Search Results (398)

Purpose: Following George Floyd’s death, the push for law enforcement accountability policies has intensified. Despite robust legislative action, challenges in enacting and implementing meaningful reforms persist. This study analyzes police accountability policies (PAP) in the U.S. from 2020 to 2022, identifying barriers and facilitators through expert perspectives in enforcement oversight, policy advocacy, and community engagement. Methods: The study used a dual approach: analyzing 226 police accountability bills from all 50 U.S. states, D.C., and Puerto Rico via the National Conference of State Legislatures database, and categorizing them into six key areas such as training, technology use, and certification. Additionally, a survey was conducted among experts to identify the challenges and drivers in passing police accountability legislation. Findings: A legislative analysis showed that although 48 states passed police accountability laws, California, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Colorado have made significant strides by passing multiple pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing law enforcement accountability and ensuring better policing practices. The most common policies focused on training and technology, enacted by 16 and 12 states, respectively. However, crucial certification and decertification policies were adopted in just 13 states, highlighting the inconsistent implementation of measures critical for police accountability and transparency. The survey identified several barriers to passing PAP, including inadequate support from local governments (72.7%). Structural exclusion of poor and minority communities from policing resources was also a significant barrier (54.5%). Facilitators included community support (81.8%) and a cultural shift in policing towards viewing officers as “guardians” rather than “warriors” (63.6%). Conclusions: While some progress has been made in passing PAP, considerable gaps remain, particularly in enforcement and comprehensive reform. Resistance from law enforcement institutions, lack of community support, and structural inequalities continue to impede the adoption of effective PAP. Full article

Croatian agricultural legislation acknowledges the significance of radionuclides as pollutants in agricultural lands; however, it lacks specific thresholds or reference values for contamination levels, in contrast to other contaminants. This absence highlights the necessity for a comprehensive assessment of radionuclides across various agricultural systems in Croatia. This study investigates the transfer of radionuclides ¹³⁷Cs and ⁴⁰K from soil to agricultural crops throughout Croatia and estimates the consequent annual ingestion dose for the population. The samples collected comprised food crops and animal feed, with corresponding soil samples analyzed to calculate transfer factors. Activity concentrations of ¹³⁷Cs exhibited regional and crop-type variability, reflecting the uneven distribution of fallout and differing soil properties. Transfer factors were found to range from 0.003 to 0.06 for ¹³⁷Cs and from 0.15 to 3.1 for ⁴⁰K, with the highest uptake occurring in kidney beans. The total estimated annual effective ingestion dose was calculated to be a maximum of 0.748 mSv/year for children aged 2–7, predominantly attributable to ⁴⁰K. Given the homeostatic regulation of potassium in the human body, the dose associated with ¹³⁷Cs poses a more significant radiological concern. These findings underscore the need for radionuclide-specific agricultural legislation in Croatia and offer a baseline for recommending reference values and informing future regulations regarding agricultural soil contamination. Full article

The swift advancements in autonomous vehicle systems have facilitated their implementation across various industries, including agriculture. However, studies primarily focus on passenger vehicles, with fewer examining autonomous trucks. Therefore, this study reviews autonomous truck systems implementation in North Dakota’s agricultural industry to develop comprehensive technology readiness frameworks and strategic deployment approaches. The review integrates systematic literature review and event history analysis of 52 studies, categorized using Social–Ecological–Technological Systems framework across six dimensions: technological, economic, social change, legal, environmental, and implementation challenges. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) analysis reveals 39.5% of technologies achieving commercial readiness (TRL 8–9), including GPS/RTK positioning and V2V communication demonstrated through Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative deployments, while gaps exist in TRL 4–6 technologies, particularly cold-weather operations. Nonetheless, challenges remain, including legislative fragmentation, inadequate rural infrastructure, and barriers to public acceptance. The study provides evidence-based recommendations that support a strategic three-phase deployment approach for the adoption of autonomous trucks in agriculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: Legislative changes in educational systems have influenced how student learning is understood and promoted. In physical education (PE), there has been a shift from behaviorist models to more holistic approaches. In this context, physical literacy (PL) is presented as an emerging pedagogical model in school PE, aimed at fostering students’ motor competence in a safe, efficient, and meaningful way. The aim of this study is to analyze the origins, foundations, methodological elements, and educational value of PL, highlighting its potential to promote holistic and inclusive learning as the basis for an emerging PL model. Methods: A narrative review was conducted through a literature search in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and SportDiscus databases up to June 2025, focusing on scientific literature related to PL and PE. The analysis included its historical background, philosophical and theoretical foundations, and the key methodological elements and interventions that support its use as a pedagogical model. Results/Discussion: The findings indicate that the PL model can be grounded in key principles, such as student autonomy, teacher training, connection with the environment, inclusion, and collaboration. Additionally, motivation, enjoyment, creativity, and continuous assessment are identified as essential components for effective implementation. Moreover, this model not only guides and supports teachers in the field of PL but also promotes comprehensive benefits for students at the physical, cognitive, affective, and social levels, while encouraging increased levels of physical activity (PA). Conclusions: PL is understood as a dynamic and lifelong process that should be cultivated from early childhood to encourage sustained and active participation in PA. As a pedagogical model, PL represents an effective tool to enhance student learning and well-being in PE classes. Full article

