Search Results (271)

Background: Plasmid-mediated colistin resistance threatens the effectiveness of one of the last-line antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. Although wildlife is increasingly recognized as a reservoir of mobile antimicrobial resistance genes, its role in the emergence and dissemination of novel plasmid-mediated colistin resistance (mcr) genes remains poorly understood. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize two distinct mcr-carrying E. coli isolates identified in Spanish wildlife. Methods: Among 807 faecal samples from healthy wild animals screened, two mcr-positive E. coli isolates were identified. Genomic characterization included whole-genome sequencing, plasmid analysis, and functional assays, followed by heterologous expression and lipid A characterization by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Results: Analysis of the two mcr-positive E. coli isolates revealed the first mcr-1-positive isolate from a wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Extremadura, Spain, carrying mcr-1 on a 33.3-kb conjugative IncX4 plasmid, while the isolate recovered from an Iberian lynx harbored mcr-13, a novel plasmid-borne mcr-like gene encoding a putative phosphoethanolamine (pEtN) transferase on a 163-kb non-conjugative plasmid. MCR-13 showed 82% amino acid identity with MCR-10, increased colistin MIC two-fold in a susceptible E. coli host, and mediated phosphoethanolamine modification of lipid A, although to a lower extent than MCR-1. Conclusions: The co-occurrence of established (mcr-1) and a novel mcr-like gene mcr-13, further supports the role of wildlife as a potential reservoir of emerging resistance genes and highlights the value of including wildlife in One Health surveillance programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability globally, with considerable regional heterogeneity in incidence and mortality reflecting differences in classical vascular risk factors and environmental determinants. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an established modifiable environmental risk factor, yet its association with regional stroke disparities remains understudied in Mediterranean European contexts. We examined regional differences in stroke hospitalization and mortality and their ecological associations with long-term air-pollution exposure across Spain’s 17 autonomous communities from 2013 to 2021. Methods: We conducted a nationwide longitudinal ecological study using aggregated stroke indicators from INCLASNS and ambient air-pollution data from MITECO. The dataset comprised 306 sex-specific region-year observations. The primary outcome was the age-standardized hospitalization rate (ASHR); secondary outcomes were CHR, CMR, ASMR, CFR, and IMI. Associations were assessed using correlation analyses, temporal trends, regional comparisons, and multivariable regression. Sex-stratified analyses were considered exploratory because pollutant concentrations were measured at the regional-year level and were not sex-specific. Results: Mean ASHR was 20.1 ± 5.4 per 10,000 population, with marked regional variation. PM2.5 showed the largest positive ecological correlation with ASMR among all pollutants examined (r = 0.264, p < 0.001), although the correlation remained weak. Overall pollutant–outcome correlations were weak and heterogeneous in direction. Regional variation in stroke burden was not adequately explained by the available air-pollution indicators. Conclusions: PM2.5 was weakly associated with ASMR, whereas associations with hospitalization and other pollutants were small and inconsistent. These ecological findings do not support causal or individual-level inference and warrant confirmation using higher-resolution exposure and individual-level data. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the financial sector by redefining how customers access, interpret, and experience banking services. However, financial inclusion is still frequently analyzed in terms of access, use, or availability of digital channels, with less attention paid to the relational quality of interactions between customers and institutions. This study introduces Relational Inclusion in Banking (RIB) as a specific dimension of financial inclusion in AI-mediated contexts, referring to the degree to which customers continue to feel understood, treated fairly, heard, and connected to their institution. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory and Sociotechnical Systems Theory, a PLS-SEM model was tested using data from 770 banking customers in Extremadura, Spain. The results show that institutional trust was the strongest antecedent of RIB, followed by relational mediation capacity, perceived fairness of AI, and AI transparency. In addition, the rural-urban context influenced digital literacy level, although it did not directly explain institutional trust. At the theoretical level, this study contributes to existing knowledge by shifting the analysis of financial inclusion from digital access toward the relational position customers retain within automated banking services. It also identifies human mediation as a sociotechnical mechanism that connects AI-assisted outcomes with customers’ specific circumstances. At the practical level, the managerial implications direct financial institutions toward clear AI governance, better-designed AI-assisted interactions, and effective procedures for explanation and human review. The policy implications highlight the need to strengthen the traceability of automated decisions, ensure effective human review mechanisms, and monitor potential inequalities associated with territory or digital vulnerability. They also point to the value of maintaining hybrid support mechanisms that enable customers with greater digital difficulties to understand and challenge AI-assisted decisions. Full article

