Search Results (56)

The rising incidence of microplastics (MPs) is a possible health risk to humans. The present study aims to analyze the presence of MPs in intravenous (IV) infusions and compare MP concentrations from multiple brands. The IV solutions of 29 medical devices (IV-MDs) from seven brands commercialized in Ecuador, Spain, and Italy have been selected under specific consideration to carry out the study. The detection of MPs has been quite obvious in almost all of the samples from brands in the mentioned countries. MP concentrations ranged from 9 to 20 MPs/L in glass containers to 166–299 MPs/L in plastic bags, with the majority of fragments (63%) on fibres (37%) and more than 60% of particles less than 100 µm. Nine different types of MPs were identified in this study. High clinical risk was indicated by markings with >200 MPs/L. Nevertheless, the medium polymeric danger index (PHI) was 1.7. According to these outcomes, IV infusion is a direct exposure to MPs that may have harmful medical repercussions. It is imperative that MPs’ limitations be included in pharmacopoeic monographs and in vivo toxicological and epidemiological studies. The present study aims to analyze the presence of MPs in IV-MDs and compare MP concentrations from multiple IV-MD brands. Full article

This research aims to assess the current landscape of digital communication practices among PDO and PGI agricultural products in Southern European countries—Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and Portugal—which together account for 75% of Europe’s GI-registered agri-food products. By analyzing the GI View portal and conducting desk research to assess the presence of producer groups and the promotion of their products across digital platforms, this study offers insights into how these products are marketed online. It combines an overview of digital presence across multiple platforms with a content analysis of Facebook posts. The findings reveal that, although digital tools—especially websites and social media—are increasingly used by GI producer groups, their potential remains underexploited. Most groups maintain some digital presence, yet the strategies are inconsistent and e-commerce remains underused. Despite being inherently linked to environmental and social sustainability, these attributes are rarely communicated—particularly on Facebook. This social media channel is the most used platform among GI producer groups; however, its use is poorly optimized with an irregular posting frequency. This study recommends investments in capacity building, integrated branding approaches, and the strategic inclusion of the inherent value of GI products in digital narratives to enhance their visibility, differentiation, and sustainability communication. Full article

Different physicochemical factors have an influence on wine quality, for instance, quantity of grapes, PH, temperature, and humidity over the growing season. However, despite the weather conditions of the season, the product, grapes, is deposited in the wineries. At that time, a set of analyses are conducted to determine some chemical parameters of the grapes. This work is focused on the chemical parameters obtained at wineries to establish a method to pay farmers according to quality parameters. These parameters have been determined by the technicians at wineries, that is, the experts on wine, as well as market expectations. The idea behind this work is to introduce policies that promote quality instead of quantity, bringing about a change in the mentality of the farmers. These policies pay attention to water consumption or reduction in fertilizers that, of course, affect the chemical parameters of wine but also the sustainability of the sector and the region, in this case, Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. The application developed in this work, called DICAUVACOOP, not only promotes good practices but also introduces penalties. On the other hand, the calculations of each campaign are stored in databases that allow users to conduct comparisons among different campaigns showing the data in a Geographic Information System (GIS) as a decision-making support tool. Another effect of this process is to improve the visibility and brand positioning of Castilla-La Mancha wines on the world stage. Full article

The economic decline of some rural areas is leading to the development of strategies to enhance the value of local economies. This is particularly important in protected natural spaces, where the aim is to encourage the provision of ecosystem services and strengthen commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. One of the rural development strategies with a growing interest in promoting the sustainability of rural areas in protected natural spaces is the use of territorial brands. The objective of this work is to analyse the social demand for territorial-branded products in protected natural spaces. The territorial brand of Sierra Espuña Regional Park (southeastern Spain) was selected as a pragmatic case, with the aim of promoting the production and consumption of sustainable local products. To this end, a contingent valuation survey of consumers was carried out to study the demand for honey, one of the most characteristic products of this territorial brand. The results demonstrate the high social demand for honey under the Sierra Espuña Territorial Brand, with an average surcharge of almost thirty percent compared to the conventional product, and a positive influence of the perception of supporting ecosystem services on this social demand. These results provide an empirical basis for the integration and promotion of production and marketing strategies with territorial brands, in the interests of rural development from and for the territory. Full article

