Search Results (165)

Introduction: Inland fisheries in their diverse forms are an important activity in Portugal, currently involving about 100,000 fishers. Despite their relevance, there is still limited knowledge regarding the economic multiplier effect associated with this activity, including its contribution to local and regional economies, its broader socio-economic impacts, and its role in promoting nature-based tourism. Objective: The INFISHERIES.PT project aims to characterize the socio-economic value of inland fisheries in Portugal. Methodology: The three main fishing activities in Portugal (professional, sport, and recreational fisheries) were considered to assess inland fisheries’ economic value. Data on annual expenditures of competitive sport anglers were collected through an online questionnaire distributed by the Portuguese Federation of Sport Fishing, while data on recreational fishers were obtained through face-to-face surveys. The analysis of professional fisheries was based on official catch declarations submitted to the national licensing authority (ICNF) between 2012 and 2024. Interim Results: Results for sport fisheries indicate an estimated mean annual direct expenditure of €6.7 million, with fishing equipment accounting for the largest share, followed by travel, meals, and accommodation. Social interaction was identified as the main motivation for recreational fishing, followed by contact with nature, as well as motivations related to peace, relaxation, and entertainment. Respondents most frequently reported annual expenditures between €100 and €499 on fishing equipment, travel, and food during fishing trips. Regarding professional fisheries, results highlight the increasing importance of non-native species in total catches, particularly the red swamp crayfish, in recent years. Native migratory species, such as the European eel, sea lamprey, and allis shad, despite lower catch volumes, maintain high market value and make a significant contribution to total revenue. Conclusions: The results obtained to date in this project indicate that freshwater fishing in Portugal is a relevant activity, both in its commercial and non-commercial forms, and plays an important economic role at local and regional levels. Moreover, sport and recreational angling, in particular, also serve as drivers of nature-based tourism, potentially contributing to increased environmental awareness among the population and pressuring authorities to maintain freshwater ecosystems in good ecological condition. Full article

The Tabanidae fauna of Uruguay has historically received limited attention, with most records dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries and concentrated near Montevideo. Here, we provide an updated synthesis of the Uruguayan Tabanidae fauna based on a comprehensive review of the literature, examination of historical material, recent field surveys, and validated records from citizen science. We recognized 52 valid species in 15 genera and six tribes, representing approximately 1% of the world diversity of the family. Four species are currently considered to be endemic to Uruguay. Since the last national revision, species richness has increased by 12%, largely through overlooked bibliographic records, the re-examination of museum specimens, and new distributional data. The fauna is dominated by the subfamily Tabaninae, particularly the tribes Diachlorini and Tabanini, whereas Pangoniinae is poorly represented. Males are described for 62% of the species, but immature stages are known for fewer than 20%, highlighting significant gaps in knowledge. Distributional data reveal a strong spatial bias: nearly half of the species are known from a single department, and four departments still lack records. A comparison with the Brazilian Pampa suggests that only slightly more than half of the species are shared, indicating that the regional fauna remains incompletely documented. Primary-type specimens are predominantly housed in European institutions, reflecting the historical development of Neotropical dipterology and the absence of resident specialists. Overall, our results suggest that the apparent modest diversity of Uruguayan Tabanidae likely reflects historical sampling bias, rather than true faunal impoverishment. Expanded field surveys and integrative taxonomic approaches are essential to clarify species limits, document immature stages, and better understand the biogeography of horse flies in the Pampa biome. Full article