Sustainable e-commerce has become increasingly relevant, although the mechanisms through which online reviews are associated with purchase intention and consumers’ economic engagement require more precise explanation. This study examines a cross-sectional model in which positive and negative eWOM are associated with the cost–benefit assessment of sustainable online purchasing, and this assessment is related to purchase intention and the level of self-reported annual expenditure. The proposed model integrates Signalling Theory and Social Exchange Theory. Covariance-based structural equation modelling was used to analyse data from 520 consumers in Extremadura (Spain) with prior experience of sustainable online purchasing. Positive eWOM was associated with greater perceived benefits, while negative eWOM was associated with greater perceived costs. Benefits were positively related to intention, whereas costs were negatively related to it. Intention showed a positive association with higher expenditure categories, which was additionally tested using ordinal logistic regression. The findings show how eWOM valence is linked to distinct components of exchange assessment. Given the cross-sectional and self-reported nature of the data, the relationships should not be interpreted as causal or as a temporal conversion of current intention into expenditure reported for the preceding twelve months. Full article

Trace elements are persistent environmental contaminants that can bioaccumulate and biomagnify through food webs, making wildlife valuable sentinels of ecosystem health. This study provides the first characterization of trace element concentrations in whole blood from free-ranging Iberian lynxes (Lynx pardinus) and evaluates the biological and environmental factors influencing their variability, including comparisons with captive individuals. A total of 229 blood samples collected in Extremadura (southwestern Spain) between 2018 and 2024 were analyzed for Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Hg, Fe, and Pb. Overall, concentrations were within the ranges reported for other mammalian species, and no clinical evidence of adverse health effects was detected during routine veterinary examinations. Significant correlations were identified among several elements, particularly between Zn and Fe, with moderate associations between Mn and Zn and between Fe and Cu, suggesting common environmental sources and interconnected physiological regulation. Trace element concentrations were significantly influenced by age, sex, geographical area, and sampling period, especially for As and Se, reflecting differences in bioaccumulation, metabolism, and environmental exposure. Principal component analysis revealed a largely shared multielement profile, with no clear separation among populations or biological groups, indicating relatively homogeneous exposure despite moderate spatial and individual variability. These findings provide the first reference values for trace elements in Iberian lynx whole blood, establishing a baseline for biomonitoring, ecotoxicological assessment, and conservation of this threatened felid. Full article

Understanding long-term changes in agricultural landscapes is essential for assessing the sustainability of land-use systems and guiding agro-environmental policy. This study analyzes three decades of landscape simplification and natural habitat complexity (1990–2018) across three spatial scales—Europe, Spain, and Extremadura—using CORINE Land Cover data and generalized additive models (GAMs). Four agricultural systems were examined: total agriculture, vineyards, olive groves, and rice fields. For each year and region, 1000 randomly selected 1 km buffers were used to quantify the proportions of focal crops and natural habitat as indicators of landscape simplification and complexity, respectively. Results showed that landscape simplification was widespread and statistically significant across most agricultural systems, particularly in Spanish vineyards (p = 3.02 × 10⁻⁵) and rice fields (p = 3.74 × 10⁻⁵). Temporal analyses indicated declining simplification trends in Europe and Spain (approximately −1.5%), whereas Extremadura exhibited increasing simplification (+1.5%) and a decline in landscape complexity after 2006. Landscape complexity showed fewer significant trends, with Europe and Spain displaying slight increases over time, whereas Extremadura shifted from initial complexity gains to a decline after 2006, indicating pressures from irrigation expansion and crop intensification. Overall, the results reveal marked spatial differences in agricultural landscape trajectories, demonstrating how intensification processes depend on crop type, regional context, and policy frameworks. This multi-scale analysis provides a quantitative basis for designing land-use policies that preserve ecological connectivity, promote diversification, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of agricultural landscapes. Full article

This study examines how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can contribute to the development of a responsible governance orientation in hotel companies located in inland tourism destinations through internal organizational capabilities. Unlike approaches focused primarily on the external dimension of CSR, this research directs attention to the internal mechanisms that enable responsible commitments to be transformed into ethical, verifiable, and sustained management practices. Drawing on stakeholder theory and the resource-based view, the proposed model analyzes the effects of ethical organizational design, internal CSR implementation, and accountability and evaluation mechanisms on responsible hotel governance orientation. The empirical analysis is based on a sample of 112 hotel managers in Extremadura, Spain, and uses partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), complemented by a multigroup analysis based on hotel category. The results show that ethical organizational design is the model’s primary antecedent, positively influencing internal CSR implementation, accountability and evaluation mechanisms, and responsible hotel governance orientation. Internal CSR implementation and accountability and evaluation mechanisms also act as explanatory pathways linking ethical structures to responsible governance. The multigroup analysis reveals distinct patterns across hotel categories, particularly in the relationships associated with ethical organizational design. At the practical level, this study offers guidance for strengthening responsible management in hotel companies through ethical structures, internal training, and continuous monitoring and improvement systems. Full article