Background: Pharmacy technicians are increasingly involved in immunization services, enhancing vaccine accessibility and reducing pharmacies’ workload. This scoping review aims to (1) provide a comprehensive overview of pharmacy technicians’ involvement in immunization services across various healthcare settings and countries, and (2) conduct a comparative analysis of training curricula for pharmacy technicians on immunization. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley framework. A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed using keywords and MeSH terms such as “pharmacy technician(s)”, “immunization”, “vaccination”, “role”, and “involvement”. Studies included assessed pharmacy technicians’ roles in vaccine administration, training, and public health outcomes. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used to synthesize the findings. In addition, a supplementary analysis of immunization training curricula was conducted, reviewing programs from different countries to identify similarities, differences, and gaps in course structure, content, and delivery formats. Lastly, a comprehensive toolkit was developed, offering guidelines intended to facilitate the implementation of immunization training programs. Results: A total of 35 articles met the inclusion criteria, primarily from the United States of America (n = 30), Canada (n = 2), Ethiopia (n = 1), Denmark (n = 1) and United Kingdom (n = 1). The findings indicate that pharmacy technicians contribute significantly to vaccine administration, patient education, and workflow optimization, particularly in community pharmacies. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated their involvement in immunization programs. Key challenges include regulatory barriers, a lack of standardized training, and resistance from other healthcare professionals. Facilitators include legislative support (e.g., the PREP Act), structured training programs, and collaborative pharmacist–technician models. Conclusions: Pharmacy technicians can play a vital role in expanding immunization services, improving vaccine uptake, and reducing pharmacist workload. Addressing regulatory inconsistencies, enhancing training, and fostering interprofessional collaboration are crucial for their effective integration of immunization programs. Since immunization by pharmacy technicians is not yet allowed in many EU countries, this review will provide a foundational basis to address their potential to support the healthcare workforce and improve access to immunization services. Full article

Bisphenols (BPs), particularly bisphenol A (BPA) and its structural analogues, are synthetic compounds widely used in plastics and industrial materials. These substances are also recognised as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to their ability to interfere with hormonal systems, which has significant implications for aquatic organisms. This review summarises the occurrence, environmental distribution, and toxicity of BPs in fish, with a focus on estrogenic, androgenic, thyroid, and glucocorticoid disruptions. Studies consistently show that exposure to BPs leads to altered gene expression, developmental abnormalities, impaired reproduction, and disrupted hormonal signalling in various fish species. Although BPA alternatives like bisphenol S, bisphenol F, or bisphenol AF were introduced as safer options, emerging evidence suggests they may pose equal or greater risks. Regulatory measures are evolving, particularly within the European Union, but legislation remains limited for many bisphenol analogues. This review emphasises the need for comprehensive environmental monitoring, stricter regulatory frameworks, and the development of genuinely safer alternatives to minimise the ecological and health impacts of BPs in aquatic systems. Full article

The improvement of environmental conditions has become a priority for governments and legislators. New electrified mobility systems are increasingly present in our environment, as they enable the reduction of polluting emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are one of the fastest-growing alternatives to date, with exponential growth expected over the next few years. In this article, the various charging modes for EVs are explored, and the risks associated with charging technologies are analysed, particularly for charging systems in high-power DC with Lithium battery energy storage, given their long market deployment and characteristic behaviour. In particular, the Arc Flash (AF) risk present in high-power DC chargers will be studied, involving numerous simulations of the charging process. Subsequently, the Incident Energy (IE) analysis is carried out at different specific points of a commercial high-power ‘Mode 4’ charger. For this purpose, different analysis methods of recognised prestige, such as Doan, Paukert, or Stokes and Oppenlander, are applied, using the latest version of the ETAP^® simulation tool version 22.5.0. This study focuses on quantifying the potential severity (consequences) of an AF event, assuming its occurrence, rather than performing a probabilistic risk assessment according to standard methodologies. The primary objective of this research is to comprehensively quantify the potential consequences for workers involved in the operation, maintenance, repair, and execution of tasks related to EV charging systems. This analysis makes it possible to provide safe working conditions and to choose the appropriate and necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for each type of operation. It is essential to develop this novel process to quantify the consequences of AF and to protect the end users of EV charging systems. Full article