Background: Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity significantly impact on the risk of obesity in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). However, in the absence of national nutritional guidelines in individuals with DS, further work is needed to understand their dietary and physical activity patterns. In this work we retrieved caregivers’ responses on those aspects. Methods: We analyzed data from a cross-sectional online survey of caregivers of individuals with DS conducted as part of the GO-DS21 project and reported in the accompanying paper (nutrients-4216283) (n = 764). We explored physical activity patterns, dietary habits, beliefs around weight-loss interventions and caregiver confidence that family members with DS would engage in a healthier lifestyle. Associations were examined using correlation analysis, and cumulative and binary logistic regression models. Results: Caregivers reported that most individuals with DS exercised 1–3 times per week, with frequency declining with age. Males were more likely to exercise daily than females. Caregiver exercise frequency was positively correlated with that of their DS family member (ρ = 0.521, p < 0.001), suggesting clustering of shared health behaviors within households. In adjusted models, caregivers who exercised regularly had up to thirteen-fold higher odds of having a physically active family member with DS (aOR = 13.02, 95% CI: 7.40–24.06, p < 0.001). Fried food consumption and higher snack frequency were independently associated with perceived obesity status, while sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was not. Caregivers favored exercise as a weight-loss strategy, while anti-obesity drugs were endorsed by only 11% of caregivers primarily and were more likely to be endorsed when obesity was perceived (aOR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.44–7.39, p < 0.001). Finally, caregiver confidence that their family member with DS would engage in healthier behaviors was associated with perceived obesity status and strongly associated with higher physical activity levels (aOR 14.68, 95% CI: 6.59–33.40, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this large European caregiver survey, reported consumption of selected energy-dense foods was generally low, although fried food intake and higher snack frequency were associated with perceived obesity. Physical activity patterns were closely aligned between caregivers and individuals with DS, suggesting shared household health behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of involving caregivers and family environments in lifestyle interventions aimed at supporting physical activity and weight management in individuals with DS. Full article

This paper explores the relationship between risk-taking attitudes, different dimensions of trust, and the adoption of financial technology (FinTech) in an emerging Central European economy. Based on survey data collected via LimeSurvey (October to December 2025) in Hungary, multivariate linear regression models were estimated to explore the relationship between FinTech usage, individual risk-taking propensity, and four dimensions of trust, while controlling for socioeconomic variables. The results indicate that higher institutional trust in independent financial actors facilitates FinTech adoption. However, higher institutional trust in domestic financial and governmental actors has an inhibiting effect. When trust dimensions are added to the model, the positive association with general risk-taking propensity becomes statistically marginal, indicating that trust-related factors account for a substantial share of the observed variation. Further tests regarding the possible direction of this causation confirm that FinTech use is also linked to increased trust in independent financial actors. This study adds to the FinTech literature by demonstrating that usage is related not only to generalized trust and individual risk propensity but also to differentiated institutional trust attitudes. The findings highlight that institutional background is an important determinant of digital financial behavior in emerging economies. Full article

Background/Objectives: As life expectancy increases, chronic diseases have become more prevalent, often leading to poorer health in later years. Maintaining cognitive functioning is therefore essential for preserving independence in older adulthood. Within the framework of cognitive enrichment, research highlights the protective role of healthy lifestyles and engagement in social and intellectual activities on cognitive functioning. This study aimed to provide evidence of the moderator effect of diagnosis group (including healthy condition, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke) on a predictive model of cognitive function. Methods: Data employed in this study came from the 9th wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) project, including 17,105 individuals aged 50 years and older from 27 European countries. Cognitive functioning was assessed through numeracy, temporal orientation, verbal fluency, and memory. Physical inactivity, social participation, intellectual activities, age, gender, and education were included as predictors. A measurement invariance routine across diagnostic groups was tested. Results: The model demonstrated excellent fit in the general sample and partial invariance across groups. Physical inactivity was negatively associated with numeracy in all groups, with stronger effects in clinical populations, particularly stroke and dementia. Intellectual activities were positively associated with numeracy across groups, with the largest effects observed in dementia. Temporal orientation, physical inactivity and intellectual activities showed significant associations mainly in clinical groups, whereas age demonstrated a consistent negative effect across all groups. Conclusions: Lifestyle factors show differential associations with cognitive domains depending on diagnostic condition. These findings support the heterogeneity of cognitive aging and highlight the importance of tailored, person-centered intervention strategies. Full article