This study investigates how serious games enhance sustainability learning in tourism through cognitive–emotional activation and agency-driven behavioural pathways. The sample comprised 354 students from hospitality, culinary arts, and tourism programmes and 255 employees from 15 four- and five-star hotels in Extremadura (Spain). Across six workshops (2023–2025) using Hotel Giant 2 and Typsy, participants simulated environmental, operational, and managerial challenges. A mixed-methods design combined longitudinal quantitative modelling with qualitative reflections. Results show two main theoretical contributions: sustainability learning develops through recursive emotional-normative cycles, and behavioural consolidation differs sharply between students and employees. Practically, MGA indicates distinct learning trajectories, while full-partial mediation highlights layered reinforcement mechanisms. Future research should examine identity-based meaning construction in sustainability adoption. Full article

This study examines species recognition of native and exotic animals among primary school pupils and prospective teachers in Extremadura, Spain, to identify patterns of species-level biological knowledge relevant to biodiversity education and conservation awareness. A total of 201 participants (97 pupils and 104 prospective teachers) completed a questionnaire featuring 24 animal images equally divided between native and exotic species. Both groups showed higher recognition of widely known exotic fauna, whereas recognition of native species varied considerably. Although emblematic native species such as the Iberian lynx and red deer were generally well identified, less conspicuous taxa, including the genet, beech marten, and common wall gecko, were frequently misidentified. Prospective teachers achieved higher overall recognition rates than pupils but still showed notable gaps regarding several locally relevant species. These findings suggest that species recognition may be shaped by uneven educational and cultural exposure and highlight the importance of integrating regionally grounded biodiversity content into school curricula and initial teacher training to support biodiversity conservation-oriented education. Full article

Paprika is a spice obtained from the dehydration and grinding of red pepper fruits, primarily from the Capsicum annuum species. Its etymology comes from Slavic Balkanian languages and was adopted in Hungarian. The crop originated in America, where it was domesticated by pre-Columbian civilizations over 6000 years ago (specifically in present-day Mexico) for medicinal and culinary purposes. Following the Spanish arrival in the Americas in the 15th century, pepper was introduced first in Spain (Sevilla, Extremadura and Murcia) and later in the rest of the Old World. The agroclimatic conditions of different Mediterranean regions made it an essential crop, turning these regions into centers of production and giving this spice a sense of cultural identity. The purpose of this study lies in the technological and nutritional significance of paprika in the modern food industry, where it is demanded as a natural colorant, preservative and source of bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants and carotenoids. Despite its prevalence, the existing literature is often fragmented into specific disciplines. This article distinguishes itself by proposing a holistic approach expanding the study from its historical evolution to its socioeconomic impact, including its agronomic characteristics and industrial-scale production. It is recommended that the research community and producers focus on the sustainability of processing methods while preserving cultural authenticity, ensuring the preservation of the functional and culinary relevance of this spice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescent mental health problems have increased in recent years, with growing concern about the impact of digital behaviors such as problematic video game use and gambling. Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and Problem Gambling Symptoms may share psychological risk markers, but evidence in Spanish adolescents is limited. This study aimed to examine the relationship between IGD, problem gambling symptoms, and mental health, and to identify sociodemographic, psychological, and behavioral factors associated, including microtransactions and loot boxes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary education students from Extremadura (Spain). The final sample included 343 participants. Measures included an ad hoc questionnaire on video game use, the IGDS9-SF, SOGS-RA, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Descriptive analyses, Spearman correlations, and multivariable regression (Poisson and negative binomial) were performed. Results: IGD and gambling were positively correlated (Spearman’s ρ = 0.386, p < 0.001) and associated with higher mental health difficulty scores (IGD: ρ = 0.299, p < 0.001; gambling: ρ = 0.214, p < 0.001). Male gender was associated with both outcomes (IGD: incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.21 [95% Confidence Interval: 1.13–1.30]; gambling: IRR = 2.90 [1.85–4.60]). Microtransactions were associated with both behaviors (IGD: IRR = 1.17 [1.09–1.25]; gambling: IRR = 1.74 [1.19–2.54]), while loot box use was related only to IGD (IRR = 1.13 [1.05–1.21]). Total SDQ score was positively associated with both IGD (IRR = 1.02 [1.02–1.03]) and gambling (IRR = 1.10 [1.06–1.13]). Younger age was associated with higher IGD scores (IRR = 0.97 [0.96–0.99]). Conclusions: There are similarities in the associations among the examined factors and increased scores of IGD and gambling in adolescents, particularly male gender, higher mental health difficulties scores, and involvement in monetized gaming systems. School-based, family, and public health prevention strategies may benefit from addressing the importance of psychological well-being and increase awareness of the potential risks associated with digital gaming practices. Full article

