direction with difficult cases. Qualitative accounts of skills implemented were highlighted. This presentation will describe the BBPL’s efforts in developing these groups, including recruitment strategies, structure and format of monthly groups, and outcome measures. This approach may serve as a model for other disciplines interested in developing post-licensure training and educational opportunities for providers working with older adults.

The sustainability of managing archaeological iron collections presents both environmental and economic challenges for heritage institutions. Energy-intensive climate control and rising operational costs necessitate evaluation of conservation treatments and preventive storage strategies. This study examines the environmental impacts of treatments commonly used for archaeological iron, including sodium hydroxide and sodium disulfite desalination, as well as emerging microbially derived “greener” approaches. Life cycle assessment (LCA) analyses quantify the global warming potential, toxicity, and energy requirements of these treatments. Preventive conservation strategies, including relative humidity (RH) control in storage and display, are assessed for energy efficiency and sustainability. Air exchange rates, dehumidifier performance, and silica gel replacement schedules were measured and modelled to estimate energy consumption and associated environmental impacts. Results highlight that chemical treatments contribute minimally to overall environmental burden, whereas operational energy demands for storage and display are significant. The findings provide evidence-based guidance for implementing more sustainable conservation practices for archaeological iron, balancing material preservation, resource efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Аннотация На примере представителей трех революционных партий показывается деятельность правоохранительной системы царской России в отношении Междупартийного Красного Креста, который оказывал разными способами помощь ссыльным и заключенным. Отмечается относительная эффективность работы полиции, излишняя бюрократизация, осложненная проявлениями коррупции в правоохранительной и судебной системе Abstract Using the example of representatives of three revolutionary parties, the activities of the law enforcement system of Tsarist Russia are shown in relation to the Inter-Party Red Cross, which provided assistance to exiles and prisoners in various ways. The relative efficiency of the police, excessive bureaucratization, complicated by manifestations of corruption in the law enforcement and judicial systems are noted.