Armed conflicts are at the epicentre of an information war, amplified by false claims about the motivations of the conflicts and refugees. The spread of narratives, especially in digital media, challenges the European Union to implement effective strategies to combat misinformation and to adopt measures to scrutinise and hold the main communication channels accountable, in order to prevent hostile narratives from influencing public opinion and political decision-makers. In this context, this article seeks to analyse the implications of media discourses and misinformation in the development of social representations about the Russian–Ukrainian war and refugees, as well as the use of social networks by individuals to share this type of content. The research is based on an exploratory study as part of the R&D Project MeInWar—Study on the media and social representations of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, funded by Europeia University. The study employed a survey method and an online questionnaire applied to a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 222 individuals aged between 18 and 38. The results revealed that media narratives influence attitudes towards refugees and migration policies, and it is clear that factors such as age and gender have an impact on content-sharing practices and the motivations behind them. Full article

Adolescents increasingly engage with digital technologies, yet understanding patterns of smartphone use and fostering reflective awareness remain challenging. Traditional assessments in clinical or school settings may limit participation and self-reflection. This study evaluated the feasibility and impact of a Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) approach to monitor smartphone use, provide immediate individualized feedback, and support peer-mediated dissemination in a public science engagement context. Across three editions of the European Researchers’ Night in Rome (2023–2025), 807 adolescents aged 10–19 completed the SAS-SV questionnaire via on-site tablets or personal devices using QR codes. Smartphone use was categorized into Low Involvement, At-Risk, or Problematic. Participants were encouraged to share the survey link with peers, enabling snowball-mediated recruitment. Participant acceptance was assessed through the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Snowball participation accounted for the majority of responses, highlighting the effectiveness of peer-mediated diffusion. SAS-SV categorization indicated 46% Low Involvement, 39% At-Risk, and 15% Problematic use, with minimal gender differences. NPS values ranged from +69 to +79, with snowball participants reporting slightly higher satisfaction than on-site attendees. These results underscore high engagement, perceived value, and the role of peer networks in promoting reflective digital behavior. Integrating CAWI assessment, immediate feedback, and peer-mediated diffusion created a socially situated environment supporting self-reflection and voluntary dissemination. Peer networks extended both the temporal and social reach of the initiative beyond the public event, demonstrating a scalable and non-stigmatizing model. CAWI-based monitoring combined with feedback and peer-driven diffusion is feasible and effective for adolescent digital wellbeing interventions. This approach fosters reflective digital citizenship, supports self-awareness, and leverages social networks to enhance the reach and impact of youth-centered health promotion initiatives. Full article