Food safety regulations and their implementations are becoming increasingly complex due to various reasons such as diverse food sources, supply chain, processing technologies, distribution systems and environmental concerns. Additionally, it is crucial to address diversified consumers and their preferences. To address these multifaceted challenges, adopting an integrated unified management system is essential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progressive food safety governance in the Sultanate of Oman. The country is transitioning from a multi-agency to an integrated food control management system. This integrated approach can enhance the coordination between different government agencies and other stakeholders, avoid duplication, identify required resources and ensure optimum use of the resources. The progress can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in managing food safety in Oman. It addresses the issues of the food safety management system, explores the legislative frameworks, risk-based assessment and their enforcement, and creates public awareness and required research for continuous improvement in food safety. This integration approach is expected to continue strengthening food safety governance in the country. Finally, future challenges in achieving food safety are envisioned, including new food sources and technologies, applications of artificial intelligence, and new sensors for quick identification of risks in foods. Full article

Gasification of municipal solid waste and other biogenic residues (e.g., biomass and biowaste) is increasingly recognized as a promising thermochemical pathway for converting non-recyclable fractions into valuable energy carriers, with applications in electricity generation, district heating, hydrogen production, and synthetic fuels. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of major gasification technologies, including fixed bed, fluidized bed, entrained flow, plasma, supercritical water, microwave-assisted, high-temperature steam, and rotary kiln systems. Key aspects such as feedstock compatibility, operating parameters, technology readiness level, and integration within circular economy frameworks are critically evaluated. A comparative assessment of incineration and pyrolysis highlights the environmental and energetic advantages of gasification. The valorization pathways for main product (syngas) and by-products (syngas, ash, tar, and biochar) are also explored, emphasizing their reuse in environmental, agricultural, and industrial applications. Despite progress, large-scale adoption in Europe is constrained by economic, legislative, and technical barriers. Future research should prioritize scaling emerging systems, optimizing by-product recovery, and improving integration with carbon capture and circular energy infrastructures. Supported by recent European policy frameworks, gasification is positioned to play a key role in sustainable waste-to-energy strategies, biomass valorization, and the transition to a low-emission economy. Full article

Fruits and vegetables are crucial components of a healthy diet, which are susceptible to pests. Therefore, the application of pesticides is a basic manner of crop chemical protection. The aim of this study was a comprehensive analysis of pesticide occurrence in 1114 samples of fruits and vegetables. A unified multi-analytical protocol was used composed of primary–secondary amine/graphitized carbon black/magnesium sulfate to purify samples with diversified profile of interfering substances. Moreover, the obtained analytical data were used to evaluate the critical acute health risk in subpopulations of children and adults within European limits criteria. Out of 550 pesticides analyzed, 38 and 69 compounds were noted in 58.6% of fruits and 44.2% of vegetables, respectively. Acetamiprid (14.1% of all detections) and captan (11.3%) occurred the most frequently in fruits, while pendimethalin (10.6%) and azoxystrobin (8.6%) occurred the most frequently in vegetables. A total of 28% of vegetable and 43% of fruit samples were multiresidues with up to 13 pesticides in dill, reaching a final concentration of 0.562 mg kg⁻¹. Maximum residue level (MRL) was exceeded in 7.9% of fruits and 7.3% of vegetables, up to 7900% MRL for chlorpyrifos in dill (0.79 mg kg⁻¹). Notably, 8 out of 38 pesticides found in fruits (21%; 1.2% for carbendazim) and 24 out of 69 compounds in vegetables (35%, 7.4% for chlorpyrifos) were not approved in the EU. Concentrations of pesticides exceeding MRL were used to assess acute health risk for children and adults. Moreover, the incidence of acute health risk was proved for children consuming parsnip with linuron (156%). In other cases, it was below 100%, indicating that Polish food is safe. The work provides reliable and representative scientific data on the contamination of fruits and vegetables with pesticides. It highlights the importance of legislative changes to avoid the occurrence of not approved pesticides in the EU, increasing food and health safety. Full article

Preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) remain a significant threat in community settings, a challenge that is critical in community pharmacy settings where continuity of care and healthcare access can be limited. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of 13 community pharmacists through focus groups and interviews to identify barriers and propose solutions to enhance their role in patient care. Pharmacists emphasized their critical position in ensuring safe medication use, particularly for older adults managing multiple chronic conditions. Key findings revealed five themes: (1) defining medication safety as minimizing risk and empowering patients; (2) characteristics of the “perfect patient,” including medication awareness and proactive engagement; (3) the pharmacist’s role in detecting and resolving medication-related problems; (4) systemic barriers such as time constraints, lack of access to patient records, insufficient privacy, and undervaluation of pharmacists’ roles; and (5) proposed solutions including private counseling areas, increased staffing, integrated electronic health records, and legislative recognition of pharmacists as healthcare providers. Strengthening collaboration with physicians and empowering patients through education were also highlighted as key strategies. These findings underscore the need for systemic changes—especially in light of lessons learned during the pandemic—to support pharmacists in delivering comprehensive medication management and improving patient safety. Full article

Quarrying is a key driver in economic growth but also poses significant environmental impacts, particularly on groundwater resources. With approximately 4000 active quarries and diverse hydrological and hydrogeological conditions across Italy, the need for effective regulations that ensure both sustainable extraction and groundwater protection is paramount. This study analyzed the European directives, national legislation, and regional quarrying plans governing extractive activities, with a particular focus on groundwater protection. By analyzing the Italian quarries and their main hydrogeological characteristics, the most prevalent hydrogeological scenarios associated with quarrying activities across the country have been identified. The findings reveal significant gaps in the current regulatory framework, characterized by fragmentation and inconsistency across regions. Critical concerns across the quarry lifecycle (planning, excavation, and reclamation) are not comprehensively addressed, and mandatory monitoring and safeguard requirements are lacking. A more structured regulatory approach could incorporate key parameters identified in this study, particularly quarry size and groundwater level depth relative to the excavation plan. Additionally, hydrogeological vulnerability must be considered to guide risk assessment, particularly for alluvial and limestone hydrogeological complexes, which host a substantial number of Italian quarries and require stricter safeguards due to their high susceptibility to contamination and hydrodynamic alterations. Full article

This study analyzes forest fire legislation and policies in the Andean Community of Nations (ACN)—Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia—focusing on prevention and control. Using a comparative law approach, similarities, differences, and implementation challenges were identified. Ecuador and Peru have more comprehensive legal structures, while Colombia’s is simpler, and Bolivia falls in between. To address these gaps, this study proposes an Andean Directive for Integrated Fire Management (ADIFM) to harmonize policies and incorporate fire ecology, ancestral knowledge, education, monitoring technologies, and post-fire restoration. This regulatory framework, tailored to Andean ecological and sociocultural conditions, would optimize fire management and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Additionally, harmonizing sanctions and regulations at the regional level would ensure more coherent and effective governance. The ADIFM would provide strategic guidance for policymakers, fostering sustainable fire management and environmental restoration across Andean ecosystems. Full article

Due to its nutritional value and versatility, milk is recognized to be one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, with a forecasted global consumption of 356 million tons in 2025. Recent updates in legislation and the assessment of their toxicological effects increased attention to the determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), classified as “forever pollutants” for their stability and environmental spread in foods. The present review aims to collect all the information related to milk contamination reported by the scientific literature over the last decade and address the PFAS contamination levels around the globe. Twenty-two studies were found to be published about the detection of PFASs in milk in the period considered in this review, with a total of 824 analyzed samples on a global scale and a maximum of 60 investigated analytes. This review confirms that PFASs, including PFOA and PFOS, are detected in milk worldwide. However, the wide variability in reported concentration levels highlights a critical lack of consistent data and underscores the absence of coordinated, large-scale monitoring programs. This gap in surveillance significantly limits our understanding of actual exposure risks and reinforces the urgent need for comprehensive, systematic research across different regions and production systems. Full article

Human trafficking, a grave violation of human rights, frequently intersects with financial crimes, notably identity theft and coercive debt accumulation. This creates complex challenges for victims, survivors, and law enforcement. Victims of human trafficking are often coerced and/or threatened into committing various forms of crime, referred to as “forced criminality.” In recent years, this trend of criminality has moved from violent crimes to financial crimes and fraud, including identity theft, synthetic identity fraud, and serving as money mules. This phenomenon, termed “forced fraud”, exacerbates the already severe trauma experienced by victims (referred to as both victims and survivors throughout, consistent with trauma-informed terminology) trapping them in a cycle of financial instability and legal complications. Traffickers often coerce their victims into opening credit lines, taking out loans, or committing fraud all in their own names, leading to ruined credit histories and insurmountable debt. These financial burdens make it extremely difficult for survivors to rebuild their lives post-trafficking. This paper explores the mechanisms of forced fraud, its impact on survivors, and the necessary legislative and financial interventions to support survivors. By examining first-hand accounts and social and policy efforts from a range of sources, this paper highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems that address both the immediate and long-term financial repercussions of human trafficking. Full article