In this study, we present the first characterisation of the polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) paints of commercial Spanish brand La Pajarita preserved in the studios of Joan Miró (1893–1983) in Mallorca, Spain. Investigation of several black and white paint samples using complementary analytical techniques (XRD, SEM–EDX, FTIR, and Py–GC–MS) allowed for the identification of pigments and binding media in studio materials, as well as in three artworks dating from the 1970s. Through comparative analysis, it was possible to find significant similarities between the composition of La Pajarita paints conserved in cans in the artist’s studio with black and white painted layers from three artworks by Miró. Miró’s use of La Pajarita paints is extensively documented in studio notes, photographs, and videos, and these paints are known to have been used by other significant Spanish artists. However, their composition has remained largely undiscovered until now. This research contributes to the knowledge of PVAc paints, providing evidence of their use by Joan Miró. The analytical results serve as a valuable reference for comparing and identifying these synthetic paints in other artworks, as well as aiding in attribution or dating studies. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the significance of materials found in artists’ studios as a fundamental resource for identifying the materials present in artworks. Full article

The Festival of the Patios of Cordoba, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by UNESCO in 2012, serves as an emblematic case of how this designation acts as a tourist brand, attracting a greater number of visitors and granting a competitive advantage to the city’s tourist market. This research is focused on analyzing the differences and similarities in the satisfaction, lived experience and behavioral intention of tourists according to their sociodemographic profile during the 2022 edition of the Patios Festival. The study’s main objective is to understand the sociodemographic profile of the tourist who visits this event and if there are features of this profile that influence the satisfaction and lived experience with the event. Using a quantitative methodological approach, field work was carried out during the Fiesta de los Patios of Cordoba (Spain) in its 2022 edition, which took place between 3 and 15 May 2022, obtaining 383 valid surveys. The results reveal differences in the perception and satisfaction of the experience depending on the sociodemographic profile of the visitors. These findings highlight the need to adapt the tourism offerings to improve the visitor experience and also contribute to the scarcity of studies on ICH to help tourism managers formulate strategies that maximize the cultural and economic benefits of these Word Heritage inscriptions. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a complex, multifactorial, progressive condition with a variety of approved therapeutic options. The purpose of this study was to offer an overview of the authorized antidiabetic medicines (excluding insulin) compared with marketed products in seven European countries. Data were obtained from primary sources, including the websites of national authorities and directly from specialists in the countries of interest. The range of marketed medicines compared with the authorized group was assessed in terms of active pharmaceutical ingredients (>60% in Bulgaria, France, Serbia), brand names (>70% in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Spain), pharmaceutical forms (>60% in all countries), strengths (>60% in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Spain), marketing authorization holder (≥50% in all countries) and the status of medicine. Spain was found to have the highest number of products based on most of these attributes. Over 90% of authorized medicines had a pharmacy price in Serbia. Regarding the newer class of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a retail price for all approved substances was available in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Spain. Only one brand name with one concentration was found available for some agents, being susceptible to drug shortages: glibenclamide (Romania, Serbia, Spain), glipizide (the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Spain), glisentide (Spain), acarbose (the Czech Republic), sitagliptin (Bulgaria, Poland), vildagliptin (the Czech Republic, Poland) and saxagliptin (the Czech Republic, France, Romania, Serbia). An overview of the national and international therapeutic options may allow competent authorities and health professionals to take rapid measures in case of supply problems or health crises. Full article

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, stand as formidable pests with a global impact, inflicting significant economic losses on the livestock sector. Larval development occurs in diverse substrates, including decomposing plant material and manure, while emerged adults pose a threat through blood-feeding on both animals and humans. Conventional chemical control methods, predominantly reliant on insecticides, not only pose environmental risks but also face challenges of resistance among stable fly populations. To address this pressing issue, we propose an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for stable fly control. This approach involved a combination of sanitary-cultural practices, animal protection, the release of natural enemies targeting immature stages, and a specialized trapping system for adults. The Stomoxycc^® trap, designed for mass trapping of adult Stomoxys, was employed alongside the release of the predatory mite Macrocheles robustulus and two wasp parasitoids, Spalangia cameroni and Muscidifurax raptor (under the commercial brands Biomite^® and Biowasp^®) on animal bedding as a key component of this IPM strategy. The implementation of this initiative has been undertaken at a significant sanctuary for donkeys and mules in western Spain. In this publication, we present the application and results of the IPM strategy utilized and provide insights into its use as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for controlling stable fly populations. Full article