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most frequent healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) worldwide. Changes in the functioning of healthcare systems may affect the implementation of SSIs prevention practices, with consequent alterations in the occurrence of HCAIs. The main aims of our study were to analyze specific SSIs prevalence and proportions together with overall HCAIs prevalence in acute care hospitals (ACHs) before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional aims were to identify bacterial causative agents, the use of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP), related structural and process quality indicators, and to determine trends between two periods. Methods: The National Reference Centre for HCAIs (University Hospital Centre Zagreb) conducted point prevalence surveys in May 2017 and May 2023 in ACHs throughout Croatia, using the technical protocol developed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Results: The prevalence of HCAIs in ACHs in Croatia rose from 5.3% (95% CI 4.8–5.7) in 2017 to 7.2% (95% CI 6.6–7.8) in 2023 (p = 9.93 × 10⁻¹⁴). This trend was paralleled with the rising of the HCAIs prevalence in surgical departments from 5.1% to 6.7% (p = 0.0099). The prevalence of overall SSIs across ACHs increased from 0.9% (95% CI 0.7–1.1) in 2017 to 1.2% (95% CI 1.0–1.5) in 2023 (OR 1.36 (1.03–1.80), p = 0.032. While the prevalence of superficial incisional SSIs significantly decreased (OR 0.53 (0.30–0.95), p = 0.028), the share of deep-seated SSIs (deep incisional and organ/space SSIs) among classified SSIs shifted from 48/92 to 77/96; odds ratio (OR) 2.09 (95% CI 1.45–3.01). In 2017, Gram-positive cocci were the most frequently isolated bacterial causative agents (44.6%). By 2023, this shifted, with Enterobacterales species comprising most isolates (42.2%). In 2023, significantly a higher proportion of patients received PAP (χ² = 25.419, df = 1, p  < 0.5). An increase in the positive trend of alcohol-based hand rub antiseptics use in surgical departments (+15.7 L/patient-days, p < 0.001) contrasted with a decrease in infection prevention and control (IPC) nurses and medical doctors per hospital (−0.5, p = 0.041/−0.5, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Findings of the two point prevalence surveys over time indicate the changes in trends in surgical site infections burden, and highlight the need for the implementation and strengthening of preventive measures with the focus on targeted prevention of deep-seated infections. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and validate an explainable machine learning (ML) model to predict the risk of sarcopenia in older European adults with arthritis, providing a practical tool for early and precise screening in clinical settings. Methods: We analyzed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) and the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The final analysis included 1959 participants aged ≥65 years. The ELSA dataset was divided into a training set (n = 1371) and an internal validation set (n = 588), while the SHARE dataset (n = 1001) served as an independent external test cohort. From an initial pool of 33 variables, nine core predictors were identified using ensemble feature selection techniques. Six ML algorithms were compared, with model performance evaluated using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) and calibration analysis. Model interpretability was enhanced via SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Results: The Decision Tree model demonstrated the optimal balance between performance and interpretability. It achieved an AUC of 0.921 (95% CI: 0.848–0.988) in the internal validation set and maintained robust generalizability in the external SHARE cohort with an AUC of 0.958 (95% CI: 0.931–0.985). The nine key predictors identified were stroke history, BMI, HDL, loneliness, walking speed, disease duration, age, recall summary score, and total cholesterol. SHAP analysis visualized the specific contribution of these features to individual risk. Conclusions: This study successfully developed a high-performance, explainable, lightweight ML model for sarcopenia risk prediction. By inputting only nine readily available clinical indicators via an online tool, individualized risk assessment can be generated. This facilitates early identification and risk stratification of sarcopenia in older European arthritis patients, thereby providing valuable decision support for implementing precision interventions. Full article

Online hate speech poses a growing socio-technological threat that undermines democratic resilience and obstructs progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16). This study examines the regulatory and behavioral dimensions of this phenomenon through a combined legal analysis of platform governance and an empirical survey conducted on Meta platforms, based on a sample of young Hungarians (N = 301, aged 14–34). This study focuses on Hungary as a relevant case study of a Central and Eastern European (CEE) state. Countries in this region, due to their shared historical development, face similar societal challenges that are also reflected in the online sphere. The combination of high social media penetration, a highly polarized political discourse, and the tensions between platform governance and EU law (the DSA) makes the Hungarian context particularly suitable for examining digital resilience and the legal awareness of young users. The results reveal a significant “awareness gap”: While a majority of young users can intuitively identify overt hate speech, their formal understanding of platform rules is minimal. Furthermore, their sanctioning preferences often diverge from Meta’s actual policies, indicating a lack of clarity and predictability in platform governance. This gap signals a structural weakness that erodes user trust. The legal analysis highlights the limited enforceability and opacity of content moderation mechanisms, even under the Digital Services Act (DSA) framework. The empirical findings show that current self-regulation models fail to empower users with the necessary knowledge. The contribution of this study is to empirically identify and critically reframe this ‘awareness gap’. Moving beyond a simple knowledge deficit, we argue that the gap is a symptom of a deeper legitimacy crisis in platform governance. It reflects a rational user response—manifesting as digital resignation—to opaque, commercially driven, and unaccountable moderation systems. By integrating legal and behavioral insights with critical platform studies, this paper argues that achieving SDG 16 requires a dual strategy: (1) fundamentally increasing transparency and accountability in content governance to rebuild user trust, and (2) enhancing user-centered digital and legal literacy through a shared responsibility model. Such a strategy must involve both public and private actors in a coordinated, rights-based approach. Ultimately, this study calls for policy frameworks that strengthen democratic resilience not only through better regulation, but by empowering citizens to become active participants—rather than passive subjects—in the governance of online spaces. Full article