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a critical role in climate regulation, soil fertility, and ecosystem resilience, making its accurate spatial quantification essential for sustainable land management and greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting. However, mapping SOC in heterogeneous agroforestry systems remains challenging due to vegetation cover and landscape complexity. In this study, we develop and evaluate a hybrid bare soil modelling- Digital Soil Mapping supported by ML framework to generate high-resolution soil properties predictions in Mediterranean agroforestry systems (Extremadura, Spain). A dual modelling approach was implemented, combining (i) Bare Soil modelling using Sentinel-2 multi-temporal reflectance composites and (ii) Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) supported by environmental covariates (climate, terrain, vegetation) following the SCORPAN framework. Machine learning models, namely Quantile Regression Forests (QRF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were applied and optimised using automated hyperparameter tuning (FLAML). A total of 107 LUCAS topsoil samples and 36 complementary points from the Forest ICP Level I were used for calibration and validation, with a 70/30 train–test split. Results show that Sentinel-2-based modelling can effectively capture SOC spatial variability in bare soil conditions, while DSM improves predictions in vegetated areas. Model performance reached R² values up to 0.76 (QRF, pH) and RMSE as low as 0.03 (XGBoost, N), with uncertainty quantified using the Prediction Interval Ratio (PIR) and performance further supported by RPIQ values up to 3.15. However, prediction accuracy remains sensitive to vegetation structure and sample density. The proposed framework provides a scalable and uncertainty-aware approach for SOC mapping, supporting Tier-3 GHG inventories and emerging Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems. The results highlight the importance of integrating multi-source datasets and hybrid modelling strategies for reliable SOC estimation in complex landscapes. Full article

European catfish, an invasive alien species (IAS) that inhabits the Tagus River in Extremadura, is a threat to freshwater biodiversity and the local economy. As a freshwater mega-predator, it eats all kinds of fish, impacting local ichthyofauna as well as sport-recreational angling, a major economic driver in Extremadura, with 100,000 angling licenses issued by the Extremadura local government and more than 1000 annual bank fishing competitions. The introduction of Silurus glanis into Tagus basin is recent, dating to the 20th century, but it has rapidly spread. Although this expansion is driven by anglers, boat anglers account for only two per thousand anglers in the region, and even among them European catfish anglers are scarce, as fishing for this species is prohibited in the region and local anglers and anglers associations are against European catfish expansion. Efforts to control catfish in Extremadura have been based on studies of selective capture methods, such as trammel nets, gill nets, long lines, fish traps, and electrofishing combined with nets in areas where barbel congregate during their spawning migration. The most effective and selective methods for European catfish, avoiding bycatch, are trammel nets and electrofishing. Therefore, a combination of these methods and collaboration between local government and anglers are proposed for its control in reservoirs. In cases of recent introductions into standing water, rapid actions have been taken, involving complete drainage of the water body, rescue of native fish and removal of European catfish. These measures are feasible in reservoirs up to 10 hectares and can be combined with sediment management to improve water quality. Deterrence and control measures have been implemented in response to the promotion of catfish angling in regional media and on social media. To control European catfish expansion, collaborative actions involving public agencies, local government, angler associations and public awareness are essential. Full article

This study examines the traditional hunting of the red-legged partridge using a decoy in Extremadura as an expression of intangible cultural heritage. It is a centuries-old hunting practice that has evolved into a social, recreational, and symbolic activity, closely linked to local identity and to collective memory. The research documents cultural values, the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, and the adaptation of the practice to modernity, highlighting its role in community building and its connection to the territory. Through a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and ethnographic techniques (participant observation, interviews) and quantitative tools (statistical and cartographic analysis), the study captures the complexity of this hunting modality, including its social, historical and artisanal dimensions. Full article

Buildings represent 40% of the European Union’s energy consumption and 36% of its greenhouse gas emissions. Nursing homes are among the buildings that consume the most energy. The objective of this study was to make predictive models of Energy Consumption, Energy Costs, and CO₂ Emissions in nursing homes using different variables. To do this, data from 20 public nursing homes located in Extremadura (Spain) during the 2019–2023 period were analyzed. All the buildings were built or renovated between 1995 and 2009; the useful area and the number of residents were in the range of 1332–10,880 m² and 24–254 residents. A statistical analysis was performed using multivariable linear regression. During the research, equations that allow for the estimation of the annual Energy Consumption, Energy Costs and CO₂ Emissions of nursing homes, according to the useful area and number of residents, were found. The R_adj² was 0.9710, 0.9744 and 0.9742, respectively. The quality of the models obtained was contrasted using the mean absolute error (MAE), the relative error (RE) and the root mean square error (RMSE), together with the assessment of multicollinearity through the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF). The findings of this study may prove beneficial for stakeholders within the elder care sector. Full article