This paper addresses an alternative perspective on tourism success, emphasising sustainability over traditional quantitative metrics such as arrival numbers. It explores the impact of fiction films and TV series on individuals’ mental representations of destinations featured on screen, as well as the capacity of film discourse to construct a brand aligned with local stakeholders’ interests. Qualitative methods have been employed, conducting a literature review on sustainable film tourism and destination branding. Local news and an interview with the head of the Peñíscola Film Office complemented academic insights. The primary goal is to examine the “Peñíscola de Cine” project as a paradigm of success, initiated by the city council of Peñíscola, Spain. This project positions the municipality as a natural film set through productions like Game of Thrones (2011–2019), illustrating how film can contribute to destination branding and community engagement. The study highlights the positive contribution of film tourism to sustainability by diversifying and de-seasonalising a territory’s offerings. It also attracts a more educated and environmentally conscious audience. However, it cautiously discusses the potential risks, as evidenced by misapplications in Goathland, England, and Skellig Michael, Ireland, following their appearances in Heartbeat (1992–2010) and Star Wars (1977–2019), respectively. The paper concludes by suggesting film-friendly measures for destination management organizations (DMOs), emphasising the pivotal role of film commissions and film offices in crafting effective marketing strategies and capturing the interest of audiovisual production companies. Full article

Background: The infant population is particularly sensitive, so the risk posed by their diet must be analyzed. The aims of the present study were (i) to determine the contents of 38 elements in 159 samples of ready-to-eat baby food sold in Spain and (ii) to estimate the dietary intakes and risk assessments of these elements in name brands and store brands in infants ranging between 6 and 12 months of age. Methods: A list of essential, non-essential/toxic elements, rare earth elements (REEs), and other hi-tech-related elements that are currently considered as emerging environmental pollutants were measured in ready-to-eat baby foods by ICP-MS. Results: Fish purees showed the highest concentrations of mercury (28.1 ng/g) and arsenic (346.2 ng/g). The levels of manganese, molybdenum, and chromium exceed the adequate intake, being higher in the case of store brands. The acute hazard index was above 1 for molybdenum and manganese. A risky consumption of thallium and mercury was observed, being higher among name brands. The risk associated with the consumption of REEs was low, although its presence should be highlighted. Conclusions: This is the first time that these chemical elements have been measured in ready-to-eat purees for babies. The presence of some of them, such as mercury, should be sufficient to monitor the levels of these contaminants in food intended for such a sensitive population as children. Full article

This article presents a case study on the influence of energy and ecological transition on a city’s brand perception. Focusing on As Pontes, Spain, the study reveals how this socio-economic paradigm shift generates uncertainty, undesired expectations, and a negative self-image of the city. The objective is to reposition the city brand in alignment with the new paradigm. A literature review and Delphi technique were employed to validate the paradigm shift and anticipate its consequences. Analysis of a survey using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) shows a lack of awareness and high uncertainty among the local population. Another Delphi panel suggests cities to emulate and attributes for the city’s brand repositioning. Repositioning aims to adapt to the new sustainability model, enhance competitiveness, and restore pride and belonging within the global context of cities. This study underscores the importance of understanding the challenges and opportunities during the energy and ecological transition for a city’s identity and governance, providing guidance for effective brand repositioning strategies. Full article