Background: With ageing populations and increasing labour force participation among women over 50, their mental health and psychological well-being require attention. The multifactorial etiology of depression has been extensively studied at both the individual and societal levels. Longitudinal analyses exploring socioeconomic and political determinants and whether they influence depression severity across European countries are lacking. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine a possible correlation between socioeconomic and political factors with depression severity in women aged 50 and older in Europe and to what extent these possible correlations vary across countries. Methods: This longitudinal observational study was conducted using data from 47,426 women aged 50–89 years across 15 European countries, drawn from seven waves (2004–2015) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Depression symptoms were measured by the validated European Depression Scale (EURO-D). The Andersen Model of Health Service Utilization was applied to contextualize twelve macro-level predictors of depression. These were organized into four overarching domains—health, education/employment/finance, equality, and security. Mean EURO-D scores were calculated with respect to age group and country. Correlations between predictors and depressive symptoms were assessed using Pearson’s and Adjusted Pearson’s correlation coefficients to determine the strength and rank of associations. Results: Significant correlations between predictor variables and depression were identified in nine countries, especially among women aged 80–89 years. Spain and Estonia showed strong predictors across several age groups. Eastern European countries exhibited the broadest range of significant correlations. Italy and France, despite high depression levels, revealed few significant predictors. Sweden, the Netherlands, and Switzerland had lower depression scores and demonstrated clearer correlations. Factors related to LGBTQ+ rights, perceived corruption, and peace indices emerged as influential. Conclusions: Country-specific historical, cultural, and sociopolitical factors appear to shape severity of depression in older women, with the strongest effects in the oldest age groups. Predictors of EURO-D scores varied by country and age group, with differences in explanatory power. The importance of predictors varied across age groups; listing them without context misrepresents the findings. The interplay between objective indicators and public perception, especially concerning minority rights and governance, highlights the need for culturally sensitive interventions. Future prevention efforts should incorporate these determinants to improve mental health across Europe. Full article

High-quality, interoperable biodiversity information is a prerequisite for effective conservation policy, compliance with European Union (EU) reporting obligations, and efficient environmental decision-making. Greece’s LIFE EL-BIOS (LIFE20 GIE/GR/001317) developed the first National Biodiversity Information System, aiming to aggregate, standardise, and disseminate spatial and non-spatial data for species, habitats, pressures, and trends. This paper provides an economic valuation of this information system as a public, non-market good. We designed a two-stage stated-preference study: (i) a short pre-survey to calibrate initial bids and (ii) the main survey employing double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) contingent valuation with a spike-logit specification. The payment vehicle was a hypothetical monthly subscription in a post-LIFE scenario. The instrument measured time savings (hours), perceived reliability (Likert 1–5), and key demographics/roles. A total of 167 valid responses were collected in September 2025. Participants reported an average of 5.2 h saved per use (median 4; max 14). Among those expressing willingness to pay (WTP), 77% rated EL-BIOS reliability as “High/Very high”. Econometric results indicate time savings as the strongest positive determinant of WTP; perceived reliability is positive and marginally significant; years of experience are negatively associated with acceptance; and cost has a strong negative effect. Mean WTP is estimated at €6.7 per month (median €3.5). Notably, 64% of those unwilling to pay declared protest motives (data should remain public and free). Accordingly, non-payment is decomposed into true zero WTP versus protest-based refusal, i.e., refusal to pay despite acknowledging value. This high protest share reflects principled opposition to paying for public biodiversity data rather than low perceived value of the system. The EL-BIOS database generates measurable productivity gains and social value both through positive WTP and principled protest responses supporting open public data. These findings inform policy on sustainable financing, governance, and long-term operation of national biodiversity information systems. Full article