Dental-implant-supported reconstructions provide comfort and improvements in prosthetic function, adaptation, and stability over conventional treatment options. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different denture cleansing solutions and their influence on the deterioration and loss of retention of overdenture attachments in a 12-month clinical-use simulation. In this way, ten specimens each of different brands of retentive caps made of Teflon (OT Equator^® (Rhein83, Bologna, Italy), Locator^® (Zest Anchors, Escondido, CA, USA), Kerator^® (KJ Meditech, Gwangiu, Republic of Korea), and Locator R-Tx^® (Zest Anchors, Escondido, CA, USA)) were immersed in five different cleaning solutions (Kukident^® (P&G Tech, Oxford Parkway, UK), Benfix^® (Laboratorios URGO S.L., Guipúzcoa, Spain), Corega^® (Stafford Miller, Waterford, Ireland), and Protefix^® (Neuhofer Weiche, Parchim, Germany)), and tap water was used as the control group, in a simulation that lasted 12 months. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and a Tukey HSD. Furthermore, a Levene Test and Shapiro–Wilk tests were performed to assess the validation of the ANOVA assumptions. The statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.2.2 software with the significance level set to p < 0.05. There were significant statistical differences between the different manufacturers regarding the retention forces of the attachment’s retentive caps (F = 322.066, p < 0.001). For the cleaning solution groups, different statistical results between Kukident^® (P&G Tech, Oxford Parkway, UK) (p < 0.05) and Benfix^® (Laboratorios URGO S.L., Guipúzcoa, Spain) (p < 0.05) were observed. There were no significant statistical differences between Corega^® (Stafford Miller, Ireland), Protefix^® (Neuhofer Weiche, Parchim, Germany), and tap water, even though the retention forces decreased in all of them. Full article

The sustainability of the wine chain in the southeast of Spain is evaluated through life cycle costing (LCC) and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies. A winery model is established based on the information provided by representative companies in the area. The LCC and LCA are applied to the production of the wine bottle, and a sensitivity analysis is applied to evaluate the effect of the different types of vineyard, as well as the weight of the glass bottle. In the cellar phase, the processes are highly technical and are very efficient in relation to the consumption of energy, water, and other inputs. However, the weight of the glass bottle should be minimized as it has a great impact on both environmental and production costs. The socioeconomic importance of the wine chain is relevant, both in quantitative terms and for what it means as a brand transmission mechanism for the agri-food sector. It should also be taken into account that the environmental cost of the processes is low, and that the activity contributes to the conservation of the soil and landscape in a semi-arid area. Full article

Background: Individual differences in personality and resilience are related to a variety of social behaviors. The current study sought to answer the question of whether BMW drivers exhibit different personality profiles and resilience levels compared with drivers of other car brands. Participants and procedure: An international study was carried out in India, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain on a sample of 448 athletes using the 20-item Mini-IPIP and the Resilience Scale. The results of BMW drivers (n = 91) were compared with the results of drivers of other German car brands (n = 357). Results: BMW drivers were characterized by higher neuroticism compared with drivers of other German car brands. They also showed higher resiliency, both in terms of total score and scores on the subscales of: personal coping competences and tolerance of negative emotions, tolerance of failures and perceiving life as a challenge, and optimistic attitude towards life and capacity for self-mobilization in difficult situations. The greatest difference was observed for the factor of tolerance of failures and perceiving life as a challenge. Using the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner (DSCF) pairwise comparison test, gender differences between athletes (as BMW drivers and drivers of other German car brands, respectively) were discussed. Additionally, the results of the main logistic regression analyses emphasized that neuroticism represents a better predictor of BMW preference in the case of athletes (as drivers) than the scores obtained for resilience. Conclusions: BMW drivers differed from drivers of other German car brands only with regard to neuroticism. A higher level of neuroticism can affect mental health and the overall quality of life in athletes; aggression and distress management are essential. Athletes (as BMW drivers) also showed differences in resiliency levels. Understanding the mechanisms of behavior among BMW drivers is possible through considering their personality and individual differences. Full article

Spain currently produces around 7000 million litres of mineral water a year, of which about 20% is produced in Catalonia, and there is a need for greater regulation and research into bottled waters and their impact on human health. A total of 29 samples were analysed from different brands of commercially bottled water, and 71 chemical elements were determined in each sample. The aim was to classify each brand based on composition, compare lithological origins, verify compliance with international standards for drinking water, and report benefits for human health. More than 60% of the samples were of the calcium bicarbonate type, had a low mineral content, and were associated with granitic aquifers, ranging from leucogranites to granodiorites. In contrast, 17% were of the sodium bicarbonate type, had harder waters, and were related to thermal springs. The thermal springs of the bottled waters from the Montseny-Guilleres massif (Vichy Catalán, Malavella, and San Narciso) emerge at a temperature of 60 °C with their own natural gas. Two samples exceeded European standards for As and Hg concentrations in water for human consumption, while one showed a concentration of U greater than that set out in international recommendations. Full article