Ecosystem disservices (EDS)—ecosystem properties and functions that cause discomfort or harm—often shape public attitudes to urban biodiversity more strongly than ecosystem services, yet they remain weakly integrated into inclusive spatial planning. This study develops and tests an EDS classification and a decision-making tree intended to help planners recognise disservices, assess ES–EDS trade-offs, and select proportionate responses without defaulting to ecological simplification. The framework was derived from literature, survey evidence, and expert–stakeholder input from Eastern European cities, and then examined through five contrasting urban action situations in Estonia and Belarus. The cases show that a shared decision logic for EDS is transferable across settings, but that its practical uptake depends on governance conditions. Where communication was proactive and explanatory, participation was meaningful, and long-term management was institutionally secured, disservices were reframed or mitigated while ecological objectives were maintained. Where disservices were framed late, trust was low, or political intervention truncated deliberation, even modest nature-based interventions were stalled or redirected toward grey alternatives. These findings justify treating EDS as a routine planning concern and demonstrate how an EDS-aware approach can strengthen inclusive planning by making both benefits and burdens of urban nature explicit. Full article

Background: Cognitive impairment is a major health problem, so several studies worldwide have studied its aggravating and protective factors. However, few studies have looked into the prediction of better or worsening cognitive status based on the presence of the most relevant biopsychosocial factors. Thus, the aim of this study is to predict cognitive status classification, specifically into normal cognitive status, mild cognitive impairment, and severe cognitive impairment, based on the most studied risk and protective factors in the context of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe and Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol association (SHARE-HCAP) project. Methods: Participants were from five European countries, and measures included their cognitive status classification from SHARE-HCAP and several associated factors previously measured in the eighth wave of SHARE. Results: A multinomial logistic regression was performed, with normal cognition as the reference category. Most individuals were correctly classified. Conclusions: Frequent participation in social activities and good cognitive task performance were associated with a lower likelihood of mild cognitive impairment compared to normal cognitive status. In turn, higher scores in depression and social network were associated with an increased likelihood of being classified as MCI in contrast to normal cognition. Additionally, being a woman and having worse cognitive performance were predictors of severe cognitive impairment classification over normal cognition status. Depression also contributed to a higher likelihood of being classified as mild and severe cognitive impairment, in contrast to a normal cognitive status. These findings highlight the importance of preventive medical check-ups and interventions before the onset of the first cognitive decline symptoms. Full article

Intergenerational contact is a key component of the informal support systems that contribute to the wellbeing of older adults. As societies age and migration patterns diversify family structures, understanding how contact is sustained across generations becomes increasingly relevant for health equity and the sustainability of care systems. In this study, we conceptualise sustainability not in environmental terms but as social and health-system sustainability—that is, the long-term ability of families and care systems to maintain intergenerational ties, ensure equitable access to support, and remain resilient under demographic and social pressures. Drawing on theories of intergenerational solidarity and social capital, this study situates contact as both a resource for individual wellbeing and a pillar of care sustainability in diverse societies. We examine the frequency of contact between parents and adult children among adults aged 50 and above, comparing migrant and non-migrant populations across 25 European countries. Using data from Waves 7, 8, and the COVID-19 wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we assess both in-person and digital forms of contact before and during the pandemic. Results show that older migrants have less frequent contact with parents but more frequent contact with children than do non-migrants, with similar patterns attested across repeated cross-sections (2017, 2019, 2021). The strong contact observed in each cross-section, facilitated by digital tools, implies resilient family ties under public-health stress. However, resilience is uneven: weaker contact with parents among migrant populations reflects structural barriers such as visa restrictions, caregiving responsibilities, discrimination, language barriers, and unequal digital access. Moreover, differences in access and proficiency with digital tools suggest that digital contact did not compensate equally across groups. These findings underscore the importance of sustainable and inclusive strategies in ageing and health policy. Specifically, targeted digital literacy programmes for older migrants, policies supporting transnational caregiving, affordable internet access, mobility solutions, and anti-discrimination measures in family visitation are crucial to reducing inequities. Full article